Gardens of the Carolinas

Founded 1981 • With Angi since June 2006

We are a family owned, residential design/build landscaping firm that has been serving the triangle since 1981.

Awards and Badges

Angi Certified

2022 Super Service Award

Business Highlights

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Verified Reviews

4.9

(124) Verified Reviews

Ratings Distribution

5

105

4

7

3

6

2

2

1

4

Rating Details

Price
4.7
Professionalism
5.0
Punctuality
4.9
Quality
4.9
Responsiveness
4.9

Read reviews by category

lawn & landscaping (110)hardscaping (66)mulch delivering (40)tree service (38)Patios (37)lawn care (36)drain pipe installation (35)masonry (31)
Showing 1-25 of 124 reviews
Joshua M.
5.0
02/16/2023
Hired GotC to essentially redo our entire backyard. They came through a listened to my vision for what I was thinking and was able to accomplish everything while also bringing in some nice ideas that I had never considered. They were extremely thoughtful with every detail and the whole thing was executed very quickly. I would highly recommend them for projects.

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Review for Gardens of the Carolinas - 12008 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC - 40033978Review for Gardens of the Carolinas - 12008 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC - 40033978Review for Gardens of the Carolinas - 12008 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC - 40033978Review for Gardens of the Carolinas - 12008 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC - 40033978Review for Gardens of the Carolinas - 12008 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC - 40033978
Description of Work
The managed everything from design, tree removal, drainage additions, deck work, stone patio addition, stump removal and leveling, and sod installation. They even picked out the new bushes/plant installations with an emphasis on local climate.
Category
landscaping
Hire Again?
Yes
John K.
5.0
10/27/2022
It went great. The team completely transformed our mud pit into an oasis. Very responsive and so much attention paid to detail. Would highly recommend them and already have.
Description of Work
Landscape Design and implementation.
Category
excavators, landscaping, lawn service, irrigation systems, mulch, tree service, drain pipe, outdoor lighting
Hire Again?
Yes

Service Provider Response

Dear [Member Name Removed]- Thanks for taking time to write this review-we thoroughly enjoyed working with you- Looking forward to our next interaction with you or seeing pictures, as your landscape matures. [Member Name Removed]
Susan L.
5.0
10/19/2022
I used Gardens of the Carolinas to completely re-landscape my front yard. I needed to replace my driveway, so I decided it was a good time to do new landscaping. In my opinion, you will not find a better company than “Gardens of the Carolinas” to do a landscaping project. John and his crew are the best! Always on time with attention to details I would have never thought of. They first regraded my lot to achieve better drainage and installed a catch basin to direct water to drain pipes they installed. Next came the new driveway and a curving walkway to my front porch. They also redid the brick steps to my front porch making them wider and reducing the rise to accommodate aging-in-place, which was a secondary goal. New porch railings were also built. They also transplanted some existing azaleas to another location in the yard and installed many new perennials. New sod was also installed. All of this along with many other smaller tasks (cleaning up some beds, unclogging an existing drainage pipe, building a side retaining wall, etc. ) made for a great experience. John is a great communicator. He will talk you through concerns you might have and is extremely knowledgeable on anything involving landscaping and horticulture. His entire crew is extremely professional and take a lot of pride in their work. So glad to have worked with them!
Description of Work
Landscaping of front yard and driveway replacement
Category
decks, excavators, landscaping, lawn service, masonry, mulch, drain pipe, hardscaping
Hire Again?
Yes

Service Provider Response

Dear [Member Name Removed]- Thank you so much for taking time to write this complimenting review. It has been a pleasure doing your project- we look forward to "phase next" whenever- thanks again!
Brian A.
5.0
07/25/2022
We reached out to John Spivey at Gardens of the Carolinas back in January of 2022 with the vague idea that our back yard was a disappointing place that we didn’t really like to spending time in. We had recently had an enclosed three-season room installed which meant we were now spending time out there looking at a yard composed mostly of clay and weeds. We also had some serious drainage issues that meant several huge puddles persisting after a good rain and causing the dogs to get muddy. John’s landscape architect created a few different plans for us and then we picked our favorite and went through a few iterations to arrive at our final plan. Work began in mid-June and wrapped up in mid-July and we could not be happier with the result. The drainage problems are gone and we love spending time out in the back yard –even in the summer. Work included regrading the entire yard; installing a large paver patio with perimeter seating walls and step; two small deck areas; awesome plantings; new Bermuda sod; and landscape lighting that looks amazing and will far outlast the plastic Malibu lights I installed years ago. We can’t wait until Fall when we can get the fire pit going. I’ve included some before and after photos of the yard (the porch was built by a different company a year earlier)

