Small Garden Design & Build in West Dulwich tailored to compact London gardens. We plan every centimetre—planting, lighting and storage—to make your outdoor space feel bigger and easier to enjoy.
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West Dulwich gardens often have brilliant potential, even when space is tight. From SE21 homes near West Dulwich station to properties bordering Belair Park, we design layouts that feel open, practical and calm. Expect clever space planning, multi-function zones and planting that works year-round. The aim is simple: a small garden that lives larger.
The area’s Victorian villas, Edwardian houses and period conversions frequently come with narrow side returns, shaded corners and overlooked boundaries. We use vertical planting, mirrors and layered greenery to soften fences and draw the eye. Container planting is ideal for paved courtyards and raised terraces, while built-in storage keeps bikes, bins and garden tools out of sight. Every scheme is tailored to how you actually use the space.
We start with a site visit and measured survey, then develop a design you can visualise before any build begins. Our team handles groundwork, drainage, hard landscaping, planting and lighting with tidy, considerate working practices. You’ll receive clear specifications, realistic programmes and a finish built to last. Local homeowners choose us for reliable communication and consistent workmanship from start to handover.
In the small garden design & build West Dulwich area, access can be tight through side passages and period gates, so we plan deliveries and waste removal carefully. Lambeth requirements and neighbour considerations can affect boundary work, lighting positions and drainage details, especially around older properties. Soil varies from compacted ground to made-up sub-bases, so we assess levels and drainage before building. We also design with privacy in mind for gardens close to Dulwich Village and Herne Hill.
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Costs vary with access, levels, drainage and the finish you choose. As a guide, a small garden refresh with new paving, lighting and planting often starts around £6,000–£12,000. A full redesign with built-in seating/storage, premium paving, vertical planting and electrics commonly falls between £15,000–£35,000+. We’ll provide an itemised estimate after a site visit in SE21.
Typical build time for a compact West Dulwich garden is 1–3 weeks once materials are booked in. More complex schemes—level changes, drainage upgrades, bespoke joinery, or extensive planting—can take 4–6 weeks. Timescales depend on access, weather, curing times for concrete and pointing, and any specialist lead times (e.g., custom planters or lighting). We agree a programme before work starts.
Most small garden works are permitted development, such as patios, planting, fences within limits and garden lighting. However, rules can apply to boundary heights, drainage to the public sewer, listed buildings, and properties in conservation areas. If you’re adding raised platforms, significant level changes or new structures, permissions may be needed. We check constraints for your address and advise on any Lambeth requirements before proceeding.
We provide a 10-year warranty on our hard landscaping workmanship, covering installation issues such as paving movement, joint failure due to poor laying, and structural problems with built elements when used as intended. Manufacturer warranties apply separately for products like lighting, composite decking or porcelain. Planting is living material, so we advise on care and can offer maintenance plans to help it establish well after completion.
Popular choices include porcelain paving for a clean, low-maintenance finish, clay pavers for period homes, and composite decking for warm, slip-resistant seating zones. We often add built-in benches with hidden storage, slimline raised beds, container planting, and vertical trellis screens. Mirrors and layered lighting can make compact spaces feel wider and safer at night. We’ll recommend options that suit your style, budget and sun/shade conditions.
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