Choosing the right landscape design package can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re not sure what you actually need. Whether you’re planning a full backyard transformation, refreshing your front yard, or simply want expert guidance on planting, understanding what’s included in each service tier helps you invest in the right outcome from the start.
At John French Landscape Design, we’ve been creating beautiful, functional outdoor spaces for Melbourne homeowners since 1981. Based in Eltham, we offer a range of professional landscape design packages tailored to different project sizes, budgets, and goals — from initial consultations through to complete master plans ready for construction.
In this guide, we break down the most common landscape design packages, what each includes, and how to choose the right service for your project.
What Are Landscape Design Packages?
A landscape design package is a structured service offering that outlines exactly what deliverables you’ll receive from your landscape designer. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, packages allow clients to select the level of service that matches their project complexity, timeline, and budget.
Professional landscape design services typically range from a simple consultation through to a comprehensive master plan with full documentation for construction. For Melbourne homeowners investing anywhere from $20,000 to $80,000+ in their outdoor spaces, knowing what’s included in each package is essential for making an informed decision.
Landscape Design Consultation Options
Before committing to a full design package, many clients begin with a consultation to explore what’s possible. There are several types of consultations that suit different stages of the planning process.
Initial Planning Consultation
This is the ideal starting point for homeowners who are early in the process and want to understand their options. During an initial planning consultation, you’ll discuss your goals, lifestyle, and vision for the space. Your designer will provide an overview of services available and help you understand the scope of what’s achievable within your budget and site constraints.
At John French Landscape Design, we offer both in-person and site-based consultations across Eltham and surrounding Melbourne suburbs, making it easy to get expert advice close to home.
On-Site Design Consultation
An on-site consultation involves a detailed property visit where your landscape designer assesses the site, takes measurements, notes drainage and sun patterns, and begins developing ideas tailored to your specific block. This is particularly valuable for properties with complex topography, sloped sites, or water management challenges — all of which are common across Melbourne’s north-eastern suburbs.
To better understand how your property’s features influence the design approach, read our guide: Landscaping Ideas for Side of House — a practical overview of how to use every corner of your property effectively.
Garden Problem Consultation
If you have a specific challenge — poor drainage, erosion on a sloped block, an overgrown area, or a tired planting scheme — a garden problem consultation focuses on solving that exact issue. You’ll receive targeted advice on plants, materials, or layout adjustments to address the problem without necessarily committing to a full design package.
Common Landscape Design Packages
Once you’ve had an initial consultation, most landscape designers offer a tiered set of design packages. Here’s a breakdown of what you can typically expect.
| Package | Best For | Inclusions | Typical Project |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concept Layout Plan | Clients with a clear vision | Layout concepts, spatial planning, initial drawings | Small–medium gardens |
| Planting Design Package | Garden refresh or new builds | Plant schedule, species selection, placement plan | All residential sizes |
| Master Landscape Plan | Full renovations | Concept + planting + materials + full documentation | Medium–large properties |
| Council Approval Design | Subdivisions & new builds | Permit-ready drawings, compliance documentation | Developments & renovations |
Package A: Concept Layout Plan
A concept layout plan is the foundation of any landscape design project. This package focuses on the spatial planning of your outdoor area — determining where key elements will sit, how the garden will flow, and how different zones (entertaining, planting, lawn, pathways) will interact.
Deliverables typically include concept drawings, a discussion of space usage, and a functional layout that can be refined through client feedback. This package suits homeowners who want a clear direction before committing to a full design or construction budget.
Package B: Planting Design Package
For clients who already have their hardscaping resolved but want expert guidance on plant selection, a planting design package delivers a comprehensive plant schedule, species recommendations, and placement planning tailored to your climate, soil, and aesthetic preferences.
At John French Landscape Design, we specialise in drought-tolerant and native plantings suited to Melbourne’s climate. For more on choosing the right plants for low-maintenance results, see our guide on the best low-maintenance shrubs to plant in your garden.
Package C: Master Landscape Plan
The master landscape plan is the most comprehensive design package and represents the gold standard for full property renovations. It combines concept design, planting plans, material selections, and complete documentation to guide construction from start to finish.
This package is ideal for homeowners undertaking significant outdoor renovations — particularly where pools, outdoor entertaining areas, and multi-zone garden designs are involved. John French Landscape Design includes full construction administration as part of the project journey, ensuring the build matches the design intent.
Package D: Landscape Design for Council Approval
Some projects — including subdivisions, new builds, or significant earthworks — require landscaping plans as part of a planning permit application. This specialised package produces documentation that meets council requirements, including compliant drawings, plant schedules, and construction details.
If you’re undertaking a development project in Eltham or surrounding Melbourne suburbs and need permit-ready landscape documentation, this package ensures your application is supported with professional, compliant materials.
Landscape Design Packages by Project Size
Courtyard or Small Garden Design
Compact outdoor spaces often require the most creative thinking. A courtyard or small garden design package focuses on maximising function and visual impact within a limited footprint — selecting appropriate plants, materials, and layout strategies to make small spaces feel larger and more connected to the home.
For ideas on how to approach compact spaces, our article on landscaping for beginners is a great resource for understanding design principles that apply to gardens of all sizes.
