Top 10 Best Landscaping Companies in South Hams

Landscaping in South Hams

South Hams is renowned for its gardens. The mild climate, influenced by the Gulf Stream, allows a remarkable variety of plants to thrive, from subtropical species in sheltered coastal gardens to traditional English cottage borders inland. Famous gardens such as those at Dartington Hall and Overbeck's near Salcombe showcase what is possible in this unique setting. Homeowners across the district invest in landscaping to create outdoor living spaces, maximise views of the estuaries and coast, and support wildlife.

Landscaping in South Hams also comes with challenges. Steep slopes require terracing and retaining walls, coastal gardens must withstand salt-laden winds, and heavy rainfall demands effective drainage. We evaluated landscaping companies and suppliers on design quality, horticultural expertise, construction standards and sustainability.

The Top 10 Landscaping Companies and Suppliers

1. idverde

idverde is one of the UK's largest landscaping and grounds maintenance companies. It works with local authorities, housing developers and commercial clients to create and maintain parks, open spaces and landscapes. Its experience includes landscaping for new developments across the South West.

2. Tivoli

Tivoli provides grounds maintenance and landscaping services for public and private sector clients. Its focus on biodiversity and sustainable land management aligns well with South Hams' environmental priorities.

3. Gavin Jones

Gavin Jones is a leading commercial landscaping company delivering landscape construction, grounds maintenance and arboricultural services. Its expertise is valued on large developments and commercial estates.

4. GreenThumb

GreenThumb is a lawn care franchise offering treatments for feeding, weed control, moss control and aeration. Its local technicians help homeowners maintain healthy lawns despite Devon's wet climate.

5. Fantastic Gardeners

Fantastic Gardeners offers garden maintenance, landscaping, lawn care and tree surgery. Its broad service range makes it a convenient choice for homeowners and holiday let managers.

6. Marshalls Register Landscapers

Marshalls Register is a network of approved landscapers who install Marshalls paving and hard landscaping products. Members are vetted for quality, and projects can carry extended guarantees.

7. British Association of Landscape Industries Members

The British Association of Landscape Industries represents professional landscaping businesses. Members are assessed for quality and professionalism, making BALI accreditation a trusted indicator when choosing a landscaper.

8. Hillier

Hillier is a renowned nursery and garden centre group with a long history in British horticulture. Its high-quality plants and expert advice support landscapers and gardeners creating beautiful, resilient planting schemes.

9. Society of Garden Designers Members

The Society of Garden Designers is the professional body for garden designers in the UK. Members bring creative vision and technical knowledge, helping homeowners plan gardens that suit their site, style and lifestyle.

10. Bradstone

Bradstone manufactures paving, walling and garden products used by landscapers nationwide. Its natural stone and concrete products help create durable, attractive patios, paths and retaining walls suited to South Hams' sloping gardens.

Landscaping Trends in South Hams

Wildlife-friendly gardens featuring native planting, wildflower meadows and ponds are increasingly popular. Sustainable drainage solutions, such as permeable paving and rain gardens, help manage heavy rainfall. Outdoor living spaces with kitchens, fire pits and covered seating extend the use of gardens throughout the year. Coastal planting schemes use salt-tolerant species to create resilient gardens. Low-maintenance designs appeal to holiday let owners and busy households.

Choosing a Landscaping Company

Review portfolios to ensure the company's style matches your vision. Check accreditations and insurance. Ask about experience with sloping sites, coastal conditions or heritage settings if relevant. Obtain detailed quotes covering design, materials and planting. Discuss aftercare and maintenance options to keep your garden looking its best. Consider sustainability, including materials sourcing and water management.

Designing for the South Hams Climate

Take advantage of the mild climate by including plants that may struggle elsewhere in the UK, such as tree ferns, agaves and Mediterranean shrubs in sheltered spots. Use windbreaks and hedging to protect exposed gardens. Plan drainage carefully to cope with heavy rainfall. Embrace views of estuaries, coastline and countryside as part of the design.

Hard Landscaping on Sloping Sites

Many gardens in South Hams are built on steep slopes, particularly in Dartmouth, Salcombe and the river valleys. Creating usable outdoor space often requires terracing supported by retaining walls, which must be properly engineered to cope with soil pressure and water. Traditional dry stone walling and Devon hedgebanks are attractive, sustainable options that support wildlife, while gabion walls and reinforced block systems offer alternatives for larger retaining structures. Steps, paths and handrails should be designed for safety in wet conditions, using slip-resistant materials. A skilled landscaper will assess drainage carefully, as water building up behind walls is one of the most common causes of failure.

Final Thoughts

From national leaders such as idverde and Gavin Jones to professional networks such as BALI and the Society of Garden Designers, South Hams homeowners and businesses have access to exceptional landscaping expertise. With thoughtful design and skilled construction, your outdoor space can become a beautiful, sustainable extension of your home.