Gardenwise Landscapes is a family business that has grown organically out of a mutual passion, shared between mother and daughter, for ecologically-conscious, sustainable, functional, but also aesthetically refined professional garden designs of all kinds. Gardenwise Landscapes is certified in horticulture landscape design and installation. Our background combines a Fine Arts education (BA) with a detailed and comprehensive knowledge of a variety of gardening and landscape design applications. We are also a fully licensed landscape contractor, and a member of both the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) and the California Native Plant Society. Our work has been featured in the Bring Back the Natives Garden Tour, and we continue to passionately pursue our gardening education through the practical, collaborative work we now do with our clientele, bringing each resident a sustainable, ecologically friendly, professional garden installation that reflects each homeowner’s unique personality and lifestyle.
Business highlights
14 years of trusted experience
Services we offer
High end designer garden plan, renovations, consultations & coaching with horticultural experts.
Services we don't offer
GardenWise Landscapes in not a mow and blow service or a lawn installation service. GardenWise Landscapes is not an irrigation company, although we do install drip systems in our own projects.
I had been looking for several months to find a landscaper that not only shared my vision for my space, but could also offer suggestions and help to make my vision come to life. After visiting the GardenWise website and having my first conversation with Christine, I knew I had found what I was looking for. Christine works with her daughter, and they both are extremely knowledgeable about plants and design. After our initial conversation, Christine came over to look at my patio. She had me fill out a questionnaire with thoughtful questions like my favorite colors, what would I be using the space for primarily, number of people in the family, ages of children, are there pets, etc. She even noted the position of the sun at various points in the day. She also had me send her pictures of the type of plants and flowers I liked. After getting all of this information from me, she sketched a design showing the types of plants, she would be using, where they would be placed in the patio, etc., so I had a good idea of what the space would look like before the work began. She also included an estimate of what it would cost, and when the work would be completed. I couldn't be happier with how it turned out. I have a happy feeling inside every time I open my curtain or go out to my patio. I didn't know what to expect regarding the cost. Christine's questionnaire also asks for the budget you are working with, and she stayed within that budget. It wasn't cheap, but I have to say for me, it was money well spent. GardenWise also offers a maintenance service to maintain the space after the work is done. I highly recommend them! You won't be disappointed.
Description of Work: I have a very small patio that I wanted to transform into a relaxing space with some hardscape features as well as lush plants and flowers. I had an old deck that needed to be removed as well.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$5,500
Valerie H.
03/2016
5.0
landscaping, mulch
+ 0 more
I am so pleased with the experience that I had with Christine and Sonya! #1 - They show up when they say they are going to. #2 - They are very respectful of the tempo of the household #3 - Stayed within my budget - no surprises #4 - Once we came up with a plan, they executed it in no time! I can't believe how quickly I had a redesigned space that I love walking around in or sitting and gazing at with my morning cup of coffee or evening glass of wine. They are such a pleasure to work with and I can't wait to start our next project together!
Description of Work: Emptied and re-potted a dozen or more large container plants, brought in additional plants and two large troughs, created a cohesive tropical design around my pool. Utilized as many of my own plants and pots as possible. Turned a conglomeration of pots with tired soil and tired plants in to a beautifully designed space, giving new life to my old plants and making the whole back yard look like an artistically designed space.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$4,000
James N.
03/2015
5.0
landscaping, mulch
+ 0 more
Our newly refurbished garden is now complete and under our care. The work was completed per the timetable provided by Gardenwise. The plants are in place, the under-soil irrigation system is connected and functioning, and we are highly appreciative of the personal service of Christine and Sonja Wiseman, the principals of Gardenwise. From first contact to final installation, the process has been professional and proceeded smoothly. This included the transport of and installation of a 1/4 ton garden feature which was moved and installed with ingenuity and aplomb. The only open question now is waiting to see the outcome of all the work. And Mother Nature has mandated that this will take time and attention to upkeep and maintenance on our part. And we can control only the latter.
Description of Work: Created full plans for Rear, Side and Front garden areas of our stand-alone, single family craftsman home in East Bay Area of Oakland California. Proposed an implementation program for full project divided into the above mention areas with separated budget items to allow sequential implementation in line with our financial plans. After we contracted for Rear and Side areas, Gardenwise provided a detailed work schedule / proposal, including re-grading and horticultural activities for the physical aspects of the project. They assists us in detail to choose appropriate stone and landscape materials, recommended design and plant selection and purchase. Gardenwise staff smanaged the heavy work provided by their designated
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$25,000
James S.
