Award-Winning Garden Design & Landscape Construction
Creating bespoke outdoor spaces across the South East of England and beyond.
At Dakic Garden Design & Landscape Construction, we bring together award-winning garden design, expert craftsmanship, and a deep passion for transforming outdoor environments. Based in Arundel, West Sussex, we proudly serve the South East of England and beyond, delivering high-quality, tailor-made gardens that balance beauty, function, and sustainability.
Who Are We?
We’re a family-led, multi-skilled team with decades of combined experience in garden design and landscaping. As multiple award-winners, we believe every garden should reflect the people who use it—whether it's a quiet sanctuary, a vibrant social space, or a blend of both.
Our approach is collaborative, hands-on, and detail-focused—from the first consultation to the final planting.
Read below about our process or click “See Portfolio’ to view our work
Initial Consultation
Our first meeting with you is all about understanding your vision. We take the time to listen—carefully and openly—to your ideas, needs, and aspirations for your outdoor space. Whether you're dreaming of a peaceful retreat, a family-friendly garden, or an outdoor area for entertaining, we want to understand how you live and how your garden can reflect that.
During this free consultation, we’ll also assess your site’s specific conditions—such as soil quality, light levels, climate, and existing features—to ensure that every element of the design is not only beautiful but also practical and sustainable.
Together, we'll explore possibilities, share ideas and inspiration, and outline a clear plan for moving forward. It’s the first step in turning your garden dreams into a space that truly works for you.
Garden Survey & Design Process
Our process begins with a thorough garden survey, where we assess the layout, soil conditions, climate, and existing features of your outdoor space. This detailed evaluation helps us understand the unique characteristics of your garden and ensures that we create a design that works in harmony with its natural environment. Once we've gathered all the necessary information, we collaborate with you to craft a design that aligns with your vision, preferences, and functional needs. Whether you're seeking a contemporary outdoor living area, a lush plant-filled retreat, or a low-maintenance landscape, we tailor every element to suit your style. The result is a well-considered, bespoke garden design that balances aesthetics, practicality, and sustainability—ready to transform your space into a beautiful, lasting oasis.
From Drawings to Reality
With the design finalised, the transformation of your garden begins. Using detailed plans that outline every element—from hard landscaping like patios and pathways to thoughtful planting schemes—we begin turning vision into reality.
Our experienced team manages each stage of the build with precision, from site preparation to installation. We work with trusted contractors and skilled craftsmen to ensure exceptional quality, attention to detail, and seamless execution.
Throughout the process, we keep you involved and informed, adapting where needed to honour both the design and the evolving character of the site. The result is more than a completed garden—it’s a living, functional space crafted to reflect your lifestyle and aesthetic, brought to life from paper to the last planted tree.
Dakic Garden Design Celebrates Major Wins with "The 160th Unbirthday of Alice in Wonderland" Show Garden
We are incredibly proud to have been awarded Platinum, Best in Category, and the coveted Public Choice Award—a rare trio of accolades that highlight our passion for exceptional garden design and our ability to deliver impact, atmosphere, and originality. These honours underscore our commitment to creating bespoke outdoor spaces that reflect our clients’ personalities while standing out with artistic flair.
If you're dreaming of a garden that goes beyond the conventional, Dakic Garden Design is here to help. Whether you envision a peaceful retreat, a theatrical statement, or something completely unique, we’re ready to bring your ideas to life with creativity, professionalism, and award-winning expertise.
We’re delighted to announce the overwhelming success of our show garden, “The 160th Unbirthday of Alice in Wonderland”, which captivated audiences at the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair in May 2025. This vibrant, whimsical design was inspired by the Mad Hatter’s tea party and brought to life a shady, woodland escape filled with playful details, enchanting planting, and a bold celebration of colour and creativity.
The garden was not only a hit with fairgoers but also caught the attention of the BBC, who featured it as a standout spectacle of the show. The combination of layered woodland textures, immersive storytelling, and joyful, theatrical design made it truly unforgettable. Hidden curiosities, oversized tea party props, and imaginative plant pairings turned every corner into a magical moment of discovery.
FAQs
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A thoughtfully designed garden can transform your outdoor space into a peaceful retreat, a space for entertaining, or an extension of your home that adds beauty and value. Garden design is not just about planting flowers—it’s about creating a holistic outdoor environment that reflects your personality, enhances your lifestyle, and complements the architecture of your home. Here’s why a professional garden design can be one of the best decisions you make for your property:
1. Maximizes Your Space
A professional garden design helps you make the most of the space you have, whether it’s a tiny city garden or a large estate. Through careful planning and design, we can ensure that every inch of your garden serves a purpose, making it both functional and beautiful.
