Answers
One question. One answer.
Short, sourced answers to the questions we hear most. Use them as a starting point, then write if your situation is different.
Garden Design And Build
Garden Design And Build
- 01
Do you cover Malmesbury?
Yes. Malmesbury and the villages around it, from the hilltop stone town out to the clay-vale villages, are a core part of our area. The stone and the sloping si
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How do I make my garden feel calm?
Through restraint: a simple, repeated planting palette, calm green and white tones, clean lines, the sound of water, and uncluttered space to rest the eye. A ca
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How do I divide a garden into areas?
With planting, low walls, screens, pergolas, changes of level or a shift in surface, so each area has its own feel while the whole still flows. Dividing a garde
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How do I create a focal point in my garden?
A focal point gives the eye somewhere to land and the garden a sense of purpose: a specimen tree, a water feature, a striking pot, a bench at the end of a path,
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Do you do garden makeovers?
Yes. A makeover can be a full redesign and rebuild or a focused refresh of the parts that are not working, and we are glad to do either. We start by understandi
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Do you cover Tetbury?
Yes. Tetbury, in the Highgrove belt, is exactly the kind of period and country setting our design-and-build work suits, and it is well within our area. We are g
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Do you cover Corsham?
Yes. Corsham is close to home, and its Bath-stone, conservation-area setting is exactly the kind of period, stone-led work we are known for. We cover it in full
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Do you cover Cirencester?
Yes. Cirencester and its surrounding villages are a core part of our area, from town courtyard gardens to country plots. It is the capital of the Cotswolds, and
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Do you cover Chippenham?
Yes. Chippenham is our home town, so we know the ground, the conditions and the area better than anywhere. We cover it in full, across the whole range of garden
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How do you handle waste and recycling?
We strip out what is being replaced, separate and dispose of waste responsibly, and reuse or recycle materials where we can, such as crushing old hardcore for a
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Will I have the same team throughout the project?
Yes. As a design-and-build firm, the people who design your garden are the ones who build it, so there is one accountable team from first visit to handover and
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Do I need to be home during the build?
No, not day to day. We agree access and the plan up front, keep the site safe and tidy, and keep you updated through the build, so you do not need to be there f
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What are the stages of a garden project?
Broadly: a consultation and site survey, then the design and drawings you sign off, then the build by the same team, then handover with aftercare. As a design-a
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What aftercare do you provide?
We hand over with clear, practical aftercare: how to look after the planting through its first year, and the surfaces, lawn or pond going forward. It is guidanc
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Do you offer a guarantee?
A reputable landscaper stands behind their work, and both the workmanship and any manufacturer or material guarantees should be set out clearly in writing. We a
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Can I do my garden in phases?
Yes. You do not have to do everything at once. We can design the whole garden and build it in sensible phases as budget and time allow, so each stage works on i
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What happens if it rains during my project?
Hard landscaping carries on through most weather, and we plan the programme around the parts that are weather-sensitive, such as certain mortars and planting. S
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How do you protect my garden during the build?
We plan access and protection from the start: protecting surfaces and planting that are staying, managing materials and waste tidily, and leaving the site safe
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Can you work with my architect?
Yes. Where there is an architect or a build underway, we design the garden to work as one piece with the house rather than around it afterwards. Coordinating ea
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How do I prepare for a garden design consultation?
Think about how you want to use the garden, what you like and dislike, and gather any photos or ideas. There is no need to have it worked out; the more honestly
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Can you build a garden for a school or community space?
Yes. Outdoor spaces for schools, nurseries and community settings are some of the most rewarding work there is, from play and learning areas to ponds and planti
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Do you do charity work?
Yes. We helped organise the Let Them Play charity build, where more than thirty tradespeople rebuilt the outdoor space at a Gloucester learning setting in a sin
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What does Landscaper of the Year mean?
Tom was named Landscaper of the Year 2025 at the On The Tools Awards, which recognise the best in the trades across the industry. It is a mark of standing among
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Are you a qualified garden designer?
Yes. Tom holds a BA(Hons) in Garden Design and Construction, alongside trade accreditations and the title of Landscaper of the Year 2025. A formal design qualif
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What tools do you use?
We build with Milwaukee, and we are a Milwaukee ambassador. Professional tools that perform and keep performing matter on site: reliable kit lets us focus on th
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What is the APL?
The APL, the Association of Professional Landscapers, is the trade body for professional landscapers in the UK. Members are vetted and expected to work to a sta
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Can you design a contemporary Cotswold garden?
Yes. A contemporary Cotswold garden uses the local stone and setting but with cleaner lines and modern planting and materials, so it feels current while still b
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Do you landscape grounds and paddocks?
Yes. Larger grounds, paddocks and the spaces around country properties are work we take on, from the formal garden near the house out to the wilder edges, ha-ha
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Can you design a garden for a barn conversion?
Yes, and it is a lovely brief. The challenge is settling a striking building into its setting, often with generous hard-landscaped courtyards and a transition o
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How do I design a new-build garden?
New-build gardens usually start as a blank, often compacted and poorly-drained plot. The priorities are sorting the ground and drainage, establishing levels and
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How do I design a garden around a view?
Where there is a good view, the garden is designed to frame and lead to it: low planting and clear sightlines toward it, seating placed to enjoy it, and sometim
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How do I design a long narrow garden?
A long narrow garden works best broken into zones across its length, with the path moved off a straight line, planting brought in at the sides, and a destinatio
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Do I pay a deposit for garden work?
Staged payments are normal for landscaping: a deposit to secure the slot and order materials, then payments tied to progress, with the terms agreed in writing u
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What should be in a landscaping quote?
A good landscaping quote sets out the scope, the materials and specification, the groundwork and preparation, and what is and is not included, not just a single
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Should I get multiple quotes for a garden?
Comparing a couple of quotes is sensible, but compare like for like: a cheap quote that skips the groundwork is not the same job as one that builds the base pro
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How do I avoid cowboy landscapers?
Look for real, finished projects rather than tidy-up photos, a proper site survey before pricing, a clear written quote, relevant credentials and insurance, and
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What should I do in my garden in winter?
Winter is for structure work: it is a good time for hard landscaping, for pruning many trees and shrubs while dormant, and for planning and designing next year'
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How do I make a safe garden for young children?
A safe family garden has secure boundaries and gates, soft or even play surfaces, no open water unless it is fenced or a pondless feature, and planting that avo
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How do I make a garden accessible?
An accessible garden uses level or ramped access instead of steps, firm even surfaces, generous path widths, and raised beds that bring planting within reach. D
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How do I budget for a garden project?
Put the budget into the things that are permanent and expensive to redo first, the groundwork, drainage, levels and hard landscaping, because those are the bone
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What is the first step in a garden project?
A consultation and a proper look at the site. Before any design or price, it pays to understand how you want to use the garden and to survey the levels, access,
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How do I plan a garden from scratch?
Start with how you want to use it and a proper survey, not with plants or products. From there comes a design that resolves the layout, levels, materials and pl
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How do I make the most of a north-facing garden?
A north-facing garden gets less direct sun, so design works with that: light-coloured surfaces to bounce light around, shade-tolerant planting that thrives rath
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Can I have my garden landscaped in summer?
Yes. Summer is peak season for hard landscaping and building, with long days and dry ground. The one thing to time carefully is new planting and turf, which est
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Is autumn a good time to landscape a garden?
