Where to begin
When we first visited the garden in Autumn 2024, it was clear the space had been through a lot. Major house renovations had left the rear garden in disarray, and while the client was eager to transform it, they weren’t sure where to start. Past negative experiences with contractors had also left them understandably cautious.
After a short consultation, we sketched out some initial ideas, took measurements, and returned to the office to begin planning.
The brief was straightforward in principle but layered in detail. The client had a large pond they wished to remove in order to reclaim more usable garden space. However, they didn’t want to lose the calming sound of running water, which they found deeply relaxing. Beyond this, the request was for an overall upgrade: fresh paving, new walling, and a design that avoided feeling overly modern. Most importantly, the garden needed to comfortably accommodate larger gatherings of family and friends while remaining welcoming and tranquil.
The most significant design challenge was how to address the existing pond. The client wanted to reclaim the space it occupied but was keen to retain the soothing sound of running water. Our solution was to preserve the original waterfall feature, which flowed through a planter, and redirect it into a more compact water tank. This allowed us to maintain the tranquil ambience while removing the oversized pond. To honour the original footprint, we rebuilt the pond’s curved outline as a feature wall and incorporated a floating cedar bench—creating a striking focal point and a practical seating area for entertaining.
Practical challenges also came into play. We began work in January, so the weather was far from kind, often slowing progress and testing our patience. Another technical hurdle was the patio design. The client requested the new paving to sit flush with the rear bi-fold doors while also meeting the existing levels of the garden—a detail that required careful planning and plenty of problem-solving to achieve a seamless result.
The finished garden exceeded expectations. The soft beige porcelain paving is framed beautifully by a sandstone cobbled edging, while the paddlestone walling with hand-cut porcelain copings adds texture, warmth, and character.
Key features such as the floating cedar bench and integrated BBQ area not only look striking but also maximise usable space on the main patio—perfect for hosting larger gatherings without compromising flow or comfort.
Although the end result appears effortless, this garden required a great deal of planning, problem-solving, and perseverance—especially when it came to perfecting the water feature. Every detail demanded care and precision.
The outcome is nothing short of spectacular: a garden that is both practical and tranquil, and one that the whole team looks back on with pride.
About Pro Garden Projects
We have been in business maintaining and building gardens in Tameside, Glossop, Oldham and surrounding areas since 2002 and we very much love what we do.
Pro Garden Projects Ltd
Unit 3
17 Outram Road
Dukinfield
Cheshire
SK16 4XE
tel: 0161 338 7140
Email: in**@************co.uk