When I first looked at Paula and Dale’s garden, it was a challenge I see often with new builds. You’re usually handed a "blank canvas" that consists of an awkward slope, heavy clay, and turf that hasn't been given the best start. It was a functional plot, but it wasn't a space you’d naturally want to spend time in.
For me, the job isn't just about tidying up a space; it’s about using a bit of experience to make the ground work for the homeowners. As Paula and Dale put it, they were looking for a way to transform a "bland new-build garden" into "something truly special."
Laying the foundations
Our first task was to establish the new levels and install flexible land drains around the entire periphery of the garden. At the lowest point, we directed the final drain to an area where excess rainfall can escape and drain away easily.
Next, we constructed a natural sandstone walling scheme. This successfully enabled the project to have a perfectly level lawn and planting area.
During the excavation, we removed at least 30 to 40 tonnes of spoil, rubble, and poor-quality soil from the site. We replaced this with premium new topsoil, which gives the new lawn and planting scheme a much stronger start, ensuring a full and varied shrubbery develops beautifully over the first five years.
We also installed between 100–150mm of dolomite foundations, along with an application of sharp sand. All these high-quality materials provide a robust and strong foundation for the new patio.
The customer selected London Stone’s Riven Sandstone in Camel Dust. This particular paviour features warm hues of brown and sandy colours, beautifully matching and contrasting with our natural sandstone walling.
Creating harmony
We decided to include a large water feature as a focal point. In a modern housing estate, a bit of moving water does wonders for masking background noise and creating a sense of privacy. Paula and Dale mentioned it brought a "sense of calm and luxury" to the garden, which is exactly what a well-placed feature should do.
Planting Scheme
New-build soils are usually difficult to work with and invariably require a lot of soil amelioration. With all our planting schemes, we try to create an initial impact over the first 2 to 3 years, provided the customer or a professional can apply organic fertilisers at the appropriate times, alongside improving the soil via the right horticultural practices.
Simply put, we want to ignite interest and encourage householders to get involved in their own garden maintenance. We are here to apply organic fertilisers at the right time and carry out important annual and seasonal maintenance procedures. This helps the householder contribute to, and truly appreciate, how their garden is changing, growing, and maturing!
The Result
Our work always centers on the homeowners, keeping their exact requirements and considerations at the forefront of what we do.
With every new garden, we must carefully assess the soil condition, level implications, future maintenance, and garden orientation. From there, we produce a tailored design that reflects these specific needs, selecting plants that will truly thrive and develop within their new environment.
If we can encourage householders to develop a genuine interest in their gardens, then together we can make a meaningful contribution toward reversing current climate challenges.
Ultimately, your garden can make a huge impact on your property's value, and it is definitely much more than just "another room"—it is a vital space for your family's general well-being.
If you would like to contact us, we will be delighted to help you design, plan, and install your new garden area.
Paul
