Business Details
Expert Garden Design & Landscaping Services in Surrey
Hippo Design & Construction was founded on principles of reliability, honesty, and professionalism, delivering tailored garden design and landscaping solutions across Surrey and surrounding areas. With over 15 years of practical experience in the landscape industry, our team specialises in transforming outdoor spaces into functional, aesthetically pleasing environments. We begin with an in-depth consultation to understand client needs, followed by detailed site surveys and preliminary sketches that evolve into comprehensive working drawings. Our services encompass hard landscaping elements like patios, decking, and water features, alongside soft landscaping that prioritises plant selection based on soil type, aspect, and seasonal interest.As a business built on local reputation, we manage every project personally, ensuring minimal disruption and adherence to the highest standards of craftsmanship. Our founder, Oliver Barwick, trained at Merrist Wood College and brings award-winning expertise from his Chelsea Flower Show experience. We offer bespoke planting plans, garden lighting integration, and materials advice, ensuring each garden reflects the client's vision while maintaining ecological balance. Public and employees' liability insurance provide clients with added peace of mind throughout the project lifecycle.
Services
Garden Design
Landscape Construction
Soft Landscaping
Planting Plans
Garden Lighting
Highlights and features
- 15+ years of practical landscaping experience
- Award-winning design expertise from Chelsea Flower Show
- Personalised garden design process with client involvement
- Comprehensive hard and soft landscaping services
- Public liability insurance for client protection
What people say
Stunning garden transformations
Professional service
Attentive to detail
Award-winning expertise
Personalised approach
Services
Garden Design
Our garden design process begins with client consultations to understand requirements and budget. We conduct site surveys, create three preliminary sketches, and develop detailed working drawings. Each design incorporates hard landscaping elements, planting schemes, and lighting options to create functional, aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces tailored to individual needs.
Landscape Construction
We execute hard landscaping projects including patios, decking, walls, and water features. Our approach prioritises minimal disruption while delivering professional results. Services cover driveway installations, timber structures, and geometric garden layouts using premium materials selected to match each project's aesthetic and functional requirements.
Soft Landscaping
Our soft landscaping focuses on creating vibrant planting schemes that evolve with seasons. We prepare beds and borders, install irrigation systems, and select plants based on soil conditions and aspect. This service includes seasonal maintenance planning to ensure gardens remain visually striking throughout the year with minimal client effort.
Planting Plans
We develop bespoke planting plans considering soil type, pH, and environmental factors. Our expertise ensures optimal plant placement for year-round interest, including flowering borders, hedging, and container displays. Each plan balances aesthetic appeal with ecological considerations to create sustainable, thriving garden ecosystems.
Garden Lighting
We integrate lighting solutions to enhance garden aesthetics and functionality. Our designs incorporate pathway lighting, feature illumination, and security lighting using energy-efficient systems. Installations are carefully planned to highlight key garden features while creating inviting evening atmospheres.
People
Oliver Barwick
Founder & Lead Designer
Oliver trained at Merrist Wood College in Surrey, attaining a National Diploma in Garden Design. With over 15 years' experience in landscaping, he founded Hippo Design & Construction to deliver professional garden transformations. His award-winning expertise includes Chelsea Flower Show participation, combining technical knowledge with creative vision to create bespoke outdoor spaces.
Questions
What garden design services do you offer?
We provide full garden design services including consultations, site surveys, preliminary sketches, and comprehensive working drawings tailored to your budget and preferences.
Do you handle both hard and soft landscaping?
Yes, we manage complete landscaping projects including patios, decking, water features, and planting schemes with expert plant selection.
Which areas do you serve?
We primarily work in Surrey and Guildford, with availability for larger projects further afield.
Are you insured for landscaping projects?
Yes, we have public and employees' liability insurance to ensure client protection throughout all projects.
Can you create low-maintenance gardens?
Yes, we specialise in designing low-maintenance gardens using appropriate materials and drought-resistant planting schemes.
How do you ensure quality planting?
As trained horticulturists, we select plants based on soil type, aspect, pH, and seasonal interest for optimal growth and visual impact.