Autumn is one of the best times. The soil is still warm so planting and turf establish well, hard landscaping carries on, and getting the work done over autumn
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Can you create a modern garden for a period property?
Yes, and done well it is one of the most rewarding briefs: a contemporary garden that respects and sets off a period house rather than fighting it. The skill is
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Do you work near Bath?
We cover the Wiltshire and South Cotswolds side, including Corsham, Box and the villages towards Bath, which are part of our core area. If you are right on the
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How do I make my garden look bigger?
With design, not just clearing it. Drawing the eye through with paths and focal points, using larger paving units, keeping the planting palette simple, and soft
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How do I add privacy to my garden?
Layered planting, well-placed trees or hedging, pergolas and screens, and the right boundary all add privacy without making a garden feel boxed in. The trick is
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How do I make a family-friendly garden?
By zoning it for how the family uses it: a tough, usable lawn or surface for play, safe boundaries, durable planting, and spaces that adapt as children grow. A
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How do I zone a large garden?
By breaking it into connected spaces with their own purpose: a terrace near the house, a lawn, a productive or wild area, and a destination at the far end, link
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What makes a good garden design?
A good garden design resolves how you use the space, the levels and the practicalities, with a coherent palette of materials and planting, so the finished garde
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Do you install garden lighting?
Yes. Lighting is part of designing a garden that works after dark: subtle path and step lighting, uplighting on trees and features, and lighting that makes an o
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Do you take on small jobs?
It depends on the work. Our focus is designed gardens and quality landscaping rather than odd jobs, but a smaller, well-defined project such as a patio, a wall
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Do you do commercial or just domestic landscaping?
Our focus is high-quality domestic gardens, design and build for homes. We do take on the right larger or commercial-adjacent project where it suits, such as a
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Do you have examples of your work?
Yes. The best way to judge a landscaper is by real, finished projects, so we are glad to show work like yours. Have a look at our projects, and we can talk thro
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What happens at a garden design consultation?
We visit the garden, talk through how you want to use it and what you like, and look at the practical side: the access, the levels, the soil and the aspect. It
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Can you redesign just part of my garden?
Yes. You do not have to do the whole garden at once. We can redesign and rebuild a single area, a terrace, a planting scheme or a problem corner, and design it
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Do you design front gardens?
Yes. Front gardens are their own discipline, balancing kerb appeal, parking, drainage and planting, often with the surface-water rules to respect. A well-design
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What is the difference between a garden designer and a landscape architect?
A garden designer focuses on private gardens: the planting, materials and how the space is used. A landscape architect is a separately-regulated profession that
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How involved do I need to be in the garden design?
As involved as you want to be. Some clients want to shape every plant, others hand over the brief and trust us to deliver. We need your input on how you want to
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Do I need a survey for my garden?
For anything beyond the simplest job, yes. A measured survey of the boundaries, levels and key features is what lets a design be accurate and buildable, rather
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Can you mix materials in a garden?
Yes, and done well it is one of the marks of a designed garden: porcelain with timber, stone with planting, resin with a stone edge. The skill is in restraint a
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Do you work all year round?
Yes. Hard landscaping such as paving, walls, driveways and structures carries on year round, and we time planting and turf for autumn and spring. Winter is also
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How do I get a quote for my garden?
Start by arranging a consultation. We visit the site, talk through what you want, and look at the access, the levels and the condition, then provide a considere
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What areas do you cover?
We cover Chippenham and the surrounding North Wiltshire and South Cotswolds, including the Cotswold Water Park, Cirencester, Tetbury, Malmesbury, Corsham and th
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Do you clear and remove the old garden?
Yes, clearance and responsible disposal are part of the job. We strip out what is being replaced, dispose of the waste properly, and prepare the ground for the
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How far in advance should I book a garden project?
For spring and summer builds it is worth planning months ahead, since the season books up. Designing over autumn and winter means you are ready to build when th
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Are you insured?
Any landscaper you use should carry public liability insurance and be able to show it on request, along with the right cover for the work involved. It is a fair
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Do you work on large country gardens?
Yes. Larger country and estate gardens are some of our most rewarding work, from design and build to ponds, walling and outdoor living. The scale suits designin
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Can you renovate an overgrown garden?
Yes. We clear, assess what is worth keeping, and redesign and rebuild from there. An overgrown garden is often hiding good bones, mature trees and structure, th
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What makes a Cotswold garden?
A Cotswold garden draws on the local landscape: honey-coloured stone walls and paving, relaxed naturalistic planting, and a sense that the garden belongs to the
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How much does a garden design cost?
We are a design-and-build firm, so the design is part of the project rather than a service sold on its own. The design element is shaped by the size and complex
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How do I choose a good landscaper?
Look for real, finished projects rather than just tidy-up photos, relevant credentials, clear written quotes, and a firm that surveys properly before pricing. D
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What does a garden designer do?
A garden designer surveys the site, works out how you want to use the space, and produces a considered design and planting plan that resolves the levels, materi
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Can you build a garden from my own design?
Yes. If you already have a design you are happy with, we can build it. We usually review it first to make sure it is buildable and the detail works on your site
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Do you provide drawings and plans?
Yes. A proper design includes a survey, a concept and a planting plan you can see and sign off before work starts, so there are no surprises. With design and bu
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How do I make a low-maintenance garden?
Low-maintenance is a design outcome, not just gravel everywhere. It comes from the right surfaces (porcelain, composite decking, resin-bound), planting chosen t
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When is the best time of year to have a garden built?
Hard landscaping such as patios, paving, walls and driveways can be built year round. Planting and turf establish best in autumn and spring, so we time those pa
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How long does a garden design and build take?
The design phase is usually a few weeks, depending on the complexity and the survey. The build then runs from a couple of weeks for a focused project to several
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How much does it cost to landscape a garden?
It ranges enormously, from a modest refresh to a full design and build, so there is no single figure. The cost depends on the size, the materials, the amount of
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Planting
Planting
- 01
Can you design a low-allergy garden?
Yes. A lower-allergy garden leans on insect-pollinated plants, which release far less airborne pollen than wind-pollinated grasses and some trees, favours doubl
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What is a mixed border?
A mixed border combines shrubs, perennials, grasses and bulbs in one planting, so there is structure year round and a changing display through the seasons. It i
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How do I add colour to my garden?
Through planting chosen for a succession of interest across the seasons, so something is always in flower or turning, rather than one big show that then fades.
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When should I plant trees and shrubs?
The dormant season, autumn through to early spring, is best for planting trees and shrubs, especially bare-root stock, because the roots establish before the de
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When should I plant bulbs?
Plant spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils, crocus and tulips in autumn, with tulips best left until late autumn. Summer-flowering bulbs such as dahlias and
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What should I plant in autumn?
Autumn is prime planting time: trees, shrubs and hedging while the soil is still warm, spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils and tulips, and hardy perennials
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What should I plant in spring?
Spring is for summer-flowering perennials, container-grown shrubs and trees, summer bulbs such as dahlias and lilies, and tender plants once the frost has passe
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How often should I water new planting?
Through the first growing season, water regularly and deeply, especially in dry spells, so the roots establish, then far less as the plants settle in. The first
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How do I create a Mediterranean-style garden?
