Norbury's clay-heavy soil and variable shade patterns need thoughtful plant selection. From compact Victorian courtyards to sprawling Edwardian plots, each garden tells its own story through carefully chosen specimens.
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Those tricky spots beneath mature London planes? The waterlogged corners where nothing seems to thrive? Decades of working Norbury gardens have taught us which plants genuinely flourish here. Whether you're battling the shade cast by neighbouring properties in Pollards Hill or seeking drought-tolerant options for sun-baked patches near Thornton Heath station, plant selection makes all the difference.
Soil preparation begins weeks before anything goes in the ground. Clay improvement, drainage assessment, pH testing – the unglamorous groundwork that determines whether your new border thrives or merely survives. Root barriers protect foundations in tight terraced gardens. Mycorrhizal fungi boost establishment rates. Strategic mulching reduces that endless South London battle with bindweed.
Twenty years watching gardens mature across SW16 brings perspective. Clients often show us failed plantings from previous attempts – usually the wrong plant, wrong place scenario repeated across Norbury.
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Border replanting typically runs £45-85 per square metre, including soil improvement and plants. A typical Victorian terrace border (15-20m²) usually falls between £800-1,400, while larger Edwardian gardens might see £2,000-4,500 for comprehensive planting schemes.
Absolutely – from the conservation area properties near Norbury station through to modern developments off Green Lane. Regular projects span Streatham Common borders, Thornton Heath's residential streets, and throughout Pollards Hill's varied garden styles.
First-year establishment varies considerably – spring plantings often show strong growth within 8-12 weeks, while autumn installations quietly develop roots through winter. Full maturity? Allow 2-3 growing seasons for that settled, established appearance.
Each planting scheme includes decade-long structural warranty covering installation quality and plant establishment. If something fails due to our workmanship within ten years, we return to rectify it. Natural plant losses from extreme weather or client care fall outside coverage.
Specialist nursery connections mean accessing plants beyond typical garden centre offerings. Recent Norbury projects included Mediterranean drought gardens, native woodland edges, and even subtropical borders using hardy alternatives. Tell us your vision – sourcing interesting specimens keeps the job engaging.
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