Many people ask this question thinking, “I want my yard to look beautiful, but I don’t want to overspend.” Should you hire a gardener or a landscaper? At first glance, these roles may seem similar – but they’re not. Right off the bat, we’ll say this: you don’t need to dive too deep into the definitions to make the right choice. Landscaping and gardening aren’t competing services – they actually complement each other. But understanding the key differences can help you stay within budget and meet your goals. This is especially relevant if you’re searching for professional Calgary yard maintenance companies, where the climate and terrain come with their own unique challenges.
What Is Landscaping?
Landscaping – also includes landscape design – is the strategic planning and transformation of outdoor spaces. It may include:
- Lot layout and zoning
- Pathways, patios, and terraces
- Installation of irrigation and drainage systems
- Laying sod and planting trees
- Adding decorative features like stones, ponds, and garden structures
- Lighting, terracing, fencing, and more
Think of landscaping as architecture for your yard. It starts with a detailed plan, often involves engineering solutions, and focuses on functionality, safety, and aesthetics. A solid landscape design in Calgary takes into account the local elements: a variable climate, freezing winters, windy summers, and soil conditions.
What Is Gardening?
Gardening – or horticulture – is focused on plant care. It’s all about maintaining the living parts of your outdoor space. This includes:
- Planting flowers, shrubs, vegetables, and fruits
- Lawn maintenance
- Mulching and weeding
- Controlling pests and weeds
- Greenhouse upkeep (if applicable)
Gardening is hands-on and process-oriented. It requires an understanding of plant biology, growing seasons, and day-to-day care. A gardener usually works with an already developed landscape to help it thrive and stay healthy.
What About the Cost?
In Canada, gardeners typically cost less than landscapers. The gardener focuses on plant care, while the landscaper handles layout design, lighting, irrigation, and other structural elements.
Landscaping is a more complex, often large-scale operation that may involve construction equipment and multiple trades.
Which One Should You Choose: Landscaping or Gardening?
If you’re working with a blank slate, hire a landscaper. They’ll help plan the layout, select materials, and build the overall structure.
If the space is already developed and you just want to refresh it or keep it looking its best, then a gardener is the right fit.
The best outcomes come from combining both. Landscape design sets the stage; gardening keeps it beautiful over time.
For commercial properties – like office buildings, clinics, restaurants, and retail spaces – landscaping offers real strategic value. It creates a strong first impression, builds customer trust, sets your business apart, and can even boost foot traffic.
Meanwhile, regular gardening and maintenance uphold your reputation: clean flower beds, healthy lawns, and tidy grounds reflect professionalism. For commercial spaces, investing in both landscaping and ongoing care ensures your property always looks its best.
Conclusion
Knowing the difference between landscaping and gardening helps you make smart decisions when planning your outdoor space.
If you’re looking for professional landscaping in Calgary SE, choose a team that understands both aesthetics and the local climate. We’ll help you design an outdoor space that looks great all year and is easy to maintain.
Gardening focuses on the cultivation and maintenance of plants, flowers, and vegetables, while landscaping involves designing, creating, and shaping the entire outdoor environment, including structures, terrain, and plant selection.
Yes, gardening can be a part of landscaping. Landscaping is a broader concept that may involve gardening along with structural elements like patios, walkways, water features, and grading.
Gardening mainly requires knowledge of plant care, soil management, and seasonal cycles. Landscaping demands additional skills like design planning, construction, irrigation setup, and sometimes architectural knowledge.
Landscaping is generally more complex because it integrates both living (plants) and non-living (hardscape) elements to transform outdoor spaces. Gardening focuses primarily on living plants.
Absolutely. You can simply maintain a garden — growing flowers, vegetables, or shrubs — without undertaking major landscape design or construction projects.
Both can increase property value. Landscaping, with its design and structural improvements, usually has a larger impact by enhancing curb appeal and functionality. Well-maintained gardens also contribute positively to aesthetics and value.
Hire a landscaper if you want a complete redesign of your outdoor space, including new layouts, hardscaping, or major plant installations. A gardener is ideal if you need regular plant care, seasonal planting, or garden maintenance.
