PROJECTS
A Stunning Hilltop Garden in Bearsted
This project in 20 seconds
Perched on a hill overlooking the picturesque Kent village of Bearsted, this garden had plenty of potential—but no level ground to enjoy it. Our challenge was to reshape the space, creating a private and functional outdoor retreat while preserving the breathtaking views.
Engineering a Usable Space
The key to unlocking this garden’s potential was levelling the land. We built a structural retaining wall using hollow concrete blocks, allowing us to redistribute soil from the upper garden to raise the lower levels. This effectively doubled the usable space, giving the family a garden they could finally enjoy.
With privacy in mind, we installed perimeter fencing to create a secluded oasis, shielding the space while still maintaining stunning views of the village below.
Logistical Challenges & Smart Solutions
This build came with a unique challenge—there was no kerbside delivery access. Every single block, bag of materials, plant, and roll of turf had to be manually transported up the hill on the back of our little tipper. It was a test of endurance, but the results made every trip worthwhile!
Throughout the project, the phrase “We have a garden now” was repeated by the clients—a testament to just how much of a transformation this was.
A Patio for Relaxation & Entertaining
To make the most of the new, levelled space, we installed a porcelain wrap-around patio, offering the family a stylish and functional area to relax and entertain. The planting scheme complements the modern design, with a blend of contemporary, formal, and calming greenery that softens the hard landscaping.
An Award-Worthy Transformation
This project didn’t just impress the homeowners—it made waves in the industry too. Entered into the APL Awards 2022, it was selected as a finalist from a record number of submissions, further solidifying Cowen Landscapes as a leader in innovative garden transformations.
Read more about the project here.
Want us to create your ideal outdoor space?
Whether you’re dreaming of a stylish patio, a lush garden retreat, or a complete landscape transformation, we’re here to make it happen. Get in touch today, and let’s bring your vision to life!
Got Questions? We've got answers
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The primary challenge was reshaping a steep, uneven space with no level ground for enjoyment. This required building structural retaining walls and creatively redistributing soil to create usable terraces.
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With no kerbside delivery, every material—blocks, soil, plants, turf—had to be manually transported up the hill using a tipper, demonstrating the team’s dedication and logistical expertise.
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The garden features terraced levels, a porcelain wrap-around patio, elegant perimeter fencing for privacy, and sophisticated planting with contemporary greenery, all designed to maximize enjoyment and views.
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The transformation doubled the usable space for relaxation and entertaining, created a private oasis shielded from view, and allowed the family to fully enjoy their garden for the first time.
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Yes, this transformation was selected as a finalist for the Association of Professional Landscapers Awards 2022, highlighting Cowen Landscapes’ reputation for innovative garden design.
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The project included hard landscaping (retaining walls, patios, fencing), soft landscaping (planting), and privacy solutions tailored to the unique site.
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Absolutely. The planting blends formal and calming greenery, chosen for both visual appeal and suitability to the Kent climate, ensuring beauty and resilience year-round.
