Colinton Gardening Services - garden maintenance and soft landscaping for Edinburgh.

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For a free, no obligation estimate for your garden makeover project - 07717 461 184


Thank you for visiting the garden landscaping for Edinburgh & the Lothians section of our web site. We offer a free, no obligation consultation so please contact us regarding your soft and hard garden landscaping project.

Our qualified gardeners, plants men and gardeners will work with you to help you with your garden design, general garden services, produce a planting plan, build the soft landscaping elements and maintain your garden. We have relationships with local garden designers and landscape construction / landscape build specialists to help your garden develop its potential. Our specific skills are with planting design and hard landscape gardening.

Not sure where to start? Ask yourself what you want from your garden design and how do you want to use the garden area (entertainment, growing fruit and veg or maybe a low maintenance planting plan). Got a load of questions about your garden design and garden landscaping project? We are here to help and all questions are valid. We also have an advice page which, we hope, will answers some of your questions.

Some of our garden landscaping services include:

garden patios & garden paving, garden decking, driveways Edinburgh, dry stone dyke walling, garden fencing, raised beds, retaining walls, groundworks, turfing, garden furniture.

We have completed projects from a few hundred pounds to over £10k so whatever your budget is we can devise a solution. We are a professional landscaping company, garden construction / garden build services, general garden services and offer a full garden design service. We can design and build your garden landscaping project.

I won the Garden landscaper of the Year 2015 and the Evening News small business of the year 2012. Read about winning this award or you can download the Evening News article.

Our landscape gardeners and garden construction services for Edinburgh, Midlothian include:

Raised beds - both stone and wooden sleepers :: garden patio, paths and paving
Stone and brick work - qualified stone masons :: expert plant knowledge (bespoke planting plans)
Garden makeovers :: dry stone dyke walling
Garden lighting :: garden fencing :: garden gates :: garden design
garden decking :: Monoblock driveways, Block Paving driveways and tarmac / concrete driveways
garden furniture & garden storage

We offer a free, no obligation consultation for your garden makeover so please feel free to contact us.

The term Soft Landscaping is used by garden designers and gardeners to describe the vegetative elements of a design. Hard Landscaping is used to describe construction materials used in the design.

What budget for a garden landscaping project in Edinburgh?

Property experts suggest setting aside between 4-10% of your house value to renovate your garden / driveway project. The amount is based on how much value you will actually add by taking on this garden landscaping project. Potential property buyers will always look for well designed and constructed outdoor space, and they prioritise it highly. If you are struggling to set a garden landscaping budget then give us a call for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your options.

Garden landscaping Edinburgh & the Lothians services

We generally complete a planting plan for your soft landscaping project towards the end of the hard landscaping. The reason for this is once the hard landscaping structure is in place we can then discuss your soft landscaping options.

There are always plants for the soil conditions, water demands, aspect (sun, partial shade, shade), maintenance requirements and your soft landscaping budget.

Low maintenance plants? Not a problem. A high quality weed sheet, stapled to the ground, and landscaping bark placed on top? Not a problem and this will minimise your weeding and at the same time allow rain water through. Got a specific plant in mind? Not a problem, we will find a local soft landscaping supplier that can source it.

garden landscaping Edinburgh - a completed project.

Please note, we are only a phone call away for a friendly chat about your soft landscaping & hard landscaping choices.


Planting out your garden design & garden landscaping project (bespoke planting plan)

We are now ready to begin the soft landscaping part of your garden landscaping project and will develop a bespoke planting plan for your garden space. We will take into consideration your aspirations for colour, season of interest, height, fragrance and budget. We have sourced garden plants from a few pence through to just under £950 for one plant. We have a solution for every planting budget.

Our qualified gardeners will make sure to treat all your plants carefully. We will place them, still in the pots, where the soft landscaping design tells us to. Once you are happy with where the plants are placed we can start to plant them.

Obviously we will dig a deep and wide enough hole to give the plant space to grow. We will also use bone meal, appropriate compost, slow release fertiliser and any ties / steaks that are required.

Most of our garden landscaping customers use us for garden maintenance services from weekly right the way to once a season just to lend a helping hand.

We will help you to source the plants from trade nurseries, the plants will be delivered right to your door, we will position the plants as per the planting plan so that you can plant out - or we can do the planting for you.

