We worked with Steve at Seed Studio on a full redesign of our property, including front, back, and…read moreside yard landscaping, a new driveway, fencing and gates, multiple decks, a patio, an outdoor kitchen, and a built-in hot tub. We do like the final layout and appreciate how efficiently he used the space on our narrow lot. However, there were several significant issues with the process that would keep us from working with him again or recommending him to others. Design Process & Deliverables The final plans were clear and professionally drafted from a contractor's perspective, but they were essentially blueprint-style drawings. We understood going into the project that we would not be receiving full 3-D renderings. However, Seed Studio's website features conceptual sketches and visual representations of designs, which led us to expect that we would receive something similar to help visualize the finished project. Instead, we received only technical plans. For the fees charged, we expected more client-friendly presentation materials and drawings. We also found Steve somewhat unreceptive to feedback once he had settled on a design direction. While he listened to our input, it often felt as though he already had a vision for the project and was not particularly interested in incorporating significant client preferences that differed from that vision. One surprise was the budget. The materials and design choices ultimately specified in the plans ended up costing nearly double the budget range we had initially discussed. We understand that pricing can evolve during a project, but the final design moved so far beyond our stated budget that we would have appreciated more proactive guidance and discussion along the way. Additionally, many of the materials Steve specified were expensive specialty products with long lead times. While they may have been attractive design choices, they added significant cost and complexity to the project. Both contractors we worked with struggled to install certain materials without damage, which created additional delays, expense, and frustration. Contractor Recommendations Steve strongly encouraged us to use a particular contractor from Redwood City, explaining that he wanted to use them more frequently on his South Bay projects. Based in part on his recommendation, we moved forward with them despite some reservations. Unfortunately, that relationship did not work out and we ultimately had to terminate them from the project. While the contractor's performance was certainly their responsibility, we were disappointed that Steve was largely unwilling to become involved when serious issues arose, despite having advocated for them so strongly. Afterward, Steve recommended another contractor whom he regularly works with. They were more familiar with his designs and initially things progressed more smoothly but then we also experienced damage and delays with them. Construction Oversight & Client Support What ultimately disappointed us most was not just the contractors themselves, but Steve's lack of involvement once construction began. The project that was initially expected to take roughly a few months stretched into over 1 year. During that time there were significant delays, damaged materials, scheduling issues, and long stretches where progress slowed dramatically. We were not expecting Steve to manage construction or solve every problem. However, given the size of the project, the substantial design fees, and the fact that both contractors had come through his recommendations, we expected at least occasional check-ins or some level of interest in how the project was progressing. Instead, it felt as though once the design work was completed and final payment was received, his involvement effectively ended. He never checked in, asked how construction was going, or showed interest in seeing how his design was being executed. While ongoing support may not have been formally included in his scope of work, we found the lack of engagement surprising. Most homeowners would reasonably expect their designer to have some interest in the success of a project that represents their work and reputation. Overall We are happy with the overall design concept and how our narrow lot was ultimately utilized. However, the experience getting there was far more stressful, expensive, and time-consuming than we expected. If you decide to work with Seed Studio, our advice would be: * Be very clear and firm about your budget and monitor design decisions closely. * expect only blueprint-style plans without additional visualization materials. * Do not expect ongoing involvement or support once construction begins. - independently vet contractors regardless of his recommendations

Steve was a pleasure to work with and we couldn't be happier with this major design upgrade for our…read moreyard. Highly recommended.

Working with Rob and Monica was a great experience (coming from someone who has had a poor…read moreexperience before with a remodel project). The team radically transformed our backyard to a wonderful space. They were incredibly professional and clearly have a plan and know what they're doing. They also took great steps to keep our house clean during the project ( they had to trek through our downstairs playroom to access the backyard, hauling debris, plants, and dirt through and avoiding making a mess). We couldn't recommend them more. Thank you!

