Family garden makeover – Berrylands
Sensible family refresh with a light grey porcelain patio, retaining wall with integrated steps, Venetian trellis screening and a refreshed lawn and planting palette.
1. Removing the old decking area
2. New porcelain patio dining area
3. Retaining wall with integrated steps and Venetian trellis
Initial conditions
This Berrylands garden was functional but clearly showing signs of age. Existing paving had become uneven, the lawn was patchy and tired and planting relied heavily on a small number of over-mature shrubs that offered little colour or seasonal change. While the space still worked in principle, it no longer matched the standard of the recently updated interior of the house and felt overdue for improvement.
Client brief
The family were not looking for a complete redesign, but a sensible refresh that would make the garden easier to use and more visually appealing. A larger, more practical patio and a healthier lawn were key priorities, alongside planting that would feel fresh and structured without creating a heavy maintenance burden. Budget was directed towards elements that would improve everyday living rather than purely decorative additions.
Key features
- Retaining wall with integrated steps. The old raised decking was replaced with a robust retaining wall, incorporating steps to create a seamless transition between the patio and the garden. This maximised usable space and improved overall flow and accessibility.
- High-spec light grey porcelain patio. A large, sleek porcelain patio was installed, offering a durable and easy-to-clean surface suited to both casual family meals and larger gatherings.
- Venetian trellises for modern privacy screening. Modern Venetian-style trellises provide privacy without enclosing the garden, allowing light to flow through while maintaining a sense of space and airiness.
- Secure side gate with key-lock system. A bespoke side gate with a key-lock system was installed, blending seamlessly into the contemporary aesthetic of the garden and providing peace of mind for the family.
- Fencing restoration. Existing fences were repaired to restore boundary integrity while harmonising with the new design.
Design approach
The design centred on clarity and essential upgrades. The patio area was enlarged using a light grey, high-spec porcelain finish to create a comfortable seating and dining space that would weather attractively over time and remain easy to maintain. The retaining wall, integrated steps and Venetian trellis screening work together to define the patio as its own outdoor room without enclosing the garden behind it.
Planting was simplified and rebalanced to introduce year-round structure with seasonal highlights rather than dense, high-maintenance borders. Evergreen framework shrubs were combined with flowering perennials and ornamental grasses to soften boundaries and add movement without overwhelming the space. The intention was to create a clean, welcoming garden that felt renewed rather than completely transformed, which is exactly the kind of low-maintenance brief that fits a family schedule.
Construction details
Uneven surfaces were removed and the ground re-levelled to establish clean lines and improved drainage. The new porcelain patio was constructed on a reinforced sub-base with consistent jointing for a neat, durable finish. Lawn areas were improved with fresh topsoil before re-turfing to support stronger establishment. Planting beds were conditioned with organic matter to encourage healthy growth and reduce future maintenance requirements.
Results
The completed makeover delivered immediate and practical improvement. The enlarged patio now comfortably supports family dining and informal gatherings, the lawn has regained consistency and colour and the refreshed planting provides structure and seasonal interest without demanding constant upkeep. The garden feels brighter, tidier and far more inviting, a balanced upgrade that enhances daily use while retaining a relaxed, domestic character.
