Cat Valand Landscape Design

Cat was prompt and professional, asked for input and considerations (we have concerns with deer, and a lot of shade).... She then studied the area, sat on our porch and drew out the recommendation so we had everything needed before she left. We were also provided with alternative plant ideas, should we choose to go with something faster growing than her initial suggestions. We finally got around to utilizing this layout in March and it served us well. We made a couple of changes, but having something to start with and to go by was a valuable tool and well worth the money paid for this deal!

I'm pretty sure that Cat is psychic. I gave her a list of a few must-haves (a Japanese maple) and some ideas of what we wanted (privacy for certain parts of our backyard, other areas that we wanted to be more open). When she showed me her initial designs, just about every plant on there was something that I had admired in someone else's garden or had bookmarked in a gardening magazine. (I felt like a 15-year old at the mall, because I kept saying, "OMG, I have always wanted one of those ...!") She designed for 4-season interest: plants that bloom in the spring & summer, plants with interesting foliage in the fall, evergreens and plants with winter interest. She picked out a lovely Japanese maple that was later featured in Fine Gardening as one of the top varieties for Southern gardens. I fell in love with it as soon as we got it in our backyard; it has a lovely form and I can't wait to see it leaf out in the spring. When I showed her plans to the woman who installed the design, she remarked that it was a really good design with appropriate plant choices for our location, shade & soil. She was certain that everything was going to do really well over time. Our neighbors are jealous, and I can't stop peeking outside our windows and just admiring the view. It is truly a lovely design even in the winter. I can't wait for spring. Cat is so nice. She listened to all our concerns and addressed them. She is easy to work with, friendly, so enthusiastic about designing, and very knowledgeable. Her time and design skills were worth every cent that we paid.

Cat listened. She came to our home and strolled around our yard while we explained what we were trying to achieve. She asked questions to confirm her understanding and to help us think through things that we might not have considered. She physically moved objects around - benches, planters, flower pots, tables - to try out ideas for creating the environment. She made suggestions as we walked, which helped us to visualize as we went. After our walkabout, Cat sat by herself for a short time and soon presented us with a single page of notes and a small drawing that captured our discussion. The plan included a few new elements that we had discussed and it incorporated much of what we already had, just as we had wanted. Our drawing was very plain and simple, not the extensive blueprint I had received from other landscape designers in the past. That said, it was very easy for me to understand because we had discussed everything as we went - it was our yard, our plants, new items were annotated and some things were already re-arranged while we did our walkabout! Cat shared the design with the landscaper that we hoped to use to do the work; that landscaper had recommended Cat for the design work and they were accustomed to working together. When the landscaper came out to give an estimate, she already understood what we wanted and was familiar with the design decisions. It was an enjoyable and educational process. Cat knows her stuff, and she also listens. She didn't try to sell us on things that didn't suit our desired outcome. She is down-to-earth and noticed our style, making recommendations that made sense to our setting and lifestyle.

Cat arrived on time and completed all details of the design onsite and gave me a finished product. Cat walked the property with me and really listened to my goals and concerns. Her recommendations were excellent and she added creative ideas how to create more interest to various areas of my yard. I thought she was practical, creative and a delight to work with. Moreover, she took the time to educate me on plants/trees. Some of my plantings needed to be pruned and she even returned later in the day with a expert to help me accomplish the task. Her service is A+.

Cat was very knowledgeable and professional. She asked me what I wished to accomplish for each of the areas in our yard that I said needed attention and gave excellent suggestions for how to accomplish my goals. She solicited my input regarding my preferences and offered ideas for remedying problem areas. After walking around outside and examining our lot she drew a detailed landscape plan on the spot! Cat is great! 15FEB2015: Fine Lines Landscaping completed the first phase of Cat's plan and it looks terrific! Our overgrown plants have now been replaced by new baby ones and you can actually see our house from the front again! I can't wait to see how everything looks when it all begins to bloom in a couple of months. In the meantime, we're enjoying the elegant look of the crape myrtles as they are lit up by the lights we had installed by Outdoor Lighting Perspectives. Thank you again Cat!

It was exactly what I was looking for. Cat arrived punctually on the date scheduled. She spent a good amount of time understanding what we wanted and delivered a design that addressed all our objectives.

It went above and beyond our expectations! We were looking for a landscape designer to work with our very preliminary plans. Cat listened to our needs and wants and delivered a product that exceeded everything we were looking for in a plan. The detailed notebook was incredible. She was also very responsive and timely in getting the information to us. While the price was above what we initially wanted to pay, she did stay below our revised budget and gave us everything and more of what we were looking for,

She brought energy, creativity and tranformative ideas to the project. She worked quickly. She understood exactly what we were looking for and delivered beyond our expectations. She was always available for questios and consultation during the installation. She was fabulous to work with !

I got a detailed design for what needs to be done to the yard, plus I got a list of providers she suggested for the work. Which is useful. Some useful links to sites about plants were provided. All in all, a good experience.

