What to expect when we build you a new garden

Dreaming of a new garden? Here are a few insights to help guide your thoughts ahead of taking the plunge and investing in your outside space.

1. Do we build all year? Yes, we do.

The landscapers  I work with are a hardy bunch, but weather does sometimes slow us down a bit.  For example, did you know paving and walls should not be laid if the temperature is below 3 Degrees? 

Materials laid at or below these temperatures will perform poorly, the cement bond will be compromised and your new patio may deteriorate and have a reduced the life span.

Rain isn’t always our friend too. If we are doing a complete redesign, it can look pretty desperate at times. There will be mud. Lots of mud. But the Landscapers will ensure everything is clean and tidy before they leave.

2. We generally plant in Spring and Autumn.

‍We can in theory plant all year round, but the best times are Spring and Autumn. Think back to Summer 2025 –how hot was it! and for so long! Plants will struggle to establish in extreme weather conditions and you will spend a lot of time watering – even potentially wasting water. 

So do be prepared potentially for a garden empty of plants until the conditions are right to plant them. Also, new plants will need watering well in their first year, trees especially. Please don't book a last-minute holiday the day after we have planted – unless you have great neighbours! I like to recommend using a watering Can for trees, so you can really tell how much water you have given them. You are investing n plants that will hopefully be with you for a very long time, even as a legacy for the next home owner when we are talking trees. Don’t panic though. I will provide you with a Plant care calendar for the year with a handy photo plant identifier

3. How long will the whole process take?

This can vary greatly. 

Firstly, both Designers and Landscapers do have lead times. My business is year-round as a Designer. If you come in April  / May and want a new garden designed and built for the summer holidays, then I’m afraid you will be usually very disappointed. Quality Designers and Landscapers usually have at least 3 – 4 months ahead of them at anyone time. . The ideal time of year, if you really want a new garden for summer , is to start planning in the previous Autumn, so we have of time to plan, design and pre book a Landscaping team.

On the actual builds, small gardens can be 4 weeks, right up to very large projects at 3 months. 

So, in total a project from my first site visit toa finished and planted garden, will be months, not weeks.

Still unsure? Here are a few of my favourite before and afters from . What could your garden become?