Planting, Flower Beds and Borders in Norfolk and Suffolk
Borders with year-round interest, planted across Norfolk and Suffolk
Hilton & Green Landscaping plants borders and flower beds across Norfolk and Suffolk, from a single tired border to the planting for a whole new garden.
A border that looks good for years, not just the month after it goes in, is mostly down to three things: preparing the soil properly, choosing plants that suit the spot, and spacing them for the size they will be rather than the size they arrive. We look at the aspect, the soil and how much time you want to spend on it, and plan for the whole year rather than just high summer.
Every bed is prepared before planting and finished with a layer of mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. We buy from trade nurseries and use native plants where they suit the design, both because they cope with the local conditions and because they help 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.
Shrubs, perennials and seasonal planting
Most good borders use a mix. Shrubs give the structure and need little attention once established. Perennials die back in winter and come again each spring, giving colour for a modest amount of work. Annuals give instant colour but need replanting every year.
The balance depends on how much you want to do. A border built mostly on shrubs and tough perennials, well mulched, needs a tidy in spring and a cut back in autumn. More perennials and seasonal planting give more colour and more work.
Planting for Norfolk soil
Norfolk soils change over short distances. Much of south Norfolk and the ground around Norwich is heavy clay; nearer the coast and in parts of the Wensum valley it is light and sandy. What you have decides what will thrive.
On clay, we add grit and organic matter to open it up, and lean on plants that put up with wet roots in winter: hardy geraniums, astrantia, rudbeckia, asters, roses, viburnum and dogwood all do well. On sandy ground the problem is the reverse, so we add organic matter to hold moisture and choose plants that like it dry, such as lavender, salvias, euphorbias and ornamental grasses.
Autumn is usually the best time to plant shrubs and perennials, while the soil is still warm and the winter rain does the watering. On heavy clay that stays waterlogged, spring can be better.
What affects the cost of planting
The size of the plants makes the biggest difference. Larger plants give an instant finish; smaller ones cost less and catch up within a couple of seasons. The number of plants follows from the area and how densely it is planted.
Preparation is the other variable. Clearing an overgrown bed, digging out roots and improving poor soil takes time before anything goes in. Mulch, edging and any new beds cut into lawn are priced on top.
We price every job after seeing it, and the visit and quote are free.
Common questions
Have a question not answered here? Get in touch and we will be happy to help.
When is the best time to plant a border?
Autumn for most shrubs and perennials, while the soil is warm and the rain does the watering. Spring on heavy clay that stays waterlogged through winter.
How do I water new planting?
A deep soak once or twice a week in dry weather through the first summer is better than a little every day, because it sends the roots down.
What grows well on clay?
Hardy geraniums, astrantia, rudbeckia, asters, roses, viburnum and dogwood all cope well once the ground has been opened up with grit and organic matter.
Can you make a low-maintenance border?
Yes. Base it on shrubs and tough perennials, plant it densely and mulch it, and it needs a tidy in spring and a cut back in autumn.
Can you plant a border in a small garden?
Yes. In a small space we use fewer kinds of plant, chosen to look good for more of the year, so the border does not look busy.
Get a free planting consultation
Free, no-obligation quotes. We cover Norfolk and Suffolk.
In our customers' words
Genuine reviews from clients across Norfolk and Suffolk
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★★★★★
Ben and Ed at Hilton & Green have done amazing and difficult landscaping jobs for me in the past few years, from erecting a fence close to the house in a challenging setting, to a transformational soft landscaping project at the rear of the sloping garden. The guys are very professional and the results are stunning. I highly recommend Hilton & Green for your landscaping requirements.
George Smithon Google
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★★★★★
Hilton and Green Landscaping have done wonders to our driveway and fencing. Their work is competent and professional. They are both very friendly and knowledgeable in how to make your ideas practical.
Scott Leamonon Google
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★★★★★
We are so pleased we found Ben and Edd to put in our new patio. They have done an awesome job. They are two of the nicest people we have met and their work is exemplary. From start to finish the guys were brilliant at their work and the end result is awesome. Would highly recommend Hilton and Green to everyone. Two thumbs up for excellent work!
Su Eyleson Google
We plant borders across Norfolk and Suffolk. Most of our work is in and around Norwich, Long Stratton, Diss and Wymondham, and we travel further for the right job.