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The Role of a Landscape Designer in Winter Garden Planning

By Katarina Kihlberg
Photo: Karin Malmberg

I meet with landscape engineer Karin Malmberg to discuss the planning and design of gardens, even during the off-season. Out in the garden, muted gray-brown color schemes dominate, making it hard to imagine the lushness that a few months will bring. However, for Karin, this is not a problem:

"Many believe my work is impossible during winter. But as long as the snow isn't too deep, I can plan and design gardens just as efficiently as at any other time. And for the property owners, it's actually the perfect occasion to take advantage while other outdoor projects are paused."

Karin has the skill to see beyond brush, piles of leaves, and withered shrubs, finding a garden’s underlying structure no matter the season. This capacity is essential not only in winter but also when dealing with neglected or overgrown gardens that have lost all semblance of their original form.

Think First—Plan for the Long Term

A garden is an extension of the house; it should be a place to unwind and feel at home. The design must be adapted to the needs and wishes of those who will be living there.

"It's crucial to think long term and not rush the planning," Karin emphasizes. “If you're looking to save money, don't cut corners on planning. Do it properly from the start so the whole won't be compromised, then you can implement in stages. That way, everything will ultimately fit together as a harmonious unit.”

When Karin first visits a garden slated for design, she senses how the owners think, absorbs their dreams and ideas, and then gradually forms her own vision of what the garden could become.

"I always deliver just one proposal. Too many different suggestions only cause uncertainty. My role is to merge the owners' wishes with the garden's conditions and find an aesthetic, sustainable solution that matches the house’s style."

Step by Step: The Garden Design Process

If you require help designing and planning your garden, you should first obtain a property map from your municipality—often free of charge—which saves time and money. No other preparations are necessary. Karin’s initial visit serves as a consultation where the client can ask all their questions and get help brainstorming ideas.

"No question from a garden owner is ever foolish! It’s crucial they are satisfied and engaged, and that they understand the process. Occasionally, the garden owners might not agree with each other, and then it’s my job to mediate so that we find a solution everyone likes."

At the end of the consultation, Karin summarizes everything discussed, ensuring that no unanswered questions remain. After the visit, she first creates a rough sketch indicating the garden’s basic form—such as walkways, patio location, proposed materials, and selection of major trees. If the client wishes to stop here, that works fine. Otherwise, Karin proceeds to a detailed plan, outlining the entire garden down to the smallest flowerbed.

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Winter: An Ideal Time for Planning

Contrary to popular belief, winter can actually be the best time for creating your future outdoor oasis. The garden’s structure is easier to see when perennials are cut back and trees are bare, providing a clearer view for both owners and designers. This is also the season when most outdoor projects are paused, so there's more time to focus on dreaming and planning for the coming year. By starting during the winter, you ensure everything is set for when the ground thaws and it's time to dig in.

Project Timeline and Cost

It generally takes about five weeks from the initial consultation to a finished solution. This doesn’t mean Karin is working on it continuously; garden design is a dynamic process and benefits from a bit of time to mature between conversations and drafts.

Some designers charge a fixed fee for the entire project, while others bill by the hour. Costs can vary significantly depending on client needs and the scale of the garden, making it difficult to provide an exact price beforehand. However, after the initial consultation, the customer will always be given a clear cost estimate.

A common rule of thumb is: when building a new home, expect the garden to cost about 10% of the home's price, with 10% of that garden budget allocated to planning and design—the rest for landscaping, plants, and materials.

Karin Malmberg works in Helsingborg and the surrounding area through her own company, Snitsig Trädgård & Landskap AB, www.snitsig.net. Soon, she will also be one of the experts at Odla.nu and answer your general questions about garden planning and design.

By taking advantage of winter months for garden planning, you’ll be well prepared to make your dream garden a reality come spring—supported by expertise and thoughtful design every step of the way.