Modern Garden Landscape

Customer reference for Essential Gardens as told to pickapro by Amelia and Tony Carey from Rathgar, Dublin 6 on 04-Mar-2008

When was the work done?
We had our back garden landscaped in September and October of 2007 and the front garden will be completed in March, 2008.

What was involved?
The work Brian did for us covered much more than just garden work. At the start of the project, the back garden needed to be completely excavated and everything removed; bricks, plants, everything. Brian designed a new layout for the garden which included a patio, paving, wall, grass, planting and play area.

How did you choose Brian O' Hara?
When it came to getting our garden landscaped, my husband and I wanted something non-traditional. We found Brian and Stafford in the Golden Pages and even their advert conveyed that the gardens they specialised in were different. After meeting with designer Brian O'Hara we decided to choose them over the others as their designs were more along the lines of what we wanted. We really felt that Brian would deliver.

Had you definite ideas in mind before you talked to Brian O' Hara?
Nothing definite outside of the fact that we wanted to maximise available sunshine in a non-traditional garden. We gave Brian the broad base of what we were looking for.

Did Brian introduce new ideas?
He did, yes. Brian took our brief, incorporated our ideas and came up with a design we were delighted with. Brian also had good input as to what colours to paint the back windows in order to match the garden.

How did the project run?
Excellent. The garden project has worked really well and is right on schedule. Brian has been a great support throughout and I give him top marks.

What was the biggest benefit to you?
Brian was always willing to go the extra mile for us. Brian really gets involved and takes a very personal interest in seeing that the project turns out the way it should. The builder working on our extension was so impressed with the work Brian was doing that he has since passed Brian additional work and contacts.

What's your favourite part now?
My favourites are the lovely wall and patio.

Would you recommend the company to others?
I already have done.

Any tips for other people?
The main thing I would like to emphasise is that you get what you pay for and will not get quality work carried out on the cheap. Another point I would like to add is that if you're getting work carried out on your house, like an extension, I think it's a good idea to leave some money in the budget for garden improvements.