Gerard Barry, Longford
When was the work done?
Between October 2005 and February 2006.
What was involved?
Everything! Nothing would grow in the back garden because a lot of very poor top soil had been used. That had to be dug out first and replaced with good top soil. And then there was a new design, paving, decking, landscaping, reseeding, planting.
How did you choose Creative Garden Design?
A friend recommended Sean to us.
Had you definite ideas in mind before you talked to Sean?
No - initially we just wanted to get advice about the garden because we couldn't grow anything in it on account of the bad top soil.
Did Sean introduce new ideas?
Yes, as I said, first we just wanted advice. But Sean came up with lots of ideas so we then decided to get him to do a full design. He had practical ideas about fencing the garden so it's safe for children. And he had lots of ideas for the layout - he introduced little nooks and crannies which make it interesting.
How did the project run day to day? Was there any disruption?
Not really. There was a lot of cango hammering the first week when they were removing concrete, but they had warned me about it and told me I should stay away from the house!
What was the biggest benefit to you of using a professional?
There were lots of different things to be done like paving and lighting. If we had tried to organise it ourselves, the project would have stretched over a very long time. Getting it all done by Sean was a lot easier.
And of course there was his lovely design.
What's your favourite part now?
The paving and decking at the back.
Any tips for other people?
Decide on your budget first and stick to it.
Barry Wyse, Rathgar, County Dublin
What was involved?
We were building a new house and out-buildings on a long narrow 1/5 acre site and wanted to relandscape the site.
First, large diseased trees had to be removed and the site leveled. The landscaping project then involved walkways, a grassed area, planting, ponds, a patio near the house as well as decking around the house. The front of the house was landscaped too and a paved parking area for 6 cars was built.
Creative Garden Design provided a complete service including design, supervising landscaping, constructing landscape and final snagging. Sean also provided me with a horticulturalist who is still available to me. It was a very professional service.
How did you choose Creative Garden Design?
My architect recommended Creative Garden Design to me.
Had you definite ideas in mind beforehand?
We knew we wanted a contemporary garden which was in keeping with the inside of our house but also in keeping with the Georgian houses in the area.
I also wanted it to be attractive, have good colour and be easy to maintain because I don't have green fingers.
Did Sean introduce new ideas?
Yes. He listened to what we said and came back with sketches. We made amendments along the way too. He also suggested materials which would not have been known to me. For example, he suggested a coloured Donegal granite which looks very nice.
How did the project run day to day? Was there any disruption?
Sean organised first class contractors for the project. They worked to schedule and stayed on budget. Sean was always there and didn't put up with any rubbish.
What was the biggest benefit to you of using Creative Garden Design?
It's important to me that the whole canvas is right i.e that the garden is in sympathy with the house and it's neigbours. Now, the garden looks like it's always been there. There's very little that we would want to change. It was worth employing an expert to get it right.
What's your favourite part now?
We use the garden all the time now. It's beautiful to look at as well as being nice to use. I like the patio too for entertaining.
Would you recommend Creative Garden Design to others?
No question about it - they were first class. It's not a project we could have taken on ourselves. It was money well spent. We're extremely happy with the end result. And everybody who sees it admires it in glowing terms.
Any tips for other people?
Establish a budget and stick with it. Keep an eye on the work so you can make adjustments before it goes too far.
Kieran Kelly, Naas, County Kildare
What was involved?
Creative Garden Design built decking at the back of the house and a natural stone patio area. They built further patio areas to the rear of house and cobbled paths. Creative Garden Design also created garden features such as a circular stone area and bird bath, a pond and fountain and a large gazebo at the rear of house.
How did you choose Creative Garden Design?
My wife heard of Sean through word of mouth. We had used a garden designer once before about 8 years ago and didn't have a good experience. This time, we wanted a garden designer with flair and imagination, who would challenge our views about what we wanted.
Had you definite ideas in mind before you talked to Sean?
Yes, we had a lot of ideas.
Did Sean introduce new ideas?
Yes. One of Sean's great talents is that he has no preconceived ideas about what will work. He took a lot of time to walk around, think about the garden and come back to us with new ideas. His ideas were very different to what we would have thought of. He introduced features which made the garden as a whole more attractive and interesting.
He also sourced some very good materials for us from the UK. For example, he sourced "wirework" garden furniture which is very attractive - it's a very old Victorian craft which has largely died out now. And he took us around Dublin to see fountains and statues which he thought would interest us.
How did the project run day to day? Was there any disruption?
The crew that Sean contracted to do the work were very good and we got on well with them. They came when they said they would and finished pretty well on schedule.
There were of course heaps of sands etc on site but they did their best to keep the place operational.
What was the biggest benefit to you of using Creative Garden Design?
His original ideas and his ability to find materials and solutions that fitted but still exercised our imagination.
Lots of people use a fixed formula and produce the same result every time. Sean was very creative - the process was actually good fun.
What's your favourite part now?
During Summer, it's the deck at the back of the house which really brings the garden into the house. In the Winter, it's the patio to the side which is very useable. And even after dark, I can still enjoy the lovely circular fountain which is lit up at nighttime.
Any tips for other people?
Don't try to rush the job. Don't go for instant solutions. Take time to work out the details. Just do it as well as you can rather than cutting corners because you'll be living with the results for many years. So if needs be, break it into stages.
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