• HOLIDAY COTTAGE GARDEN

    HOLIDAY COTTAGE GARDEN

    We have just completed this lovely small rear garden of a holiday cottage in Broadway. Designed by Annie Pearce, and built by ourselves, we have transformed this unkempt garden into a calm and lovely space to sit and relax.

  • CHELSEA 2023

    CHELSEA 2023

    Once again we have helped our friends at Oxley's Furniture create their stand at this years Chelsea Flower Show, an elegant central gazebo helps to show off this beautiful furniture.

  • FINE REDWOOD FENCING

    FINE REDWOOD FENCING

    We are fitting a new modern Redwood fencing, made of 40mm horizontal strips fixed to a timber framework, the strips have a 5mm gap and are fixed to the framework with stainless steel pins, over 10,000 of them! Looks amazing though.

  • COMPOSITE SAIGE DECKING

    COMPOSITE SAIGE DECKING

    We have just replaced a traditional timber decked area with a composite decking (mainly plastic and some timber), from Saige. This was built on a tanalise timber frame, with timber balustrading and a pergola. All timber was painted with Cuprinol 'Black Ash' paint.

  • NATURAL STONE SETTS

    NATURAL STONE SETTS

    As an option for a drive or pathway, these natural stone setts are ideal. They are not too deep at around 50-75mm thick, so easy to lay on a solid cement base. Here we have pointed by hand using a yellow sand mortar mix, and rubbed off when semi-dry. They also match in very well with Cotswold stone.

  • TRIANGULAR SUMMERHOUSE

    TRIANGULAR SUMMERHOUSE

    We have just completed this bespoke triangular summerhouse for some clients in Chipping Campden. The building is fully insulated, has heating and lighting, a tiled floor and an internal store room.

  • OAK FRAMED GARDEN BUILDING

    OAK FRAMED GARDEN BUILDING

    We have designed and built this oak framed garden store building. The oak frame and other timbers were supplied by Radnor Oak, and we provided the base, frame build and roof works. The building is insulated and plastered with power and lighting.

  • CHELSEA 2022

    CHELSEA 2022

    After two years off due to COVID, we were back helping Oxley's Furniture with their stand at Chelsea this year.

  • STREAM CLEARANCE

    STREAM CLEARANCE

    Up to your waist in it! Pulling out reeds to open up this stream area, really difficult job.

  • PORCELAIN PAVING

    PORCELAIN PAVING

    Porcelain paving and resin bound gravel around some formal roof trained trees to make a stunning contemporary seating area.

  • LARGE TREES

    LARGE TREES

    Sometimes the trees we get to plant are big, and sometimes they are very big!

  • ALUMINIUM GATES

    ALUMINIUM GATES

    Something new for us, bespoke aluminium gates, available in any style and colour, maintenance free. These have been automated for ease of entry.

  • NEW BRIDGE

    NEW BRIDGE

    A beautiful new contemporary bridge at a private house in Chipping Campden. Galvanised steelwork by SPR Designs Ltd, hardwood non-slip decking and Natural stone steps and paving either end.

  • NEW UNIFORMS

    NEW UNIFORMS

    Our new uniforms have arrived, giving our service a touch more class! The staff at the lovely wedding of Nathan to his bride Jen. A wonderful day for all.

  • CAMPDEN HOME NURSING CAR PARK

    CAMPDEN HOME NURSING CAR PARK

    We were asked to build a new car park, walling and planting for the new offices of Campden Home Nursing. It was a lovely job, and we were well looked after by all the staff.

  • COMPLETED COTSWOLD STONE WALL

    COMPLETED COTSWOLD STONE WALL

    Once completed we were asked to add a small pergola and seating area for this side of the wall. Pergola was in treated softwood, with a natural stone paved area beneath for a bench seat.

  • COTSWOLD STONE WALLING

    COTSWOLD STONE WALLING

    Since Christmas, we have mostly been rebuilding Cotswold stone walls, either for regular maintenance, or weather damage. Some re-built dry stone, or this one that was mortared one side and dry the other.

  • MODERN VICTORIAN STYLE GREENHOUSE

    MODERN VICTORIAN STYLE GREENHOUSE

    We have recently built this extensive vegetable garden for these clients, with this lovely Woodpecker Joinery greenhouse taking centre stage. The base is built using hand made red clay bricks.

  • RECLAIMED COTSWOLD STONE WALL.

    RECLAIMED COTSWOLD STONE WALL.

