You’ve invested in making the inside of your new home beautiful. Now you’re wondering what it takes to do the same with the garden — and what a garden designer in Sussex or Surrey actually costs.

It’s a question I hear in almost every discovery call. You’ve moved into a new property — perhaps downsized, perhaps started a new chapter — and the garden doesn’t feel like yours yet. You know what you want it to feel like, but you’re less sure about the practicalities: what’s involved, what’s realistic, and what you should budget.

I’m Victoria, the founder of Studio Hummingbird. I design bespoke gardens for discerning homeowners across Sussex and Surrey — from Worthing and Brighton on the coast to Horsham, Storrington, and Chichester. Here’s an honest guide to garden designer cost in Sussex and Surrey — what to budget, what’s included, and how to get the best value in 2026.

Starting the Conversation: Discovery Calls and Consultations

The best garden designs begin with listening — understanding how you live, what you’ve loved about previous gardens, and what you want this new space to feel like. That’s why the first step is always a conversation, not a quote.

What to expect to pay at this stage:

Discovery call (complimentary, 15-30 minutes) — A relaxed phone or video conversation to explore whether we’re a good fit. There’s no obligation and no hard sell. This is about understanding your vision
On-site consultation — £350 to £990 across Sussex and Surrey, depending on the designer. This is typically 1-2 hours walking your garden together, discussing possibilities, and getting a feel for the space
The Garden Whisper — Our signature 90-minute on-site clarity session. You’ll come away with clear direction, practical next steps, and the confidence to move forward — whether that’s with us or independently. It’s designed for people who want expert guidance without committing to a full design project straight away

Find out more about The Garden Whisper.

What’s Actually Included in a Garden Design Fee?

When you invest in a professional garden design, you’re not paying for a drawing — you’re paying for someone to think deeply about your space, your lifestyle, and how to make the two work beautifully together. Much like working with an interior designer, the value is in the vision, the expertise, and the attention to detail.

A design fee typically covers:

Detailed site survey — Accurate measurements, levels, drainage, soil assessment, aspect, and existing features. This is the foundation everything is built on
Design brief — An in-depth conversation about how you want to feel in your garden, how you’ll use it, your style, and your budget. A good designer asks the questions you haven’t thought of yet
Concept design — The initial layout showing zones, pathways, seating areas, planting areas, and key features, presented as a scaled plan with mood boards
3D visualisation — At Studio Hummingbird, we use the latest technology to bring your garden to life in 3D before a single plant goes in the ground. This means you can make confident decisions and avoid costly surprises
Detailed design and specifications — Construction-ready drawings with materials, levels, and dimensions that your landscaper works from
Planting plan — A carefully considered plan showing exactly what to plant where, chosen for your specific soil, aspect, and the atmosphere you want to create. This is where a designer’s plant knowledge truly earns its fee
Project coordination — Overseeing the build from concept to completion, liaising with landscapers, and making site visits to ensure the vision is realised exactly as designed

How Garden Designers Charge

It’s helpful to understand that garden designers across Sussex and Surrey use different pricing models. Knowing how fees are structured helps you compare quotes fairly:

Percentage of project cost — Many designers charge 10-16% of the total garden build budget. For a £30,000 garden transformation, that means a design fee of £3,000 to £4,800. This model naturally scales with the complexity and scope of your project
Fixed project fee — A set price agreed upfront for the complete design, based on the size and complexity of your garden. This is how we typically work at Studio Hummingbird — it gives you certainty from the start
Hourly rate — Some designers charge £60 to £200 per hour. This can work for smaller advisory projects, but for a full garden design it’s harder to predict the total cost
Survey fees — A standalone measured survey typically costs £450 to £800, depending on garden size. This is sometimes charged separately, sometimes included in the design package

Whichever model a designer uses, always ask for a clear breakdown of what’s included before you commit. The Society of Garden Designers recommends getting at least two or three proposals so you can compare like-for-like. The cheapest quote often covers far less than a comprehensive design package.

Design-Only Packages

If you’d like professional plans but want to work with your own landscaper — or implement changes gradually — a design-only package gives you the creative vision and technical drawings without the full build management.

Typical investment in Sussex and Surrey:

Courtyard or small garden (up to 50m²) — £2,000 to £4,000
Medium garden (50-150m²) — £4,000 to £7,500
Large or complex garden (150m²+) — £7,500 to £12,000+

This includes everything from the survey through to detailed planting plans and 3D visualisations. The level of detail means your landscaper has everything they need to bring the design to life faithfully.

Learn more about our design-only service.

Full Garden Transformation: From Concept to Completion

This is where the magic truly happens. A full garden transformation means we handle everything — from the first conversation through to the moment you step into your finished garden. We coordinate with trusted local landscapers, oversee every stage of construction, and ensure the result is exactly what you envisioned.

Realistic investment in Sussex and Surrey (design + build):

Considered garden refresh — £10,000 to £25,000 (thoughtful redesign of planting, updated terrace or pathways, improved flow and atmosphere)
Signature garden transformation — £25,000 to £50,000 (new layout, quality hard landscaping, layered planting scheme, lighting design)
Premium or complex project — £50,000 to £100,000+ (complete redesign with significant construction, water features, outdoor entertaining spaces, bespoke elements)

The design fee is typically 10-15% of the overall project investment, with the remainder going to landscaping, materials, and planting.

Browse our project portfolio to see examples, including full garden transformations across Sussex.

A cost breakdown of a previous project with a total investment of £ 50 000.

What About Ongoing Costs?

