
After spending the last 10 years in the tech space, it would be remiss of me if I didn’t write an article that looked at how AI technology is revolutionising the garden design industry!
Unless you have been living under a rock, which I won’t knock as there are a lot of benefits to being outside ;), the rise of AI has become a popular tool to do almost everything, but, as you know, there are always trade offs when embracing new technology and this article will explore the benefits and limitations of using AI for garden design and makes a compelling case for why professional garden designers are still indispensable.

In preparing to write this article, I researched a number of the popular AI platforms you can use to create garden designs by uploading a picture of a garden and asking it to generate ideas based on simple prompts like “Design a back garden with a pool and pergola” to the more complex requests we get from our clients. I found them all to be pretty impressive, from their ease of use, speed of accessing different layouts and the realistic nature of their imagery, but as the requests got more complex the responses became more generic and ambiguous!
Being a tech optimist, I was excited to show my Design Team to get their feedback. I was quickly given a dose of reality when they started pointing out all the things that my untrained eye missed or simply didn’t consider! I’ll give you a quick snapshot into some of their questions/comments…
- “How will all that soil be retained around the fire pit?” Great question!
- “You must have a big budget because that garden will cost at least $350K to build!” Wow, that is a lot!!
- “What plants are they and how do they know if there is enough sun for them to grow?” There’s heaps of sun in Australia, they’ll be fine!
- “What other information is there apart from a picture?” More pictures!
- “That pool fence is non-compliant!” Pool fences need to be compliant?

It then dawned on me, the role of AI software for Garden Design is currently Pinterest on steroids – it is great for streamlining the initial stages of garden planning but it lacks the depth of understanding and personal touch that professional garden designers bring to the table.
Here’s why partnering with an experienced garden designer is crucial for creating a truly exceptional outdoor space:
Understanding True Dimension
AI-generated designs often rely on generic templates and may not accurately account for the unique dimensions and characteristics of your property. Professional designers use land survey data to measure, analyse and evaluate the specific features of your garden, ensuring that the design fits perfectly within the existing space.
Botanic Example: Using the information from our Virtual Land Survey, we were able to advise our client how to best structure their garden to account for the awkward slope they had. From their initial ideas, we were able to redesign the layout to help reduce the number of retaining walls which saved approximately $20,000 – the client loved the overall look of their garden and commented that it was more in-line with how they intended it.

Local Plant Knowledge
A successful garden is not just about aesthetics, it’s about choosing the right plants that thrive in your local climate and soil conditions. Experienced garden designers have extensive knowledge of regional flora and can select plants that will flourish in your environment, reducing maintenance and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Botanic Example: A client was after a low-maintenance garden that had colour all year round. Understanding the sun/shade structure to her garden, we were able to select the right native species like Grevillea and Kangaroo Paw and placed them appropriately to ensure her garden would thrive with minimal upkeep and still had colour in the Winter months.
Creative Problem-Solving
AI can provide a multitude of design options, but it may lack the creative problem-solving skills needed to address unique challenges. Professional designers bring creativity and innovative solutions to overcome obstacles such as uneven terrain, poor soil quality, and limited space, transforming potential problems into stunning features.
Botanic Example: A couple came to us with a garden design that they had received quotes for which were far too expensive. We reviewed the plans and replaced $70,000 of retaining walls with natural sandstone blocks, local to the area, and created an embankment which we planted out with native plants to ensure stability in years to come. This client was shocked at how much money we saved them and how much better the garden looked with the new design!

Personalised Touch
Every garden is a reflection of its owner’s personality and lifestyle. While AI offers customisation, it may not fully capture your vision and preferences. A professional designer takes the time to understand your needs, preferences, and how you intend to use the space, crafting a garden that is truly personalised and meaningful.
Botanic Example: Our client came to us with a specific request – to get their children to engage with their garden. The land was on a steep slope with a flat surface at the rear. To make the space more inviting for their young children, we incorporated a slide to invite them down to a newly turfed area and included a rock climbing garden to help them back up to the house. Our clients had never considered this as an option and thanked us for opening their eyes to what they deemed to be an unusable space.
Comprehensive Design Documents
A well-designed garden involves more than just a visual plan. Professional designers provide comprehensive design documents, including concept plans, detailed planting schedules, lighting schedules and construction specifications. These documents are essential for maintaining accurate construction quotes for comparison and ensuring that every aspect of the design is executed to perfection.
Botanic Example: From our construction experience, we have too many examples of how costs and timelines have blown out when there haven’t been comprehensive design documents available. From lack of consideration of build elements e.g. retaining walls to ideas that do not structurally work or are very expensive to achieve – in most of these cases a comprehensive design would have prevented these issues and made the construction process much more cost effective and faster.
Conclusion
AI technology offers exciting possibilities for garden design, making it easier to explore different styles and concepts. However, for those serious about redesigning their garden to make the most out of its space and functionality, the expertise of a professional garden designer is invaluable. Combining the innovative power of AI with the nuanced understanding and creativity of a human designer ensures a truly exceptional garden that enhances your home, nurtures your well-being and helps you build lasting memories with your loved ones.