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Excellent job done would recommend
Robert
James was responsive to our request for a quote, for felling a large ash tree we suspected had died. He replied to messages quickly, turned up when he said he would, and was correct that our tree had in fact died. James was professional the whole time and we would have no hesitation in hiring and recommending him to others in the future.
Joanne
Excellent service. Hard working, polite, professional team. Lovely job. Would recommend.
Anne
Below you’ll find information to help you understand the different elements of garden design and the key things to be aware of before you start transforming your outside space. Find some initial ideas to talk through with a garden designer, including making the most of a small garden.
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Garden Design Services
What does garden design involve?
Garden design is about more than mowing a lawn and putting a couple of plants in the ground. A good design takes into account a few key elements:
- How you want to use the space.
- The amount of light the garden receives, and at what times of the day.
- The quality of your soil.
For example, you won’t want to put a shed in the best spot for catching a bit of sun, or have a patio that’s entirely in the shade.
A garden designer will help you make the most of the available space, no matter how big or small. They’ll also establish how keen a gardener you are to make sure the finished garden is either easy to maintain, or gives you something to get your teeth into – if you’re the green-fingered type.
Cost of garden design work
The cost of the work will depend on what you’re having done and the size of your garden, but prices tend to start at around £200. A good garden designer will discuss what you want to get out of your garden and ask you about your budget before coming up with ideas.
Low maintenance garden ideas
- You can stop a garden from looking untidy by dividing it into small sections. Plants, hedges, low walls and raised beds give a sense of order. Paths made from wood chips, slabs or bark help prevent weeds.
- Growing plants at different heights can give the illusion of there being more than there are, so you get the look of a fuller garden, with fewer plants to keep healthy. Shrubs, herbs and verbena are low maintenance plant options for adding colour.
- Rockeries and water features don’t need much looking after. Avoid shallow water features to save needing to top them up when they dry out. If you’d like a pond, avoid getting fish as the pH balance of the water settles naturally without them, giving you fewer algae problems so less cleaning time.
- To save cutting the lawn, artificial turf could be your best friend but if you want the real thing and don’t mind doing a little cutting every now and again, slow growing or drought resistant turf could be better options.
Ideas for small gardens
- To create more space, choose similar flooring to the inside of your home when picking the outside tiling.
- Divide a garden into different sections and add diagonal or winding paths. Extending the time it takes to get from one side of the garden to the other will make it feel bigger.
- Laying pavers at an angle to the property instead of parallel will draw the eye across the garden and extend the space.
- Attaching foliaged climbers to wires across areas of your garden will give it an extra dimension.
- Think about growing upwards rather than outwards with a trellis attached to your fence, or a vertical wall made up of climbers, grasses and ferns. A green wall can also help you lower your energy bills through providing more insulation and reducing the amount of heat that’s lost through the wall of your home. When it comes to choosing other plants, pick types that grow upwards like sweet peas and black-eyed susans so they take up less room.
Planning permission for garden design jobs
Planning permission only comes into play when you’re building or installing decking, fences, walls and gates. You’ll need to apply for planning permission if:
- The decking would be higher than 30cm above the ground.
- The decking or other raised platforms would cover more than half of the total area of the garden.
- A fence, gate or wall would be over 2 metres high, or over 1 metre high near a highway that’s used by vehicles (or a footpath next to the highway).
- The fence, gate or wall would form a boundary with a listed building or land.
If you live in a listed building or you have a front garden that you want to pave over, you should check with your Local Planning Authority as different rules may apply.
Insurance for garden design work
While it’s not a legal requirement, it’s a good idea for all garden designers to have public liability insurance so they’re covered for personal injuries or accidental damage to a property.
Questions you should ask your garden designer
- How long have they been working as a garden designer for?
- Can they show you examples of work they’ve carried out?
- Can they give you a scaled design of what the finished garden will look like?
- Do they have public liability insurance and what does this cover?
- Will they give a guarantee for the work and how long does this last? Are there separate guarantees for different plants?
- Does the quote for the work include waste disposal? If not, check with your local council how you would go about getting it taken away.