A beautifully designed garden isn’t a one-off investment — it’s a living space that needs care to stay at its best. The good news is that a well-designed garden is far easier and less expensive to maintain than one that’s been put together without a plan.

When we design your garden, we consider long-term maintenance from the outset. That means choosing plants that suit your soil and conditions (so they thrive naturally rather than struggle), designing borders that are manageable, and specifying materials that age gracefully.

Most of our clients work with a professional gardener for regular upkeep — typically £30 to £50 per visit for fortnightly or monthly maintenance. This keeps your garden looking its best year-round and protects your investment. We’re happy to recommend gardeners we trust in your area.

Garden Designer vs Landscaper: Understanding the Difference

This is one of the most common questions I’m asked, and it’s an important distinction when you’re planning your investment.

A garden designer is the creative mind behind your garden — the person who plans the layout, selects materials and plants, and creates the overall vision. Think of it as the architect for your outdoor space. With a background in interior design as well as garden design, I approach every project with the same attention to detail you’d expect inside your home.

A landscaper is the skilled craftsperson who builds the garden — laying stone, constructing walls, installing drainage, and carrying out the groundwork. They bring the designer’s vision to life.

At Studio Hummingbird, we focus on the design and project management, working with a carefully chosen network of trusted landscapers across Sussex and Surrey. This means you get specialist expertise at every stage, and we recommend the right team for your particular project — whether it’s a planting-focused transformation or a full structural redesign.

For most projects, having both a designer and a landscaper gives you the best result — a garden that’s not only beautifully built but beautifully thought through.

What Influences the Cost of Your Garden?

Every garden is unique, and several factors shape the investment required:

Size and complexity — A larger garden requires more detailed planning and more materials, but even a compact courtyard can be a significant project if the design is sophisticated
Access — Restricted access (narrow side passages, steps, no rear entry) can add 10-20% to construction costs
Ground conditions — The heavy clay soils around Horsham and the Weald often need drainage solutions. Chalk soils near Arundel and the Downs influence plant selection. In the Arun Valley around Pulborough, ground conditions change markedly between the river and higher ground
Slopes and levels — Retaining walls and terracing add cost but can create beautiful, characterful spaces. Many gardens in the South Downs foothills around Storrington have sloping plots with stunning potential
Materials — Natural stone, hardwood, and bespoke elements cost more than standard alternatives, but they age beautifully and elevate the entire feel of a garden. We always recommend materials that complement your home’s character
Planting — A rich, layered planting scheme with mature specimens costs more than minimal planting, but it’s what transforms a garden from a space into a sanctuary

Questions Worth Asking Before You Choose a Garden Designer

If you’re comparing garden designers in Sussex or Surrey, these are the questions that will help you find the right fit — not just the right price:

“Can I see projects similar to mine?” — Look for gardens of a similar scale and style to yours. A designer who has worked with properties like your new home will understand the challenges and opportunities instinctively
“What exactly is included?” — Understand whether you’re getting a concept sketch or a complete design package with detailed plans, planting schemes, and 3D visualisations. The difference in value is significant
“Do you manage the build, or just hand over the plans?” — Some designers provide drawings and leave you to find a landscaper. Others, like Studio Hummingbird, guide you from concept to completion. Know which you need
“How do you approach the design process?” — The best designers listen before they draw. Your garden should reflect your life, your tastes, and the way you want to feel when you step outside — not just what looks good on paper
“Can you work within my budget?” — An experienced designer will be honest about what’s achievable and may suggest phasing the work rather than compromising the design
“What’s the timeline?” — From first meeting to final plans typically takes 6-10 weeks, depending on complexity. Construction adds weeks or months beyond that. If you want your garden ready for summer entertaining, start the conversation in winter

Is the Cost of a Garden Designer in Sussex Worth It?

Here’s something many people don’t consider: a professionally designed garden can increase your property’s value by up to 20%. But beyond the financial return, a garden that truly works for you enriches your daily life in ways that are hard to put a price on.

If you’ve already invested in making the inside of your home beautiful, you understand the value of professional design. The same principle applies outdoors — perhaps even more so, because the garden is the first thing you see when you arrive home and the view you enjoy from almost every room.

A thoughtfully designed garden:

Feels like a natural extension of your home, not an afterthought
Uses materials and planting chosen specifically for your conditions — so everything thrives
Becomes a sanctuary for your wellbeing — a place to unwind, reconnect with nature, and find calm
Works for your lifestyle, whether that’s peaceful mornings with coffee, evening entertaining, or simply a beautiful view from the kitchen window
Gives you confidence in the budget before work begins — no surprises
Requires less maintenance over time, because the right plants are in the right places
Adds genuine, lasting value to your property

For anyone investing over £10,000 in their garden, professional design almost always saves money and heartache in the long run. The cost of correcting mistakes — moving a poorly placed patio, replacing plants that never suited the soil, or rethinking a layout that doesn’t flow — far exceeds the cost of getting it right the first time.

Read more about why a professionally designed garden is a worthwhile investment.

Ready to Start the Conversation?

If you’ve recently moved and want your new garden to feel like home — a space that reflects who you are and supports the life you want to live — I’d love to hear from you.

We work with homeowners across Sussex and Surrey, including Worthing, Brighton, Horsham, Chichester, Arundel, Shoreham-by-Sea, and the surrounding villages and countryside.

Book a complimentary discovery call and let’s talk about what’s possible for your garden. Or learn more about our garden design services and how we work.

Studio Hummingbird — designing gardens that feel like home.

Get in touch