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Hello, I am Phil, the lead landscaper and welcome to our website.
My co-workers and I are an enthusiastic well experienced team with skills and expertise in many areas of landscape design and construction, and offer creativity and professionalism, deployed in a way that makes it easy to develop your dreams into a reality. We have worked in prestigious properties such as The Rectory in Landbeach, The Warren in Letchworth Garden City, Gothic House in Cottenham, and seem to of built up a reputation for local staff of the University. We specialise in domestic projects which require the most attention to detail. I understand how to approach a project with a creative outlook, and thorough survey which ensure no rise in prices and offer the attention to detail required. Check out our process by clicking here.
What you can expect to receive by engaging services with us:
I have a particular passion for attention to detail, and enjoy working with new materials and especially enjoy always seeing the finished project and reaction of my customers (I even had a customer cry and hug me when their pond was completed and they arrived home from work).
We have worked now in the Cambridge city area professionally for over 5 years and have a long list of happy clients. I have been offering gardening services since I was 11 in the villages where I grew up, and worked with a reputable local builder as a teenager. I really get a thrill from designing beautiful spaces.
Gardens are a special place and can be a space for family, reflection, peace, community and getting in touch with your body and mind through physical activity. A special place where relationships form with ourselves, people, nature and the fascinating universe - becoming more in balance from the ever revolving world of our modern lifestyles.
Please see our portfolio for examples of our work.
I look forward to meeting with you to understand your requirements and get your project underway; whether it is a traditional wall or decking, new paving space, felling a tree, or a complete overhaul we will do everything we can to exceed your expectations.
You're in good hands with The Cambridge Landscaper.
Regards,
Phillip Ellis and Team
Pergolas can be installed over a seating area or a walkway, or can simply be used to form a screen to segment your garde...
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.jpg "40sqm sunken chocolate decking in Impington December 2019")
.jpeg "Green roof bike store, August 2019, Cambridge City")
.jpeg "Raised path connecting driveway to patio")
.jpeg "Crazy paving - June 2019")
.jpg "Full Landscape, Werrington, 2015")
.jpg "Sleeper steppers, Hills Road, 2017")
Over the last few years I have certainly learnt (the hard way) one important aspect of running this type of business and working with a large range of client projects.
When I say this type of business I mean in an industry and market conditions where many mis-conceptions exist, an enthusiasm for DIY and tackling exterior projects, and a large difference in skills and experience in local professional competition, with new competitors starting and sharply realizing that they can undercut the competition who are professional and cost accordingly for a quick and lucrative earning, and have seen some people that have made a career from this. I certainly do not want to be one of these landscapers and frankly want to sleep at night.
I would like to share with my prospective clients and colleagues an important lesson that I have learnt without causing any offence. The professional tradesmen that I have met in my five years so far have explained that there is a mantra to be remembered when quoting – its OK to walk away from a potential project if the client does not agree with a proper project specification and the related costs that you proposed.
I have learnt that it is not only my ethical and professional duty but makes absolute business sense to transparently explain while quoting the extent of the works required, the level of detail in process and technique for a sound implementation, visually pleasing outcome and most importantly longevity which I see increasingly more and more as an issue in this environmental climate.
I now understand when I used to go out with my farther’s friend a reputable builder the extent of the effort he used to input was simply to complete a professional job.
This image that has been making the rounds of people with the same opinions really summaries how I see this industry split into skill levels and related outcomes. It’s an important message for people seeking to make home improvements of any kind to not follow the money (half of the customers I speak to do know this) but the transparency of any potential service providers to talk you through the process of what they propose and research accordingly.
Unfortunate for some in this world you do get what you pay for.
I have been reading articles from AJ Mcormic & Son est.1957 http://www.pavingexpert.com/ for some years which is quite frankly one of the most impressive resources for this industry I have ever found with a humanistic tone from a man of great experience. I recommend anyone to check out this website before undertaking and hard landscaping ground works.
Project elements: Full landscape; cobble path, steps, bed walling, turf, planting scheme, patio restoration.
