Soil Sisters designs and builds gardens across North London, from Islington and Camden to Highgate, Muswell Hill and Barnet. We offer a full landscaping service: concept design, 3D visualisation, planting plans, hard landscaping, soft landscaping, and full project management through to completion. Call us on 0203 834 9807 or book a free consultation to get started.
Landscaping Services in North London
We deliver the complete range, so you do not have to manage multiple contractors.
Garden Design and 3D Visualisation
Every project starts with a measured survey and a detailed design. We produce hand-drawn concept sketches, CAD plans, and photorealistic 3D renders so you can see exactly what your garden will look like before a single slab is laid. Design fees from £1,500 for smaller North London courtyard gardens, up to £5,000 for larger rear gardens with multiple zones. Full design is included in our design-and-build price on most projects.
Hard Landscaping
Patios, paving, steps, retaining walls, raised beds, decking, pergolas and garden structures. We work with porcelain, natural stone (Indian sandstone, York stone, limestone), composite decking and reclaimed materials. For North London's many Victorian and Edwardian terraces, we are experienced in working through side gates, over party walls, and in gardens with restricted access.
Soft Landscaping and Planting Design
Turf, wildflower lawns, ornamental planting, hedging, trees and seasonal borders. Our RHS-qualified designers create bespoke planting plans suited to your aspect, soil and maintenance preference. North London's London clay can be challenging, but the right soil preparation and plant selection makes it workable. We do not hand you a generic plant list and leave you to it.
Garden Renovations
If you have an overgrown, tired or poorly planned garden, a renovation is often far more cost-effective than a full rebuild. We clear, redesign, and replant. Most North London garden renovations run from £8,000 to £25,000 depending on how much hard landscaping is involved. See our garden renovation London page for more detail.
Drainage and Site Preparation
London clay drains poorly. Standing water, wet patches and cracked paving are common in North London gardens, particularly in flat areas like Finsbury Park, Archway and East Finchley. We lay proper sub-base, install French drains where needed, and use permeable paving systems in conservation areas where SuDS compliance is required. Drainage work typically adds £1,500-£4,000 to a project but prevents far bigger problems down the line.
Lighting and Outdoor Features
Garden lighting transforms a space after dark and adds real security value. We install LED uplighters, pathway lighting and smart-controlled schemes. See our garden lighting design London page for pricing. We also design and install water features, garden rooms and outdoor kitchens.
Landscaping Costs in North London
We are transparent about pricing. North London sits in the inner-to-mid zone for London landscaping costs, with some variation depending on whether you are in a conservation area (Highgate, Canonbury, Hampstead) or a more straightforward residential street.
| Project Type | Design Only | Design and Build |
|---|---|---|
| Small courtyard (up to 20 sqm) | £1,500–£2,500 | £12,000–£22,000 |
| Medium rear garden (20–60 sqm) | £2,000–£3,500 | £20,000–£40,000 |
| Large rear garden (60–120 sqm) | £3,000–£5,000 | £35,000–£65,000 |
| Renovation (partial redesign) | — | £8,000–£25,000 |
| Patio only (up to 30 sqm) | — | £8,000–£16,000 |
Cost Per Square Metre in North London
For hard landscaping materials, typical installed costs (labour and materials) in North London 2025/2026:
| Material | Budget | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porcelain paving | £100/sqm | £130/sqm | £170/sqm |
| Indian sandstone | £80/sqm | £110/sqm | £145/sqm |
| York stone (reclaimed) | £130/sqm | £165/sqm | £210/sqm |
| Composite decking | £120/sqm | £160/sqm | £200/sqm |
| Turf (including sub-base) | £18/sqm | £25/sqm | £30/sqm |
| Artificial grass (installed) | £55/sqm | £75/sqm | £100/sqm |
Conservation area premiums of 10–20% apply in parts of Highgate, Canonbury, and the Hampstead Conservation Area, where materials must meet specific character requirements. We handle all pre-application planning enquiries as part of the design process.
North London Specific Challenges We Know Well
London Clay
Most of North London sits on London clay, one of the more difficult subsoils to work with. It shrinks in summer, expands when wet, and does not drain naturally. Patios laid on inadequate sub-base crack and settle within a few years. We always specify a minimum 100mm compacted hardcore base with sharp sand bedding for paving, and we survey drainage before committing to a design. It costs slightly more upfront and prevents expensive remedial work later.
Victorian and Edwardian Terraces
Islington, Stoke Newington, Crouch End, Archway and much of Haringey are built on Victorian and Edwardian terrace streets. That typically means:
- Garden access through the house or a side gate (usually 700–900mm wide)
- Rear gardens between 40 and 80 sqm, often with an outbuilding
- Party walls on at least one side, sometimes both
- Older drainage in unpredictable locations
We do a full site survey before designing, confirm drain runs, and handle any party wall notifications required for raised structures or retaining walls over 500mm.
Conservation Areas and TPOs
Highgate, Canonbury, Barnsbury and the Hampstead Conservation Area are all subject to restrictions that affect what you can build and which materials are permitted. Article 4 directions in some areas remove permitted development rights for front garden paving. Tree Preservation Orders on mature trees are common in Highgate and Hampstead Garden Suburb. We check conservation area status and any TPOs as standard during the design process. You will not find out there is a problem after the quote is signed.
Basement and Below-Ground Gardens
Camden and Islington have a high concentration of lower-ground-floor gardens, basement light wells and sunken courtyards. These need specialist drainage, careful choice of shade-tolerant plants, and often structural input on any raised terracing or retaining elements. We have designed and built basement courtyard gardens across NW1, N1 and N7 and understand the planning and building control considerations involved.
