One of the most common requests at Worthington Landscape & Design is how to transform a worn-out lawn into a practical, attractive space. In the Loughborough and broader East Midlands area, older lawns often suffer from patchiness and poor drainage, making them less enjoyable and harder to maintain. Recently, we completed a project converting a tired lawn into a smart patio area combined with planting beds, which is a good example of what can be achieved with thoughtful landscaping.
The starting point was the lawn’s worn condition and irregular levels. We began by assessing the site to understand ground condition, access for materials, and drainage needs. Establishing levels was especially important to avoid water pooling on the new patio surface. This stage sets the foundation for a durable, usable outdoor space that suits the client’s lifestyle.
For the patio itself, we selected Indian sandstone, which balances aesthetic appeal with durability and is well-suited to East Midlands gardens. Installed prices for Indian sandstone typically range from GBP 90 to GBP 120 per square metre, assuming straightforward ground conditions and easy access. The final cost depends on aspects such as the quantity of cutting and the preparation needed on site. The patio was laid with gentle falls to encourage drainage away from the property and prevent water from gathering on the surface.
To complement the hard landscaping, we incorporated raised planting beds constructed from railway sleepers. These define the space, provide a natural timber finish, and increase planting options. The cost for railway sleeper raised beds varies between GBP 85 and GBP 140 per linear metre, influenced by sleeper grade, height, and methods of securing them in place. Proper ground preparation was done to ensure stability and longevity.
Levels were carefully considered so that the patio and planting beds work together seamlessly. This involved minor excavation of the lawn area and building up soil levels where required to offer adequate depth for planting. By controlling the gradients, the final layout feels balanced and easy to use.
In some cases, clients may benefit from a 3D garden design prior to installation. This helps visualise changes and make informed decisions about layout and materials. Our 3D garden design service ranges from GBP 150 to GBP 450 depending on garden size and revisions, and is often worth considering where budgets allow or more complex arrangements are involved.
It’s worth noting that every garden is different, so final quotations depend on factors like site access, existing condition, drainage solutions, and materials chosen. A site visit is essential to provide an accurate quote and recommendations tailored to your property.
The transformation from tired lawn to practical patio with planting creates a new outdoor area that adds value, is easier to maintain, and encourages more use throughout the year. For homeowners in Loughborough and the East Midlands looking for similar landscaping solutions, talking through your specific needs is the best place to start.
If you would like to discuss your garden or get a quick, no-obligation quote, please get in touch by WhatsApp with Aaron at 07454 978031. We can arrange a visit and explore options suited to your space and budget.
WhatsApp Aaron on 07454 978031 to talk through a garden project.