Garden Groundworks

Garden groundworks are the foundation of a successful landscaping project.

They are the hidden stages that prepare the site for:

• Patios

• Retaining walls

• Steps

• Drainage

• Lawns

• Planting

• Raised planters

• Outdoor living spaces.

At Kirman Design, we carry out professional garden groundworks as part of landscaping and garden transformation projects throughout North West England, including Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and the Ribble Valley.

Good groundworks combine:

excavation + levels + drainage + foundations + compaction + soil preparation + site logistics.

The finished garden may be what people see, but much of its long-term performance depends on the work carried out beneath it.

What Are Garden Groundworks?

Garden groundworks are the preparation and below-ground construction activities required before the visible landscaping can be completed.

They may include:

• Site clearance

• Excavation

• Soil removal

• Regrading

• Levelling

• Drainage installation

• Sub-base preparation

• Foundations

• Retaining wall preparation

• Service trenches

• Soil improvement.

The exact scope depends on the condition of the existing garden and the proposed design.

Garden Groundworks Versus Landscaping

Landscaping is the complete process of creating the finished garden.

Groundworks are one part of that process.

They prepare the site so the later:

• Paving

• Walls

• Planting

• Lawns

• Structures

can be installed properly.

For the broader construction process, see Landscape Construction.

Garden Groundworks Versus Excavation

Excavation is one component of groundworks.

Our Garden Excavation and Preparation page explores:

• Soil removal

• Site clearance

• Excavation

• Spoil management

in greater detail.

Groundworks also include the preparation that follows excavation.

Why Garden Groundworks Matter

Poor groundwork can create problems long after the garden looks finished.

Potential issues include:

• Settled paving

• Cracked walls

• Poor drainage

• Uneven lawns

• Waterlogging

• Moving steps

• Poor plant establishment.

Correct preparation helps protect the investment made in the visible landscape.

The Hidden Part of Landscaping

Clients naturally focus on:

• Paving

• Plants

• Furniture

• Lighting.

But beneath those finishes may be:

• Excavation

• Sub-base

• Foundations

• Drainage

• Soil preparation.

Reducing the quality of the hidden work can compromise everything built above it.

Start With a Proper Garden Design

Groundworks should follow an agreed layout and level strategy.

Before excavation begins, the project should understand:

• Finished levels

• Wall positions

• Patio dimensions

• Steps

• Drainage

• Planting areas

• Structures.

Our Garden Design & Build page explores the benefit of coordinating the design and construction process.

Design Before Digging

Starting groundworks without a resolved design can cause:

• Over-excavation

• Unnecessary spoil

• Incorrect levels

• Drainage conflicts

• Additional retaining work.

The groundwork should support the design rather than determine it accidentally.

Site Clearance

The first stage may involve removing existing:

• Turf

• Shrubs

• Old paving

• Decking

• Walls

• Unwanted structures.

However, valuable existing elements should be identified before clearance begins.

Do Not Automatically Clear the Entire Garden

Mature:

• Trees

• Hedges

• Shrubs

• Walls

may have significant value.

Our Garden Renovation page explores how useful existing features can be retained while weaker parts of the garden are changed.

Garden Excavation

Excavation may be required to:

• Reduce levels

• Create patio depths

• Form terraces

• Build foundations

• Install drainage.

Our Garden Excavation and Preparation page explores this stage in detail.

Garden Levelling and Regrading

Some gardens need their existing levels reshaped.

Our Garden Levelling page explores:

• Regrading

• Cut and fill

• Creating usable levels

• Managing slopes.

Garden levelling should work with the wider drainage and retaining strategy.

Cut and Fill

Cut and fill may allow material removed from one part of the garden to be reused elsewhere.

For example:

cutting into a higher area

may provide suitable material to:

build up a lower area.

This can sometimes reduce spoil disposal, although the material needs to be suitable for its intended use.

Not All Excavated Soil Is Suitable Fill

Excavation may produce:

• Clay

• Subsoil

• Rubble

• Mixed construction material.

The fact that material came out of the garden does not automatically mean it should go back into the landscape.

Soil Management

Good topsoil should, where appropriate, be distinguished from:

• Subsoil

• Construction spoil

• Unsuitable material.

This protects the quality of future:

• Lawns

• Borders

• Planting.

Groundworks for Garden Drainage

Drainage is often installed during the groundwork stage.

