Every garden is different, but here’s a helpful guide:

Simple installations: £100–£160 per m²
Premium installations: £200–£250 per m²
Full garden makeovers: £6,000–£30,000+
Design services: £300–£3,000

We often see clients underestimate project costs, so we clarify budgets early to avoid surprises and ensure the project is realistic. We provide fully itemised quotes so you always know what you’re paying for. No hidden extras, any changes are agreed in writing first.

We also explain how much of the budget typically goes into materials, labour, waste removal and design so you can see exactly where your investment goes. 

Need a budget sense check? 

Use our instant 'Quote Calculator' 

Read more here:
Take a look at our guide to 'Planning Your Landscaping Project and Costs'  – View PDF

Most quotes are free.

Complex projects may require a paid site survey that helps avoid unexpected costs later by ideintifying drainage, access and level challenges upfront. This is refunded if you choose to work with us. 

Homeowners and contractors both have clear rights and responsibilities when it comes to quotes, payments and any changes during a project. This independent resource sets out the fairest approach for both sides and explains how good documentation, communication and procedures help prevent disputes and maintain a smooth workflow.

You can read it here:
Resolver: Homeowner & Contractor Rights

We use staged payments aligned with milestones so everything stays fair, transparent and easy to follow.

Booking & deposits

- A 5% refundable deposit is required to secure your place in our schedule.
- For projects that require early material purchasing, we may draw down deposits for large orders in advance. This will always be clearly explained before anything is committed.

Typical payment structures:

Small projects (<£15k)

- 5% deposit
- 45% at start
- 50% on completion

Medium projects (£15k–£50k)

- Paid in structured phases
- Works may be billed in 25% blocks based on completed sections

Large projects (£50k+)

- JCLI contract terms with certified completion stages

All payment requirements - including deposits, stage values and timings - are fully explained in your proposal so you know exactly what to expect.

We do not accept cash payments. Payments are made by debit or credit via bank transfer or through our invoicing system.

Read more here: 
JCLI Contract Terms - Visit Website 

Yes - all changes are documented and priced clearly first, so there are no suprises. 

Because clear design prevents problems.
When details are resolved on paper, there’s less guesswork on site, fewer delays, and a smoother build.

Our drawings are clear, detailed, and buildable.
They show levels, materials, and key details so the team knows exactly what to install — without assumptions.

We identify tricky areas — levels, drainage, access, and sequencing — before work starts, not halfway through the build.

Clear scope leads to accurate pricing.
This reduces variations and protects your budget, especially on larger projects.

Our project managers stay involved during the build by our own teams who understand our processes, answering questions and clarifying details so decisions are quick and consistent.

Yes. We phase the work so the site stays organised, efficient, and minimally disruptive to your home and neighbours.

If the garden is a significant investment, yes.
Good planning saves time, reduces stress, and delivers a better result.

Our drawings translate design intent into clear, coordinated, contractor-ready information, so clients can see exactly what will be built, how it will perform, and where responsibilities sit. This clarity reduces uncertainty, prevents assumptions on site, and avoids late changes that impact cost, programme, and confidence. The result is a calmer, more predictable delivery experience from design through construction. 

Here are the essentials:

- Do they provide drawings or visuals?
- Is the quote detailed and easy to understand?
- Do they talk about drainage, levels, and planning?
- What warranties do they offer?
- Are they insured?

If the answers feel vague, rushed or unclear - please take caution.

Also ask whether they follow recognised British Standards and industry guidlines as well as managing waste responsibly (a legal requirement). 

Sadly, we often fix work done by cheap or unqualified installers. 

Many problems become expensive only months later - especially drainage, structural movements, and poorly prepared sub-bases. 

What can go wrong: 

Planning issues: Misjudged elevations, poor phasing, and rushed work.
Unexpected costs: Budgets often underestimated or exceeded due to lack of early cost planning.
Design problems: Poor material choices, lack of cohesion, or ignoring your functional requirements.
Project management failures: Messy sites, blocked access, poor communication, and unfinished work.
Water and drainage mistakes: Incorrect levels, missing French drains, water running toward buildings.
Structural failures: Driveways, paving, fencing, and decking improperly installed, leading to subsidence or rot.
Soft landscaping overlooked: Neglecting plants, trees, and greenery can leave a garden feeling flat or lifeless.
Attitude and culture: “That’ll do” mindset or poor client relations can make the process stressful.