Images from a garden landscaping project in Edinburgh

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garden patios & garden paving projects

There are many choices you will need to make for your garden paving and "garden patio Edinburgh" project.

aspect
size & shape
use a set size of a stone circle or custom cut a stone circle
what materials to use - block paving, slabbs, monoblocks
how to border your garden patio - use monoblocks for edging
how to handle drainage
what style of patio paving
any particular colour or surface requirements

We can design your garden patio for you and show you some garden patio and garden paving ideas from previous paving projects. There is no "one size for all" garden patio and garden paving solution as all paving projects are different. For complex garden patios and garden paving projects we would recommend developing a garden design document. This will help us highlight any problems, (such as drainage) and offer solutions (soak away drains).

During our initial site visit we will asses the aspect and measurements of your garden patio and highlight any groundwork or preparation works that are required. We can help you with Edinburgh garden patio - circlethe choice of what type of slabbing to use. It is very much up to what your budget is and what your personal taste is. We have sourced garden patio materials from a few pounds a meter through £70 a square meter. There are options available to you whatever your garden patio budget is.

We can leave trade magazines with you that have pictures of slabbing & landscape materials available and also costs of these materials.

Have you considered installing lights? What about patio heaters or external power points?

From this meeting we can give you a detailed estimate (materials and labour) and project timescale's.

We have a portfolio of garden patio and garden paving projects that we can walk you through during this visit.

All our garden patio projects are built on a strong foundation of hard core. We then cement each slab into place. We are expert patio installers.

Garden Patio & Garden Paving Care, Maintenance and Cleaning

After a few years you may have to re-grout the garden patio / paving slabs using a specialist, weed suppressing sand. Most garden patios take less than few hours to treat with this sand. Depending on the weather and aspect of your patio we recommend pressure washing your garden patio once a year.

Sourcing your garden patio & garden paving materials

Over the years we have built good relationships with suppliers of paving slabs – both from British quarries and abroad to ensure we can source premium paving slabs. We have sourced Caithness Flagstone paving slabs that come from Wick.

Its is very important to use reputable garden patio and garden paving materials brands – it is a false economy to use cheap unbranded slabs.

When ordering paving slabs that are sourced from out with the UK we endeavour to ensure these paving slabs meet strict ethical standards. With Marshalls paving slabs for example they state:

"Marshalls make a commitment that all the workers in our supply chain are paid a fair living wage, no discrimination is practiced and hard and inhumane treatment is not allowed".

Choosing your garden patios & paving materials

There is a vast range of paving slabs available, for all budgets and all tastes. There are different colours, textures, shapes and sizes. Indian Flagstone paving slabs are very popular these days not just for their excellent value but also for the choice of colours and textures available.

Please remember that your choice of paving slabs is something you should consider carefully – you will be looking at them for years to come.

Cheap garden patio & garden paving materials

It is a false economy to source cheap garden patio slabs. For sure, you could save a few pounds on unbranded slabs. But will they stand up to our weather? It is possible that cheap patio / paving slabs may not be frost proof and over time they will delaminate. Are they ethically sourced? Some paving and patio materials come from India / Bangladesh. We only use materials that our suppliers have policies in place to ensure fare treatment of local staff.

Examples of our garden patio Edinburgh services

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garden decking

Our garden decking designs are bespoke to your project. We will produce a garden design drawing to asses options and impacts for your garden decking project. We are here to help you with friendly advice on subjects such as choosing decking materials, timber decking (soft wood or hard wood), timber cladding and whether to build garden storage under the decking.

garden decking ideas

There are many choices to consider on such as what decking materials to use (decking boards / timber decking / composite decking), what colour staining / decking treatment to use, hardwood looks superior but also has a cost impact.

During our initial site visit we will take measurements of the decking solution, find out what groundwork's / site preparation is required and your choice of decking materials.

Please remember that we are here to help you with your decisions and can bring you samples of decking boards / decking products and trade magazines.

There may be options to decide such as the installation of lights / outside electrical points. We will then be able to give you our estimate of labour / materials and time scales.

We have a extensive portfolio of garden decking projects and would be delighted to walk you through some of them during our initial site visit.

Case Study of a Garden Decking Installation.

The image of a decking installation shows a completed garden decking project. Notice that this decking project was built on different levels and was built into the steps to the garden. The position of the decking was ideal as it capture the sun from late afternoon onwards. This garden decking installation was completed on time and on budget.

We make sure that all our garden decking installations are built on a strong foundation that will stand the test of time.

We are qualified and professional decking contractors and are a phone call away from a friendly discussion about your garden decking project.

