Full Garden Transformation Workflow — Farnham
Whether you're in Lower Bourne, Rowledge, Wrecclesham, Frensham or central Farnham, transforming a garden requires planning, groundworks, skilled construction and attention to detail.
This guide walks you through the typical workflow we follow for a full garden renovation in the Farnham area, from first conversation through to lawns, planting and lighting.
For deeper dives on specific elements you can also explore our
patio installation guide,
drainage & groundworks overview and
retaining wall & level change guide.
1. Initial Conversation & Site Visit
We start with a relaxed chat about your goals, style preferences and budget.
- Understanding how you use your garden (everyday family space, entertaining, low-maintenance retreat).
- Identifying problem areas (slopes, roots, waterlogging and shade).
- Discussing material choices such as porcelain, sandstone, setts and gravel.
- Surveying access for machinery and materials.
- Checking any constraints from levels, neighbours or planning rules.
2. Concept & Layout Planning
Depending on the project scale, this may include:
- Rough layout sketches or scaled plans for key zones.
- Material selection (porcelain terraces, natural stone features, gravel paths).
- Terracing for sloped gardens using steps and retaining walls.
- Planting scheme suggestions for structure and seasonal interest.
- Outline drainage proposals so patios and lawns stay usable year-round.
3. Groundworks & Site Preparation
Ground preparation is critical in Farnham due to mixed soil types and mature tree roots.
- Removal of old patios, lawns, sheds or unsafe structures.
- Excavation to correct depths for new paving, walls and lawns.
- Root zone assessment (common in Rowledge, Frensham, Tilford and wooded plots).
- Setting levels for correct water direction away from the house.
- Installing Type 1 or Type 3 sub-bases to the required depths (see also
soil types in Farnham).
4. Drainage Installation
Essential in areas with clay pockets such as Upper Hale or Heath End, and where new hard landscaping concentrates runoff.
- French drains to intercept water before it reaches problem areas.
- Soakaways sized for roof and patio runoff.
- Linear channels around patios and thresholds, especially near bi-folds.
- Re-routing water away from the house, garage and boundaries in line with
SUDS and planning guidance.
5. Hard Landscaping Construction
The main structural elements are built at this stage:
- Primary patios & terraces for dining and lounging.
- Retaining walls to manage level changes.
- Steps & risers tying upper and lower terraces together.
- Driveways and front approaches where included.
- Paths & edging tying the whole layout together.
- Rendered or sleeper raised planters for structure and extra seating.
6. Soft Landscaping
Once the structure is complete, we soften the space and make it feel like a garden again:
- Premium lawn installation (turf or artificial, depending on use and shade).
- Topsoil improvement and grading for smooth, mower-friendly surfaces.
- Flower beds & borders with layered planting.
- Shrub & tree planting to frame views and provide privacy.
- Bark, gravel & decorative mulches for neat, low-maintenance finishes.
7. Lighting & Finishing Touches
Optional but hugely transformative, especially for evening use:
- Garden uplighters to highlight trees, pergolas and feature walls.
- Path lighting for safe navigation from house to seating areas.
- Retaining wall and step illumination to define level changes.
- Feature lighting on main patios and outdoor kitchens.
8. Final Clean & Handover
- Full sweep and rinse or jet-wash where appropriate.
- Waste removal, including skips and grab lorries.
- Walkthrough of features, aftercare and maintenance tips.
- Photography for your records (and, with permission, our portfolio).
Timeline for a Typical Farnham Transformation
- Small garden: around 1–2 weeks.
- Medium garden: typically 2–4 weeks.
- Large / sloped gardens: 4–8+ weeks, especially where complex terracing or drainage is involved.
Timescales depend on access, weather, complexity and how many elements are included.
Our Farnham landscaping costs guide explains how budgets typically track against scope.
Popular Add-Ons in the Farnham Area
- Outdoor kitchens and covered dining areas.
- Firepits & built-in seating.
- Porcelain step features and statement entrances.
- Cedar or slatted screening for privacy.
- Water features and wildlife-friendly ponds.
Areas We Cover
Farnham · Wrecclesham · Rowledge · Lower Bourne · Upper Hale · Heath End · Frensham · Tilford · Crondall · Ewshot · Boundstone
Planning a Full Transformation?
We build long-lasting, well-structured gardens specifically for Farnham’s soils, slopes and tree-heavy surroundings.
If you’re at the ideas stage and want to understand what’s realistic for your plot and budget, we’d be happy to help.
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