A professional landscaper mitigates these risks through careful planning, accurate cost projections, and attention to detail.

We’re always happy to review a quote you’ve received and point out risks.

Homeowners tell us they choose us because we’re:

- Friendly and collaborative to work with
- Clear communicators (no surprises)
- Fully documented (drawings, plans, specs)
- Transparent with pricing and changes
- Conscientious about drainage, safety and durability
- A well-trained, well-paid team - not random day labour
- Ethical - no pressure, no shortcuts, no disappearing acts

We help you plan for long-term maintenance so your garden looks great for years, not just weeks.

We run our business with transparency and accountability from start to finish. 

1. - Deposits are taken only to secure the project formally and materials for your specific project - never to fund other jobs.
2. - Payments are valued against work actually completed, not estimates, and any changes are discussed and agreed in writing before work continues. 
3. - All measurements are based on accurate surveys, and installations follow British Standards and manufacturer guidance to ensure long-term performance, not short-term appearance.
4. - At completion, we provide a clear financial breakdown so you can see exactly what was delivered and paid for. 
   
   

Simply put, we do what we say we will do, charge fairly, and build trust through clear documentation and honest practice.

We keep things simple and collaborative:

1. Discovery meeting – ideas, styles, what matters to you
2. Design concepts – moodboards, layouts, estimated budgets
3. Full survey – levels, drainage, measurements
4. Final drawings & specifications
5. Planning logistics – materials, schedule, access
6. Build phase
7. Completion & aftercare

You’re kept informed through every step.

During design, we also explore lifestyle needs - children, pets, entertaining, privacy, accessibility and future resale value. 

Watch our guide:
'Getting the best results with your enquiry' - YouTube 

Yes - it ensures accuracy and prevents costly mistakes later.

We measure levels, drainage, boundaries and materials.

Surveys also help ensure compliance with planning rules, building safety, and warrenty requirements. 

Our projects run on clear, staged payments that align with progress, allowing us to arrange teams, materials, and equipment reliably and deliver work without disruption. Deposits cover genuine early costs, materials are ordered once paid for to secure availability, and any changes are agreed clearly in advance. Programme dates are realistic estimates, and if work pauses, payment reflects work completed and costs already committed. Our aim is a fair, transparent process that protects quality and keeps projects moving smoothly. 

Most garden projects don’t require planning, but some exceptions include:

- Driveways over certain sizes
- Drop kerbs
- High fences
- Large retaining walls
- Significant tree work

We’ll guide you through everything and let you know exactly what applies to your home.

We also advise on rules for permeable paving, working near boundaries, restrictions in conservation areas. 

We follow:

- British Standards
- SuDS drainage guidance
- Manufacturer installation specifications
- We are approved installers of Jacksons Fencing 

In plain English: we build things once, and we build them properly.

This includes safe foundations, correct drainage fall, durable materials, and legally compliant waste management. 

We suggest durable, low-maintenance materials suited to your lifestyle.

We’ll show you options during the design stage - including natural stone, porcelain, and composite decking.

We also help you understand slip resistance, frost performance, maintenance requirements and long-term durability. 

You’ll have a consistent, organised routine on site:

- A dedicated team leader overseeing your project
- A WhatsApp group for daily updates, photos and quick questions
- Daily tidy-ups so your space is always safe and presentable
- Respect for your home and neighbours - we proactively notify neighbours of any unavoidable disruption using our template letter. Neighbour Notification Letter - View PDF
- Advance notice of any weather-related adjustments to the schedule
- No need to be home - we only require access to water and electricity
- We arrange skips, deliveries, waste removal, and liaise with neighbours where needed

It’s a fully-managed process designed to keep your project smooth and stress-free.

If any issue comes up, we fix it promptly and professionally. No debates. No blame. Just solutions.

All fixes are documented so you know exactly what was done and why.

Our standard working hours are:  

8am - 4pm

Predictable hours help keep your project on track with minimal disruption.

While we plan carefully, a few real-world factors can influence timelines.

The main ones are:

Weather: heavy rain, extreme heat, storms or freezing conditions can stop work for safety or quality reasons.
Material supply delays: rare, but occasionally manufacturers run behind.
Unexpected findings on site: hidden pipework, ground issues, or poor previous work that needs correcting.
Design changes: if you request a tweak, we adapt, but it can add time.

