Cat Valand Landscape Design

Cat came to our home to share ideas on how we could redo our backyard after the addition of a sun-room. The backyard was damaged during to the construction and this was an opportunity to start from scratch. She helped us design plans for a space that is suited for the lighting and met our requirements of having low maintenance native North Carolina plants. She prepared several copy of a land-space design and provided us with a great reference book that included all the plants used in the plan. She also gave us landscaping contacts for a landscaping company to install a water feature and build a dry creek bed to address our drainage problems. She also provided us with a reference list of where we could purchase the plants since we wanted to do the manual work ourselves as we enjoy gardening, Cat was very easy to work with and we are very happy with the work she delivered. We would high recommend Cat for anyone looking at redesigning their property.

Cat is a marvel. She is an extremely talented and knowledgeable designer, and better still, perhaps one of the best humans you'll ever have the good fortune to meet. My wife and I have been looking to relocate to the west coast, and to be charitable, our yard (both front and back) was a disaster. After having recently removed a number of large trees, the backyard in particular began to resemble some sort of blighted moonscape. We needed help, and after reading the lengthy list of glowing reviews, we reached out to Cat. On her initial visit, Cat sat down with us and took time to understand what we were trying to accomplish, and helped us see possibilities that we never would have. As we were ultimately looking for guidance to prepare our home for sale in an undefined future, we desired a plan that would best present the site (without overdoing it as we planned to move) while keeping the level of required maintenance low (as we have a knack for killing plants). After wrapping up the initial planning session, Cat spent a great deal of time getting a feel for the site. While she was still onsite, she had Wendy Kanable of Finelines Landscaping walk the site with her to get a better feel of the possibilities. A large portion of the project would include removal and replacement of two retaining walls, and updating a large-ish two story deck. Cat suspected that the deck was in worse shape than we’d hoped, so she brought in another partner, contractor Mark Poage to determine what, if anything, could be salvaged. To make an already long story short, Cat came back a couple weeks later with a detailed plan that addressed all of our needs and then some. In addition to the plan, Cat provided a binder containing details of each recommended plant, and a list of preferred partners that she regularly works with. The deck was a complete wash, so Cat and Mark put together an incredible new deck that now looks out onto a fabulous yard implemented by Wendy and her team. During implementation of the plan, Cat would regularly stop by to say hi and note how things were progressing as well as share additional thoughts on how to solve some of the inevitable problems that arise during construction. Wow. To say that we’re happy would be a gross understatement. Working with Cat was a blast, and the results far exceeded our expectations.

I am thrilled with my landscape plan. Cat created a plan personalized to my taste. She had me collect internet photos of plants I like before our appointment. She came to my home; looked at the photos and we talked for her to get to know me and my desire for my front yard. We walked around and talked about the sun and shade. I pointed out some areas of concern. She then sat in her vehicle next to the yard and started to design the hand drawn plan. The finished plan is to scale with all the plants shown and named. She gave me a resource sheet for my reference for information, contractors and purchases. This is a perfect plan for me to do the outdoor projects I like to do while having an end goal of a beautiful, cohesive, professionally designed yard. I highly recommend Cat for your landscape design.

If there was a score above A, I would give it to Cat Valand! 100% professional as well as personable. She not only LISTENED (unlike some other landscapers we have tried), but she understood what we wanted and needed. She introduced me to plants I did not know about and they answered the needs we had. (I did have to get her to use common names at times. :-) Most of the work cannot be done now, but the design is waiting for fall installation and while Cat does not install, she can tell you who has worked on her designs. At first, I thought Cat's fees were high for us, but I daresay working with a creative professional designer was well worth it. I would also say this...if you don't want a creative design, but have already decided what/where/how you want, you will not appreciate Cat Valand as much as if you were to have her to listen to your vision and then design it for you! Looking forward to working with her again!

Excellent. Cat arrived early, after calling to be sure it was okay. Although it was raining she donned a rain coat and we walked the area. She sat with my wife and I and we commenced to evaluate plant materials and design concepts. She makes the design process fun, very professional and knowledgeable. We installed her design verbatim.

Cat Valand is the cat's meow! After interviewing several landscape design professionals, we finally found someone who is the whole package! Cat articulates an artistic vision with a love for outdoor living and provides a detailed plan for implementing her design. Cat's thoroughness averted a costly hardscape expenditure by guiding us through the watershed requirements of our area. Within days of the final presentation, we were contacting an extensive list of professionals provided by Cat and we are now on our way to creating a relaxing, peaceful respite. Cat embraces the challenges of any outdoor space with creativity backed by education and experience. More importantly, Cat loves what she does and takes her clients needs to heart.

I had removed all the "builder" foundation plants in front of our house and needed some ideas on what and how to replace them. Cat got some ideas from me, sat on my front porch and produced a to-scale design that she thought would meet my likes. She even suggested some ways to hide the view of our neighbor's garage when approaching our house. Cat gave specifics about each plant she chose and even where to buy them. She also supplied me with a list of related businesses that could help me get the job done. I'm excited to get started!