A Mediterranean style suits a sunny, free-draining spot: gravel, stone and terracotta, drought-tolerant planting like lavender, olive and salvia, and relaxed te
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Raised beds or ground-level planting: which is better?
Raised beds bring planting within reach, warm up faster, drain better and suit poor or heavy soil; ground-level planting is more natural and cheaper and suits l
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What should I do in my garden in autumn?
Autumn is for planting trees, shrubs and bulbs while the soil is warm, laying turf, clearing leaves, and cutting back what has gone over. It is the ideal season
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What should I do in my garden in spring?
Spring is for getting going: tidying and mulching beds, feeding the lawn, planting and turfing as the soil warms, and pruning the shrubs that flower later in th
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Which garden plants are toxic to pets?
Some common garden plants are toxic to pets, including yew, foxglove, laburnum, lily and daffodil bulbs. It is worth checking before planting if you have animal
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What are the best drought-tolerant plants?
For dry, sunny spots, Mediterranean and prairie planting copes well: lavender, salvia, sedum, ornamental grasses, euphorbia and verbena. Matched to free-drainin
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What are the best evergreen plants for structure?
Evergreens carry a garden through winter: box and yew for clipped structure, plus pittosporum, choisya, viburnum and evergreen grasses that hold their form. A b
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What are the best plants for pots and containers?
Pots suit plants that take confinement and regular watering: clipped evergreens for structure, seasonal colour, herbs, grasses and compact shrubs. Good compost,
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What are the best plants for clay soil?
Clay is fertile, and many plants thrive in it once it drains: roses, hardy geraniums, astilbe, hydrangea, viburnum and many robust shrubs. Avoid Mediterranean p
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What are the best plants for a Cotswold garden?
A Cotswold garden suits relaxed, naturalistic planting that sits with the stone and countryside: lavender, salvias, hardy geraniums, roses, ornamental grasses a
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What are the best plants for a shady border?
Shade-lovers like ferns, hostas, hellebores, hydrangeas, brunnera and woodland-edge perennials bring colour and texture to a shady border. The key is matching t
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How do I screen an ugly view?
By blocking the sightline, not the whole boundary. A well-placed tree, a section of taller planting, a pergola or a screen positioned between you and the eyesor
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What trees are good for a small garden?
Small ornamental trees such as amelanchier, crab apple, multi-stem birch and Japanese maple give height, structure and seasonal interest without outgrowing the
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When is the best time to plant a hedge?
Autumn to early spring, while plants are dormant, is ideal, and bare-root hedging planted then is far cheaper than pot-grown. Pot-grown can go in most of the ye
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What garden jobs are best done in spring?
Spring suits planting and turfing, as roots establish before summer, and it is the start of the main build season. It is also the time many people decide to act
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What are the best low-maintenance plants?
Plants that suit your soil and aspect will always be the lowest maintenance, because they thrive without intervention. Robust shrubs, ornamental grasses, evergr
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What is the best hedge for privacy?
For year-round privacy, evergreen hedges such as yew, laurel or hornbeam (which holds its leaves) are the usual choices, balanced against how much you want to m
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What plants give year-round interest?
A good scheme layers evergreen structure, plants with strong winter form or bark, spring bulbs, summer flower and autumn colour, so something is always doing th
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How do I attract pollinators to my garden?
With a succession of nectar-rich flowers from early spring to late autumn, a mix of single-flowered varieties, some native planting, and water. A pond, even a s
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How do I keep my garden looking good in winter?
Winter interest comes from structure: evergreen planting, the form of bare trees and grasses, attractive bark and seed heads, good hard landscaping, and lightin
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When should I prune my garden?
It depends on the plant: many shrubs are pruned in late winter or early spring, spring-flowering shrubs after they flower, and some plants barely at all. Prunin
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How do I choose plants for my soil type?
Start with what you have: whether the soil is clay, sandy, chalky or loam, and how wet or dry and sunny or shaded the spot is. Plants that suit those conditions
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Can you build a traditional cottage garden?
Yes. A cottage garden is a designed look as much as a planted one: relaxed, abundant planting, informal paths and local materials. It suits the period and villa
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Do you do garden irrigation?
We can design in irrigation where it makes sense, for example for a new planting scheme or pots that need consistent watering, so planting establishes well with
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How do I improve clay soil?
Clay is fertile but heavy and slow-draining. You improve it by working in organic matter and grit over time, and by choosing planting that suits it. For a new g
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Do I need planning permission for raised beds?
No. Raised beds are not buildings and do not need planning permission. The only time it comes up is if they form part of significant changes to ground levels or
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Do you design the planting as well as the build?
Yes. Planting is part of the design, not an afterthought. A scheme includes a planting plan suited to the soil, the aspect and how you want the garden to feel,
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What is soft landscaping?
Soft landscaping is the living part of a garden: the planting, lawns, turf and soil work, as opposed to hard landscaping such as paving, walls and decking. A go
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How long does new planting take to establish?
Most planting takes a full growing season to settle and two to three years to reach its intended look, which is why a garden is designed for how it will mature,
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What plants work in a shady garden?
Plenty thrive in shade: ferns, hostas, hydrangeas and many woodland-edge perennials, chosen for the type of shade and the soil. The trick is matching the planti
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When is the best time to plant a garden?
Autumn and spring are the best planting times, when the soil is warm and moist and roots establish before summer stress. Container-grown plants can go in for mo
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What grows well in clay soil?
More than people expect. Clay is fertile and holds water and nutrients, so many shrubs, roses and robust perennials thrive in it once the ground is prepared and
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Patios Paving
Patios Paving
- 01
Should I choose paving or gravel?
Paving gives a firm, even, low-maintenance surface for seating, dining and access; gravel is cheaper, permeable and informal, and suits paths, drives and a rela
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Why is my paving stained?
Common causes are algae and organic matter in damp, shaded spots, iron or mineral spotting in some natural stone, or oil and rust marks. Many stains clean off w
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Can you fix a badly built patio?
Often, yes. We assess what has gone wrong, usually the base, the falls or the jointing, and decide whether it can be corrected or is better taken up and re-laid
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How do I stop weeds growing between patio slabs?
Weeds grow where the jointing has failed and seeds can settle, so the lasting fix is sound pointing with a quality jointing compound, not just pulling or sprayi
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How do I choose a patio colour?
Take the lead from the house and the setting: warm, natural tones for a period or Cotswold property, cooler greys for a contemporary look. We recommend seeing s
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What is the best patio for a small garden?
In a small garden every surface is seen up close, so quality matters more than quantity. Larger-format porcelain or natural stone units make a small space feel
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Can you lay a patio around a tree?
Yes, with care for the tree. We design the patio to respect the root protection area, often with a no-dig build-up rather than excavation, and leave room for th
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Do you install Talasey and Vitripiazza paving?
Yes. We are part of the Talasey Designer and Installer Network, and their ranges, including Vitripiazza porcelain and Natural Paving stone, feature in much of o
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What is Azpects?
Azpects makes the jointing, sealing and cleaning materials used to finish paving and natural stone properly. The finish is often what decides whether a patio la
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What materials do you use?
We use materials we trust and are accredited to install: Marshalls and Talasey paving and natural stone, Azpects jointing and sealing, and Resin Mill resin-boun
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What is a Marshalls-approved installer?
