Hardscaping in Huntly.

“Don is a creative landscape architect that my wife and I have found to be resourceful and diligent in planning our backyard pool, patio, hot tub, deck and golf green. He spent time with us upfront to understand our needs and although the plan grew in scope as we became more aware of what our backyard could become, we are very happy with the result! ”

“In 2010, my wife and I purchased a beautiful 68 acre farm in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. The farmhouse, originally built in 1817, and then expanded in 1867, was in fairly original condition, and optimally located in the center of the property. It's most significant problem, however, was water. Rain water would shed off the nearby ridge, and pool in front of the house, and then ultimately leak through the hand dug cellar walls and cracks in the cement floor. The sump pump in the basement would run for weeks after a single heavy rain. Our little Garden of Eden was becoming a swamp. Consequently, we looked to Joe Duggan of J. Duggan & Associates to help structurally, and permanently, solve our water problem. This was our first time working with a landscape architect. Joe recommended and coordinated the hiring of several key professionals to assist with the design of the project, namely a topographer/surveyor and an arborist. The topographer mapped the elevations around the farm house and associated ridge, and determined the various sources of the water pooling in front of the house. The arborist identified which of the seven 150 year old trees that closely ringed the house were still healthy, and which were in failing condition. With this data, Joe created several drafts of various front patio and stone retaining wall configurations that primarily solved our water problem, but also took advantage of the fabulous views from our front porch. The project plan we ultimately settled on was both simple and elegant, and in perfect keeping with the age of the house and surrounding farm land. The stone patio and stone retaining wall were built on reinforced concrete that had a series of drains embedded within the structure that successfully discharged water away from the house. Having stated that though, the drains are cleverly concealed within the patio and surrounding grounds. The patio is perfect for entertaining while it performs its utilitarian task of keeping water out of the house. As we were new to the area, Joe also identified a stone mason/general contractor who actually built the patio and retaining walls according to his specifications. During construction, it seemed to us that one set of stone piers looked like they were going to be too high. Joe immediately came out, sat in the front porch chairs that we were sitting in, and agreed that the offending piers could be shortened. In the end, we have been exceptionally pleased with the work and care that Joe put into this project. The front porch/stone patio/stone retaining walls are beautiful, and in keeping with the spirit of our house and farm.”

“We use Iris Design Associates as our exclusive landscape architecture firm. Mr. Josh Schaaf is as talented, experienced, professional, and courteous as any landscape architect in the entire Metro DC region. There is a reason that highly-respected pool companies in the area use him for all of their projects. From comprehensive surveys, to hand-colored designs, to 3D renderings, Josh has all of the skills and ability. Josh and his team are sincere, genuine, and ethical. If you are looking for experience, character, and exceptional results, Iris Design Associates is your best option.”

“Dave is now working on a second project for us after a terrific job on his first project. He first designed a patio that extends out from our deck. By doing this he opened up our entertaining area tremendously while providing a new view of a small pond we have had for ages but only enjoyed from the screened in porch. He also redesigned our front walk, doubling the width, adding a sitting area and really finishing off a front that was bland to start. It has provided a more formalized look but still warm and welcoming. Next up, an outdoor Kitchen. We are excited to work with Dave again.”

“Amazing Outdoors is a great company to work with. They are on time and deliver a quality product. Project came out perfect!”

“I am an ISA Certified arborist, and I manage a large tree care company. I have had the opportunity to work with Alan Skipper on many projects over the course of the past 15 years. His designs are always great, and the quality of his work is always excellent. I recommend Alan every chance I get to help my customers with landscape design and hardscape design projects.”

“Danny and his team of professional landscapers designed and transformed approximately 1/3 of an acre in my backyard. They took a wooded area overcome by various dead trees, many vines, pricker bushes, and poison ivy, and turned it into a beautiful, usable space. The team first pruned all the healthy trees, removed the dead trees and roots, removed the huge vines with a frontloader, removed the top 2 inches of soil after removing significant undergrowth (pricker bushes and poison ivy), and then regraded the area. They sprayed lines and trenched out mulch beds around tree clusters to maximize the beauty of the landscape, and then planted new grass using a high quality shade seed blend before dropping straw on top. Danny and his team took pride in their work resulting in a product that far exceeded my expectations having been a former landscaper and being very detailed when it comes to my yard. The Advantage 'advantage' showed through in Danny's innovative solution to a huge tree stump that would not come out of the ground without pursuing an expensive removal method. His team built a beautiful, rustic fire pit around the stump after cutting it close to the ground. They excavated the area around the stump and built the fire pit with huge rustic boulders that ended up being perfectly suited to the landscape. In addition, the team reshaped, trenched, remulched, and staked 16 tree mounds on newly planted trees on the surrounding property. All of this work was performed at a very reasonable price and in a high quality manner. Advantage has earned my business for more projects down the road. Rare to find a good landscaping company and true professionals like Danny. Thanks, Advantage!”

“Such an awesome experience working with these guys. So professional and courteous. They delivered exactly what we planned and on time! So pleased with the beautiful end result. Our new patio and outdoor fireplace is going to get a lot of use. I would work with them again in a heartbeat.”

“Holloway does not build just decks, they build outdoor living spaces. They were always very professional, neat and quick to respond to concerns. Ted created a very functional yet artistic out door area that I love to show off....its just fun. if you use them you will not be disappointed.”

“Gary and his team were wonderful to work with!! He created a beautiful trex deck and large patio for us with a large gas fire pit and sitting wall with lights. He also designed and planted 30+ trees and bushes for us. He helped us determine what it was exactly that we wanted. His knowledge and incredibly personable way off handeling his business is impeccable. I have recommended him to all of our friends and family and will continue to do so. They also have been very pleased with him. :)”