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Review for Gardens of the Carolinas - 12008 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC - 39810608Review for Gardens of the Carolinas - 12008 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC - 39810608Review for Gardens of the Carolinas - 12008 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC - 39810608Review for Gardens of the Carolinas - 12008 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC - 39810608
Description of Work
Back yard total renovation
Category
decks, excavators, fencing, landscaping, mulch, drain pipe, hardscaping, outdoor lighting, patios
Hire Again?
Yes

Service Provider Response

Dear [Member Name Removed]- Thank you so much for taking time to write this review. We look forward to "phase next" when we bring the back buffer trees this Fall- thanks again! John
Lorraine H.
5.0
07/16/2022
Gardens of the Carolina has done extensive work at our home. They sodded our large front lawn and a portion of the back. They installed a stunning patio with a pair of seat walls with recessed lighting. John and Sam (Samantha) listen carefully to your ideas and then offer theirs. Often, both are combined for the finished product. Their crew are some of the hardest workers I’ve seen. Each knows his job well and it’s fascinating to watch them put it all together. I can’t praise the finished profuct enough. Our patio is unique and rock solid. The landscaping provides beautiful accents to complement their work.

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Review for Gardens of the Carolinas - 12008 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC - 39800918Review for Gardens of the Carolinas - 12008 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC - 39800918
Description of Work
Lawn sodding; Patio
Category
decks, landscaping
Cost
$30,000
Hire Again?
Yes

Service Provider Response

Dear [Member Name Removed]- Thank you so much for taking time to write this complimenting review. It has been a pleasure EVERY time we have had the opportunity to work for you and your husband. I love thinking about you out in your patio space near all the birds and wildlife you have and care for- we look forward to "phase next" whenever- thanks again! John
Alya J.
5.0
06/28/2022
We had an extensive project to install lighting in the front of our home, around our entire back patio, and down walkways. The Gardens of the Carolinas put together a seamless plan of multiple stages (mapping out lighting options, choosing lighting fixtures, installing and implementing the plan). They gave realistic expectations on pricing and time. The project was performed flawlessly. We did not have one problem that needed to be resolved and we are overjoyed with the outcome. John and Samantha were wonderful to work with and we adored all the subcontractors they work with. We can't wait for our next project!!!
Description of Work
General Landscaping (plant and tree selections), light installations around the entire home, powerwashing
Category
decks, landscaping, masonry, mulch, tree service, pressure washing, drain pipe, outdoor lighting, patios
Hire Again?
Yes

Service Provider Response

Dear [Member Name Removed] and [Member Name Removed]- We greatly appreciate you taking time to write this kind note. It really helps us connect with wonderful clients like you guys- have a great summer and we'll see you in the Fall! John
Robin R.
5.0
01/01/2022
Phase one of our ongoing landscaping of our back yard and installation of a water feature was excellent! We loved working with John, Samantha, Samuel and the whole crew! Gardens of the Carolinas staff were all very professional and the quality of the work was top notch! They were always very responsive and I never lacked for communication during the project. I have to commend their workmen especially for their daily cleanup of the work site - leaving things neat even when they were due back the following morning. Not every contractor I have worked with showed such pride and conscientiousness, and this was very much appreciated. My wife and I are loving our back yard and looking forward to doing more landscaping over the coming years! I'd gladly hire them again, and recommend them without hesitation! Here are two timelapse videos of the work done: [*** Link removed ***] [*** Link removed ***]

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Review for Gardens of the Carolinas - 12008 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC - 39585876Review for Gardens of the Carolinas - 12008 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC - 39585876
Description of Work
Grading, retaining walls, drainage update and installation of sod, mulch and plants around a water feature.
Category
decks, excavators, hauling services, landscaping, masonry, mulch, tree service, drain pipe, hardscaping, outdoor lighting
Hire Again?
Yes