Marshalls is one of the most established names in paving and hard landscaping, and a Marshalls-approved installer is independently recognised against their stan
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Why does pointing matter on a patio?
Pointing, the filling between the slabs, keeps water out of the joints and the bed below, which is what stops a patio lifting, cracking and growing weeds. Done
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What is the difference between sawn and riven stone?
Sawn stone is cut to a smooth, flat, uniform finish for a clean contemporary look. Riven stone is split along its natural layers, giving a textured, characterfu
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Do patios need expansion gaps?
Large patios, and porcelain in particular, benefit from movement allowance so the surface can expand and contract with temperature without cracking. On a well-b
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What is the best jointing for a patio?
A good slurry or brush-in jointing compound, applied properly, gives a durable, weed-resistant joint that flexes slightly and sheds water. The right product dep
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How do I light a patio?
With layers: subtle recessed or wall lighting for the floor and steps, a warmer pool of light over the seating, and uplighting on a feature or planting beyond.
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Why do I get moss on my patio?
Moss and algae grow where a patio stays damp and shaded, especially on porous stone with poor drainage. Cleaning, good falls and sometimes sealing keep it at ba
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Patio or decking: which is better?
Both are good; it depends on the space and the look. A patio suits ground level, low maintenance, and a contemporary or period feel. Decking suits a slope, a ra
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What is the best base for a hot tub?
A hot tub needs a solid, level base that can take the considerable weight of a tub full of water and people, usually a reinforced concrete base or a properly en
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Why is water pooling on my patio?
Almost always a falls or drainage problem. A patio needs a slight, even slope to shed water to a drain or border, so pooling means the falls are wrong or a drai
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How do I look after a new patio?
Very little. Sweep it, wash it occasionally, and keep the joints sound. A sealed sandstone patio benefits from resealing every few years, while porcelain needs
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Can you lay a patio in winter?
It can be done, but cold and wet conditions affect mortars and adhesives, so timing and protection matter, and some materials are better left for milder spells.
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What thickness should patio slabs be?
It depends on the material and the use. Porcelain paving is typically 20mm, natural stone often 22mm or more, and both are laid on a full bed so the thickness w
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What is the most popular patio material?
Porcelain has become the most popular choice for new patios, for its low maintenance and clean, modern look, while natural stone such as sandstone remains the c
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Why is my patio cracking or sinking?
Almost always a base problem: an inadequate sub-base, poor drainage, or ground movement, especially on clay. The fix is to address the base, not just relay the
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Can you lay a patio over an existing one?
Sometimes, if the existing base is sound and the levels work, but often it is better to take it up and build the base properly, because laying over a failing ba
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What is the best base for a patio?
A patio needs a compacted sub-base and the right bedding for the material, with falls for drainage. Porcelain goes on a full adhesive bed, natural stone on a fu
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How long does it take to lay a patio?
A typical domestic patio takes around one to two weeks, longer for a large or intricate scheme, or where the base and drainage need significant work. Most of th
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Do I need planning permission for a patio?
A patio at ground level is normally permitted development and needs no planning permission. It only becomes an issue if it raises ground levels significantly, s
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What is the best patio material?
There is no single best; it depends on the look and the upkeep you want. Porcelain is the low-maintenance, contemporary choice. Indian sandstone is natural and
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How much does a patio cost?
A patio is priced on the material, the groundwork and the site, not a flat rate. The sub-base, the levels, the drainage and the access affect the cost as much a
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Driveways
Driveways
- 01
Can you repair a failing driveway?
Usually, yes, though the answer depends on the base. If the sub-base is sound the surface can often be repaired or resurfaced; if it is failing, the lasting fix
Read - 02
How long does it take to install a driveway?
A typical domestic driveway takes around one to two weeks, longer where the base needs significant work or the area is large. Most of the time goes into the exc
Read - 03
How do I design a low-maintenance front garden?
A low-maintenance front garden balances parking and kerb appeal: a permeable driveway or path, easy structural planting, and a clean, well-drained layout that l
Read - 04
What is the difference between tarmac and asphalt?
In everyday use they are much the same black bound surface; technically tarmac and modern asphalt differ in the binder, with asphalt the more common product tod
Read - 05
Can porcelain be used for a driveway?
Yes, with the right thicker paving and a properly engineered base to take vehicle loads, porcelain makes a striking, low-maintenance driveway. It costs more and
Read - 06
How thick should a driveway sub-base be?
For a domestic driveway the compacted sub-base is typically around 150mm, more on soft or clay ground or for heavier vehicles. The right depth depends on the gr
Read - 07
Can you widen my driveway?
Yes, widening a driveway for more parking is common work. The things to factor in are matching the surface, the base for the new area, drainage, and whether wid
Read - 08
What is the best driveway for a sloped entrance?
On a slope, grip and drainage matter most. Resin-bound and block paving both work well with the right detailing, while loose gravel is best avoided on a steep s
Read - 09
Do I need drainage for a driveway?
Yes, in effect. A driveway has to deal with rainwater, either through a permeable surface that lets it soak away or with drainage to a permeable area. This is a
Read - 10
What is the best edging for a driveway?
Good edging is what keeps a driveway contained and crisp, whether that is a block, stone or kerb edge. It stops gravel scattering and resin or paving spreading,
Read - 11
Why is my driveway cracking?
Usually the base. A driveway that cracks, ruts or sinks almost always has an inadequate sub-base or poor drainage underneath, especially on clay. Resurfacing al
Read - 12
How soon can I park on a new driveway?
It depends on the surface. Resin-bound is usually ready for foot traffic within hours and vehicles within a day or so. Block paving can be used sooner. Each mat
Read - 13
What is the best driveway material?
For most homes a resin-bound driveway is the best all-round choice: permeable, so it needs no planning permission, low-maintenance, and clean with no loose ston
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Fencing
Fencing
- 01
How do I fix a wobbly fence post?
A wobbly post usually means the base has rotted or the original setting has failed. The lasting fix is to re-set the post properly in concrete, or replace it wi
Read - 02
What is the difference between treated and untreated timber?
Treated timber is impregnated with preservative so it resists rot and insects outdoors, which is essential for posts, decking substructure and most garden joine
Read - 03
What is the best low-maintenance fence?
A well-installed fence on concrete or oak posts lasts far longer than cheap panels, and composite or metal fencing needs almost no upkeep. As ever, the posts an
Read - 04
How do I stop my fence blowing down?
Almost always the posts. A fence blows down when the posts are undersized, shallow or rotten, not because of the panels. Properly set concrete or oak posts at t
Read - 05
Who owns the fence between two gardens?
There is no automatic rule, despite the common myth about the left-hand boundary. Ownership is set by the title deeds and the Land Registry plan, sometimes show
Read - 06
How long does a fence last?
It varies hugely with quality: a cheap panel fence may last five to ten years, while well-built feather-edge or oak fencing on sound posts lasts far longer. The
Read - 07
What is the most durable type of fencing?
For longevity, well-installed feather-edge on concrete or oak posts, or estate and metal fencing, outlast cheap panel fencing by years. The posts and the instal
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Ponds Water Features
Ponds Water Features
- 01
Why has my new pond gone cloudy?
A new pond often goes cloudy for the first few weeks as it settles: fine particles are suspended and the biology has not yet balanced. It usually clears on its
Read - 02
Do garden ponds freeze in winter?
