This split-level rear garden in Hempstead, Gillingham was rebuilt from the ground up. Out went a curved brick wall, worn block paving and a patchy lawn; in went new 9-inch brick retaining walls and steps, 66m² of 600x600 Aura Beige porcelain, 60m² of artificial grass and ACO drainage to both patio areas.

Before: A Curved Wall and Faded Block Paving

Old curved brick retaining wall, worn block paving and dry lawn in a Hempstead garden before the makeover

The garden was split into two levels by a low, curved wall in old brick, with a short flight of steps in the corner by the back door. The lower patio was red-brown block paving that had faded and settled unevenly, and the lawn above had dried out to bare patches.

Straight 9-Inch Walls in Place of the Curve

New 9-inch brick retaining wall and steps with Aura Beige porcelain below and artificial grass above in Hempstead

The new retaining walls are built a full brick length (9 inches) thick rather than as a single half-brick skin, because they hold back the whole raised level of the garden. Running the wall in a straight line instead of the old curve also squares off the lower patio, giving a wider, more usable seating area and a clean edge for the artificial grass above.

Brick steps with Aura Beige porcelain treads between the patio and raised lawn in Hempstead, Gillingham

The steps up to the lawn were rebuilt in the same brick as the walls, with Aura Beige porcelain treads so every surface you walk on matches the patio.

66m² of Aura Beige Porcelain

Aura Beige porcelain paving running the length of a Hempstead garden beside 60m² of artificial grass

Looking back from the bottom of the garden, the porcelain runs the full length beside the new lawn, from the far fence up to the conservatory and garage. The 600x600 slabs are laid in a straight grid, with a shingle margin along the fence line. Aura Beige is a light, warm-toned porcelain with a soft stone texture, and next to the green of the lawn it keeps the whole garden feeling bright.

ACO Drainage Along the Conservatory

Porcelain patio with an ACO drainage channel along the base of a conservatory in Hempstead

Both patio areas drain into ACO channels. Beside the conservatory the channel runs tight against the base of the frame, so rainwater falling across the paving is caught before it can sit against the doors.

Aura Beige porcelain side return with ACO channel beside French doors in Hempstead, Gillingham

The same detail carries round the side return past the French doors, where the paving meets the house wall.

Works Completed

  • Old garden removed — curved retaining wall, steps and block paving broken out
  • 9-inch brick retaining walls — straight walls holding the raised level, with matching brick steps
  • 66m² Aura Beige porcelain — 600x600 slabs on the lower patio, side return and full-length path, with porcelain step treads
  • 60m² artificial grass — laid across the raised level behind the new wall
  • ACO drainage — channels to both patio areas, including along the conservatory

Gardens Across Hempstead and Gillingham

Hempstead sits on the southern side of Gillingham, between Wigmore and Lordswood, and is part of the Medway area we cover alongside Chatham, Rochester, Strood, Rainham and Hoo. If your garden has a level change to deal with, we can build the walls, steps, paving and lawn as one job. See our artificial grass and patio installers across Medway page or our porcelain patio service, and get in touch to book a free site survey.