Monica and Rob and the whole Logiculture team have been a dream to work with -- I'd highly…read morerecommend working with them for your project. From the initial consultation, to scoping and budgeting, and then to design and execution, I felt like we had a great partner throughout and we loved the final product. Our project included a lot of carpentry, sourcing trees and plants, and collaborating with other contractors (+ ongoing maintenance) and Logiculture was great at all of it.

Background: About a year after Elliot had finished his excellent work on our front plantings in…read more2006, I'd asked him to do our back yard, but never heard back. I worried something had happened, and hoped he was okay, but found Alma Hecht (Second Nature Landscaping), who did a lovely job...although, sadly, she passed away some years later. Since then, we've done most of the gardening work ourselves. Update: Now we're seniors and can't do all of the gardening. In 2022, I learned that Elliot had opened a garden center next to Bay Natives. So in early 2023 he finally came back to give us an estimate on both front and back garden improvements. He spent plenty of time with us, especially in the back. About a month later, we got a $200 invoice for his time/consult re: plantings, irrigation, setting up work, etc., which we gladly paid. However, now it is May 6th, and have yet to receive any actual estimate. We would have totally understood if he'd just said, "Sorry, I can't take on your job, I'm too busy," up front. But instead we've been left hanging. Disappointed! Guess we'll move on to find someone else who wants to do the work.

We had Elliot come to give us an assessment to start a regular, ongoing landscaping/yard…read moremaintenance arrangement. We were quoted $300 for this initial visit - that would include Elliot's time, as well as $75 each for the hourly rate of two gardeners working with him, and a gameplan for ongoing service. Both my husband and I looked at our yard and saw no difference after the hour-long visit, and we received no follow up whatsoever, until around one month later a bill for $470 arrived.

My review of Brian Ott and Zenscape is LONG OVERDUE. The short version: Brian is simply…read morewonderful--kind, patient, thoughtful, creative, honest, and hardworking. From the beginning, Brian listened carefully to our goals and transformed our ideas into a beautiful vision of serenity. He hand-drew his design, explained his ideas, and brought everything to life with a respectful, prompt, and clean crew. He transformed our backyard into a true Zenscape, exactly what we hoped for, and created gorgeous front and back gardens complete with irrigation and lighting. We have now worked with Brian and his team for five years, and what stands out most is that the relationship didn't end when the project did. He continues to respond to our calls and messages, offer advice, and help us care for and preserve his work. During a recent construction project, he even coordinated with our contractor and plumber to protect the garden and ensure the irrigation was properly connected. Our front garden now features beautiful plants, rocks, stones, and a Maple tree Brian planted and helped preserve during construction. The backyard has become a true sanctuary, with fire and water features, a birdbath, Japanese lantern, lighting, and a lemon tree--a perfectly balanced retreat for birds, butterflies, and humans alike. Brian and Noe are now helping us refresh a few overgrown areas (our fault!), and we couldn't be happier with their quality, patience, and follow-through. Brian didn't just transform our yard--he transformed our quality of life. Everyone stops to admire the front of our house, and it brings us so much joy. We are incredibly grateful. Thank you, Zenscape!

Brian was super responsive to my email, asking if they could repair a water feature. He offered…read moreadvice to try which worked right away. So, I didn't need to pay for repair; I am aware others would have charged a consultation fee to examine the water fountain and then to find out it was such a simple fix would have been disappointing. I will happily hire them in the future when I do my next landscaping re-haul. Thank you, Brian!

Flourish Gardening just completed our backyard and we couldn't be happier. Bill spent lots of time…read moretrying to understand how we plan to use our garden and then suggested a number of design options. We really appreciated how Bill worked around our schedule and met us throughout the project either early in the morning or at night. The team had to carry tons of soil and rock through the house and they were super careful. We love our new garden and we highly recommend Bill & team.

A big thank you to Bill! I reached out to him looking for specific help around growing low chill…read morefruit trees in my neighborhood in SF. He did some research in his network and was able to point me toward two local experts on the topic. He didn't have to help me out but he did - I really appreciate that kind of honesty and kindness. Hope to cross paths with Bill again in my gardening adventures!