2. Increases the Value of Your Property
Well-designed gardens can significantly increase the value of your property. A garden that’s aesthetically pleasing and thoughtfully planned attracts potential buyers and enhances curb appeal. It creates the perfect first impression and encourages outdoor living—a key factor for many buyers today.
3. Tailored to Your Needs and Style
Every garden is unique, and so are the people who use it. Whether you want a garden for relaxation, entertainment, growing your own food, or simply for aesthetic enjoyment, a bespoke design can be tailored to your specific desires. It’s not just about choosing plants—it’s about creating a space that suits your needs, preferences, and lifestyle.
4. Sustainable and Low Maintenance
A good design is one that works in harmony with nature and is easy to maintain. We prioritize sustainable design principles, like choosing the right plants for the environment, using eco-friendly materials, and optimizing water usage. This ensures that your garden thrives with minimal effort and maximum enjoyment.
5. Expert Advice and Guidance
As designers, we bring expert knowledge of plant selection, materials, layout, and garden trends. With our guidance, you’ll avoid costly mistakes and ensure that the plants and features you choose are not only visually appealing but also practical and long-lasting.
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At Dakic Garden Design and Landscape Construction, we believe that a beautiful garden begins with a thoughtful design process. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how we work with our clients to create their dream garden:
Step 1: Initial Consultation
We begin by getting to know you, your space, and your vision. During our initial consultation, we listen to your needs and desires, discuss your lifestyle, and explore your preferences. We’ll assess your garden’s size, layout, and any unique features, and we’ll talk about your budget and any specific requirements you may have.
Step 2: Site Analysis & Concept Development
Next, we conduct a detailed site analysis. We look at the existing conditions—soil quality, sunlight, drainage, and any challenges like slopes or shade. From there, we create a design concept that reflects your style, fits the environment, and utilizes the space in the best way possible.
Step 3: Design Presentation
Once the concept is ready, we present it to you with a detailed design plan. This includes layouts, plant selections, materials, and any special features we recommend (like pathways, seating areas, or water features). We want you to feel confident about the design, so we make sure every detail is clear, and we’re happy to adjust the plan to fit your vision.
Step 4: Planting & Construction
After the design is approved, we move on to the planting and construction phase. Whether it’s building raised beds, installing flint walls, or carefully planting trees and shrubs, we take great care in bringing your design to life. Our team works efficiently to ensure that the project stays on track and meets your expectations.
Step 5: Final Touches & Maintenance Advice
Once the garden is complete, we add the finishing touches to enhance the aesthetic—whether it’s mulch, decorative elements, or garden lighting. We also provide advice on maintaining your garden so it continues to flourish over time, ensuring that you can enjoy it for years to come.
Step 6: Enjoy Your New Outdoor Space
Finally, it’s time for you to enjoy your new garden! Whether it’s relaxing in your serene outdoor sanctuary or hosting a garden party, your space is now ready for you to create memories and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds you.
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Choosing Dakic Garden Design & Landscape Construction could be a smart decision for several reasons, especially if you're looking for high-quality, professional landscaping and garden design. Here are key reasons why someone might choose this company:
1. Comprehensive Services
Dakic offers a full range of services—from initial garden design to full-scale landscape construction. This means you don’t have to deal with multiple contractors.
2. Custom Design Solutions
They likely tailor their designs to fit your space, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences, rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions.
3. Experienced Team
A company with a solid reputation like Dakic usually employs experienced landscapers, horticulturalists, and project managers, ensuring professional workmanship and attention to detail.
4. Quality Materials
They probably use high-quality, durable materials suited to the local climate, which helps ensure your outdoor space lasts and remains beautiful over time.
5. Strong Client Focus
Companies with positive reputations typically emphasize customer satisfaction, clear communication, and timely project delivery.
6. Sustainable Practices
If they emphasize eco-friendly landscaping techniques (such as water-wise gardening, native plants, or sustainable materials), that’s a big plus for environmentally conscious clients.
Would you like help creating a brochure or website content based on these points?We are horticulturists first and designers second. We understand plants and their requirements. with this our gardens are naturally different from one to another and make the design bespoke to each client.
Our experience and expertise allow us to handle projects of all sizes, from intimate garden spaces to larger, more complex designs. We combine art, functionality, and sustainability to create gardens that not only look beautiful but also work well for the long term.
Let us help you bring your outdoor space to life with a custom design that reflects your personality, enhances your lifestyle, and adds lasting value to your home.