Bristol House Extensions is a family owned business. Our workforce is fully qualified and experienced at working in domestic and commercial properties and carries out work for our customer, customer satisfaction is our main priority.
Really helpful people to deal with.
TCL Building and Landscapes, friendly professional service.
Quick response and turn around
Hello im Valentino, professional painter and decorator with 18 years of experience, good communication with customers, dynamic, hardworking, with high quality standards and qualified with NVQ level 3 painting and decoration.
Here at RW landscapes we strike to make all are customers happy 100% of the time we’re a family run business with over 5 years experience
So I've been in carpentry since I left school and all other aspects of the building trade. Worked in some beautiful places doing first and second fix carpentry, maintenance and joinery and have good experience in site work private work and construction. I have lots of photos of my work and a full professional 18 volt toolkit so no need for leads trailing all over your property. I'm very polite and hard working and I'm looking to win jobs on here as a way of building my company and gaining clients through reputation. I'm new to this site and I'm willing to put the effort in to get the jobs done right and honestly. GRC carpentry I'm also willing to take on any gardening work or labour work and various other aspects of the building industry. Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. Look forward to building a good reputation
Quick reply but the job was not done properly. Screws were not installed correctly and 2 of them were missing the screw heads. I had to call another carpenter to fix it.
we are a construction company based in the north east with over 25 years experience in the construction industry. we have a fully trained time served team of employees who work to the highest of standards. Our speciality is extensions and house refurbishment and we also undertake insurance work i.e. fire, flood and impact damage, with customer satisfaction at the top of our list. we offer a full package, from the foundation excavation to final decoration, meaning we can efficiently complete jobs without waiting for outside tradesmen to turn up. Regards Colin, Mark and the team CAM construction Group ltd
Colin from cam construction was extremely helpful with our quote for potential extension work to a home we were looking to purchase. He made himself available for a specific appointment at the property, gave us some great ideas for what would be possible then fully costed it up, and even accompanied it with a proposed planning drawing. The service we received was extremely professional. We haven't been able to go ahead with the purchase for unforeseen reasons, but would recommend cam thus far.
Luke Taylor Construction
Garden Design
Before anything else, preparation is the key to success!!! All jobs require the highest level of effort and attention to detail, my belief is every customer deserves the service I would expect for myself. I can offer professional advice and assistance to the keen DIY’er or self builder. Alternatively, I can take on and complete your home improvement projects. No job too big or small. Exterior jobs include but not limited to: •Painting •Patios & Decking •Driveways •Fencing •Drainage •Sheds and bases •Raised planters •Landscaping •Garden clearance •Demolition work •All small jobs including garden furniture assembly Interior jobs include but not limited to: •Painting and decorating •carpentry work •Light fittings and socket replacement •Flooring, skirting boards, door hanging & architraves •Blinds and curtain poles •Shelving and wall mounted TV’s •Bespoke built in wardrobes & media walls •Wooden furniture Repairs •Furniture and flat pack assembly I have the experience and knowledge to deliver most home projects. All jobs considered
I have been maintaining, constructing and from the feedback from my clients, improving their home interiors and exteriors for the last five years. All my skill sets have been gained through experience and recognised professional qualifications. I respect that my workplace is your home or business so I act in a professional and sympathetic manner at all times. Trust is extremely important in the work I undertake so I offer both price work and daily rate so your project is as cost efficient as possible.
Could not recommend highly enough! Richard completed the work to a very high standard in no time at all. Great communication, discussed the job and priced it up based on coming to see the exact task and likely duration. Incredibly helpful, didn't just do the job, but helped me move furniture etc. too. Genuinely nice person.
We do all aspects of building work Roofing, patios, driveway, decking, painting, electrical and more
Reliable, friendly, am really pleased with the work they did. Would definitely recommend.
Five Star Construction is a family run business with the aim to provide affordable handyman and development works. We are full insured and all our operatives are fully trained for the work we carry out. Our friendly team are awaiting your call
Good value Very profession Quick and tidy workman Would definitely use them again. Regards Thomas
Tree and grounds maintenance services with a family farm can-do attitude. Fully licensed and insured. Residential and commercial work undertaken.
The lads did an excellent job and cleared up after them selves. Happy to recommend.
