What does a landscape architect cost for your dream garden?

1. Average cost landscape architect (indicative 2025)

Please note: Some designers work with a total price, others on an hourly basis or a combination thereof.

2. What is included in a professional garden design?

An average garden design includes the following components:

• Intake interview and location analysis
• Sketch design (spot plan, layout)
• Final design in scale (2D)
• Materials plan (paving, fencing, paving)

With some architects, a visit to the location is included, with others this is a separate item on top of the rate.

3. Example Scenarios

1. Price per type of garden design (incl. VAT and labor)

2. What is included in a professional design?

The exact content may vary per landscape architect or design agency, but a total design usually includes:

• Intake interview and location analysis
• 2D layout to scale
• Material proposal (paving, borders, paving)
• Positions of elements (terraces, lawn, paths, fencing)
• Planting plan (species, flowering time, placement, maintenance level)
• Optional: 3D views, lighting and water plan

3. Example prices per garden type

A. City garden (40 m²)

• Goal: practical layout + atmosphere
• Type: 2D design with simple planting suggestion
• Total price: € 650 – € 900

B. Average backyard (90 m²)

• Goal: family with terrace, lawn, borders
• Type: 2D + planting plan
• Total price: € 1,200 – € 1,800

C. Luxury garden (200 m²)

• Goal: modern, low-maintenance, with lighting and sight lines
• Type: total plan with 3D visualization and materials list
• Total price: € 2,500 – € 3,800

D. Large garden (400 m²)

• Goal: complete landscape plan with roofing, pond, property boundary
• Type: extensive design, customisation + technical details
• Total price: € 3,800 – € 5,000+

4. What influences the cost of a garden design?

5. Saving tips for garden design

• Opt for a fixed total price, not on an hourly basis
• Determine in advance if you really need a 3D design
• Create one clear briefing, so that extra revisions are not necessary
• Combine design and execution with one party — this often results in a discount
• Request multiple quotes via jeofferte.nl to compare market prices and content

Conclusion

The price for a professional garden design varies on average from € 500 to € 4,500 incl. VAT, depending on the size, complexity and depth of the plan. For a simple garden a basic design is often sufficient, while a fully elaborated total plan is desired for a luxury or landscaped garden.

Would you like to know exactly what a design for your garden costs? Via jeofferte.nl you can request obligation-free quotes from experienced designers and gardeners — fully tailored to your wishes, garden size and budget.

1. Basic garden (approx. 40–60 m²)

Characteristics:

• Raising with sand and leveling
• Basic paving (concrete tiles or gravel, ± 30 m²)
• Turf or sowing (± 20 m²)
• One border with simple planting
• Simple wooden fence or reuse existing fence

Total price:

€ 3,500 – € 6,000
Average m² price: € 65 – € 100

Explanation:
Suitable for starters, rental properties or functional gardens with little maintenance.

2. Standard family garden (± 80 m²)

Characteristics:

• Complete elevation (10 cm) with sand
• Paving with ceramic tiles (± 40 m²)
• Turf (± 25 m²)
• Two borders with various plants and shrubs
• Garden gate + wooden fence (± 8 meters)
• Garden lighting (3 spots or fixtures)

Total price:

€ 8,000 – € 11,000
Average m² price: € 100 – € 135

Explanation:
Perfect for families who want a low-maintenance, practical garden with plenty of greenery and play space.

3. Luxurious city garden (± 100 m²)

Characteristics:

• High-quality design with sight lines
• Paving (natural stone or ceramic, ± 50 m²)
• Artificial grass or lawn (± 30 m²)
• Raised planters with luxury plants
• Canopy or pergola (10–15 m²)
• Built-in garden lighting (LED, dimmable)
• Wooden fence or combination material (± 10 meters)
• Rainwater drainage or infiltration solution

Total price:

€ 18,000 – € 25,000
Average m² price: € 180 – € 250

Explanation:
Suitable for residents who combine luxury, appearance and functionality, including seating areas, mood lighting and green structure.

Summary table

Factors that influence these prices

• Paving: concrete tiles are cheaper, ceramic or natural stone is more expensive
• Finishing: raised borders, decking or lighting increase the price
• Fence or boundary: choice between spruce, hardwood, concrete or composite makes hundreds of euros difference
• Accessibility: a garden without a back entrance requires more working hours (and therefore higher costs)

Conclusion

For a complete garden up to 100 m², the costs in 2025 average between €3,500 and €25,000, depending on the desired level of finish. A basic garden with simple planting and paving is relatively affordable, while a luxury version with pergola, lighting and custom work quickly increases in price.

Want to know exactly what your garden wishes cost? Via jeofferte.nl you can request multiple quotes without obligation from gardeners who specialize in gardens up to 100 m² — fully inclusive of materials, VAT and labor costs. This way you consciously choose the solution that best suits your needs and your budget.

1. Garden Area

• The larger the area, the higher the total costs — but the price per m² often decreases for larger projects due to economies of scale.
• Smaller gardens are relatively more expensive due to fixed costs such as transport, design, preparation and machinery.

2. Accessibility of the garden

• Is there a back entrance or does everything have to go through the house?
• Narrow passages make the use of wheelbarrows or machines difficult.
• Parking restrictions and limited workspace lead to higher labor costs.

