Garden Design & Build

Beautiful gardens begin with thoughtful design and are brought to life through skilled craftsmanship, careful planning and attention to every detail.

A successful garden transformation is about much more than choosing materials or arranging planting. It's about creating an outdoor space that feels connected to the property, reflects how you live and continues to look beautiful as it matures.

At Tom Child, we bring together garden design, landscaping and construction expertise to deliver complete garden transformations. From the earliest ideas and planning through to the final planting and finishing touches, we consider every element as part of one cohesive landscape.

Every great garden starts with understanding the space

No two gardens are the same, and no two clients use their outdoor space in quite the same way.

Before developing a design, we take time to understand the property, existing landscape and what you want to achieve.

Our approach considers:

• The architecture and character of the property

• Existing ground conditions and changes in level

• Sunlight, shade and garden orientation

• Privacy and surrounding views

• How the garden will be used throughout the year

• Entertaining, dining and family requirements

• Planting preferences and maintenance expectations

• Budget, practical constraints and long-term plans

These early considerations help shape a design that feels natural to the setting rather than imposing a particular style.

From initial concept to finished landscape

A complete garden transformation involves bringing together many individual elements, each of which needs to work as part of the wider design.

Depending on the project, we may incorporate:

• Terraces and patios — creating practical, beautifully finished outdoor living spaces

• Driveways and pathways — connecting the property and surrounding landscape

• Retaining walls and structural landscaping — transforming levels and improving usability

• Lawns and planting — introducing softness, texture and seasonal interest

• Garden structures — defining seating areas, creating shade and adding architectural detail

• Water features — bringing movement, sound and atmosphere to the garden

• Garden lighting — extending enjoyment into the evening

• Irrigation systems — supporting healthy planting and reducing manual maintenance

Every element is considered in relation to the others, creating a landscape that feels balanced and carefully planned.

Construction expertise makes the difference

A beautiful design is only as successful as the quality of its construction.

Tom Child's background in building and construction gives us a practical understanding of what lies beneath the finished landscape.

Groundworks, drainage, foundations, structural stability and accurate levels all play a critical role in delivering a garden that performs as well as it looks.

We pay particular attention to:

• Site preparation and excavation

• Ground conditions and drainage

• Foundations and structural requirements

• Retaining walls and level changes

• Material suitability and installation methods

• Underground services and infrastructure

• Construction sequencing and site access

• Long-term durability and maintenance

Addressing these elements from the outset helps avoid compromises during construction and ensures the finished landscape is built on solid foundations.

Designed around how you live

The most successful gardens aren't simply attractive spaces. They're gardens that make everyday life more enjoyable.

For some clients, that means creating generous terraces, outdoor kitchens and entertaining areas. For others, it's about family-friendly lawns, beautiful planting or a quiet space to relax away from the house.

We consider how different areas connect, how people move through the garden and how the space will evolve over time.

The result should feel effortless, with every feature having a purpose and every material complementing its surroundings.

Materials, planting and the finishing details

Materials have a significant influence on the overall character of a garden.

Natural stone, porcelain, brickwork, timber and planting each introduce different textures, colours and architectural qualities.

Rather than treating these as separate decisions, we consider how they work together.

Carefully selected materials can complement the architecture of the property, while thoughtful planting softens structural elements and brings seasonal interest to the landscape.

Lighting, water features and bespoke carpentry can then provide the finishing details that make the garden feel complete.

One considered approach from start to finish

Managing a complete garden transformation requires careful coordination.

Groundworks, construction, drainage, paving, structures and planting must all be delivered in the right sequence, with particular attention to how individual elements meet.

Our approach brings these disciplines together, helping maintain consistency in workmanship, materials and finishing details throughout the project.

Whether it's a relatively simple redesign or an extensive transformation involving complex levels, structural landscaping and multiple outdoor living spaces, we apply the same care and attention to every stage.

Creating gardens that stand the test of time

A well-designed garden should continue to develop and improve long after construction is complete.

Planting matures, materials weather naturally and the landscape gradually becomes more established. Getting the foundations, proportions and details right from the beginning allows this process to happen beautifully.

Established in 1995, Tom Child combines decades of landscaping experience with traditional building knowledge and an understanding of contemporary garden design.

From modest garden improvements to complete luxury landscape transformations, our aim is always the same: to create beautiful, practical outdoor spaces that feel naturally connected to the home and are built to last.

Based in Purley, Tom Child provides complete garden design and build services across Wallington, Cheam, Chipstead, Banstead, Kingswood, Woldingham and the surrounding Surrey and South London areas.