SECRET GARDEN

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They were fine.

They were fine.

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I received two estimates for extensive landscaping work, tree trimming and removal, turf treatment, flower garden redesign and substantial buckthorn removal. The Secret Garden estimate was higher than the other estimate, but the quote from Secret Garden came in quickly (and via email!) and Secret Garden was able to schedule the start of the work sooner than the other company that provided a quote. Owner Mike Bohlen came to view the yard and consult about the work I needed done. I felt that he and I were "on the same page" about the extensive work needed on my large yard. Secret Garden has crews of about 6-7 workers that come out to do the work, so progress on my yard was quickly evident. The crew leader Jeff was very kind about calling to let me know in advance when the crew would be working in the yard, and they were considerate about parking their equipment so it didn't block the drive or the garage. Some of the work I needed done had to be contracted out with other firms (large tree trimming, spraying lawn for weed control). The crew was considerate, professional, and most important, the work was very nicely done. Secret Garden seems to do most of their work in the North Shore area. I actually contracted with Secret Garden for an additional two days of buckthorn removal during the colder months for a cost of $2700. The amount of work that the crew can do in a day is quite amazing. I have been very pleased with the results of this company and am glad that I used their services.

I emailed Mike about some landscaping work. He called me. During the conversation I asked him how much it would cost for him to develop a design. He explained that he would come out to the property and then discuss the cost of design. I really just needed someone to come out, look at the back yard and design my dream back yard. We set up an appointment and he arrived on time. (I had actually forgotten about the appointment. ) I began explaining the situation and he told me that "my yard was too small" I had too small of a project. This caught me off guard considering I had explained over the phone that I was interested in someone to create a design. He explained that he rarely does design and if he does only in the winter. After he left I thought I would utilize his services at a later date, however the more I thought about it the more I felt put off by his attitude. He did say during the course of the conversation that he did not want to come across as snobbish, however, he did. I think that Mike should do a better job of screening his potential customers so that he does not waste his time or theirs. He seems interested in "big" jobs. Based on his website his work is exceptional. He quoted me $300 to draw a design which I thought was more than reasonable especially based on the fact that I paid $1200 for an interior design for a remodel. However, based on my interaction with him I don't think I will be using him. Like I said I think his actual work is exceptional and if you have a "large" yard with grandiose plans he might be your guy. If you need someone to design "a secret garden" you probably need to look elsewhere.

In March I asked Mike Bohlen if he had interest in reviewing landscaping work I need to havre performed at the house. We scheduled an appointment in late March. He arrived promptly, reviewed the scope of the project with me and indicated he was interested in submitting a proposal. On April 4, 2011, at his request, I sent him a copy of the lot survey. On April 22, 2011 as I had not heard from Mike, I sent an email asking for a status on submitting the proposal. In early May he responded indicating that he needed to come by the house to secure some measurements and would then submit a proposal. On May 25, 2011, he sent a message indicating he was very busy and was withdrawing his offer to submit a proposal. I could not be more disappointed in my experience. Taking 2 months to determine that a proposal would not be sent seems unreasonable to me. He came highly recommended by a co-worker whose perspective is well respected and thus I was pretty excited about the potential to work with this firm.

So far we have been happy with the job they did but we haven't had much time to evaluate it. They are a little on the expensive side but the guys are nice to work with and seem like they are knowledgeable. They cleaned up everything. They were pretty professional and completed the work within 3 weeks of the time we initially talked about it so it wasn't bad. So far we are reasonably happy with the work they did and we will see how it holds up.

Excellent work

We contacted this contractor based on a favorable review on Angie's List. We received a prompt reply from the owner initially but had to repeatedly call for a follow up. Contractor eventually came by for a take-off of our yard, and then asked for a plat drawing of the property (which we provided). Contractor said he'd shortly have an estimate for us along with a drawing/landscape design based on our needs and the property plat drawing. Never heard back. Regret having wasted several weeks and a plat on a contractor who obviously wasn't interested in providing us with what would have been about $10,000 worth of work. Hired another contractor who has been much more communicative and prompt with estimate and scheduling of work. It's too bad that Secret Garden didn't follow through as they seem to do good work once they commit to it. You would think that in economic times such as these when work is fairly scarce in the building/landscaping industry these smaller contractors would be very eager for work. Guess not.

I first contacted the company on the last Friday in September and the job was done 3 weeks later. Mike Bohlen did an excellent and efficient job of understanding exactly what I wanted done, gave me a fair quote, and made sure his crew knew exactly what to do. He submitted his quote by email, which I found very helpful, and he followed up after the job was done to be sure everything was ok. He answered my question about watering and promptly sent me the lien waiver I requested. The crew of Jeff and Mike (Mike #2) were friendly and pleasant and did a great job for me. They were well informed about what I wanted and checked to be sure everything was right before leaving. They gave me clear instructions on watering. It was late in the year for this kind of work, but the grass germinated before the first frost and looks great!

Excellent.

Mike's crew was super courteous to us and our neighbors. They try to limit the noise they made and clean up any mess they dropped on the driveway each evening before leaving. The quality of work is stellar - absolutely beautiful. We get compliments on the front frequently and it isn't even summer yet, so not all the plants are in bloom! So far the back yard work is coming along beautifully and on schedule. We are due to have everything complete in about 4 weeks (We've been working with Mike and his crew since last July - about 10 months or so). He has been very patient with our numerous changes back and forth to our rear patio and fountain design - we've changed it at least a dozen times and he hasn't complained even once! He seems to really care about doing a good job and incorporating everything the client wants and making them happy. I HIGHLY recommend them to anyone wanting a beautiful, high quality design. He mostly works along the North Shore communities (we're in Shorewood).

Mike's crew was super courteous to us and our neighbors. They try to limit the noise they made and clean up any mess they dropped on the driveway each evening before leaving. The quality of work is stellar - absolutely beautiful. We get compliments on the front frequently and it isn't even summer yet, so not all the plants are in bloom! So far the back yard work is coming along beautifully and on schedule. We are due to have everything complete in about 4 weeks (We've been working with Mike and his crew since last July - about 10 months or so). He has been very patient with our numerous changes back and forth to our rear patio and fountain design - we've changed it at least a dozen times and he hasn't complained even once! He seems to really care about doing a good job and incorporating everything the client wants and making them happy. I HIGHLY recommend them to anyone wanting a beautiful, high quality design. He mostly works along the North Shore communities (we're in Shorewood).

Good individual skills.