Those grand Victorian gardens across Dulwich deserve plantings that match their heritage. Whether you're reimagining overgrown borders or starting fresh with a bare plot, the right soft landscaping turns outdoor spaces into year-round sanctuaries.
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Dulwich's mature tree canopy creates unique challenges for garden design. Shade-tolerant planting schemes thrive where others fail, particularly in those north-facing gardens common to SE22's terraced streets. Local soil conditions vary dramatically between the clay-heavy areas near Dulwich Park and the sandier patches towards Herne Hill, influencing everything from drainage solutions to plant selection.
Soft landscaping encompasses far more than simply digging holes and dropping in plants. Soil improvement forms the foundation – incorporating organic matter, adjusting pH levels, ensuring proper drainage. Plant selection considers mature size, seasonal interest, maintenance requirements and crucially, how specimens complement existing architecture. Installing quality turf requires precise ground preparation, while establishing wildflower meadows demands patience and ecological understanding.
Twenty years working Dulwich gardens means knowing which suppliers stock the healthiest specimens, understanding microclimates around College Road, and recognising why certain West Dulwich plots struggle with waterlogging. Local knowledge matters when you're investing in living landscapes.
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Budget £3,500-£8,000 for comprehensive soft landscaping of a standard SE21 Victorian garden (100-150m²). This covers soil preparation, quality plants, professional turf installation and mulching. Smaller courtyards or specific border renovations start around £1,200.
Absolutely – from the conservation areas of SE21 through East Dulwich's creative quarter in SE22, to the period properties bordering SE24. Regular projects span from Dulwich Village to the Herne Hill borders.
Initial impact happens immediately with mature specimen planting and fresh turf. Most gardens appear well-established within one growing season, though full maturity typically develops over 2-3 years depending on plant choices.
All soft landscaping carries our decade-long warranty covering plant health, turf establishment and workmanship. Should any plants fail within the first year (excluding extreme weather), we'll replace them free of charge. Turf issues are addressed for two full growing seasons.
Definitely. Pollinator-friendly planting doesn't mean untidy – structured designs using native species, ornamental grasses and succession planting create habitats while maintaining the neat aesthetic many Dulwich properties require. Even formal gardens can support biodiversity through clever plant choices.
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