Planning your perfect garden: 5 questions to ask before you landscape

Garden transformation - Kingston

As a local family-run landscaping business based in Kingston-upon-Thames we know that every great garden starts with a solid plan. The soil the shade and the surrounding architecture all play a part in what will thrive and how your outdoor space will be used.

Whether you’re dreaming of a peaceful retreat a space for entertaining or a garden that finally works for your family these five questions will help guide your thinking and get the most from your project and from your conversations with us.

1. What do you want to use your garden for?

Start by thinking about how you would like to live in your garden. Are you imagining:

• Entertaining friends and family on warm afternoons?

• A quiet corner to relax with a coffee?

• Space for a pizza oven or barbecue setup?

• Somewhere safe and fun for children or pets?

• Raised beds for vegetables or cut flowers?

• A wildlife-friendly haven?

  
  

Clarifying your priorities early on helps us design a space that’s both functional and personal to you.

2. Who will be using the space and when?

Think about how your garden needs to work across the seasons and for everyone who will be using it:

• Children? We will think about visibility soft surfaces and playful features. This could include creating zones for play and relaxation or even incorporating a sunken trampoline. We

• Pets? Durable planting and robust lawns are key. We can also incorporate sensory plants and paths to keep them stimulated.

• Older relatives or accessibility needs? Gentle gradients level paths and low-maintenance layouts make a big difference. Raised beds can also make gardening more accessible.

• Love being outside year-round? We can suggest lighting shelter and heating so your garden stays inviting even on cooler evenings. Pergolas and fire pits are popular choices for extending garden use.

  
  

Every household is different and we will design with yours in mind.

3. What styles do you love and hate?

A well-designed garden should reflect your style and suit the character of your home. Do you lean toward:

• Modern clean lines and crisp finishes? Think porcelain paving and rendered walls.[1]

• Soft cottage-style planting with curved beds and seasonal colour? This timeless trend focuses on overflowing flowerbeds and natural stone.

• Mediterranean textures? Gravel terracotta and drought-tolerant plants can create a holiday feel.

• Something more natural layered and wildlife-friendly? This approach embraces native plants and creates habitats for local fauna.

  
  

If you’re not sure try saving a few garden photos or starting a Pinterest board. We will help spot themes in your preferences even if you can’t quite put them into words.

4. How much maintenance are you comfortable with?

Be honest will you enjoy pottering in the garden or would you rather it more or less looks after itself?

Local conditions like clay-heavy soil or shaded corners can affect what thrives and how much upkeep is needed. We will help guide you but it’s good to know upfront:

• Do you want a lawn or artificial turf?

• Raised beds or easy-care borders? Mulching borders can significantly reduce weeding and watering.

• Seasonal planting or evergreen structure? Slow-growing evergreen shrubs provide year-round interest with minimal pruning.

• Composite decking or natural stone paving?

Low maintenance does not mean lifeless it just means smart choices.

5. What’s your budget range?

Having an idea of your budget helps us give you the best value for your investment and avoid wasted time or disappointment.

We do not need exact figures but knowing your ideal and upper limits allows us to:

• Suggest materials and features that fit your plans

• Offer alternative solutions where needed

• Keep the design grounded in what is realistic

  
  

It is never about upselling just about giving you a garden that delivers everything you want within your comfort zone.

Next steps

Even if you do not have all the answers yet these questions will help you feel more confident and focused when it’s time to start your project.

At Flourish Landscaping we handle everything in-house from design visuals and hard landscaping to planting lighting and aftercare. We work across south-west London and north Surrey and we take pride in creating gardens that are both beautiful and genuinely usable. Our clients often tell us we've transformed their outdoor space into an extra room they can fully enjoy.

Ready to get started?

Let’s talk about how we can help you create a garden that suits your space your lifestyle and your budget.

Contact us for a free consultation

Call us: 07738 178091 / 0208 399