What exactly does a garden design cost?

1. Types of garden designs and associated target prices

Please note: For larger gardens (>150 m²) higher design costs often apply based on m² rate or hourly rate.

2. Costs per m² (indicative)

Example:
For a 100 m² garden, you pay an average of between € 400 and € 800 for a complete design with planting plan.

3. What is included in a garden design?

A professional garden design usually consists of the following parts:

• Scale site plan (2D)
• Zoning (paving, lawn, borders, terraces)
• Materials overview or suggestions
• Planting plan (for extensive designs)
• Height differences and boundary fences
• In some cases: lighting plan or irrigation proposal
• If desired: 3D visualizations or mood boards

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4. What influences the design costs?

Factor	Influence on price
Size of the garden	Larger gardens = more detail required
Number of functions (lawn, pond, terrace, etc.)	The more complex, the more expensive
Level of customization	Specific wishes = more elaboration time
With or without planting plan	Planting at species and flowering scheme level = extra work
Desired form of delivery	2D vs. 3D, digital vs. printed
Revision rounds	Designs with multiple correction rounds are more expensive

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5. Cost savings: how and when?

• Combined advantage with execution:
  Many gardeners do not charge (part of) the design if you also have the construction carried out through their company.
• Online vs. local:
  Online garden designers are often cheaper, but less focused on specific soil and climate conditions.
• Choose a designer via jeofferte.nl:
  By comparing multiple designers or gardeners, you get a better insight into price and quality. Experienced designers often offer added value in the long term, especially with complex gardens.
• Ensure a clear intake:
  Save on revision costs by clearly formulating your wishes and requirements in advance.

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6. Garden Design Cost Summary (2025)

Type of Garden Design	Average Price (incl. VAT)
Simple sketch	€ 150 – € 300
2D design with dimensions and zones	€ 300 – € 600
2D design with planting plan	€ 500 – € 850
Extensive design with 3D visualization	€ 700 – € 1.200
Complete custom design with lighting plan	€ 1.000 – € 1.800+

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Conclusion

The costs of a garden design in 2025 vary between € 150 for a simple sketch and more than € 1,800 for a complete, custom-made design with 3D images and lighting plan. The investment in a good design often pays for itself in a more efficient construction, less repair work and a garden that is both functional and aesthetically matches your wishes.

Via jeofferte.nl you can compare multiple designers and gardeners in your region without obligation. This way you will find a solution that fits your garden, your budget and your usage goals.

 

1. Indicative prices per garden size (2025)

Explanation:
The larger the garden, the lower the average price per m², because fixed costs (design, preparation, transport) are distributed more efficiently.

2. What is included under “simple, standard or luxury”?

Simple:

• Basic paving (concrete tiles, gravel)
• Little or no planting
• No lighting or customization
• Limited edge finishing

Standard:

• Qualitative paving (clinkers, ceramics)
• Borders, lawn and planting
• Simple lighting
• Neatly finished, low-maintenance

Luxury:

• High-quality materials (natural stone, raised borders)
• Mature plants, smart layout
• Lighting plan, drainage, automation
• Possibly custom-made elements (decks, pergolas)

3. Example calculations per garden size

Example 1 – Small front garden (15 m²)

• Type: standard finish
• Costs: 15 m² × € 95 = € 1.425

Example 2 – Terraced house backyard (50 m²)

• Type: luxury landscaping
• Costs: 50 m² × € 120 = € 6.000

Example 3 – Medium-sized garden (80 m²)

• Type: standard
• Costs: 80 m² × € 85 = € 6.800

Example 4 – Large family garden (150 m²)

• Type: simple
• Costs: 150 m² × € 45 = € 6.750

4. Factors that influence the price per m²

• Accessibility: back entrance or via house
• Groundwork needed? Digging or raising increases costs
• Material choice: concrete tile or natural stone?
• Finishing level: lighting, customization, height differences
• Design: simple grid or complex layout
• Combination with structures: shed, deck, canopy

Tip: By combining and phasing work cleverly, you can significantly reduce the price per m².

