Birch trees, clipped hedging and metal sculptures in a Chelsea Flower Show garden built by Hardwood Landscapes
Design visual of a lakeside seating area with timber decks and green furniture surrounded by trees
Aerial design visual of a garden with timber boardwalks and circular decks over water
Stone planter with shrubs and purple flowers beside timber decking and two vertical stone slabs at the Chelsea Flower Show
Spacious outdoor patio with a long wooden dining table set with white cushioned chairs, surrounded by lush flowering plants and a modern stone and shingle house.
Projects

From Bare Plot to Beautiful: A Surrey Garden Transformation

Written by
Duncan Shail
Duncan Shail, project manager at Hardwood Landscapes
Hardwood Landscapes team member in a hi-vis vest brushing dust from leaves during a show garden build

The Brief

Our clients came to us with a large plot that had been left untouched for years. Overgrown borders, uneven ground, and a tired patio that had seen better days. They wanted a space the whole family could use — somewhere to entertain, somewhere the kids could play, and somewhere that felt considered and cared for.

The Approach

We started with a full site survey and spent time understanding how the family actually used their garden across different seasons. From there, we produced a phased plan that allowed the build to progress without disrupting the household too heavily.

Groundworks came first — levelling the site, installing drainage, and laying the foundations for a large natural stone terrace. We used a tumbled sandstone that complemented the property's existing stonework and would age beautifully over time.

The Build

The main terrace connects directly to the house via new bifold-facing steps, with a lower lawn area beyond. Curved planted borders frame the space and give it structure year-round. We included a built-in seating area with hardwood timber framing, designed to weather naturally over time.

Planting was handled in collaboration with a local garden designer, with a focus on low-maintenance, wildlife-friendly species — ornamental grasses, hardy perennials, and a pair of multi-stem trees to anchor the space.

The Result

The transformation took around six weeks from groundworks to final sign-off. The clients now have a space they use every day, and one that will only improve as the planting matures. This is exactly the kind of project we love — complex, considered, and completely bespoke.