LET’S TALK DESIGN
What Would You Do With a 2 Million Garden Budget? A Designer’s Advice
With Feryal · Secret Gardens design team · 3 min read
01
Keep the design simple
02
Balance hardscape and softscape
03
Invest in premium, lasting materials
04
Create one strong focal point
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Feryal on spending a 2 million budget wisely
A large garden budget is an exciting opportunity, but it also comes with a question: where should the money go? With so many options, from pools and pavilions to outdoor kitchens and feature planting, it’s easy to spread a budget too thin or spend it on things that don’t add lasting value.
In this episode of Let’s Talk Design, Feryal from the Secret Gardens design team shares her advice on making the most of a 2 million garden budget.
“Actually, 2 million budget for a garden is amazing.”
— Feryal, Secret Gardens
Keep the Design Simple
“I would always recommend the client to go for a simple design.”
A generous budget can tempt people to add feature after feature. But a garden packed with elements often feels cluttered and loses its sense of calm. Some of the most luxurious gardens in the world are also the simplest: clean lines, a clear layout and plenty of space to breathe.
A simple design also tends to age better. Trends come and go, but a well-proportioned, uncluttered garden stays elegant for years.
Balance Hardscape and Softscape
Alongside simplicity, Feryal stresses the importance of “maintaining balance between hardscape and softscape.”
Hardscape
The built elements: paving, decking, walls, steps, pools and structures.
Softscape
The living elements: trees, shrubs, lawn and planting.
Getting the ratio right is what makes a garden feel both usable and inviting. Too much hardscape can make a space feel hot and stark. Too much softscape can make it harder to use and maintain.
Invest in High-End, Premium Materials
With a strong budget, Feryal recommends focusing on “high-end premium materials that will add value to the property.” Premium materials, such as natural stone, high-quality porcelain, durable timber alternatives and quality fixtures, elevate the whole property and send a clear message of quality.
Rather than spending on more features, put your money into the materials that you’ll see and touch every day.
Focus on Quality Building Materials That Last
“Focus on good quality building materials that will give you a garden that will serve you for the next 20 years.”
The parts of a garden you don’t see, like foundations, waterproofing, drainage, irrigation and structural work, are what determine how well it holds up over time. Thinking of your garden as a 20-year investment changes how you spend.
Create a Strong Focal Point
“I would also recommend the client to have a focal point in the garden, which is the main focus of the space.”
A swimming pool designed as the heart of the outdoor space
A water feature, adding movement and sound
A feature tree, such as a mature specimen that brings instant character
The Big Takeaway: Spend on What Lasts
✓ Keep the design simple and balanced
✓ Prioritise premium materials you’ll experience every day
✓ Invest in quality construction that will last 20 years or more
✓ Anchor the space with one strong focal point
The result is a garden that feels truly luxurious. It isn’t defined by how much is in it, but by how well everything is done.
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