Once I contacted Cat, I got a response almost instantly. Cat was flexible and able to meet me at my house within the week. She arrived both punctually and professionally. Cat listened to my thoughts for the area and then took time to explore other areas in the front of our house. She created a drawing with grid paper that was essentially a mini model of our property. When I saw the finished design, I was quite surprised. Cat had some very creative ideas that I never would have even considered. She even included a second flower bed design for the other side of our house that tied everything together perfectly. We plan to implement the second flower bed next year. Cat asked my input on color schemes and whether we wanted perennials, annuals, vines, shrubs, etc. I am very pleased with the design and can't wait to see the whole thing finished (we have everything in except the Japanese red maple). My one piece of advice to others using Cat's services is to keep an open mind. It took me a day to wrap my head around the scope of the project, but I am so happy we followed the plan!

I went searching for landscaping designers and am so happy we found Cat. She quickly turned around a design that met our objectives, and most importantly, expressed our personalities. In addition to the solution she provided, she also gave us a great deal of resources and advice. This complete package eliminated the enormous burden I felt about my yard.

What can I say about Cat that hasn't been said already? I felt confident reaching out to her given the stellar reviews on Angie's List. What initially impressed me about Cat was her amazing portfolio but more importantly, how enthusiastic other homeowners were about the excitement and positive attitude she brings to each project. Having had the opportunity to work with Cat this month, I can say with certainty, the hype is real. Her interest in our preferences that she ultimately incorporated into her design really made us feel like we were part of the process. Her final deliverable blew us away. We essentially have a portfolio of our property complete with her design, a lighting design, color pages breaking down the various elements of her design, a Cat Valand "Recommended Plan of Attack" for the various projects given the time of year and a reference list of contractors she's worked with before and trusts. My wife and I cannot recommend her enough. If you're looking for a consummate professional who will create the landscape design of your dreams and do so in a very warm and personal manner, I strongly suggest you give Cat a call!

Cat was very easy to work with. She is very approachable, and made the job of turning our yard from a bit of a mess, into something we really enjoy looking at. Interested in our ideas, but at the same time forthcoming with her own professional input. The job has been completed, and her vision for our yard was exactly what we had in mind. She designed the pavers that start at our driveway and go all around to the back of our house, eventually connecting with stairs on the opposite side of the house, (which she also designed), and it all looks great. The landscaper followed her plan exactly, so he was pleased to have something so detailed to work with. We will have color at all parts of our yard at various times of the year, and we couldn`t be happier. I would definitely recommend Cat, without hesitation.

After reading many positive reviews on Angie?s List®, I contacted Cat Valand Landscape Design to rescue my poor overgrown grounds from an inattentive, uncaring and ogre-like owner (um, that would be ME). The previous owners of my home LOVED to plant new things and enjoyed that passion often. I?ve previously used designer/installer services and both times I received *designs* of their respective companies? specialty. I did not want that again though I had no idea what to expect from any professional designer. Cat came by and immediately started looking around and asking questions to find out who I was, what I liked and tried to get an impression of my personality and flow of my home. Her disposition was polite, very positive and genuinely interested in my project. Within the first ten minutes she stated the obvious ? my yard was a mess because I didn?t like it so keeping it up was a chore and not enjoyable to me! Duh! I guess she got a pretty good read on my personality after all :-) She recommended removal of the plants that required hours weekly in pruning and cleanup, then removal of the semi-annual pruning and cleaning rascals then tackle the annuals and kick them out too. She provided detailed scale diagrams speckled with new flora that require minimal maintenance and care, a notebook filled with information on each plant, a landscape lighting plan and for a finale - new hardscape recommendations for patio and walkways with perfect stone selection already made. Whew! The new plant color combinations will be dynamite in bloom and I can't wait to get started on the transformation. Ca's efforts are well valued and I've recommended her to my neighbors.

Braving a brutal wind and frigid temperatures last February, Cat and I walked my property. We discussed current issues with my landscaping and talked about a plan that would take care of some drainage problems and beautify the property with low maintenance plants. Cat then drew a sketch to scale for us to keep that included a solution to a continually most yard issue and an updated landscaping solution for the front and back of our home. As life goes, 6 months later we were ready to start our work and realized because of the craziness of that day, we were both amiss at remembering the plan for the repairing the stairs on a hill and the plantings we had discussed for that hill. Although it was 6 months later, Cat was gracious enough to sketch out the plan and sent it to me the next business day. Cat Valand is a joy to work with! She listens to your needs and concerns, has an extensive knowledge of plantings that will grow in your environment, makes the experience enjoyable with her upbeat personality, and provides a design that will work for you.

Our experience was amazing! Cat nailed the plan! Based on our discussions and design ideas I shared, in a few short days, she put together a complete landscape plan, inclusive of plants, locations, stone wall to add visual interest - all packaged and presented to us as a design book, including plant information and resources for our reference. As a bonus she offered ideas about lighting, deck replacement to enhance the overall landscape. She balances her views with an eye toward beauty, plant performance, and environmental conditions (including deer) in her recommendations. She can assess quickly what is working, what is not. And is quick to provide a plan to address, remediate and beautify. Once the plan is complete, it is yours to use with the contractor of your choice - though I highly suggest you work with one of her preferred partners. We have already been pleased with the results of a contractor with whom she works with closely. If you want to be delighted by service and quality of work, please contact Cat! The results will exceed your expectations!

