The evolution of a garden

Back in spring 2004, we were asked to design and build a garden.  A good size and surrounded by established trees and farmland, the plot itself was a blank canvas, other than the existing house.  We have continued to maintain that garden ever since. 

In summer 2023, we had the opportunity to visit, with a professional photographer, to see how it has grown and evolved over time.  You can see for yourself in the photos below.  Enjoy!

Before – 2004

This almost half acre garden is in a rural location and surrounded by fields.  Hambrooks were commissioned to create a beautiful but naturalistic garden, with water as the main feature.  The client’s preference was for sweeping curves and soft flowing borders, with a design that would provide interesting views from the house as well as in the garden itself.

After – Summer 2023 (almost twenty years on)

The client was extremely happy with Hambrooks’ design and with our ongoing maintenance of the garden.  He values the plant knowledge of our teams, which he feels ensures he gets a garden which provides so much enjoyment. 

Hambrooks have been able to adapt as needed over the years; a tree hit by lightning was dug out and replaced with a bed, for example, in keeping with the original design feel whilst also ensuring the garden has evolved with nature.

During – 2004

Hambrooks planned the layout and started by building the main water feature, a cascade with a large pond, boardwalk and decking area.

Summer 2023

The pond and boardwalk are completely naturalised in the garden today (on the right in the picture) and provide a home for frogs, dragonflies and other wildlife as well as an attractive seating area looking back towards the house.

During – 2004

Another view of the water feature in construction, from the newly enlarged and updated patio area.

Summer 2023

Hambrooks continue to maintain the garden, winning an APL (Association of Professional Landscapers) award for it in 2012.  From almost the same vantage point as on the left, this image shows just how well the plants have established and how important the ongoing maintenance is to keep them in shape. 

Before – 2004

The patio area around the house was looking tired so the client wanted it updated.  Consideration was given on both how to access the garden from the patio as well as how to make the patio feel less exposed.

Summer 2023

The patio is a larger and more usable space now which almost wraps around the entire back of the house, providing seating areas which follow the sun during the day. Each area has views through to the garden as well as having the feeling of being nestled into the now-matured planting.

Summer 2023

 

Above – showing the cascade and boardwalk seating area above the pond, now fully matured and looking like it’s always been there.

 

Right – the client enjoys having pots for colour as well as the joy of growing food; sweetcorn plants fit nicely into their surroundings on the patio!

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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