Landscape designers are usually worth it on projects over about $15,000, where a $500 to $3,000 fee prevents mistakes that cost far more to undo. Regrading a slope twice, ripping out a poorly placed patio, or replacing plants that died in the wrong exposure can each erase the fee several times over.
Below that budget, the math gets weaker. For a planting refresh or a single bed, most homeowners do fine with a clear visual plan and a good nursery.
A practical middle step is to test styles on a photo of your own yard first, so you either skip the designer or arrive at the meeting knowing exactly what you want. OutdoorBrite does that for less than a typical consultation; see our pricing plans.