If you are looking for someone who is down to earth, is brimming with neat ideas and will still deliver a professionally drawn landscape plan, then you NEED to call Cat. She listened and incorporated the things I liked into our plan and didn't forget one. She incorporated plants we already had in our yard, with transplant suggestions when appropriate, and found the balance between a visually beautiful and yet low maintenance yard. I knew after the first 30 minutes of talking with her, that I wanted her to do more than originally planned. Taking advantage of the Angie's List deal was a great way to get some ideas to give us a kick start, but it also turned out to be a perfect way to meet someone we could use on a regular basis. She was very professional, punctual and included yard décor, hardscapes along with the plants and plant beds. She is a perfect blend of an artist and botanist/arborist, which I believe makes the perfect designer. She manages to offer a great service with a casual style and approach. Most importantly, she had a deliverable to us in a few days after only a couple of extra questions by phone. We now have a large scale drawing of our entire planned landscape (x4) and an accompanying notebook, detailing the plant species and ideas for architectural features. She provided building plans for any DIYers and provided internet links for anything that could be ordered. Thanks, Cat!!

My husband purchased a home to remodel (easy enough) but when it came to the backyard we were at a loss as to what to do with it. In comes Cat...What a good and wonderful person to get to know. Cat walked around the backyard with us and explained the different possibilities for the yard and also showed us pictures so we could better understand the types of plants. She also gave us ideas to make the backyard more inviting. Then...she sat down and drew a diagram of our backyard with all the recommendations (talk about talented). Cat also, gave us the names of companies that could work with us if we so choose and website address' if we wanted to learn more. We cannot say enough good things about Cat and her extraordinary ability when it comes to working the land.

We could not be more pleased with the work performed by Cat Valand. She thoughtfully listened to our needs and transformed our overgrown lawn into a place of enjoyment. The plants she selected reflect our personal taste - and also our desired level of upkeep. We would highly recommend Cat Valand Landscape Design!

Cat did a great job. She was patient with all my questions, very detailed in her plans, had great resources, and could tell she was very passionate about her work!

Cat was referred to me by another landscape company. I am new to NC from MT so trying to find plants that will do well here was a challenge for me. Cat provided a great design as well as a lot of practical advice for a NC newby. She was a lot of fun to work with and extremely knowledgeable. Cat did her design, with my input, right on site so that by the time she left, I had a design diagram with full plant list. She also provided me with several nursery referrals and general NC information that has been very helpful. I would recommend her to anyone in need of an experienced landscape designer. Well worth the money and time.

Kat provided us her ideas very quickly after the consultation. I have had a few questions and she has responded in a very timely manner. Our next steps will be getting a quote to have the work completed.

I can not express enough how much I enjoyed working with Cat! As a first time homeowner, with very little knowledge of landscaping and plants, Cat was able to help me visualize the possibilities for a beautiful yard! She created a very personalized plan that fit my personality and budget. I would highly recommend her to anyone who is unsure of what direction to go when it comes to landscaping!!

The 2 hour visit with Cat was wonderful. She listened to my thoughts about what I wanted in my backyard, surveyed with me what was there, and helped map out a new plan for plant beds and landscaping walls. She suggested plant materials that would compliment the plan. She then sent me links to available stone suppliers as well as plant nurseries. She really helped solidify my thoughts on a new plan for my backyard.

Cat returned less than a week later with some drawings, a notebook of various plants, flowers, and trees, and a suggested sequence/schedule for doing the work. This was exactly what we had requested. We asked for some additional follow-up so that she might compile approximate costs for the plants/flowers/trees so my wife and I can begin budgeting what we can do first. Overall, the experience was very positive. She was terrific to work with and I'd recommend her again to anyone...especially a gardening novice like me. She's clearly very competent for those with experience, but we needed some hand-holding to get started. And more than anything, her enthusiasm for her work and passion for beautifying one's home was very evident. It helped inspire my wife and I to take the next steps.

Cat was on time. She took into account the amount of shade versus sun when suggesting plants. The design is well thought out and fits the lot size. I would hire her again.

My husband and I are new homeowners and had never done any landscaping. We were looking for someone to help up create a well-design, personalized, achievable plan to beautify our front and back yard. I'm so glad that we found Cat - she did an amazing job! We now have a very practical, detailed phased plan for tree removal, planting, hardscaping and even lighting. Cat listened carefully to our ideas and came up with some really sweet personal touches, like including a plant named for our daughter and a 'weeping' tree reminiscent of one of my favorites. When it comes to anything design-oriented, I'm quite picky. But Cat's plan really exceeded my expectations. And she was quick - we met with Cat on a Saturday and had our plans in hand the following week! I will definitely recommend her to any friends looking for landscape design services.

Overall, this was a most pleasant experience. Cat had the design completeld promptly and we were more than satisfied with her plans. The amount of detailed information she provided was more than we expected and what a delight!

She was great. She coordinated with another company to consult for the installation.

I am so pleased that Cat's design addressed everything we talked about in terms of issues we have in the yard, our family's needs and use of the space, and my tastes. The notebook is a wonderful resource that I will be able to refer to throughout the years. And because she created a vision with a realistic roadmap, I am excited that I can work towards the final design - and stay in budget - knowing our yard is looking better and better every season.

The whole experience was wonderful. She came on the day of installation (done by Fine Lines Landscaping) and placed the plants in the beds. I had several questions during the planning process, and she responded promptly. She had helped me before on a bed in the front, and I have nothing but wonderful things to say about Cat. She also helped me redesign another small space in the front. She even went to the nursery and brought the plants to me!

Went great. This lighting takes very little electricity-make $2.00 a month quality of fixture is high. They took care of everything.