When I decided to tackle my garden with gardening gloves, a rusty trowel, and the thought of replicating the gardens on my Pinterest board, my initial enthusiasm quickly wilted faster than the sunflowers I had planted.
Before I knew it, the grass grew tall enough to consider applying for its own postcode, and the rose bushes became thorn-covered monsters. Don’t make the same mistake if you don’t have the willpower to keep it up – leave it to a pro instead!
To get you ready for that, I’ve already weeded through the landscapers (no pun intended) in London to find all the best ones. These are the ones who ended up on my shortlist when I eventually decided to hire someone for my place.
| How much does it cost to hire a landscaper in London? Expect to spend at least £100 per square metre for a basic lawn design. This price is just an estimate and will vary depending on the landscaping services you require for your home. |
How I chose
- Recommendations: Personal experiences are invaluable, and I found that getting feedback from people helped me narrow down my choices. I also checked online reviews.
- Portfolio and past work: Once I had a list of potential landscapers, I took the time to go through their portfolios. Many of them have websites or social media pages showcasing their previous projects. This gave me a sense of their style, creativity, and the quality of their work.
- Accreditations and qualifications: I checked whether the landscapers were members of professional organisations like the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) or the Society of Garden Designers (SGD).
These accreditations ensured that the selected landscapers followed industry standards and best practices. I also looked into their qualifications and years of experience in the field.
- Consultation and communication: Finally, I arranged consultations with several shortlisted landscapers. It allowed me to gauge how well they understood my garden visions and communicated their ideas effectively.
A good landscaper should be able to listen to your needs, offer useful suggestions, and have a clear and transparent approach to work and pricing.
1. Crocus Landscapes Ltd
Address: Gable House, 18 – 24 Turnham Green Terrace, Chiswick, London W4 1QP, United Kingdom
Contact details: +447865494363
Operating hours: Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 5 PM
Website: Crocus Landscapes Ltd
When I heard back from Crocus after filling out their online booking form, their team was professional and provided me with a free quotation. Not a bad start!
However, I noted they require a 50% deposit upfront and they told me they usually take 3-6 months to start a project. I thought this was too long and I wasn’t alone.
Several of their clients I spoke to also thought the wait time to begin their landscaping projects was frustrating. Others commented on Crocus’ lack of garden design services.
Still, despite these things, plenty raved about how Crocus transformed their gardens with beautiful decking and secure fences. Many stated the quality was excellent, and I’m inclined to agree based on what I’ve seen.
So, they may take a while to get to you… but it looks like they’re worth the wait.
Pros
- Excellent garden maintenance
- Quality work (fencing, decking, turfing)
- Friendly, efficient team
Cons
- Long wait times (3-6 months)
- No garden design services
- 50% deposit upfront
Customer reviews
Their work was first-class
“The Crocus team worked extremely hard for five weeks on our garden. Their work was first class and they soldiered on through rain and frost without complaint. Adam and Sebastian were a pleasure to deal with and the final bill was precisely as expected. Highly recommend.”
- Catherine Usher, Google Reviews
I would highly recommend them without reservation
“Crocus Landscapes have made such a difference to my garden! They removed a well-established (30 years) bamboo, originally useful as a screen between the neighbour’s garden and ours, but it had become very messy and was troublesomely invasive. This was a horrible job, involving a day of chopping and digging through a mass of tough, deep roots. They replaced it with trellis and winter jasmine – so lovely. A second job was something I had been meaning to do for years, which was to embed the barley-twist edging stones properly and neatly along the edge of the flower bed. That too looks really good. Adam, Sebastian and their assistant were friendly and punctual and they left the garden very neat and tidy at the end of each day’s work. I would highly recommend them without reservation.”
- Anne Thorpe, Google Reviews
2. Terra Firma Landscapes London Ltd
Address: The Garden Centre, Knollys Rd, London SW16 2JJ, United Kingdom
Contact details: +442087697321
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 1 PM
Website: Terra Firma Landscapes London Ltd
Terra Firma’s 40 years of experience caught my attention first off. Then I saw their work and that only strengthened my interest.