Materials: Raj mixed color tumbled cobble, grey resin bound joint material,
Location: Cambridge City
\the client required a style to matcha reen roof and natural cladding out building that was recently finished, so the specification had to fit the tone of the building.
This meant natural curves, soft tumbled cobbles, and a maintenance free planting scheme as the client was a busy self employed consultant.
The site required excavation in a tight space, so logistics in Cambridge city was an issue on this site but was overcome with a mini digger and use of tipper lorries to minimize impact to neighbors parking and traffic.
We worked closely with the client from the design stage to build specifically meaning work shopping the lines of the path and steps with paint and revising until happy.
The existing patio was structurally sound but an cement joint material was used on original installation which breaks after a few years,
so we used a new modern resin material for joints along with restoring with a pressure washer to ensure a complete finish to match the cobbles. Decorative gravel over membrane lines next to the fencing were included to make lawn maintenance easy.
The photos speak for themselves on the finished project.
1) MULCH: Fall mulching is better for plants as it helps protect roots from frost and helps retain moisture during a cold and dry winter. Spread 2-3 inches of fresh mulch in gardens, around trees and shrubs. This will ensure, come spring a healthy plant ready for the growing season.
2) PRUNING AND CUTTING BACK PERENNIAL: The average perennial blooms for 3-4 weeks. Late summer and fall is when perennials begin to look tired and faded. Cut back those that are tired and fading.
3) FERTILIZE PLANTS: Fall is the perfect time to feed plants with organic fertilizers. Plant or Holly Tone. Spring and autumn are optimal times to fertilize which leads to plants with good color and even growth
4) PLANTING: Fall is for planting! There are distinct benefits for planting trees, shrubs, perennials, spring blooming bulbs, cold season vegetables and turf grass. The cooler temperatures are easier on new plantings and the soil still warm, allowing roots to grow until the ground begins to freeze.
5) OVERSEED, FEED OR RESEED BARE SPOTS: The cooler temperatures make autumn a great time to attend to your lawn The practice of overseeding lawns is really nothing more than spreading grass seed over an existing lawn. The golf industry has been doing it since the sport began and is an important step in maintaining quality turf.
6) LAWN AERATION: Aeration involves perforating the soil with small holes to allow air, water and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots. This helps the roots grow deeply and produce a stronger, more vigorous lawn. The main reason for aerating is to alleviate soil compaction.
7) LANDSCAPE EVALUATION: Autumn is a perfect time to pause and evaluate problem areas in your lawn and garden. Meet with a designer to correct; plan or enhance for next year.
8) TREE CARE: Proper tree care is an investment that can lead to substantial returns. Well-cared-for trees are attractive and can add considerable value to your property. Consult an arborist to help evaluate possible tree hazards and remove before winter storm season.
9) HOT LANDSCAPE TRENDS:Organic food has become a big movement, but organic eating can be pricey. Hence, the revival of the back yard vegetable garden as a way to get fresh non-treated vegetables and save money. Fall is perfect time for cool weather vegetables, such as potatoes, onions, lettuces, carrots and yams. It the best farm to table option around!
10) FIRE PITS: Sitting around a fire having drinks, dinner and conversing create special memories with those special people in your life. Whether you install a natural gas, propane or wood burning fire pit, they are excellent heat source and ad charm to any occasion. Check out our blog below for s’more reasons to get a fire pit!
Small gardens require more thought than larger areas, however even the smallest of spaces can be transformed into something special & unique. Whether it’s a courtyard, balcony, city garden or terrace, follow these tips and you’ll be sure to have a space that you will be proud of!
Garden furniture tends to be the focal point in most garden areas regardless of how much space you have. Smaller garden furniture instead of bulky items will look in more proportion and save on ground space. Placing the furniture at the end of the garden gives an illusion that the area is bigger than it is. Built in seating areas are also a great way of saving space. They can create cosy corners as well as pretty settings.
Garden lighting can make a smaller space feel magical and inviting. Fairy lights create a pretty setting, they encourage people to look up which will have the illusion of a bigger space. To create a cosy dining area why not add lanterns & candles! They take up very little space, add warmth & brightness, especially in winter months.
Alternatively, by placing lights in flower beds, you can be sure that the effort you’ve put into any plantings will always be seen.