Our Garden Drainage Installation page explores professional drainage systems.

These may include:

• Land drains

• French drains

• Surface drainage

• Drainage channels.

Garden Drainage

For the broader problem-solving guide, see Garden Drainage.

Drainage should be designed around:

• Water source

• Levels

• Soil

• Suitable discharge or management.

Drainage Should Be Installed Before Finished Landscaping

Installing drainage after:

• Paving

• Lawn

• Planting

has been completed can be unnecessarily disruptive.

Where drainage is required, the groundwork stage is usually the logical point at which to install it.

Groundworks on Clay Soil

Clay soils are common across much of North West England.

Our Clay Soil Gardens page explores the wider implications.

Clay can affect:

• Excavation

• Drainage

• Compaction

• Planting.

Wet clay can also make groundwork more difficult to manage.

Groundworks for Patios

Patios require suitable preparation beneath the visible paving.

This may involve:

• Excavation

• Sub-base

• Compaction

• Drainage

• Falls.

The precise build-up depends on the proposed construction and site conditions.

Patio Ground Preparation

Good patio construction begins with accurate levels.

The groundwork needs to provide enough depth for the complete construction without creating inappropriate finished levels.

Drainage Around Patios

Where paving is close to the property, see Drainage Around Patios and Extensions.

Paving levels and drainage should be designed together.

Level Access Patios

Where a terrace is intended to create a more seamless transition from the house, see Level Access from House to Garden.

Groundworks become especially important when:

• Threshold

• Patio

• Drainage

need to be carefully coordinated.

Groundworks for Retaining Walls

Retaining walls need preparation for:

• Foundations

• Structural construction

• Drainage

• Backfill.

Our Garden Retaining Walls page explores retaining wall construction in greater detail.

Retaining Wall Foundations

The foundation needs to suit:

• Wall height

• Ground conditions

• Structural loads

• Construction method.

The wall above ground can only perform as well as the groundwork beneath it.

Retaining Wall Drainage

Water behind retaining walls can create significant pressure.

Drainage should therefore be considered during the groundwork phase.

Groundworks for Garden Terracing

Terracing a sloping garden can involve substantial excavation and level preparation.

Our Garden Terracing page explores how usable garden levels can be created.

Groundworks may include:

• Excavation

• Cut and fill

• Retaining

• Drainage

• Step foundations.

Sloping Garden Groundworks

Our Sloping Gardens page explores the wider design challenges of sloping plots.

It is rarely necessary to flatten the whole site.

A better approach may create:

level areas where needed

while retaining:

natural slopes elsewhere.

Steep Garden Groundworks

For more challenging sites, see Landscaping a Steep Garden.

Steep sites can require extensive:

• Excavation

• Retaining

• Drainage

• Access planning.

Groundworks for Garden Steps

Steps need properly prepared foundations and accurate levels.

Our Garden Steps page explores their design and construction.

Groundwork should consider:

• Rise

• Going

• Landings

• Drainage

• Adjacent walls.

Groundworks for Raised Planters

Permanent raised planters may require:

• Foundations

• Drainage

• Structural preparation.

Our Raised Planter Construction page explores bespoke raised beds and planters.

Groundworks for Bespoke Garden Features

Custom garden features may require dedicated groundwork.

Our Bespoke Garden Features page explores:

• Seating

• Walls

• Water

• Screens

• Structures.

A bespoke feature should be coordinated with the groundwork before surrounding finishes are installed.

Groundworks for Outdoor Living Spaces

Outdoor living areas may require preparation for:

• Paving

• Pergolas

• Kitchens

• Lighting

• Services.

Our Outdoor Living Garden Design page explores the finished landscape.

Groundworks for Outdoor Kitchens

An outdoor kitchen may need:

• Stable foundation or base

• Service routes

• Drainage

• Paving preparation.

Our Garden Design Around an Outdoor Kitchen page explores the wider layout.

Service Trenches for Outdoor Kitchens

Where required, the groundwork stage is generally the right time to plan routes for:

• Electricity

• Water

• Drainage

• Other specialist services.

These should be coordinated before final paving is installed.

Groundworks for Pergolas

Pergolas and garden structures may require suitable:

• Foundations

• Fixings

• Service provision.

Our Pergola Ideas page explores different structural approaches.

