Our Full Garden Transformation Workflow in Godalming

1. Initial Conversation

Everything starts with a simple conversation — usually by phone or email.

We’ll discuss:

• Where you are (Godalming, Milford, Farncombe, Witley, etc.)
• How you currently use the garden
• What’s not working (drainage, layout, lack of seating, steep levels)
• Your style preferences (modern porcelain, rustic stone, soft planting, etc.)
• Any budget range you’re comfortable sharing

2. Site Visit & Survey

We arrange a visit to your property to walk the garden together.

During this visit we typically:

• Take measurements and levels.
• Assess soil type and drainage (clay, sand, mixed ground) — often referencing patterns we see in our Godalming soil types work.
• Review access for machinery and material delivery.
• Look at sun paths, shade and key views.
• Discuss how you want the space to feel and function.

3. Concept & Layout Ideas

After the visit, we start to translate your ideas into a clear layout. For many Godalming gardens this might include:

• Main terrace near the house (often in porcelain or sandstone)
• Secondary seating area or “evening sun” spot
• Level changes, steps and retaining walls
• Lawn areas for children or pets
• Planting borders to soften boundaries
• Paths linking different zones

You’ll receive a structured outline of the proposed layout and key construction elements so you can see how everything fits together.

4. Detailed Quotation

Our written quotation sets out:

• Scope of works
• Materials to be used
• Preparation and sub-base details
• Drainage and groundworks
• Retaining walls, steps and levels
• Turfing or planting works
• Waste removal and site clearance
• Project cost and payment stages

We price projects realistically to reflect proper construction, not shortcuts. For typical ranges across patios, driveways and full garden schemes, see our Godalming landscaping costs 2025 guide.

5. Scheduling & Preparation

Once you’re happy to proceed, we agree a start date and outline how long the work is expected to take.

Ahead of time we organise:

• Material orders (porcelain, stone, concrete, aggregates, timber).
• Machinery and plant (mini-diggers, dumpers where access allows).
• Skips or grab lorries for waste removal.
• Any necessary protection for driveways or access routes.

6. Strip-Out & Groundworks

The first on-site phase focuses on getting back to a stable, workable base:

• Removing old patios, lawns, sheds or failing walls.
• Excavating to correct depths for new structures.
• Managing levels so that water flows where it should.
• Installing drainage systems (French drains, soakaways, channel drains) in line with our garden drainage & groundworks approach.
• Constructing sub-bases for patios, driveways and paths.

This is the “messy” phase, especially in clay-based gardens around Witley, Milford and Hambledon fringes, but it’s also the most crucial.

7. Structural Elements & Levels

Once groundworks are in place, we build the structural elements:

• Retaining walls and terracing.
• Steps and access routes.
• Edgings and borders to define lawn and planting zones.
• Bases for sheds, studios or outbuildings (if part of the scheme).

Our aim is always to make the garden feel natural to walk around, with comfortable transitions between levels. When significant structures are involved, we also check against local planning permission rules.

8. Hard Landscaping Installation

With the structure in place, we move onto visible surfaces:

• Laying porcelain, sandstone or Yorkstone patios.
• Installing driveways and parking areas.
• Building feature areas such as seating zones or firepit circles.

We take particular care over:

• Falls and drainage
• Cut detailing
• Jointing and colour consistency
• Alignments with doors, steps and property features

9. Soft Landscaping & Finishing Touches

Once hard landscaping is complete:

• New turf is laid or lawn areas prepared.
• Planting beds are formed with fresh topsoil and compost.
• Trees, shrubs and perennials are installed (where part of the brief).
• Gravel, decorative stone and mulch are added as required.

At this stage, the garden begins to feel complete — the structure and planting come together.

10. Clean Down & Handover

Before we leave site, we:

• Clear away all tools, surplus materials and waste.
• Wash down paved surfaces.
• Rake through gravel and tidy beds.
• Check falls and drainage performance.
• Walk the garden with you and address any questions.

11. Aftercare & Maintenance Guidance

We provide guidance on:

• How to care for porcelain or stone surfaces.
• Initial watering schedules for new turf and planting.
• When to carry out the first maintenance trims or lawn cuts.
• How often to clean drainage channels.

Typical Timescales

As a rough guide, a full garden transformation in Godalming might take:

• 2–3 weeks for smaller terraces and simple reworks.
• 3–6 weeks for multi-level gardens with walls and steps.
• 6+ weeks for extensive projects including outbuildings and major terracing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you phase the work if my budget is limited?

Yes. We can create a master plan and phase the build over months or years, prioritising key structural elements first. Some clients tackle hard landscaping in one phase and return to planting and finishing later when budget allows.

Will I be able to access my house while the work is going on?

Yes — we plan work to keep essential access routes open wherever possible and agree any short-term restrictions in advance. On tighter Godalming plots, we’ll discuss access arrangements before we start so there are no surprises.

Do I need planning permission for a full garden redesign?

Many garden projects fall under normal permitted development, but significant level changes, tall retaining walls, new front-garden parking or major structures can trigger rules. Our guide on planning permission for landscaping in Godalming explains the typical thresholds we check against.

Which areas do you cover?

We regularly work in Godalming, Milford, Farncombe, Witley, Busbridge, Charterhouse, Hurtmore, Hambledon, Chiddingfold and the surrounding Surrey Hills.

Thinking About a Full Garden Redesign in Godalming?

If you’re ready to rethink your outdoor space, we’d be pleased to visit, discuss ideas and provide a detailed, clear quotation for the full transformation — often tying together new patios, driveways, retaining walls and planting into one coherent scheme.

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