Working out a budget is fundamental to the project. So first decide how much you have to spend. Then in priority consider what are the most important areas for you, for example a patio is more important than a water feature.

If you are considering a patio, you can same size slabs or go for a random pattern. If the area is small, go for a high quality stone as the difference in the slab prices will be small overall. Much of the work goes in the preparation and foundation. All our patios and paths are made from a firm hardcore foundation. Other factors that affect the cost are curved areas so slabs have to be cut. If the garden is on a gradient, a retaining well may need to built. Patio prices may vary but usually between £45-£95 per sqm. Some of this depends on the size and paving selected.

If you are considering a deck system, you need to be aware much of the cost is made up of the construction and subframe. What affects the cost is if you want curved edges, if you want different levels or if you also want the balustrades. Generally prices vary from £65 -£95 per sqm – the latter being cedar wood. Whilst all wood is treated, it’s a good idea to have a regular deck wash and an annual deck stain.

If you are considering fencing, you need to think whether you want the laplarch panels or a featheredge board system with rails. You are normally responsible for the left side of your garden. If you are wanting to put a fence where there are a lot of shrubs/trees/plants a clear "run" will need to be created so that the new fence is level and straight. Posts are driven in 2 feet into the ground then concreted in. Prices vary from £45-85 per sqm dependent on fence quality and what the job entails. This would not involve the cost of removing any old fence.

If you are considering a new lawn, we need to strip off the existing turf, rotivate the soil, adding top soil if required and then lay the new turf. All new turf needs to be watered daily for at least 2 weeks and mustn’t be walked on until knitted. Prices vary on quantity but usually between £8-10 per sqm.

The cost of the plants and shrubs will vary dependent on size, style and variety. A consideration should be made for the soil quality before shrubs and plants are put in. A quality mulch or Tonis Tonic is often a good product. What also affects the price is the density of the plants required. You may wish to plant out one area and then populate with more plants later.

Lighting can dramatically effect the total appearance of the garden. There are hundreds of choices here. Considerations need to be made for cabling and trenching and this should not be underestimated. Lights also need transformers as well as fixings into the ground.

Water features can vary from the stone dribble effect to a large wildlife pond. Electricity needs to service a water feature, so again don’t forget trenching and cabling costs.

If you are having trees and stumps removed, this can be an expensive business largely due to the waste that needs to be removed. Trees can be lopped, shaped or removed, but don’t forget some trees have Preservation orders on them and need permission to do anything from the council

Benefits

One of suggestions is to have a proper plan done – this gives you a route map as to what you may wish to do either altogether or in stages. This may vary from £350 -£500 for most small to medium gardens. Larger gardens may be more. You can consider just a planting plan. This is important as our designer will look at every angle, where the light is during the day, the soil type, what type of garden you are looking for, do you have children etc. Youre garden is something you are going to live with for sometime and its important that its done right. Our team of professionals consistently deliver high quality workmanship having been awarded membership of the Guild of Master Craftsman last year. We have over 60 years of landscape and garden experience in the team.

Case study – Paul Pedder – Colne

This was a garden which had been left to weed for sometime. A new lawn was put down last year but with bumps it was very uneven. We created a plan for both back and front giving the owners a garden full of colour and feature but with minimal maintenance. Here are some of the initial photos.