We’ll always communicate openly so you know exactly what’s happening and why.

Very rarely, but it can happen.

We work in most conditions and come prepared - we use rain awnings, frost-safe concrete additives, and moisture-resistant installation methods.

However, extreme cold, heavy rain, storms or very hot weather can pause work temporarily because rushing in the wrong conditions affects long-term quality. If weather impacts a particular phase, we’ll explain clearly and adjust the plan with minimal disruption.

Yes. We carry comprehensive insurance to protect your project, our team, and our advice:

Public Liability: £1,000,000
Employers’ Liability: £10,000,000
Contract Works: £1,000,000
Professional Indemnity: £100,000 (covers all advice, designs, and drawings)

All team members are DBS checked annually, and we follow strict health & safety procedures to protect your family, pets, and property.

Professional Indemnity Insurance - View Certificate PDF   

Public & Employers’ Liability Insurance - View Certificate PDF

Yes.

We and all of our partner lorries are fully registered waste carriers (Licence No. CBDL30903).
View Waste Certificate PDF 

All waste is disposed of legally at licensed recycling facilities - it’s processed and often reused in other landscaping or construction projects. We never fly-tip or use unlicensed operators.

We follow environmentally responsible practices, including:

- Minimising the use of concrete where possible
- Using fully licensed, reputable recycling centres such as Dick Searle and Amey Cespa
- Providing duty-of-care waste documentation on request
- Recycling the majority of waste into other landscaping or construction projects
- Designing sustainable planting schemes that support wildlife and long-term growth
- Encouraging clients to include herb or vegetable gardens to reduce household footprint.

The RHS has a great guide on planting regulations and advisories.

Find out more:
RHS Website Guide  

We provide a 25-year warranty on all workmanship for sub-bases and preparation.

As a registered Marshalls installer, we can also offer:

- 10 years cover on materials, including those produced with Surface Performance Technology (extended durability)
- 5 years cover on installation when Marshalls products are used

Guarantees are valid even if we cease trading, protecting your investment against inflation. They are issued only after inspection and approval, with a small registration fee of £50 (+VAT) per £5,000 of installed value.

You can read it here:
Marshalls 10-Year Guarantee   

DIY can be great for small tasks, but big projects need:

- Accurate levels
- Proper drainage
- Safe retaining structures
- The right machinery
- Skilled installation

Most homeowners say bringing in professionals saved them stress, time, and expensive corrections. 

We're also happy to split projects - you can DIY the parts you enjoy and leave the structural elements to us. 

We serve Cambridge and surrounding areas within roughly a 25–40 minute radius.

If you’re unsure, just ask - we’re happy to help.

We can also advise remotely on design if you're outside the service area. 

Yes - absolutely. Seeing real gardens we’ve designed and built is one of the best ways to understand our quality and style.

You can explore:

- Our before/after transformations and finished gardens.View our Portfolio
- Our short video tours showing our top 12 projects. View our Video Casestudies

If you'd like examples similar to your garden (e.g., small urban gardens, sloped sites, porcelain patios, family-friendly layouts), just let us know, we’re happy to send tailored recommendations. 

We can also show you materials and samples during design so you can feel textures and compare colours. 

Professional Indemnity Insurance - View Certificate PDF 

Waste Carrier Licence (CBDL30903) - View Certificate PDF

Public & Employers’ Liability Insurance (AXA Insurance UK policy no. 550293716) - View Certificate PDF

Resolver: Homeowner & Contractor Rights - Visit Website

The JC Landscape Institute: Contract Terms - Visit Website 

'Garden and Driveways', Marshalls 10-Year Guarantee – Visit Marshalls Website

British Standards Landscaping – View PDF

'Guidance on the permeable surfacing of front gardens', The Environment's Agency – View PDF

Garden Walling Regulations, GOV.UK – Visit GOV.UK Website

Planting Regulations & Advice, RHS Guide – Visit RHS Website

'Dropped kerbs and access protection markings', The Cambridge City Council – Visit their Website

Planning Your Landscaping Project and Costs  – View our PDF

Request Studio Consultation – Visit our 'Studio' Page

Neighbour Notification Letter – View PDF

'Getting the Best Results with Your Enquiry' - Watch YouTube Video