After five days on site and a full landscape redesign, here's the finished result at Doval Gardens. From 3D visualisations through to build and handover, this one was a really satisfying project to deliver.
The Starting Point
Our clients for this project didn't come to us through the normal routes of a Google search or a recommendation, but by complete chance!
As most people do, our clients had simply lived with their garden, rather than truly using it and loving it.
Over the years it had accumulated a mix of gravel, old paving, ageing decking, and slate — creating zones that existed in theory, but that didn't really function in practice. The outdoor dining area, tucked away behind shrubbery and far too small for a family gathering, is a good example.
To us, it looked like a garden that had good bones, but had never quite been pulled together. And so, like so many outdoor spaces, it sadly went largely unused.
Their original plan was to refresh the patio and decking themselves, and so their first stop was a trip to Stone Valley in Stoke-on-Trent, to start looking at materials. But what they also found, right there on the same site, was our design studio!
One conversation later, and the project began...
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The Brief
The clients wanted a garden that felt purposeful, with better defined zones for dining and relaxing. With clean lines and quality materials built to last through every season.
One of the most common issues we see with gardens that have evolved over time, rather than been designed, is the accumulation of mixed materials — gravel, shingle, timber, old paving — all doing different things in different areas. When it rains, materials migrate, mud spreads, and the whole space starts to feel harder to manage than it should. The result is a garden that looks tired before the season has even started.
Our approach here was to simplify and define.
What We Designed
Our design studio produced a full landscape redesign, with technical plans and detailed 3D render visualisations that allowed our clients to see exactly what their garden could become.
The renders aren't just for show, they help us set the expectation, and ensure the finished project is held to them – great for clients and any external teams we work with.
As you can see from the plans, the dining area was significantly enlarged, as the previous space was too small to be practical and had been gradually encroached by overgrown shrubbery.
We proposed clearing the scattered planting throughout, not because we don't value nature, but because planting works best when it's considered and intentional rather than dotted around without purpose.
The sun lounging area, which had previously felt like an afterthought, was repositioned and properly integrated into the overall design.
The goal was a garden that, come summer, requires nothing more than a quick clean or power wash to look immaculate. Crisp border stones to define edges cleanly. New fencing to tidy the boundaries. Planting pulled back and neatened for visual impact without the maintenance headache. And fresh turf throughout ( as there was none before) to bring the whole space together.
Keep scrolling for the finished result, as that's exactly what we delivered...
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What We Delivered
For the build, we brought in Biba's Landscaping, a trusted local landscaping team.
We sourced all patio stone materials directly from Stone Valley, where our offices are based – they have a huge selection of natural stones and garden materials to choose from. The clients went for a light cream stone with anthracite grey planks for the edging borders.
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Our internal team carried out regular site visits throughout to ensure the build was tracking to plan and matching the approved visuals at every stage.
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The Result
After a short five days on site, the project was complete!
— Full landscape redesign with technical plans and 3D visualisations
— Natural stone paving with contrasting dark border detail
— Lawn installation
— Planting and finishing touches throughout
A garden completely transformed! From overlooked to somewhere our clients can't wait to spend time in. Handed over ahead of schedule, to spec, and to two very happy clients.
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Thinking about transforming your outdoor space? Our Staffordshire design studio offers a full landscape design and build service, from initial concept through to completion.
Get in touch to find out more:
E: info@powelldc.uk
T: 01538 764028
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