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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.

We are an independent construction company operating as a team of 4, we have 10 years experience in the industry, we can undertake most jobs big or small, Block paving Artificial turf Patio Decking Fencing House extensions Drive way renovations Drainage Internal and external renovations Brick/block laying Loft conversions Garden room-bar buildings

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Reviewed by Martin on 27/1/2022

Originally had them to fix water feature which they did brilliantly and then decided to have my decking done in the grey pvc. Turned up on time and did an excellent job from start to finish. 2 top guys highly recommended

Hi im a local York based lad with just a 2 man team I’ve been in the garden work for about 2 years now and think it’s time to try and expand abit more now I’ve done some good gardening work for plenty off York and surrounding people and have along the way now got some regular customers who I visit every couple of weeks to undertake their work I’ve got a page on Facebook under (MR landscaping and property services) if you would like to take a look at some off the work and projects I’ve done we are happy to travel at are own cost and give free quotations in the garden industry

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Reviewed by Stuart on 2/6/2025

Got in touch and was up for the job. Then had to reschedule due to birthdays then ignored when trying to confirm when they were going to come get more details of the work needed. Still no contact after messages sent.

Welcome to LHS tree services and landscaping. Its here where we help you to all your needs, no job too big no job too small, we have you covered! We are a two man team and currently work Somerset and Wiltshire areas If you are looking for a professional team to hire then you’ve came to the right place Our team are fully qualified and insured to ensure you have a stress free project complete.

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Reviewed by Felicity on 20/2/2025

Did a good job, However an initially good quote quickly became not so good when I asked for a couple of quite small jobs added, also a couple of things they said needed doing. The price doubled.

Hi my name is Alex i just start a gardening buisniss. I have 1 man with me we doing gardening mentenance we have a experience we can colect rubish!

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Reviewed by Chris on 26/9/2024

Alexandrou was great. He cleared some garden rubbish for me. He was a pleasant guy to deal with and he communicated well, turned up on time and completed the job quickly and efficiently. I am happy to recommend him

A family business since 1985 that provides bespoke fencing and decking services which specialises in artificial turfing. As well as made to measure wooden gates of all descriptions. A warm and friendly services that would be happy with any enquiries.

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Reviewed by Michael on 9/11/2023

Glynn, was brilliant, turned up exactly when he said he would, did the job that he said he would to a really good standard and charged me exactly what we agreed, might sound like that's how it should be but we know the reality. Wouldn't hesitate in recommending these guys

Hi everyone my name is Daniel... I have been working in the field for 10 years... when you do what you like, there's no way you won't do well, I've never left a customer unsatisfied... many thanks...

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Reviewed by John on 2/4/2025

Excellent work by Daniel and his team. Kept me up to date throughout the work and made sure it was being completed in the way I wanted.

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.

We are a family run business with over 20 Years experience in gardening and landscaping. We take on any project no matter the size and work alongside our clients to achieve the best outcome for the job requested. Matthew has worked on various projects from garden maintenance to hard and soft landscaping including Patios, paths, decking, artificial grass, turfing weed management and much more...

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Reviewed by Sarah on 28/2/2025

Matthew and his colleague arrived on time and worked efficiently and effectively. They did a fabulous job and I am excited that they are going to carry on maintaining the garden throughout the year. Thank you - great service.

We are a fully insured landscaping company Specialising in all stone and timber works We have 15 years experience and carry all our work to a exceptional standard We cover all aspects of landscaping Including Patios Decking Fences Artificial and real grass Pergolas and garden rooms Driveways.

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Reviewed by Linda on 24/10/2024

THE IDEAL CONTRACTOR. - VERY FAST RESPONSE, FAIR PRICE, JOB DONE TO A GOOD STANDARD, EVERYTHING CLEARED AWAY., VERY HAPPY. 100% RECOMMEND

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.

With over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry, we know how to deliver work that looks good and lasts. We work on properties of all shapes and sizes, commercial and domestic, turning your dreams into a reality.

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Reviewed by Sohail on 15/12/2021

What an amazing guy!, another 2 weeks and he would have become a member of our family!. You can set your clock with George, he was at our door an 8am on the dot every morning. He gave us so many different ideas which really helped us. His workmanship i, totally flawless. We know what quality looks like now. George is a loyal, honest and hardworking individual who will always be our first choice when getting work done.

