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The average rating for Bark Gardeners is 4.76, based on 1,300,493 reviews
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based on 1,300,493 reviews
A beautiful spring garden starts with careful planning. Before hiring a gardener or grabbing your tools, think about your goals for the space. Do you want a low-maintenance garden that looks great all year, or are you aiming for a productive vegetable patch to supply your kitchen?
Professional garden designers emphasize that investing time in planning can save money and prevent disappointment later. Consultation fees for garden designers range from £150–£200 per day, while full design services for a medium-sized garden can cost between £2,000 and £5,000, depending on complexity and location, according to Bark's gardener price guide.
Spring garden maintenance costs vary based on garden size and required tasks. Basic maintenance, including lawn care, pruning, and weeding, typically costs £300–£500 for a medium-sized garden. If you're adding new plants or features, plan your budget accordingly:
Lawn mowing: £15–£40 per session
Garden clearance: £150–£400, depending on size
Planting services: £200–£500 for a medium border
Hedge trimming: £40–£60 per hour
For more detailed advice on maintaining your lawn, consider these lawn care tips to keep your grass healthy and vibrant throughout the season.
Sustainability is a key trend in 2025 garden design. Creating a garden that works with nature benefits the environment and can reduce maintenance time and costs.
With climate change and water restrictions, low-water garden designs are increasingly popular. These gardens maintain lushness while significantly cutting water use.
Consider drought-tolerant plants like yarrow, catmint, and kangaroo paw, which offer beautiful blooms without frequent watering. According to the Royal Horticultural Society, these plants can thrive with up to 50% less water than traditional garden plants once established, making them ideal for sustainable spring gardens RHS Water-Wise Gardening Guide.
Incorporating native plants supports local wildlife and creates a sustainable, low-maintenance landscape. Native plants are adapted to local conditions, requiring less water, fertiliser, and pest control than exotic species.
"Native plants provide essential habitat and food sources for local pollinators and wildlife, creating a garden that's not just beautiful but ecologically valuable." – Sarah Wilson, Ecological Garden Designer
Traditional fencing is being replaced by living boundaries that enhance beauty and wildlife value. Mixed hedges with plants like Viburnum and Gardenia offer privacy while supporting biodiversity and adding seasonal interest.
Living fences can cost £20–£50 per metre for plants, depending on species and size. Though initially more expensive than traditional fencing, they often last longer and provide benefits like improved air quality and wildlife habitat.
Limited space doesn't mean limited gardening possibilities. Urban gardeners are creatively maximizing small areas with vertical gardens, container plantings, and multifunctional features. For more ideas on optimizing small spaces, explore these gardening tips for small spaces.
Raised beds are excellent for gardens with poor soil or limited space. They allow control over soil quality and create optimal growing conditions for both ornamentals and edibles.
A professionally installed raised bed typically costs £300–£600, depending on materials and size. DIY options can be more affordable, with basic timber raised beds costing £100–£200 for materials.
Water features create tranquil focal points even in small spaces. Modern designs can be installed on decks, terraces, or patios, bringing the soothing sound of water to urban environments.
Small self-contained water features start at £200–£500 for professional installation, while larger custom designs can cost £1,000–£3,000 or more. According to water feature specialists, even a small water element can increase property value by up to 2% while creating a more relaxing outdoor space Landscape Association UK.
Achieving year-round interest starts with thoughtful spring planting. By selecting plants with staggered blooming periods, you can ensure continuous colour from early spring through summer and beyond.
Spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils and tulips create spectacular early displays but can look untidy as they fade. Plant bulbs among later-emerging perennials to hide dying foliage while providing their own display.
"The key to a successful spring garden is layering plants with different blooming times. As one plant finishes flowering, another should be coming into its prime." – James Thompson, Head Gardener at Hidcote Manor
Gardens that evoke a sense of history and natural evolution are gaining popularity. These designs incorporate fast-growing plants and romantic blooms that quickly establish a lived-in garden appearance.
This approach works well for new gardens or those undergoing renovation, creating a mature look quickly. Plants like verbena, echinacea, and ornamental grasses establish quickly while providing movement and texture throughout the seasons.
While many garden tasks can be handled by enthusiastic DIYers, sometimes hiring a professional gardener is wise. Spring maintenance often involves heavy lifting, specialized knowledge, and time-intensive tasks best left to experts.
Consider hiring a gardener when:
You need help with major spring clean-up tasks
You're unsure about proper pruning techniques
You want to redesign garden areas or install new features
You lack the time or physical ability to maintain your garden
You need advice on plant selection and placement
Professional gardeners typically charge £25–£50 per hour or £150–£300 per day, depending on location and expertise. Many offer spring maintenance packages that include comprehensive services to prepare your garden for the growing season. For more insights on hiring the right professional, explore advice and tips for hiring a gardener.
Creating a beautiful spring garden is a rewarding process combining creativity with practical knowledge. Whether you hire a professional or tackle the project yourself, your efforts will reward you with beauty and enjoyment throughout the growing season.
By incorporating sustainable practices like low-water design and native plantings, embracing current design trends such as living boundaries and naturalistic styles, and selecting plants suited to your conditions, you can create an outdoor space that looks stunning, supports local wildlife, and requires less maintenance over time.
Your spring garden makeover can become a personal sanctuary reflecting your style while connecting you to the natural world. With careful planning, budgeting, and attention to seasonal interest, you'll transform your outdoor space into a vibrant and inviting spring oasis.
The average rating for Bark Gardeners is 4.76, based on 1,300,493 reviews
5/5
based on 1,300,493 reviews
Need a gardener but not sure of the cost? Read our handy price guide to find out how much your expert will charge for all your gardening needs, including landscaping services, pressure washing, and more!
