Garden &
Landscape
Designers
Association
The Home of Ireland’s Leading Garden Designers
The GLDA is Ireland’s association of professional garden designers, horticulturists and landscape architects. Individual members provide garden and landscape design services nationwide. Every Full Member is assessed by an external panel of independent experts and has demonstrated they have achieved the high level of experience and professionalism required to meet the GLDA’s exacting standards.
Our Designers
All our Full and Fellow Members are trained to provide professional plans, from conceptual designs through to planting plans, construction drawings, material selection, detailing and pricing. Many of these garden designers will also provide a service to supervise the works as they progress on site. They will work closely with you to provide the optimum design for the site and for your requirements.
Our Suppliers
The suppliers listed on this site are Corporate Members of the GLDA. They represent all aspects of the landscape industry including nurseries, building materials, artisans and specialist equipment. In recognition of their support of the GLDA, we are pleased to help promote their products, services and plants to our membership and the general public.
Inspiration & Inspiring Events
Find out about the GLDA’s programme of events and activities taking place throughout the year. The calendar includes industry training workshops and awards programmes as well as GLDA attendance at various garden-related exhibitions. Most, including our annual seminar, are open to members and non-members alike, many with online booking facilities.
Become a Member
Everyone with an interest in garden and landscape design, or just gardens in general, who supports the aims of the GLDA and become involved in its activities, is welcome to join. There are membership categories for corporates, professional garden and landscape designers, students and for the general public who can join as a ‘Friend’ based in Ireland or abroad.
News / Events
Letting Nature In – Listening to the rhythm of nature and capturing its essence in the designed landscape.
This year at the GLDA’s 27th annual design seminar, we are focusing on how we should shift our attention to the essence of what makes our landscapes distinctive and how to preserve and capture the spirit and atmosphere of the garden. Design for the landscape should always be adapted for the context of where it is located. How a deeper understanding of the existing context influences our design choices and creates better planning to protect and enhance the richness of the existing ecosystem and biodiversity.
FrequenTly Asked Questions
What is the GLDA?
The GLDA is Ireland’s association of professional garden designers, horticulturists and landscape architects. Individual members provide garden and landscape design services nationwide.
The aims of the GLDA are:
- to set standards for garden and landscape design
- to raise public awareness of garden and landscape designers and the services they offer
- to raise the profile of members with regard to working with other professional groups
- to liaise with relevant bodies in organising educational programmes for garden & landscape designers
- to facilitate information exchange among members, suppliers and the public.
Who can join the GLDA?
Everyone with an interest in garden and landscape design, or just gardens in general, who supports the aims of the GLDA and become involved in its activities, is welcome to join.
All membership categories include benefits such as reduced entry to events organised by the GLDA and a subscription to Compass magazine, which is produced by the GLDA twice a year.
Why should I hire a designer?
Landscape and garden designers are typically educated in landscape design and horticulture. They are trained to provide professional plans, from conceptual designs through to planting plans, construction drawings, material selection, detailing and pricing. Many garden designers will also provide a service to supervise the works as they progress on site.
Every Full GLDA Member is assessed by an external panel of independent experts and has demonstrated they have achieved the high level of experience and professionalism required to meet the GLDA’s exacting standards.
They will work closely with you to provide the optimum design for the site and for your requirements. An independent designer, working for you, is free to recommend the best, skilled and reliable contractors to carry out the design.
The garden plans provided by a GLDA designer will allow you to plan for the landscape work step by step. The landscaping can then be carried out in stages or all together depending on budget. Poor design, offered by those without design training, may cost you money in the long run.
When should I think about landscaping?
If you are about to start some building work, the earlier the better! As a trained professional a landscape designer can consider how the new build will work with the garden/landscape, views, light, circulation, creation of space, access etc.
Existing trees may need to be considered and protected before work commences. Drainage, changes in level and storage and use/disposal of topsoil will also need to be planned for.
Having a design at an early stage will address issues as the build progresses, rather than having to come up with solutions on the spot. It will also allow you to budget for landscaping as part of the cost of your build.
How much does a design cost?
Usually, the designer will charge for the different phases of the work. These charges will vary from designer to designer.
Almost all garden designers will charge an initial call-out fee ranging between €50 – €150. A mileage rate may also be charged depending on the distance travelled.
This initial visit will last 1-2 hours and enables the designer to assess the site and your needs. This initial visit and advice can be stand-alone meeting, or a stepping-stone to further concept and detailed plans. The designer can, having assessed the site, give you an estimate of what fees are involved in producing design drawings for your garden.
If the designer manages or monitors the implementation of the project an hourly rate or fixed fee will be agreed for this phase. See also the Design Process section on our Designer page.
