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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.

A local independent family run business that was fully established in 2012. We are based locally at Innsworth Gloucester, Gloucestershire Specialising in Tree Surgery - Hedge Reductions - Site Clearances and Maintenance. Southwest Landscapes are proud to offer a range of Tree surgery and Various Garden services covering the Gloucestershire, Cheltenham, Bristol, Stroud, Hereford, Ledbury, Ross on wye, Cirencester, Cotswold and Malvern Areas serving Residential, industrial and Commercial Clients. * Tree surgery, Crown Reductions, Pruning, Felling and Removal * Hedge Reductions, Trimming, Shaping and Removal services * Shrubs and Bushes - Trimmed and Shaped * Garden Clearances and Overgrown areas cleared * Site and Land Clearances * Cherry Picker works * Wood chipping services with Trained operator * Stump grinding - Removal * Mini Digger work * Tree waste and Green garden waste removal * Fencing and Decking services {New and repairs} * Garden Maintenance * Turfing and Decorative Gravel works * Patios and Paths laid * Pressure Washing and Moss Removal Service - Paths, Patios, Driveways * Outbuildings, Sheds, Greenhouses - Fully dismantled and disposed off Our skilled and experienced hard working team aim to provide a professional and personalised service to ensure the demands of our customer are met and all completed to the highest standard of work possible We aim to to offer a exceptional service from start to finish whilst building our reputation, gaining recommendations and receiving 5* Ratings - Please check out our previous Feedback - Ratings Be assured we have the knowledge, skills, experience and equipment to be able to undertake and complete your project from start to finish. We carry out many of our services for various homeowners, businesses, letting agents, housing associations, builders, land owners and public houses. We are Fully Registered with the Environment agency and hold a Upper Tier Waste Carriers license and dispose of all waste appropriately and recycle everything where possible to do so. We are Fully Insured and hold both Public Liability and Employee insurances. All of our team are fully trained, experienced and are fully competent of undertaking and completing the work that we undertake appropriately and safely. References are available on request. Free written Quotations and Invoices provided. We accept payments by All major Credit and Debit Cards, Cash and Bank transfers {BACS}.

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Reviewed by Brian on 9/11/2024

Frank and Shane were extremely professional from quotation to felling the tree to clearing up

With experience from Italy and from U.K in painting and decorating. Wi try to doo our best for the client, to give quality , responasability,advice if its necesary in our jobs. We belive your home should reflect your personal taste and style.

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Reviewed by Anna on 6/6/2025

Had bathroom window sill and window repaired, excellent service, highly recommend. Came out and gave us a quote and then came to do the job within a week to high quality, well-priced and very efficient. Thank you!!

As resin bound specialists in the South West for decades, we firmly believe that a resin bound driveway is currently the most cost-effective way of creating a driveway that is low maintenance, long lasting and has minimal environmental impact

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Reviewed by Richard on 11/4/2024

The team were excellent, efficient and with outstanding results. I would use again.

TCL Building and Landscapes, friendly professional service.

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Reviewed by Paul on 8/3/2024

Quick response and turn around

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

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Reviewed by Katie on 29/11/2024

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.

I've been working in the maintenance Industry for the past 19 years and i've worked for 6 different councils in London, I've been trading since 2012 with this company.

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Reviewed by Elaine on 11/6/2025

A & L Ever Ready did an amazing job. I wouldn’t hesitate to contact them again.

I am a small family run business. My business was established in 2014. I would describe myself as friendly, reliable and reasonably priced. most of my work comes through recommendations.

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Reviewed by William on 13/10/2025

Unicsconstruction it’s domestic and commercial landscaping company since 2007 includes fencing, patios, turfing, resin bound, all types of driveways and much more... We offer high quality services to our costumers from the start to the finish. Please call us for free/no obligation estimate.

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Reviewed by Mark on 22/5/2025

MC Roofing & Landscapes is a premier Bristol-based company dedicated to providing exceptional roofing and property maintenance services. With a focus on excellence and customer satisfaction, we serve Bristol and its surrounding areas, offering comprehensive solutions for all roofing needs. Our team specializes in a wide range of landscaping services, including but not limited to: Garden design and installation Lawn care and maintenance Tree and shrubbery planting Patio and pathway construction Fencing and decking installation Water feature design and installation Garden lighting solutions In addition to our landscaping expertise, we are committed to ensuring the longevity and beauty of your property through our comprehensive property maintenance services. From routine lawn mowing to seasonal cleanups, we handle all aspects of property upkeep with professionalism and care. At MC Roofing & Landscapes, we take pride in our attention to detail, craftsmanship, and commitment to customer satisfaction. Whether you're looking to transform your outdoor space into a tranquil oasis or simply need reliable property maintenance services, you can trust us to deliver outstanding results tailored to your needs. Contact us today to discover how MC Roofing & Landscapes can bring your landscaping vision to life and keep your property looking its best year-round.

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Reviewed by Paul on 27/3/2025

Very helpful and prompt service. Good workers who cleaned up properly. Friendly and straightforward service.

We are a new and uprising company, which has very experienced workers of 10+ years in everything to do with Gardening. From cutting weeds, grass, branches and hedges to floral designing, moulding hedges and using the hard earned skills to make your garden look the best way possible. For our clients we don’t just tidy the garden we transform the garden. We can also give an artistic approach. We also have specialists in building, with cement, concrete, bricks, wood such as fencing, decks, path ways made from any material wanted, etc. We can do everything there is to do about gardening, and Some more! Such as waste removal. Like furniture or anything else. We’ll asses it, give you a quote and help you out.

