EARTHSCAPES

The plants that were delivered were quite nice but the crew used a Bobcat to remove old plantings and damaged the limestone quoining on both sides of the front door. Tom Fryman was on hand to supervise the plantings at first so I went to the office. When I returned I found that the Tom had left for another job and the crew did not plant strictly according to the diagram. For example, shrubs that were supposed to be centered under windows were off center and shrubs that were supposed to be evenly spaced were all bunched together. The tree that was planted at the corner of the house was planted too near the house. According to my arborist, it should have been about 10 feet further out. Consequently, it now bangs against the gutters when the wind blows. We had asked for low maintenance plants but almost everything planted has to be pruned. The mulch that was used must have had some kind of fungus in it because my entire planting of Ajuga consequently died after having been mulched.

He listened and responded to my ideas as plants had to be chosen for different microclimates and attention paid to their dear resistant. Tom took the time to show me plants and help me visualize the planting and make choices for some changes I wanted. He was sensitive to the need to make it interesting without going overboard in cost. Tom and his crew arrived promptly, respect was shown for my property keeping the damage to the lawn minimal. The men did not hurry, they took the time to be gentle and careful with the plants. Tom stayed and assisted with the prep of the area and placing of the plants. When he left the crew to finish planting and clean up, told them to be sure I was satisfied. They were very cooperative about being sure several things were done correctly. They helped me recheck the location of an important accent tree and reposition one plant that was a bit high in the ground. The entire experience was made a pleasure by Tom and his crew.