Groundworks for Fire-Pit Areas

Dedicated fire-pit areas may require:

• Level preparation

• Paving

• Seating foundations

• Drainage.

Our Garden Design Around a Fire Pit page explores the complete space.

Groundworks for Hot Tubs

A hot tub requires an appropriately prepared base.

Our Garden Design Around a Hot Tub page explores:

• Base preparation

• Drainage

• Services

• Access.

Groundworks Around Swimming Pools

Pool gardens can involve substantial site preparation.

Our Garden Design Around a Swimming Pool page explores how the pool landscape can be integrated into the wider garden.

Groundworks for Water Features

Water features may require excavation and construction for:

• Reservoirs

• Pumps

• Foundations

• Service routes.

Our Garden Water Feature Ideas page explores the design possibilities.

Groundworks for Garden Lighting

Lighting may require cabling or containment installed beneath:

• Paving

• Paths

• Planting.

Our Garden Lighting Ideas page explores the overall lighting strategy.

It is far better to plan this during groundworks than attempt to retrofit cables later.

Plan Services Before the Garden Is Built

Larger landscape projects may need underground provision for:

• Lighting

• Outdoor kitchens

• Water features

• Pumps

• Gates

• Garden buildings.

Service routes should be coordinated with:

• Drainage

• Foundations

• Trees

• Planting.

Groundworks for Lawns

A lawn depends on more than laying turf.

The ground may need:

• Decompaction

• Regrading

• Topsoil

• Drainage

• Preparation.

A lawn laid over poor groundwork may struggle regardless of the quality of the turf.

Lawn Levels

Lawns need usable, coherent levels.

They do not necessarily need to be completely flat.

A gentle gradient may help:

• Drainage

• Visual flow.

Avoid Low Points in Lawns

Hollows can become:

• Wet

• Muddy

• Difficult to mow.

The groundwork should create smooth levels that work with the drainage strategy.

Groundworks for Planting Beds

Planting areas need suitable soil and depth.

Our Planting Design page explores the finished planting scheme.

Groundwork may need to:

• Remove rubble

• Break compaction

• Improve soil

• Adjust levels.

Soft Landscaping Ground Preparation

Our Soft Landscaping page explores the installation of:

• Lawns

• Trees

• Shrubs

• Planting.

Good soft landscaping still depends on proper groundwork.

Ground Preparation for Trees

Tree planting areas may need appropriate:

• Soil

• Drainage

• Space.

The groundwork should be designed around the mature landscape rather than simply leaving small planting holes after construction.

Protect Existing Trees During Groundworks

Existing mature trees can be among the most valuable parts of a garden.

Groundworks should consider:

• Root areas

• Soil compaction

• Level changes

• Machinery access.

Trees should be identified before excavation begins.

Groundworks After Building Work

House renovations and extensions can leave gardens heavily disturbed.

Our Landscaping After Building Work page explores the wider restoration process.

Common conditions include:

• Compacted ground

• Rubble

• Altered levels

• Damaged drainage

• Construction access routes.

Garden Design After Building Work

For a complete redesign following construction, see Garden Design After Building Work.

Groundworks can rebuild the relationship between:

• House

• Terrace

• Garden.

Groundworks After a House Extension

A new extension may alter:

• External levels

• Drainage

• Garden access

• Patio position.

Our Garden Design After House Extension page explores the wider landscape changes.

Garden Levels After an Extension

For the specific issue of internal and external levels, see Garden Levels After an Extension.

Garden Design for New Extensions

If an extension is still at design stage, see Garden Design for New Extensions.

Early coordination can help reduce unnecessary future:

• Excavation

• Steps

• Retaining.

Groundworks in New-Build Gardens

New-build gardens may require more preparation than their appearance initially suggests.

Common issues can include:

• Compacted subsoil

• Construction debris

• Limited topsoil

• Poor levels.

Our New-Build Gardens page explores these broader challenges.

Garden Design for New-Build Homes

For property-specific design, see Garden Design for New-Build Homes.

Groundworks in Small Gardens

Small gardens can create significant logistical challenges.

Our Small Garden Design page explores compact garden planning.

Groundwork may be affected by:

• Narrow access

• Limited storage

• Restricted machinery.

Groundworks in Medium Gardens

For medium-sized plots, see Medium Garden Design.

