When people talk about wanting to transform their garden or outdoor space, they often begin with planting: the flowers they want, the trees they've admired, the border they've been planning in their head for years.
But before any of that can work properly, there needs to be a foundation. Hard landscaping, the walls, paths, terraces, steps, water features, and structures that give a garden its form, this allows the garden to be all that it can be.
Get it wrong and even the best planting plan will fight against you. Get it right and the garden almost plants itself.
Hard landscaping refers to the non-living elements of a garden design: the stonework, paving, walling, drainage, irrigation infrastructure, lighting, and structural features that define the space.
This is the work that requires an engineering approach to compliment the aesthetic. A retaining wall that holds back a slope needs to be structurally sound as well as beautiful. A water feature needs to be properly plumbed and maintained. A terrace on a sloping site requires careful drainage or it will become a pond in heavy rain.
At Unique Projects, we describe ourselves as a landscape company, not a gardening firm. That distinction matters. The work we do spans the space and includes design, soft landscape installation, hard landscape construction, ground works and civil engineering and everything in between.
One of the things we're proud of at Unique Projects is our ability to work across very different aesthetic languages. Heritage stonework, dry stone walling, natural limestone paving, period restoration work on listed properties, requires a particular knowledge and craft skills that are becoming rarer.
Contemporary schemes using clean-lined natural stone, structural steel, architectural planting pockets, and bespoke water features require a completely different approach.
Most of the projects we work on draw from both. A terrace around an old farmhouse that needs to feel contemporary without betraying its character. A formal garden where traditional English craftsmanship meets modern specification. The skill is in knowing how to blend them.
We work with clients, designers, and landscape architects, sometimes all three on the same project. The earlier we're involved, the better. When we're part of the design conversation from the beginning, we can advise on what's buildable, flag potential issues before they become expensive problems, and help refine specifications in ways that serve both the budget and the vision.
Many of our clients choose discretion. The projects we work on for private estates, high-value residential clients, and some commercial clients don't appear in our portfolio for that reason. Trust is built before a spade goes in the ground.
If you're planning a significant garden or landscape project in Devon or the wider South West, we'd welcome an initial conversation. That said for us there are no boundaries, we will help wherever a project requires Unique Projects to go.
A beautifully designed and constructed garden on day one is not the same thing as a beautiful garden on day 365, or on year five. What happens between those dates is maintenance, and the quality of that maintenance determines whether the investment in design and construction pays off.
This is something we feel strongly about at Unique Projects. We have RHS-trained horticulturalists in our Master Gardeners aftercare team, and we work with clients on long-term maintenance programmes that treat the garden as an ongoing project, not just a finished product.
A comprehensive maintenance programme for a high-quality landscape goes well beyond cutting grass and trimming edges. It includes seasonal pruning that understands how individual plants grow and what they need at different times of year. Soil health management. Irrigation adjustment. Lighting maintenance. Assessment of whether stonework and structures are performing as they should.
For formal gardens and estates, it also includes restoring the precise lines and proportions that make the design work, the kind of attention to detail that a general grounds team, however hardworking, isn't trained to deliver.
Having RHS-qualified horticulturalists in our maintenance team changes what's possible. They understand how to read a garden, what a plant is telling you when it looks a certain way, what intervention is needed and when.
This matters most in complex planting schemes, where the relationship between plants, soil, light, and water needs ongoing management. It also matters in formal gardens where trained topiary, hedging, and seasonal bedding need to be managed to a consistent standard.
We see aftercare as a specialism, not a lesser service. For gardens we've built, it's also a form of stewardship, we know what the design intent was and we understand how to protect it.
Not all our maintenance clients have used us for the original build. We take on estates and gardens that need a consistent, expert team, properties where the standard of existing landscaping demands a certain level of skill and understanding to maintain properly.
If you're looking for a maintenance partner who will treat your garden with the same care and intelligence it was built with, we'd welcome a visit.
When people talk about wanting to transform their garden or outdoor space, they often begin with planting: the flowers they want, the trees they've admired, the border they've been planning in their head for years.
But before any of that can work properly, there needs to be a foundation. Hard landscaping — the walls, paths, terraces, steps, water features, and structures that give a garden its form — this allows the garden to be all that it can be.
Get it wrong and even the best planting plan will fight against you. Get it right and the garden almost plants itself.
Hard landscaping refers to the non-living elements of a garden design: the stonework, paving, walling, drainage, irrigation infrastructure, lighting, and structural features that define the space.
This is the work that requires an engineering approach to compliment the aesthetic. A retaining wall that holds back a slope needs to be structurally sound as well as beautiful. A water feature needs to be properly plumbed and maintained. A terrace on a sloping site requires careful drainage or it will become a pond in heavy rain.
