The most common garden design mistakes (and how to fix them)

Designed and installed to suit family life with spaces to dine, play and grow, whilst complementing this heritage villa.

Whether you're working with a blank canvas or trying to revive an existing outdoor space, there are a few classic pitfalls we see time and time again.

Here they are… and how we can help you avoid (or undo) them.

1. Treating the garden as an afterthought.

Many people spend months planning the interiors of their home but leave the garden to chance… or worse, a rushed weekend job. Great landscape design starts early and works with your architecture to create a cohesive flow between indoors and out.

2. Not planning for year-round use.

That stunning deck or lawn might look great in summer, but without shade, shelter or lighting, it’s often underused. We design for all seasons: layering planting, hardscaping and features like pergolas or fire pits so you can enjoy your garden 12 months of the year.

3. Overplanting or under planning.

Too many plants in the wrong place can quickly lead to chaos. We see a lot of DIY gardens where mature sizes weren’t accounted for, or fast-growers were planted too close. Our planting plans are tailored to Nelson’s conditions and your maintenance preferences, ensuring balance and longevity.

4. Ignoring scale and proportion.

It’s easy to misjudge how a path, pot, or pergola will look until it’s in, and often, it’s too small. We help clients visualise with scaled plans so that every element feels intentional and well-proportioned in the space.

5. Forgetting about function.

As we always say, a beautiful garden isn’t just about looks, it needs to work. Whether it’s space

for entertaining, kids, pets or privacy, our designs combine practicality with aesthetics so your garden works for you, not against you.

Ready to avoid the pitfalls?

Get in touch for a consultation and let’s design something truly timeless, tailored, and functional.

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