When Barbara and Andrew decided it was time to revamp their back garden, they had a clear goal: Create a relaxing, practical space that was easy to maintain and enjoy every day.
After living in their home for more than thirty years, the garden was mostly grass and no longer suited their lifestyle. They wanted defined areas for seating, exercise, and entertaining, using natural materials that would look beautiful while keeping upkeep to a minimum.
Now, following a full redesign by Ralston Contracts, their garden has been transformed into a peaceful sanctuary with social spaces, soft lighting, natural stone features and carefully connected zones – a space that has quickly become the heart of their home.
Talking to Barbara over a year after the works were completed, she told us: “We’ve used the back garden more in the last year than we did in the last thirty years.”
Find out how we transformed their space into a calm, practical haven.
The challenge: Creating a truly low-maintenance lifestyle garden
Barbara and Andrew’s garden had served its purpose over the years, especially when their grandchildren were younger. But as life changed, so did their needs.
The large lawn required regular upkeep and offered little structure or relaxation space – not ideal for a recently retired couple. They wanted a garden designed for everyday living. Somewhere calm, social, and practical, without the ongoing maintenance of grass.
Barbara noticed the Ralston Contracts team working nearby. “I was really impressed by their work ethic,” she explained. “They tidied up after themselves and were obviously doing a great job. I went out and asked for their number.”
From the start, the couple felt confident they had found the right landscaping team to bring their ideas to life. Barbara said, “The whole team are just lovely, lovely people. They’ve been delightful to work with from start to finish.”
The solution: Collaborative design with thoughtful features
Despite access limitations and challenging frosty weather, the team maintained a high level of organisation, care, and professionalism throughout the build, ensuring progress stayed on track without compromising on quality.
Barbara and Andrew already had a clear vision for their garden, including a patio, seating areas and a stone circle where Barbara could practise Pilates. Together with Ralston Contracts, the design evolved as the work progressed, ensuring every area worked practically as well as visually.
“Ralston Contracts created exactly what we asked for, but we adapted things as we went along,” Barbara said. “They listened and made suggestions, and we worked alongside them.”
Natural materials were central to the look and feel of the space, with slate, stone and porcelain used to create contrast, texture, and durability.
To bring the design together, we:
Installed perimeter concrete gravel boards
Installed ducting for electrics and garden lighting
Created a sandstone circle feature to use for Pilates
Built a light grey porcelain patio for the electric pergola
Installed a second patio from the patio doors in contrasting County Gris porcelain
Added edging and stepping stones to connect all areas
Installed decorative stone throughout the garden
Built and installed the pergola
Installed a water feature
Installed new step treads to the patio and side steps
Created a pathway to the side of the house
Throughout the project, we worked closely with Barbara and Andrew, bringing material samples, offering design guidance and ensuring the final result matched both their vision and their lifestyle.
“We’ve used the back garden more in the last year than we did in the last thirty years. It’s more than just a space they’ve created. It’s been a healing space for me.”
The result: A social, calming, and healing space used every day
Today, Barbara and Andrew’s garden is far more than just a redesigned outdoor area. It has become a place for connection, relaxation, exercise, and reflection. The garden is used daily – often late into the evening – for family gatherings and quiet moments alike.
“We’ve used the back garden more in the last year than we did in the last thirty years,” Barbara shared.
The stone circle has become a peaceful spot for Pilates and yoga alongside the gentle sound of the water feature, while the pergola provides sheltered seating for all weather. During a particularly difficult time, the garden also became a place of comfort: “It’s more than just a space they’ve created. It’s been a healing space for me.”
So pleased with the results, Barbara and Andrew extended the project to include work down the side of the house and have now commissioned Ralston Contracts to redesign their front garden in 2026. Watch this space for another update!
Creating low-maintenance gardens designed around your life
This project reflects everything Ralston Contracts stands for – thoughtful design, natural materials, collaborative working, and spaces built to enhance everyday life.
If you are looking to transform your garden into a practical and beautiful space that suits your lifestyle, get in touch with Ralston Contracts today.
