Garden Designers & Landscape Contractors: Why Collaboration Matters

Posted on: October 13th 2026    •    Posted in: Uncategorized

Following my recent involvement in Landscape Connect East, I’ve been reflecting on one of the key themes from the day: the relationship between garden designers and landscape contractors, and how effective collaboration can influence the success of a project.

As a Landscape Project Manager at Gadd Brothers, I work closely with garden designers throughout the construction process. From my experience, the strongest projects are those where the designer and contractor work together as a team from an early stage, rather than viewing construction as simply the final step once the design is complete.

A full set of drawings and a robust specification is fundamental, but there is often much more to consider when a design moves from paper to a live construction site. Materials, levels, access, ground conditions, drainage, sequencing and buildability can all influence how a project develops. Having open conversations about these considerations early can help identify potential challenges and find practical solutions without compromising the original design intent.

For me, collaboration is about bringing different areas of expertise together. Garden designers bring their creative vision, knowledge of planting and understanding of how a space should look and feel. Landscape contractors bring practical construction experience and an understanding of how that vision can be delivered on site.

Neither perspective should work in isolation.

Communication is particularly important on larger or more technically demanding projects. Conditions can change once construction begins, and sometimes a detail needs to be reconsidered or adapted. Having a strong relationship between the designer and contractor means these conversations can happen constructively, with everyone focused on achieving the best possible result for the client.

Landscape Connect East provided a valuable opportunity to discuss these ideas alongside Mandy Buckland MSGLD and other professionals from across the industry. It was particularly useful to hear different perspectives and experiences, and to consider how we can continue to improve the way designers, contractors and suppliers work together.

Events like this are important because the landscape industry is made up of many different disciplines, and there is a great deal we can learn from one another. Strong professional relationships, shared knowledge and a mutual respect for each other’s expertise ultimately benefit the projects we deliver.

It was incredible to see the event raise £1,700 for Perennial, with every penny donated to the charity supporting people working in horticulture. For me the best landscapes are rarely delivered by one person or one discipline alone. They are the result of good people working together, communicating well and combining their skills to deliver a shared vision.