Business Details
34 Years
experience
Award-Winning Garden & Playground Design Services in London
Boardman Gelly is a family-run business with over three decades of expertise in garden design and landscaping, alongside two decades of experience in creating educational playgrounds. Our team, led by RHS Judge Nigel Boardman, combines horticultural knowledge with a commitment to personalized service, delivering award-winning projects across London, Surrey, Sussex, and Kent. We pride ourselves on attention to detail, safety-conscious practices, and maintaining long-standing relationships with clients through exceptional customer service. Our portfolio includes Royal Horticultural Society award-winning show gardens and bespoke school playgrounds, reflecting our dedication to creativity and quality. With a limited number of projects undertaken simultaneously, we ensure each client receives focused attention from design to installation.Our team of eight professionals, all DBS-checked, adheres to the highest standards in both landscaping and playground construction. Positive client feedback and referrals form the cornerstone of our reputation, with nearly all new business stemming from satisfied customers. We specialize in transforming outdoor spaces through hard and soft landscaping techniques, utilizing materials like paving, brick, and stone alongside expert planting schemes. Our playground designs prioritize safety while incorporating educational elements tailored to school environments. Operating since 1992, we maintain strong ties to the local horticultural community and continue to innovate while preserving traditional craftsmanship.
Services
Garden Design
Playground Design
Hard Landscaping
Soft Landscaping
Design Estimating
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- 30 years of horticultural expertise and 20 years in playground design
- 15 RHS Hampton Court Awards for garden design excellence
- DBS-checked team with safety-conscious working practices
- Personalized service with projects managed directly by senior staff
- Proven track record of client satisfaction and referral-based growth
Associations and certifications
- Royal Horticultural Society
What people say
Delighted with all projects
Completed professionally and on time
Awesome job
Friendly and competent staff
Creative and practical solutions
Services
Garden Design
Our garden design service creates tailored outdoor spaces combining aesthetic appeal with practical functionality. Using award-winning horticultural expertise, we develop fully costed designs that consider each property's unique characteristics. From initial consultation to final implementation, our team ensures seamless execution of both formal and informal garden layouts.
Playground Design
Specialist playground design service focusing on safe, educational outdoor spaces for schools. Our DBS-checked team creates stimulating environments that meet Ofsted requirements while incorporating creative elements. Each project includes comprehensive planning, risk assessments, and durable material specifications to ensure long-term usability.
Hard Landscaping
Hard landscaping solutions using premium materials like natural stone, brick, and paving. Our team constructs patios, pathways, retaining walls, and other structural features with precision craftsmanship. This service forms the foundational framework for complete garden transformations while maintaining aesthetic harmony with property architecture.
Soft Landscaping
Comprehensive soft landscaping service featuring expert planting schemes and turf installation. We select appropriate plant species based on soil conditions and microclimates to create visually appealing, low-maintenance gardens. This service includes seasonal planting plans and irrigation system integration for optimal plant health.
Design Estimating
Free initial consultation followed by detailed design costing service. Our team provides transparent, itemized estimates covering all aspects of garden and playground projects. This service includes material specifications, timeline projections, and budget management throughout the implementation phase.
People
Nigel Boardman
Director & RHS Judge
With 30 years' horticultural experience, Nigel leads all design projects and manages installations personally. His RHS judging background and encyclopaedic plant knowledge ensure exceptional design quality. He oversees a limited number of projects simultaneously to maintain high service standards.
Stephen Gelly
Co-Director
Stephen co-manages the business with a focus on operational efficiency and client relations. He ensures smooth project execution across both garden and playground divisions, maintaining the company's commitment to exceptional service and quality standards.
Questions
What areas do you cover for landscaping services?
We operate across London, Surrey, Sussex, and Kent, providing both garden design and playground construction services throughout these regions.
How experienced is your team in garden design?
Our team has over 30 years' combined experience, including 15 RHS Hampton Court Awards and extensive show garden design expertise.
Are your playground installations safety-certified?
All our playground projects meet current safety standards, with DBS-checked staff and comprehensive risk assessments included in every installation.
What's included in your design consultation?
We offer a free initial consultation followed by detailed, fully costed design proposals with transparent pricing and implementation timelines.
Can you handle both garden and playground elements together?
Yes, we specialize in multi-functional spaces combining gardens and play areas, particularly for family properties requiring integrated outdoor solutions.