At Unique Projects, we describe ourselves as a landscape company, not a gardening firm. That distinction matters. The work we do spans the space and includes design, soft landscape installation, hard landscape construction, ground works and civil engineering and everything in between.
One of the things we're proud of at Unique Projects is our ability to work across very different aesthetic languages. Heritage stonework — dry stone walling, natural limestone paving, period restoration work on listed properties — requires a particular knowledge and craft skills that are becoming rarer.
Contemporary schemes using clean-lined natural stone, structural steel, architectural planting pockets, and bespoke water features require a completely different approach.
Most of the projects we work on draw from both. A terrace around an old farmhouse that needs to feel contemporary without betraying its character. A formal garden where traditional English craftsmanship meets modern specification. The skill is in knowing how to blend them.
We work with clients, designers, and landscape architects — sometimes all three on the same project. The earlier we're involved, the better. When we're part of the design conversation from the beginning, we can advise on what's buildable, flag potential issues before they become expensive problems, and help refine specifications in ways that serve both the budget and the vision.
Many of our clients choose discretion. The projects we work on for private estates, high-value residential clients, and some commercial clients don't appear in our portfolio for that reason. Trust is built before a spade goes in the ground.
If you're planning a significant garden or landscape project in Devon or the wider South West, we'd welcome an initial conversation. That said for us there are no boundaries, we will help wherever a project requires Unique Projects to go.
2026 is seeing a change in garden design, less is being shaped by fleeting trends and more by how people genuinely want to live.
Outdoor spaces are expected to offer calm, functionality, and a meaningful connection to their surroundings, supporting everyday life as much as they enhance a property’s character.
At Unique Projects, we work alongside private clients, garden designers, architects, and landscape architects across the UK, from early concept through to construction and long-term care. This perspective allows us to see which design approaches endure, how well-considered spaces mature over time, and where thoughtful construction elevates a scheme beyond its initial vision.
Below, we look at the key garden design themes for 2026, and how careful design collaboration and skilled delivery turn ideas into landscapes that are built to last.
One of the most noticeable moves is away from gardens that feel overly structured or contrived. In 2026, successful landscapes will appear calm, natural, and settled, even when they are technically complex.
This doesn’t mean informal or unmanaged. Instead, it’s about soft transitions, carefully considered levels, natural materials, and planting that feels as though it belongs to the landscape rather than being imposed on it.
We regularly collaborate with designers to interpret these schemes on site, refining construction details, material choices, and planting layouts so the finished garden feels effortless and timeless.
Gardens are no longer occasional-use spaces. They are increasingly designed as extensions of the home, places to eat, gather, work, and unwind throughout the year (not just the warmer months!)
For 2026, we’re seeing more emphasis on:
Our role is to ensure these spaces are built properly with correct levels, drainage, structural detailing, and materials that will perform over time. When done well, these areas feel like a natural continuation of the architecture.
Sustainability is no longer a design feature, it’s a baseline expectation and in high-quality garden design, sustainability must be delivered without compromising beauty or function.
In 2026, this means:
We work closely with designers and engineers to ensure sustainable decisions are integrated early, allowing the construction process to support both environmental responsibility and design intent.
Planting schemes are becoming more thoughtful and less ornamental for ornament’s sake. The focus is on structure, longevity, and seasonal interest rather than constant replacement. Plants are also now being more carefully chosen by designers to weather both extended periods of drought in summer as well as periods of heavy wet in winter.
Expect to see more:
Our RHS-trained Master Gardeners often work alongside designers during installation and aftercare, ensuring planting establishes correctly and matures as intended, something that is increasingly valued by both clients and designers.
There is a growing appreciation for craftsmanship and materials that age well. In 2026, gardens will favour natural stone, timber, and metal finishes that weather gracefully rather than competing for attention.
Bespoke elements such as bridges, steps, retaining walls, and garden structures are being designed as integral parts of the landscape rather than decorative additions.
This is where close collaboration between designer and contractor becomes essential. We pride ourselves on interpreting design detail accurately and delivering it without dilution, while also advising where construction techniques can enhance longevity.
Perhaps the most important trend of all is a return to longevity. Gardens designed in 2026 are being planned not just for immediate impact, but for how they will look and function in five, ten, or twenty years’ time. There is a real contrast between urban gardens favouring on trend materials and plants vs country gardens and manors opting for a more timeless look with modern touches.
This requires:
Whether we are supporting a designer-led scheme or helping clients develop their ideas, our focus remains on delivering landscapes that improve with age.