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The cost of garden design in the UK varies depending on the size and complexity of the project:
Basic Garden Design: £500 – £1,500
(Small garden, simple layout and planting suggestions)Mid-Range Design: £1,500 – £5,000
(Includes planting plans, hard landscaping concepts, mood boards)High-End or Bespoke Design: £5,000 – £15,000+
(Larger or more complex gardens, 3D visuals, lighting plans, detailed construction drawings)
Construction costs are separate and typically range from £100 to £300+ per square metre, depending on materials, features (e.g., paving, decking, water features), and access.
🍽️ Think About Your Kitchen – and Now Think Bigger
Many homeowners in the UK happily spend £15,000–£30,000 or more on a new kitchen—a space that’s often just 15–20 square metres.
But your garden could easily be 2 to 5 times that size, and it has the power to completely transform how you live, entertain, and relax. It’s not just “outdoors”—it’s an extension of your home.
✅ Investing in Your Outdoor Space Makes Sense
Your garden is one of the first things people see and one of the most valuable lifestyle spaces you can create. A professionally designed and constructed garden doesn't just look beautiful—it can:
Add significant value to your property
Extend your living and entertainment space
Improve your wellbeing and daily life
If you’d invest in a quality kitchen, it’s worth considering a similar—or even greater—investment in a garden that’s larger, more versatile, and used year-round.
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Size of the Garden
A small courtyard requires far less planning than a large multi-level garden.
Larger spaces take more time to survey, design, and detail.
2. Complexity of the Design
Simple lawn-and-border designs are relatively quick to plan.
Designs with bespoke features like outdoor kitchens, water features, lighting schemes, or tiered levels take more time and technical skill.
3. Level of Detail
A basic sketch plan costs much less than a full construction-ready package with CAD drawings, planting plans, lighting layouts, and 3D visuals.
High-end projects often require collaboration with structural engineers or drainage specialists, increasing the cost.
4. Materials & Features Included
Are you planning a patio or porcelain terrace? A small pond or a full natural swimming pool? Costs vary enormously based on materials and finishes.
Timber sleepers vs. natural stone steps? It all adds up.
5. Site Conditions
Sloped sites, poor access, drainage issues, or existing structures that need removal can add design time and increase construction costs.
Urban gardens may require more creative problem-solving, while rural ones might need special permissions or planting considerations.
6. Designer’s Experience & Reputation
A newly qualified designer may charge less than a well-established, award-winning practice—but you may get what you pay for.
Established designers also tend to include project management or ongoing consultancy, adding long-term value.
⚖️ In Summary
Just like with kitchens or architecture, garden design costs reflect the time, skill, and vision that go into creating a space that's functional, beautiful, and built to last. The more you want from the space, the more thoughtful and tailored the design needs to be.
Would you like help turning this into a page or blog post for your site?
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Absolutely! We understand that every budget is different, and we're committed to providing a flexible and transparent design process that works for you. Here are some ways we can help keep your garden design more affordable:
Simplify the Design: If you're working with a smaller budget, we can focus on a simpler design with fewer features. For example, we may recommend more cost-effective materials or scale down the complexity of hardscaping elements like retaining walls, patios, or custom-built features.
Gradual Implementation: If you’re dreaming of a larger garden transformation but want to spread out the costs, we can create a phased design. This allows us to prioritize the most important elements for the first phase and gradually add more features over time as your budget allows.
Plant Selection: We can help you choose plants that are both visually appealing and more affordable. Opting for younger plants, local varieties, or more common species can reduce costs while still giving your garden a beautiful, natural feel.
DIY-Friendly Options: If you're comfortable with hands-on work, we can design a space that’s easy for you to implement yourself. We’ll provide clear instructions and guidance so you can complete parts of the project on your own, reducing labour costs.
Reuse and Repurpose: If you already have materials or plants in your garden that you love, we can incorporate them into the new design to reduce costs. We can help you repurpose existing features, like stone, timber, or mature plants, so they work within your updated garden plan.
Flexible Design Options: We offer different design packages, ranging from full-service design and build to consultancy-only services, where we provide a design plan and you can take it from there. This gives you the flexibility to decide how much involvement you’d like from us and how much you'd like to handle independently.
We’re here to work within your budget to create a garden you’ll love, without compromising on quality or design integrity. During our initial consultation, we’ll discuss your goals and budget to develop a plan that’s tailored to your needs, ensuring you get the best value for your investment.
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Looking to transform your space? Contact us to help make your outdoor room dreams come true!