Landscape Gardening vs Gardening: What’s the Difference?
                     LANDSCAPE GARDENING 
VS GARDENING: WHAT’S 
THE DIFFERENCE?
www.saundersgardening.co.uk
Introduction
Gardening and landscape gardening might sound similar, but they are 
pretty different. Many homeowners use the phrases gardening and 
landscape gardening interchangeably. And, that’s where the question 
pops up: Landscape gardening vs gardening, what is the real 
difference, and which one do I really need?
While both focus on plants and creating beautiful outdoor areas, they 
differ in scale, purpose, and the level of planning involved. Gardening 
focuses on planting, whereas landscape gardening integrates design, 
construction, and environmental considerations to make outdoor 
areas aesthetically appealing and increase property value. 
At Saunders Gardening, we provide expert ground maintenance and 
landscaping services across Milton Keynes and surrounding areas. 
So, landscape gardening vs gardening, what’s the real difference? 
Let’s break down the key differences in a clear, more practical way.
An Ultimate Guide to Landscape 
Gardening vs Gardening
Here, we’ll delve into the key differences between landscape 
gardening and gardening, along with some practical advice on 
which one you need. 
Gardening: An Art of Plant Care
Gardening is the ongoing care, cultivation, and nurturing of plants 
(softscaping), primarily focusing on soil, water, and plant health, 
growth, and maintenance, with an emphasis on flowers for beauty or 
food. It is a practice of cultivating and caring for plants in designated 
areas, such as a garden, a balcony, or indoors. What Gardening 
Typically Includes: 
• Planning and design
• Soil preparation
• Planting and sobbing
• Watering and irrigation 
• Weed management 
• Pest and disease management 
• Pruning and training 
• Harvesting 
If you have an existing garden, and you just want it to look neat 
and clean, bloom, and survive the season, you must consider hiring 
professionals for proper care and maintenance, hedge cutting, 
planting, and tree surgery. 
At Saunders Gardening, we provide professional gardening 
solutions tailored to both commercial and residential properties 
with the same level of care and attention to every space. 
Landscape Gardening: Designing the 
Bigger Picture
Now let’s talk about landscape gardening, often shortened to 
landscaping. Landscape gardening looks at your outdoor area as a 
whole system. Plants still matter, but they’re only one piece of the 
puzzle.
Landscape gardening is about designing, planning, installing, and 
maintaining outdoor spaces, blending horticulture with design to 
create a functional, beautiful, and harmonious environment. This 
technique is often used to create gardens, yards, and parks, 
incorporating plants, paths, patios, water features, and lighting to 
improve aesthetics, utility, and ecological balance. 
What Landscape Gardening Covers:
Landscape gardening combines design, construction, and 
horticulture. It may include:
• Landscape design and planning
• Plant selection based on soil, climate, and layout
• Lawn installation or turfing
• Pathways, patios, and paving
• Retaining walls, edging, and garden structures
• Drainage and irrigation systems
• Long-term maintenance planning
In the landscape gardening vs gardening debate, this is where the 
scale shifts. Landscape gardening is strategic. It’s about how 
everything works together over time.
Landscape Gardening vs Gardening: 
The Key Differences
Let’s simplify the comparison between landscaping work vs general 
garden care.
Focus
• Gardening: Plant health and routine care
• Landscape Gardening: Overall design, structure, and long-term 
functionality
Timing
• Gardening: Ongoing and seasonal
• Landscape Gardening: Often project-based, followed by 
maintenance
Skills Required
• Gardening: Horticulture and plant care
• Landscape Gardening: Design, construction, knowledge, 
horticulture, and planning
Outcome
• Gardening: A well-maintained garden
• Landscape Gardening: A purpose-built outdoor environment
Practical Advice on Which One Do 
You Need
Here’s a simple way to decide whether you need gardening services 
or landscape gardening services. 
You probably need gardening services if:
• Your garden layout already works
• Plants need care, pruning, or replacement
• You want consistent upkeep
You may need landscape gardening services if:
• Your outdoor space feels awkward or underused
• You’re starting with a blank canvas
• You want features like paving, paths, or new lawns
• Drainage, erosion, or soil issues exist
Many homeowners start with landscape gardening and then move 
into regular gardening maintenance. It’s not an either-or decision.
Conclusion
So, landscape gardening vs gardening, what's the difference? The simple answer to this question 
is that one maintains what you already have, and the other creates an aesthetically appealing 
outdoor space you desire. 
If your garden just needs care, gardening services may be enough. But if you want to transform 
your outdoor space, consider Saunders Gardening for ground maintenance and landscaping 
services. 
At Saunders Gardening, we deliver high-quality outdoor maintenance and landscaping services 
for commercial properties, business parks, and private homes in Milton Keynes. 
Want to make the right first impression every time? Reach out to Saunders Gardening to create a 
clean, professional, and inviting outdoor space.
Contact Us
+44 7852 428 438
[email protected]
www.saundersgardening.co.uk
Milton Keynes, United Kingdom