10/2014
5.0
landscaping
+ -1 more
unknown
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Lorraine G.
06/2014
5.0
landscaping
+ -1 more
It went very well. I asked Christine to prepare a design for my backyard and she did a good job. She met with me several times to find out what I liked. She was easy to work with, professional, good at keeping me informed. I liked her ideas. She was a good communicator, followed through on all commitments. Provided me with a good plan.
Description of Work: Provide landscape design
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$750
Douglas R.
05/2014
4.0
landscaping
+ -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: I did not use this service.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
3.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
$45
Response from GardenWise Landscapes
Client was not exactly sure what he wanted to do to improve his front yard. He want to keep the existing shrubs, fix the irrigation and lawn and lower his water usage. We spent one hour + consulting and made some suggestions as to what OUR business could do for him to improve the curb appeal and at the same time lower his water usage, then wrote up a proposal. Given the small budget he was working with and the type of work we do, he was not interested. Not sure he went to our website to learn about the type of work we do. We did not collect any money from him. The $45 fee went to Angie's List.
Robert J.
05/2014
5.0
landscaping
+ -1 more
She charges a very reasonable hourly fee and is a busy lady.
Description of Work: I use GardenWise Landscapes for landscaping and garden maintenance.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Gaby .
05/2014
5.0
landscaping
+ -1 more
These two women are hard working professionals. What a joy to work with them and plan out the monthly jobs to be completed. They are reliable, flexible and tuned into their clients needs. I cannot recommend them enough.
Description of Work: First, they planned the layout for several areas in the garden. Purchased plants and then planted them. Garden looks marvelous where they invested their time and efforts.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Robert J.
10/2013
5.0
landscaping, mulch
+ 0 more
It went well. They worked very well with us to come up with a design with which we liked and felt comfortable. They worked hard at implementing it and completed it in a reasonable amount of time and at a reasonable price. Great job!
Description of Work: Replaced almost all plants around our house, re-graded, installed drip system, mulch, and new topsoil. It included having to go under the sidewalk with drip hosing in a number of places. Did a lot of hard work and it looks great.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$11,000
Joan S.
10/2012
5.0
landscaping
+ -1 more
From our very first meeting, I was impressed with Christine's professionalism. She came to the meeting prepared with picture books to use in discussing design options. She was patient with my many questions and prepared hand-drawn as well as computer generated landscape plans for our review. In addition, she communicated frequently during the process via email, sending photos of the plants she suggested. She even went with me to her supplier to pick out the boulders one-by-one. Her contracts were clear and easy to understand. She and her daughter, Sonia, worked extremely hard while planting and moving boulders around. She had additional help from workmen for weeding and pulling out the old plants in preparation for planting. My only complaint was that a few of the plants that were delivered from her supplier were not in great shape when they were delivered. However, she replaced them free of charge. Best of all, the project was completed in a timely manner and ON BUDGET! We were so pleased with Christine's work, we have recently signed a year-long contract with her to do our garden maintenance.
Description of Work: Christine Wiseman (owner of GardenWise Landscapes Inspired by Nature) re-designed the garden at the front and on the central walkway of out 4-unit condo complex in North Bertkeley, and she did a wonderful job! The design goal was to freshen the look of the outdated and overgrown garden, adding plants which had seasonal color, but were also low maintenance and somewhat drought tolerant. In addition, the design plan included adding several boulders used as design accents which also hold the soil on the sloping part of the garden. Existing planter boxes on the central walkway were replaced with larger, more suitable ones, and replanted with new shrubs to be espaliered on the existing trellises. The existing sprinkler irrigation system was replaced with a drip system.
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Service Categories
Landscaping,
Mulch and Topsoil,
Tree Service
FAQ
GardenWise Landscapes is currently rated 5 overall out of 5.
GardenWise Landscapes accepts the following forms of payment: American Express,Check,Discover,MasterCard,Visa
No, GardenWise Landscapes does not offer free project estimates.
No, GardenWise Landscapes does not offer a senior discount.
No, GardenWise Landscapes does not offer emergency services.
No, GardenWise Landscapes does not offer warranties.
GardenWise Landscapes offers the following services: High end designer garden plan, renovations, consultations & coaching with horticultural experts.
GardenWise Landscapes in not a mow and blow service or a lawn installation service. GardenWise Landscapes is not an irrigation company, although we do install drip systems in our own projects.