When people think of a gardener, they often imagine someone mowing lawns, trimming hedges and keeping flower beds tidy. While garden maintenance is important, a landscape gardener does much more than simply look after an existing garden. Landscaping involves planning, designing and creating outdoor spaces that are attractive, practical and suited to the way you want to live.
At DH Landscapes, we help homeowners across Taunton and Somerset transform tired, outdated or underused gardens into outdoor spaces they can enjoy throughout the year. From installing artificial grass and new fencing to creating complete garden transformations, our work is about making the most of your outdoor space.
What Is the Difference Between a Gardener and a Landscape Gardener?
A traditional gardener often focuses on maintaining an existing garden. This might include mowing the lawn, pruning plants, weeding borders and keeping everything looking neat.
A landscape gardener, on the other hand, focuses on the structure, layout and overall design of the garden. This can involve changing the shape of the space, installing new surfaces, replacing fencing, improving drainage and creating dedicated areas for relaxing, entertaining or spending time with family.
Of course, there can be some overlap between the two roles. However, if your garden needs more than routine maintenance, a landscape gardener can help you plan and carry out the improvements needed to transform it.
Garden Design and Layout
One of the most important parts of landscaping is deciding how your garden should look and function.
Perhaps your existing garden feels too small, lacks privacy or has an awkward layout. Maybe you have a large lawn that you rarely use, or an old patio that no longer suits your needs. A landscape gardener can help you identify what isn’t working and consider ways to improve it.
This might involve creating a new patio for outdoor dining, adding raised planters, dividing the garden into different zones or choosing materials that complement your property.
Good garden design isn’t just about appearance. It’s also about making the space practical. For example, families might need room for children to play, while homeowners who enjoy entertaining may want a spacious patio with room for garden furniture and a barbecue.
At DH Landscapes, we consider how different elements can work together to create a garden that suits your lifestyle, your property and your budget.
Artificial Grass Installation
Artificial grass has become a popular choice for homeowners who want a green, attractive lawn without the ongoing work associated with natural grass.
A professionally installed artificial lawn can provide a clean, usable surface throughout the year, without regular mowing and with fewer problems caused by muddy patches. It’s particularly appealing for busy households, families and people who want to spend more time enjoying their garden.
However, achieving a good result involves much more than simply rolling out artificial turf. Proper preparation is essential, including removing unsuitable material, creating a stable base and considering drainage.
As a Diamond Artificial Grass Approved Installer, DH Landscapes can help homeowners choose a suitable artificial grass product and install it with attention to the preparation and finishing details that contribute to a quality result.
Whether you’re replacing a worn-out lawn or incorporating artificial grass into a complete garden redesign, it’s an option worth considering.
Fencing and Structural Landscaping
Fencing is another important part of many landscaping projects. A new fence can improve privacy, create a more attractive boundary and help bring the overall garden design together.
There are many styles to choose from, including traditional closeboard fencing and contemporary slatted designs. The best option depends on your priorities, whether that’s privacy, appearance, durability or allowing more light into the garden.
Structural landscaping can also include features such as raised planters, screening and other elements that help define different areas of the space.
Quality materials and correct installation are particularly important for outdoor structures, which need to withstand changing weather conditions throughout the year.
DH Landscapes is proud to be a Jacksons Fencing Approved Installer. Jacksons offers premium fencing systems designed for long-term performance, providing homeowners with quality options when upgrading their garden boundaries.
Patios and Paving
A patio can completely change how you use your garden. It provides a dedicated area for relaxing, dining and entertaining, while helping connect your home with the rest of your outdoor space.
A landscape gardener can help you consider the right size, position and paving material for your project. Options might include contemporary porcelain paving or natural stone, depending on the appearance you want and how the area will be used.
Ground preparation, levels and drainage are just as important as the paving itself. Without proper preparation, even attractive paving can develop problems over time.
By considering the patio as part of the wider garden design, you can create a space that feels connected to the lawn, planting, fencing and other features rather than simply adding a paved area without an overall plan.
Complete Garden Transformations
Sometimes, making a few small improvements isn’t enough. If your garden is outdated, difficult to maintain or no longer meets your needs, a complete garden transformation may be the best solution.
This involves looking at the garden as a whole and planning how each element will work together. An existing lawn might be replaced with artificial grass, old paving could be upgraded, fencing might be renewed and raised planters could introduce structure and greenery.
The groundwork is particularly important during a full transformation. Drainage, levels and the preparation of each area need to be considered before the visible finishing touches are installed.
A well-planned transformation can make a garden more attractive, easier to maintain and better suited to everyday life. It can also help make better use of awkward spaces that previously felt wasted.
Why Choose a Local Landscape Gardener in Taunton?
Choosing a landscape gardener who works locally can make it easier to discuss your project, arrange a site visit and develop a design suited to your property.
Gardens across Taunton and Somerset vary considerably, from compact new-build gardens to larger established outdoor spaces. Local weather conditions are also worth considering, particularly when planning drainage, patios, fencing and other features exposed to the elements.
It’s important to choose a contractor who understands the practical side of landscaping as well as the visual design. Look for examples of completed projects, customer reviews and relevant qualifications or approved installer credentials.
You should also make sure the proposed work is clearly explained, including the materials being used, the preparation required and the scope of the installation.
How Much Does a Landscape Gardener Cost?
The cost of hiring a landscape gardener depends on the size of the garden, the work involved and the materials you choose.
A straightforward fencing replacement or artificial grass installation will usually involve different requirements from a complete garden transformation involving new paving, groundwork, drainage, fencing and planting.
Access can also affect the project, particularly where materials need to be moved through a property or where existing landscaping must be removed first.
The best starting point is to identify your priorities and discuss your ideas with a professional. This helps establish what is achievable within your budget and which improvements will make the biggest difference to your garden.
Transform Your Garden with DH Landscapes
A landscape gardener does far more than keep a garden tidy. From the initial layout and groundwork to fencing, artificial grass, patios and finishing details, landscaping is about creating an outdoor space that looks good and works for the people who use it.
At DH Landscapes, we provide professional landscaping services throughout Taunton and Somerset. With over 15 years of experience, more than 30 five-star reviews, and approved installer status with both Jacksons Fencing and Diamond Artificial Grass, we’re committed to delivering quality workmanship and practical garden solutions.
Whether you’re planning a small improvement or a complete garden transformation, we’d love to help you make the most of your outdoor space.
Looking for a landscape gardener in Taunton? Get in touch with DH Landscapes today for a free, no-obligation quote and let’s discuss your garden project.