I reached out to Jason and the Forevergreen team in late 2022. Our street facing garden had been…read moredestroyed and needed a full revival. Jason talked me through everything. -He met me and my partner at the plant nursery to pick out his composition of plants. -We had bright brick planters that didn't match our house color and garden plan. He built wood around the brick to stain and match the color pallet of the home. -He was so great to work with that we added on a full rework of our fencing to match the planters. -We even replaced our dilapidated street trees that were on the brink of death. Jason and his team were incredibly kind and helpful all along the way. His taste is impeccable. Definitely go with Forevergreen.

Jason, Dave and their team transformed our sloped backyard from a large weed filled space into a…read moremini Getty. From the start, it was clear that they were experienced and talented. Key parts of their landscaping and design included a dry creek bed, stonework, and a landing. For water, a drip system was installed. The piece de resistance was a turtle carved from stone pointed happily toward Hawaii. With clear communication, punctuality, and clean work, the project was a pleasure with these nice people. They are real pros.

I'm not sure what's going on with Courtney, the examples she's provided of her other work is…read moreamazing and in the beginning she was very responsive. Unfortunately, I'm in the same boat as others. We paid for her services, she has been dodging deliverables, unreachable and in breach of contract. Debating at this point to pursue some sort of litigation on services not rendered and fraud. As a customer, this was a terrible f--king experience. On a personal level, I hope she's doing ok and not in some sort of health or other troubles as she did seem like a genuine and responsible person.

Courtney met with us along with her general contractor and together they had amazing suggestions…read morefor our backyard. We are extremely happy with the outcome. We have an upward tiered backyard and the goal was to make use of as much space as we can. Prior to the work done, we never wanted to go to the upper tier but now our whole backyard is very functional and inviting. We've had many get togethers and it makes us so happy to see our guests enjoying every inch of our space. We get so many compliments about the wood, the plants, the design, etc! We are absolutely happy with the design of our backyard!

We've had a great experience with JML Landscapes. Our yard is relatively large and sloped, and we…read morestarted with what was essentially a blank, weed-filled canvas. We wanted to create an outdoor space that truly felt like an extension of our home, and JML absolutely brought that vision to life. We initially chose JML because of the beautiful landscapes featured on their website, and from the very beginning of the design phase, the team was incredibly attentive to our goals and the overall feel we wanted the yard to have. They were collaborative, thoughtful, and helped guide us through the process while still making sure the final design reflected our vision. The installation went very smoothly, and the install crew was incredibly professional, skilled, and detail-oriented. They were always willing to take the time to explain different aspects of the project, including the irrigation and lighting systems, which we really appreciated. They were also very accommodating of new requests and responsive to any questions or concerns along the way. The end result exceeded our expectations, and we're so happy with how the space turned out. Our photos don't quite do it justice yet since many of the plants are still young and we still have a few additional projects planned, but we're incredibly excited to continue enjoying and growing into the space for years to come.

Exceptional Retaining Wall Project by JML Landscapes…read moreTransforming Outdoor Spaces with Professionalism and Craftsmanship I couldn't be happier with our recent retaining wall project completed by JML Landscapes. From the initial consultation to the final touches, their team demonstrated professionalism, excellence in execution, and genuine care for our property. The project began with a thorough assessment of our sloping backyard, where their knowledgeable staff suggested creative solutions to maximize space and stability. They listened closely to our ideas, offered options to choose from, and delivered an excellent design plan that reflected our preferences. The installation process was smooth --JML's crew arrived on time each day, kept the workspace tidy, and communicated clearly about the schedule and progress. I was impressed by their craftsmanship, which resulted in a stunning and sturdy retaining wall that has completely transformed our outdoor space. The finished project exceeded my expectations, and I've received countless compliments from neighbors, family and friends. If you're considering any landscaping work--especially a retaining wall--I wholeheartedly recommend JML Landscapes. Their expertise, excellent communication, and dedication to customer satisfaction make them stand out in the industry. Thank you, JML, for turning our yard into a safe and beautiful space!