At Unique Projects, we see ourselves as partners in the design process. We work with garden designers, architects, and clients from early concept through to completion, advising on buildability, methodology, materials, and programme.
By being involved early, we can help refine schemes, avoid unnecessary compromises later, and ensure that what is drawn can be delivered to the highest standard on site.
For private clients without a designer, we can also assist with design development and guide the project through to construction and long-term care.
Garden design in 2026 is less about bold statements and more about considered, well-crafted spaces that feel right for their setting and the people who use them.
If you’re planning a new garden or landscape project, now is the ideal time to start thinking ahead, whether that means working with a designer, reviewing an existing scheme, or discussing how your outdoor space could evolve.
We would be delighted to talk. Feel free to call us on 07971 567069 or email Ben at ben@uniqueprojectsdevon.co.uk or Tony at tony@uniqueprojectsdevon.co.uk
(Why Every Landscape Needs Ongoing Care to Truly Thrive)
At Unique Projects, we’ve always believed that building a garden is only the beginning. Each space we create, from coastal terraces to country estates, is alive, evolving, and shaped by the hands that care for it.
The success of any landscape depends not only on its design and construction, but on the quiet, consistent work that follows. Without ongoing attention, even the most beautifully built gardens can lose their shape, structure, and soul. Nature doesn’t wait. Left alone, she quickly reclaims what’s hers.
Once the final plant is in the ground, the real journey begins. A well-designed garden changes with the seasons and matures over time, it needs expertise to guide that process.
Skilled gardeners are the bridge between design and longevity. They understand soil health, planting combinations, and the small details that keep landscapes thriving year after year. Their hands and knowledge protect the original vision and allow it to grow stronger, not fade.
At Unique Projects, our RHS-trained master gardeners ensure that the outdoor spaces we build continue to flourish. Their experience goes far beyond maintenance, they refine, adapt, and nurture gardens so that they reach their full potential.
Across the UK, the profession of gardening faces challenges. Fewer people are entering horticulture, despite its importance. Yet these are the individuals who hold the keys to lasting beauty, keeping living architecture alive.
Gardeners are not simply caretakers. They are horticulturists, soil scientists, designers, builders, and custodians of craft. Every landscape, no matter how ambitious or innovative, relies on them.
We know from experience that gardens evolve best under expert hands. Our aftercare plans are tailored to each project, ensuring that planting thrives, irrigation systems perform efficiently, and spaces remain true to their original design.
We work closely with designers, architects, and private clients who understand that a garden’s story doesn’t stop at completion. Our garden maintenance services are designed to protect investment and preserve beauty for the long term.
Whether it’s a modern roof terrace, a heritage restoration, or a coastal planting scheme, the principle remains the same: design builds the framework, but care brings it to life.
As we move through another season of planting and planning, we want to acknowledge the quiet skill of the people who keep landscapes alive. Because no matter how considered the design or how complex the construction, without gardeners, we are lost.
Find out how our garden maintenance team can help care for your landscape by calling us on 07971 567069 or email Ben at ben@uniqueprojectsdevon.co.uk or Tony at tony@uniqueprojectsdevon.co.uk
The scale and scope of any project varies, but our approach does not. We tackle any project with the same diligence, professionalism, and a holistic approach and are proud to be accredited members of the coveted Association of Professional Landscapers.
We work closely with garden designers and their clients across the UK (and further afield), supporting the journey from initial concept through to construction. Ideally, we’re brought in early, helping shape the brief, review methodology, and advise on materials, finishes, and other specifications. By being involved at this stage, we can help refine the scheme to suit budget and buildability, minimising the risk of value engineering later on, which can often mean compromise.
We regularly collaborate with structural engineers, architects, and specifiers to deliver practical solutions, often using innovative lightweight construction methods, while protecting the integrity of the original design. Our goal is always to honour the design intent and deliver the detail without deviation.
From reclaimed stone to precision-cut porcelain, we understand the importance of finishes, and we know how to balance durability, performance, and aesthetic value. We also embrace modern sustainable construction techniques wherever possible, combining these with traditional craftsmanship to create schemes that are sympathetic to their setting and built to last.
Above all, we love a challenge - and we believe that the detail is always key.
And finally… discretion is fundamental to how we work. Much of what we build is tucked behind closed gates, beyond private courtyards, or hidden deep within listed gardens. From sunken croquet lawns and roof terraces to water features, bespoke stonework, hidden pools, and hand-crafted outbuildings, we’d love to show you more, but we’ll have to leave the rest to your imagination.
If you think our ethos aligns with yours, we’d be delighted to talk. Please call us 07971 567 069 to discuss your project.