Weeds, overgrown flowers and clutter will make a garden look, untidy, messy & potentially smaller. When your limited with space it is essential to keep the area neat and tidy.
Keep bushed pruned and any patio areas nice and clean and free from clutter. It’s important the keep a small garden feeling as wide open as possible, and even little patches of clutter can catch your eye and make the space feel smaller.
Many people think they don’t have the space or plants; however, plants can be positioned in a number of ways to save on space! Shelving areas, window boxes, vertical/trail planters, raised beds are just some of the ways you can add plants to a smaller area. Plants can transform any outdoor space from a blank canvas to a magical wonderland.
Many smaller gardens, outdoor spaces tend to be overlooked. However, fear not as there are a few ways you can create your own private sanctuary. Living walls are becoming increasingly popular and common especially within smaller areas, they beautify the garden whilst adding privacy.
Contemporary linear fencing will create a more modern feel whilst creating a barrier. Arches and pergolas are great ways to created private, secluded areas. Parasols are possibly the easiest & most cost-efficient way of creating a private area. Larger trees create height, however, be sure to make sure the branches are neat as this could eat away at much needed space on the ground.
A dark stain on a fence can also go a long way to making the garden feel more secluded by providing a more visible boundary.
Sheds can be multi-functional however they can also take up a fair bit of space, so be sure to use them for various reasons in order to get the most out of them! Most people have a shed for storage of garden furniture, tools etc, but why not turn yours into an alfresco dining area in the summer! Sheds are a great platform for hanging plants externally and internally.
Outdoor/garden mirrors are fast becoming the new in thing! Not only do they modernise an area, they give an illusion of a bigger space.
Adding colour can brighten a small space as well as making it look more appealing & bigger. Light/cool tones give a larger, open feel. Bright/darker shades tend to have the opposite effect. Add colour to your space with furniture, plants, flowers. Painting the fence or wall will create a vibrant space. Cushions, candles will be a point of interest to the eye.
Whichever colour palette you choose, make sure it is consistent and all blends together. This includes any timber or ornamental choices as well. The picture below has stick to reds and warmer tones which keeps the whole space in keeping with itself.
Height will help to make an area look bigger than it is. It draws the eye upwards which in turn can make the limited space feel more open. Back drops are a great way of creating extra height. Different levels will create more space, while steps leading up to different levels will give the illusion of a bigger area/space.
Even if you don’t have the most space to work with in your garden, there are all sorts of ways to maximise the use of space, or to simply make the space appear bigger.
A well planned, well crafted small space can have a huge impact – so don’t neglect it. The garden is a wonderful part of any home; if you choose to leave it untouched, it will never truly feel like a finished space.
Hopefully from the above examples you can see just how many ways you can maximise your space and really make your small garden a feature point for your property.
Phil has been very professional from the moment we met until the very end of the project. We had our garden redone and Phil has been very helpful since the start by getting involved with ideas about the design and different materials we could use to suit our needs. When the work started he was communicative and kept checking if we were happy with the progress. His craftsmanship was really good and speedy. We had a few things that needed attention after the project and Phil always made himself available to come and rectify everything. We wish him a successful future and would highly suggest him to anyone in need of an honest, friendly, polite and skilled landscaper.
Did an excellent job clearing our garden waste, very reasonable prices too!
Phil and Nigh did an excellent job of landscaping our small garden, they replied promptly. Work began quickly after we discussed our plans with him, it was efficient and caused minimal disruption, and at a good price. Many thanks
Phil called round to discuss our requirements for block paving and presented his services well. His quote was very reasonable. The work started on time and was completed within a week. He also erected some post and chain fencing for us. Phil's workmanship has drawn favourable comments from neighbours and friends when visiting. We wish Phil every success for the future.
Phil came round promptly after my initial call to discuss my requirements In a few day he started the job, kept me informed as it progressed and finished on time transforming my jungle into a very pleasant garden. Good humoured, industrious and dedicated to doing a first class job I would definitely recoment his company.
.jpg "Full Landscape Werrington, 2014")
.jpg "Patio Services in Cambridge")