Hi we a family run business myself and my brother we have 10 years experience in bricklaying and landscapes we strith for perfection we are happy when our customers are happy.
Prompt and tidy work completed as quoted.
FINISHERS. You're complete building & decorating solutions. Established 1995 , finishers is a family ran business in the centre of Cambridge we guarantee any work undertaken will be completed to the highest standards. For a free quote contact FINISHERS
Michael replaced the window in the garage with a glass door on time and on budget. He is easy to communicate with, cheerful , efficient, and tidy. We liked his positive attitude.
London Gardens
Garden Design
I been doing this job for 18 years, Fencing Shed base Turfing Slabs Decking Walls Victorian tiles Trenches and ground levels (own digger) I take my job very seriously, most of the time I don’t ask for money in advance, client only pays if and when they are happy.
Marshall Driveways Ltd
Garden Design
At Marshall Driveways Ltd, our team of professionals can provide you with a range of different block paving and resin options. All of our materials options have been highly tried and tested to ensure they will last for years to come without fault or drop in quality. You will be able to choose from a range of different styles to suit your property and taste. Our team of professionals will design completely bespoke designs and patterns for your block paving driveways & patios, listening to your needs and ideas.
Pinecraft construction has been established since 2003. I do all aspects of building work, joinery, plumbing,minor electrics, alterations, extensions,newbuilds,tiling,etc. No job is too big or small. I take pride in my work and will always offer the best of my ability and experience to my customers and always turn up on time as agreed. I offer a great job at reasonable prices to all of my customers.
We are very happy with the results of our kitchen. Derek did a great job.he is very respectful, profesional and punctual. We will definitely save his number.
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Comprehensive Building and Landscaping Services by R Richards Builders & Landscaping R Richards Builders & Landscaping is a family-owned business with over 30 years of experience, specialising in a wide range of construction and landscaping services. Our Services: - General Building: We undertake all types of general building work, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship in every project. - New Builds: From planning to completion, we provide comprehensive new build services tailored to your specifications. - Extensions: Whether you’re looking to add more space or enhance your property’s value, our extension services are designed to meet your needs. Renovations: We offer expert renovation services to transform and modernize your existing spaces. - Restorations: Our team is skilled in restoring properties to their former glory, preserving historical integrity while updating functionality. - Groundworks: We handle all groundwork projects, including foundations, drainage systems, and site preparation. - Landscaping: Our landscaping services cover everything from garden design and maintenance to hardscaping and outdoor structures. Why Choose Us? With a commitment to delivering the highest standards of service, we pride ourselves on completing projects on time and within budget. Our team is passionate about quality and customer satisfaction, ensuring that every project, no matter the size, is executed with precision and care.
These builders did turn up and have worked on the chimney. However, I've not received photos of the job they did or received a guarantee as promised. There is damp in the wall still After several attempts to contact them, I've recieved nothing back.
Here at deeside landscapes Ltd we take pride in our work , been doing this for most of my life , really enjoy seeing customer happy , have had repeat customers for years would like to some more with the help of rated people
Very pleased with this company. Got in touch and quoted quickly. William even made a suggestion re our council bins ie a small slabstone area for them to make it easy getting in and out of driveway. All worked very hard. No complaints at all. Would highly recommend.
We are split organised company covering the surrounding areas of Norfolk And Suffolk. Norwich2Ipswich home improvement we cover a large range off roofing and home improvements covering top to bottom. New roofing/roof repairs/ ridge systems /verge systems /Valley systems /UPVC replacements and repairs/ cladding /dorma roofs/ veluxe windows /all lead works/ all brick works and pointing/rendering smooth and ruff cast/ flat roofing /rubber /fibreglass /torch on felt/ Porcelain and Indian Sandstone patios/ Artificial lawn/ slepper beds
Quoted me said be there next day at 10am got text saying be 11am its now 1pm and they wont answer text or calls
Formation Groundworks
Garden Design
Foundations to finishings and everything inbetween; Concreting, Drainage, Patios, Driveways, Fencing, Turfing & Artificial Grass. 18 years experience, going into our 4th year as Formation Groundworks.
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