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Excellent job done would recommend
Robert
James was responsive to our request for a quote, for felling a large ash tree we suspected had died. He replied to messages quickly, turned up when he said he would, and was correct that our tree had in fact died. James was professional the whole time and we would have no hesitation in hiring and recommending him to others in the future.
Joanne
Excellent service. Hard working, polite, professional team. Lovely job. Would recommend.
Anne
Below you’ll find information to help you understand the different elements of garden design and the key things to be aware of before you start transforming your outside space. Find some initial ideas to talk through with a garden designer, including making the most of a small garden.
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Garden Design Services
What does garden design involve?
Garden design is about more than mowing a lawn and putting a couple of plants in the ground. A good design takes into account a few key elements:
- How you want to use the space.
- The amount of light the garden receives, and at what times of the day.
- The quality of your soil.
For example, you won’t want to put a shed in the best spot for catching a bit of sun, or have a patio that’s entirely in the shade.
A garden designer will help you make the most of the available space, no matter how big or small. They’ll also establish how keen a gardener you are to make sure the finished garden is either easy to maintain, or gives you something to get your teeth into – if you’re the green-fingered type.
Cost of garden design work
The cost of the work will depend on what you’re having done and the size of your garden, but prices tend to start at around £200. A good garden designer will discuss what you want to get out of your garden and ask you about your budget before coming up with ideas.
Low maintenance garden ideas

- You can stop a garden from looking untidy by dividing it into small sections. Plants, hedges, low walls and raised beds give a sense of order. Paths made from wood chips, slabs or bark help prevent weeds.
- Growing plants at different heights can give the illusion of there being more than there are, so you get the look of a fuller garden, with fewer plants to keep healthy. Shrubs, herbs and verbena are low maintenance plant options for adding colour.
- Rockeries and water features don’t need much looking after. Avoid shallow water features to save needing to top them up when they dry out. If you’d like a pond, avoid getting fish as the pH balance of the water settles naturally without them, giving you fewer algae problems so less cleaning time.
- To save cutting the lawn, artificial turf could be your best friend but if you want the real thing and don’t mind doing a little cutting every now and again, slow growing or drought resistant turf could be better options.
Ideas for small gardens
- To create more space, choose similar flooring to the inside of your home when picking the outside tiling.
- Divide a garden into different sections and add diagonal or winding paths. Extending the time it takes to get from one side of the garden to the other will make it feel bigger.
- Laying pavers at an angle to the property instead of parallel will draw the eye across the garden and extend the space.
- Attaching foliaged climbers to wires across areas of your garden will give it an extra dimension.
- Think about growing upwards rather than outwards with a trellis attached to your fence, or a vertical wall made up of climbers, grasses and ferns. A green wall can also help you lower your energy bills through providing more insulation and reducing the amount of heat that’s lost through the wall of your home. When it comes to choosing other plants, pick types that grow upwards like sweet peas and black-eyed susans so they take up less room.
Planning permission for garden design jobs
Planning permission only comes into play when you’re building or installing decking, fences, walls and gates. You’ll need to apply for planning permission if:
- The decking would be higher than 30cm above the ground.
- The decking or other raised platforms would cover more than half of the total area of the garden.
- A fence, gate or wall would be over 2 metres high, or over 1 metre high near a highway that’s used by vehicles (or a footpath next to the highway).
- The fence, gate or wall would form a boundary with a listed building or land.
If you live in a listed building or you have a front garden that you want to pave over, you should check with your Local Planning Authority as different rules may apply.
Insurance for garden design work
While it’s not a legal requirement, it’s a good idea for all garden designers to have public liability insurance so they’re covered for personal injuries or accidental damage to a property.
Questions you should ask your garden designer
- How long have they been working as a garden designer for?
- Can they show you examples of work they’ve carried out?
- Can they give you a scaled design of what the finished garden will look like?
- Do they have public liability insurance and what does this cover?
- Will they give a guarantee for the work and how long does this last? Are there separate guarantees for different plants?
- Does the quote for the work include waste disposal? If not, check with your local council how you would go about getting it taken away.
