Author: Andrew Newman

Whether your garden was an afterthought, a construction dumping ground, or simply overlooked in the budgeting process, it’s now time to focus on your outdoor space. After all, what’s the point of a stunning new extension if the view outside is an eyesore?

So, you’ve just completed a house extension. You’ve spent months (or even years) planning, building, and refining your new space, investing tens—if not hundreds—of thousands of pounds to create a beautiful home that meets your needs. But now, as you step back and take it all in, you realise that the view from your shiny new extension is… less than inspiring.

If you’re at the planning stage of your build, it’s wise to allocate some of your budget to the garden now—you’ll thank yourself later! But if the extension is already complete and you’re wondering what to do next, don’t worry. Here’s how to transform your garden into a space that enhances your new home.

Start with a Plan

Before jumping into landscaping, take a step back and assess the space. Consider the new layout of your home and how your garden needs to function alongside it. Ask yourself:

• How will the new extension impact the way you use your garden?
• What’s the main view from inside, and how can it be improved?
• Do you need a patio or seating area to connect indoor and outdoor spaces?
• Will you need privacy from neighbors or shade at certain times of the day?

A well-thought-out design will ensure that your garden not only looks great but also serves a purpose that complements your lifestyle.

Prioritise the Space Immediately Outside Your Extension

In most cases, the garden area directly outside your new extension is the most critical. This is the space you’ll see every day, and it’s likely to become the transition zone between your indoor and outdoor living areas. Consider creating a patio or decked area that seamlessly connects to your new space, using materials that tie in with your extension for a cohesive look.

For example, if your extension features sleek modern finishes, large-format porcelain tiles or smooth sandstone paving might be the best choice. For a more traditional feel, natural stone or reclaimed bricks could create a charming, timeless aesthetic.

Think About Materials and Finishes

Choosing the right materials for your hardscaping is key to ensuring a harmonious connection between your home and garden. Some things to keep in mind:

• Consistency is key – Use similar colors and textures to your extension for a seamless transition.
• Durability matters – Outdoor materials need to withstand weather conditions, so opt for high-quality paving, decking, and planters.
• Low-maintenance options – If you don’t want to spend every weekend cleaning or maintaining your garden, choose materials that require minimal upkeep.

Consider the View from Indoors

Your garden should look just as good from the inside as it does when you’re in it. Think about focal points and how to create a visually pleasing scene from the most-used rooms in your house. This might include:

• A feature tree or statement planting to draw the eye.
• A well-positioned bench or water feature to add interest.
• Layered planting with different heights and textures to create depth.

Lighting: What Will It Look Like at Night?

A beautifully designed garden shouldn’t disappear once the sun goes down. Thoughtful outdoor lighting can enhance the space and create a warm, inviting atmosphere in the evenings. Consider:

• Pathway lighting to guide the way.
• Wall lights to highlight architectural features.
• Spotlights on trees or planting to create depth and drama.
• Subtle deck or patio lighting for a soft, ambient glow.

Not only will lighting improve the aesthetics of your garden at night, but it will also extend the usability of the space, allowing you to entertain and relax outdoors even after dark.

DIY or Hire a Professional?

While it might be tempting to take on the garden transformation yourself, landscaping can be more physically demanding and time-consuming than many expect. From excavation and drainage to paving and planting, a professional design and build landscaping company can help bring your vision to life efficiently and with expert craftsmanship.

If budget constraints are a concern, consider breaking the project into phases, prioritising essential elements like hardscaping first and adding planting, furniture, and finishing touches over time.

Final Thoughts

A house extension is a significant investment, and your garden should be treated as an extension of that investment. By carefully planning and designing your outdoor space, you can create a garden that enhances your home, maximizes the new views, and provides a functional, beautiful environment for years to come.

Whether you’re in the planning stages of your extension or dealing with a post-build garden dilemma, investing in your outdoor space will be one of the best decisions you make. Your future self—and your guests—will thank you for it!

Living walls, also known as vertical gardens, are a great way to bring life and greenery into spaces large and small. Not only do they provide aesthetic beauty, but they also improve air quality, reduce noise, and even help insulate buildings. Over the next few minutes of your time we will walk you through the process of planting your own green living wall panel, perfect for your garden, patio, or even interior space.

We were asked recently to provide more greenery for a substantial sunken patio area in the Hampton Court Area, East Molesey. Without wanting to congest the space with large specimen trees or shrubs we instead utilised the surrounding walls to add greenery and depth to the space. There are 2 types of green walls, one which is artificial and made from plastic and the other which is an actual green living walls which uses actual living plants. There are many providers of artificial green walls which I have managed to seen in person and they are very realistic that from a short distance away convincing enough to the untrained eye. But I believe nothing beats the real the thing and the joy of seeing the plants grow together as a panel and change colour through the seasons. Yes there is a lot more maintenance involved with a green living wall but the results are worth it.

