Small Garden Design & Build in Elephant & Castle for compact outdoor spaces that work harder. We create smart layouts, vertical planting and lighting that make small gardens feel bigger. Designed for low maintenance, built to last.
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Outdoor space around Elephant & Castle can be tight, overlooked and awkwardly shaped, especially near Elephant Park and the Strata Tower. Our small garden design & build service turns compact patios, courtyards and balconies into practical, good-looking spaces. We plan every centimetre for seating, planting and storage without clutter. The result is a garden that feels calm, usable and easy to maintain.
We work across SE1 and SE17, designing for everything from new-build apartments to Victorian terraces in Kennington and Walworth. Many homes have limited access routes, small rear yards, or shaded aspects between buildings. We choose planting and materials that cope with urban conditions and changing light levels. Whether you want a sociable dining spot or a quiet green retreat, we tailor the build to your property type and lifestyle.
Our process starts with a measured site visit, clear space planning and a design that shows levels, finishes and lighting positions. We then manage the full build: groundwork, drainage where needed, carpentry, paving and planting. You get tidy working practices, transparent scheduling and a handover that explains aftercare for low-maintenance success. Homeowners choose Fine Landscaping for consistent craftsmanship and a finish that stands up to daily use.
In the London Borough of Southwark, small gardens often face access constraints, shared boundaries and overlooked aspects from modern developments. We plan deliveries, waste removal and parking carefully, and we protect communal areas in apartment blocks. Ground conditions vary, so we assess drainage and levels before specifying paving or decking. Our designs suit the mix of terraces and high-rises around Newington, Borough and Elephant & Castle Shopping Centre.
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Costs vary with size, access and specification. For a compact courtyard or patio refresh with planting and lighting, budgets often start around £4,000–£8,000. A full redesign with new paving, raised planters, built-in storage and electrics commonly falls in the £9,000–£20,000 range. Premium materials, complex levels, bespoke joinery or tricky access can increase costs. We provide an itemised estimate after a site visit.
Most small garden projects take 1–3 weeks on site once the design and materials are agreed. Simple upgrades such as container planting, lighting and minor hard landscaping can be completed in a few days. Full builds with paving, raised beds, drainage adjustments and bespoke carpentry take longer. Timescales depend on access through buildings, curing time for concrete, lead times for materials, and weather. We confirm a realistic programme before starting.
Most small garden works are permitted development, such as paving, decking at low level, planting and garden lighting. However, rules can change if you’re in a conservation area, altering boundary treatments, installing structures above certain heights, or working on listed buildings. For apartment blocks, freeholder or management company consent may also apply. We flag likely permissions early, check relevant Southwark guidance, and can help you prepare information for approvals if needed.
We back our workmanship with a 10-year warranty on the build elements we install, such as paving installation, timber structures and built-in features, when maintained as advised. Manufacturer warranties apply separately for products like lighting fittings, porcelain, composite decking or membranes. We also provide a clear handover and aftercare guidance for planting and surfaces. If an issue arises, we respond promptly and aim to resolve it with minimal disruption.
Popular options include porcelain paving for a clean, low-maintenance finish, composite or hardwood decking for warmth, and slimline raised planters for structure. We often add vertical planting, trellis screens, mirrors to bounce light, and integrated LED lighting for evening use. Built-in benches with storage keep the space tidy. We’ll recommend materials based on slip resistance, shade levels, privacy needs and your preferred style, then provide samples to help you choose.
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