They create beautiful garden rooms and verandas that become definite centrepieces. Many people I talked to also raved about their modern designs (especially for garden rooms).
They seem to have a real flair for city gardenwork. There’s a lot of professional Victorian tiling and brickwork, as well as a seriously stylish sense for intricate ironwork
Talking to their clients, the common statement was that Terra Firma’s team was meticulous and professional. And I can attest to this based on how pleasant the initial conversation I had with Terra Firma was!
That said, their price point is on the higher side. Some also said that they sometimes fall a couple of days behind schedule.
Pros
- Experienced and reputable
- Beautiful designs
- Affordable garden room options
- Meticulous work
Cons
- Higher price point
- Potential for delays
Customer Reviews
The attention to detail and level of skill in the finished work is excellent
“I contacted Terra Firma Landscapes to finally sort out my small garden. Luke visited and checked out the practicality of my plans. He discussed options, materials and finishes, providing advice without imposing any agenda of his own. Work on site was very well organised and efficient. It took the time predicted and the site was left in immaculate condition. I am delighted with the finished patio, stepping-stone path and pergola. In particular, the attention to detail and level of skill in the finished work is excellent. I have no hesitation in wholeheartedly recommending Luke and his crew.”
- Andrew Sides, Google Reviews
Nik and Fraser worked hard in all weathers
“We are absolutely over the moon with our new garden! We were very happy with the way in which Nik liaised with us throughout the project and were awed by his attention to detail at every stage of the work. Nik and Fraser worked hard in all weathers – it snowed on the first day(!) – and were cheerful and friendly at all times. We are very impatient to start planting so that our outside space is summer-ready!
Thanks to the Terra Firma team for moving this project along so quickly and smoothly. We’ll definitely be recommending you to others.”
- Ann Higgs, Google Reviews
3. Kiwi Landscapes
Address: Patterson House, Trumpers Way, London W7 2QA, United Kingdom
Contact details: +442088439795
Operating hours: Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 4 PM
Website: Kiwi Landscapes
From the moment I met the team at Kiwi Landscapes, I felt confident in their ability to transform gardens.
In the initial call, they took the time to understand my vision and provided helpful gardening insights that have truly made a difference. And from speaking with several of their clients, Kiwi uses top-tier materials.
Many I talked to raved about the amazing job Kiwi does with garden design and planting. I also noted serious attention to colour in their planning: they choose flowers and shrubs with careful thought to how they’ll look later.
They also have a rep for project management skills, often doing stuff on time and within budget. However, a few did tell me they’ve faced delays in maintenance scheduling, which can be a little frustrating for those with tight schedules.
Pros
- Helpful gardening insights
- Top-tier materials
- Amazing garden design and planting
- Great project management skills
- Good at tree planting
Cons
- Delays in maintenance scheduling
Customer Reviews
It is an amazing transformation
“Just had my garden cleared and tidied by Kiwi Landscapes. It is an amazing transformation – I now have a very neat and organised garden. They also cleared ivy that was covering half the front of the house, which was something most other gardeners I contacted said that they could not do.”
- Ollie Williams, Google Reviews
Delighted with my new garden and how the whole project was managed
“Really excellent – delighted with my new garden and how the whole project was managed. On time, on budget, and on brief – Adam really knows his stuff and was keen to conserve the trees and shrubs he felt didn’t need replacing and made great choices on the new trees and plants. Ben and Charlie delivered the plan and were hardworking and also very polite and considerate – a great experience and would recommend highly.”
- Fiona Mannion, Google Reviews
4. Lloyd’s Gardens of London
Address: 77 Grasmere Rd, London N10 2DH, United Kingdom
Contact details:+447963766852
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 12 PM
Website: Lloyd’s Gardens of London
As members of the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) and Trustmark, Lloyd’s Gardens of London Ltd. brings high standards to the table.
They specialise in turf installation, both natural and artificial, and their expertise shows. (At least, from what I’ve seen in their portfolio.)
