Landscape Architects and Garden Designers in Shenandoah Retreat, VA

“My husband and I wanted a fresh look in our backyard garden. We were immediately drawn to Native Plant Scapes with their focus on supporting endangered plants and wildlife native to Maryland. It was clear, even from the first visit, that Robby and Shyon have a vision and passion for what they do. I received detailed information about the types of plants that would be used, along with how these plants would benefit the ecosystem surrounding them. The job was completed on time and with minimal interruption to our backyard. It’s been a few months now and the plants/flowers are still thriving with little to no maintenance required. Our patio is now a source of beauty and conversation. How wonderful to be a part of keeping Maryland truly green!”

“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!”

“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”

“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.”

“They by far have exceeded our expectations in our landscape design and installation. We get numerous compliments on every aspect of our yards. Mike Yeomans vision has become our oasis.”

“We use Iris Design Associates as our exclusive landscape architecture firm. Mr. Josh Schaaf is as talented, experienced, professional, and courteous as any landscape architect in the entire Metro DC region. There is a reason that highly-respected pool companies in the area use him for all of their projects. From comprehensive surveys, to hand-colored designs, to 3D renderings, Josh has all of the skills and ability. Josh and his team are sincere, genuine, and ethical. If you are looking for experience, character, and exceptional results, Iris Design Associates is your best option.”

“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 hired Chad at Surrounds, because I was looking for someone who could transform our backyard into another area for entertaining. We trusted him. He worked closely with us to present and modify the designs. He let us know when things would not work. We wanted a football field for the kids, as well as covered porch for the back and stone patio /fireplace or the fall. The landscaping was to tastefully hide our close neighbors and provide a southern style charm with year round color and lots of green texture. It is gorgeous on all counts. They flattened the yard and stonework is perfect. We love it.”