It’s fall here in the Netherlands, and we’re still enjoying looking out at our garden from the living room. Last summer we finally renovated it, and in this blog, I want to share the step-by-step process we followed — including lessons learned along the way.

For years, we dreamed of updating our garden. The old design was outdated, and we wanted a lighter, more sustainable garden.

In the Netherlands, especially in urban areas, gardens are often small, and homes are compact compared to other countries.
That’s why every square meter counts when renovating!

Here’s how we did it, plus extra tips to help you plan your own renovation.

BEFORE

AFTER

Step 1: Dream Big

Imagine how you want your garden to feel. Do you want a cozy retreat, a place for kids to play, or an entertainment area for friends? Think about:

• Colors and mood (light, cozy, modern, natural)

• Plants and flowers you love

• Hardscape features (paving, pergolas, seating areas, decking)
  
  I was dreaming of large pavers, bricks, and a pergola. My husband leaned more toward composite wood. Both visions helped us shape the design.

Step 2: Collect Inspiration

Pinterest and Instagram are fantastic for ideas. Because Dutch gardens are typically smaller, I searched specifically for designs in the Netherlands with similar dimensions. This gave me realistic expectations for what’s possible in a compact space.

Step 3: Set a Budget

Renovations are getting more expensive, so decide upfront how much you’re willing to spend. This budget will guide your choice of materials and how much outside help you can hire.

💡 Money-saving tip: See what you can reuse or refresh. We decided to paint our fences instead of replacing them, and the result was surprisingly good.

Step 4: Measure and Sketch Your Garden

Before diving into design, measure your garden. Even a simple hand-drawn sketch helps. My husband used Photoshop for more detailed visuals, but we still made lots of changes along the way. Flexibility is key!

FIRST PLAN

FINAL PLAN

Step 5: Choose Who Will Do the Work

Decide whether you’ll DIY or hire a landscaper.

• DIY saves money but costs time and energy.

• Hiring a professional is faster and often smoother.
  
  

We asked friends for recommendations and also checked Werkspot (a Dutch platform where professionals offer quotes). Some prices didn’t make sense, so we compared carefully. Eventually, we chose someone whose portfolio looked great and who clicked with us personally. That was just as important as price.

Step 6: Prepare Your Garden

Clear out what you don’t want to keep. Re-pot plants, sell or recycle old furniture, and prep surfaces if needed.
For example, I painted our fences before the landscaper arrived. This saved time and made the transformation even more satisfying.

Step 8: Expect Extra Costs

Even with a detailed sketch and material list, reality often requires more sand, stones, or soil than expected. Plan about 10–15% extra in your budget for unexpected material costs.

Step 9: Add Lighting & Finishing Touches (often overlooked!)

Outdoor lighting, seating, and small details bring the garden to life. We sometimes focus so much on hardscaping and planting that we forget about ambiance. Adding string lights, lanterns, or spotlights on plants can completely transform the atmosphere.

Step 10: Enjoy Your New Garden

Once it’s all complete, take time to appreciate it!
For us, it was amazing to see the dream we had for years finally come to life. Even small gardens can feel like an extension of your home when designed with care.

Final Thoughts

I hope this step-by-step guide helps you plan your own garden renovation.
Remember: start with a clear dream, plan realistically, and leave space for surprises along the way.

If you have questions or want to share your own garden project, feel free to connect — I’d love to hear from you.

And don’t forget: you can save my Pinterest photos for your renovation inspiration.
Just hover over the images in this blog and click the Save button, or visit my Pinterest boards directly for more garden ideas.

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