Landscape Architects and Garden Designers in Markham, VA

“I have used Yard Sharks for mulching, tree cutting and 13 large stump removals. They were punctual and accomplished the job quicker than I anticipated. I will definitely use them again.”

“The crew came out and did a great job pulling out and replanting the foundation planting at my home. The pulled out 7 old azaleas and 3 newer ones, The 3 they replanted in another area for me. The new planting was done quickly and all the material appears to be doing great. The Paperbark Maple is of excellent quality and well shaped. The crew was courteous and polite. The nandinas and hydrangeas used in the new planting were of excellent quality and size. This was not contractor grade material, true nursery stock quality.”

“I have worked with Ed Ball and Exquisite Exteriors for over five years on several projects and their knowledge, experience, attitude, and ability to work well with sub contractors and homeowners is outstanding. Ed Ball and his staff are always professional and courteous of others and his integrity is first class. Ian Williams President/CEO Encore Custom Audio Video, LLC”

“We can't say enough great things about Outdoor Spaces! The designs are considered, professional, and unique, and most importantly the owners are patient, considerate, and great listeners. Their passion, depth of knowledge, and commitment to excellence are obvious in every project they complete, big or small! They complete their projects on time and with care, and their staff/subcontractors have always met high standards for keeping the work area clean and organized even DURING the work. We've worked with Outdoor Spaces year after year and typically are planning our next project even before they finish the current work. We refer them to everyone we know but their work really speaks for itself!”

“Don is a creative landscape architect that my wife and I have found to be resourceful and diligent in planning our backyard pool, patio, hot tub, deck and golf green. He spent time with us upfront to understand our needs and although the plan grew in scope as we became more aware of what our backyard could become, we are very happy with the result! ”

“It is a pleasure to recommend Magee Design. I sought 5 quotes for hard and landscape work for the front yard. Although two were less expensive, John's design took the project to the next level for just a little more. For example, he introduced curves to the walk way using materials that better matched the house exterior. He introduced a handmade dry stack retaining wall and natural Virginia plants. The result - our new front yard was featured by the National Wildlife Federation garden tour in May. We could not be more pleased with how this project went and what a pleasure it was to work with Mr. Magee.”

“In 2010, my wife and I purchased a beautiful 68 acre farm in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. The farmhouse, originally built in 1817, and then expanded in 1867, was in fairly original condition, and optimally located in the center of the property. It's most significant problem, however, was water. Rain water would shed off the nearby ridge, and pool in front of the house, and then ultimately leak through the hand dug cellar walls and cracks in the cement floor. The sump pump in the basement would run for weeks after a single heavy rain. Our little Garden of Eden was becoming a swamp. Consequently, we looked to Joe Duggan of J. Duggan & Associates to help structurally, and permanently, solve our water problem. This was our first time working with a landscape architect. Joe recommended and coordinated the hiring of several key professionals to assist with the design of the project, namely a topographer/surveyor and an arborist. The topographer mapped the elevations around the farm house and associated ridge, and determined the various sources of the water pooling in front of the house. The arborist identified which of the seven 150 year old trees that closely ringed the house were still healthy, and which were in failing condition. With this data, Joe created several drafts of various front patio and stone retaining wall configurations that primarily solved our water problem, but also took advantage of the fabulous views from our front porch. The project plan we ultimately settled on was both simple and elegant, and in perfect keeping with the age of the house and surrounding farm land. The stone patio and stone retaining wall were built on reinforced concrete that had a series of drains embedded within the structure that successfully discharged water away from the house. Having stated that though, the drains are cleverly concealed within the patio and surrounding grounds. The patio is perfect for entertaining while it performs its utilitarian task of keeping water out of the house. As we were new to the area, Joe also identified a stone mason/general contractor who actually built the patio and retaining walls according to his specifications. During construction, it seemed to us that one set of stone piers looked like they were going to be too high. Joe immediately came out, sat in the front porch chairs that we were sitting in, and agreed that the offending piers could be shortened. In the end, we have been exceptionally pleased with the work and care that Joe put into this project. The front porch/stone patio/stone retaining walls are beautiful, and in keeping with the spirit of our house and farm.”

“I have now worked with Jeff on multiple projects. Jeff is one of the rare designers that takes the time to put together comprehensive and well thought out plans. Jeff truly helps customers visions become reality.”

“I am an ISA Certified arborist, and I manage a large tree care company. I have had the opportunity to work with Alan Skipper on many projects over the course of the past 15 years. His designs are always great, and the quality of his work is always excellent. I recommend Alan every chance I get to help my customers with landscape design and hardscape design projects.”

“Danny and his team of professional landscapers designed and transformed approximately 1/3 of an acre in my backyard. They took a wooded area overcome by various dead trees, many vines, pricker bushes, and poison ivy, and turned it into a beautiful, usable space. The team first pruned all the healthy trees, removed the dead trees and roots, removed the huge vines with a frontloader, removed the top 2 inches of soil after removing significant undergrowth (pricker bushes and poison ivy), and then regraded the area. They sprayed lines and trenched out mulch beds around tree clusters to maximize the beauty of the landscape, and then planted new grass using a high quality shade seed blend before dropping straw on top. Danny and his team took pride in their work resulting in a product that far exceeded my expectations having been a former landscaper and being very detailed when it comes to my yard. The Advantage 'advantage' showed through in Danny's innovative solution to a huge tree stump that would not come out of the ground without pursuing an expensive removal method. His team built a beautiful, rustic fire pit around the stump after cutting it close to the ground. They excavated the area around the stump and built the fire pit with huge rustic boulders that ended up being perfectly suited to the landscape. In addition, the team reshaped, trenched, remulched, and staked 16 tree mounds on newly planted trees on the surrounding property. All of this work was performed at a very reasonable price and in a high quality manner. Advantage has earned my business for more projects down the road. Rare to find a good landscaping company and true professionals like Danny. Thanks, Advantage!”