Transforming a Challenging Knutsford Slope: Expert Garden Design

By Jason Costello, Cheshire Landscape Gardener – With Over 30 Years’ Experience

The Challenge

When our team at Cheshire Landscape Gardener approached this Knutsford property, we faced a complex site featuring a steep, unmaintainable slope with deteriorating stone steps, poor drainage, and exposed landscape fabric. The original garden, while featuring some attractive mature plants including cordylines and winter jasmine, had become unmanageable and failed to complement the property’s elegant architecture.

Our Professional Approach

Phase 1: Site Preparation

Drawing on three decades of landscaping expertise, we began with comprehensive site clearance using specialist equipment including mini excavators and stump grinders. This thorough ground preparation was essential for the success of later phases, while carefully preserving valuable existing elements.

Phase 2: Technical Solutions

Professional installation of comprehensive drainage systems using high-grade geotextile membrane
Precise earthworks to create manageable levels
Construction of new retaining walls incorporating original stone
Creation of optimized planting areas ensuring long-term sustainability

Phase 3: Contemporary Hard Landscaping

A key feature of this project was the installation of premium exterior porcelain paving:

Large format tiles with sophisticated blue-grey finish
Frost resistant and weatherproof properties
Non-porous surface preventing algae growth
Extremely durable with minimal maintenance requirements
Professional installation ensuring precise levels and proper drainage
Stone edge detailing for elegant transitions

Phase 4: Planting Design

The final phase transformed the slope into a stunning herbaceous border:

Strategic plant placement using professional marking system
Mixed planting including lupins and alliums for dramatic seasonal impact
Sustainable, low-maintenance design
Rich color palette complementing both house and hard landscaping

The Result

The completed project delivered a beautiful, manageable space featuring:

Striking herbaceous planting scheme
Contemporary entertainment area
Professional drainage solutions
Improved accessibility
Seamless integration with the property

Expert Garden Design Across Cheshire

With over 30 years’ experience, Cheshire Landscape Gardener brings this level of expertise to garden transformations throughout Cheshire’s most prestigious areas:

Wilmslow
Alderley Edge
Prestbury
Chester
Warrington
Northwich
Congleton
Macclesfield

Whether your garden presents challenges of slope, drainage, or design, our extensive experience with complex projects like this Knutsford transformation demonstrates our ability to deliver outstanding results across Cheshire’s most desirable locations.

About Jason Costello

As founder of Cheshire Landscape Gardener, Jason has been transforming gardens across Cheshire for more than three decades. His expertise in handling challenging sites and creating beautiful, sustainable gardens has made him one of the region’s most trusted landscape professionals.