Service Provider Response

Dear [Member Name Removed]- Thanks for writing this review and the bonus of the Utube videos you produced of our work at your residence- It was a pleasure working with you and we will be ready for your next phase this Spring. john and Samantha
Stefan R.
5.0
11/30/2021
High quality designs, high quality people, and very high quality work. We will definitely continue to work with them and would highly recommend!
Description of Work
Landscaping Design and Fire Pit Installation
Category
decks, masonry, tree service, patios
Hire Again?
Yes

Service Provider Response

Dear [Member Name Removed] Thanks for taking time to write this review- these reviews are how we get to our next great client (like you)- It was a pleasure working with you and your wife- we will be ready for your next phase whenever you call and I hope you are enjoying/ consuming the firepit/ patio. john and Samantha
Alan J.
5.0
11/07/2021
The team at Gardens of the Carolinas has been excellent every step of the way. They sent out a landscape designer to meet with us, take a look at our yard, listen to what we wanted, and give ideas on things we hadn't thought of. They then put together a yard design that incorporated everything, including our budget. When the workers came out to implement the plan they were very professional and efficient. I was amazed at how quickly they transformed our yard into what had been designed. It looks even better than I imagined! I already have plans for the next project I want them to work on for me. I highly recommend Gardens of the Carolinas.
Description of Work
Landscape design, grading, fencing, drainage, plantings
Category
fencing, landscaping, mulch
Hire Again?
Yes
Ursula N.
5.0
08/05/2021
EXCELLENT! I spoke with John about a project that I needed done. The project was too small for the scope of work that this company does however John sent me information on who I should reach out to in order to complete my project. He stated that he did not think that it would be worth the money to pay for the repair with his company. I thought that this was outstanding! A stranger was concerned about overcharging me. That within itself is an awesome thing. I would recommend this company.
Description of Work
Mortar Project
Category
masonry
Hire Again?
Yes

Service Provider Response

Dear [Member Name Removed]- Thanks for taking time to write this kind note! I hope your masonry repair goes well and that we will be able to help you with a future landscape need. Thanks again- John
Cindy and Mark R.
4.0
07/10/2021
Design was very helpful for project and future installations. All of the Gardens of the Carolinas team is very knowledgeable.
Description of Work
Project design and landscaping
Category
landscaping, tree service, hardscaping
Hire Again?
Yes
Al W.
5.0
06/29/2021
The team did a great job of preparing the back yard including grading, removing roots, addressing drainage issues, installing pavers and of course preparing the soil and laying the sod and mulch. The team got me into the schedule when they said they would and completed the job quickly. John and Sam were great to work with throughout the project! I definitely recommend them. The backyard now looks great.
Description of Work
Backyard zoysia sod
Category
landscaping, mulch, hardscaping
Cost
$14,000
Hire Again?
Yes

Service Provider Response

Dear [Member Name Removed]- Thanks for taking time to write this review- these reviews are how we get to our next great client (like you)- It was a pleasure working with you and we will be ready for your next phase whenever you call. john and Samantha
Suzanne L.
5.0
04/05/2021
We had a wonderful experience with Garden of the Carolinas. We wanted a complete overhaul of our backyard with pool, patio, walkways, pavilion, decking, fencing, privacy, plantings, lighting, etc. We very much enjoyed the design process with Diana and could not be happier with the plan she came up with. John and his team were always quick to respond throughout the design and construction process, very willing to make adjustments (increased patio, added plantings in buffer, side yard and front yard, re-worked drainage swale outside fence, etc.) and brought the plan to life in a well-executed and timely fashion. The crew was professional, hardworking and took great care accessing the site through the common area of our subdivision. We are very happy with how everything came together and look forward to enjoying our beautiful new space! I highly recommend Gardens of the Carolinas and will use them again for my future landscaping needs.