The surface can freeze in a hard winter, but a well-designed pond with enough depth stays liquid below, and life sits out the cold there. We design in the depth
Read - 03
What are the best plants for a pond edge?
Marginal plants like iris, marsh marigold, rushes and water mint soften a pond edge and support wildlife, set at the right depth on the shelving margins. They a
Read - 04
What is the difference between a lined and a concrete pond?
A liner pond uses a flexible membrane, which is cost-effective, quicker and suits natural shapes. A concrete pond is more durable and formal, holds crisp edges
Read - 05
Do I need a liner for a pond?
Most garden ponds use a flexible liner, usually durable EPDM, which suits natural shapes and is reliable and cost-effective. The alternatives are a concrete bui
Read - 06
Can you build a pond in a small garden?
Yes. A small wildlife pond, a raised pond or a pondless water feature all work in a compact garden and can be the best part of it. The key is designing it to th
Read - 07
How do I stop my pond turning green?
Green water is algae, fed by too many nutrients and too much light. The lasting fix is balance, not chemicals: enough planting to compete with the algae, the ri
Read - 08
Do ponds attract rats?
A pond itself does not attract rats. What draws them is food, including fish food left out, and dense undisturbed cover. A well-designed, well-kept pond with ma
Read - 09
What fish can I keep in a garden pond?
Goldfish and orfe suit a general ornamental pond, while koi need a larger, dedicated, filtered pond to thrive. A wildlife pond is usually best left fish-free so
Read - 10
How much does it cost to maintain a pond?
Far less than people fear, especially a balanced ecosystem or natural pond, where the biology does most of the work and there are no chemicals. The main costs a
Read - 11
Should I have a pond or a water feature?
A pond is a body of water that becomes a feature of the garden and a habitat, while a water feature is a smaller element for sound and movement, often with no o
Read - 12
Do you build raised ponds?
Yes. A raised pond brings the water closer to eye and seat level and suits a courtyard or a formal setting, and it can be safer around young children. It needs
Read - 13
How do you look after a new pond?
A new pond needs a little patience while the planting establishes and the balance settles over the first season. After that it is seasonal: cutting back plantin
Read - 14
Can you build a pond on a sloping garden?
Yes. A pond on a slope is designed with the levels in mind, often with retaining and terracing so the water sits level and the surroundings work. It is more inv
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Natural Swimming Ponds Cotswold Water Park
Natural Swimming Ponds Cotswold Water Park
- 01
Do you cover the Cotswold Water Park?
Yes, and it is some of our most rewarding work. The lakeside estates and villages of the Water Park suit natural ponds, water features, waterside decking and ou
Read - 02
Do you work at the Cotswold Water Park?
Yes, the Cotswold Water Park is central to our area. It is where much of our best work is: natural swimming ponds, water features, waterside decking and outdoor
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Lawns Turfing
Lawns Turfing
- 01
What is the best edging for a lawn?
A crisp lawn edge can be cut and maintained, or defined with a hard edging such as brick, stone, steel or a mowing strip set just below the grass. A mowing stri
Read - 02
What is the best grass for a family lawn?
A hard-wearing rye-grass-based turf copes best with children, dogs and play, recovering from wear far better than a fine ornamental lawn. We lay turf to suit ho
Read - 03
When can I first mow a new lawn?
Once new turf has rooted and reached around 5 to 8cm, usually a few weeks after laying, take just the tips off with a sharp blade on a high setting. Mowing too
Read - 04
How do I prepare my garden for summer?
Before summer, get the lawn, beds and surfaces in shape, mulch to hold moisture, check any irrigation, and make sure the seating, shade and outdoor living are r
Read - 05
How do I make a dog-friendly garden?
A dog-friendly garden has tough, usable lawn or surfaces, secure boundaries, clear paths along the routes dogs like to patrol, shade and water, and planting tha
Read - 06
Why is my lawn patchy?
Common causes are poor or compacted soil, shade, drainage or wear. A patchy lawn usually means the ground underneath needs attention, not just more seed on top.
Read - 07
Real grass or artificial grass: which is better?
A real lawn on well-prepared ground is the better long-term answer for most gardens: cooler, greener and better for wildlife and drainage. Artificial grass earn
Read - 08
Is turf or seed better for a new lawn?
Turf gives an instant, even lawn you can use within weeks and suits most gardens. Seed is cheaper and offers more grass varieties but takes longer and needs the
Read - 09
Why does my lawn get waterlogged?
Usually compacted ground or poor drainage, which is common on clay. The fix is proper ground preparation, aeration and sometimes drainage, not just laying new t
Read - 10
How long before I can use a new lawn?
Usually a few weeks. New turf needs to root before heavy use, typically two to four weeks with watering, and longer in cool conditions. Light use comes sooner.
Read - 11
When is the best time to lay turf?
Turf is best laid in autumn or spring, when it roots quickly without the heat of summer or the waterlogging of deep winter. Laid on well-prepared ground and wat
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Block Paving Driveways
Block Paving Driveways
- 01
What is the difference between block paving and clay pavers?
Concrete block paving is moulded, comes in many shapes and colours, and is the common, cost-effective choice. Clay pavers are fired from clay, hold their colour
Read - 02
How do I maintain a block paving driveway?
Sweep it, keep the joints sanded, deal with weeds in the joints, and wash it occasionally; any sunken or loose blocks can be lifted and relaid. Block paving is
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Indian Sandstone Patios
Indian Sandstone Patios
- 01
What is riven sandstone?
Riven sandstone is split along its natural layers rather than sawn, giving a textured, characterful surface with subtle variation in colour and thickness. That
Read - 02
Do I need to seal an Indian sandstone patio?
Sealing a sandstone patio is optional but recommended: it helps resist staining and algae and keeps the colour. Porcelain, by contrast, never needs sealing. We
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Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor Kitchens
- 01
How do I make my garden usable in winter?
Hard landscaping you can use year round, a covered structure such as a pergola or veranda, lighting for the dark evenings, a fire feature for warmth, and planti
Read - 02
What worktop is best for an outdoor kitchen?
It has to handle weather, heat and stains, so porcelain, dense engineered stone and concrete worktops are the usual choices, each weatherproof and hard-wearing.
Read - 03
Do outdoor kitchens need a roof?
Not strictly, but a cover transforms how much you use one. A pergola or covered structure keeps the kitchen and seating usable in the rain and protects the appl
Read - 04
Can you build a pizza oven in a garden?
Yes, a built-in pizza oven is a popular part of an outdoor kitchen or living space. It needs a solid, level base to take the weight, the right clearances and fl
Read - 05
What is the best way to heat an outdoor space?
It depends on the space: a built-in fire pit or fire feature for a natural focal point, wall or overhead electric heaters under a covered area, or a chiminea fo
Read - 06
How do I design a garden for entertaining?
Around how you actually entertain: a generous patio or terrace, an outdoor kitchen or fire, comfortable seating zones, lighting for the evening, and a layout th
Read - 07
Can you build a fire pit?
Yes. A built-in fire pit or fire feature is a popular part of an outdoor living space, extending the evenings and giving a garden a natural focal point. We desi
Read - 08
How do I create an outdoor room?
By designing the garden like a room: a defined floor of paving or decking, walls of planting, screens or a pergola, a ceiling of a pergola, veranda or the sky,
Read - 09
Can you use an outdoor kitchen all year round?
