The Challenge
In Southampton, a customer wanted to make better use of their garden, but the space was limited and challenging. The back of the property featured a small concrete patio outside the back doors and a three-flight brick staircase that partially led to the top of a mound. The garden itself was on a very steep slope, which meant that there wasn’t much room to work with. Additionally, the front porch was just a straight run of concrete pavement—offering little in the way of charm or function.
The Build
David’s Gardening Services stepped in to transform the area into a multi-functional outdoor space. They began by taking out the existing uneven turf and flattening the grass, which laid the groundwork for further development. A retaining wall was built along with new steps to provide safe access to the elevated area.
The upper space was partly patioed, using matching Alexandria Egyptian Limestone for a seamless and elegant finish.
At the same time, the area where the original stairs once stood was left with a gentle slope, then re-laid with fresh grass. The front porch was not left untouched either—it was dug up and replaced with the same stylish patio finish, and circular, rounded shapes were cut into the porch slabs to allow for the addition of plants and decorative elements. Oak sleepers paired with Mendip chippings created a practical yet stylish storage area behind the garage, and matching Alexandria steps further enhanced the elevated patio. A retaining wall, accented with rustic slate cladding and Alexandria copings, added texture and contrast to the overall design, while mid-grey grout was chosen to subtly highlight the stone’s natural tones.
The Outcome
The transformation resulted in a fully opened-up space that meets the customer’s needs for both beauty and functionality. Now, a welcoming patio area lies outside the back doors, seamlessly leading into a grassy expanse with steps that access an upper patio. The upper area also features a flowerbed neatly divided from the grass by sleepers, an element that was completely absent before. With the sophisticated use of Alexandria Egyptian Limestone and carefully chosen accents, this garden is not only aesthetically pleasing but also fully functional for outdoor living. The customer is all set to enjoy the new space this summer, making the most of every outdoor moment.
The work was completed by David’s Gardening Services.






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At Miles Stone, we’ve been helping homeowners, landscapers, and designers bring their visions to life for more than five decades. Whether you’re at the first spark of an idea or putting the final touches on a finished project, our team is here to guide you every step of the way — from product selection and expert advice to aftercare and long-term maintenance.
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