Garden design and build

Who this service is for

Design-and-build suits clients who want the reassurance of working with one team from concept through to completion.

It is the right choice if you:

• Value continuity and clear accountability throughout the project
• Want design decisions informed by construction knowledge from the outset
• Prefer a single point of contact rather than coordinating between designer and contractor
• Are planning a complete garden transformation rather than minor improvements
• Want aftercare and maintenance guidance from the team who built the garden

If you already have a trusted landscaper or prefer to manage construction separately, our design-only service may be more appropriate.

Meet Eli, garden designer

Eli leads garden design at Flourish Landscaping, working on projects across Kingston, Surbiton, Richmond, and the wider Surrey area. His approach is shaped by a deep understanding of how gardens develop over time and how planting, structure, and materials need to work together to create spaces that improve as they mature.

With a background in horticulture and landscape design, Eli specialises in creating gardens that balance visual coherence with practical function. He works particularly well with awkward sites – narrow plots, heavy clay soils, challenging levels, and properties where access or planning restrictions require careful consideration.

Eli’s designs are characterised by strong structural planting, layered borders that provide interest across seasons, and a thoughtful approach to materials that ensures hard landscaping complements rather than dominates the space. He works closely with the construction team throughout the build, visiting site regularly to ensure design intent is maintained and to resolve any on-site challenges as they arise.

Whether the project is a complete garden redesign or a carefully planned improvement to an established space, Eli’s focus is always on creating gardens that feel considered, cohesive, and built to last.

How we design and build gardens

Every project begins with understanding the site, the property, and how the garden will be used. Eli works closely with Craig Davis and the construction team from the outset, ensuring that designs are not only visually balanced but buildable, practical, and appropriate to local soil conditions and climate.

We consider aspect, levels, drainage, existing planting worth retaining, views to be framed or screened, and how the garden connects to the house. Layout and circulation are established before materials are selected. This integrated approach means potential construction challenges are identified during design, not discovered halfway through the build.

Planting schemes combine evergreen structure with perennials and ornamental grasses for seasonal interest. Species are chosen for their performance in Surrey’s heavy clay soils and for their suitability to your garden’s specific conditions – sun, shade, moisture levels, and maintenance expectations. We favour plants that establish reliably and improve year after year.

Because the same team manages both design and construction, decisions can be refined on site as the garden takes shape. Material substitutions, planting adjustments, and detail improvements are handled seamlessly without the delays and disputes that arise when coordinating separate teams.

The five-stage design-and-build process

We follow a structured approach that ensures clarity, allows for refinement, and protects the integrity of the design through to completion.

Stage 1: Consultation and brief

The project begins with a site visit. Eli and Craig meet with you to discuss how you use the garden, what works and what doesn’t, any practical constraints such as drainage or access, and your expectations around maintenance, budget, and timescale.
We assess soil conditions, aspect, existing planting worth retaining, and any structural issues that will influence the design.

Photographs and measurements are taken. This visit typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes.
Following the consultation, we provide a written design fee proposal outlining the scope of work, design deliverables, estimated construction budget, and indicative timeline. If you choose to proceed, we move to Stage 2.

Stage 2: Site survey and concept design

A detailed site survey is carried out, recording levels, boundaries, drainage points, and any below-ground services. This survey forms the base for all subsequent design work.
Eli prepares an initial concept design showing proposed layout, key structural elements, circulation routes, and broad planting zones. This is presented as a scaled plan with supporting sketches or visuals to help you understand how the space will work.

We meet to review the concept, discuss any adjustments, and agree the direction before moving to detailed design. This stage typically takes two to three weeks from survey to presentation.

Stage 3: Detailed design development

Once the concept is agreed, Eli develops the design in detail. This includes finalising materials, specifying planting at genus and species level, resolving levels and drainage, and coordinating lighting, irrigation, or other integrated systems.

Construction details are worked through with the build team to ensure the design is deliverable within budget and meets structural and drainage requirements. Any planning or legal considerations are identified and addressed at this stage.

The output is a full set of design drawings including layout plan, planting plan, materials schedule, and construction notes.

Development typically takes three to four weeks depending on project complexity.

Stage 4: Final plans and specification

The finalised design is presented along with a detailed construction quotation. The quotation itemises all hard landscaping, planting, and associated works, with clear pricing for each element.

We agree the schedule, confirm materials, and establish site logistics including access, waste disposal, and any requirements around working hours or parking. Once the quotation is accepted and the schedule is agreed, we book the project into the construction programme.

Build typically begins four to eight weeks after quotation acceptance, depending on material lead times and seasonal considerations.

Stage 5: Construction and handover

The construction team, led by Craig, delivers the build with close reference to the design drawings. Eli visits site regularly throughout construction to ensure design intent is maintained, resolve any on-site challenges, and confirm that planting positions, levels, and finishes match the agreed plans.

On completion, we walk through the garden with you, explain aftercare requirements for planting and hard landscaping, and provide written maintenance guidance. Any final adjustments are addressed promptly.

We remain available for follow-up queries during the establishment period and can provide ongoing maintenance through our grounds care team if required.

What our design-and-build projects typically include

Our work often combines structural landscaping with planting, tailored to each garden. Elements may include:

• Garden layouts and spatial planning
• Paving, terraces, and pathways in natural stone, porcelain, or brick
• Retaining walls and level changes
• Pergolas, screens, and garden structures
• Fencing and boundary treatments
• Drainage systems, French drains, and soakaways
• Lawns, irrigation systems, and garden lighting
• Planting schemes with soil preparation and aftercare guidanceValue continuity and clear accountability throughout the project

Planting is installed with careful attention to soil conditions, seasonal timing, and establishment support. We source from specialist nurseries where appropriate and always prioritise plant quality over convenience.

Typical timescales and investment

Design fees are charged separately from construction and typically range from £1,500 to £5,000 depending on garden size and project complexity. This covers all design work from initial consultation through to final plans and specification.

Construction costs vary significantly based on site conditions, materials, and scope of work. As a guide, complete garden transformations typically start from £25,000 for smaller urban plots and range upwards depending on size and specification. Larger projects involving extensive groundworks, mature planting, or bespoke structures may exceed £75,000.

From initial consultation to project completion, a typical design-and-build project takes four to six months. Larger or more complex projects may extend to nine months or more, particularly where planning permission or specialist materials are involved.