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Review for Gardens of the Carolinas - 12008 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC - 39280478Review for Gardens of the Carolinas - 12008 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC - 39280478Review for Gardens of the Carolinas - 12008 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC - 39280478Review for Gardens of the Carolinas - 12008 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC - 39280478
Description of Work
Complete overhaul of our backyard with pool, patio, walkways, pavilion, decking, fencing, privacy, plantings, lighting, etc.
Category
decks, excavators, fencing, hauling services, landscaping, irrigation systems, masonry, hardscaping, outdoor lighting, patios
Cost
$150,000
Hire Again?
Yes

Service Provider Response

Hello [Member Name Removed]- Thanks so much for taking time to write this review! We thoroughly enjoyed your project and look forward to the next phase of work, whenever you guys are ready. I'm very happy with how our additions/ changes turned out. Thanks again- all the best! John
Steve R.
5.0
03/20/2021
Great. John provided expert advice and vision on the best path for the walkways. The crew worked hard, did a great job with the brickwork and cleaned up afterward. The company is responsive to emails and phone calls and answered all questions before and after the work was completed. I highly recommend.
Description of Work
2 Brick Paver Walkways
Category
hardscaping
Hire Again?
Yes

Service Provider Response

Thanks [Member Name Removed]- We look forward to the next phase- I appreciate you taking time to write this review- it was a pleasure working with you guys! John
Chris G.
5.0
02/24/2021
Garden of the Carolinas did an incredible job. We could not be happier with the transformation of our once overgrown and bug-infested backyard into a beautiful open play space for our children and us. The team was always professional and responsive to our requests from the design stage through construction and helped to turn our vague desires into a tangible, well-executed vision. Increased draining, regrading the original sloped property, adding a striking retaining wall, and removing old flora with the addition of ideal plantings have the entire family excited to spend quality time outside all year. Thank you, Garden of the Carolinas!
Description of Work
Magically turn our backyard jungle into a play paradise.
Category
decks, excavators, hauling services, landscaping, lawn service, lawn treatment, masonry, mulch, tree service, drain pipe, hardscaping
Hire Again?
Yes

Service Provider Response

Thank you [Member Name Removed] and [Member Name Removed]- it was a pleasure working at your residence- I have already shared with others the warm pictures of your children”helping” us with moving materials, raking, etc- please send pics when the tree swing is used this Spring! Thanks again for all the work! John
Michelle H.
5.0
02/17/2021
I highly recommend Gardens of the Carolinas and will use them again for my future landscaping needs. Communication by John and his team was excellent. John was very responsive throughout the process from initial contact through completion. The plants that were installed were excellent quality. The crew took great care to protect the surrounding area while working which was especially difficult after many days of rain. We are very happy with the finished product.
Description of Work
Installation of large trees for privacy barrier
Category
landscaping
Hire Again?
Yes
Josh W.
5.0
12/11/2020
We had a great experience with Gardens of the Carolinas helping us redesign our front and backyard. We began working with the designer Diana in Feb 2020 to discuss our desires and get her feedback and designs. Gardens of the Carolinas was the only landscaping company that had a great, holistic long-term plan for our yard that reflected our priorities. By late Mar / early Apr, we chose a design and placed a deposit for our first phase of work. With Covid, a wet summer, and high demand, our project broke ground in mid-Nov, but it was worth the wait. Once here, the team was professional and did a great job. They set high bars for themselves and deliver. The work they did included: regrading the front yard, installing steps and a sidewalk, laying sod, adding 14 plants, removing a retaining wall in the backyard, grading the backyard, adding hammock posts, hauling away debris, and installing a drain in our side yard. I really appreciated how we would iterate through ideas each day to end up at the best result, and the team really looks after the best interest of the property owner. John made time to explain different options in detail, adjusted schedules as needed when our project scope expanded, and even covered the bill for a plumbing issue that arose. The best part is that we feel like our home doubled in size because we now have amazing, enjoyable outdoor spaces that used to make us cringe. We couldn't have spent our money better. Thanks for all the hard work and going the extra mile, team!
Description of Work
Landscape design and implementation
Category
excavators, hauling services, landscaping, lawn service, masonry, mulch, drain pipe, hardscaping
Hire Again?
Yes

Service Provider Response

Hello [Member Name Removed]- Thanks so much for taking time to write this review. We thoroughly enjoyed your project and look forward to the next phase of work, whenever you guys are ready. I'm very happy with how our real time additions/ changes turned out. Taking out the retaining wall and grading sure makes a giant difference! Thanks again and Happy Holidays! John
Nicholas L.
5.0
12/05/2020
John and his team planted two trees for us in our back yard. They are lovely, look healthy, and we look forward to enjoying them for many years. The process went smoothly, and, to a person, the entire crew at Gardens of the Carolinas was responsive, efficient, and polite. They will remain our go to folks to our future outdoor needs.
Description of Work
Tree planting
Category
decks, landscaping, lawn service, tree service
Cost
$1,500
Hire Again?
Yes