Yes, if it is built for it. A covered structure such as a pergola, weatherproof materials and the right layout mean an outdoor kitchen works well beyond summer.
Read - 10
What do you need for an outdoor kitchen?
At its core: a weatherproof built-in structure, a worktop, a cooking element such as a grill or pizza oven, and the utilities, gas, power and often water. A cov
Read - 11
Do I need planning permission for an outdoor kitchen?
A built-in outdoor kitchen at ground level normally needs no planning permission. If it sits under a pergola or covered structure, that follows the outbuilding
Read
Cotswold Stone Walling
Cotswold Stone Walling
- 01
How do you match existing stonework?
By sourcing the right stone and matching the coursing, the jointing and the coping to what is already there. On Cotswold and period property, getting the match
Read - 02
What is the best way to build a Cotswold stone wall?
In the traditional way: sorted local stone, a proper footing, the right batter (the slight inward lean), through-stones for strength, and a coping on top, dry-l
Read - 03
What is the difference between Cotswold stone and other stone?
Cotswold stone is a honey-coloured oolitic limestone with a distinctive warm tone and character that defines the local buildings and walls. Other limestones and
Read - 04
What stone matches a Cotswold property?
Local Cotswold limestone is what sits right with a Cotswold property, in walling, paving and detailing, because it shares the colour and character of the existi
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Walling
Walling
- 01
Can you build a curved wall?
Yes. A curved wall, in stone or brick, is a lovely way to soften a garden and follow a path or border, and we build them to the same standard as straight ones,
Read - 02
What is the best coping for a garden wall?
Coping is the protective top course of a wall, and it matters because it sheds water and protects the structure below. Stone coping suits a period or Cotswold w
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Garden Rooms
Garden Rooms
- 01
How long do garden rooms last?
A bespoke, well-built and properly-based garden room lasts decades, the same as any quality building, because it is built for the site rather than flat-packed.
Read - 02
What can I use a garden room for?
Almost anything that benefits from dedicated, year-round space away from the house: a home office, a studio for art or music, a gym, a yoga space, or a quiet ro
Read - 03
Can a garden room be moved?
A bespoke garden room is built in place for the site and is not designed to be relocated, the same as any quality building. Some modular kits can be dismantled,
Read - 04
Do garden rooms need foundations?
Yes. A garden room needs a proper base to stay level, dry and sound, whether that is a concrete pad, ground screws or an engineered base sized to the ground. A
Read - 05
What is the best cladding for a garden room?
Cedar and larch are popular timber claddings, naturally durable and weathering attractively; composite cladding offers very low maintenance; render gives a clea
Read - 06
Do garden rooms get condensation?
A poorly built one can, but a properly designed garden room does not. Good insulation, a breathable build-up, controlled ventilation and the right glazing manag
Read - 07
Can a garden room be a gym?
Yes, a garden gym is one of the most popular uses. It needs a strong, level floor for equipment, good ventilation, power and lighting, and enough space and heig
Read - 08
Should I extend the house or build a garden room?
A garden room is usually quicker, less disruptive and cheaper than extending, and often permitted development, while an extension adds connected space to the ho
Read - 09
What is the difference between a garden room and an extension?
A garden room is a separate, detached building in the garden; an extension is built onto the house. They follow different rules, a garden room as an outbuilding
Read - 10
Can a garden room have a bathroom?
Yes, but it changes things. Adding a bathroom or shower means drainage and a water supply, which brings building regulations into play, and it can affect whethe
Read - 11
How long does a garden room take to build?
A bespoke garden room typically takes a few weeks from groundworks to finish, depending on the size, the specification and the base. We set out the programme af
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Resin Bound Driveways
Resin Bound Driveways
- 01
What is the most low-maintenance driveway?
A resin-bound driveway is the lowest-maintenance option: smooth, permeable, weed-resistant and easy to keep clean, with no loose stone to scatter or joints to r
Read - 02
What is a Resin Mill approved installer?
Resin Mill supplies resin-bound and resin-bonded surfacing materials, and an approved installer is trained through their academy and trusted to lay them to the
Read - 03
Can I have a permeable driveway?
Yes, and it is the easiest route past the planning rules. Resin-bound, permeable block paving and gravel all let water soak through or away on site, so a permea
Read - 04
How do I get rid of weeds in my driveway?
Weeds grow in the joints of loose or jointed surfaces like gravel and block paving, where seeds settle. A smooth, sealed surface such as resin-bound gives them
Read - 05
Gravel or resin driveway: which is better?
Resin-bound is smoother, cleaner, permeable, low maintenance and needs no planning permission, but costs more. Gravel is cheaper and traditional but scatters, n
Read - 06
How often should a resin driveway be cleaned?
Occasionally. A wash and a brush, and a power-wash on a low setting once or twice a year, keeps a resin-bound driveway looking new. Because it is smooth and per
Read - 07
What colour resin driveway is best?
It is down to the property: neutral golds and greys suit most homes and hide dust well, while darker blends look contemporary. We recommend a colour that sits w
Read - 08
Is block paving or resin better for a driveway?
Both are good; it depends on the look and the upkeep. Resin-bound is smooth, permeable, low-maintenance and needs no planning permission. Block paving is tradit
Read - 09
Can you lay resin over an existing driveway?
Sometimes. Resin-bound can be laid over existing concrete or tarmac if it is sound and drains correctly, which can save cost. If the base is failing it has to b
Read - 10
How long does a resin driveway last?
A resin-bound driveway laid properly on a sound, well-drained base lasts many years, typically well over a decade and longer with care. The base, and the qualit
Read - 11
How much does a resin driveway cost?
A resin-bound driveway is priced on the surface and, above all, the existing base. A sound base can be built on, while a failed one has to be dug out and replac
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Natural Swimming Ponds
Natural Swimming Ponds
- 01
Can a natural swimming pond be any shape?
Largely, yes. A natural swimming pond can be formal and geometric or soft and naturalistic, as long as the swim zone and the planted regeneration zone are balan
Read - 02
Do you build natural pools instead of swimming pools?
Yes, that is our speciality. A natural swimming pond gives you somewhere to swim without the chemicals, the running costs and the look of a conventional pool. A
Read - 03
Are natural swimming ponds safe for dogs?
Yes, dogs can swim in a natural pond, and the chemical-free water is kinder to them than a chlorinated pool. We design in an easy exit point and gentle margins
Read - 04
Are natural swimming ponds becoming popular?
Yes, markedly. Interest in natural swimming ponds has grown strongly as people look for a chemical-free, lower-running-cost, wildlife-friendly alternative to a
Read - 05
Can you heat a natural swimming pond?
You can add heating, but most natural swimming ponds are left unheated and used from spring to autumn, which keeps the running costs and the ecology simple. If
Read - 06
What is a regeneration zone in a natural swimming pond?
The regeneration zone is the planted part of a natural swimming pond that cleans the water. Aquatic plants and the gravel they grow in host beneficial bacteria
Read - 07
Do natural swimming ponds attract mosquitoes?
No, a well-designed natural pond does not become a mosquito problem. Moving, oxygenated water and the wildlife a balanced pond attracts, such as dragonflies, fr
Read - 08
Can you have fish in a natural swimming pond?
It is possible but not usually recommended. Fish add nutrients that can upset the balance a natural swimming pond relies on to stay clear, and they are better s
Read - 09
How much space do I need for a natural swimming pond?