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Reviewed by Ibi on 10/9/2025

Great service and excellent work. Took pride in their work and were very diligent.

Rimi construction limited ! Guaranteed hight quality job with the best prices .

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Reviewed by Deepak on 30/9/2022

Very happy with Rimi. He at all times came up with ideas and solutions. We had a rear garden job. Involved brick work, decking, retiling, soil work,painting, creating new landscape overall. He did it professionally and in time. He was patient with delays in material supply and kept following up. Overall quite pleased with the end result

J4H Civil Engineering Ltd is a trusted company providing a range of property maintenance and home improvements for domestic and industrial customers in Feltham, Middlesex, West London, and the surrounding areas.

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Reviewed by Jason on 13/4/2025

Delighted with the service received from this company. Completed the job to quoted budget and well within the maximum timeframe quoted including doing some extra work (painting hallways, replacing spotlights) that weren't in the original job. Everything looks really good, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.

We are a reliable and trustworthy company. We carry out small and large scale domestic and commercial projects, covering all aspects of construction. We can also offer finance options.

Im Dannys gardening service a gardening company with 14 years experience in gardening and tree work i specialise in giving your garden the best work possible im reliable hard working and aim to please i give all my work 110% of my attention i will guarantee to beat any given quote if it’s in your garden we do it find us on yell or our website dgsgardenservice

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Reviewed by Chrissie on 30/4/2024

Reliable and efficient. The garden is looking the best it's looked for a long time. Thank you Dan, I have already recommended you.

Professional , friendly and thorough of customers needs . All types of property works covered with many skilled tradesmen . All works bespoke to requirement .

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Reviewed by Claire on 28/8/2025

AVOID AT ALL COSTS I can't recommend Tom. Previously TH&Jones Ltd he has changed the company name. He has left us with an extension that doesn't meet building regulations and needs to be taken down. Our house unsalable. I have an independent report to support it. Insufficient foundation, no damp course, insufficient insulation, incorrect installation of roof. He said he would rectify if we paid for 'things unquoted' but failed to show exactly what. We haven't heard from him in months. Stay away!!

Davies Building Services is a well established business based in Herne Bay. We service within a 50mile radius of Herne Bay, we provide a wide range of building services including extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions and barn conversions. We provide excellent communication and offer competitive prices, get in touch for a free quotation and we will get back to you quickly.

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Reviewed by Alex on 29/8/2024

Great job, professional to deal with and left job very clean. Would highly recommend.

Pocock developments has been trading in and around Berkshire and the home counties for some 30 years with great references. its a family run business with myself and my wife Kerry. We Produce fixed price quotations. we are Elecsa certified.

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Reviewed by Susanne on 25/3/2025

Spencer at Pocock Developments project managed our work very well. From the fully detailed quote, to advising on any pricing changes and providing some extra plastering work - got to say everything was managed smoothly and transparently, and the one hiccup over the roof tiles was put right quickly. Plus we appreciated Myron and Ivan's eye for detail and managing their work around the weather. Our two dormers look great, so thanks Pocock Development and we'd definitely use them again ????

AD handyman Services we will undertake/consider any handyman jobs painting flatpack assembly,,shed assembly/removal, roof recovering, reseal of showers/baths/kitchens blinds/curtainso . Any decking and fencing requirements.... and many more internal and external jobs. All works carried out as efficiently and cost effective as possible without a reduction on quality.

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Reviewed by Den on 19/7/2025

They were absolutely brilliant, very quiet & efficient and extremely polite. I would definitely recommend them to anyone who needed their services.

Based in south Brent, we have been in the block paving and resurfacing tarmac driveways for over 30 years. During this time we gained a wealth of knowledge and expertise on which means we can offer our customers plenty of help when designing your driveway

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Reviewed by Matthew on 8/1/2018

Highly recommended, job was done as per request and work was completed to high standard. Very clean, tidy and professional - would use again

Are you in search of a reliable and experienced building and landscape company? Look no further than LT Construction & Landscape Ltd! With over 20 years of experience, we have established ourselves as a professional, family-run business dedicated to providing top-notch services to our clients. From painting and decorating to new build extensions and garden services, we offer a wide range of construction and landscaping solutions to meet your needs. Whether you are looking to renovate your home or create a stunning outdoor space, we have got you covered. At LT Construction & Landscape Ltd, we take pride in our work and strive to exceed our clients' expectations. Our team of experts is committed to delivering high-quality results, ensuring that every project is completed to the highest standards. What sets us apart from other companies is our dedication to customer satisfaction. We understand that every project is unique, and we work closely with our clients to ensure that their vision comes to life. We prioritize open communication, transparency, and integrity in all our interactions, creating a seamless and stress-free experience for our clients. As a token of appreciation for choosing us, we promise to beat any quote you've had. This is our way of saying thank you for trusting us with your project. We are confident in the value we bring to our clients and are committed to providing affordable solutions without compromising on quality. So, if you're in need of reliable and professional construction and landscape services, look no further than LT Construction & Landscape Ltd. Contact us today for a free quote and let us help you bring your vision to life. #construction #landscape #building #renovations #freequote ????????

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Reviewed by April on 1/4/2025

Contractors made arrangements to call, arrived on time, they seemed very nice & efficient; however we did not receive a quote as promised, when I queried it; he apologized saying he thought he had emailed me to say it would be late as he had broken his collarbone. Then I received a text saying he wasn't going to quote as he was off sick for 6 weeks, so unfortunately we are unable to rate his work...

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