Top 5 Garden Design Tips to Consider

By JPC Garden Design and Landscaping

Designing your garden is one of the most exciting and personal projects you can take on for your home. It’s where life happens: summer evenings with friends, peaceful morning coffees, the kids’ first swing set, or simply somewhere to unwind after a long day.

At JPC Garden Design and Landscaping, we know that a beautiful garden isn’t just about looks it’s about how it makes you feel and how it fits into your life. Here are the top five things we always recommend thinking about before diving in.

1. What’s the Purpose of Your Garden?

Every garden tells a story. Before thinking about paving, planting, or layout, take a moment to reflect on how you want to use the space. Do you want a garden for entertaining? Somewhere for the kids to run around? A wildlife-friendly haven? Or maybe all of the above?

When we first meet with clients, this is the question we spend the most time on. It shapes everything else.

From the team:

“We had one client who just wanted a quiet spot to sit in the sun with her morning coffee so we designed a little patio that caught the light at 9am, tucked away from the rest of the garden. That kind of detail makes all the difference.”

2. Work With What You’ve Got: Sun, Shade & Soil

No two gardens are the same. Take the time to observe how sunlight moves across your space. Some areas may be sun-traps, others more shaded and damp. And don’t forget to check your soil its condition can really affect plant choice.

This is something we assess during the design process. It’s not about fighting nature it’s about working with it.

From the team:

“One client loved lavender but had heavy clay soil and a shady garden so instead, we recommended nepeta and salvia for a similar feel that would actually thrive.”

3. Layout, Flow & Practicality

A beautiful garden should feel natural to move through. That means thinking about flow where paths go, how you get to the shed without trampling the lawn, where seating areas are placed, and how zones are separated without losing a sense of unity.

We design gardens to live in not just to look at. That means plenty of thought goes into the layout as well as the look.

From the team

“We always walk through the space as if we lived there ourselves. Where would you step out with a cup of tea? Where does the BBQ go? The best designs come from thinking practically first, then adding beauty.”

4. Planting with Purpose & Personality

Plants are the heart of a garden. But rather than just picking what looks good on Instagram, think about what suits your lifestyle and your garden conditions. Consider year-round structure, colour themes, scent, wildlife value, and ease of care.

We create planting plans tailored to your needs whether you want a low-maintenance garden or a riot of seasonal interest.

From the team:

“One of our favourite things is building planting palettes that evolve with the seasons. You’d be amazed what a difference the right structure can make through winter.”

5. Budget & Maintenance: Be Honest With Yourself

Your garden should work for you not create more stress. Be realistic about how much time you want to spend maintaining it, and what your budget can cover upfront. This is where good design adds real value: it helps you get the most from every pound and hour.

We’re here to guide you through decisions, offer options at different price points, and help you future-proof your space.

From the team:

“We always tell our clients if you hate weeding, don’t build a border with no edge. We can create something beautiful that doesn’t rely on hours of upkeep.”

🌱 Your Garden, Designed for Life

I hope these 5 Garden Design Tips have been helpful. Whether you’re dreaming of a complete transformation or just want to make your space work a little better, the right design makes all the difference. At JPC Garden Design and Landscaping, we don’t just install gardens we bring ideas to life, shaped by how you want to live.

Ready to transform your garden? Book a free design visit here | 📍 Covering Bishops Stortford, Dunmow, Sawbridgeworth, Harlow, Saffron Walden and Surrounding Villages.