More than people expect, because a natural swimming pond needs a swim zone plus a planted regeneration zone of similar size to keep the water clean. As a rough
Read - 10
Do I need planning permission for a natural swimming pond?
A domestic natural swimming pond normally needs no planning permission. The things to check are designated land or a listed property, any significant change to
Read - 11
Can you swim in a natural swimming pond in winter?
You can, and some people do, but the water is cold and unheated, so most use a natural pond from spring to autumn. Through the winter the pond looks after itsel
Read - 12
Are natural swimming ponds safe for children?
Like any water, a natural pond needs sensible supervision around young children. There are no chemicals, which many parents prefer, and the design can include g
Read - 13
Do natural swimming ponds need a lot of maintenance?
No, far less than a swimming pool. Built as a balanced ecosystem there are no chemicals to manage. The maintenance is seasonal: cutting back the planting, clear
Read - 14
How long does a natural swimming pond take to build?
A natural swimming pond is a substantial project, usually several weeks to a few months depending on the size, the access and the construction method. The excav
Read - 15
Can you build a natural swimming pond on clay soil?
Yes. Clay ground holds water, which can actually help a pond, and the build is designed to suit it. The clay vale around Chippenham is a good example of ground
Read - 16
How deep does a natural swimming pond need to be?
The swimming zone of a natural pond is usually around 2 metres deep, enough to swim properly and to keep the water stable, while the planted regeneration zone t
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Wildlife Ponds
Wildlife Ponds
- 01
What depth should a wildlife pond be?
A wildlife pond works best with varied depth: gently shelving shallow margins for plants and easy access for creatures, and a deeper central zone, around 60cm o
Read - 02
Wildlife pond or koi pond: which is right for me?
A wildlife pond is for nature, planted, fish-free and low input; a koi pond is for keeping and viewing fish, needing a larger volume and dedicated filtration. T
Read - 03
How do I design a wildlife-friendly garden?
With a mix of native and pollinator planting, a pond or water, varied habitats, and fewer hard, sterile surfaces. A wildlife-friendly garden can still be beauti
Read - 04
What is the difference between a wildlife pond and a natural swimming pond?
A wildlife pond is designed for nature, with shallow margins and planting and usually no swimming. A natural swimming pond has a dedicated swim zone alongside a
Read - 05
Do I need a pump for a wildlife pond?
Not always. A true wildlife pond can be designed to work without a pump, relying on planting and balance, though gentle circulation helps in some settings. A po
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Are You An Accredited Landscaper
Are You An Accredited Landscaper
What Is A Certified Aquascape Contractor
What Is A Certified Aquascape Contractor
Water Features
Water Features
- 01
Can you add lighting to a pond or water feature?
Yes. Underwater and surrounding lighting brings a pond or water feature to life after dark, picking out the movement and the planting. It is designed in with th
Read - 02
Can you build a formal water feature or rill?
Yes. Formal water features, a rill, a still reflecting pool, a fountain or a trough, bring elegance, sound and movement to a garden and suit a contemporary or a
Read - 03
Can you add a waterfall to an existing pond?
Often, yes. A waterfall or cascade adds sound, movement and oxygen to an existing pond, and it can be retrofitted if the pond and its edges suit it. We assess t
Read - 04
Do water features need electricity?
Most do, for the pump that circulates the water, usually a single weatherproof, low-energy supply run discreetly to the feature. Some small features can run on
Read - 05
Are water features hard to maintain?
Not when built well. A properly designed water feature with the right pump, reservoir and circulation needs only occasional cleaning and seasonal checks. The de
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Listed Buildings And Garden Work
Listed Buildings And Garden Work
Dry Stone Walling
Dry Stone Walling
- 01
Dry stone or mortared wall: which is better?
Dry stone is laid without mortar, suits the local character and lasts for generations; a mortared wall is quicker for some jobs and right for retaining or where
Read - 02
How long does a dry stone wall last?
A well-built dry stone wall lasts for generations, often a century or more, which is why so many old ones still stand across the Cotswolds. The skill is in the
Read
Pergolas Gazebos Verandas
Pergolas Gazebos Verandas
- 01
Pergola or veranda: which is better?
A pergola is an open framework for structure and partial shade, usually freestanding; a veranda is roofed and attached to the house, for sheltered space you can
Read - 02
How do I create shade in my garden?
With structure or planting, or both: a pergola or veranda over a seating area, a well-placed tree for natural dappled shade, or sails and screens for a lighter
Read - 03
Can you build a covered seating area?
Yes. A covered seating area, under a pergola with a solid or glazed roof, a veranda, or a garden structure, gives you usable outdoor space whatever the weather.
Read - 04
What is the difference between a pergola and a gazebo?
A pergola is an open framework of posts and beams, often over a patio or walkway, giving structure and partial shade. A gazebo is a freestanding, usually roofed
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Porcelain Vs Indian Sandstone Patio
Porcelain Vs Indian Sandstone Patio
- 01
Porcelain or natural stone: which is better?
Porcelain is uniform, low maintenance and frost and stain resistant with no sealing; natural stone has unique character and warmth and suits a period setting. F
Read - 02
Why is porcelain more expensive to lay than sandstone?
Two reasons. The boards cost more to buy than Indian sandstone, and they have to be laid on a full adhesive bed over a primed slurry, with precise cutting, whic
Read - 03
What is the lowest-maintenance garden surface?
For paving, porcelain is the lowest maintenance, since it resists stains and frost and never needs sealing. For decking, composite needs almost no upkeep compar
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Composite Decking
Composite Decking
- 01
How do I stop decking being slippery?
Slippery decking is usually algae on damp, shaded timber. Non-slip composite boards, grooved profiles or anti-slip inserts, good drainage and keeping it clean a
Read - 02
What is the best decking for a shaded garden?
Composite is the best choice for a shaded, damp spot: it resists the algae and moisture that make timber slippery and rot-prone in shade, and stays low maintena
Read - 03
What is the best decking around a pool or pond?
A non-slip composite board is usually best around water: it resists moisture, does not rot or splinter, and stays safe underfoot when wet. It is exactly what we
Read - 04
How do I maintain composite decking?
Almost nothing beyond an occasional wash to keep it clean and clear of leaf debris in the grooves. Composite does not need oiling, staining or sealing like timb
Read - 05
Does composite decking get hot in the sun?
Like any decking, composite can warm up in direct sun, and darker boards more than lighter ones. For a sunny, barefoot area such as around a pool or pond we fac
Read - 06
How long does composite decking last?
Quality composite decking lasts a long time, commonly 25 years or more, because it does not rot, warp or splinter and holds its colour. The substructure and the
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Bespoke Pergolas
Bespoke Pergolas
- 01
Can a pergola have a louvred roof?
Yes. A louvred roof has adjustable slats you can open for sun or close against rain, giving you control over a covered space through the day and the seasons. It
Read - 02
What is the best material for a pergola?
Oak is the premium choice, naturally durable and beautiful as it weathers; softwood is a budget option but needs more upkeep; aluminium suits a modern louvred s
Read - 03
Do pergolas need foundations?
Yes. A pergola needs its posts set on proper foundations to stay solid and square, sized to the structure and the ground. A flat-pack kit often skimps this, whi
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Retaining Walls
Retaining Walls
- 01
How high can a retaining wall be?
