Back Garden Renovation in Alton, Hampshire

Sloped Outdoor Space Transformation

In March 2025, our skilled landscaping team completed a comprehensive back garden renovation for a property in Alton, Hampshire. This project presented several challenges typical of newly built properties situated on sloped plots. The garden was essentially unusable due to uneven terrain and a lack of functional outdoor space. The client sought a landscaping solution that would both maximise usability and elevate the aesthetic appeal of their outdoor area.

Our team delivered a high-quality solution by combining expert retaining walls installation, carefully planned patio and turf installation, and thoughtful finishing touches that seamlessly integrated with the home's surroundings. This case study explores the goals, processes, materials, challenges, and outcomes of this project, providing insight into the comprehensive approach Yewtree Landscapes applies to back garden renovations.

1. Back Garden Renovation in Alton - Project Goals.

The primary objective of this back garden renovation was to transform a steeply sloping, underutilised garden into a practical and attractive outdoor living space. The client’s key goals included:

• Creating level terraces to make the garden functional and safe for everyday use.

• Installing durable and visually appealing retaining walls to support these terraces and add structural interest.

• Laying a stylish, long-lasting patio area suitable for outdoor dining and relaxation.

• Establishing a lush, easy-to-maintain lawn with fresh turf to enhance greenery and softness.

2. Materials.

Key materials included:

• Concrete Blocks

  These provided the structural backbone for the retaining walls, ensuring strength and durability.

• Oak Sleepers

  Selected for the retaining walls, their natural aesthetic and weather-resistant properties offered both beauty and function.

• Sandstone Paving

  Chosen for the patio, the stone’s subtle colour variations added depth and warmth to the space.

• Rolawn Medallion Turf

  This premium turf choice ensured a lush, green lawn that could withstand seasonal changes and everyday use.

  
  

3. Scope of Work.

3.1. Site Preparation and Excavation.

Before any construction could begin, the existing garden was carefully cleared of debris and vegetation. The naturally sloped terrain required substantial earthworks to create level platforms suitable for terracing. Excavation was carried out with precision to ensure the new terraces had appropriate gradients for drainage and accessibility.

The preparation phase also involved installing drainage solutions to mitigate the risk of water pooling or soil erosion, which is crucial for the longevity of the hard landscaping features.

3.2. Retaining Walls Installation.

A vital element of the back garden renovation was the installation of retaining walls. These structures would support the newly created terraces, preventing soil movement and providing a solid foundation for the upper garden levels.

Yewtree Landscapes chose to use concrete blocks as the structural core of the retaining walls due to their strength and reliability. To elevate the aesthetic, the walls were clad with oak sleepers along the front faces and tops. Oak sleepers provide a warm, natural look that contrasts beautifully with the greenery and stone features, lending the garden a timeless charm.

3.3. Patio Installation.

With the terraces securely in place, attention turned to the installation of paving slabs designed for outdoor living. Fernlea sandstone paving was selected for its elegant texture and earthy tones, perfectly complementing the oak sleepers and the lush turf.

Each paving slab was meticulously laid to create a smooth, level surface with a visually appealing pattern.

The joints were pointed using a neutral-colored joint compound, which not only strengthened the installation but also ensured a clean and cohesive finish that harmonises with the surrounding materials. The patio design prioritised usability, ensuring adequate space for furniture and ease of movement, thereby transforming this outdoor area into an inviting extension of the home.

3.4. Turf Installation.

The final major component was the establishment of a new lawn. The terraced levels were prepared with high-quality soil and levelled carefully before laying the turf.

Rolawn Medallion turf was chosen for its superior quality, rapid establishment, and resilient nature, making it ideal for gardens with varying sun exposure and foot traffic.

The turf was laid with precision to ensure tight seams and a uniform green carpet effect that instantly brightened the garden. This turf installation complemented the hard landscaping features, softening the overall look and providing a comfortable space for leisure activities.

Additional Features: Trellis Installation

To complete the back garden renovation, trellises were installed on top of the existing fencing. This addition can serve multiple purposes:

• Increased privacy for the client, shielding the garden.

• Support for climbing plants, allowing the garden to become greener and more vibrant over time.

• Decorative architectural element, balancing the solid materials of the retaining walls and patio with lighter, natural textures.

The trellis was designed to fit perfectly within the existing fence line, creating a seamless transition between new and old garden features.

4. Project Outcome.

The back garden renovation in Alton transformed the previously unusable sloped area into a practical and inviting outdoor living space. The newly terraced garden offers multiple levels for seating, planting, and recreation, increasing the garden's functionality.

The retaining walls are both sturdy and visually appealing, with the oak sleepers adding a natural warmth that contrasts beautifully with the sandstone patio. The patio itself provides an ideal spot for outdoor dining and socialising, seamlessly blending with the house’s modern aesthetic.

The Rolawn Medallion turf adds a lush, vibrant green underfoot, enhancing the overall garden atmosphere and inviting outdoor activities. The new trellis offers privacy without compromising light or openness, and provides a base for climbing plants to further enrich the garden's charm in the coming seasons.

5. Back Garden Renovation in Alton. Summary.

This Alton project perfectly exemplifies how we, here at Yewtree Landscapes, approach complex back garden renovations with a comprehensive and thoughtful process. By expertly combining retaining walls installation, patio and turf installation, and tailored finishing touches like trellis work, the team created an outdoor space that enhances both lifestyle and property value.

The careful selection of materials and construction methods ensures durability and ease of maintenance, while the design maximises usability and aesthetic appeal.

Conclusion is simple: homeowners with challenging garden terrain can trust Yewtree Landscapes to deliver solutions that transform their outdoor spaces into beautiful, practical extensions of their homes.

Transform Your Garden with Expert Renovation Services

Don’t let uneven terrain limit your garden’s potential. Contact Yewtree Landscapes today for expert back garden renovation, including retaining walls installation, patio paving, and turfing solutions designed to maximise your outdoor living area.

Contact us today to obtain a free consultation.