Well-planted borders make a garden feel alive throughout the seasons. Getting the most from them involves more than just buying plants and putting them in the ground. Soil preparation, plant selection and understanding how things grow together is what gives you year-round interest without constant intervention. We design and plant borders for domestic gardens across Norfolk and Suffolk. We take the time to select plants that will genuinely flourish in your garden's conditions, looking at aspect, soil type and your preferred maintenance level. We also consider colour schemes and how things look across the seasons, not just at peak summer. The aim is a border that earns its place every month of the year, not just in July. All planting is backed by proper soil preparation and finished with a mulch layer to suppress weeds and retain moisture. We source from trade nurseries and favour plants that are well suited to the local climate and of real benefit to local wildlife.
What's included
- Border preparation and existing plant clearance
- Soil improvement with compost and grit where needed
- Plant sourcing from trade nurseries
- Planting to agreed scheme
- Mulching
- Initial aftercare advice
How We Work
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Design and plant selection
We look at the aspect, soil type and what is already growing. We discuss the style you want and what level of maintenance you are happy with.
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Border preparation
Beds are cleared, weeded thoroughly and the soil is improved. On heavy clay soils we add grit to improve drainage. On sandy soils we add organic matter to improve moisture retention.
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Planting
Plants go in at the right spacing and depth. We consider mature spread, not just how things look on day one.
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Mulching and aftercare
A good mulch layer suppresses weeds and retains moisture. We leave you with clear guidance on watering, cutting back and any seasonal tasks.
Materials and Options
The mix of perennials, shrubs and seasonal plants depends on how much maintenance you want to do and what you enjoy. Shrubs form the backbone of a border and need minimal attention once established. Perennials die back in winter and re-emerge each year, giving good seasonal interest for a moderate maintenance input. Annuals give you colour quickly but need replanting each year. Norfolk soils vary considerably. There is heavy clay in many parts of South Norfolk and around Norwich. Sandy, free-draining soils nearer the coast. Knowing what you have determines what will thrive. We source plants from trade nurseries and prefer native species where they suit the design, both for reliability and for the benefit to local wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question not answered here? Get in touch and we will be happy to help.
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Free, no-obligation quotes. We cover Norfolk and Suffolk.
What Our Customers Say
Genuine reviews from clients across Norfolk and Suffolk
"Hilton and Green did an amazing job transforming the space next to our new In summer house. Not easy as the land sloped away badly. Very hard working and professional men. Four years on it is still as good as new. Thoroughly recommend them."
"Hilton and Green did an amazing job transforming the space next to our new In summer house. Not easy as the land sloped away badly. Very hard working and professional men. Four years on it is still as good as new. Thoroughly recommend them."
"These guys did my drive for me understanding that I had a pretty low budget, did a great job and final cost was even less than I had planned for."
We cover Norwich, Wymondham, Attleborough, Diss, Long Stratton, Bungay, Beccles, Halesworth, Eye, Harleston and the surrounding areas of Norfolk and Suffolk. See our areas we cover page for more detail.