Yes! … and No…
This is my take on why Garden Design can be a good career choice and also why it may not be for you.
In the UK, the discipline of landscape architecture and the title landscape architect have their roots in garden design. The equivalent of today’s landscape architects describing themselves as “Garden Architects” amongst other titles, before the creation of the Institute of Landscape Architects in 1929.
Nowadays, garden design is seen as either a branch (pardon the pun) of landscape architecture or a separate discipline.
Garden design is a great mixture of art and technical skills. The art of creating a garden which meets the aesthetic requirements of the client also needs the technical skills to create it. It is very satisfying to see a garden come to fruition, from the drawing board (or CAD program) to completion.
Garden design offers an opportunity to earn good money if you can attract clients who are willing to pay for your skills. This really is the key to garden design as a successful career, rather than a hobby.
One of the best ways to attract clients is through membership of the Society of Garden Designers, which became the Society of Garden and Landscape Designers in 2025, to better reflect the diverse skills of their members. There are several ways to join the Society, depending on your experience and qualifications.
Now for the downside. Assuming you have the skills and experience to call yourself a garden designer, it can take a great deal of time to build your reputation and find your ideal clients. Most projects are a one-off, which means you have to keep finding new clients. Although this will happen naturally through recommendations, it will take time. Make sure that your social media presence is felt and reflects your skills.
Until you have established your reputation, you will be up against landscapers, who will offer a “free design service”. One of my clients summed this up perfectly: “My wife and I had spoken to others about our garden design, but they largely just seemed to tell us what we should have (which seemed to correlate with what was easiest for them)”.
I hope this helps you in your choice of career, it can be incredibly rewarding and offer new opportunities to design amazing spaces.
References Hilary used for blog research.
Jacques, D. and Woudstra, J. (2012) Landscape Modernism Renounced. 1st edn. Taylor and Francis. Available at: Click here (Accessed: 14 October 2022).
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