Cat was very creative and had some neat ideas that I would not have thought of. She was aware of plant species that would work in my partial sun yard. She provided a hand diagram and documented everything we discussed.

Her design was nice, but we chose to pursue a different style.

Cat came out twice. The first time was to discuss our ideas and vision. The second time was our ideas and hers on paper. She was very professional, enthusiastic and we could tell she really enjoyed what she does. Cat probably stayed for an hour during the first visit, and then called back the following week to set the next meeting to show us her design. She brought a binder for us that had all color pictures of the flowers, trees and plants she wanted to use (yes, we kept the binder...also tells how to take care of the plants....excellent). Her drawing was amazing of our new vision for a yard (it is black and white, but it's a diagram for the landscapers to use....it was perfect). Cat spent probably close to two hours going over our elaborate design.....it was a fast two hours! She did an excellent job going into detail about her design with each flower, tree and plant. We really enjoyed her expertise, enthusiasm, professionalism and imagination to make our yard come alive. Not only did Cat provide her ideas and drawing, but also a long list of recommended other services for our home (she has nothing to do with these companies, but it was a list of professionals with related services.....very helpful!) We can't wait for the job to start!

Everything went well. Cat showed up at the scheduled time and introduced herself in a professional manner. Cat and I spent time discussing where (front or back yard) and what I was hoping to achieve. So we discussed my front yard and my preferences in terms of maintenance and care. Cat also provided a handout with several resources containing internet links. After letting Cat know my preferences, she went outside and started doing her thing. Cat was very attentive and answered all of my questions about landscaping design. Cat prepared a drawing of my front yard that was to scale. She then proceeded to discuss the entire layout and show me images of the recommended plants/shrubs. Cat was very patient and went through each and every item in detail. I'm truly appreciative of her help and knowledge. I can't wait to start implementing her design recommendations in the fall. I would highly recommend Cat for any of your landscape design needs.

Went very well. Service was professional and polite. The plan was just what I wanted and was priced appropriately.

My review is mainly on the value received for the money. She was very nice and full of energy, so big plus there. She arrived a little late and left early so I didn't get the full 2 hours. I was also told I live too far away and she was taking my area off the Angie's List Deal. So it didn't start great. What plants we did like we couldn't do because they were "deer food" which was disappointing. We talked about privacy in the backyard and wanting to plant some things around the house and out in front of the house as well. Was told the deal was supposed to be just for an "area" and not the entire yard. She did however provide suggestions for all areas that consisted of a pencil drawing of 8-10 plants and small trees that I was to "research myself". Again, this is just my personal experience and opinion and I reiterate that she was very nice and professional. It was just being left with a pencil drawing of less than a dozen plants that I just felt it wasn't worth the price paid. Perhaps my expectations were too high.

She drew a sketch of our yard with ideas for elements such as a rose garden, raised bed garden, a retaining wall and moving our fire pit back. Unfortunately we weren't able to use her further because the landscaper she uses was not available. She gave us some great ideas to get started on but I'm not sure it was worth $200.

Cat Valand was GREAT! First, we really enjoyed her company. You can tell she really enjoys what she does. Secondly, the product (which is what we payed for) delivered! We have yet to begin implementing her landscape design. But that is due to the fact that it was very thorough and right on target with what we were wanting. She spent her time outside listening to things we knew we wanted and then recommended what she felt like what "fit" into our yard/property. She worked very hard to please us and left us with a comprehensive drawing of our property, plant species and placement. She even gave us some tips & tricks on trimming the plants once they've been in the ground for awhile. Will definitely hire her again!

At our scheduled time, Cat called and notified us that she was running a few minutes late (and arrived as promised approximately 5 minutes later). Many service providers would not call if just a few minutes behind, so I appreciated the professional courtesy. We walked through our yard (both front and back as my wife and I have grand ideas for a significant overhaul) and talked through our ideas which she either candidly supported with additional details or advised us to think about an alternative. She named plants, described them to us, and even gave us some advice as to how to handle our current plants. She even suggested building a playhouse for my daughter (which is probably a little outside of my skill level) but it was a fun idea to bat around afterwards. Overall, Cat was delightful, energetic, and definitely knowledgeable. She left us with the design plans and some basic instructions for planting, spacing, etc. if we wished to pursue the design ideas ourselves. She also recommended professionals if we wanted to go with pros for the landscape design. It was nice to be involved in the design as well as the implementation. My wife and I now get to plan the timeline. While I'm sure Cat offers more comprehensive services, this 2-hour design consult option was perfect for us, as with Cat's advice and design, my wife and I get to carry it out.

All went very smoothly - Cat is an easy person to work with. She listens very well, and knows her flora and fauna.

Cat was fantastic. Punctual, friendly, flexible, accommodating and extremely knowledgeable. I came to her with a yard that had been completely neglected for years by the previous owner and she had a crisp, coherent, appealing design worked out in short order. Can't wait to put her plan into action! Couldn't be more pleased!