Don’t let planting be an afterthought in your newly landscaped garden…

Gardens are made or lost on their planting - whatever your garden looks like, a professionally designed planting scheme makes all the difference. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing inherently wrong with buying plants on impulse as many people do, but when you step back and look at the bigger picture, those random purchases rarely create the kind of garden that stops people in their tracks.

After twenty years working as a gardener and garden designer, I've seen firsthand what happens when you approach planting with proper planning versus just winging it. The difference isn't subtle – it's transformative. When a landscape garden designer takes time to really understand a space before selecting plants, magic happens. But it's not actually magic, of course. It's just good science mixed with a bit of artistic flair.

Most people think about plants the way they think about furniture – you pick what looks nice and plonk it where there's space. But plants aren't static objects. They grow, they interact with each other, they respond to their environment in ways that can either work beautifully or create absolute chaos five years down the line. The soil under your feet tells a story that most gardeners never bother to read. Is it heavy clay that turns into concrete in summer? Sandy soil that drinks water like a sponge? Acidic ground that makes certain plants sing with happiness while others sulk? A skilled landscape designer reads these stories before making plant choices, which is why their designs actually thrive instead of just surviving.

Then there's the question of what you want your garden to do for you. Sure, it needs to look good, but do you want wildlife? Do you need privacy? Are you hoping to grow food? Do you want something that looks spectacular in spring when you're out there more, or autumn when you're watching from the kitchen window? These aren't questions you answer by wandering around a nursery on a Saturday afternoon. Professional garden designers think in decades, not seasons. They know that the spindly sapling you plant today will be a magnificent specimen in fifteen years – but only if it's in the right spot with the right companions. They understand that some plants are sprint runners while others are marathon champions, and they orchestrate these different timings to create gardens that evolve and improve with age rather than becoming overgrown messes.

It is also vital to understand your local ecosystem. Plants that evolved in your climate don't just look more natural – they require less water, fewer chemicals, and less fussing about. They provide food for local birds and insects, creating those wonderful moments when your garden feels alive with butterflies and birdsong. When a landscape gardener chooses plants that actually belong in your area, your garden becomes part of something bigger than just your property boundaries.

But perhaps the biggest advantage of working with someone who really knows plants is avoiding expensive mistakes. I've rescued countless gardens where well-meaning owners planted something vigorous in completely the wrong place, or chose plants with conflicting needs, or simply picked varieties that were never going to work in their particular conditions. These mistakes aren't just disappointing – they're costly to fix. Your garden is probably one of the biggest investments you'll make in your property. It deserves the same thoughtful planning you'd give any other major project. The difference between random planting and thoughtful design isn't just about having a prettier garden – it's about creating an outdoor space that genuinely enhances your life for years to come.

Tom Angel is a Chartered Horticulturist and Master of Horticulture (RHS) based in Glasgow. After twenty years working with plants, from hands-on gardening to award-winning design projects, Tom specialises in creating planting plans that work with Scotland's conditions rather than against them.

To discuss any aspect of wildflower meadow installation, give Tom a call on 0141 432 1141 or email on tom@tomangel.co.uk