People sometimes wonder about having their garden redesigned, but don’t know where to start.

Here are some things to think about before selecting a garden designer.

A professional designer will do a lot more than just measure up and produce drawings for a new garden.

They will select landscapers capable of carrying out the work at the most competitive price. They will source materials, monitor the build and move heaven and earth to find the right plants.

A designer may also provide a maintenance plan to ensure the garden stays looking its best. Crucially, a designer will also check to make sure every detail is perfect before the project is completed.

Clear communication between a client and designer is essential. Therefore, be prepared to ask lots of questions. If a designer hasn’t been personally recommended, obtaining references from previous clients is a good place to start.

One question people often ask is: “What training did you receive before embarking on your career in garden design?” Most garden designers have studied for at least a year or two, and having a background in gardening or landscaping can be another string to their bow.

Also, has the garden designer won any awards? Perhaps they’ve been awarded a Royal Horticultural Society medal for a show garden they’ve designed or have scooped the top prize in a competition.

As well as having to produce a horticultural display at a very high standard, accolades such as these help demonstrate a designer’s ability to design and project manage the build of a garden.

Rather than giving an off-the-peg solution, a good designer will deliver something that’s unique to their clients’ individual requirements and style.

With clear communication and by asking the right questions you’ll be able to find the right garden designer and make your dream garden a reality.

Georgina Chahed is a garden designer and the owner of Touch Landscapes. Visit touchlandscapes.com