Step 1: Choose Your Location

The location of your living wall is critical. Some factors to consider are; sunlight, water availability, and the type of plants you want to grow. For example:

• Sunny walls are ideal for drought-tolerant plants like succulents and herbs.
• Shaded walls are perfect for ferns, mosses, and other shade-loving species.

Additionally, ensure the wall can support the weight of the living panel, especially when the plants are fully grown and the system is watered.

Step 2: Select Your Living Wall System

There are various systems available, ranging from DIY solutions to professional kits. Common options include:

• Modular panels with built-in planters.
• Pocket systems made of fabric.
• Freestanding structures for flexibility.

Ensure your chosen system includes proper drainage and irrigation features, especially for larger installations.

Step 3: Prepare the Wall and Structure

• Install the frame or support system according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a level to ensure it’s straight.
• If your wall isn’t waterproof, add a waterproof membrane to protect it from moisture.

Step 4: Choose and Arrange Your Plants

The plants you choose will determine the overall look and maintenance needs of your wall. Popular options include:

• Edible plants: Herbs like basil, thyme, and parsley.
• Flowering plants: Petunias, marigolds, or begonias.
• Foliage plants: Ivy, philodendrons, or ferns.

Arrange plants by their sunlight and water requirements, grouping similar species together. For a visually appealing design, consider mixing textures, colors, and growth habits.

Step 5: Plant Your Living Wall

1. Prepare the plants: Remove them from their nursery pots and loosen the roots gently.
2. Add soil or growing medium: Depending on your system, you may need a lightweight soil mix or a soilless medium.
3. Position the plants: Start from the bottom of the panel and work your way up to prevent dislodging any plants.
4. Secure the plants: Some systems may require clips or ties to hold plants in place while they establish.

Step 6: Install Irrigation and Drainage

A consistent water supply is crucial for the health of your living wall. Most systems include built-in irrigation, but for DIY setups, you can install a drip irrigation system connected to a timer. Ensure excess water is collected or directed away to avoid waterlogging.

Step 7: Maintain Your Living Wall

Regular maintenance will keep your living wall thriving:

• Watering: Check moisture levels and adjust irrigation as needed.
• Pruning: Trim plants to maintain their shape and encourage growth.
• Fertilising: Feed your plants with a liquid fertiliser every 4-6 weeks.
• Monitoring: Watch for pests or diseases and address issues promptly.

Conclusion

A green living wall is a rewarding project that transforms any space into a lush, vibrant environment. Whether you’re creating a small feature wall or covering an entire facade, the key is careful planning and ongoing care. With this step-by-step guide, you’re well on your way to enjoying your own thriving vertical garden.

If you’re looking for professional advice or high-quality gardening supplies, give us a call or message for all your needs. Happy planting!

Our green wall plant list – FREE PDF DOWNLOAD: Get your free download below…

Acorus gramineus ogon
Asplenium scolopendrium
Bergenia silberlicht
Blechnum spicant
Carex oshimensis – Everest
Erigeron karvinskianus
Euonymus fortunei – Emerald ’n’ Gold
Hedera – Green
Lamium maculatum – Beacon Silver
Heuchera – Forever Purple
Heuchera – Plum Pudding
Mentha spicata
Thymus vulgaris
Rosmarinus officinalis
Salvia officinalis
Sempervivum – Mix

Planting for privacy with trees in the United Kingdom.

The top request we get as professional landscapers serving South West London is…”Can we add more privacy to the garden?” to which our answer is always yes, followed by “What can we add for more privacy?” to which the answer is often “trees!”.

We will share with you the trees we recommend to plant that we have implemented into our landscaping schemes to add more privacy to gardens, in particular, gardens in South West London. As most of our work is carried out in South West London there are certain site constraints we often face which in turn focuses our attention on the species of trees we can plant, the size of them as well as the budget for installing them.

Let me try and pre empt some of the questions you may have…

Can I plant trees in my garden for privacy? Absolutely. It is a great way to add green to your garden and bring in nature. Permitted development is allowing people to add to the height of their properties as well as allowing a range of garden buildings and structures to be added to the garden. We have seen an increase in the number of requests about what to plant for more privacy, to screen these outbuildings and extensions and the views they have created into our clients gardens.

What are the restrictions if any, to planting trees in a garden? As we are focussing on typical gardens in South West London we use our expert local knowledge to guide you to a sensible solution for planting for privacy and our experience of having done it before. This includes understanding the local restrictions. We are not suggesting that you rush out to plant an oak tree or leylandii on your border. Apart from the fact that it might take some 20 years for the desired height to be achieved, this just wouldn’t be sensible or something you could get into a property with about 900mm side access at best! (South West London gardens for you!). So the restrictions to consider are as follows;

• Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs): If a tree is protected by a TPO, you need council permission to plant, prune, or remove it.
• Conservation Areas: In designated conservation areas, trees above a certain size may be protected, requiring notification or approval before planting.
• Neighbouring Properties: Trees should be planted a safe distance from boundaries to avoid disputes or damage to neighbouring properties.
• Underground Utilities: Care should be taken to avoid planting trees over or near utilities like water, gas, or electricity lines.
• Legal Height Limits: Some local councils may have regulations on tree heights if they block sunlight or views for neighbours.
• Site specific restrictions: We suggest trees for instant privacy and we will order them at the specific height to block out the views. The only restriction here will be the ability to get the plant into the site for planting, which leads us on to the budget…
• Budget: Where there is a will there is a way and this applies to getting the desired tree and correct tree size into the property. We can physically manage a 150ltrs root ball (maximum) without the need for any heavy lifting equipment. But if there is a particular size and specimen above this they can be craned in, streets blocked off (licenses sort with the council) and machinery brought in to lift them. This costs some serious money, time and planning. All achievable.

