How much does it cost to create a garden? Here’s how to determine your budget

Tuscan jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) as a substitute for a tall fence

Once your dream garden is on paper, it’s time to make it a reality. The costs of creating a garden depend on many factors. Some are beyond your control, while others you can influence. Thinking about your budget may not be the most exciting part of the process, but it’s an important one. So how do you make choices that fit both your wishes and your wallet?

Setting a garden budget

A realistic budget starts not with numbers, but with insight. Before I start designing your garden, we talk about the budget you have in mind. I know this can be tricky to determine, which is why we take the time to go through it carefully together. You want a garden that truly makes you happy, and you’re willing to invest in that. At the same time, it needs to feel right and realistic—an investment that fits both you and what you’ll get in return.

We’ll discuss the current state of your garden and your ideas and wishes. Is it a garden of a newly built home or an existing one? How accessible is the garden? Would you prefer a hedge or a fence? Which materials do you prefer? All of these choices affect the cost. Together, we’ll get a clear picture of what’s possible in your garden and find solutions that fit your budget.

Costs of garden design and landscaping

The design itself is only a small part of the total cost of a garden—but it has a big impact. It determines how you experience your garden, its atmosphere, and its functionality. A well-thought-out design can even save you money during construction and in the long run. A careful design takes into account your garden’s location, layout, and soil type. This results in a clear plan for the landscaper, with little or no adjustments needed during installation—saving time and thus money. I select plants suited to your soil, increasing the chance they will thrive and look beautiful for years to come.

While I consider your budget during the design process, only a landscaper can give you the actual costs. Material prices fluctuate, and a professional has insight into current rates. For a small city garden in the Netherlands, you might expect a minimum of €10,000, while a 350 m² garden could cost closer to €40,000. These are general estimates: every garden is different, and the final cost depends on your garden’s situation, the choices made in design, materials, and construction. In short, it’s always tailored to your garden.

Permeable surfaces like gravel allow rainwater to seep into the soil more easily, increasing soil oxygen levels

How you can save costs

Creating a garden is skilled work, especially when it comes to groundwork, drainage, and paving—all crucial for the garden’s longevity. Once the design is ready, I can give you tips on finding a good landscaper. If you want to save money, you can also take on part of the work yourself—for example, removing existing paving, clearing the garden, or sourcing second-hand materials. Your landscaper can advise on what you can prepare yourself.

Another option is to spread the costs over time and implement the garden in phases. The design provides guidance for this. At the end of the design process, you’ll have a solid plan for construction, and you can move forward with confidence. With good planning, you can start enjoying your garden sooner than you think. Recently, some clients planned to save for two more years before realising their garden, but they already wanted a design so they could start dreaming about their future garden. After the design presentation, they decided to postpone their kitchen renovation and start with the garden first. Plans can change. ;)

Greener gardens cost less

Planting is the most cost-effective element in a garden. If you choose less paving and more greenery—an ecological garden—you can save significantly. You can also use plants and leftover materials to reduce the need for hard landscaping. A woodchip path is cheaper than cobblestones, and a hedge is more cost-effective than a fence. Sustainable materials can have a higher upfront cost but usually last longer, saving money in the long term.

In my designs, plants always take center stage. You want lovely spots to sit and enjoy your garden, but I use only as much paving as necessary. I choose sustainable materials and consider whether existing materials can be reused. Your budget is my guide, without compromising on quality or atmosphere. Determining what your garden will cost is like solving a puzzle—but you don’t have to do it alone. I think alongside you and explain the levers you can pull. Together, we create a natural garden that truly suits you.