5. Summary overview

Conclusion

The price for landscaping a garden is highly dependent on the surface area and the desired level of finish. In 2025, the costs average between € 35 and € 160 per m², with small gardens being relatively more expensive per square meter.

For an accurate estimate and fair comparison of quotes, you can contact several professionals via jeofferte.nl. By drawing up a good plan in advance and making the costs per m² transparent, you avoid surprises and save in the right places.

1. Area of the garden

The size of the garden is one of the most important cost drivers:

• The larger the garden, the more material, labor and preparation are needed.
• However, the price per m² decreases with larger areas because fixed costs (such as design, transport and start-up time) are spread out.

2. Desired Level of Finish

The style and quality of the chosen materials play a major role:

• Simple: concrete tiles, young plants, limited finishing
• Standard: pavers, decorative paving, borders, grass, lighting
• Luxury: ceramics, natural stone, mature plants, custom work, lighting, irrigation

The more luxurious the finish, the higher the material costs and the labor costs (for precise placement or planting).

3. Preparatory Work

The condition of the existing garden determines how much preparatory work is needed:

• Removing old paving or planting
• Excavating or raising parts of the garden
• Removing rubble, green waste or old materials
• Leveling or founding the subsoil

This part can account for as much as 25–30% of the total budget in complex redesigns.

4. Accessibility of the garden

Labor costs increase for gardens that are difficult to access, for example:

• No back entrance: work must be done manually through the house or a narrow passage
• No room for machines: everything with wheelbarrow or hand tools
• Sunken or raised location: more digging and lifting

Accessibility problems can increase the price by 10–50%.

5. Type and amount of paving

Paving is often one of the biggest cost items in a garden project:

• Cheap: concrete tiles, gravel, crushed stone
• Average: baked clinkers, standard ceramics
• Expensive: natural stone, large-format ceramics, mosaic patterns

6. Planting: type and quantity

Here too: young and simple is cheaper than mature and exclusive:

• Ground covers, grass seed, young shrubs are cheap
• Mature trees, ornamental shrubs and hedge plants are more expensive
• Borders require more labor and maintenance than gravel surfaces or artificial grass

A planting plan has a guideline price of € 15 – € 60 per m² (depending on plant type and degree of processing).

7. Architectural Elements

Customization significantly increases the price:

• Raised borders, planters
• Decks, pergolas, canopies
• Garden walls or natural stone elements

8. Lighting and electricity

Professional garden lighting involves costs for:

• Groundwork, cabling, fixtures and installation work
• Motion sensors, switches or timers

9. Drainage, water drainage and substructure

Technical preparation is required for damp or subsiding gardens:

• Drainage pipes, infiltration crates or foundation material
• Water-permeable substructure or edge enclosure

Often necessary for driveways, intensively used gardens or height differences. Prices vary from € 20 – € 60 per m² extra.

10. Garden design

A professional design prevents waste and unnecessary redesign:

• Simple sketch: € 150 – € 300
• 2D design with planting plan: € 400 – € 800
• Extensive 3D design with lighting plan: € 1,000 – € 1,800+

Many gardeners charge lower design costs if they also carry out the construction.

Conclusion

The price for landscaping or garden renovation will be influenced in 2025 by a combination of surface area, material choice, technical requirements and execution complexity. Anyone who wants to keep a grip on the budget, would do well to inventory these price-determining factors in advance and make choices consciously.

Via jeofferte.nl you can easily compare multiple gardeners or garden designers on approach, material proposals and price structure. This way you avoid surprises and make sure that the investment fits your wishes and the possibilities of your garden.

An overview of additional choices for a complete garden design

A garden design is the first step towards a functional and aesthetically balanced outdoor space. For many people a standard 2D design with planting plan and layout is sufficient. However, many garden designers offer additional options and services that improve the quality of the end result, make the execution more efficient and better meet personal wishes or practical requirements.

This overview explains the most important extra possibilities in garden design, including their function, application and average cost indication.

1. 3D visualization of the design

A 3D design provides a realistic picture of the future garden. It helps in assessing sight lines, height differences, shadow formation and spatial experience.

