When we arrived the garden was a very tired space, with the fence panels at a state of collapse, a very worn out lawn and overgrown shrubs. The boys began by tackling the shrubs. They removed the majority; keeping a couple of trees. A large pile of stones were dug up, these were also removed, with some being kept for the new pond that they would create.
The next step was to make this garden safe and private. The fence panels were removed, holes dug for new posts and the new fencing went up in a flash. A couple of concrete gravel boards were brought in to hold back the soil which was on a higher level in the nextdoor garden.
We’ve had good access on this job, being able to crane materials right next to the back gate, and having a small space to store waste that would be leaving the site.
Once the fence was up, Jerry and Sam dug a trench from the garden gate towards the house. This would be come a new stepping stone pathway to a small patio by the back door. They prepared the base for the patio and used a wacker to compress it.
Sandstone slabs were brought in for the paving, which give a warmth to the garden, and compliment the colour of the extension’s roof.
A slightly larger patio was then constructed at the end of the garden, with a low retaining, red brick wall.
Next, matching edging was laid around the perimeter of the garden, creating curved borders as they went, following Ali’s design.You can also see the small pond they have created. This has been lined, using some of the saved stones for the edging.
Plants and trees were brought in and planted, whilst the edging was being pointed. The borders were then mulched, and the last stage of turfing the new lawn began.
Once the turfing begins, the garden really starts coming together. The stepping stones are an ideal way to traverse the garden without getting muddy and wet, without having to have the greater expense of laying a paved path, which also takes up more lawn space.
The clean up process of a landscaping job always takes quite a bit of time, with excess materials and waste being taken away, and the paving being thoroughly cleaned. This has been a great transformation for this Bishopston garden, and we know that the whole family will enjoy it. Once the plants are added to the pond in the springtime, it will thrive with wildlife.
