Frequently Asked Questions | Craig McGibbon Ltd
We’ve answered some of the most common questions we get about garden design and landscaping across Hertfordshire. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to get in touch — we’d love to hear from you.
🌿 Garden Design FAQs
What is included in a garden design package?
Our design packages typically include a site survey, concept designs, mood boards, planting plans, and full 2D/3D renderings. Every design is bespoke and tailored to your space, goals, and lifestyle.
How much does professional garden design cost in the UK?
Design fees usually range from £250–£2,500 depending on garden size and complexity. We offer fixed-fee packages with clear deliverables. Learn more on our Design Process page.
Our garden design services typically start from £997 inc VAT, depending on the size and complexity of the space. We offer transparent design pricing — and we always tailor the scope to suit your garden, goals and budget.
Do I need a designer if I already have ideas?
Yes! A professional designer turns ideas into functional, beautiful, buildable spaces. We work collaboratively to refine your vision into something lasting.
How long does the design process take?
Typically 3–8 weeks depending on scope, feedback rounds, and site complexity.
Can you design low-maintenance gardens for busy families or retirees?
Absolutely. Many of our clients request planting schemes and layouts that require minimal upkeep while still looking great year-round. See examples in our portfolio.
What happens if my dream garden design is more than my available investment?
The construction costs are separated into key elements, which gives you an opportunity to prioritise the areas you want to complete in order to remain within your investment.
Alternatively, the landscaping can be carried out in phases, with an overall vision as to the garden you want to achieve over a period of time. We will also, happily, advise with any elements you may wish to do yourselves.
Can I change the design once construction has started?
Ultimately, we want you to have the garden you desire and changes or additions may become apparent as the construction progresses. We will happily make suggestions, discuss your ideas with you and make modifications to the plan as desired. Just be aware, this may have cost implications on the quoted price.
Which designers provide 3D visualisations for bespoke garden projects?
We offer 3D SketchUp walkthroughs and visuals as part of our premium design packages. This helps you fully understand the spatial flow, levels, and feel of your garden before construction begins — a powerful tool in both design and decision-making.
What are the best bespoke garden design services near me?
At Craig McGibbon Ltd, we offer fully bespoke garden design services across Welwyn Garden City, Harpenden, St Albans, and surrounding Hertfordshire. Every project is custom-designed and built with passion, using high-quality materials and a focus on long-term value.
Which companies offer custom garden design consultations in Hertfordshire?
We offer free initial consultations via Zoom or in person, in Herttfordshire. Our design service includes concept development, CAD plans, planting schemes, and optional 3D visualisations to help you see your garden’s potential before we build.
Where can I find professional garden designers who work with native plants?
We regularly include native and climate-appropriate plants in our designs to support local biodiversity and long-term resilience. Our planting schemes combine structure, seasonal interest, and ecology — all tailored to your site and soil.
What bespoke garden design services include ongoing maintenance packages?
At Craig McGibbon Ltd, we offer seasonal aftercare and maintenance plans to help your garden mature beautifully. While we don’t provide weekly garden maintenance, we do offer expert support to keep your garden healthy and evolving after the build.
🌾 Landscaping & Build FAQs
How much does garden landscaping cost in Hertfordshire?
Landscaping projects start from £10,000 and range to £60,000+ for full redesigns. Most of our clients invest £20–45k for a complete transformation. We have completed numerous projects for clients investing £100K+
Learn more with our Pricing Blogs
Do you offer both design and landscaping?
Yes, we offer an end-to-end service: design, build, planting, lighting, and aftercare. Over 80% of our design clients choose us to build their gardens too.
What companies provide bespoke garden design with hardscape installation?
Craig McGibbon Ltd offers full hardscape installation alongside bespoke garden design — including patios, terraces, retaining walls, steps, driveways, water features, and more. Our team builds what we design, ensuring precision and craftsmanship throughout.
Can you landscape my garden in winter?
Yes. We build year-round and actually recommend winter builds so your garden is ready for spring. Read more in our blog: When Is the Best Time to Build Your Garden?
What materials do you recommend for retaining walls and garden edging?
We favour Aluminium Edging for lawns and borders. For large retaining walls we favour 7N concrete blocks finished with a natural stone or porcelain cladding, we don’t recommend rendering. For low level retaining , we use Corten steel or wooden sleepers. Watch our Corten vs Timber video on YouTube.
Which bespoke garden designers offer smart irrigation solutions?
We can integrate smart irrigation systems into our bespoke garden designs. These can help optimise water use, improve plant health, and reduce your time spent on maintenance — ideal for busy households or dry-weather planting schemes.
What’s better: Corten steel or timber sleepers?
Corten lasts 40+ years with no rot or maintenance. Timber (even oak) now often breaks down after 7–12 years in soil. Here’s why we use Corten.
Do you build ponds and water features?
Yes, we offer a design and build service for ponds and water features. We favour Aquascape products for the pond construction and water features.
🏞️ Location-Based FAQs
Do you design gardens in Welwyn Garden City and surrounding areas?
Yes. We work across Hertfordshire including Harpenden, St Albans, Kimpton, Letchworth, Wheathampstead, Hertford, Royston and more.
Do you offer landscaping services in Harpenden and St Albans?
Absolutely. See our Harpenden portfolio here. and St Albans projects in main portfolio
Can you work on sloped gardens in Hertfordshire properties?
Yes. We frequently design multi-level gardens with terracing, steps, and retaining walls. Watch our project breakdown on YouTube.
💬 Working With Us FAQs
How do I get started with Craig McGibbon Ltd?
Simply fill out our contact form or book a consultation with our calendar or call us. We’ll book a design consultation to understand your needs and walk you through the next steps.
What kind of clients do you typically work with?
Our clients are professionals, business owners, and semi-retired or retired couples who value design, quality, and long-term results.
Do you work with architects or interior designers?
Yes, we collaborate with other professionals on integrated projects including new builds and extensions - including those requiring landscaping plans as part of their planning applications.
Can you help redesign our front garden as well as the back?
Of course. We often redesign both front and back to create flow and curb appeal.
What happens if I only want a design without the build?
That’s completely fine. We offer stand-alone design services with full build specifications for other contractors to follow.
Still have a question?
Contact us here or explore our Blog and YouTube Channel for ideas and advice.