Multi-Level Gravel Garden Transformation in Torbay

The Brief

The client had a multi-level rear garden in Torbay that had become more hassle than enjoyment. The upper lawn was patchy and tired, the lower areas were hard to maintain, and the whole space felt underused. They wanted something low-maintenance, clean and usable - somewhere they could actually spend time without constantly battling the grass.

After discussing options, we agreed on a full conversion to a gravel garden with proper membrane underneath, keeping the existing gazebo as a feature and creating clean, defined levels.

Stage 1: Stripping Back

The first job was removing all the existing turf and vegetation from both the upper and lower levels. We dug down to expose the Devon red soil underneath, cleared the edges, and levelled everything off. This is the stage where the hard graft happens - but it's also where you start to see the potential of the space.

With a team member helping out, we were able to turn the site around quickly. The existing retaining walls and brick edges were in good condition, so we kept those as they were - no point replacing something that's solid.

Stage 2: Membrane and Preparation

Once the ground was level and compacted, we laid heavy-duty weed membrane across both levels. This is the key to a genuinely low-maintenance gravel garden - without proper membrane, you'll be pulling weeds through the gravel within months.

We overlapped the sheets generously and cut carefully around the gazebo posts and wall edges. Getting this right is what separates a gravel job that lasts years from one that falls apart after one growing season.

Stage 3: Gravel Delivery and Spreading

Several bulk bags of 20mm clean gravel were delivered on pallets and barrowed up to the garden. The multi-level layout meant a lot of carrying, but the end result needed an even, generous depth of gravel across every area.

The Finished Result

The transformation was dramatic. Both levels are now clean, even gravel surfaces - no more mowing, no more weeds, no more mud. The gazebo sits nicely as a feature on the upper level, and the whole space feels bigger, brighter and more usable.

For the client, the biggest win is the maintenance - or rather, the lack of it. An occasional rake and the odd weed pull is all this garden will need going forward. It's exactly what they wanted.

What This Project Involved

• Full turf and vegetation removal across two levels
• Ground levelling and compaction
• Heavy-duty weed membrane installation
• Bulk gravel delivery and spreading
• All green waste recycled at Wildwoods Contractors