We’d renovated the house… but the garden still stressed us out

It’s a sentence I hear more often than you’d think.

The builders are gone. The paint’s dry. The new kitchen is everything you hoped it would be. But every time you look outside, it still feels… unfinished. Or worse—overwhelming.

Because the garden wasn’t part of the plan. Not really. Maybe it got tidied up. Maybe someone laid a patio. But it never got the same attention as the house. And now, it shows.

You’re not alone - Post-renovation fatigue is real

After months of decision-making and disruptions, the idea of tackling the garden can feel like too much. So people leave it. Until they realise they don’t use it. Or worse—they avoid it.

And that’s where the stress creeps in.

You want to enjoy your home fully, but something’s off. The outside doesn’t reflect the inside. The space doesn’t work. You start to wonder if it ever will.

What went wrong?

Often, it’s not that anything went wrong—it’s that the garden never got the same clarity as the rest of the project. It wasn’t designed. It was guessed at. Or patched together with leftover ideas.

A good garden doesn’t have to be grand. But it does need to make sense. It needs structure, rhythm, and a sense of purpose. Most importantly, it needs to reflect how you actually live.

It’s not too late

Here’s the good news: the garden doesn’t care when you start. Whether the house renovation finished last week or five years ago, the process is the same.

We begin with a conversation. We talk about what’s not working, what you’d love to be able to do, and what’s actually possible in your space.

Then we build a plan—from the ground up. No guesswork, no assumptions, no pressure.

The results speak for themselves

I’ve worked with families who felt completely stuck.

Who thought they’d missed their window.

But with the right design, they now have gardens that feel calm, cohesive, and easy to live with.

They now have gardens:

• Where the kids play without tripping over bad levels.

• Where friends gather without dragging chairs across awkward patios.

• That finally match the home they’ve worked so hard to build.

  
  

Transforming Your Garden: A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding Your Space

Before we dive into the design, it’s crucial to understand your garden's unique characteristics. Every garden has its own personality.

What does yours say?

Take a moment to observe the sunlight patterns. Notice how the wind moves through your space. These elements will guide our design choices.

Setting Goals for Your Garden

What do you want from your garden?

Is it a peaceful retreat? A vibrant play area for children? Or perhaps a space for entertaining friends?

Defining your goals will help shape the design.

Designing with Purpose

Once we have clarity on your goals, we can start designing.

This is where creativity meets practicality.

We’ll consider plants, pathways, and seating areas. Each element will serve a purpose, enhancing your garden's functionality.

Choosing the Right Plants

Selecting plants is one of the most enjoyable parts of garden design.

But it can also be overwhelming.

Consider your garden's climate and soil type. Choose plants that thrive in your environment. This will ensure your garden flourishes for years to come.

Creating a Cohesive Look

A cohesive garden design ties everything together.

Think about colours, textures, and shapes.

These elements should complement your home’s architecture and interior design.

Maintenance: Keeping Your Garden Alive

A beautiful garden requires care.

We’ll discuss maintenance routines that fit your lifestyle.

This way, you can enjoy your garden without feeling overwhelmed.

Final Thought

If the garden’s been stressing you out since the house was “done,” you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common things I hear.

But you haven’t missed your chance.

You’re just at the point where clarity becomes more valuable than compromise.

And that’s where good design starts.

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Curious to learn more?

Willingham by Stow Project