RAR offer a full hard landscaping, groundwork and building service, including but not restricted too, ~ Patios ~ Paths ~ Drive ways ~ Fencing ~ Turf ~ Bespoke timber structures ~ Sleeper work ~ Ponds ~ Small and medium sized building jobs ~ Garden clearance Specialising in low maintenance gardens. with over 20yrs experience in these sectors I offer high quality and am happy to chat through what is required.
Rob called me & discussed the job, he was honest, genuine, had a lot of knowledge and I felt I could trust him. He quoted for the work quickly and came the following week. The job took half a day and I am exceptionally happy with the results. Rob is a friendly, easy going individual who I would recommend.
We are a family run business a d have been running for over 40 years down through generations we do everything around the property
Did a very good job in reasonable time.
Small team of hardworking individuals dedicated to bringing the best to our clients.
Amazing service - attentive and always communicative in terms of doing the right thing. Great job!
We are a family run building company, we cover a wide range of works from joinery , building, landscaping and maintenance, We have over 20 years experience and pride ourselves on our professional ability to adapt to each of are customers needs Thank you ,,and hope to help you with your job whatever the size big or small
Excellent work!
we are a construction company based in the north east with over 25 years experience in the construction industry. we have a fully trained time served team of employees who work to the highest of standards. Our speciality is extensions and house refurbishment and we also undertake insurance work i.e. fire, flood and impact damage, with customer satisfaction at the top of our list. we offer a full package, from the foundation excavation to final decoration, meaning we can efficiently complete jobs without waiting for outside tradesmen to turn up. Regards Colin, Mark and the team CAM construction Group ltd
Colin from cam construction was extremely helpful with our quote for potential extension work to a home we were looking to purchase. He made himself available for a specific appointment at the property, gave us some great ideas for what would be possible then fully costed it up, and even accompanied it with a proposed planning drawing. The service we received was extremely professional. We haven't been able to go ahead with the purchase for unforeseen reasons, but would recommend cam thus far.
Elite Homeworx offer a wide range of services from a basic tap change to full bathroom installations, repairs and heating systems, as well as home maintenance.
Scott didn’t seem to go through the Rated People site to get the job - the app told me I had had no quotes as Scott phoned me directly so this took me unawares! However he came promptly & did the job well so I gave no complaints.
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.
THE IDEAL CONTRACTOR. - VERY FAST RESPONSE, FAIR PRICE, JOB DONE TO A GOOD STANDARD, EVERYTHING CLEARED AWAY., VERY HAPPY. 100% RECOMMEND
Property maintenance company covering all areas of property work.
DC Property Maintenance Arrived on time did a great job very professional service and polite. Would highly recommend.
? I am a small family run business. ? My business was established in 2014. I would describe myself as friendly, reliable and reasonably priced. ? most of my work comes through recommendations. ?
Assessed job straight away. Completed job quickly and efficiently.
Joiint Construction
Garden Design
JoiintConstruction is a Hampshire-based construction company, backed by a team of highly skilled craftsmen and professionals dedicated to delivering projects of any size from concept to completion. Whether you need assistance with design, construction, or both, we ensure a seamless process and top-quality results.
I do all major decorating internally and externally plus a wide range of other trades including woodwork all landscaping fencing decking gazebos
Excellent! Tony took on a particularly tiresome job and carried it out with care and dedication. He is punctual, professional & trustworthy. Highly recommended.
Job Done has over 15 years experience providing a full range of services. We’re a one stop shop for garden renovations from design to completion. We employ a close team of specialists in their chosen fields,to cater to your specific needs.
Hardly worth commenting as no one contacted me.
With 30 years experience in Groundworks, Building, Construction and Landscaping, I have the skills, knowledge and experience to ensure any job is completed to a very high standard.
Welcome to Property Renovation and Decorating Services: " PROFESSIONAL SERVICE " We are professionals builders with over 17 years experience on all building works: extension loft conversion refurbishment bathrooms kitchens painting and decorating plastering, wood flooring, carpet fitting, tiling. building works undertaken: General Building, New Builds, full Interior & Exterior, renovations and much more. Emy has been providing professional home renovation services for over 17 years. He is praised by the customers for his attention to detail, responsiveness, timeliness and quality work. Call (text) for a free consultation and estimate:
Highly recommend these guys. Thorough efficient and do what they say they will do. Excellent.
