Case Studies
Every garden tells a different story. Here’s a look at some of our recent projects across York – from curved patios and step-free redesigns to accessible driveways and a garden build on the city walls.
If you’ve got something similar in mind, we’d love to hear about it.
Carole
Curved Patio and Lawn Garden Refurbishment
A full garden refurbishment built around a sweeping curved patio, a generous lawn and wide-open countryside views.
Why they called us
Carole’s garden sits in a lovely spot with open countryside beyond it, and she wanted an outdoor space that suited the house and made the most of that view. It needed to look attractive but also be practical to live with.
What we did
We built a sweeping patio that follows the shape of the house and curves around the lawn. We used light paving with a contrasting charcoal block border to give it a smart, defined edge. A second paved area beside the conservatory gives Carole another spot to sit, with a black stone sphere as a focal point. We kept the large lawn and added curved borders filled with shrubs and flowering plants, finished with bark mulch. The mature hedging and trees stayed, as they make a lovely green backdrop.
How it turned out
The garden now has a good balance of paving, lawn and planting. The curves and contrasting materials give it character, while the simple layout keeps maintenance easy.
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Helen
Step-Free Garden Redesign for a Family Garden
A complete front-to-back redesign of an overgrown, uneven garden, rebuilt on a single level without a single step.
Why they called us
Helen’s garden had fallen into disrepair in the years since her husband died. It had once been a local talking point thanks to his love of railways, but it had become tired and overgrown. The uneven ground was also a real safety concern, as Helen’s mobility had become more limited. She wanted a garden she could move around safely and enjoy with her grandchildren.
What we did
The clear-out was extensive. We removed more than 100 tonnes of material, most of which was recycled, then levelled the whole site from the front garden to the drive and the back. We put up all-new fencing and built an open-plan summer house, so getting in and out is easy. For the paving we used Raj green Indian stone with matching setts in the borders, and we laid an artificial lawn alongside it. We reused some of the old sleepers to build raised beds across the back of the garden, and rehomed the station platform lamp as a centrepiece.
How it turned out
The whole garden is now on one level, with no steps anywhere. There’s plenty of room to play with the grandchildren, and it’s practically maintenance-free. Helen couldn’t be happier with it.
Philip & Linda
Accessible Block Paved Driveway with Ramps and Gate
A 200m² block-paved driveway with ramps in place of steps, proper drainage and a secure double gate.
Why they called us
Philip and Linda had lived in their home for 27 years and never thought the drive needed investment. But it flooded whenever it rained and looked untidy. As Philip’s mobility decreased, they wanted a smooth, level surface that would be easier to get around. There was also no hard standing to the garage at the back of the house, which made things awkward in the colder, wetter months.
What we did
We levelled the area and chose block paving, as it’s strong enough for their several cars and regular visitors. Instead of steps, we used ramps and gentle slopes around the drive and along the side of the house to the rear patio, so the whole property is already wheelchair-friendly if it’s ever needed. We extended the drive round to the garage and installed a number of ACO drains to deal with surface water across the 200m² area. As the house is on a private road, we also block paved the front apron, which is normally concrete. A large double gate now separates the back garden from the front, adding privacy and security.
How it turned out
The result is an attractive, practical driveway that should serve Philip and Linda for years, and it adds value to the property. They were so pleased that we’ve since been back to install an Indian stone patio and look after their trees and bushes.
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York Council
Secure, Low-Maintenance Garden for Council Services
A full garden design and build on the York city walls, creating a safe and easy-to-manage outdoor space for patients, families and staff.
Why they called us
York Council asked us to quote for the garden at a facility just off Blossom Street, on the city walls. The building houses the York Drug and Alcohol Service, which provides free, confidential and non-judgemental support to local residents. The brief was a space that patients, friends, family and staff could enjoy, and that was also practical and easy to look after. The site is in a busy part of the city, so it needed to be secure.
What we did
We agreed a budget, then designed the space around it. A new fence and gate secure the site and give it a fresher look than the old fence did. We chose artificial grass for a green surface without the upkeep of a real lawn, and laid an Indian stone walkway through the garden. A pergola gives shade in the warmer months. With a large area and a fixed budget, we filled much of the space with gravel and replaced the ground underneath with topsoil, so more planting is possible in future. Two small patios, plus shrubs and plants, break up the space.
How it turned out
The garden is attractive, low-maintenance and built to be used for years. If you walk the city walls near Blossom Street, you can see it for yourself.
George
Driveway and Front Garden Makeover with Japanese-Style Planting
A paved two-car driveway, sleeper-edged raised garden and new lighting, solving a tricky sloping site.
Why they called us
George had been a regular customer for several years, and we agreed his older front garden needed a rethink. It had a single path to the front door, gravel for parking on one side, and an overgrown bed with large, unsightly rocks on the other. He wanted space to park two cars side by side and a more open, manageable garden, with a Japanese theme for the planted area.
What we did
We spent a couple of weeks working on the design together, then paved the whole front drive so two cars fit side by side. A new fence and driveway lighting completed the layout. The site slopes steeply towards the house, so we installed a slim ACO drain against the building to catch water running off the drive. Levelling the parking area also created two different ground levels, so we built a sleeper retaining wall to hold back the higher garden. The Japanese-style bed is now raised and levelled with a wooden sleeper edge and lighting along the inside that also lights the drive at night. We persuaded George to keep a few of the rocks to break up the planting, and covered the bed in wood chippings for a low-maintenance, professional finish.
How it turned out
George was delighted, and has had lots of compliments from passers-by and neighbours. Some of those neighbours have since asked us to look at their own gardens. It was a difficult, time-consuming job, and one we’re proud to add to our portfolio.
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