Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about garden design, maintenance services, and what to expect when working with us.

We offer comprehensive garden planning and ongoing property care throughout Greater London. Our work includes designing new layouts, installing plants and hardscaping elements, creating patios and pathways, and establishing lawn areas. We also handle seasonal tasks such as pruning, mulching, fertilising, and pest management.

For established gardens, we provide regular maintenance visits that cover mowing, hedge trimming, border weeding, and seasonal planting. Each service is tailored to your property size and specific requirements, whether you have a small courtyard in Islington or a larger plot in Richmond.

The timeline varies based on project scope and complexity. A straightforward redesign with planting and minor hardscaping typically takes 4-6 weeks from initial consultation to completion. This includes site assessment, design development, material sourcing, and installation work.

Larger projects involving structural changes, water features, or extensive paving may require 8-12 weeks. Weather conditions and material availability can affect scheduling. During our first meeting, we provide a realistic timeline specific to your project and keep you informed throughout each phase.

British gardens face variable rainfall, moderate temperatures, and distinct seasonal changes. We recommend selecting plants suited to your specific microclimate and soil type. Native species often perform well and support local wildlife. Consider drainage solutions for areas prone to waterlogging during wet months.

Hardscaping materials should withstand freeze-thaw cycles and heavy rain. We also suggest incorporating year-round interest through evergreen structure, winter-flowering plants, and attractive bark or seed heads. Proper soil preparation and mulching help plants establish successfully in our climate.

Yes, we provide flexible maintenance plans suited to different needs and budgets. Our standard package includes fortnightly visits during the growing season (April-October) and monthly visits in winter. Services cover lawn care, border maintenance, hedge trimming, and seasonal tasks like leaf clearance and mulch application.

We also offer one-off seasonal tidy-ups or customised schedules for clients who prefer less frequent visits. Each package can be adjusted to focus on specific areas of your garden. All maintenance work includes removal of green waste, and we bring our own equipment.

Absolutely. Many clients have mature trees, established borders, or hardscaping they wish to retain. We design around these elements, integrating them into the new layout while refreshing surrounding areas. Existing plants can often be relocated or pruned to fit the updated scheme.

During the site assessment, we evaluate which features are worth keeping and how they can enhance the overall design. This approach often reduces costs and preserves the garden's established character while introducing fresh planting and improved functionality.

Contact us by phone or email to arrange a site visit. We'll discuss your requirements, assess the property, and take measurements. For design projects, we provide a detailed proposal outlining the scope of work, materials, timeline, and costs. Maintenance quotes are based on garden size, frequency of visits, and specific tasks required.

All quotations are provided in writing within 5-7 working days of the site visit. There's no obligation, and we're happy to answer questions or adjust the proposal based on your feedback. Once approved, we schedule the work at a time convenient for you.

We remove all green waste and debris generated during our work. Organic material such as grass clippings, prunings, and leaves is taken to licensed composting facilities. Hard waste like broken paving or old fencing is sorted and recycled where possible, with any remaining material disposed of responsibly.

For larger projects, we arrange skip hire if needed, ensuring your property remains clean throughout. We aim to minimise waste by reusing suitable materials on site, such as topsoil or salvaged stone. This approach supports environmental responsibility while keeping costs manageable.

Yes, we hold full public liability insurance covering all aspects of our work. Our team includes horticulturally trained staff with recognised qualifications in garden design, arboriculture, and grounds maintenance. We follow industry standards for plant care, safe use of equipment, and site management.

For specialist tasks such as tree surgery or electrical installations for outdoor lighting, we work with certified subcontractors. All work complies with current health and safety regulations, and we provide documentation upon request. Your property and our team are fully protected throughout every project.

Still Have Questions?

Our team is ready to discuss your garden needs and provide personalised advice.

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About Xolimo

Xolimo was established in 2015 by a group of horticulturists and landscape architects who shared a vision of bringing sustainable garden design to London properties. What began as a small team of three specialists working from a single office in Islington has grown into a comprehensive landscape service provider.

Our company emerged from a simple observation: many property owners in London wanted outdoor spaces that balanced aesthetic appeal with practical maintenance requirements. We started by focusing on residential gardens in North London, gradually expanding our services to include commercial properties, public spaces, and specialized horticultural projects across the capital.

Xolimo landscape design team at work

Our Approach to Landscape Services

We operate on the principle that outdoor spaces should serve their owners' needs while respecting local ecology. This means selecting plants suited to London's climate, designing irrigation systems that conserve water, and creating layouts that require reasonable maintenance effort.

Our team includes seven full-time landscape designers, twelve maintenance specialists, and three horticultural consultants. Each brings specific expertise, from soil science to hardscape construction, allowing us to handle projects of varying complexity.

450+ Completed Projects
9 Years in Business
22 Team Members
Professional garden maintenance by Xolimo

What Guides Our Work

We prioritize practical solutions over trendy designs that may not suit British weather patterns. Our recommendations consider factors like soil composition, drainage requirements, sun exposure, and the time clients can realistically dedicate to garden upkeep.

Transparency matters in our operations. We provide detailed project timelines, itemized cost breakdowns, and regular progress updates. When challenges arise during installation or maintenance, we communicate options clearly rather than making decisions without client input.

Sustainable Practices

We source plants from UK nurseries, use organic fertilizers where appropriate, and design water-efficient irrigation systems that reduce consumption by up to 40% compared to traditional methods.

Technical Expertise

Our team holds certifications from the Royal Horticultural Society and regularly attends workshops on soil management, pest control, and contemporary landscape techniques.

Client Communication

We schedule consultations at times convenient for property owners, respond to inquiries within 24 hours, and provide written documentation of all service agreements and maintenance schedules.

Our Service Capabilities

Since 2015, we have developed expertise across multiple aspects of landscape work:

  • Garden design for properties ranging from compact urban courtyards to estates exceeding two acres
  • Seasonal maintenance programs tailored to specific plant varieties and soil conditions
  • Hardscape installation including patios, pathways, and retaining walls using locally sourced materials
  • Irrigation system design and installation with smart controllers that adjust to weather conditions
  • Tree surgery and pruning performed by certified arborists following British Standards
  • Lawn renovation using drought-resistant grass varieties suitable for London's climate