New build garden makeover

Hambrooks were recently approached to bring more personality to the garden of a newly built home.  Like most new builds, the developer had turfed it but done little else.  The homeowners had added a small patio area and path along the back of the house, to access the garage and to sit.  However, they still felt it didn’t reflect what they really wanted, and it lacked any other planting, which is when they approached us.

Norman Hambrook and garden designer Sam Foster visited to discuss what the homeowners were hoping for.  They wanted a fairly low maintenance garden but with colour all year round.  They didn’t like the squareness of the existing patio and path and preferred something more natural.  They liked the idea of a water feature and wanted to make more of the secluded space behind the garage.  And they have cats, so the design and build would need to accommodate them as well the humans!

The images below show our before shots on the left and how the garden looked after the Hambrooks team had finished on the right.

In the autumn of 2023, build team Dave and Dan, along with electrician Dan, got stuck into the construction, overseen by Sam to ensure his plans came to life.  The build went smoothly and the clients were so happy with the result, they were kind enough to send us the following email.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the amazing garden renovation you have just completed for me. It has been an absolute pleasure throughout, from start to completion.

“The design was absolutely perfect (after only a couple of tweaks) and you have truly captured everything I wanted – the evergreens, the depth, colour and you even provided catnip for the cats – I’ll let you know how they react to that!  The patio, with the curves is beautiful, with the contrast edging and the stone infill and the water feature is lovely, providing that tranquil feeling.

“Dave and Dan were amazing, such hard workers, so courteous and professional.  Their work ethic is something rarely seen these days and it’s obvious Dave takes great pride in this work, definitely an asset to your company.

“It was great to have such a tidy team, not only whilst they were working, but always left the property looking clean and tidy – even in bad weather.  They were even complimented on this by the Foreman Homes site staff!

“I cannot fault anything or anyone, you have provided a first-class service.  The professionalism and knowledge from yourself and everyone involved has been exceptional from start to finish.

“I was hoping for a beautiful garden – you have given me more than that, it is my dream garden and I cannot wait to see it develop and enjoy it in the warmer weather.  Although I cannot stop looking out the window currently and admiring the beauty.  Also, I would like to thank your electrician Dan – again, polite, courteous, helpful and a tidy worker.

I will certainly be recommending you and singing your praises whenever I can!
Thank you for everything.”

Heidi B

Of course, this garden is very new and will grow in and become established with time.  If you’d like to look at another, now much more established garden that we designed, please find it here.

Testimonials

Hambrooks

Testimonials

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!!”

Mr & Mrs Gazzard, Winchester July 2019

“To James, John & Rikki. Thank you so much, we are delighted with our new garden. We really appreciate the attention to detail, the high quality workmanship and the standard of the finished project. We are amazed at how John & Rikki resolved the difficulties of the site and by the quality of their craftmanship. It was a pleasure to work with them and thank you for making our ideas into something we will enjoy for years to come.”
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