Benefits:

• Better estimate of what the garden will look like
• Useful for complex designs with height differences or modern architecture
• Supports decision-making when choosing materials or plants

Cost indication: €250 – €750 extra, depending on the size and detail of the design.

2. Lighting plan

A lighting plan focuses on the functional and atmospheric lighting of the garden. This plan includes the position, type of light (e.g. accent lighting, path lighting, facade spots), strength and technology (e.g. LED, solar).

Application:

• Safety around walkways or terraces
• Atmospheric lighting for use in the evenings
• Accentuation of trees, objects or water features

Cost indication: €150 – €450 for the plan, excluding fixtures and installation.

3. Irrigation plan

For larger gardens or gardens with a lot of planting an irrigation plan can be useful. This plan determines the zones, pipes, sprinkler heads and possibly drip systems for automatic watering.

Application:

• Efficient water distribution without manual work
• Preservation of healthy plants in dry periods
• Optionally connectable to rainwater tanks or soil moisture sensors

Cost indication: €200 – €600 for the plan, depending on the complexity. Material costs and installation are not included.

4. Custom planting plan

Although a standard garden design often contains global planting, a detailed custom planting plan can be prepared. This plan takes into account soil type, sun/shade, flowering times, color combinations and maintenance level.

Advantages:

• Controlled flowering over multiple seasons
• Less risk of plant failure or poor growth
• More biodiversity and cohesion

Cost indication: €150 – €500 depending on the size of the garden.

5. Soil analysis

A soil analysis provides insight into the composition, structure and nutritional value of the soil. This is relevant for the success of the planting and the construction of lawn or paving.

Content:

• Determination of acidity (pH), nutrients, organic matter content
• Advice on soil improvement or suitable planting

Cost indication: €100 – €200 per analysis.

6. Material advice and sample packages

For paving, fences, decking and other hard elements in the garden, some designers offer additional material advice or sample packages.

Advantages:

• Better choice between natural stone, ceramics, wood types, etc.
• Insight into color and structure differences
• Facilitates matching to home or environment

Cost indication: €50 – €200, sometimes included in the design process.

7. Structural calculations (if applicable)

For elements such as retaining walls, height differences, verandas or ponds with raised walls, static or structural calculations may be required. These are often performed externally.

Application:

• Stability and safety of structural elements
• Compliance with municipal or technical requirements

Cost indication: €300 – €1,000, depending on the nature and complexity.

8. Permit advice and submission

In some cases, an environmental permit is required for parts of the garden, such as canopies, garden walls, carports or large ponds. Designers or advisors can provide support with this.

Content of the service:

• Check on permit requirement
• Providing drawings and submission to the municipality
• Guidance with objections or additional questions

Cost indication: €200 – €750, excluding fees.

9. Environmentally friendly or climate-adaptive options

Consider integrating rainwater harvesting, green roofs on garden sheds, wadis, native plants or semi-pavement instead of concrete.

Benefits:

• More sustainable garden with less water nuisance or heat stress
• Possibly eligible for subsidies (municipality dependent)

Costs: highly dependent on the chosen solution, advice costs usually €150 – €400.

10. Phased implementation and execution planning

For those who want to implement the construction in phases or use different contractors, a detailed execution plan can be drawn up.

Content:

• Logical order of work
• Coordination between parties
• Limitation of errors or double work

Cost indication: €100 – €400.

Conclusion

Extra services and options in garden design can make an important contribution to the quality, feasibility and sustainability of the garden. Especially with larger or more complex gardens, it is useful to look beyond just the basic design. Factors such as lighting, irrigation, permits and material selection deserve serious attention to avoid surprises during construction.

Through a platform like jeofferte.nl you can compare different garden designers who offer these additional services, tailored to your wishes and budget. This way, the design is not just a beautiful drawing, but a well-thought-out basis for a garden that you will enjoy for years to come.

1. Purpose and use of the garden

First, think about how the garden will be used.
Different users have different requirements:

• Families with children: safe play area, clear layout
• Lovers of greenery: borders, biodiversity, seasonal planting
• Little maintenance desired: gravel, artificial grass, evergreen plants
• Outdoor living space: terrace, canopy, outdoor kitchen
• Functional use: bicycle storage, garden shed, passage

Tip: Describe in the design process the desired functions and moments of use of the garden (morning sun, privacy, storage, etc.).

