Frogheath Landscapes were approached by a recent retiree who wanted us to build her a low maintenance garden. The customer had moved into a new build property in Hellingly, East Sussex. As with a lot of these new builds, the garden had a layer of turf over poor quality soil and a tree which hadn’t been planted straight, in one corner.

Designing A Low Maintenance Garden

A new low maintenance garden was designed by Tina Vallis which the customer immediately approved. The area, although not huge, was level and so the turf was taken up and replaced with shingle. The standard build patio slabs were replaced with limestone, the patio extended and a paved pathway from it was laid across the garden to the rear gate. There’s a lot of prep work involved: removal of poor soil and installation of membranes and drains to ensure good drainage and stop the shingle from moving over time or in the rain.

Low Maintenance Planting

Our customer wanted to enjoy planting in her low maintenance garden and so steel raised beds were installed, sourced from Lux Unique. These become a wonderful charred black colour over time and the plants and flowers to be used will compliment the burnt hues of the planter. Being raised, they are also easier for our customer to maintain them, with less bending and stooping to ground level.

Garden Features

As a focal point and to add some height to the level garden, the customer sourced a powder coated steel pergola. It features side blinds for sun protection when required and lighting for evening use. This was finished in black to contrast against the shingle and compliment the planters. We installed the pergola for her and mounted it on a square area of paving slabs which match the patio. We screwed it down with anchor bolts through the slabs to the concrete base underneath. This area will provide a space to add an alfresco eating or entertaining area which can be used all year round.

Large rocks and individual slabs were also positioned amongst the shingle to catch the eye and enhance the aesthetics.

Finishing Touches

The garden fencing used by the building contractors was also low quality and so our team painted it with black barn paint – a hard wearing, protective paint. The customer wanted to keep the tree so as a kind gesture, supervisor Terry offered to replant it straight and added some supports around it for it to establish and mature in a stably.

Building a low maintenance garden such as this costs approximately £25,000, depending on processes involved. There are several features including the planters and pergola and this year the planting will become established, bringing the whole garden to life.

If you are looking for a low maintenance garden to enjoy which doesn’t compromise on quality or planting, please get in touch to arrange a complimentary consultation with our Director Steve Moody and Garden Designer Tina, who will happily provide you with a no obligation estimate.