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

A natural stone retaining wall in a backyard garden, with a cutaway revealing its underground drainage system of gravel and pipe supporting a raised lawn.

Landscaping

Why Is Drainage Important Behind a Retaining Wall?

Discover why drainage behind a retaining wall is essential, how drainage pipes and aggregate help manage water pressure, and which warning signs Surrey homeowners should look out for.

Mekail9 October 20266 min read

A modern, timber-clad garden room with a warmly lit interior office, set in a beautifully landscaped backyard with a stone pathway, lush green lawn, and mature trees.

Garden Rooms

Can You Use a Garden Room All Year Round?

Can you use a garden room all year round in Surrey? Learn how insulation, heating, glazing and ventilation help create a comfortable space for work, hobbies and relaxation in every season.

Mekail9 October 20267 min read

A wide-angle view of a beautifully landscaped garden featuring a timber deck with dining furniture attached to a modern brick house, bordered by a neat lawn and lush green plants.

Hard Landscaping

How to Plan a Decking Area in Your Garden

Planning a decking area in Surrey? Discover how to choose the right layout, materials and position, with practical advice on drainage, ground preparation and creating a seamless outdoor living space.

Mekail9 October 20267 min read

Bespoke outdoor kitchen in a landscaped Surrey garden

Outdoor Living

Is an Outdoor Kitchen Worth It?

Wondering whether an outdoor kitchen is worth it? Discover the benefits, drawbacks and key factors to consider before investing in one for your Surrey garden.

Mekail8 October 20267 min read

Newly replaced patio in a landscaped Surrey garden

Driveways & Patios

When Should You Replace an Old Patio?

Not sure whether your old patio needs repairing or replacing? Learn the warning signs, when repairs make sense and when a new patio is the better option.

Mekail8 October 20267 min read

Garden Maintenance

What Is Included in Garden Maintenance?

What does professional garden maintenance include? Learn what to expect from regular lawn care, weeding, pruning, hedge trimming, seasonal tidying and more.

Mekail8 October 20266 min read

Bespoke outdoor kitchen in a Surrey garden

Outdoor Living

How Much Does an Outdoor Kitchen Cost in Surrey?

Planning an outdoor kitchen in Surrey? Learn what affects the overall budget, from appliances and worktops to paving, utilities, lighting and shelter.

Mekail8 October 202612 min read

Garden irrigation system watering lawn and planting in Surrey

Landscaping

How to Choose an Irrigation System for Your Garden

Not sure which irrigation system your garden needs? Learn how to choose between drip lines, sprinklers, automation and different watering zones.

Mekail7 October 202612 min read

Leaning timber fence posts in a Surrey garden

Fencing

Why Are My Fence Posts Leaning?

Leaning fence posts can have several causes. Learn why your fence is moving, how to identify the problem and when repair or replacement may be needed.

Mekail7 October 202612 min read

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

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