Curved Patio,Garden Makeover

Customer reference for Redlough Landscapes as told to pickapro by Rosaline Dunne from Celbridge on 19-Nov-2010

When was the work done?
The work was carried out in November, 2009 and the weather was the worst possible. They really had their work cut out for them.

What was involved?
We had a small patio in the back garden and we wanted to extend it. By extending the length of the patio it changed the shape of the garden and at that point we decided to do a complete revamp. Darren came out and we discussed the project and what we wanted done. Darren gave us design recommendations, made some rough sketches and then sent us the computer 3D disc with his ideas. The project in the end included a large patio, landscaping, the reshaping of beds and the addition of new plants. A lovely herbaceous border was added around the boundary wall and a water feature and lighting was added as well.

How did you choose Redlough Landscapes?
The company Kilsaran Lifestyle had an exhibition on and they had invited some landscape gardeners out to do small display areas. We spoke to a representative of Redlough Landscapes and several other landscapers who took down our details and said they would be in touch. This was on a Saturday morning. Darren was very prompt and on Monday morning gave us a ring and said that he was interested in meeting up with us. We ended up meeting with a total of three landscapers to discuss the project. We gave indications of what we wanted but also what we didn’t like. In the end it was easy to choose Darren because the other landscapers came back with designs incorporating the very things we said we didn’t want, it was as if they hadn’t even listened. Darren on the other hand was quite willing to take the time needed to talk to you, make suggestions but more importantly, listen. We not only were happy with the designs Darren put together but we liked him personally.

Had you definite ideas in mind before you talked to Darren Joyce?
We knew that we wanted to extend the patio to the full width at the back of the house and to regig the garden.

Did Darren introduce new ideas?
He did. At the back of our house is a bay window looking out on the garden. Darren took the shape of our house and the window into consideration and designed a lovely curve into the patio. We had thought to just take the edges off. Little things like the addition of the curve made all the difference. Strangely enough even though the patio is now longer, the garden looks bigger than before. I don’t know how Darren did it. In addition to the lovely patio, Darren introduced several unusual plants into the garden that we’re very happy with.

How did the project run?
It went very well. Despite the horrible weather they still missed only one day. It was a day of torrential rain and you couldn’t expect anyone to work in it. Darren phoned to let us know that they would be back at work the next day and they were. The schedule for the completion of the project was ten to twelve days and they were able to finish on time. The workmanship was great and and that’s saying something because of the level of detail due to the curves in the patio. We were always consulted and there was the understanding that if something wasn’t up to what we wanted, they would change it. They cleaned up as they went along and at the end of the day left the place looking well considering it was the middle of winter. I found the whole process to be very professional.

What was the biggest benefit to you of using Redlough Landscapes?
We got what we wanted and the project was carried out professionally. If we wanted changes, things were changed and there were no problems about it. Darren was very flexible from that point of view. Darren is also very knowledgeable with regards to plants. He brought me off to a nursery, showed me the plants and made suggestions about where they could be placed in the garden. He asked me what particular plants I liked or didn’t like. Darren knows that you’re the customer and that the object of the exercise is to make you happy. That was always the impression we got from Darren. We’re just so very pleased with the garden and got great use of the it this year because the weather was better. Everyone who has been in our garden has admired it and said it was a lovely job.

What's your favourite part now?
The patio has to be. What was nice is that it turned out even nicer than we anticipated. It has made a huge difference to the garden and our use of it. Other areas that stand out would be a small area to the side of the garden that Darren put in a water feature that looks very nice especially in the evening with lighting. We also had an area in the garden that was kind of empty and dead. Darren did a planting that gave the space a new life.

Would you recommend Redlough Landscapes to others?
Oh yes, no doubt about it. They’re very professional but easy to deal with.

Any tips for other people?
Do some research beforehand. Library books and pictures on the internet are helpful. Our research was looking into patios. We looked at places that did the different types of stone and slabs.