    We have finished re-building this Cotswold stone wall. This replaces an old red brick wall that was leaning badly into the garden, so new footings laid, and the wall re-built using reclaimed stone, both sides.

  • RECLAIMED RED BRICK WALL

    RECLAIMED RED BRICK WALL

    Whilst creating a new outdoor seating area for these clients, we clad an unsightly concrete wall in reclaimed red bricks, topped off with cut Cotswold stone coping, and subtle garden lighting.

  • POST LOCK DOWN WORKS, OAK CAR PORT.

    POST LOCK DOWN WORKS, OAK CAR PORT.

    We stopped for eight weeks during the Covid lockdown, but since then we have been back hard at work. We have built this lovely oak car port for a client, with a polycarbonate roof.

  • RETURN VISIT, ALLISON ARMOUR WATER FEATURE.

    RETURN VISIT, ALLISON ARMOUR WATER FEATURE.

    We have been back to the garden where we fitted this a few years ago, the lavender have now grown up and it looks spectacular, so simple and elegant.

  • ANOTHER RETURN VISIT

    ANOTHER RETURN VISIT

    In a previous post, we showed you this garden in a raw state, now going back with the planting maturing, it looks lovely.

  • BEAUTIFUL LIGHTING

    BEAUTIFUL LIGHTING

    This is a garden we have recently completed, and at night the light reflecting off the new pool is spectacular.

  • PEBBLE MOSAIC

    PEBBLE MOSAIC

    We have been working on this Arts and Crafts garden, and as part of this we have laid this pebble mosaic using North Sea pebbles, laid using a traditional technique.

  • PAXFORD GARDEN

    PAXFORD GARDEN

    We had a return trip to this garden, and it was looking amazing. Incredible planting by Annie Pearce.

  • AMAZING VEG BEDS

    AMAZING VEG BEDS

    These wicker veg beds were looking terrific, a simple idea, but beautiful.

  • CHELSEA 2109

    CHELSEA 2109

    A finished shot of the stand in all its glory before letting the public on!

  • BEAUTIFUL OAK AND STONE WALLING

    BEAUTIFUL OAK AND STONE WALLING

    We have clad these retaining walls using oak vertical boarding fixed onto reclaimed plastic battens, finished off with cut Cotswold stone coping for a crisp, clean, and modern look.

  • MODERN COTSWOLD STONE WALLING

    MODERN COTSWOLD STONE WALLING

    The clients wanted a modern, clean look to these retaining walls, so we have used one size of natural Cotswold stone walling and laid on a thin mortar bed, then raked back the joints to give this clean and simple look. The walls will be topped off with cut Cotswold stone coping, and down lights in the walls should give a lovely look at night.

  • NATURAL YORK PAVING

    NATURAL YORK PAVING

    We have found a new source of reclaimed York paving, we have laid it here as paving, edging and setts, all made out of the same old material.

  • FEATHERED VISITOR

    FEATHERED VISITOR

    A cheeky chicken interested in the new soil put in these raised beds!

  • RECLAIMED YORK PAVING

    RECLAIMED YORK PAVING

    We have found a superb source of reclaimed York paving, and now can offer this to our clients. It is perfectly smooth for a superb finish.

  • OAK VEGETABLE BEDS

    OAK VEGETABLE BEDS

    We have had these oak beds made locally for us, and in a courtyard setting, they look amazing.

  • STEPS

    STEPS

    Here we are fitting the handrails top a set of steps we built a short while ago. Hand rails supplied by SPR Ltd.

  • MORE STEPS!

    MORE STEPS!

    Another set of steps using cut Cotswold stone. These steps curve up to the upper garden area through some large retaining walls.

  • OUR CUSTOMERS ARE GETTING YOUNGER!

    OUR CUSTOMERS ARE GETTING YOUNGER!

    A lovely drawing given to us by Grace, aged 5, showing Stuart on the digger, lovely.

  • RETAINING WALL COMPLETED

    RETAINING WALL COMPLETED

    We are planning to come back early next year to continue with this job, some will be clad in Cotswold stone, the other in vertical oak boards.

  • ASH HARD AT WORK ON THIS WALL!

    ASH HARD AT WORK ON THIS WALL!

    The wall is growing, nearly at the top!

  • HUGE RETAINING WALL

    HUGE RETAINING WALL

    For our latest project, we have excavated back into this bank to create a larger patio area outside the house. This wall will be 2.25m tall and will eventually have a lower wall in front to terrace this height, and with planting, make it softer.

  • BESPOKE GATES

    BESPOKE GATES

    We have had these gates made by Chris Dandy of CRD Bespoke Gates, hanging off Cotswold stone pillars and automated. A terrific entrance to this property.

