Business Details
24 Years
experience
Expert Garden Landscaping Services in Edinburgh
Established in 2002, Direct Gardens was founded by David McKay with a vision to unite skilled professionals from the landscape and building industries. Our unique model connects clients with vetted associates who deliver comprehensive garden design and landscaping solutions across Edinburgh, the Lothians, and beyond. As a registered Marshalls contractor, we uphold rigorous quality standards through regular assessments, ensuring exceptional craftsmanship in every project. With over two decades of experience, we specialise in transforming outdoor spacesfrom compact urban gardens to expansive rural estatescombining creative design with practical functionality.Our team prioritises client collaboration, tailoring materials and layouts to individual budgets while maintaining industry-leading expertise in hard and soft landscaping. Recognised for award-winning projects, we remain committed to innovation, reliability, and customer satisfaction, solidifying our reputation as a trusted leader in Scotland's landscaping sector.
Services
Garden Design
Landscaping
Driveways
Decking
Fencing
Paving
Artificial Grass
Drainage Solutions
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of landscaping expertise across Edinburgh and the Lothians
- Officially accredited by Marshalls for quality assured installations
- Award-winning garden designs tailored to individual client needs
- Comprehensive service from initial design to final installation
- Competitive pricing with transparent project management
Associations and certifications
- Marshalls Register of Approved Landscape Contractors
What people say
Fantastic job
Prompt and professional
Highly recommend
Excellent communication
Transformative results
Services
Garden Design
Our award-winning garden design service creates bespoke outdoor spaces tailored to individual lifestyles. From initial consultation to final implementation, we combine creative vision with practical functionality, specialising in urban gardens, family-friendly areas, and wildlife havens. Using premium materials and innovative layouts, we ensure every design maximises property potential while aligning with client budgets and preferences.
Driveway Installation
Specialising in Marshalls-accredited driveway installations, we deliver durable, aesthetically pleasing surfaces using premium paving materials. Our expert team handles complete projects from excavation to finishing touches, incorporating drainage solutions and custom features like flowerbeds. With strict adherence to Marshalls quality standards, we ensure long-lasting, visually striking driveways that enhance property value.
Soft Landscaping
Our soft landscaping services transform outdoor spaces with tailored planting schemes and turfing solutions. From natural grass installations to low-maintenance artificial alternatives, we create vibrant, sustainable environments. Additional services include hedge trimming, lawn care, and tree planting, all executed with attention to ecological balance and seasonal aesthetics.
Hard Landscaping
Comprehensive hard landscaping solutions encompass patios, walls, steps, and decking using premium stone and timber materials. We specialise in permeable paving systems, drainage integration, and structural installations that combine functionality with visual appeal. Our Marshalls-registered expertise ensures precise execution of complex features like retaining walls and multi-level terraces.
Garden Maintenance
We offer ongoing garden maintenance to preserve the beauty of landscaped spaces. Services include lawn mowing, hedge trimming, seasonal planting, and drainage upkeep. Our team ensures long-term functionality through regular inspections and timely interventions, maintaining the pristine condition of both hard and soft landscaping elements.
People
David McKay
Founder
David McKay established Direct Gardens in 2002, bringing together a network of skilled landscaping professionals. With over two decades of industry experience, he oversees project coordination and client relations, ensuring adherence to quality standards while maintaining the company's founding vision of integrated landscaping solutions.
Peter Dunbar
Lead Designer
Peter Dunbar serves as our lead garden designer, translating client concepts into award-winning outdoor spaces. With extensive expertise in both traditional and contemporary landscaping, he specialises in creating functional, aesthetically pleasing environments. Clients frequently commend his ability to interpret ideas into practical, visually striking designs that exceed expectations.
Questions
What areas do you cover for landscaping services?
We operate across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife, Tayside, Perthshire, and occasionally nationwide. Our service area includes both urban and rural locations throughout Central Scotland.
Are you officially accredited for driveway installations?
