Firstly, we need to know the size, accessibility, usage, current condition and configuration of your garden.
Please measure the length of the garden and the width of the garden. Length (M) X Width(M) = m2. If your garden is very large or an unusual shape, we can estimate its size from google earth but we will require accurate measurements if you wish to proceed with design work
To aid with estimating this, pull a string taut from the highest point down the garden. To ensure the string is level, balance a spirit level gently on top of the taut string without bending it. Move the string up or down at the lower point of the garden until the bubble on the spirit level is central. Fix the string in place and measure up from the ground to the string at the lowest point of the garden. Take the measurement in cm’s. You may need two people to do this.
Please measure your lawn in metres2
Please specify the approximate spend you envisage.
Please measure the width of side passage for machine access. Having no side-passage or rear access increases the complexity of a project.
provide the measurement in cm.
Please specify the approximate length of your fence.
Many gardens require old decking to be removed, trees to be removed that block light or have died, shrubs that have become overgrown.
Usually involves the use of symmetrical elements, straight paths with a distinctly ordered geometric appeal e.g. Italianate design.
Most often involves the use of curves, circles and serpentine shapes giving a more fluid appearance e.g. Naturalistic design.
Please take photos from either end of the garden, from corners looking diagonally across and from a height e.g. from an upstairs window.
Click on one image to select one type of stone that you would like for your patio.
Granite is a hard wearing and prestigious paving type. Its machine cut edges and even surface lends it to a more contemporary style. It is available in two different colours and many different sizes. It is very suitable to the Irish climate. It can be used with sawn edged granite of different textures or a combination of different edging stone depending on the style required. We would normally recommend that the paving be edged if the exterior walls and house are uneven.
Egyptian Limestone is a durable limestone with a distinctive surface finish that has pelt like texture. Subtle colour tones of this beautiful limestone will complement any modern garden design, giving a contemporary feel to the living space.
Limestone is a hard wearing and extremely durable paving type. It is available in many different colours and quite often has different patterns/colours through out. We generally like to lay it in a opus format. It is available in tumbled finish which adds slightly to the cost but gives a more aged look to the stone.
Sandstone are a slightly softer stone and is available in a wide range of colours. It is slightly cheaper to buy. Its unique quality is the range of patterns and colours which are available. We would only recommend sandstone on a south facing or westerly aspect as it does tend to become quite dirty and algae/moss can build up quickly in the Irish climate..
Travertine boasts its own unmistakable character. It is a high quality natural stone, honed and tumbled to produce the attractive smooth surface and varied texture of fissures so typical of this type of stone.
Least durable but can last up to 15 years with good maintenance.
Long term durability, up to 25 years with modest maintenance.
Most durable choice, will last beyond 25 years even without any maintenance.
Artificial grass has many advantages. It is low maintenance but does require some work to keep it in prime condition. It is a perfect fit for a small garden that gets a lot of traffic from football and kids. Also suitable for families who are time poor or have a north facing garden. They are however considerably more expensive than 'real grass' options and therefore not an obvious choice if you have a large garden.
If you have a tired lawn that needs to be renovated there is no better way than to remove the existing turf, top dress and re-turf the lawn. This may also allow you to address any other issues such as levelness or drainage issues and provide you with a professional finish instantly. We recommend keeping off the grass for at least 2-3 weeks once installed or until the first cut is required.
If you have a large area that you want lawned, you may want to consider seeding as it the most cost effective option. In most cases however, it does mean that the lawn will not tolerate normal usage until it is well established, usually after about 6 months. Keep in mind too that seed lawns can only be installed from march to September. Turf installation can vary considerably in price depending on whether you choose roll out turf, artificial turf or a seeded option, with material costs and installation complexity being the biggest deciding factors.
Most expense but durable option providing a stylish rich contemporary look with minimal maintenance requirements. Often used for cladding old walls.
Modern look treated timber but without the expense of a cedar cladding option.
High ornamental option and most expensive of the treated panel options.
Most robust type of treated panel.
Most cost-effective panels frequently used with concrete posts and base panels.
Vertical treated panels in mid-range price with excellent longevity.
Raised planted areas can be considerably more expensive to implement than ground level planted areas as it requires hard landscaping work to create. Worth noting too that small raised areas will generally have higher watering requirements than ground level areas.
Standard planting indicates plants generally supplied in 1.5 or 2 litre pots. Plants are generally 2-3 years old and will take a further 2-3 years of growing before your garden has that lived in look. Mature planting indicates plants that are supplied in 3-5 litres pots or root balled specimens. Plants can be anything from 3-6 years old and provide a sense of instant maturity to a garden.
Please use the icons for more information on planting. A planting budget will not be added to your estimate here, as choices depend greatly on soil type and aspect. However, please select a number of the images below to help you identify which type of planting you like.