  • THE JOB IS NEVER EASY!

    THE JOB IS NEVER EASY!

    Here we are adding gabion baskets to this stream bank, to access the stream we had to build a long ramp and a working platform above the water level.

  • COMPLETED WATER FEATURE

    COMPLETED WATER FEATURE

    Wet ball, dry rock, magic!

  • WATER FEATURE

    WATER FEATURE

    Here we are drilling a pilot hole through a large piece of Welsh sandstone. This was then core drilled before putting in position as the base piece for this water feature.

  • PAXFORD RETURN VISIT

    PAXFORD RETURN VISIT

    We returned to our project in Paxford, and the front garden is looking magnificent, beautifully planted by Annie Pearce, a joy to see.

  • COMPOSITE WALL CLADDING

    COMPOSITE WALL CLADDING

    Last year we used this plastic based composite wall cladding. We were not sure how this would be, but it is fantastic, and will not rot or fade. The wall behind was not good, and with a fan trained cherry in front, it looks terrific.

  • OAK POSTS AND CHESTNUT RAILS.

    OAK POSTS AND CHESTNUT RAILS.

    We have just finished this unique fencing, set in a beautiful large garden, the fencing is in scale with the surroundings. See more pictures in the projects section.

  • CHELSEA 2018

    CHELSEA 2018

    Oxley's report that they had a very good time at Chelsea, the best for a long time, so well done them for all their hard work.

  • RE-POINTING WORKS

    RE-POINTING WORKS

    Here is Jacob re-pointing the top of a lovely wall we are currently working in. A delight to finally now have such lovely weather.

  • BLUE LIAS PATH COMPLETED.

    BLUE LIAS PATH COMPLETED.

    We and our clients are very pleased with the finished path, it look authentic, but now safe and level. Ground level lighting guides you to the front door.

  • CHELSEA 2018

    CHELSEA 2018

    Once again we have been working at Chelsea for Oxley's Furniture. We build the stand and they finish it off with planting and their beautiful furniture.

  • WE ALSO GET TO DO THE MOST AWKWARD THINGS!!

    WE ALSO GET TO DO THE MOST AWKWARD THINGS!!

    Here we are re-laying a Cotswold Blue Lias cobble path, they vary from 50-200mm deep, so some are on a lot of base material. They will be pointed with a kiln-dried sand and cement mix, and should look original but level!

  • WE GET TO DO THE MOST UNUSUAL THINGS!

    WE GET TO DO THE MOST UNUSUAL THINGS!

    Here is Nathan on the top of a folly in a client's garden, the coping stones had come loose on the turrets and needed fixing.

  • ASHLEY AND JACOB FIXING CEDAR ROOF SHINGLES

    ASHLEY AND JACOB FIXING CEDAR ROOF SHINGLES

    We have just completed the installation of an oak gazebo with a cedar shingle roof, for more photos look on the projects page.

  • CHESTNUT FENCING

    CHESTNUT FENCING

    We have recently completed this lovely job near Shipston-on-Stour where the client asked us to use natural chestnut paling fencing around his garden. We have used this before for gates, but never for fencing. It makes a lovely rustic alternative to normal fencing.

  • 6M HIGH RIVER BIRCH

    6M HIGH RIVER BIRCH

    Here we are receiving 6m high river birch trees, five were planted to help to screen a next door development. They were held in place with Platypus ground anchors, and will be up lit to show off their beautiful peeling bark trunks

  • RED PAVER PATHWAY

    RED PAVER PATHWAY

    We have used hand made brick pavers to lay a pathway to a paved area that will have an oak gazebo over the top next year.

  • CHESTNUT GATE

    CHESTNUT GATE

    We have supplied a bespoke chestnut gate made by the Creative Chestnut Company, Somerset. This has an oak frame and gate posts, and a traditional chestnut latch. This works very well with this old Cotswold cottage.

  • SOMETIMES, ONE BAG IS JUST NOT ENOUGH!

    SOMETIMES, ONE BAG IS JUST NOT ENOUGH!

    Ashley showing his talent for lifting!

  • OAK DECKING

    OAK DECKING

    We have been working on a complete garden at Laverton, and in the design are two oak deck areas, one of them circular which has a lovely view of the Cotswold hills.

  • IPE BRIDGE TIMBERS

    IPE BRIDGE TIMBERS

    Here is Nathan fitting the IPE hardwood bridge decking timbers, we had these supplied and made locally by Deckbuilders Ltd, and they are held down by discreet fasteners. We do not plan to treat the timber, but allow it to weather into a lovely silvery grey colour.