Garden decking care, maintenance and cleaning

Depending on the weather and the aspect of your garden decking project we would recommend that your sand off any flaking stain / decking treatment, pressure wash the decking and re-treat with decking stain / decking oil / wood preservative. This once a year treatment will help against moss / lichens / mold and ensure that the decking does not become slippy. Indeed, most preservatives contain anti-fungicides that will help mould, prevent rot and lichens.

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driveways specialist

We have an extensive portfolio of completed "driveways Edinburgh" projects using the very best quality of driveway materials (monoblock and block paving). We also have a "driveways Edinburgh" advice page where we hope to help you make informed decisions about your driveways project.

We are a phone call away from a friendly discussion about your Edinburgh driveway project.

We are experts in monoblock driveways, block paving driveways and concrete / tarmac driveways.

monoblock driveways & block paving installers

The saying "you only get one chance at making a good first impression" is appropriate here. A beautiful driveway & garden landscaping project will create a powerful first impression. Maybe this is the time to consider some garden fencing ( there is a huge range of garden fence panels that we can show you ) or garden gates to help with your landscaping project.

Property in Edinburgh & the Lothians is among the most expensive in Scotland. When it comes to your new monoblock, block paving and driveways Edinburgh project - why take any chances with your driveway design and driveway installation project? Sourcing "cheap" driveway materials (monoblock, block paving and tarmac materials) are a false economy. As with all garden landscaping materials, if your use cheap materials, you will get a cheap look. And further, these driveway materials will not stand the test of time and could delaminate over the course of just one winter.

There is government legislation (SUDS) that you will need to consider. We have the in house expertise that answers this legislation and we can discuss it during our initial visit. Basically the legislation covers the topic of drainage for your driveway project.

Our driveways, monoblock paving and block paving installers expertise

We offer the following areas of expertise for your driveway project:

Bespoke driveway design
Professional driveway installation
Driveway drainage solutions - Government regulation (SUDS)
Driveway block paving, monoblock driveway paving
Resin bonded driveways
Driveway Setts & Cobbles
Driveway circles & Octants
Driveway natural stone paving
Driveway concrete paving

Examples of our driveways Edinburgh & garden landscaping services

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dry stone dyke walling

When you authorise us to build your dry stone walling project you are employing garden landscapers who have expert working knowledge of construction and building techniques.

We will work with you to build an understanding of your needs, likes and dislikes that are personal to your project. The choice of stone is central to your project. Maybe the stone is chosen to match your existing walls or house. The completed design will be drawn up so our landscapers can estimate the cost to build your dry stone walling project.

We will help to project manage both the design and build phase of your project.

Building your dry stone wall

Our experienced landscapers will construct your dry stone wall project in a friendly and professional manner

Our team will source the dry stone walling materials from our suppliers and these dry stone walling materials will be delivered straight to your property.

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garden fencing services

Your fencing contractors project site survey

We carry out a site survey so we can introduce ourselves, gain an understanding of your fencing project and discuss your timescale's. We will provide you with a written estimate for both the labour and materials for your garden fencing project.

example fence installation Edinburgh

We can source all types of fence materials & fence panels - metal and wood - from our Edinburgh fencing suppliers and most fence materials are from stock. This ensures we can complete your fencing project in within your chosen timescale.

Remember to think carefully about the choice of fencing materials as you will be looking at the results for years to come.

Fence repair service

Our team will be removing any old and damaged fencing and will complete any required preparation work before we embark on our fence repair service for Edinburgh. All damaged fence materials will be taken off site and disposed of ethically - we use Colinton Community Compost to dispose of your fence repair materials. With our fence repair service we can match our locally sourced materials with your existing fence. This ensures as seamless a fence repair as possible.

Fence installation service

sample metal fence repair Edinburgh

One of the questions we are frequently asked is how long will your new fence last? We only use the best materials for your fence installation service, all wood comes pre-treated from our suppliers. Your fence posts will be “cemented” into the ground at an appropriate depth ensuring your new fence will be protected against strong winds.

Completing your fencing project

As mentioned, all your fencing materials come pre-treated from our suppliers, but we would still recommend staining or painting your fence. It can often be quicker to paint or stain your fence before it is installed. Remember to think carefully about which colour to paint or stain your fence as you will be looking at it for years to come.

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raised beds

wooden, sleepers, raised bed kits, for vegetables. A raised bed is a thing of beauty and a great focal point to any garden. Be it a raised bed for growing vegetables & herbs, disabled access or just aesthetics we just love raised beds.