Service Provider Response

Thanks [Member Name Removed] - We greatly appreciate the work and look forward to helping with any future needs!
Lauren B.
5.0
10/22/2020
No openings were available but a very nice man named John Spivey spent about 40 minutes talking to me about the research your company does before starting a project, especially paving or anything that water cannot penetrate and affects the flow and quality of ground water. There are laws about that and it is important to check into “ impervious” structures. Someone’s property 3 miles from us did have a very negative affect on a lake in our subdivision. The builders had to hire specialists. So this does happen but this company will research all of this beforehand.
Description of Work
Bush trimming, laying gravel under deck
Category
decks, landscaping
Hire Again?
Yes

Service Provider Response

Thanks for taking the time to write a review, [Member Name Removed]! Hopefully schedules align on your next project.
Jesse T.
5.0
06/05/2020
The Gardens team were great to work with. We were looking for a landscape design/build firm that was knowledgable and would also build a plan that fit out needs. We wanted to implement the design in several phases over a couple of seasons so that we could meet our budgeting needs, but could also not stress out our well with watering needs. John and Diana developed an overall plan, with phased bed and planting phases, and we implemented as laid out. We are very pleased with the results, and would highly recommend the Gardens Team. Our design consists of a vast area of foundation beds and plantings that encompass our home. The design also consists of several free-standing beds as well. The implementation team that John employs are all guys on staff and they are all very professional, punctual, and polite. They did a great job installing, planting, and mulching everything. Thanks John and team!
Description of Work
Landscape plan development and installation
Category
landscaping, mulch, drain pipe, hardscaping
Hire Again?
Yes

Service Provider Response

Thanks for this great review- we have enjoyed all the phases of work so far and look forward to installing the next “piece of the puzzle” when you are ready. It’s especially rewarding watching your trees and garden mature- every visit things seem to come together a bit more- this is partially due to the stewardship of the landscape that you are providing. Many thinks and we’ll be ready when you call! John
Laura S.
5.0
05/22/2020
This is our second big undertaking with Gardens of the Carolinas. When we decided to upgrade the front there was no second guessing who we would call first for the consultation-The EXPERTS who changed our back yard 10 years ago. The team is so attentive through the whole process-from the design planning to installation. No detail is left unturned. We can’t wait for the next project!
Description of Work
We needed water management, additional parking and landscaping.
Category
decks, excavators, fencing, hauling services, landscaping, lawn service, mulch, pressure washing, drain pipe, hardscaping
Cost
$23,000
Hire Again?
Yes

Service Provider Response

Thanks for taking time to write this nice review- you have been an absolute pleasure to work with- everyone feels appreciated at your home and we can’t wait for the next chapter- Thank you ! John
Aaron B.
5.0
05/20/2020
Work was done over a 3 day period; grading, drainage work, and planting were done by one crew. Masonry was done by another crew. All workers were on time, friendly, efficient, and knowledgable. The business owner communicated with us regularly regarding progress and any concerns we might have. The project was planned well, and the plan was reviewed thoroughly with us before any work began.
Description of Work
Fix a drainage problem between neighboring houses. Replant a liriope border along our driveway. Put a stone veneer on a small concrete block wall.
Category
excavators, landscaping, masonry, drain pipe
Hire Again?
Yes