📍 Projects Across the South West & Southern England
💰 £45,500 per annum + perks
🕒 Full-Time, Permanent Role
With an exciting and varied pipeline of high-end landscape projects ahead, Unique Projects is looking for an experienced and motivated Site Manager to lead on the ground the delivery of our exceptional outdoor schemes.
From coastal renovations and stream bank engineering to bespoke commercial designs and complex multi-phase installations, this role will see you working on some of the most rewarding and technically interesting schemes in the region.
As Site Manager, you will be responsible for managing a team of operatives to deliver landscaping and external works to the highest possible standards. You will take the lead on-site, ensuring a smooth and safe operation across all project phases, from setting out through to handover.
Your responsibilities will include:
📧 Apply today by sending your CV and a brief introduction to:
Ben at ben@uniqueprojectsdevon.co.uk
📍 Projects Across the South West & Southern England
💰 Competitive Pay (Employed or Sub-contracted)
🕒 Full-Time – Start Dates Flexible
As our reputation for delivering exceptional outdoor spaces continues to grow, Unique Projects is looking for skilled and reliable Groundworkers to join our team.
From streambank stabilisation and sub-base prep to drainage, foundations and paving, this is a hands-on role at the core of everything we do. You'll play a key part in delivering high quality residential and commercial landscape schemes as part of a team that values quality, precision, and craft.
You’ll work as part of a skilled crew, preparing and constructing the foundations of outdoor schemes across the South, from coastal terraces in Cornwall to luxury developments in the Cotswolds.
Your day-to-day will include:
📧 Apply now by emailing your experience and availability to:
Ben at ben@uniqueprojectsdevon.co.uk
As demand for high-quality outdoor spaces continues to grow, so does our pipeline of exciting new projects.
At Unique Projects, we are proud to work on some of the most technically demanding and visually striking landscaping schemes in the South of England and we are looking for talented individuals to join us.
We currently have vacancies for:
We are hiring for both employed and sub-contracted roles, with flexible start dates and rates dependent on experience.
From coastal cliffside terraces in Cornwall to stream bank restoration in Somerset, our portfolio is as varied as it is rewarding. We have worked with private homeowners, Garden Designers, Architects and developers to deliver bespoke, high-end outdoor spaces, including-
Each project is Unique and brings a new set of challenges and a chance to create something truly lasting.
You’ll need to bring:
We’re passionate about what we do and committed to nurturing great working relationships - whether you are with us full-time or working on a contract basis.
To apply to join our amazing family or find out more email Ben at ben@uniqueprojectsdevon.co.uk
The Garden Room Studio & Unique Project are delighted to announce that we were awarded GOLD for The Beacon Garden, in association with Lighthouse Poole and Elliots Builders Merchants, at the prestigious BBC Gardeners' World Live Spring Fair 2025 in Beaulieu, Hampshire.
A lighthouse is a beacon. A pillar of the local community, guiding people through smooth and difficult journeys. A familiar marker and comforting sight. We believe that the arts can be a force for change; inspiring, nurturing, and guiding. Lighthouse Poole is the largest multi-arts venue outside of London and it really is an asset to the South West.
The purpose of this garden is to raise awareness of Lighthouse’s charitable status and the work they do in and for the community. More than just an amazing venue, their charitable arm does incredible work in the community supporting, guiding and empowering people through access to the arts across the region. A place of refuge, somewhere to take stock, a supportive and creative environment- different every day.
Ben & Tony, Unique Projects Directors, said:
‘It was a privilege to be invited to assist Matt to put this garden together. Building show gardens brings out the best in our industry with an incredible amount of positivity everywhere you look. Everyone helps each other if needed to help get the gardens ready in time. Everyone involved in building the garden really enjoyed themselves and returned to work the following week feeling motivated with a renewed spring in their step. It really is amazing the power of a show garden to create a good feeling throughout the industry and raise the profile of all businesses involved. We fully understand why exhibitors get the bug for it year after year!"
Across the show weekend, we welcomed a group of artists, The Leisure Painters, who sketched and painted the garden both from within and around our exhibition.
The Beacon Garden, designed by Matt Evans will also provide a hint of what’s to come at Lighthouse as we will be helping plan, design, and construct the outdoor extension to the Beacon café. We hope the Beacon Show Garden informs and ignites conversation around this exciting future project.
A huge thanks to the Beacon suppliers/partners:
If you would like to know more, or have an enquiry for us or one of our suppliers then please do not hesitate to get in touch with us here.
46 St. Lukes Road, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 4ND
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Unique Projects (Devon) Ltd is a company registered in England & Wales. Registered number: 14221838. Registered office: 38 Elizabeth Road, Seaton, Devon, EX12 2DR.