Small Garden Design & Build in Shirley that turns tight outdoor spaces into calm, practical gardens. We plan every centimetre—storage, seating, planting and lighting—so your garden works harder year-round.
Response within 24 hours
Compact gardens in Shirley can still feel generous with the right layout and detailing. We create tailored designs that balance planting, seating and storage, with options like vertical planting, mirrors and layered lighting. From homes near Shirley Windmill to properties close to Addington Hills, we build gardens that look bigger and function better. Expect thoughtful space planning and a finish that suits everyday family life.
Shirley’s mix of 1930s semis, detached houses and newer developments often comes with side access limits and narrow plots. We design around typical patio-to-lawn proportions, awkward corners and overlooked boundaries, adding screening and multi-function areas where needed. For CR0 homes, container planting and built-in storage can transform small patios and paved yards without crowding them. Our low-maintenance planting palettes are chosen to stay tidy and colourful through the seasons.
We start with a site visit, measured survey and clear concept plan, then refine materials and planting to match your budget. Once approved, our in-house team manages the build from groundworks to lighting and final planting, keeping the site tidy and safe. You’ll receive a clear schedule, transparent scope, and practical aftercare advice. Local homeowners choose us for reliable communication, premium workmanship and a 10-year warranty on our installation.
Across the London Borough of Croydon, we often work with clay-heavy soils, shaded boundaries and gardens that slope slightly away from the house. In Shirley and nearby Addiscombe, access can be tight, so we plan deliveries, waste removal and parking to minimise disruption. We also consider local drainage requirements and position lighting to avoid glare into neighbouring windows. Materials are chosen to suit 1930s brickwork and modern extensions alike.
Rated 4.9/5 from over 280 verified reviews
Costs vary with size, access and specification. For a small garden refresh with new paving, planting and lighting, budgets often start around £6,000–£12,000. A fuller redesign with built-in seating/storage, premium paving, drainage adjustments and layered planting is commonly £12,000–£25,000+. Complex levels, bespoke joinery, high-end stone or extensive electrics can push costs higher. We provide a detailed, itemised proposal after a site visit.
Most small garden builds take 1–3 weeks on site once the design and materials are agreed. Simpler makeovers can be completed in under a week, while projects with new drainage, retaining edges, bespoke storage or multiple levels may take 3–5 weeks. Timescales depend on access, weather, curing times for concrete, and lead times for paving, fencing or lighting. We confirm a schedule before work begins.
Most small garden works—patios, paths, planting, fencing within height limits and outdoor lighting—are usually permitted development. However, rules can change for properties near protected trees, conservation areas, or where drainage affects the public sewer. If you’re adding raised structures, significant level changes, or boundary alterations, extra checks may be needed. We review constraints, advise on likely permissions, and can help you liaise with the London Borough of Croydon if required.
Fine Landscaping provides a 10-year warranty on our installation workmanship, covering issues such as structural failure of built elements installed by us (for example, paving sub-bases, edging and constructed features). Manufacturer warranties apply separately to products like lighting, composite decking or porcelain paving. Planting is living material, so we advise on care and can offer maintenance plans to help it establish well. All warranty terms are provided in writing.
Popular choices include porcelain paving for a clean, low-maintenance finish, warm sandstone for character, and composite decking for comfortable seating zones. We often add built-in benches with hidden storage, slimline raised planters, vertical trellis planting, and container schemes for patios. Lighting options range from step lights to uplighters for feature plants, plus discreet wall lights. We guide you through samples and layouts to suit your home and how you use the space.
Get your free, no-obligation quote today.