Soft Landscaping
The living elements that form the backbone of any well-designed outdoor space — from retaining walls and steps to drainage and groundworks.
What is soft landscaping?
Hard landscaping refers to the non-living, structural elements of a garden or outdoor space. It includes everything from the ground underfoot — patios, paths, and driveways — to the boundaries and vertical features that define the space, such as walls, fencing, steps, and raised beds.
Getting the soft landscaping right is essential. It determines how you move through and use your garden, how water drains, and how the space feels. Done well, it's the foundation that makes everything else — the planting, the lawn, the furniture — look and work its best.
Our team has extensive experience in soft landscaping across the New Forest and Hampshire, working with a wide range of materials and styles to suit every property and budget.
What's included
Hard landscaping services
Retaining walls
Block, brick, or natural stone retaining walls to manage level changes and create defined planting areas.
Steps & level changes
Safely designed and built steps in natural stone, brick, or sleepers to connect different levels of your garden.
Raised beds & planters
Timber sleeper, brick, or stone raised beds for vegetables, herbs, or ornamental planting.
Drainage & groundworks
Surface water drainage, soakaways, and site preparation to ensure your garden stays dry and usable.
Edging & kerbing
Clean, defined edges between lawn, borders, and hard surfaces — keeping everything neat and in place.
Site clearance & preparation
Stripping, levelling, and preparing ground before any new landscaping begins.
Materials & finishes
Choosing the right materials
We work with a wide range of materials and are happy to advise on what will suit your property, style, and budget. Popular choices include:
- Natural stone — sandstone, limestone, and slate for a timeless, high-quality finish.
- Porcelain — low-maintenance, frost-resistant, and available in a wide range of styles.
- Block paving — durable and versatile, ideal for driveways and paths.
- Timber sleepers — a natural, cost-effective choice for raised beds and retaining walls.
- Brick & block — classic and durable for walls, edging, and steps.
Typical timeline
What to expect
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1
Site visit & consultation
We visit your property to assess the site, discuss your requirements, and take measurements. Usually 30–60 minutes.
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2
Written quote
We provide a clear, itemised written quote within a few days. No hidden costs.
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3
Scheduling
Once you're happy to proceed, we agree a start date. Lead times vary by season — typically 2–6 weeks.
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4
Build
Project duration depends on scope — a simple patio might take 2–3 days; larger structural projects 1–3 weeks.
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5
Completion & aftercare
We clear the site fully on completion and are on hand to answer any questions in the weeks that follow.
Ready to discuss your soft landscaping project?
Get in touch for a free site visit and no-obligation quote. We cover the New Forest, Lymington, and the wider Hampshire and Dorset area.