Service Provider Response

Thank you for this review. It was a pleasure working for you at your residence. We look forward to phase 2 whenever you’re ready. Don’t hesitate to call us with any questions about the completed work and thanks again for selecting Gardens of the Carolinas!
Gina L.
5.0
04/25/2020
I've had multiple projects with John Spivey and the Gardens of the Carolinas team. They continue to perform with the utmost professionalism , subject matter expertise, punctuality, and quality. His team/crew is amazing. They take pride in the quality of the work and it shows in the results. Trust the process ! You will get more than plants, bushes , mulch and beautiful pavers. He wants to know the what and why behind your choices to help you create a result that touches your heart and fuels your soul. John has a way of translating the request into more than landscaping and gardens. He and his team have created spaces that fill me with emotion by their beauty and thoughtfulness of how my family and I will enjoy them over the years. I shared a story about wanting to honor my mother and grandmother who I lost years ago. They have incorporated the most beautiful and serene garden that makes me smile and takes me back to the time I shared with them. That matters to me. I can't Thank them enough for the joy, serenity, laughter and the memories that I've had with my family and friends in the beautiful spaces they've created. John has also aligned me with arborists and an irrigation specialist to ensure my investment has the appropriate care. I trust John and his team and have always been treated with the utmost respect and integrity. You can't go wrong with this choice ! You will be thrilled with the results.
Description of Work
Updated and new Landscaping ( Plants, bushes, trees, shrubs, ...) for my 2 acre property. Landscaping around the pool. Updated landscaping in the front, side and back yard. New outdoor kitchen. Extended Patio. Recycle and Refuse Area. Fire pit area with seating. Clean / manicure natural areas. Herb garden and raised flower bed. Retaining walls. Bluestone Walkways, Privacy Structure for Pool equipment, Refuse area.
Category
decks, excavators, hauling services, landscaping, lawn service, masonry, mulch, tree service, pressure washing, drain pipe, hardscaping, outdoor lighting, patios, outdoor kitchens
Hire Again?
Yes
Susan M.
5.0
03/04/2020
We have worked with John, owner of Gardens of the Carolinas, for over 5 years. We found John to be very knowledgeable, patient, very easy to talk to, very accessible, and with a desire to please. This is also reflected in the high quality of his work. We have received many compliments from our neighbors. We have enjoyed working with John, as recently as February 2020, and this is why we have continued to work with Gardens of the Carolinas for additional work. We highly recommend Gardens of the Carolinas.
Description of Work
Hardscape (driveway, paver walkway and patio), landscape, drainage, and lighting.
Category
landscaping, lawn service, masonry, mulch, drain pipe, hardscaping, outdoor lighting, patios
Hire Again?
Yes

Service Provider Response

Dear [Member Name Removed]- Thanks so much for taking time to write this review. You always make everyone here at Gardens feel appreciated. We are blessed to have clients like you and look forward to coming back to your home for another phase of landscaping whenever you are ready. John
Christopher B.
3.0
01/21/2020
This was a promising company to handle the full scope of our work: deck repairs and erosion & drainage issues on one side of our yard. Paying for a landscape design was an investment we did not take lightly but we felt confident that their selling point “we credit percentages of the design fees back as we are contracted to do the work (15% for cost of plantings, 10% for cost of in-house labor, 5% for cost of subcontractors) justified it and would be most beneficial to adequately handle our erosion and runoff issues. We initiated contact with them the very end of March & heard back from them very promptly, on April 1st with a phone call and an email. They asked for a list of likes & dislikes and needs vs. wants. Our priority was to handle issues with water runoff and erosion so we could put a fence in for our dog while keeping our space outside the fence nurturing and accessible to wildlife and in compliance with easement restrictions. Secondarily (depending on viability of costs for all this) was to make the space visually appealing with nice plantings, etc... Though we didn’t know what this sort of work would cost, we communicated a budget of $20,000 to Diana, the designer, before she began her design work. The design took almost three months to receive. John came out to go over it at the end of June. We were impressed with how extensive the design was – there were so many sheets of paper and it appeared like it was a comprehensive, expertly done plan worth the wait. It included an invoice of $3,240 for John and Diana’s time making the landscape plan and we paid it in good faith. However, when we were able to sit down and go over the actual plan separate from the extravagance of the presentation and selling spiel with John, we promptly realized our error. We emailed John the next day with some questions. That was June 29th. From there we had a few rounds of emails and two months later, we still did not have clarity or complete pricing for their proposed work. By September 21st, there was a revised design and some more pricing, but it was still incomplete. At that point, we hit our limit and have not been back in touch with them. Nor have we heard from them (now four months from last contact). So what was so wrong with their plan?? There was no subtotal. We didn’t know what everything would cost and their plan included a fence that impeded the easement and blocked the deer path (remember our priority list at the beginning of this?). The missing prices in the estimate were the foundation of the work to be done: - Grading & drainage plans (they would “know more once they began working on it”) - Piping - Deck repairs - Foundation drains - Retaining walls - Tree removal That said, when I added up the line items they did price out it was over $52,000. Pricing for plants alone was $16,948. And the rest of the work that needed to be done in the bullet points above, y’all know that is the expensive stuff. How would we ever realize the design fee rebate that was their selling feature and incentive? We wouldn’t and what a shame. And how embarrassing we paid for a whole lot of nothing. If you have an unlimited budget and a house that can handle a six-figure landscape design, give these folks a call, they apparently do beautiful work. Otherwise, learn from our naïve, good-faith foolishness and give your hard-earned money to another company.
Description of Work
Landscape Design for Erosion & Drainage Issues
Category
landscaping, drain pipe
Cost
$3,240