  • GALVANISED WATER FEATURE

    GALVANISED WATER FEATURE

    This courtyard has a central galvanised water feature, the tank made by local engineer SPR Designs, and features dyed water to give it more reflection, and a central skimmer to keep the water clear from debris on the top. This has created a simple, but calming feature.

  • GABIONS

    GABIONS

    We are again using stone filled gabions to support the edge of the stream. The bank will be graded off with soil and topped off with wild flower turf.

  • IT'S A DIRTY JOB.

    IT'S A DIRTY JOB.

    Sometimes you just have to get on and do it! Cleaning out a sump.

  • NATURAL STONE PAVING

    NATURAL STONE PAVING

    We are finally now laying this lovely natural stone paving, on a concrete base, with a specially prepared mortar bonding mix. We have left 5mm joints, and this will be pointed with an outdoor grout.

  • CHELSEA 2017

    CHELSEA 2017

    The show was blessed with beautiful weather, and the stand looked fabulous, and lots of visitors and orders taken.

  • PIETRA SIENNA PAVING

    PIETRA SIENNA PAVING

    Our current job is being paved in Italian Pietra Sienna natural stone paving, all cut to size and sent from Italy. Here it is being unloaded in beautifully packed crates.

  • RETURN VISIT

    RETURN VISIT

    If you look back to July 2013, you will see a clay lined pool that we constructed. I have recently been back to this garden, and was delighted to see how it has matured. There is now a lovely garden room, and the garden is being entered for a design award.

  • CHELSEA 2017

    CHELSEA 2017

    Once again we went to Chelsea to help with the build for Oxley's furniture, For once we had fine weather and our work went well. A completed picture will follow.

  • GRANITE SETT EDGING

    GRANITE SETT EDGING

    This driveway is being edged in over 1500 reclaimed granite setts.

  • MARSHALLS SAWN VERSURO PAVING

    MARSHALLS SAWN VERSURO PAVING

    For the first time, we have been using this Marshalls Sawn Versuro paving. It is perfectly cut square in a selection of sizes, so you are able to get precise 10mm joints, and has a slightly textured surface to stop it being slippery when wet. To complement it, there are 50mm thick, bull-nosed step edges. Although quite expensive, it has made a beautiful job.

  • POSITIONING THE BRIDGE

    POSITIONING THE BRIDGE

    Here we are positioning one of our new bridges using a local crane contractor. The bridge is 10.5m long and made sectionally using galvanised steel. Pleased to report it fitted like a glove!

  • GALVANISED BRIDGES

    GALVANISED BRIDGES

    Our current job has two new bridges, one straight and one curved. These have been made for us by SPR Engineering at Bidford to our designs. Here they are being delivered to site and unloaded prior to being assembled.

  • PURBECK TRADITIONAL STONE WALLING

    PURBECK TRADITIONAL STONE WALLING

    For these natural stone walls, we are using Purbeck walling stone. This has been cropped square, and with a little dressing, we are able to get lovely tight joints. The stone is held in place with a waterproof mortar between the blocks and stone.

  • RETAINING WALLS

    RETAINING WALLS

    We have now started building the central concrete block walls, these have been filled with steel and waterproof concrete, a waterproof compound is painted on the outside, and the walls will be clad in a Purbeck dry stone, with a mortar fill between the block and stone.

  • STEPPED ACCESS BOURTON-ON-THE-HILL

    STEPPED ACCESS BOURTON-ON-THE-HILL

    Another tricky job, the clients need access to their garden, 3.5m above the road, and require three flights of steps and retaining walls to get there. A structural engineer was required to design the opening.

  • RIVER AVON TERRACE

    RIVER AVON TERRACE

    This is now virtually complete, just the lights to finish off. This will be a lovely place to sit and watch all the activity going by on the river. There is modern composite decking and oak cladding to the walls.

  • RETURN VISIT

    RETURN VISIT

    Earlier this year we constructed this wall and seeded the bank behind, we were also waiting for the outside lights to arrive and be fitted, all is now complete and looks great.

  • RIVERSIDE TERRACE

    RIVERSIDE TERRACE

    Almost completed the terrace on the side of the River Avon, attaching the facing decking meant standing on the river on some dodgy planks! Thankfully the river is shallow at this point.

  • SHOOTING THE BREEZE

    SHOOTING THE BREEZE

    Well earned break on the banks of the River Avon!