About Xolimo

This Islington property required careful restoration to honour its Victorian heritage while meeting modern usability standards. The project involved removing decades of overgrowth, restoring original brick pathways with reclaimed materials, and establishing a planting scheme based on period-appropriate species. We incorporated box hedging, climbing roses, and herbaceous borders that would have been typical of the era. The lawn was re-established using traditional turf-laying methods, and a small water feature was added using salvaged Victorian stonework. The result is a garden that respects its history while providing a functional outdoor space for contemporary family life.

• Location: Islington, London
• Area: 150 square metres
• Duration: 6 weeks
• Completion: April 2023

A Hampstead client requested an outdoor entertaining space that could function throughout the year. We designed and installed a 45-square-metre porcelain patio using 600x600mm tiles in a charcoal finish. The foundation includes a 150mm sub-base and proper drainage channels to prevent water pooling. Integrated LED strip lighting was installed along the perimeter and within built-in seating areas, controlled by a weatherproof dimmer system. The seating incorporates storage compartments and is constructed from pressure-treated timber with composite cladding. A retaining wall separates the patio from the planted area, featuring coping stones that double as additional seating. The project included electrical work, drainage connections, and landscaping of surrounding borders.

• Location: Hampstead, London
• Area: 45 square metres
• Duration: 4 weeks
• Completion: June 2023

This Chelsea property receives fortnightly visits throughout the growing season and monthly visits during winter. Services include lawn mowing with a cylinder mower for a fine finish, edge trimming, and seasonal fertilisation using organic products. Borders are weeded, deadheaded, and mulched twice yearly. The hedge line receives three cuts annually to maintain shape and density. An automated irrigation system is monitored and adjusted seasonally, with winterisation performed in November. Spring and autumn planting refreshes seasonal displays in containers and borders. Pruning of roses, shrubs, and climbers follows RHS guidelines for timing and technique. The client receives a monthly report documenting work completed and recommendations for the following period.

• Location: Chelsea, London
• Area: 200 square metres
• Service Type: Ongoing maintenance
• Started: March 2022

Creating a garden on a Shoreditch rooftop required addressing weight restrictions, wind exposure, and drainage challenges. We used lightweight planters constructed from fibreglass and filled with a specialist growing medium that weighs 40% less than traditional compost. Plant selection focused on species that tolerate wind and drought: ornamental grasses, sedums, lavender, and compact shrubs. A trellis system provides wind protection and supports climbing plants without adding excessive weight. The irrigation system uses a drip feed connected to a water butt that collects roof runoff. Decking tiles sit on adjustable pedestals, allowing air circulation beneath and easy access to the waterproof membrane. The design creates distinct zones for dining, lounging, and planting within the 60-square-metre space.

• Location: Shoreditch, London
• Area: 60 square metres
• Duration: 5 weeks
• Completion: May 2023

This Richmond garden needed a pathway that would handle regular foot traffic while complementing the established planting. We selected reclaimed York stone for its durability and natural appearance. The pathway runs 25 metres from the house to a summer house, with a width of 1.2 metres to allow comfortable two-way passage. Foundation work included excavating to 200mm depth, installing a compacted Type 1 sub-base, and laying a mortar bed. Stones were laid with 10mm joints filled with a resin-based pointing compound that prevents weed growth while allowing some water permeability. Borders along both sides were planted with low-growing perennials that soften the edges: geraniums, alchemilla, and nepeta. The pathway includes a gentle curve that creates visual interest and follows the natural contours of the garden.

• Location: Richmond, London
• Length: 25 metres
• Duration: 3 weeks
• Completion: September 2023

The client wanted to support local wildlife while maintaining an attractive garden. We designed a 120-square-metre space using predominantly native British plants: hawthorn, field maple, dog rose, and wildflower meadow areas. A small pond (3 metres diameter, 60cm deep) was constructed with shallow edges to allow safe access for birds and hedgehogs. Planting around the pond includes marsh marigold, water mint, and purple loosestrife. Three insect hotels were installed in sunny positions, and log piles provide habitat for beetles and other invertebrates. Bird boxes suitable for different species were mounted at appropriate heights and orientations. A section of lawn was converted to wildflower meadow, mown twice yearly to encourage diversity. The garden includes berry-producing shrubs for autumn and winter food sources. Pesticides are not used, and organic mulches support soil health.

• Location: Dulwich, London
• Area: 120 square metres
• Duration: 7 weeks
• Completion: July 2023