Careful design can help ensure groundwork is focused only where it adds value.

Groundworks in Large Gardens

Large gardens may provide better machinery access but require greater volumes of:

• Excavation

• Drainage

• Soil movement.

Our Large Garden Design page explores the broader landscape strategy.

Groundworks in Half-Acre Gardens

For larger plots, see Garden Design for Half an Acre.

The most intensive groundwork can often be concentrated around:

• House

• Main terrace

• Primary routes.

Groundworks in Acre Gardens

Our Garden Design for an Acre page explores larger landscape masterplanning.

On substantial sites, working with existing landform can reduce unnecessary excavation.

Groundworks in Very Large Gardens

For estate-scale properties, see Very Large Garden Design.

Very large landscapes may use:

• Detailed groundwork close to the house

• Simpler grading and landform further away.

Groundworks in Long Narrow Gardens

Long narrow plots can be difficult because materials may need to travel the full length of the garden.

Our Long Narrow Garden Design page explores this plot type.

Restricted access can materially affect:

• Labour

• Machinery

• Spoil removal.

Groundworks in Wide Gardens

For broad plots, see Wide Garden Design.

Wider plots may provide more flexibility for:

• Machine access

• Material storage

• Excavation.

Groundworks on Corner Plots

Corner plots can sometimes provide additional site access.

Our Corner Plot Garden Design page explores the wider site considerations.

Alternative access may improve:

• Deliveries

• Excavation

• Waste removal.

Groundworks for Accessible Gardens

Accessibility often depends on careful level preparation.

Our Accessible Garden Design page explores:

• Gradients

• Surfaces

• Routes.

Groundworks may be required to create:

• Level terraces

• Gentler routes

• Suitable transitions.

Wheelchair Accessible Garden Groundworks

Our Wheelchair Accessible Garden Design page explores the wider requirements.

The groundwork needs to support:

• Stable surfaces

• Appropriate gradients

• Turning areas.

Accessible Garden Slopes and Ramps

For step-free level changes, see Accessible Garden Slopes and Ramps.

Family Garden Groundworks

Family gardens may require level preparation for:

• Lawn

• Play

• Dining.

Our Family Garden Design page explores the wider layout.

Groundworks for Trampolines

Some trampoline installations require excavation and level preparation.

Our Sunken Trampoline Ideas page explores one possible approach.

The volume of excavated material should not be underestimated.

Groundworks for Dog-Friendly Gardens

Dogs may influence:

• Lawn preparation

• Drainage

• Paths

• Boundary construction.

Our Dog-Friendly Garden Design page explores the wider design.

Garden Groundworks and Machinery

The machinery used depends on:

• Access

• Soil

• Excavation volume

• Site size.

Possible equipment may include:

• Mini excavators

• Excavators

• Dumpers

• Compaction equipment.

The machine choice should suit the site rather than simply be the largest available.

Access for Groundworks

Before construction begins, consider:

• Gate widths

• Side passages

• Garage access

• Overhead restrictions

• Ground conditions.

Access can significantly influence project cost.

Restricted Access Groundworks

Where machine access is poor, more work may require:

• Smaller machinery

• Additional manual handling.

This can increase:

• Labour

• Time

• Cost.

Ground Protection

Construction traffic can damage areas of the property that are intended to remain.

Access routes should consider protection for:

• Driveways

• Existing paving

• Lawns

• Boundaries.

Spoil Removal

Groundworks can generate significant quantities of:

• Soil

• Clay

• Concrete

• Rubble.

Spoil strategy should be established early.

Material Bulking

Excavated soil can occupy more volume once loosened than it did in the ground.

This means removal quantities can be greater than the simple excavated dimensions might suggest.

Reuse Versus Removal

Where appropriate, material may be:

• Reused

• Regraded

• Removed.

The decision should be based on:

• Soil quality

• Design

• Structural requirements.

Imported Materials

Groundworks frequently involve bringing materials onto the site as well as removing spoil.

These may include:

• Sub-base

• Drainage aggregate

• Concrete

• Topsoil.

Logistics should account for both directions of movement.

Sub-Base Preparation

Patios and paths need properly prepared bases.

Sub-base depth and specification should be appropriate to:

• Ground conditions

• Intended load

• Finished construction.

Reducing groundwork to save on excavation can create longer-term problems.

