What’s the Difference Between Garden and Landscape Design?
Have you ever wondered why some people call themselves “landscape designers” and others are “garden designers”? Is there really a difference? Generally, both are used by people designing for residential properties. It seems that neither term is limited to those with a specific educational background or type of experience – in fact, pretty much anyone can call themselves a landscape or garden designer (although there is a certification offered for landscape designers through the Association of Professional Landscape Designers). So why choose one over the other??
According to Wikipedia, “Landscape design focuses more on the artistic merits of design, garden design more in the planting palette…” Hmmm, not too helpful.
So, here’s my take on the whole thing…
Landscape designers focus more on the ‘big picture’, including the hardscape and general site planning. Landscapes are best viewed from a distance, with plants massed in larger groups to create visual impact. Plants are frequently repeated in a design to bring continuity to a larger bed or garden space. Paths, patios, garden structures (e.g., arbors, fences), and water features are often included.
In contrast, the garden designer focuses more on the ‘up close and personal’, with an emphasis on diverse plantings that draw people into the garden. Gardens are pretty when viewed from a distance, but the true beauty only emerges as you get closer. Fragrance, interesting blossoms, and patterned leaves add interest. While colors and textures may be repeated, the garden designer often uses different plants to accomplish this. Hardscape and larger garden structures may be used, but are not emphasized.
Now, I realize that some of you may not agree with this characterization – after all, it’s based on my personal observations and I know there are always exceptions. So let’s hear it – how would you define garden versus landscape design?
p.s., Just so you know, I go by “garden designer” and I design “gardens”, not “landscapes”.
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how is your mail order custom garden design going? Best, gardengeri
Hi Geri,
Thanks for asking about GardenPlansOnline! People all over the country have been ordering customized garden plans from me. I think it’s because designs from GardenPlansOnline come with so much more than just a garden plan. My plans include everything gardeners need to know to buy the right plants, prepare the planting area, and plant everything (following the simple layout guide). There’s even a detailed month-by-month to-do list and photos and clear descriptions of each plant in the design. And each design is tailored to the individual customer – just tell me what you want and I’ll design a plan just for you! (OK, sorry for the shameless plug – but it’s a really terrific product, especially for new gardeners)
At the moment I don’t do plans for zone 10 – anyone out there a designer who works in zone 10 and could help me with that??
i always think anything involving work in private residence as ‘garden’ design and work in public streetscapes parks etc as ‘landscape’ design – garden is perhaps a subset of landscape ie. the landscape is made up of gardens, buildings, rivers, roads etc
I dont think design approach should necessarily be defined by whether a space is a garden or a landscape but gardens do tend to be considered at a more detailed level than say landscapes -
I wonder if the size of the ‘garden’ or private residence influences the definition? I live in an area where there are a lot of big estates (not near my house though – couldn’t afford to live there!) and they tend to hire “landscape designers” – maybe because their property is so large that they think of it as a landscape….
I do agree that design approach shouldn’t necessarily be dictated by a (somewhat arbitrary) definition of what the space is – rather, it should be built around the client needs, site characteristics, growing conditions, etc. But I do run across designers who are adamant that they’re a “garden designer” and they seem to stick to a specific approach (e.g., an English garden, zen garden, etc.), regardless of the space. Then again, I guess there are inflexible designers in every field, regardless of what they call themselves!!
What a helpful distinction for non-pros. I call myself a landscape designer, but my approach varies depending on the client, with some clients clearly wanting a garden design and others wishing for a simple, calming landscape. My own style began as a garden designer and has gravitated towards the clean lines of landscape design, with more repetition and emphasis on repeated themes. Of course in my home garden it’s all about the plants!!
It’s so important to listen to the client, isn’t it? And interesting how our own styles evolve over time. But, in the end, once you get bitten by the ‘plant bug’ it’s always about the plants!!
I would tend to agree with your definitions although I think it’s important for the “garden designer” to take into account the entire landscape (which I’m sure you do). As far as public vs private landscapes, most public ones are designed by landscape architects who may or may not know much about plants.
That’s an interesting point about public spaces being designed primarily by landscape architects, rather than designers. Makes sense, given that public spaces often include so much more than just plant matter and have to comply with all sorts of zoning or other regulations. And thanks for the reminder about the importance of taking the entire landscape/surroundings into consideration – “gardens” are part of the whole space and have to fit in with the surrounding structures, trees, etc.
Many thanks for explaining the differences between the two. Now, I know what I did was wrong! LOL. I called for a garden designer and told him to arrange everything from the rocks, the soil, the elevation and everything, not knowing that I should have called a landscape designer instead! Thanks for enlightening me. Next time, I will hire both kinds of designers.
We are barely starting and I need to get the business license. However I am not sure to mark it as landscaping or gardening. And which one gives you more room to grow