Yes, we're a registered Marshalls contractor with official accreditation for hard landscaping projects, ensuring compliance with industry quality standards and eligibility for Marshalls product guarantees.
What garden design options do you offer?
We provide bespoke garden designs for relaxation spaces, family areas, wildlife gardens, and low-maintenance solutions. Our services cater to both modern and traditional aesthetics across properties of all sizes.
Can you handle complex access challenges?
Yes, our team specialises in overcoming difficult access issues using innovative techniques and equipment, as demonstrated in multiple client testimonials involving restricted spaces and elevated installations.
Do you offer complete landscaping packages?
We provide full-service landscaping from initial design to final installation, including planning permission assistance, material supply, and execution of both hard and soft landscaping elements.
How do you ensure project quality?
Regular quality assessments by Marshalls regional inspectors ensure our work meets strict standards. We maintain detailed project documentation and conduct client progress updates throughout each phase.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Margaret Cvers
Jun 28, 2026
Report
We have used Direct Gardens for years and when we decided to revamp our garden we turned to them again knowing we would get a great job. Our start date was delayed due to weather holding up other jobs but you have to accept these things. Our job again due to weather was held up but now completed and we are very happy. Oscar and Scott were a delight and chatted happily with us and kept us up to date. Happily recommend them.
Joanne Smith
Feb 28, 2026
Report
Dave and Scott put up a cat proof system in my garden. To keep my cats in. I am really happy with it and Dave and Scott couldn't be anymore helpful. Thank you so much we saved a small fortune on paying for a catio that would have been stuck on the house. I highly recommend Direct Gardens.
Pamela Easton
Feb 03, 2026
Report
Absolutely recommend Direct Gardens. Dave has great insight and helped plan my new garden. Removed large trees and completely re-landscaped to make my garden safe and accessable for my animals. Installed cat protection fencing to keep my cats safe. Scott and Jack were amazing too, nothing was too much trouble, even when I changed my mind about things. Going to get them back in spring to do my front garden. Very reliable, great communication and no hidden costs. If you want quality work by professionals at a very fair price you can't go wrong
Theresa McGowan
Jun 18, 2025
Report
Huge thanks to Dave at Direct Gardens for his incredible generosity, especially at this time of year! Not only did he donate extra rolls of turf free of charge, but he also delivered them himself. That truly speaks volumes about his character. Its a wonderful gesture in the true spirit of Christmas, and I deeply appreciate it. Highly recommended!
Theresa
Theresa
S. Thornton
Oct 16, 2021
Report
Critical:Professionalism,Punctuality
Told would be here 10.30 ish, yeah you can see by my watch time and still not here. Try local tradesmen they say. Yeah not working out great that. Gonna try West Lothian companies. Maybe they'll actually turn up and want the work. Pitty the reviews on this seemed great.
Told would be here 10.30 ish, yeah you can see by my watch time and still not here. Try local tradesmen they say. Yeah not working out great that. Gonna try West Lothian companies. Maybe they'll actually turn up and want the work. Pitty the reviews on this seemed great.
Angela Gillan
Oct 01, 2021
Report
Dave and his team did an excellent job. Cleared the front garden, laid a new path and doorstep, and replaced the small fence.
Artificial grass laid on both sides of the new path and extended the border of pebbles under the livingroom window.
Took about 2 weeks but the weather stopped the team working for most of that time. They worked hard, a lot of heavy-lifting and skill required. The garden has been slightly raised so the slope has been a bit reduced, the benefit of which is a reduction in the height of the doorstep. The path and doorstep are non-slip.
Makes the garden seem so much bigger
Artificial grass laid on both sides of the new path and extended the border of pebbles under the livingroom window.
Took about 2 weeks but the weather stopped the team working for most of that time. They worked hard, a lot of heavy-lifting and skill required. The garden has been slightly raised so the slope has been a bit reduced, the benefit of which is a reduction in the height of the doorstep. The path and doorstep are non-slip.
Makes the garden seem so much bigger