Compaction

Ground preparation needs the correct level of compaction for the proposed use.

Poorly compacted areas may later:

• Settle

• Move

• Create uneven finishes.

Over-Compaction

Not every part of the garden should be compacted like a hard-landscape foundation.

Planting areas need suitable soil structure for:

• Water

• Air

• Root growth.

The groundwork should distinguish between construction zones and planting zones.

Setting Out

Accurate setting out is particularly important on complex landscapes.

Levels may need to coordinate across:

• Patio

• Walls

• Steps

• Lawns

• Drainage.

A small error in one area can affect several other elements.

Why Groundworks Should Follow the Drawings

Where a project has detailed plans and levels, they provide a reference for:

• Excavation

• Foundation locations

• Finished heights

• Drainage.

Our Do I Need Drawings for My Garden? page explores why drawings become increasingly valuable on more complex projects.

Garden Groundworks in North West England

Professional garden groundworks in North West England need to respond to regional conditions.

These can include:

• High rainfall

• Clay soil

• Wet ground

• Sloping sites

• Restricted residential access.

Ground conditions can materially affect how the project should be constructed.

Garden Groundworks in Lancashire

Lancashire gardens commonly combine:

• Heavy soils

• High rainfall

• Sloping land.

Groundworks may need to integrate:

• Drainage

• Regrading

• Retaining

• Soil preparation.

Garden Groundworks in Cheshire

Cheshire gardens range from:

• Compact suburban plots

• Large country properties.

The groundwork strategy should respond to:

• Site scale

• Ground conditions

• Proposed finish.

Garden Groundworks in Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester sites can present challenges including:

• Restricted side access

• Compacted urban ground

• Previous construction.

Site logistics and material movement can become a major part of the work.

Garden Groundworks in Merseyside

Merseyside gardens can range from:

• Established suburban plots

• New developments

• More exposed coastal locations.

Drainage and ground conditions should be assessed for the individual property.

Garden Groundworks in the Ribble Valley

Ribble Valley gardens may combine:

• Larger plots

• Sloping terrain

• Heavy rainfall

• Clay soil.

The strongest approach often uses:

more intensive groundworks around the house and main garden

with:

less intervention further into the wider landscape.

How Much Do Garden Groundworks Cost?

There is no useful standard figure because groundwork can range from:

minor patio preparation

to:

major excavation, drainage, retaining and regrading.

Costs depend on:

• Excavation volume

• Access

• Ground conditions

• Machinery

• Waste removal

• Drainage

• Foundations

• Imported materials.

Groundworks and Landscaping Costs

For the broader project budget, see How Much Does Landscaping Cost?.

Drainage Costs

Where drainage forms a major part of the groundwork, see How Much Does Garden Drainage Cost?.

Garden Transformation Costs

Where groundworks form part of a complete garden redesign, see Garden Transformation Cost.

Groundworks Can Be a Significant Part of the Budget

It can be tempting to reduce spending on work that will eventually be hidden.

But:

• Drainage

• Foundations

• Sub-base

• Levels

• Soil preparation

can determine how well the finished garden performs.

Unexpected Ground Conditions

Groundworks can expose conditions that were not visible beforehand.

These might include:

• Buried concrete

• Old foundations

• Rubble

• Poor fill

• Existing drainage.

This is one reason groundwork-heavy projects can contain more uncertainty than purely cosmetic garden improvements.

Good Design Can Reduce Groundwork

Professional design can sometimes reduce unnecessary construction by:

• Working with existing levels

• Reusing suitable landform

• Avoiding oversized patios

• Limiting unnecessary retaining.

The cheapest groundwork is often the work that intelligent design proves does not need to happen.

Do Garden Groundworks Need Planning Permission?

Routine groundwork may not itself require a planning application, but substantial changes to levels, walls, structures or particular properties can raise planning or other regulatory considerations.

Our Do I Need Planning Permission to Landscape My Garden? page provides a broader introduction.

Requirements should be checked for the specific property and proposed work where relevant.

Groundworks and Complete Garden Transformations

Major garden transformations frequently begin with substantial groundwork.

Our Complete Garden Transformation page explores the wider process.

The sequence may include:

clear

excavate

drain

establish levels

construct

and finally:

plant and finish.

Garden Design and Build

For projects requiring both professional design and construction, see Garden Design & Build.

