Landscaping Services in London
Soil Sisters designs and builds gardens across London, from compact courtyards in Islington to large family plots in South West London. We handle the full process, from initial concept sketches and 3D renders through to hard landscaping, planting and aftercare. If you want to talk through what your garden could become, call us on 0203 834 9807 or get in touch online.
What Our Landscaping Service Includes
Every project is different, but these are the deliverables you can expect when you work with us.
Hard Landscaping
- Patios and paving in porcelain, natural stone, sandstone and slate
- Timber and composite decking, including raised decks for sloping sites
- Retaining walls, raised beds and garden edging in brick, sleeper or rendered block
- Fencing, screens and boundary treatments including slatted cedar panels
- Pathways, steps and access ramps
- Drainage systems, including soakaways and channel drains for London clay
Soft Landscaping
- Bespoke planting schemes designed for your aspect, soil and maintenance preferences
- Turf laying (real and artificial) with full ground preparation
- Mature specimen planting for instant impact
- Hedge planting and living screens for privacy
- Seasonal bedding plans and bulb planting schedules
Design and Project Management
- Full site survey and measured plans
- Hand-drawn designs and 3D visualisations so you see your garden before a spade goes in
- Planting plans with species lists, Latin names and spacing
- Materials sourcing and supplier coordination
- Project management from start to handover
How Much Does Landscaping Cost in London?
London runs 20 to 35 percent above the national average for landscaping. Labour rates here sit at around £220 to £350 per day per operative, and materials often need to be carried through the house on terraced streets, which adds time. We are always upfront about costs. Here is what you can realistically expect to pay in 2026.
Landscaping Cost by Garden Size
| Garden size | Basic refresh | Mid-range redesign | Full transformation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (up to 20 sqm) | £2,000 to £4,000 | £4,000 to £8,000 | £8,000 to £15,000 |
| Medium (20 to 50 sqm) | £4,000 to £8,000 | £8,000 to £15,000 | £15,000 to £30,000 |
| Large (50 sqm plus) | £8,000 to £12,000 | £12,000 to £25,000 | £25,000 to £50,000+ |
Cost Per Square Metre
| Level | Price per sqm | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | £60 to £120 | New lawn, basic planting, simple edging or gravel paths |
| Standard | £120 to £200 | Patio or decking, custom planting, fencing, garden lighting |
| Premium | £200 to £350+ | Natural stone paving, bespoke structures, water features, automated irrigation, full design |
Our design fee starts at £600 for a small garden and includes a full site survey, concept design, 3D render and planting plan. That fee is deducted from your build quote if you proceed with us for the construction. See our full garden design budget guide for a detailed breakdown.
How We Work
We keep things straightforward. Here is the process from first call to finished garden.
- Free consultation. We visit your garden, listen to what you want and talk through realistic options for your space and budget. No obligation, no hard sell.
- Site survey and design brief. We measure up, check levels, drainage, aspect and access. You get a written brief confirming scope, timelines and budget range.
- Concept design and 3D visuals. We create concept layouts and photorealistic 3D renders. You see exactly what your garden will look like before any work starts.
- Detailed quote and materials selection. A line-by-line quote with every material, quantity and cost. No hidden extras. We visit suppliers with you if you want to see samples in person.
- Construction. Our team handles all groundworks, hard landscaping and structural elements. We keep the site tidy and communicate daily on progress.
- Planting and finishing. Plants go in according to the planting plan. We install lighting, irrigation and any final details. Then we walk you through everything.
- Aftercare. We provide a written care guide for your new garden and offer ongoing maintenance packages if you want them.
Why London Gardens Need Specialist Landscaping
London gardens are not like gardens anywhere else. Most are smaller than the national average. Many have limited access, with materials needing to go through the house or over a wall. The clay soil across much of South and East London causes drainage headaches that a standard landscaper might not anticipate.
We deal with these challenges every week. Narrow side returns in Victorian terraces, basement courtyards below street level, overlooked gardens that need clever screening without losing light. These are problems we have solved dozens of times, and our designs account for them from day one.
If you are dealing with a small courtyard or tight urban space, we have specific experience making these work harder than you would expect.
Areas We Cover Across London
We work right across London and into the surrounding counties. Here are some of the areas where we have completed projects.
South London
Dulwich, Peckham, Brixton, Clapham, Battersea, Tooting, Streatham, Crystal Palace, Sydenham, Forest Hill, Lewisham, Greenwich, Bromley, Beckenham, Camden
South West London
Barnes, Fulham, Chelsea, Kensington, Hammersmith, Putney, Wandsworth, Richmond, Wimbledon, Kingston
North London
Islington, Camden, Highgate, Hampstead, Muswell Hill, Crouch End, Finchley, Barnet
East London
Hackney, Shoreditch, Stratford, Walthamstow, Canary Wharf, Bow, Mile End, Bethnal Green
Beyond London
We also cover Kent, Surrey, Essex and Buckinghamshire. If you are outside these areas, get in touch and we will let you know if we can help.
Our Recent Landscaping Projects
You can browse our full portfolio on our Our Work page. Here are a few highlights.
- Barnes, SW13. A complete back garden redesign for a young family. New York stone patio, composite decking, raised sleeper beds and a dedicated play area. Budget: £18,000.
- Beckenham, BR3. A tired suburban plot transformed with Indian sandstone paving, structured planting and a bespoke pergola with climbing roses. Budget: £22,000.
- Shoreham, Kent. A large rear garden with multi-level terracing, retaining walls, new lawn and mixed native planting. Budget: £35,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a landscaping project in London take?
A small garden (under 20 sqm) typically takes 5 to 10 working days. A medium garden runs 2 to 4 weeks. Larger or more complex projects can take 4 to 8 weeks. Weather, access constraints and material lead times can all affect the timeline. We give you a realistic schedule upfront.
Do I need planning permission for landscaping in London?
Most rear garden landscaping falls under permitted development and does not require planning permission. There are exceptions: if you are in a conservation area, if you want to raise levels significantly, or if you are paving over a front garden (which requires permeable surfacing under government regulations). We advise on all of this during the design stage. For garden structures, see our garden room planning permission guide.
What is the cheapest way to landscape a garden in London?
Focus your budget on the elements that make the biggest difference. A well-laid lawn and a simple paved seating area will transform a garden for under £5,000 in most cases. Gravel paths are far cheaper than stone paving. We always work to your budget and will tell you where to spend and where to save.
Can you work with my architect or interior designer?
Yes. We regularly collaborate with architects, interior designers and property developers. We can work from their plans or develop the garden design alongside the interior scheme. See our garden design for architects page.
Do you offer garden maintenance after the project?
We offer ongoing maintenance packages, from monthly visits to seasonal care programmes. Many of our clients find this keeps their garden looking its best without the guesswork.
What qualifications do your team have?
Our designers hold qualifications in garden design and horticulture. Our build team includes skilled landscapers with City and Guilds certifications. We carry full public liability insurance and are committed to safe, professional working practices on every site.
How do I get a quote?
Call us on 0203 834 9807 or fill in the form on our contact page. We will arrange a free site visit, usually within a week, and follow up with a detailed written quote.
Start Your Landscaping Project
Whether you have a clear vision or you are not sure where to start, we can help. Call 0203 834 9807 or contact us online to book your free consultation. We will visit your garden, listen to what you want, and come back with a design and quote that works for your space, your lifestyle and your budget.
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