Case Study Rockery & Water Feature

Case Study: Rockery & Water Feature

Low-Maintenance Water Feature Replaces Leaking Pond

A thoughtful redesign brings wildlife, peace, and year-round enjoyment to Mr & Mrs Giles’ Southampton garden.

Project Snapshot

Location: Lowford, Southampton
Completed: Autumn 2024
Focus: Stone Rockery and Water Feature Installation

Why Hambrooks: A Longstanding Relationship

“We discovered Hambrooks 25 years ago at the garden centre, and the decking we installed back then is still going strong. We’ve regularly visited the Garden Centre for fresh ideas and always admired their landscaping work – and this time, we needed a fresh approach for our aging pond.”– Mr. Giles

The Challenge

Mr. and Mrs. Giles had:

A leaking pond that required constant maintenance
An overgrown, difficult-to-manage area
A desire to maintain wildlife appeal but in a more practical way

The Solution

Hambrooks created a bespoke water feature that:

Uses a sump-fed recirculating system (no need for a full pond)
Is surrounded by a natural rockery and seasonal planting
Includes stepping stones for easier access
Refreshes the layout while staying wildlife-conscious

A particularly touching moment was the repositioning of a favourite bench beside their memorial Camellia, planted in 1997.

Kind to Wildlife

The team carefully:

Decanted pond debris onto nearby beds
Allowed amphibians to safely relocate
Improved the soil quality at the same time

“We were impressed with the team’s care for the frogs and wildlife – they even reused pond debris to enrich the borders. Hambrooks truly listened to what we wanted.”– Mr. Giles

Clients thoughts after a few months

“We’ve enjoyed many balmy evenings on the deck, listening to the water before the Winter set in. Over Christmas we added subtle lighting – which we plan to keep for alfresco dining in the warmer months.”...
“We were thrilled to see the wildlife returning, frogs have now shown their approval with an enormous deposit of spawn! The tadpoles enjoy their ride through the pump before resurfacing at the outlet. We were also delighted to see our snowdrops reappear in January, inspiring us to add more and create a beautiful winter display.”

Spring 2025 Update

“We had breakfast by the water feature this morning. The Camellia has flowered, and the Acer and Tamarisk are bursting into colour. It’s a joy to watch the garden wake up.”….
“A huge thank you to Hambrooks, particularly Dave, for his vision. We couldn’t be happier with the result and are so pleased we had the work done.”

Thinking of transforming your garden?

Whether you’re dealing with a tired, leaking pond or dreaming of a new water feature, or a whole garden makeover, Hambrooks Landscaping can help create something beautiful, practical, and nature-friendly. For more inspiration see other examples of our Water Features and Ponds here.

Landscaping projects

Check out some of our clients before and after garden landscaping projects.

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Tina Ellis 16/09/2024

Had our garden designed and installed by Hambrooks 23 years ago, barely ever pulled weeds since. Just topped up the pine nuggets over the top. Best investment!!

N. Haggard 20 September 2022

I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say how delighted I am with my new garden.

Jon, my designer, listened to my ideas and delivered on everything I asked for. I wanted something different to any garden I’d had before, no lawn, no landscaping but packed with plants. He designed such a lovely secret garden, around a statement tree. And I have to commend him for his unwavering patience! I changed my mind a hundred times but never did he give me the impression that he was losing patience with my endless indecision. And my confidence in him led me to place an order for over £10k.

My landscaping team, Blade and Tony, were exceptional, from their work ethic, skill and knowledge, to the way they dealt with me, the customer. My standards are very high and I couldn’t fault them.

All in all, a very professional team of people. And it showed that they all care. I’m over the moon with the finished result. I will send you a before and after photo. Thank you so much.

A delighted customer.

G. Gray. May 2022

My front garden has been transformed by Andy and Bradley who both worked incredibly hard and I am delighted with the result. Andy had the vision and skill to turn my idea into reality and I can't thank him enough.

C. Haig Sept 2021

We recently had our garden landscaped by Hambrooks and I just wanted to pass on my thanks, not just for the outcome - which is superb - but for the professionalism of all the staff involved on the job who are all a credit to you company. Mike, Dave, Les and Adam.

H. Sharp Sept 2021

I just wanted to let you know how delighted I am with my new garden. Melanie was a delight to work with and the ideas she had have worked perfectly. Also Sheldon laid the patio beautifully and him and Dave were a pleaseure to have at my house. Quiet workers and polite.

B. Rendell April 2021

I would like to say how delighted we are with the work carried out. Mel, Paul and Tony all worked very hard, they totally took on board the specific need relating to safety as well as the general garden issues. Paul and Tony were excellent at consulting and discussing with me what I felt best in terms of the brief and adjusting if and as necessary, constantly pleasant and polite to deal with. Mel had picked up on particular issues from the first consultation and offered valuable advice. The outcome means a great deal less worry for me going forward.
Altogether a very positive experience and outcome which I would not hesitate to recommend to others.

Stephen March 2021

Dom and Adam's work (garden maintenance) is greatly appreciated. Dom really listened to everything we discussed very carefully and went out of his way to understand and then act upon that discussion. We are extremely pleased with the work done - both to the pond and pyracantha.

Marsha

We have been coming to Hambrooks for years and it's our favourite garden centre because of its friendly helpful staff and a great selection of plants and trees and the garden design ideas.

“We wanted to write and say how pleased we are with our low maintenance garden makeover. We are very impressed with the attitude of your staff who were prepared to listen to our requirements. Your team John and Rick brushed up and left everything tidy at the end of the day. We now have a garden we can manage and it looks great. THANK YOU HAMBROOKS.”

Mr & Mrs Venables, Southampton. April 2019

“Dear Josh & Mike We just want to say you both did a brilliant job of designing our garden along with the guys who did the work who were amazing. A few weeks on its looks even better now some of the plants are blooming. Thank you!!”