2. Spatial layout and sight lines

The relationship between open and closed spaces determines the spatial experience of the garden. Important points:

• Work with sight lines from the house or terrace
• Ensure a logical walking route
• Divide the garden into zones (e.g. sitting, playing, green, storage)
• Avoid fragmentation: rather a few larger areas than many small elements

A good spatial layout makes the garden quieter and larger.

3. Light incidence and orientation

The location in relation to the sun determines which plants are suitable, and where terraces are best used:

When placing terraces, canopies or windows, take into account the course of the sun and shadows.

4. Subsoil and soil quality

A good garden design takes into account:

• Drainage capacity and water drainage
• Soil type (sand, clay, loam)
• Possible subsidence or height differences
• Necessity to raise, found or improve the soil

If in doubt, have a simple soil test performed. Especially in new construction projects, the soil is often disturbed or depleted.

5. Planting: aesthetics and maintenance

Plants largely determine the atmosphere and ecological value of the garden. Consider the following when choosing:

• Height, color and flowering time (combinations per season)
• Maintenance requirements (e.g. pruning, water requirements)
• Location (sun, shade, humidity)
• Native and bee-friendly species for biodiversity
• Structure and composition: perennial plants, shrubs, climbers and ground covers

Work with a planting plan to ensure structure, color and cohesion.

6. Materialization and sustainability

When selecting paving, wood, gravel or pavement, there is more to consider than just appearance:

• Water permeability (for climate adaptation)
• Anti-slip or maintenance-free surface
• Color and texture in relation to house and garden furniture
• Durability and lifespan (natural stone vs. concrete, hardwood vs. impregnated wood)

Combine materials harmoniously, with attention to functional use (walkways vs. terrace).

7. Privacy and protection

A good garden offers protection against prying eyes, wind and noise. Consider:

• Green boundary separations such as hedges or espalier trees
• Fences or screens in wood, concrete or metal
• Height differences to subtly realize shielding
• Strategic placement of plants or constructions

Use planting in multiple layers to combine privacy and atmosphere.

8. Future-oriented design

Think ahead:

• Is the garden suitable for aging or reduced mobility?
• Can the garden grow with children or changing use?
• Is there room for sustainability (green roof, rainwater harvesting, solar panels)?
• Does the design take into account maintenance pressure and changing conditions (such as flooding or heat stress)?

Sustainable design saves costs in the long term and work.

9. Budget and Phasing

A design must fit within the available resources. Consider:

• What is priority (now) and what can be done later?
• Where are the biggest cost items?
• Are there smart alternatives possible for more expensive materials?
• Can the design be implemented in phases?

A phased design makes investment spreadable and manageable.

10. Professional garden design: value and added value

A good garden design by a skilled gardener or garden designer provides:

• Higher use value of the outdoor space
• Better alignment with the house and surroundings
• Lower construction costs due to efficient preparation
• Greater value development of the house

Via jeofferte.nl you can select garden designers based on style, experience and availability. This way you will find an expert who suits your wishes and budget.

Conclusion

Designing a garden requires a balance between functionality, aesthetics and technical feasibility. By taking into account user requirements, soil conditions, maintenance, privacy, orientation and choice of materials in advance, a design is created that provides years of pleasure and comfort.

Extra options and services in garden design offer added value for those who want to realize a functional, sustainable, and well-thought-out garden. They make it possible to look beyond just the layout and planting, and provide insight into the technical, aesthetic, and practical aspects of the construction. For example, consider a 3D visualization for a better spatial understanding, a lighting plan for ease of use in the evening, or an irrigation plan for a low-maintenance garden.

These additional services are especially valuable for larger gardens, specific wishes, or complex situations. They can lead to lower failure costs during construction, better alignment with personal preferences, and higher quality of use in the long term.

By also paying attention to the extras offered when choosing a garden designer, a more complete picture of the possibilities emerges. Via a comparison platform such as jeofferte.nl, it is easy to compare different designers and advisory services, tailored to your project goals and budget.