Three levers that move a planting budget far more than bed area.
Two gardens with the same total bed area in square metres can land at very different prices, because area on its own says almost nothing about cost. What actually drives a planting budget is plant size at installation, planting density, and how much the soil needs to be prepared before the first plant goes in. A garden planted with small, affordable stock at low density into good soil can cost a fraction of a garden the same size planted with advanced specimens at high density into clay that needs amending across every bed.
This page sets out planning bands for garden design and planting work, the specific factors that move a budget within them, and two worked planting briefs that show how the same rough area can land in different bands depending on the plan. If your project also includes hard landscaping — paving, a deck or a retaining wall alongside the planting — the landscaping cost guide and the relevant element-specific cost page will give a fuller combined picture.
Cost drivers
What sets a planting budget.
Plant size, density and soil preparation explain most of the spread between planting quotes for a similar area.
Planning noteA smaller, well-prepared planting plan at moderate density usually outperforms a larger plan installed at high density into unprepared soil, both in outcome and in total cost.
Compare planting strategies
Three ways to reach a finished-looking garden, at different price points.
The same finished appearance can be reached by different combinations of stock size, density and time.
Small stock, higher density
CostLower per-plant cost, more plants
TimeframeFills in within one to two seasons
Best fitBudgets prioritising coverage over instant impact
Advanced stock, lower density
CostHigher per-plant cost, fewer plants
TimeframeEstablished appearance from installation
Best fitBudgets prioritising immediate visual result
Staged planting over seasons
CostSpreads total spend over a longer period
TimeframeFull coverage reached gradually
Best fitBudgets released in phases, or trialling a palette before committing
Worked scenarios
Two planting briefs, same rough area, different budgets.
Both scenarios cover roughly 80m² of garden bed, but the plan behind each number is very different.
80m² of beds, smaller stock, moderate density, prepared soil
A mixed native and exotic planting plan using mostly small to medium stock at moderate density, into soil that only needs light amending. The garden will look established within one to two growing seasons. This scenario typically lands in the middle of the Typical band, around $12,000–$16,000, with soil preparation and irrigation as the main additional line items beyond the plant stock itself.
80m² of beds, advanced specimens, high density, clay soil requiring full amendment
The same area but with several advanced specimen trees for immediate screening, dense underplanting for a full look from day one, and clay soil across every bed needing full amendment before planting. The combination of large stock, high density and extensive soil preparation pushes this well into the Complex band, commonly $30,000–$42,000, with soil preparation alone accounting for a meaningful share of the total.
Before planting begins
Set the budget up to reflect the actual plan.
Confirm these before comparing planting quotes, since two quotes for "the garden in the drawing" can specify very different stock and density.
- Confirm the plant sizes specified in the quote, not just species names — a species list without stock sizes cannot be priced accurately.
- Check planting density against the plan drawing, since density has a direct, near-linear effect on plant count and cost.
- Have soil assessed if drainage or fertility is uncertain, especially on new-build sites with disturbed or imported topsoil.
- Confirm whether irrigation is included, and if not, plan a realistic establishment watering commitment for at least one full dry season.
- Ask about substitution policy for specified species that turn out to be unavailable or out of season when the order is placed.
Frequently asked questions.
Why is my planting quote higher than a neighbour's similar-looking garden?
Almost always plant size, density or soil preparation. A garden that looks similar in a photograph can have been planted at half the density with smaller stock and no soil amendment, which produces a very different price for a visually comparable outcome.
Is it cheaper to plant smaller and let the garden fill in over time?
Usually yes, often significantly, because plant cost rises steeply with size at installation. The trade-off is time — a garden planted small will look sparse for one to two seasons before filling in.
How much does soil preparation typically add to a planting budget?
It depends heavily on existing soil condition. Light amending of reasonable soil adds relatively little; ripping compacted subsoil and importing topsoil across a new-build site can meaningfully increase the total, which is why it should be assessed and priced explicitly rather than assumed.
Does garden design cost extra on top of the planting itself?
Yes — the planting budget on this page covers plant stock, soil preparation and installation. A separate design fee applies if a designer is engaged to produce the planting plan itself; see the landscape design cost guide for that fee structure.
Sources & methodology
Designed to show its working.
Plant pricing and availability vary by species, season and region. This page sets out general planning ranges and cost mechanics; specific species selection and soil assessment should be confirmed with a local nursery or garden designer.