How to Design Your Garden | Green Onion Landscaping

Expert Garden Design Tips to Transform Your Outdoor Space

At Green Onion Landscaping, we believe a well-designed garden is about making the most of your outdoor space, creating zones that fit your lifestyle, and reflecting your personal tastes. Whether you want a family-friendly play area, a peaceful relaxation zone, or a colourful, low-maintenance garden, good planning is essential before starting any landscaping work.


Understanding Your Garden Space

Before designing, take time to observe your garden carefully:

  • Which views do you love and which would you prefer to screen off?

  • How does the sun move across your garden from morning to evening?

  • Do you want a low-maintenance garden or one bursting with seasonal colour?

  • Will your garden be used by children, pets, or for entertaining guests?

  • Do you prefer formal, structured planting or a more natural, relaxed style?

All these factors influence how to zone your garden and get the most from your space.

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Create Your Garden Wish List

Write down everything you’d like in your garden:

  • A dining area – how many people should it seat?

  • A cosy nook to read and relax with a glass of wine?

  • A play zone for children?

  • A water feature or pond to add calm and wildlife interest?

The possibilities are endless. At Green Onion Landscaping, we help you refine your ideas to create a garden that’s both stunning and practical.

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Think Outside the Box

You don’t have to stick to traditional garden borders or lawns. Consider:

  • Using large, deep planters made from wood, aluminium, or rusted steel to create zones and screens.

  • Planting these containers with evergreens, seasonal flowers, or even vegetables.

  • Adding pots, containers, and hanging baskets for seasonal colour and visual interest.

These creative touches can transform your garden and cater to your needs.

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Planting for the UK Climate

In the UK, we often enjoy looking out at our gardens as much as using them. Position your planting where it can be viewed easily from inside your home to maximise enjoyment all year round.


Hard Landscaping Choices

Different materials help define garden zones and add texture:

  • Use patterned porcelain paving for an alfresco dining area.

  • Gravel around water features adds contrast and interest.

  • Wood or composite decking in complementary or contrasting colours offers warmth and durability.

Mixing materials creates visual interest and clearly separates zones in your garden.

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Plan Carefully and Be Patient

A garden is a long-term investment. Spend time planning before making decisions about plants, patios, and paving. Remember, your choices will stay with you for many years.

Garden designs evolve slowly—after five years, your garden will start to mature; by seven years it will feel established; after 12 years most plants will be mature (except trees). Maintenance, pruning, feeding, and watering keep it healthy and beautiful.

We can advise on plant and tree choices that suit your lifestyle and the amount of time you have to care for your garden.

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Choosing Plants for Your Garden Design

Grow the flowers, shrubs, and trees you love most. There’s no point in planting something you don’t enjoy. Choose species that will thrive in your soil and climate.

Use inspiration from gardens you’ve visited, but don’t simply copy — make your garden unique. Think creatively and design a space that reflects your personality and brings you joy.

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Colour and Contrast in Planting

Consider how plants complement or contrast with each other. Use colour to make a statement or blend harmoniously.

Observe your garden’s light patterns—bright and shady areas—to decide where to plant shrubs or place hanging baskets. A vibrant basket can brighten up a dull corner instantly.

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Remove Unsightly Elements

For a beautiful garden, remove or cleverly screen off any eyesores like compost bins, water butts, or old sheds. Your garden should be a peaceful, picturesque retreat that you enjoy every day.


Ready to Design Your Dream Garden?

At Green Onion Landscaping, we have over 30 years of experience designing and building gardens that work for you. Whether you want a complete garden makeover or simple advice on planting and layout, we’re here to help.

Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s start designing your perfect outdoor space.

📞 Call Us on 07701097196 or 01642 640303