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Writer's pictureAlison Johnston

2D vs. 3D Garden Designs: A Visual Comparison


When it comes to planning your dream garden, visualisation is key. Gone are the days of relying solely on hand-drawn sketches. Today, a variety of design tools and techniques are available to help you bring your vision to life. In this blog post, we'll explore the differences between 2D plan designs, 3D artistic designs, and 3D Twinmotion rendered designs, and help you determine which is the best fit for your project.


2D Plan Designs


Top down or 2D drawing of a garden design

  • What they are: Top-down, bird's-eye view drawings that outline the layout of your garden. The drawings will usually be supported with notes and thumbnail images to show examples of the features in the garden.

  • Pros:



    • Clear and concise: Easy to understand and interpret.

    • Practical: Useful for measuring distances, planning plant placements, and calculating materials.

    • Cost-effective: Generally more affordable than 3D designs.

  • Cons:

    • Limited visualisation: Difficult to imagine the final look and feel of the garden.

    • Lack of depth: Doesn't provide a sense of levels or 3D space.


3D Artistic Designs




  • What they are: Hand-drawn or digitally created artistic representations of your garden.

  • Pros:

    • Mass and void: Visualises the levels and structures in the garden, and how they relate to each other. This is very useful for sloped gardens or gardens with structures like pergolas or hedges.

    • Creative and expressive: Can capture the unique style and personality of your garden.

    • Visually appealing: Creates a beautiful and inspiring image.

  • Cons:

    • Less precise: May not accurately represent the final design.

    • Limited functionality: Not ideal for planning specific details like plant placement or hardscaping.


3D Twinmotion Rendered Designs



  • What they are: Photorealistic digital images and videos that simulate the final appearance of your garden.

  • Pros:

    • Highly realistic: Provides a near-perfect representation of the finished product.

    • Detailed and accurate: Can be used to plan specific details like materials, structures and lighting.

    • Versatile: Can be used for various purposes, such as client presentations, construction plans, and virtual tours.

    • Interactive: Allows you to explore your garden design from different angles and perspectives.

  • Cons:

    • More expensive: Requires specialized software and expertise.

    • Time-consuming: Can take longer to create than 2D or 3D artistic designs.

    • May give a false sense of accuracy, as some elements of the design may differ in the realisation of the build. For example, natural materials have varying colours and textures, trees grow in unique structures and plants take on their own shape depending on the conditions.


Choosing the Right Design for You

The best design for your project will depend on your budget, needs, and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Budget: If you're on a tight budget, a 2D plan design may be the most cost-effective option.

  • Imagination: Some people find it easy to imagine a design from a 2D plan, others find it more difficult and need a 3D version.

  • Complexity: For simple, straightforward designs, a 2D plan or 3D artistic design may suffice. For more complex projects, a 3D Twinmotion rendered design can be invaluable.

  • Visualization: If you need a strong visual representation of your garden, a 3D design is the way to go.

  • Interactivity: If you want to experience your garden design in a more immersive way, a 3D Twinmotion rendered design is the best choice.



Ultimately, the best way to decide is to consult with a garden designer. They can show you some examples of their work to help you assess your needs and recommend the most suitable design approach.

Would you like to know more about any specific design technique or have other garden-related questions?

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