Difficult accessibility can cause 10% to 25% extra costs.

3. Subsoil and height difference

• Sunken or uneven gardens often need to be raised or leveled first.
• Soil type (sand, clay, peat) influences the choice of foundation material.
• Poor drainage requires drainage or water buffering.

4. Material selection

The choice of materials has a major impact on the price and lifespan of your garden.

More expensive materials are often more durable and require less maintenance, which can be more advantageous in the long run.

5. Complexity of the design

• A simple layout (terrace, lawn, border) is cheaper than a garden with many corners, level differences or customization.
• Raised borders, walls, stairs and transitions make the work more labor-intensive.
• Extra facilities such as a pond, pergola or outdoor kitchen increase the investment considerably.

6. Choice for 2D or 3D design

• A 2D sketch design is sufficient for many standard gardens
• A 3D plan is more expensive, but gives a better insight into experience and proportions

7. Labor costs and planning

• Labor accounts for 40–60% of the total costs
• Rates are often higher in the spring due to the peak in demand
• Experienced gardeners are more efficient, but may charge a higher hourly rate

| Average hourly rate gardener | € 40 – € 60 per hour (excl. VAT) |

Time = money: a garden that is completed in 5 days instead of 8 saves hundreds of euros in labor costs.

8. Season and weather conditions

• In winter (November–February), gardeners are often more available and prices are lower
• Rainy or wet weather slows down work and can increase costs

Planning in the right season can yield 10–15% savings.

9. Number of revision rounds in design

• Many designers use 1–2 revision rounds. More adjustments bring additional costs.
• A clear briefing at the beginning saves costs and time.

10. Additional costs

Conclusion

The costs of a garden project are determined by more than just the surface area. Accessibility, subsoil, material choice, design complexity, and season all play a role in the final price. By taking these factors into account in advance and requesting multiple quotes via jeofferte.nl, you can avoid surprises and save money in a targeted manner without compromising on quality or sustainability.

1. Work with a clear design (or sketch)

A good garden design prevents double work, wrong purchases and improvisation during execution.

• Choose a basic design (€ 500–€ 750) instead of an extensive 3D plan with limited budgets.
• If necessary, only request a spot plan with zones (terrace, lawn, borders).

Advantage: less chance of failure costs or unnecessary repaving afterwards.

2. Compare multiple quotes (material + labor)

The rates between gardeners vary greatly:

• Request at least 2–3 quotes via jeofferte.nl.
• Compare not only the total price, but also:
• What exactly is included?
• Is VAT, removal, filling material included?
• Which materials are used (concrete vs. ceramics, softwood vs. hardwood)?

Savings: up to € 2,000 for a garden up to 100 m².

3. Choose low-maintenance materials and plants

• Paving: Choose large-format concrete tiles instead of natural stone or ceramics.
• Fencing: Spruce or Douglas fir is much cheaper than hardwood or composite.
• Plants: Use perennials and ground covers — they grow densely and inhibit weeds.
• Lawn: Choose to sow grass instead of sod or artificial grass (lower purchase cost).

Advantage: lower construction costs and less maintenance in the long term.

4. Do preparatory work yourself

• Remove old paving or green waste yourself
• Make sure the garden is easily accessible
• Temporarily move small shrubs or materials yourself
• Support during installation as a handyman if possible

Savings: € 300 – € 1,000 in labor, depending on project size.

5. Work in phases

If the budget is limited, opt for phased implementation:

Canopy, lighting, luxury planting

Advantage: direct savings and spreading of costs over time.

6. Use what you already have

• Reuse old tiles in the back of the garden
• Replant existing shrubs, hedges or trees
• Maintain good property boundaries (possibly refurbish instead of replace)
• Reuse sand or soil if the quality allows

Savings: hundreds of euros on material and disposal.

7. Order materials in bulk or big bags

• Order sand, topsoil, or gravel in big bags (1 m³): this is much cheaper than loose bags.
• Combine orders with neighbors to share delivery costs.
• Buy plants at regional nurseries or during autumn promotions.

Savings: € 10 – € 30 per m² on material and transport costs.

8. Limit the number of small elements

Each extra element costs money and time. Avoid excess in:

• Curves and rounds in paving
• Steps, walls, or raised borders
• Different types of stones or types of wood

Advantage: simplicity is often more beautiful and cheaper in construction and finishing.

9. Plan outside the peak season

• Gardeners are often more available in the spring and autumn.
• In winter (Nov–Feb), preparatory work such as raising, drainage or fencing is relatively inexpensive.

Savings: up to 15% on labor costs for well-planned winter jobs.

10. Choose sustainable options in the right place

• Only invest in visible or heavily used areas (such as main terrace or entrance).
• Have rear areas simply paved or covered with gravel.
• Work with smart combinations: cheap base, more expensive finish on sight lines.

Conclusion

A beautiful, functional garden doesn't have to cost a fortune. By planning smartly, doing small preparatory work yourself, and comparing well via platforms such as jeofferte.nl, you can save hundreds to thousands of euros without compromising on quality.

Want to know how much you can save in your specific situation? Request multiple free quotes via jeofferte.nl and discover which approach best suits your needs and your budget.