With the knowledge we have for the local areas we serve, we are able to advise on a range of trees that will allow you to have the privacy you need that will also fall within these local guidelines of officialdom. Basically leave it us and we will find the correct tree for your space and budget.

What are the best trees to plant for instant privacy? As we have solved this problem for our clients time and again the following trees are what we consider to be the best answer to solve privacy in gardens. It is worth pointing out that we advise on planting evergreen trees where we can and we will always make sure the correct tree is selected for the particular ground and soil conditions and location it will eventually go (If they are suited to north or south facing gardens etc). Specifying evergreen trees as opposed to deciduous trees is recommended as when the nights draw in and the leaves fall from deciduous trees (trees that drop their leaves around October – December) you will have the same privacy problem! It will just be the stem of a tree and no luscious green leaves to create privacy. There are deciduous trees which hold on to their leaves such as Beech, Oak, and Hornbeams, providing a beautiful structure and completely different colour to look out on to in the winter months.

So with all the above points considered, along with establishing the gardens size and the clients budgets we recommend the following trees that we have planted previously.

The trees to plant for privacy are:

• Magnolia Grandiflora ‘Gallisoniensis’ – The Magnolia Grandiflora is a beautiful evergreen tree, shaped as a full standard, ideal for screening above fences or walls to provide instant year-round privacy. Its dark, glossy leaves and large, scented flowers offer year-round interest. Though relatively slow-growing, it can be kept in shape with light pruning once or twice a year. If left unpruned, it can reach heights of 10-15m in the UK.
• Ilex ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ – A small, neat evergreen tree to a height of up to 8m, with spiny, very dark green leaves to 7.5cm long. White flowers are borne in early summer, followed by orange-red berries in autumn on female plants where there is a male pollinator growing nearby
• Ilex ‘Nellie R. Stevens – Ligustrum Japonicum, or Evergreen Privet, is a Japanese tree trained in a ‘standard’ shape with a thick crown on a clear stem. It grows 20-30cm per year, reaching up to 6m in height and spread. With shiny, dark green leaves year-round, it’s an excellent evergreen screening plant. Variegated varieties feature leaves in a marbled mix of dark green and cream.
• Carpinus betulus, ‘pleached hornbeam’ – Carpinus betulus, or European Hornbeam, is a popular native tree in the UK, known for its ability to retain leaves through winter, making it ideal for pleaching. With a grey fluted trunk and serrated, ovate leaves that turn yellow in autumn, it adds year-round interest. Pleached Hornbeams are often trained on 1.8m clear stems with frames of either 1m x 1.2m or 2m x 2m, providing excellent privacy without taking up garden space. Ideal for small urban gardens, these trees can be planted 1.2m apart to form an instant screen. They thrive in most soils, including clay and chalk.

Can we see the trees before they are installed or purchased? Absolutely. We have trade accounts with some of the biggest nurseries in the South West of England. When we get to the stage of planning for the installation of the trees, we will have done a lot of research with the nurseries to determine the exact height of the tree, the height of the foliage which sits above the clear stem so it provides privacy above the fence height, the size of the stem. Once this is established we usually visit the nursery if they have them in stock and this is a visit the client can come along to and ‘tag’ the trees they would like. We also provide a mock up of what the tree will look like in the garden using 3D software to give a sense of scale.

How much does it cost to plant these trees in a garden? There are many variables to consider with the price of planting a tree or trees in your garden. The price of the tree course, the number of trees, delivery, labour hours to install the tree, preparing the site (digging the holes large enough), and waste removal. Trees range from £150-£400 for the sizes we are talking about (25ltrs – 150ltrs), delivery is usually around £100, waste removal is around £50-£150 depending on the amount of earth that is taken out. We usually redistribute it back around the garden and newly installed tree. The labour hours to install the tree are around 2-8 hours depending on the amount of trees and site conditions. £40 per hour per person. So for planting one tree like a Magnolia Grandiflora, the following costs might be expected:

Item	Cost
1 x Magnolia grandiflora (80ltrs)	£150
Delivery	£80
Labour	£80
Waste	£20
TOTAL	£300

So if you’re looking to add more privacy to your garden, trees are an ideal solution, providing instant greenery and natural screening. Get in touch and we will be more than happy to help with your next project involving trees!

hello@chestnutgardens.co.uk

07930232080