Designing a garden is an exciting opportunity to create a space that reflects your lifestyle, personality, and love of the outdoors. But as with any creative project, it’s easy to get caught up in the vision and overlook a few key details. At Wicked Gardens, we’ve seen our fair share of garden design blunders – and we’re here to make sure you don’t make the same ones.

Whether you’re revamping a small urban courtyard in Lewisham or planning a full-scale garden transformation, here are the most common garden design mistakes – and how to avoid them.

1. Ignoring the Natural Light

The mistake:
Placing plants, seating areas, or focal points in spots without considering how the sun moves through the space.

The fix:
Spend a few days observing how sunlight hits different parts of your garden at different times. Some plants thrive in full sun, while others prefer shade. And if you love sunbathing or dining al fresco, make sure those areas get good natural light when you’ll use them most.

2. Forgetting About Function

The mistake:
Designing for looks without thinking about how you’ll actually use the space.

The fix:
A beautiful garden that’s uncomfortable or impractical won’t get much use. Think about how you live – do you need space for kids to play, somewhere to entertain guests, or a quiet corner to relax with a book? Let function guide your layout before jumping into aesthetics.

3. Overcrowding the Space

The mistake:
Trying to fit too much into a small space – or cramming in too many plant varieties, which can make a garden feel cluttered and chaotic.

The fix:
Less is more. Choose a clear theme or palette, and let your design breathe. A few well-placed features or planting groups will have far more impact than an overcrowded space.

4. Neglecting Maintenance Needs

The mistake:
Choosing high-maintenance plants or materials without considering the time or effort needed to keep them looking their best.

The fix:
Be realistic about how much time you want to spend maintaining your garden. Opt for low-maintenance plants, permeable paving, and smart irrigation if you want a space that’s easy to care for and still looks great year-round.

5. Poor Path and Patio Planning

The mistake:
Narrow, awkward, or poorly placed pathways can make navigating the garden uncomfortable and disrupt its flow.

The fix:
Paths and patios should be wide enough for easy movement and positioned with purpose. Think about how people will move through the space – from the house to the shed, or from the patio to the flowerbeds – and design accordingly.

6. Ignoring the Vertical Space

The mistake:
Focusing only on ground-level design and missing the opportunity to add interest through vertical elements.

The fix:
Use trellises, pergolas, climbing plants, or even tall planters to draw the eye upwards and create a more dynamic, layered garden. Vertical features can also add privacy and structure to the space.

7. Lack of Seasonal Interest

The mistake:
Designing a garden that looks great in one season, but dull and lifeless the rest of the year.

The fix:
Mix evergreen plants with seasonal blooms, and consider adding structural elements like ornamental grasses, winter-flowering shrubs, or feature lighting to keep your garden attractive all year round.

8. No Focal Point

The mistake:
A garden without a focal point can feel aimless or disjointed.

The fix:
Introduce a central feature that draws the eye – it could be a sculpture, a water feature, a statement tree, or even a beautifully designed seating area. A focal point helps anchor the space and brings cohesion to your design.

Final Thoughts

Avoiding these common mistakes can mean the difference between a garden that looks good for a season and one that works, grows, and thrives for years to come.

At Wicked Gardens, we specialise in creating bespoke garden designs that combine beauty with practicality. From consultation to completion, our team is here to guide you through every step of the journey – helping you sidestep the pitfalls and bring your perfect garden to life.

Ready to design your dream garden the right way? Get in touch with Wicked Gardens and let’s start crafting an outdoor space that works beautifully for you.