People I talked to praised thier lawn maintenance and turf installation. A few also told me that their artificial lawns hold up remarkably well, and you can hardly tell it’s not natural. BTW, their artificial lawns are family-friendly and pet-friendly.
They also do some tree reshaping and removal. However, others have informed me that they’re not hands-on with their planting services.
Pros
- APL & Trustmark members
- Expert turf installation
- Meticulous lawn maintenance
- Realistic-looking artificial lawns
- Flawless tree reshaping & removal
Cons
- Not hands-on with planting services
Customer Reviews
Worked with us to get the layout right and make the most of our budget
“We highly recommend Jonathan and his team at Lloyd’s Gardens of London. Jonathan spent a lot of time working with us to get the layout right and making the most of our budget. The guys on site were very friendly and left the place neat and tidy at the end of each day. Our dog is very much missing their company! The finished garden has transformed an overgrown mess to a split level landscape of decking areas and lawn, surrounded with raised planters. We pretty much spend a bit of every day out there now, it’s our favourite room in the house!”
- dzeo MacDonald Google Review
Highly competent, extremely pleasant and always very punctual
“Jonathan and his team repaved our driveway & front path in reclaimed York Stone and repointed our back garden patio. Our house is in a dip in the road so there were different levels to consider in the planning. The result is faultless, the stones were well cut in size and the issue of the different levels was cleverly incorporated into the design. I would recommend Jonathan and his team who are all highly competent, extremely pleasant and always very punctual and communicative. We are delighted with the work which looks great.”
- Lenny Loeb Google Review
5. The Garden Builders – Garden Design
Address: 259 Munster Rd, London SW6 6BW, United Kingdom
Contact details: +442039827261
Operating hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Website: The Garden Builders – Garden Design
Many I spoke to praised the Garden Builders in their specialities: family gardens, contemporary gardens, small gardens, roof gardens, and more.
A standout seems to be the preserved moss walls they offer. They do look great (I went to visit a property with one), as do their gardens.
In fact, the actual gardening is where they seem to really shine, taking care of everything from planting climbers, herbaceous plants, and grass to installing shrubs and roses.
Which makes sense, because they’ve done award-winning gardens. If I had to describe them in just a few words, I suppose they’d be beautiful, practical and sustainable. All good things to a homeowner!
However, a few did warn me that they were on the pricier side. Another critique was the waiting time – they’re hard to book.
Pros
- Specialists in various garden types
- Unique preserved moss walls
- Award-winning designs
- Beautiful, practical, and sustainable results
Cons
- Expensive
- Possible long waiting times
Customer Reviews
The team was efficient, diligent and courteous
“I cannot speak highly enough of The Garden Builders! They completely renovated my garden with new drainage and porcelain tiling based on a beautiful design from Lilly and Day. They quoted 6 weeks start to finish and it was indeed done within that timeframe and budget despite additional hurdles and design changes. The team was efficient, diligent and courteous- a pleasure to have on site. They had to hand carry all the old materials through my flat, but left it immaculate afterwards. Neil, Sam and Mitchell were an absolute stars- often suggesting changes to the design that really made an impact and working weekends to get the job done on time. I highly recommend them to anyone who wants a garden renovation done on time and on budget!!”
- Kim Simms Google Review
Our garden has been transformed and we will enjoy it for many years
“We could not be happier with the work of Neil and his team at Garden Builders. During the design stage, Neil perfectly understood what we were looking for, and came up with a great design that really exceeded our expectations, while being open to feedback during creative iterations. The budget was totally clear and fair and turned out to be spot on. A few weeks after design was finalised, the team started the works – they proved to be very skilled, friendly, organised, pro active, efficient and professional – which made the works go smoothly and pleasantly. We were kept informed of any challenges and were able to adapt some of the designs as we went and appreciated their flexibility. We are grateful to Keri, Nasco, Pepe, Daryl and the rest of the team for their dedication to quality work. Our garden has been transformed and we will enjoy it for many years to come.”
- Nico and Roxana Google Review
