Landscaper or Builder?

There's a drainage ditch running along the boundary of my front garden with my driveway crossing over it into the garden. I'm now thinking of getting the driveway across the drainage ditch widened, a retaining wall built along the length of the drainage ditch and the embankment levelled. Left unchecked there's a possibility that erosion of the embankment may eventually affect the foundations of my garage (which just to the right of the photo). This is too big a job for DIY, however I'm not sure whether I should be looking for a landscaper, builder or some other sort of contractor. Just wondering if anyone here has experience of something similar and can offer their advise - many thanks.



PS. Sorry about the state of the grass - it's not normally like that, I just stopped cutting it during the drought.

 

Shaun, do you think you could take a few more photos from different points with wider angle please... it`s a bit hard to work out the whole picture ..... mind you Maybe I`m just being dense.
The slope to the left looks quite precarious Could you get a snap from down there by that post?

 

Maybe one of each Marley ...a gardener to keep the builder in check

 

I would consult several of both and ask for quotes. Builders and probably landscapers too can often see the bigger picture and can see the potential problems and solutions. They have opinions on what will work and what won't. It is often through chatting with different 'experts' that you can get new ideas and glean knowledge.

 

Thank you all for your thoughts, and yes I will post another picture from the other side of the ditch once I’ve tidied up the embankment a bit.

 

I reckon we`ve all got ''untidy bits'' in our gardens (with the exception of people born under one particular star sign) so don`t be shy about that Shaun .... actually I keep meaning to start an 'untidy bit' thread.

 

Good advice above but my experience of builders and gardens is mainly that of exasperation!!!

They trample plants, have no knowledge of them and have little regard for them....."they'll grow back" is a common remark .

A good landscaper will obviously value both plants and environment as well as carry out the construction work

 

I am just wondering if your council needs to be informed if dealing with a drainage ditch? Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you.

 

Ok then John - your turn. It can be dangerous daring me to do something

 

Thanks, yes I belive consent is required for any works involving a watercourse.

 

Here's some more photos looking the other way (towards where the photo in the original post was taken).

 

I think it is good as it is. Why are you concerned about erosion? It doesn't really give the impression that torrents of water wash down this ditch. It's probably a good wildlife habitat. And it looks nice as it is.