Contemporary Surrey garden with layered planting and stone terrace

The Journal

Garden design and landscaping insight

Practical advice, design thinking and project stories from our Surrey studio — written to help you plan a garden you will genuinely use.

All articles Garden Design Landscaping Hard Landscaping Planting Outdoor Living Garden Maintenance Garden Rooms Driveways & Patios

Garden Design

How to Make a Small Garden Feel Bigger

Have a small garden? Discover practical ways to make it feel bigger, from clever layouts and planting to paving, zoning and lighting.

Mekail18 September 20267 min read

A high-end multi-level Surrey garden design featuring a professionally constructed natural stone retaining wall and steps, connecting a raised stone patio to a manicured lower lawn.

Landscaping

Does Your Garden Need a Retaining Wall?

Wondering whether your garden needs a retaining wall? Learn how retaining walls can manage slopes, create usable levels and improve Surrey gardens.

Mekail18 September 20267 min read

A waterlogged natural grass lawn with large puddles and muddy patches in a Surrey residential garden, demonstrating common drainage issues after heavy UK rainfall.

Landscaping

Why Is My Garden Always Waterlogged?

Is your garden constantly wet after rain? Learn why gardens become waterlogged and explore practical drainage solutions for Surrey homes.

Mekail18 September 20267 min read

High-end Surrey garden design comparing a natural grass lawn on the left with a uniform artificial grass installation on the right, separated by a natural stone pathway.

Landscaping

Artificial Grass vs Real Grass for Surrey Gardens

Not sure whether to choose artificial grass or real turf? Compare maintenance, appearance, drainage and long-term considerations for Surrey gardens.

Mekail18 September 20267 min read

Driveways & Patios

Patio Ideas for Surrey Gardens

Looking for patio ideas for your Surrey garden? Explore paving styles, outdoor dining areas, multi-level patios, planting, lighting and practical drainage ideas.

Mekail17 September 20267 min read

Garden room in a landscaped Surrey garden

Garden Rooms

Garden Room Ideas for Surrey Homes

Discover garden room ideas for Surrey homes, from stylish offices and gyms to creative studios, entertaining spaces and relaxing garden retreats.

Mekail17 September 20268 min read

A gardener wearing safety gear, including a hard hat, ear defenders, and a high-visibility vest, using long-handled loppers to prune a tree branch in a sunny residential garden.

Tree Surgery

When Is the Best Time to Prune Trees in the UK?

Not sure when your trees need pruning? Learn how pruning times vary by tree species, season and the type of work required, with practical advice for Surrey homeowners.

Mekail17 September 20267 min read

Architectural garden lighting illuminating trees, planting beds, paths and a patio in a Surrey garden at dusk.

Landscaping Advice

Garden Lighting Ideas for Surrey Homes

Explore practical garden lighting ideas for Surrey homes, including path lighting, feature trees, planting, patios and outdoor entertaining areas.

Mekail17 September 20267 min read

A brass impact sprinkler watering a lawn and flower beds, demonstrating an effective irrigation system for a traditional UK garden.

Landscaping

Irrigation Systems for UK Gardens: A Complete Guide

From automated watering to discreet drip irrigation, discover how the right irrigation system can support healthy planting and make garden maintenance easier.

Mekail17 September 20266 min read

A stone path through layered planting leading to a brick house in a Surrey garden

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