the hidden garden

There were a number of features in the garden we wanted to keep, but the central lawn area was passed its best and desperately needed attention. Hardcore areas, in particular, such as paths and patios also needed renewing, but our lack of knowledge about available materials hindered our thinking. In short, we were lost. John visited soon after we phoned him, and within a day or two, he posted back a CAD drawing that hit every box in our brief. Despite the extant features, it looked nothing like 'our garden' anymore. In fact, it was more akin to those wonderful little 'back-to-back' Chelsea gardens that we simply love and adore. We loved it! Glynne and Andy, two amenable guys and craftsmen of their trade, arrived to make the dream a reality. Self sufficient ( just an electric socket and a tap required), you wouldn't know they were there or even that they'd been, as they were the cleanest and tidiest of workers; any evidence of building work being religiously cleaned away at the end of the working day. John keeps in regular touch by your preferred means of contact ( email in our case) to apprise of any developments and inform of the next stage of construction, as well as enquiring about your feelings of the work done to date. Incidentally, and We think this is essential in any working relationship, they are always willing to amend the design if you, or they, feel that it would enhance the finish e.g. Sleepers lining a border, as planned, may look out of scale in reality and a better option would be offered or existing sleepers, as in our case,lifted and relocated to a more aesthetic position in the garden. We also decided to have a fence built that wasn't in the original brief, that was duly and swiftly erected, seemingly without any interference to the work schedule. And, at the end of that schedule, the fruits of their labours was a sight to behold and we are absolutely delighted with it. Unfortunately, as it's so late in the season, we are unable to see the garden in flower, however, nobody is looking forward to the new season more than us so we can see it in its true glory. To conclude, it was a pleasure working with all members of the Hidden Garden team who were knowledgable, professional and extremely friendly - and all at a reasonable price. It is obvious that they take great pride in their work, and on that basis alone I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. Thanks guys! Jon and Debbie Ward

The quality of the work from Glyn and Andy is absolutely superb. From start to finish our expectations have been exceeded - professional, tolerant, patient to our change of minds, courteous, tidy, and high expertise. After the project, it was sad to say goodbye they had become such nice fellas to have around. We are absolutely delighted with the end product and cannot recommend The Hidden Garden Team highly enough - one of the great quotes from Glyn was "look, it's your garden for years to come.... Let's get it right"

The Hidden Gardens Team redesigned the garden of our new home. The project took around four weeks and started in March 2015. Initially the designer John Mathias visited us and discussed our requirements, which included the draining and re configuring of a large raised pond to convert it into an ornamental garden with a water feature, the removing of a large area of rotten decking, old flags and gravel, the installation of a second patio area and a re turf for the existing lawn area. There were also a number of trees and shrubs including an amount of ivy which had become overgrown and all required pruning and cutting back. John prepared a detailed drawing of the garden with his design ideas on and following a few further amendments the team started work within a few weeks of this initial visit. I visited two gardens the team had worked on prior to hiring them and was most impressed with the quality and high standard of their work and the positive feedback from the the householders involved. Since having our garden completed we have had many positive comments from friends who have seen the garden and we have also been happy to show it to other prospective clients of the Hidden Garden team as an example of the quality of the teams work. We would have no hesitation in recommending this company to others considering garden renovations.

It's difficult to say how much I appreciate the work Hidden garden has carried out for St Peter's, but here goes. It was decided in 2013 that we needed a new Garden of Remembrance. Those who know the workings of the Church will appreciate the time it takes to get this kind of thing approved, but we were eventually ready for a plan. Wanting to keep things close to home we approached three local garden designers with our brief. From the very start, John Mathias understood what we wanted and after interpreting our very 'sketchy' needs, and including some brilliant ideas of his own, he presented us with a beautiful pictorial vision. As I said, wheels grind slowly in the Church, but John was there with us all throughout the whole journey and when the build time came he and the rest of the team worked tirelessly to produce a wonderful garden which is enjoyed by all the parish. The whole team really did give 100%. To see out wonderful garden, which incorporates a fantastic wild flower meadow, please visit our web site at www.stpetersformby.org and see latest news section.

John Mathias of The Hidden Garden, installed artificial turf in my garden in late Spring 2015. John advised me on the type of surface to go for as I have a dog, and provided me with samples to help me make up my mind. The job was done within a couple of days. The workmen were brilliant and I was really, really happy with the work they did. When the job was finished, everything was cleared up and the garden looked amazing. I would recommend John and his workmen without hesitation, especially as the market is now full of people offering gardening services, so the chances of picking a less reputable company are higher.

I have known John for 4 years now. What I like about his approach is that he listens to what it is you want to achieve with your garden. He offers advice and alternatives so you stay within budget and the finished article is exactly what you wanted. I would recommend John for any of your gardening needs no matter how big or small.

I'm very pleased with the garden designed and built by 'The Hidden Garden' team. It took awhile for me to settle on a design but they were happy to provide a number of plans and adjust them until I got exactly what I wanted. The work was done over winter but the guys doing the landscaping work hard in all weathers and did a great job.

John and his team at The Hidden Garden landscaped our front garden in 2013 and it is maturing well and very easy to maintain. We asked John to do some work on our back garden this Spring and again the team the team were hard working and professional and a pleasure to have around. They arrive when they say they will and work in all weathers to get the job done. Highly recommend.