The Hilltop designs English garden with southwestern and oriental influences
This is a guest post by Hilltop client Christine Lockhart of Albuquerque. We’re pleased to have customers who will recommend us to others.
Last year we decided that our very boring back yard needed a make over. After receiving several recommendations, I approached The Hilltop and met with landscape architect Doug Bishop to discuss options. The vision I had was of an English courtyard garden with southwestern and oriental influences. In particular, I wanted xeriscaping incorporated and easy-maintenance raised flower beds, as well as pavers as far as possible. My husband wanted a fire-pit and a more defined entertainment area. Of course, budget was also a key factor as well as being sympathetic to the natural surroundings and southwestern location.
Within a few weeks, Doug came back to me with a landscape plan. I was so impressed, as he had incorporated every element of my brief into an easy to read plan, and he took the time to answer any questions I had. We met again at The Hilltop’s office, where Doug took the time to show me different plants and offer advice about plants best suited for the project. Best of all, Doug was budget-aware and considerate of my concerns about over-planting and utilized existing plants as far as possible.
The project started a couple of weeks after we had agreed the plan. Victor, the project lead, was absolutely delightful to work with. He and his crew were careful and diligent in the removal of existing landscape and installation of the new. Victor touched base with me every day to brief me on any updates. He had solutions for the very few unforeseen circumstances, which he and Doug would discuss with me before implementing, and all at no extra cost.
The result is a beautiful courtyard garden with the southwestern influence of a fire pit and xeriscaping. The most beautiful Japanese maple tree and potted bamboo satisfies the oriental element I sought. Flower beds and a subtle mix of pavers and concrete make for aesthetically pleasing easy maintenance while creating more defined and useable areas for entertaining and relaxing.
Overall, the whole landscape project was one of the best renovations we have undertaken. The emphasis on communication from both Doug and Victor was key to the success but ultimately we now have a garden that we can enjoy year round and are proud to entertain in. We will most definitely be using The Hilltop again when the time comes to landscape the front garden.