In our option most raised beds kits & wooden planters may be cheaper than bespoke wooden sleepers, but will they last as long and look as good as wooden sleepers? Alternatively there are premium suppliers of raised bed kits such as Harrods Horticulture, but again we would advise using wooden sleepers and our price would be cheaper than these suppliers by the time you add in labour / top soil / compost. Another advantage of our wooden sleeper raised bed is we can build them high enough so you can sit anywhere, in comfort, on them.

Raised beds using wooden sleepers can be a very cost effective way of dealing with a problem area. It is even possible to source reclaimed wooden sleepers for that rustic look.

We have built many raised beds using brick, dry stone walling, rendered breeze blocks for that contemporary look. We would always design a stone / brick built raised bed to complement the look of your house / garden.

There are many things to think about for your raised bed and you will be looking at the results for years to come. Please feel free to ask us anything you like about your Edinburgh raised bed project.

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retaining walls

A retaining walls purpose is to hold back the soil from another level. This does not mean that the wall has to be function over form. We have designed and build all types or retaining walls using wooden sleepers, brick, dry stone walling and even breeze blocks with a suitable render.

Its important to think of the required foundations for the wall and any drainage requirements. Maybe think of growing suitable plants like campanula, ivy in the wall. Have you considered garden lighting for brightening up the garden in the evening. A light shining up a dry stone retaining wall looks marvelous.

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groundworks

We are Health and Safety Compliant practitioners with £5 million public liability insurance.

We are very flexible and will tailor our services to your groundwork project requirements and we seek not just to maintain your grounds but to improve your public garden space. We are qualified driveway installers, garden designers, garden landscapers, gardeners and plants man.

Groundwork case study

The Range are a leading Home, Leisure and Garden retailer who have recently opened a large premises on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

The site was empty for some five years and the public space in their large estate was completely neglected. The site consisted of overgrown lawn, shrubs, hedges and borders.

The remit was to prune, trim, strim and generally get the public spaces back under control for the stores multimillion pound opening.

Once we won the highly competitive tendering process we then built a Health and Safety policy specifically for this project.

This project was completed on time and under budget.

Chris Ellis, the CBS Group project manager, said:

"Very professional outfit from the beginning to end of the project. With periodic site meetings we were kept informed about progress and opportunities to improve the public spaces. I can happily recommend Andy to anyone who is interested in using their services.”

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lawn turfing

We take great pride in our turf laying and use only the best lawn materials available. Preparation is the key to a great looking lawn. We will rotovate and remove any rubble / weeds, solve any drainage issues and may even lay a base of suitable compost before we roll the area level.

If like the image to the right you are installing a pathway through the lawn please remember to set the pathway below the height of the lawn.

It is important to stay off a newly laid lawn for the first few weeks. Please remember to cut your lawn quite high for the first few cuts - this ensures the lawn is rooting. Keep the lawn moist during this period.

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garden furniture

We have used a variety of outlets for garden furniture and garden buildings over the years from anything including water features, garden decking, planters - great for herb beds or those with mobility issues, rose arches, greenhouses and all manner of garden buildings / storage solutions. We have always found a solution from these suppliers and are more than happy to recommend them.

Harrods Horticultural offer a great range of premium materials including garden furniture. Quite expensive but high quality.

Forest Garden has a great range of garden furniture and garden buildings for delivery straight to your door.

Primrose

Local builders merchants such as MKM can be a great way of saving some precious pounds and most garden furniture is from stock. Garden buildings are generally a on order item. If you are unsure of anything the guys at MKM Edinburgh are very friendly and will answer any questions you may have.

 

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Our garden landscaping & garden design advice

Our current articles are:
"your garden design project - what is a reasonable budget?", "5 garden design books you should read", "your garden design project checklist", "10 pinterest boards to follow about garden design", "advice on choosing a garden design company" and "your Edinburgh garden design project - where to go for materials".

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Our Edinburgh & the Lothians based garden landscaping teams

So why not contact us for a free, no obligation consultation about our Edinburgh & the Lothians based garden landscaping team and find out how we can design and build the garden of your dreams.

Our qualified Edinburgh gardeners will be delighted to hear from you and answer any questions you may have. We offer a complete garden maintenance service that we tailor to you and your garden. You can use us every week through once a season.

Landscape construction & landscape build services

If you already have a garden design developed by yourself then we will be happy to offer landscape construction and landscape build services.