Garden guides

Direct answers to the most common questions about designing a garden with AI.

How to build a garden pond (with filter, plants & materials list)

To build a garden pond, mark out the shape, dig it with shallow planting shelves and a deep zone (at least 60–80 cm), line it with protective fleece and a flexible EPDM or PVC liner, fill it slowly, then either add a pump and filter for fish or plant it as a self-cleaning ecological pond. A small wildlife pond is a weekend project — below is the full materials list, a step-by-step build, and how filtration and eco-ponds work.

What is the best AI garden design app?

The best AI garden design app lets you sketch your garden in 2D and instantly render it as a photorealistic image while keeping your exact layout. LushAI does this in any browser — no CAD skills, no install — and has a free tier plus a free no-signup visualizer to try on a photo of your own yard.

How do I redesign my backyard with AI?

To redesign your backyard with AI: upload a photo of your yard, place plants and features on it in a 2D plan, pick a style, and let the AI render a photorealistic version that keeps your real house and layout. With LushAI you can do the first render free, no signup.

How do I design a garden as a beginner?

Start by measuring your space and noting sun and soil, then pick one clear style and a short plant palette, place structure (paths, a focal point, seating) before plants, and visualize it before you buy. An AI tool like LushAI lets you test layouts and see a realistic result in minutes.

Is there free garden design software?

Yes. LushAI is free to start: design in your browser with no install, get 10 credits, and use the no-signup visualizer to redesign a photo of your garden for free. Paid plans add HD, watermark-free renders and more monthly credits.

How much does garden design cost?

A professional garden designer typically costs from a few hundred to several thousand euros depending on scope. AI garden design is far cheaper: LushAI is free to start, with Pro from €15.99/month — so you can explore and visualize a full design for the price of a coffee.

How to plan a garden layout (step by step)

Plan a garden layout by measuring the space to scale, mapping sun and shade, then placing structure first — paths, a focal point and a seating area — before filling in planting in repeated groups. Sketch it in 2D and render it before you buy, so you can fix the layout on screen, not in the ground.

Patio design ideas: layout, materials & planting

A good patio is sized for how you actually use it, paved in one material that suits the house, and softened with planting around the edges. Position it for sun (or shade) at the time of day you use it most, allow generous room for furniture, and frame it with pots and beds so it feels part of the garden, not bolted on.