Sloping Sites
Muswell Hill, Highgate, Crouch End and parts of Haringey sit on significantly sloped ground. A sloping rear garden can be terraced into usable zones, but the retaining walls, steps and drainage required add meaningfully to the cost. A rear garden with a 1.5m level change from top to bottom will typically cost 30–40% more to landscape than an equivalent flat site. We always include a site level survey in the design process so you know what you are dealing with before committing to a design.
How We Work
- Free consultation (30 minutes, your garden): We come to you, look at the space, and have an honest conversation about what is possible and what it is likely to cost. No obligation, no selling.
- Measured survey: We return with equipment to take precise measurements, note drain locations, aspect, soil type, and any constraints.
- Concept design and 3D visualisation: We produce a concept plan, a planting palette, and photorealistic 3D renders. Typically delivered within 2 weeks of the survey. We present in person or by video call.
- Detailed quote: Itemised by element. Paving, drainage, planting, lighting, structures. No provisional sums, no vague "to be confirmed" lines.
- Build: Our own team leads the project. We do not subcontract the whole job to someone you have never met. Typical build time 2–6 weeks depending on project scale.
- Handover and aftercare: We walk you through the finished garden, provide care instructions for all planted species, and offer maintenance packages for those who want ongoing support.
Areas We Cover in North London
We regularly work across the following North London boroughs and areas. For neighbouring parts of London, see the related pages below.
Islington
Islington, Barnsbury, Canonbury, Angel, Highbury, Archway, Tufnell Park, Holloway, Finsbury Park (N1, N4, N5, N7, N19)
Camden
Camden Town, Kentish Town, Hampstead, Belsize Park, Primrose Hill, Highgate, Gospel Oak (NW1, NW3, NW5, N6)
Haringey
Crouch End, Muswell Hill, Hornsey, Wood Green, Alexandra Palace, Stroud Green, Tottenham Hale (N4, N8, N10, N15, N22)
Hackney
Stoke Newington, Dalston, Clapton, Hackney Central (N16, E5, E8, E9)
Barnet
Finchley, East Finchley, Whetstone, Highgate (N2, N3, N12, N20)
Enfield
Palmers Green, Southgate, Oakwood, Winchmore Hill, Enfield Town (N13, N14, N21, EN1, EN2)
We also cover North West London (NW1–NW10) and link with our landscaping London service for projects across multiple areas. For South West London, see our landscaping South West London page.
Garden Styles We Design in North London
North London's garden stock is genuinely varied. A Highgate rear garden behind a 1900 Arts and Crafts house calls for something quite different to a Stoke Newington new-build terrace or a Hampstead Garden Suburb property with mature trees. We design across the full range:
- Traditional and formal garden design for period properties
- Contemporary and minimalist gardens for modern extensions
- Courtyard and small garden design for compact terraces
- Japanese-influenced gardens for calm, structured spaces
- Mediterranean-style gardens for sheltered south-facing plots
- Wildlife and ecological gardens for biodiversity-conscious owners
- Sustainable garden design with permeable surfaces, rainwater harvesting and pollinator planting
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does landscaping cost in North London?
A full garden design and build in North London typically costs £12,000–£22,000 for a small courtyard, £20,000–£40,000 for a medium rear garden, and £35,000–£65,000+ for larger plots. Design-only fees run from £1,500 to £5,000. Conservation area projects (Highgate, Canonbury, Hampstead) often carry a 10–20% premium on materials. We give you a detailed, itemised quote after a free site visit with no obligation.
Do I need planning permission for landscaping in North London?
Most rear garden landscaping falls under permitted development and does not need planning permission. However, some work does trigger a requirement: front garden paving over 5 sqm with impermeable materials, structures over 2.5m high within 2m of a boundary, and any work in conservation areas or on listed buildings. Article 4 directions in parts of Islington and Camden remove some permitted development rights. We check all of this as part of the design process.
How long does a landscaping project take in North London?
From first consultation to completed garden, most projects take 8–16 weeks. Design and 3D visualisation takes 2–4 weeks. Build takes 2–6 weeks on site depending on project scale. We can sometimes accelerate timelines for straightforward projects, and we are honest about realistic start dates when you enquire. We typically book 4–8 weeks in advance.
Can you work in a garden with access only through the house?
Yes. Many North London Victorian and Edwardian gardens can only be accessed through the house or a narrow side gate. We have worked in gardens with 700mm gate widths, through-house access only, and properties with no rear access at all. We plan all material deliveries and plant access routes as part of the site survey. It affects the cost of certain elements but it does not prevent us from delivering the project.
What is the difference between a landscaper and a garden designer?
A landscaper builds. A garden designer plans. Most North London homeowners need both, and getting a designer involved before the digger arrives saves money and prevents costly mistakes. Soil Sisters offers integrated design and build: we design the garden, produce 3D visuals, and then our own build team delivers it. You work with one company from brief to completion, not a designer who hands you drawings and leaves you to find a contractor separately.
Are you insured and qualified?
Yes. We carry full public liability insurance. Our design team holds RHS qualifications, and we are members of the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL). We are happy to provide insurance certificates and references on request.
Do you offer maintenance after the garden is built?
We offer maintenance packages for clients who want ongoing professional care after their garden is completed. This includes seasonal planting swaps, lawn care, hedge trimming and general upkeep. Ask us about maintenance when you book your consultation.
Get a Free Landscaping Quote in North London
The first step is a free consultation at your property. We visit, look at the space, discuss your ideas and give you an honest view on what is possible and what it will cost. No pressure, no commitment.
Call us on 0203 834 9807 or complete the contact form and we will be in touch within one working day.
You can also explore our related services: landscaping across London, hard landscaping London, garden landscaping London, planting design London, and garden design and build London. For the design-only service, see our areas page for borough-specific garden design pages.