Renova is a premier all-trade business specialising in a comprehensive range of building and home renovation projects. With expertise spanning every trade, we provide a seamless, end-to-end service for projects of all sizes, from small-scale refurbishments to large-scale developments. Our highly skilled team ensures exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, delivering outstanding results that exceed client expectations. In addition to our core renovation services, we operate a sister business based in Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire. This facility boasts a 3,500 sq. ft. showroom showcasing an extensive selection of high-quality kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, doors, and fitted furniture. This showroom allows our clients to explore a diverse range of premium products, ensuring they find the perfect solutions for their home improvement needs. Complementing our showroom, we have a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility dedicated to kitchen and bespoke joinery production. Our expert craftsmen utilise advanced techniques and the finest materials to create tailored solutions that combine functionality, style, and durability. Whether you require a custom-built kitchen, unique joinery pieces, or fully integrated fitted furniture, our manufacturing division ensures precision and quality at every stage. At Renova, we take pride in delivering a complete and hassle-free experience, managing every aspect of your project with professionalism and expertise. From initial consultation and design to construction and finishing touches, we are committed to bringing your vision to life with exceptional quality and service.
The loft converstion the guys did was brilliant. We are very happy with the outcome but more than that we were happy with the communication and the flexibility to work around our requirements. Nothing was too difficult the workers were always polite and clean. Couldn't recommend more.
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...
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.
Simple building solutions completed on time on budget by a professional.
Really pleased. He came out looked at job, like the fact he was able to give a price and time to do the job on the spot. He explained fully what he found and what was needed in layman’s term so I could understand. Will definitely use again.
Valentino has done a fantastic job of bathroom and kitchen refurbishment. He has delivered what he had promised no hidden charges and no false promises. Very reliable and soft spoken. He uses the best material in the market so quality of product is very good. He did the facia as well which is also of very good specifications. Overall he is a fantastic builder and I would 100% recommend him.
Catalin Timaru
Garden Design
Hi We are experienced builders, residential and commercial building and maintenance services Have been in business for around 15 years We offer quality services at reasonable prices
Welcome to Cerberus Constructions Ltd – Building Excellence, Together At Cerberus Constructions Ltd, we bring visions to life with precision, passion, and a commitment to quality. As a trusted partner in construction and development, we specialize in creating spaces that inspire, endure, and exceed expectations. Why Choose Us? • Expert Craftsmanship: Our skilled team delivers impeccable results, whether it’s residential, commercial, or industrial projects. • Innovative Solutions: We embrace cutting-edge techniques and sustainable practices to shape the future of construction. • Tailored to You: Every project is as unique as our clients. We work closely with you to understand your needs and turn your ideas into reality. • Reliable and Transparent: With on-time delivery and clear pricing, we ensure every project stays on track and within budget. Our Services • New Builds & Extensions: From the ground up, we create homes and businesses designed to impress. • Renovations, Bathrooms & Refurbishments: Transform your existing space with modern, functional, and elegant upgrades, including stunning bathroom makeovers that combine luxury and practicality. • Specialized Projects: Custom construction solutions, including kitchens, plumbing, and boiler installations, delivered with unmatched expertise. Our Promise to You All our projects come with a 5-Year Workmanship Guarantee, ensuring peace of mind and long-lasting results. A Sustainable Future At Cerberus Constructions Ltd, we prioritize environmentally friendly methods and materials to reduce your carbon footprint without compromising on quality. See Our Work Explore our portfolio and see how we’ve transformed spaces across Manchester and beyond. From breathtaking bathroom renovations to stunning home extensions, our gallery showcases the results of our dedication and skill. About Us Founded on a passion for craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, Cerberus Constructions Ltd has been serving the Manchester community with dedication and expertise for over 10 years. Our mission is to build not just structures but lasting relationships with our clients. Your Project. Our Priority. We pride ourselves on transparency, reliability, and exceptional results. From initial consultation to project completion, we keep you informed and involved every step of the way. Let’s Build Something Extraordinary. Contact us today to discuss your project and request a free quote.
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