Starting out the New Year, CHS Landscapes Ltd are providing some tips on how to start creating your dream garden and what to avoid. Designing a garden can be incredibly rewarding — but it’s also easy to make decisions that look good in your head yet fall flat in real life. At CHS Landscapes Ltd, we’ve transformed countless outdoor spaces, and we’ve seen first-hand how a few simple changes can turn a cluttered or unbalanced garden into something truly beautiful and practical.
Here are the most common garden design mistakes we come across, and more importantly, how to avoid them.
1. Not Having a Clear Plan
Many garden projects start with excitement and enthusiasm, but without a clear plan, things quickly become disjointed. Random features, mismatched styles, or last-minute changes can leave your garden feeling confusing rather than cohesive.
✔ How to Avoid It
Before lifting a spade, sketch out your ideal layout or speak to a professional garden designer. Think about:
- How you want to use the space
- Zones for seating, planting, or entertaining
- Practical elements like access, storage or bin areas
A solid plan is the foundation of a truly successful garden.
2. Choosing the Wrong Plants for the Space
It’s tempting to buy plants based on how they look — only to realise months later that they’re too big, too delicate, or simply not suited to the conditions.
✔ How to Avoid It
Check each plant’s requirements:
- Sun or shade
- Soil type
- Growth size
- Maintenance level
Choosing plants suited to your garden’s microclimate ensures long-lasting results and fewer replacements.
3. Ignoring the Importance of Levels and Drainage
Uneven surfaces, water pooling, or poorly installed patios are among the most common issues we’re called to fix. Good landscaping needs more than nice materials — it needs correct groundwork.
✔ How to Avoid It
Make sure that:
- Patios are laid with correct fall
- Lawns have proper drainage
- Retaining walls are structurally sound
- Sub-bases are compacted professionally
At CHS Landscapes Ltd, we prioritise proper preparation to ensure your garden lasts for years.
4. Overcrowding the Space
Too many features — furniture, ornaments, pots, or raised beds — can make even a large garden feel cramped. Clutter also makes maintenance more difficult.
✔ How to Avoid It
Less is often more. Choose a few attractive focal points and allow space for movement, light, and greenery. Simple, open layouts tend to feel more luxurious and welcoming.
5. Forgetting About Year-Round Interest
Some gardens look fantastic in summer but dull and lifeless in winter. Seasonal planning is key to keeping your outdoor space appealing all year.
✔ How to Avoid It
Include:
- Evergreen shrubs
- Winter-flowering plants
- Structural features such as pergolas or raised beds
- Textures like gravel, bark, or decorative stone
These elements ensure your garden stays vibrant during every season.
6. Not Considering Maintenance Levels
A beautiful garden that becomes overwhelming to maintain can quickly lose its charm. People often underestimate how much time certain features require.
✔ How to Avoid It
Ask yourself how much time you really want to commit.
If low maintenance is your goal, consider:
- Artificial grass
- Porcelain paving
- Composite decking
- Weed-proof membranes
- Hardy shrubs
We can help design a space that suits your lifestyle, not just your aesthetic.
7. Overlooking Lighting and Access
Lighting is often an afterthought, yet it completely transforms a garden after dark. The same goes for practical access routes.
✔ How to Avoid It
Plan for:
- Pathway lighting
- Patio mood lighting
- Easy access from the house
- Safe, level walkways
Well-placed lighting adds ambience, security and longer usability.
Create a Garden That Works Beautifully — With CHS Landscapes Ltd
A well-designed garden should be both stunning and functional. Avoiding these common mistakes can save money, reduce stress, and deliver a space you love spending time in.
If you’re planning a garden makeover — from patios and pathways to full landscape designs — CHS Landscapes Ltd is here to help.
Get in touch today for expert advice and a tailored design that brings your vision to life.
