Recently, Worthington Landscape & Design completed a project converting a tired, uneven lawn into a versatile outdoor space combining a patio and planting areas in Loughborough. This transformation showcases how thoughtful landscape design and practical hard landscaping can maximise garden usability, even on modest plots common throughout the East Midlands.
The initial site was a typical garden lawn showing wear, patchiness, and poor drainage, which limited its use throughout the year. Our first step was to assess the existing ground levels and identify areas where the lawn could be effectively replaced or rearranged to improve both functionality and visual appeal.
We proposed a layout that introduced a raised patio area as the main social space, alongside planting beds bordered by railway sleepers for structure. The change in levels was subtle but important, with a gentle step up to the patio, creating defined zones without the need for overly complex construction.
The client chose an Indian sandstone patio for a natural, warm finish that complements the East Midlands surroundings. Installing this type of patio typically costs between GBP 90 and GBP 120 per square metre, depending on access and ground conditions. On this project, the relatively straightforward terrain allowed for a smooth installation process with minimal cutting.
Railway sleeper raised beds were built along the patio edges to provide tidy, well-structured planting spaces. These beds are priced around GBP 85 to GBP 140 per linear metre, depending on sleeper quality and ground preparation. Using sleepers not only added a rustic charm but also helped retain soil levels and support new plantings.
Hard landscaping elements like the patio and sleepers were combined with soft landscaping improvements. We removed the old lawn and replaced it with fresh planting soil in the beds and re-turfed small sections with quality turf where appropriate, generally costing GBP 18 to GBP 35 per square metre.
Throughout the project, we kept practicality and longevity in mind, ensuring proper drainage and level surfaces to prevent future issues. The finished garden now offers a clean, easy-care space that is perfect for outdoor dining, relaxing, and gardening throughout the seasons.
If you have a tired lawn in Loughborough or elsewhere in the East Midlands and are considering how it can be turned into a usable patio and planting space, a site visit will help clarify your options. Price guides are useful, but final quotes depend on factors like access, ground levels, drainage, clearance, material choices, and a thorough evaluation.
For a site visit or quick quote, please WhatsApp Aaron on 07454 978031. Worthington Landscape & Design is a sole-trader business committed to practical, local landscaping solutions tailored to your garden's needs.
WhatsApp Aaron on 07454 978031 to talk through a garden project.