Austin Gardens Landscape Services
About
Jay Shirley, owner of Austin Gardens, knows North Texas and its climate and soils very well.
He is a native Texan who earned his Bachelors of Science in Landscape Architecture from Texas Tech University in 1979. He retired from the full-time drafting table to take on the challenges of owning his own business, founding Austin Gardens. He and his team of landscape professionals at Austin Gardens have over 38 years of combined experience. In Jay's approach to landscape design, the home owner becomes a member of the "design team," thus creating an individual and completely customized landscape. Home owners become part of the design team as Austin Gardens creates your dream landscape.
Working with home owners to create their little bit of paradise. Landscapes are dynamic and continually changing and can create a unique challenge.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
We visit the site and sit down with the clients. Our approach is we become a design team, so we have to have input from the owners. From that input we will create a design drawing that we will bring back and make any changes. With the approved drawing we can prepare quote.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
B.S. in Landscape Architecture from Texas Tech. Formerly Registered Landscape Architect. 10 year experience working for other companies such as Lamberts, Las Colinas Landscape, Hawkins, and Hadden Landscape. Started my own company, Austin Gardens in 1987.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
Each design is custom with each one being different. Pricing is based on a percentage mark up of the costs. We use several different sources for our suppliers in order to hand pick our plants, instead like a garden center which uses its over stocked items and hold overs.
How did you get started in this business?
The company that I was working for in 1987 was going out of business. Owners creative management ran it into bankruptcy. I was head of the Landscape division and decided it was time to start my own business. Named the business after my newly born son Austin. I was enamored with a story about a gentleman who was having problems finding toys for his autistic son, Chad. He started a business named Chad's Rainbow. Kind of followed in his foot steps. My son, not autistic, now has 2 newly born sons of his own.
What types of customers have you worked with?
My mix is probably 85% residential and some commercial / academic. I prefer the creative dynamics of residential work. Each property is different.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I enjoy working with people. Some in my client base have been with me for 25+ years. I have one client who has lived in 5 houses. Recently worked with a great couple in Flower Mound who I've landscaped their 2 previous houses. Now they are in an awesome house that overlooks a creek bed. Gorgeous vista. Next project will be landscape lights for that view.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
Experience counts.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
Insurance helps protect the homeowner, does the contractor carry ? Ask about warranty too.