Garden Transformation in Buxted

A standard new-build garden rebuilt into a characterful, usable outdoor space

Location Buxted, East Sussex

Completed Summer 2026

Service Garden Landscaping & Transformations

Scope Clearance, paving, brick edging, steps & planting

The Brief

Having recently moved into a new build in Buxted, the owner wanted to transform the standard, uninspiring garden the developer had left into something with real character. A garden design had already been drawn up, and we were brought in to carry out the hard landscaping and construction needed to bring it to life: creating the different levels, building the hard structure and planting it all up into a garden made to be used and enjoyed.

Standard new-build Buxted garden before the transformation

The same corner rebuilt with Indian sandstone steps and a planted gravel bed

What We Did

Working to the customer's design and adapting the details on site where needed, our work included:

Groundworks and levels: A considerable amount of groundwork to dig out the plot and create the different levels, so each area of the garden worked together properly.
Brick retaining and edging: Built brick retaining walls and crisp brick edges to hold the levels and frame the beds, paths and seating areas.
Raised Indian sandstone patio: Laid a raised Indian sandstone patio on a compacted sub-base, set to falls so it drains cleanly, giving a proper area for sitting and entertaining.
Garden steps and stepping stones: Formed solid steps and stepping stones to link the levels and lead you through the garden.
Gravel beds and planters: Created brick-edged decorative gravel beds with slate planters for structure and a low-maintenance finish.
New lawn and planting: Laid a completely new lawn and planted the beds to soften the hard landscaping and help everything feel established.

The whole garden took around two weeks from groundwork to finished, much of it carried out through a particularly hot spell with temperatures into the mid-30s.

The Result

The finished garden is completely different from the standard new-build space we started with. The raised Indian sandstone patio creates a proper area for sitting and entertaining, while the brickwork defines the different levels and areas. The combination of lawn, planting, gravel and stepping stones softens the hard landscaping and helps everything feel far more established. It was a really enjoyable project to see come together, turning a plain new-build plot into a space designed to be used and enjoyed.

“Having recently moved into a new build I was keen to re-design the absolutely awful garden that is so often a feature of new builds. James was recommended to me for his expertise in hard landscaping and, following a site visit and several exchanges (I kept changing my mind), the work began. James followed my design and, when changes were needed, he was extremely patient and accommodating, never once complaining despite the scorching heat and putting his heart and soul into his work. His work is of a high standard and I found him to be extremely personable and honest. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone requiring a garden redesign, patio laying and so on.”

“Thank you James for going above and beyond expectations. BTW, the blackbird is still visiting and two wood pigeons are enjoying the newly laid gravel area.”

Homeowner, Buxted