Service Provider Response

[Member Name Removed]- I think it’s important to share my perspective on your project. First, Diana and I only ever dealt with your wife throughout the process. Also, from the beginning we did not believe your lists/site constraints/budget were going to align and we shared this immediately. From the initial site visit, it was apparent the list would exceed the budget and we communicated this. We came up with a design that could be phased and would accomplish your higher priorities first and in the most cost effective way - but still noted that the budget was unrealistic in comparison to the wish list. During the design presentation your wife was very complementary, excited about getting the deck options priced out, and phasing the work. Also in this meeting, I was told there was more money in the budget than indicated initially. I’ve looked through the timeline of our correspondences- It did take longer than normal. Some things that extended the process were on each side - you didn’t have an adequate survey and we had to employ a surveyor, you have/had several aspects of work done that were illegal/not code compliant that need to be resolved. I do see emails from you apologizing for delays- birthdays, strep throat, fostering puppies, and vacations…unfortunately my travels were exactly opposite yours. You listed tree work as a delay - as you will remember, your neighbor was about to move and you requested #’s super quick to remove trees on/along their property line before new neighbors moved in. We provided a detailed breakdown of the work immediately, only to have you say you had now decided to wait. In closing, the design was based on the existing conditions and your wish list. There were no lavish additions. Note that the plants included exceptionally mature trees, as requested, to serve as a buffer. Also, I don’t believe you have a complete understanding of the design recovery process - your plantings alone would recover 78% of the design costs and the tree work would have recovered the rest.

Phone

Address

12008 Six Forks Rd

Raleigh, NC 27614

Monday
6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday
6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday
6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Thursday
6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Friday
6:30 AM - 6:30 PM

Website

http://www.gardensofthecarolinas.com

Other Information

Services Not Offered

ask for details

Payment options

Check
MasterCard
Visa
Licensed
Trade License Number
L.0239
Trade License Locale
NC
Trade License Authority
North Carolina: General Contractors
Bonded
Insured
All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves.To find more licensing information for your state, visit our Find Licensing Requirements page.
COVID-19 Update
We are actively performing full services. We are taking additional precautions to protect our customers.

Health & Safety Measures

We complete exterior work only (No need to enter home)
We will wear masks and gloves when we visit your home
We will sanitize the workspace and all areas touched
All statements concerning COVID‑19 business operations and essential services are informational only, and are self‑reported and not verified by Angi.

FAQ

Gardens of the Carolinas is currently rated 4.9 overall out of 5.

Gardens of the Carolinas is open:

Monday: 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM

Tuesday: 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM

Wednesday: 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM

Thursday: 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM

Friday: 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM

Gardens of the Carolinas accepts the following forms of payment: Check, MasterCard, Visa

No, Gardens of the Carolinas does not offer free project estimates.

No, Gardens of the Carolinas does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.

No, Gardens of the Carolinas does not offer a senior discount.

Yes, Gardens of the Carolinas offers warranties.

Gardens of the Carolinas offers the following services: Landscape design, drainage, plant installation, grading, paver systems, brick & stone walls, fountains & ponds, tree removal, bed development, soil preparation, seeding, sodding, timber walls, irrigation, BBQ grills, fire pits, waterproofing, outdoor lighting, water garden, asphalt and concrete paving, mulching, fertilization, disease control, trellis and fence construction, wrought iron and decorative railing, outdoor sound systems, decks, arbors, screen porches, gazebos, patios, and walkways.