The Garden Retreat, LLC
About
We Are A Landscape Design/Build Company
That means the garden plan goes from concept to completion with one entity only. No third party confusion. We also take care of everything; materials, permits, fees, & utilities to name a few. We are a full phase company that can provide a broad array of services to choose from like hardscapes, lighting, design, irrigation, water features... and more. Look us up on http://www.thegardenretreatllc.com or you can read our reviews on Houzz and decide for youself: https://www.houzz.com/pro/thegardenretreatllc/__public
My background is in the creative. I started out in televison producing promos, directing & editing. Then moved into marketing & PR and did desktop design & writing. I took much of the creative 1-2 dimensional world I worked in into the 3 dimensional world of landscaping. I like looking at a landscape and seeing the opportunities to make something look good and enjoyable for others.
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Will meet to talk about project on site typically. Come up with a general estimate to start. If there is a design involved, we will start that process first then create a more specifice estimate from the design when it's finished. I itemize everything in my estimates so people can pick and choose how much they want to do.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have over 8 years of experience in landscaping. I have a full phase landscape contractors license that allow me to do landscape construction, irrigation & backflow, Lighting & design. A landscape construction degree and a four year university marketing & PR degree that has been beneficial with designing in the field
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
Some pricing is generalized with a price range put into an estimate to give customers choices in material types
How did you get started in this business?
I started out in the creative arena of the media but wanted to be outside. I gardened a lot at my home and people liked what I did and said I should do that.... so after working in the corporate world I went back to school and got another degree in landscaping and started The Gardent Retreat, LLC so I could exercise my creativity & be outside as well
What types of customers have you worked with?
Most people I have worked with have been good customers. I try to be straight with people so they know what they are getting into. I itemize everything in my estimates so people can pick and choose how much they want to do.
Describe a recent project you are fond of.
I created a higher end patio with a glass rail bordering the edge of the patio. We put in a new stained deck to go with the patio. We had to do a little extra work to level the patio but the end result looked great when finished
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
Get three bids to get perspective. Understand that things are not always cut and dried. Give yourself some wiggle room in price in case things need to be changed
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
How much area do I want to cover? Ex. What are my lifestyle requirements, say for a patio, 10 x 10, 10 x 20.... or a Lawn, flower beds?
What's important to me? A larger entertaining area, low maintenance gardening, lighting for safety, how much time am I going to be enjoying this garden will determine what you put into it.
If you are not sure about what to do considere a design. Too many people degrade how important a design can be in helping create a landscape that will fit their needs. Do a design first. You will better be able to see what you are getting with a plan and this will allow a contractor to cost out a job better.