We are a family run buisness that originated in Lincolnshire. We have relocated to the Kent area and have a fantastic skilled team of builders, carpenters, electricians, landscapers and many more. We thrive on perfection, quality and value for money and will share our knowledge and expertise with you.

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Reviewed by Apostolos on 18/7/2025

James was hired to fit 5 internal doors. It took him 3 days, and the work was careless, lazy, and full of mistakes, excuses, lies and frustration. He blamed the doors, house, locks, anything but himself. I wasn't going to leave a review, but after he left I was able to fix —by myself— issues that he tried to gaslight me into believing it was the best possible outcome. I suspect his "27 years of experience" was made up, and the problem was nothing but absolute lack of skill, care and work ethic.

We are a very reliable team who can always solve your problems. No job is to big or small With competitive pricing we are affordable And we always listen to our customers needs so we can help them the best way we can

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Reviewed by Judy on 28/2/2025

Guttering repair Friendly team explained the work to be done work done same day good price for work

Welcome to AM Maintenance, We specialise in all aspects of building and maintenance works. Ranging from a leak in the roof or a new bathroom. we have an extensive range of services at competitive prices whilst delivering quality.

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Reviewed by Nicole on 5/11/2024

Dan & team did a fantastic job throughout and we are so pleased with the end result. They've transformed our home. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a builder they can trust. Thanks again!

As a Gas Safe registered engineer with certifications in CCN1, CPA1, CENWAT, CKR1, FFWC, and LWAR, along with an NVQ Level 3 in insulation and building treatments, I bring a wealth of expertise to your service needs. My skills extend beyond gas appliance service, repair, and installation to include competitive pricing for loft insulation. My commitment to honesty is unwavering—I prioritize transparency and won't hesitate to admit if I encounter something beyond my expertise, ensuring your time and money are respected. Additionally, I possess experience in garden maintenance and redesign, offering a comprehensive approach to your home needs. While I'm new to this platform, I'm eager to build a client base and establish lasting relationships. Expect fair pricing, detailed free estimates, and a dedication to delivering high-quality service tailored to your requirements. Thank you for considering me for your home maintenance needs—I'm ready to exceed your expectations and create a reliable, trustworthy partnership, I am gas safe registered and also experienced in loft insulation and garden work also, I will be honest if I don't know something and try my best not to waste anyone's time.

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Reviewed by Dele on 10/4/2025

Thank you very much for your patience to get over the line with our boiler service and other things needing done. I will surely save your number for future use and recommend to family, friends and any others in need of Gas engineer. CFI all the way.

B M Tree Services are a family run business with 25 years experience In the tree surgery, gardening & landscaping industry. Covering the entire South and South East of England, we have full public liability insurance and are always here to help free quotations and advice

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Reviewed by Rachel on 23/7/2025

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

At A1 Property & Garden Maintenance, we bring over six years of professional expertise and a lifetime of knowledge passed down through generations. Based in Birmingham, we proudly serve the local community and surrounding areas with a small, dedicated team committed to excellence. Our services include: Gardening Tree cutting Hedge cutting Gutter cleaning Power washing Customer satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s transforming outdoor spaces or maintaining your property, we ensure every job is completed with precision, care, and attention to detail. Choose A1 Property & Garden Maintenance for a reliable, personalized approach to property and garden care.

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Reviewed by Tina on 25/7/2023

Took my money without completing the job and now does not return my calls or texts, phone number provided on website is disconnected. I do not recommend

Modern landscaping, Groundworks and Drainage specialists. Transforming your outdoor spacing into something amazing, you’ll be able to see the final product before we even start with our 3D digital design package. Also installing, repairing and surveying drains both domestic & commercially. Don’t hesitate to get in touch, free quotations and free advice.

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Reviewed by Anne on 3/4/2024

Very efficient, polite and organised. Really happy with the work and quote. Would certainly recommend.

hello I have 15 year in the trade I am a multi skilled tradesmen who takes pride in what I do I love my job I work on a basis you not happy with my work you don't pay simple as that I am fully insured and vetted

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Reviewed by allison on 2/8/2025

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