Low retaining walls are straightforward, but as height increases so do the forces, and a higher wall, often above around a metre, needs proper engineering desig
Read - 02
What is a retaining wall for?
A retaining wall holds back ground where the level changes, turning a slope into usable terraces or stopping soil slipping. It is doing a real structural job, s
Read - 03
Why is my retaining wall leaning?
A leaning retaining wall almost always means water pressure or a failed footing: without proper drainage behind it, water builds up and pushes the wall out, or
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Sloping Garden Design
Sloping Garden Design
- 01
How do I level a sloping garden?
Usually by terracing: cutting into the slope and building retaining walls to create level platforms, with the drainage designed in. Sometimes a raised deck is t
Read - 02
Can you build steps in a sloping garden?
Yes. Steps are one of the main tools for making a slope usable, linking terraces and changing levels safely and elegantly. We design and build them in stone, po
Read - 03
Do I need planning permission to raise the level of my garden?
Often, yes. Raising the ground level significantly, for example to level a sloping garden with a raised terrace or built-up beds, can need planning permission,
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Suds And Garden Drainage
Suds And Garden Drainage
- 01
How do I deal with a high water table?
You design for it rather than fight it: raised beds and levels, drainage that works with the ground, planting that copes with wet, and pond or water features th
Read - 02
What is a French drain?
A French drain is a gravel-filled trench, usually with a perforated pipe in it, that intercepts and carries water away from where it is a problem to where it ca
Read - 03
What is a soakaway?
A soakaway is an underground pit, filled with rubble or modular crates, that collects rainwater and lets it soak slowly into the surrounding ground. It is a sim
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How do I make my garden more sustainable?
Through permeable surfaces and good drainage that keep water on site, planting suited to the conditions so it needs little watering or feeding, a pond or rain g
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What is a rain garden?
A rain garden is a planted, slightly sunken bed designed to catch and soak away rainwater from roofs and hard surfaces, planted with species that cope with both
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Why is my garden always muddy?
Usually compacted soil or poor drainage, often on clay, where water cannot soak away. The fix is to improve the ground with drainage, aeration and the right sur
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How do I stop my garden flooding?
By designing drainage in rather than treating it as an afterthought: the right falls, soakaways, permeable surfaces, and planting that copes with wet ground. On
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Porcelain Patios
Porcelain Patios
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What is the most hard-wearing patio material?
Porcelain is the most hard-wearing patio surface: it resists stains, scratches, frost and fading, and never needs sealing. Quality natural stone such as good sa
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What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic paving?
Outdoor paving porcelain is a dense, low-porosity, frost and stain resistant tile made for outdoor use, usually 20mm thick. Standard ceramic is more porous and
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Do porcelain patios fade?
No, quality outdoor porcelain holds its colour. It is fired at high temperature and is highly resistant to UV, frost and stains, which is one of its main advant
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Dry Stone Wall Repair
Dry Stone Wall Repair
- 01
Can you restore an old garden wall?
Yes. Restoration and rebuilding of old and failing walls is some of our most valued work, especially in stone. We take failed sections back to a sound base, reu
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Why is my stone wall bulging?
A bulging wall usually means water, ground movement or a failed footing has pushed it out of line. It is a warning sign worth acting on before it collapses. We
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Trees Tpos And Conservation Areas
Trees Tpos And Conservation Areas
- 01
Can you work around mature trees?
Yes, and we design to protect them. Mature trees are an asset, so we work around their root protection areas, sometimes with no-dig techniques, and check for an
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Do I need permission to remove a garden hedge?
A garden hedge can usually be removed without permission. The exceptions are an important countryside hedgerow under the Hedgerow Regulations, mostly rural fiel
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Can I build a pond near a protected tree?
Often yes, but you must respect the root protection area of the tree, and if the tree has a Tree Preservation Order or is in a conservation area you need the co
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Artificial Lawns
Artificial Lawns
- 01
Do I need permission for artificial grass in my front garden?
Artificial grass itself does not usually need planning permission, but the surface-water rules for front gardens still apply: it should be laid so water drains
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Is artificial grass a good idea?
It has its place, mainly where a real lawn will not thrive: deep shade, very heavy use, or poor drainage. Installed on a proper free-draining base it is low-mai
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Permitted Development Designated Land
Permitted Development Designated Land
- 01
Do conservation area rules apply to my back garden?
Yes. Conservation-area rules apply to the whole property, including the back garden, not just the street frontage. They tend to bite on outbuildings, cladding,
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Can I do garden work in a conservation area?
Yes, regularly. Conservation-area status does not stop garden work, it shapes it: the materials and some structures are more restricted, work to trees needs not
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Is my village in the Cotswolds National Landscape?
Many villages in our area are in or beside the Cotswolds National Landscape, including parts of Tetbury, Cirencester and the surrounding villages, but the bound
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Party Walls And Garden Projects
Party Walls And Garden Projects
Garden Room Planning Permission
Garden Room Planning Permission
- 01
How close to my house can I build a garden room?
A garden room must be detached and sit behind the principal elevation of the house to stay permitted development. There is no fixed minimum gap from the house,
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Do I need planning permission for a greenhouse?
A domestic greenhouse is treated as an outbuilding and is normally permitted development within the usual limits on height, position and garden coverage. The ma
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Do I need planning permission for a summerhouse?
A summerhouse is treated as an outbuilding, so it is normally permitted development within the same limits as a garden room: single storey, behind the principal
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Can I sleep in a garden room?
Not under permitted development. A garden room used as self-contained or sleeping accommodation falls outside permitted development and needs both planning perm
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Can I build a garden room within 2 metres of my fence?
Yes, but if a garden room sits within 2 metres of any boundary it must be no more than 2.5 metres high to stay within permitted development. Further than 2 metr
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How tall can a garden room be without planning permission?
A garden room is permitted development up to 2.5 metres high if it is within 2 metres of any boundary. Beyond 2 metres from the boundary it can be up to 3 metre
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Garden Wall Fence Planning Permission
Garden Wall Fence Planning Permission
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Can I put gates and pillars across my driveway?
Gates, walls and pillars across a driveway are permitted development up to 2 metres high, but only 1 metre where they are next to a highway used by vehicles, wh
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How high can a fence be without planning permission?
You can build or replace a fence up to 2 metres high without planning permission, with one exception: next to a highway used by vehicles, or the footpath beside
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Decking Planning Permission
Decking Planning Permission
- 01
Do I need planning permission for a hot tub?
A hot tub itself is not a building, so it needs no planning permission. What can need it is a structure around it, such as a raised deck above 0.3 metres or an
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Do I need planning permission for decking?
Decking is permitted development in England and needs no planning permission as long as it stands no more than 0.3 metres above the ground and, with other exten
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Waterside Decking Cotswold Water Park
Waterside Decking Cotswold Water Park
Lawful Development Certificate
Lawful Development Certificate
Driveway Planning Permission
Driveway Planning Permission
Building Regulations For Garden Rooms
Building Regulations For Garden Rooms
Pergola Planning Permission
Pergola Planning Permission
Resin Bound Vs Resin Bonded Driveway
Resin Bound Vs Resin Bonded Driveway
Dropped Kerb Planning Permission
Dropped Kerb Planning Permission
Design And Build Or Design Only
Design And Build Or Design Only
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