September Recap: A Month of Major Projects Across Norfolk

September was another busy month for the team at Simon’s Landscaping, with a wide variety of projects completed across Norfolk. From large-scale tarmac installations and major groundworks to bespoke patios, garden transformations and driveway installations, the team continued to deliver high-quality results across a range of settings.

With the final warmer months of the year approaching, we also continued preparing for upcoming tar and stone projects while progressing several exciting jobs into October.

Here’s a look back at what we got up to throughout September.

Transforming a Derelict Space into a New Garden in Cromer

One of our standout landscaping projects this month took us to Cromer, where we transformed a previously derelict area into a completely new garden.

The space had originally been occupied by a garage beneath a higher residential area, leaving a deep, unusable area that needed extensive groundworks before it could become a functional outdoor space.

To create the new garden, we constructed a retaining wall standing six feet high, allowing us to raise and reshape the area to the required level. We then brought in 20 tonnes of topsoil to establish the foundations for the new garden.

With the ground prepared and levelled, we finished the transformation by laying fresh turf across the entire area and installing close-board fencing around the perimeter.

The result was a complete transformation, turning a neglected space into a fresh, usable garden built from the ground up.

Major Tarmac Installation at Ormesby St Michael Plant Nursery

At Ormesby St Michael, we undertook a substantial surfacing project at a plant nursery, installing a new tarmac access road and car park.

The project involved resurfacing a 150-metre stretch of road leading to the property, alongside a 1,000-square-metre car park. With a significant area to cover, careful preparation and a strong foundation were essential to achieving a durable, long-lasting finish.

Day One: Groundworks and Preparation

We began by installing concrete edging around the full boundary of the site, before excavating and levelling the entire area to prepare it for the new surface.

Day Two: Drainage and Sub-Base

With the ground prepared, we installed ACO drainage channels and established a strong crushed-hardcore base to provide the necessary support for the new tarmac.

Final Day: Tarmac Installation

The final stage involved laying 180 tonnes of AC20 base material, followed by a further 120 tonnes of 10mm SMA (Stone Mastic Asphalt) for the top course.

With extensive preparation, drainage and surfacing all completed, the project delivered a substantial new access road and car park designed to stand up to regular use.

Tar and Stone Preparations and Progress at Hethersett Priory

September also saw us continuing our preparations for a number of upcoming tar and stone projects as we made the most of the final warmer months of the year.

Alongside this preparation work, we completed a large-scale tar and chip surfacing project at the Priory in Hethersett, which we had originally started in August.

A project of this scale requires careful attention to the foundations before any surface material is applied. We spent several days working on the sub-base to ensure it provided the strength and stability needed for the finished surface, alongside installing concrete edging to complete the groundwork.

The completed project represents another example of the importance we place on preparation, ensuring the finished surface has a solid foundation beneath it.

We also made a start on several projects including Hempnall where we began a brickweave driveway, turfing job andIndian sandstone patio job. With work progressing well, these projects are scheduled for completion in October.

Highway-Specification Splay Installation in Weston Green

In Weston Green, we installed a new highway-specification splay, carrying out the excavation and groundwork required before moving on to the surfacing.

The area was dug out and prepared before the installation of concrete highway-specification kerbing. We then laid an AC20 base course, followed by a 10mm SMA top course to provide the finished surface.

Projects like this require precise groundwork and attention to specification, ensuring the finished installation is both functional and built to the required standard.

Completing Our Poolside Patio Project in Starston

We rounded off a busy month by completing one of our most anticipated projects: a bespoke poolside patio in Starston.

Taking approximately three weeks to complete, this project involved constructing a wraparound patio designed to complement the swimming pool and surrounding pergola area.

For the patio itself, we installed large-format 600 × 900mm porcelain slabs in Kandla Grey, creating a clean, contemporary finish. The slabs were pointed using an ash-coloured grout, complementing the grey tones of the porcelain.

Particular attention was paid to the finer details throughout the installation. Where necessary, we incorporated precise mitre cuts to achieve neat corners and a consistent finish. Subtle channel drains were also installed to help manage water runoff around the patio.

Beneath the finished surface, we constructed a strong sub-base using Type 1 granite across both the patio and pergola areas, providing a stable foundation for the installation.

We also installed eight concrete pads to support the individual pergola plinths, ensuring each base had a solid and reliable footing.

With the groundwork, drainage and finishing details all carefully considered, the completed project brings together practical construction and contemporary outdoor design.

Finishing the Month in Poringland

To round off September, we completed a smaller Indian sandstone patio in Poringland.

Indian sandstone remains a popular choice for homeowners looking to create an attractive, natural-looking outdoor space, offering a distinctive finish that works well across a variety of garden styles.

It was a fitting way to finish a month that had seen us working across everything from large commercial surfacing projects to detailed residential landscaping.

Looking Ahead to October

September was a month of variety, with major groundworks, extensive tarmac installations, tar and chip surfacing, garden transformations and bespoke patio projects all keeping the team busy across Norfolk.

From laying hundreds of tonnes of tarmac at Ormesby St Michael to creating a completely new garden in Cromer and completing the poolside patio in Starston, every project brought its own challenges and requirements.

As we move into October, we look forward to completing the projects already underway in Hempnall and continuing to deliver high-quality landscaping, driveways and surfacing for our customers.

Planning a new driveway, patio, garden transformation or surfacing project?

Get in touch with Simon’s Landscaping to discuss your requirements and find out how our team can help bring your plans to life.