New Algarve Property – Hiring a Garden Designer or DIY

Bought a New Algarve Property and Need to Redesign the Garden?

Introduction

Buying a new Algarve property comes with many decisions, including interior design, external painting, and the garden.

If you are lucky enough to buy an Algarve property with an established and beautiful garden, then just a few minor changes and general maintenance will be needed.

However, if you want a total makeover, you must decide whether to tackle the job yourself or get professionals to do it. 

Ultimately, whether to hire a professional gardener or do it yourself is a personal decision. There are many factors to consider, such as your budget, time constraints, and your level of expertise. If you are unsure, it is always best to consult with a professional gardener to get their advice.

Hiring a local gardening professional to help you design your garden

Hiring a local gardening professional to help you design your garden

A gardening designer can help you create a beautiful and functional garden and choose the best plants for the Algarve climate. 

However, their services can be expensive. If you don’t have the budget for a gardening designer, you can create your garden with the help of books, magazines, and online resources.

Hiring a local gardening professional to design your Algarve garden can have several advantages and disadvantages compared to doing it yourself. 

When designing your Algarve garden, one crucial factor is incorporating an automatic sprinkler system. Watering the plants becomes a daily chore as the weather in the Algarve can reach high temperatures during the summer months.

Advantages of Hiring a Local Gardening Professional

1. Expertise and Experience: A local gardening professional brings specialised knowledge and experience in designing gardens in the Algarve region. They understand the local climate, soil conditions, and native plants, allowing them to create a garden that is well-suited to the environment. 
2. Professional gardeners: Have years of experience in designing and maintaining gardens. They can help you choose the right plants for your climate and soil conditions, and they can create a beautiful and functional design.
3. Design Skills: Professionals have a trained eye for aesthetics and can create visually appealing garden designs. They understand balance, proportion, and colour coordination principles, ensuring your garden looks cohesive and beautiful.
4. Time-Saving: Designing a garden can be time-consuming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process. By hiring a professional, you can save valuable time and effort. They will handle all the design work, plant selection, and layout planning, allowing you to focus on other priorities. 
5. No Heavy Work: Hiring a professional gardener can not only save you a lot of time and effort. They can also handle all the hard work, such as digging, planting, and weeding. This leaves you free to enjoy your garden without worrying about maintenance.
6. Access to Resources: Local gardening professionals typically have access to a wide range of resources, including nurseries, suppliers, and specialised equipment. They can source high-quality plants and materials, ensuring your garden is well-equipped and thriving.
7. Long-Term Maintenance Advice: Professionals can provide valuable garden maintenance and care guidance. They can recommend suitable plants, irrigation systems, and pest control measures to ensure your garden’s long-term health and sustainability.
8. Peace of mind: Knowing that your garden is in the hands of a professional can give you peace of mind. You can be sure that your plants are being cared for correctly and that your garden will look its best all year round.

Advantages of Hiring a Local Gardening Professional

Disadvantages of Hiring a Local Gardening Professional

1. Cost: Hiring a professional can be more expensive than doing it yourself. You’ll need to consider the fees charged by the professional for their design services, labour costs, and any additional expenses, such as plant purchases. Although professional gardeners can be expensive, hiring a professional may be worth it if you value your time and peace of mind.
2. Limited Personal Involvement: If you enjoy gardening as a hobby and want complete control over the design process, hiring a professional might limit your involvement. Some enjoy creating and maintaining their garden, and hiring someone else may take away from that experience.
3. Communication Challenges: Communicating your preferences and expectations to the professional is essential. Misunderstandings or differences in vision can occur, potentially leading to a garden design that doesn’t align with your desires.
4. Lack of control: When you hire a professional gardener, you are giving up some control over the design and maintenance of your garden. This can be a disadvantage if you have a specific vision for your garden.
5. Reduced Learning Experience: Designing your garden can be a valuable learning experience, allowing you to learn about plants, design principles, and gardening techniques. By hiring a professional, you may miss out on the opportunity to develop these skills yourself.
6. Unreliable service: There is always the risk that a professional gardener will not show up or do a good job. Researching and choosing a reputable gardener with a good track record is essential.

Disadvantages of Hiring a Local Gardening Professional

Additional Tips for Hiring a Local Gardening Professional

• Get quotes from several different gardeners before making a decision.
• Ask for references and check them.
• Ensure the gardener is fully licensed and carries the required public liability insurance.
• Get everything in writing, including the scope of work, the cost, and the timeline.
• Ensure you install a sprinkler system. Remember, the weather in the Algarve is dry for long periods.

Conclusion and Important Tips

Ultimately, the decision to hire a local gardening professional or design the Algarve garden yourself depends on your preferences, budget, time availability, and level of expertise. Consider your goals, resources, and the project’s complexity to make an informed choice.

If you are searching for Algarve property, we have a great portfolio of homes with varied garden setups and required works.