Front Yard or Backyard Design
Whether you’re focused on street appeal or creating a private backyard retreat, this package covers garden layout, planting plans, outdoor living zones, and decorative features. For Melbourne homeowners, front yard and backyard designs often incorporate native plantings, paved entertaining areas, and seamless transitions between interior and exterior spaces.
Full Property Landscape Design
For clients who want to transform their entire outdoor environment, a full property design integrates all zones — front yard, backyard, side gardens, pool surrounds, and utility areas — into a single cohesive plan. This level of service is particularly effective for new builds or properties undergoing complete renovation.
Commercial Landscape Design
John French Landscape Design also works with commercial property owners and developers requiring site planning, compliant planting schedules, and landscape designs tailored to the specific functional demands of business environments.
Optional Add-Ons and Extras
Design Visualisation Tools
3D renderings and detailed construction drawings help clients visualise the finished result before a single plant goes in the ground. These tools are especially useful for complex projects where spatial relationships between built elements and planting are critical to the overall outcome.
Technical Plans
For larger projects, technical documentation such as irrigation plans, outdoor lighting designs, and full construction drawings may be required. John French Landscape Design includes construction administration as part of the full-service project journey. For insight into how materials choices influence the overall feel and longevity of a garden, see our article on the best hardscaping materials.
Styling and Additional Services
Additional services such as outdoor furniture selection, material scheduling, and overall garden styling can be incorporated into any package. These add-ons help create a finished, cohesive result where every element — from pavers to pots — works together as part of the larger design vision.
The Landscape Design Process
Step 1: Consultation
The process begins with an initial discussion about your vision, goals, and how you want to use your outdoor space. Your designer will visit the site, take measurements, and assess key factors such as sun orientation, drainage, existing plants, and views.
Step 2: Design Brief
Following the consultation, your designer develops a brief that captures your requirements, design direction, and budget parameters. This document guides the design phase and ensures both parties are aligned before detailed work begins.
Step 3: Concept Design
Initial concept drawings are developed and presented for client feedback. This stage may involve one or more rounds of revisions to refine the layout, planting approach, and material palette before the design moves forward.
Step 4: Final Design Plans
The finalised design documents — including drawings, plant schedules, and material specifications — are delivered and used to guide the construction phase. For clients engaging John French Landscape Design for full construction administration, the design handover marks the transition into the build phase.
How Much Do Landscape Design Packages Cost?
Landscape design fees vary based on the scope of service, property size, and complexity of the brief. As a general guide, residential landscape design projects in Melbourne typically range from AUD $20,000–$80,000 in total project value, which includes both design fees and construction costs.
Design fees are generally structured separately from construction budgets. Consultation packages are priced per session, while full design packages (concept through to master plan) are quoted based on site area and package inclusions.
John French Landscape Design offers bespoke pricing tailored to your specific project. The best way to understand investment levels is to book an initial consultation — from there, we can provide a clear outline of what each package includes and what to expect from the process.
Why Choose John French Landscape Design?
With over 40 years of experience creating landscapes across Melbourne’s north-eastern suburbs, John French Landscape Design brings deep expertise in both design and construction. Our portfolio spans native Australian gardens, Balinese and Japanese-inspired designs, formal French provincial styles, and contemporary outdoor living spaces.
We work exclusively with residential clients in Eltham and surrounding suburbs, which means our knowledge of local soil conditions, microclimates, and council requirements is second to none. Our hands-on approach to construction administration — from design concept through to final handover — ensures that what’s built reflects what was planned.
Homeowners who have worked with us consistently highlight our professionalism, attention to detail, and the quality of the finished result. If you’re ready to explore what a tailored landscape design package could look like for your property, we’d love to hear from you.
Ready to Start Planning Your Outdoor Space? Contact John French Landscape Design today to book your initial consultation. Call us on 0419 725 344, email info@johnfrenchlandscapes.com.au, or visit johnfrenchlandscapes.com.au to learn more about our landscape design packages and services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in a landscape design package?
This varies by package tier. At minimum, a concept package includes spatial planning drawings and a design brief. Full master plan packages include concept design, planting plans, material schedules, and construction documentation. Optional add-ons such as 3D renderings, irrigation plans, and outdoor lighting designs can be added to any package.
How much do landscape design packages cost?
Landscape design fees depend on property size, package type, and project complexity. Total residential project values in Melbourne typically range from AUD $20,000–$80,000. Contact John French Landscape Design for a personalised quote based on your specific brief and site.
Do landscape designers also manage construction?
Yes — John French Landscape Design offers full construction administration as part of the project journey. This means we oversee the build phase to ensure the finished result reflects the approved design, and we manage the handover process with you at completion.
Can landscape design be done online?
Initial planning consultations can be conducted online or by phone, making it easy to explore your options before committing to an on-site visit. For design packages, a site visit is typically required to accurately assess the property and develop site-specific plans.
How long does the landscape design process take?
Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the project and the package selected. A consultation can be arranged within a few days, while a full master landscape plan may take several weeks from initial brief to final documentation. Your designer will provide a clear timeline as part of the engagement process.