Complete Garden Design and Build

For substantial whole-garden projects, see Complete Garden Design and Build.

Landscape Construction

Our Landscape Construction page explores how groundworks become the foundation for the wider build.

Hard Landscaping

Once groundworks have established:

• Levels

• Foundations

• Drainage,

the structural landscape can be built.

Our Hard Landscaping page explores:

• Paving

• Walls

• Steps

• Structural garden elements.

Soft Landscaping

The groundwork must also prepare the garden for its living elements.

Our Soft Landscaping page explores:

• Lawns

• Trees

• Shrubs

• Planting.

Garden Project Management

Complex groundworks may require coordination between:

• Garden designer

• Landscape team

• Machine operators

• Drainage work

• Structural specialists

• Suppliers.

Our Garden Project Management page explores the coordination of substantial garden projects.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garden Groundworks

What are garden groundworks?

Garden groundworks are the excavation, preparation, drainage, levels, foundations and below-ground construction needed before the finished landscape is installed.

Are groundworks the same as landscaping?

No. Groundworks are one stage of landscaping and generally take place before paving, walls, lawns and planting are completed.

What is included in garden groundworks?

Depending on the project, groundworks may include clearance, excavation, levelling, drainage, foundation preparation, sub-base and soil preparation.

Do all gardens need major groundworks?

No. The amount depends on the existing site and proposed design.

Why are garden groundworks important?

They create the structural and drainage conditions needed for the finished garden to perform properly over time.

Do patios require groundworks?

Yes. Patios require appropriate excavation, base preparation, compaction and level setting.

Do retaining walls need groundwork?

Yes. Retaining walls need appropriate foundation, excavation and drainage preparation.

Does garden drainage form part of groundworks?

Often, yes. Drainage is usually most efficiently installed before the final landscaping is completed.

Can groundworks fix a waterlogged garden?

Groundworks may allow drainage, soil improvement and regrading to be carried out, but the cause of the waterlogging should first be understood.

Can you carry out groundworks on clay soil?

Yes, but clay can affect excavation, drainage and compaction, particularly in wet conditions.

What is cut and fill?

Cut and fill involves removing material from higher areas and using suitable material to build lower areas where appropriate.

Can excavated soil be reused?

Sometimes. Its suitability depends on the material and proposed use.

Why is spoil removal expensive?

Excavated material needs to be loaded, moved, transported and disposed of appropriately. Restricted access can significantly increase this work.

Do small gardens need groundworks?

They can. In fact, small gardens can sometimes be more labour-intensive because machinery and spoil movement may be restricted.

Can groundworks create accessible garden levels?

Yes. Excavation and grading can help create level areas and more manageable routes when properly designed.

Should groundworks be completed before planting?

Generally, yes. Major excavation, drainage and construction preparation should be completed before final planting to reduce disturbance.

How much do garden groundworks cost?

Costs depend on excavation, site access, ground conditions, drainage, foundations, waste removal and imported materials.

Can groundworks be phased?

Sometimes, but the overall level, drainage and construction strategy should ideally be designed before separate phases begin.

Should I have drawings before garden groundworks start?

For complex landscapes, drawings and level information can be particularly valuable because they help coordinate excavation, walls, drainage and finished heights.

Can Kirman Design carry out garden groundworks?

For suitable projects, professional garden groundworks can form part of a complete Garden Design & Build or landscape construction project.

Garden Groundworks Are Where a Good Garden Really Begins

The finished project may eventually hide most of the groundwork.

The:

sub-base disappears beneath the paving.

The:

drainage disappears underground.

The:

foundations disappear beneath walls.

The:

excavation disappears beneath lawn and planting.

But that hidden work still determines whether the finished garden performs properly.

Good groundworks mean:

the levels make sense.

The:

water has been considered.

The:

foundations support the structures.

The:

paving has a proper base.

The:

soil is suitable for planting.

And:

the landscape above ground has been built on something reliable.

That is the difference between:

preparing the ground before landscaping

and:

professionally constructing the foundations of the garden.

At Kirman Design, we approach garden groundworks by combining:

design + excavation + levels + drainage + foundations + soil management + landscape construction.

If you are planning a landscaping project in Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, the Ribble Valley or elsewhere across North West England, investing in the correct groundwork before the visible garden is built can make a significant difference to the quality, durability and long-term performance of the finished landscape.