Botanical Designs Inc

The plants used were beat up and not in very good shape. So far they have survived but one tree looks like it might not make it. The irrigation didn't seem well thought out and multiple mistakes needed to be fixed. I asked Kevin to plant Esperanza plants with orange flowers and after the flowers bloomed yellow he stated he would send me a check for the plants. He never sent to check.

His supervisor and crew far exceeded our expectations. They did a beautiful job and were very easy to work with. George supervised. I was worried that my crushed marble driveway was being affected but when they finished they left my place in perfect order. Israel was a very kind and hard worker. I was totally pleased!! Highly recommend them. They are very knowledgeable in what they do.

Great job - Kevin spent hours looking over our project and planning it out. The work was done professionally and exceeded our expectations. The masons and stones work was exceptional. Plants were in good shape and well spaced. Landscape watering was placed without issues. Lots of small details were thought of and included. Priced appropriately for the job. Would highly recommend!

We were very pleased with the finished small rock retaining wall. It looks better than we had expected. However it took a little longer than we expected. They had said 10 days, and of course that meant working days. One day they did not show up and so we called and eventually they called back and said they were having trouble with the company truck. Another day they did not show up and we called and they said that they were getting materials. However we very much like the final results of the work.

The project started out slowly because of several redesigns. Once they began, it was completed in a timely manner. The results were beautiful. Living in San Antonio we needed gardens that are drought, heat and cold tolerant. Joe and Sean worked with us to get the perfect plants. The chop block edging in the front Is lovely. The boulders on the side are even better than the pictures. We now have gardens to enjoy.

It’s been 3 years since Kevin and his team completed $32K of work on our yard. Most reviews posted on Angie’s List give reviews within months, if not days, which gives an incomplete picture since most of us make an investment that we want to last. I honestly should have stopped the project once it was apparent that there was no supervision without notification of the change. Given all of the landscaping problems, many of which weren’t immediately apparent, this experience left me with no desire to do large projects on our house. For $32,000, I really wanted to be happy about the work. Instead I am reminded how unhappy I am every time I go out and do work in my yard. We contracted with Kevin in October 2014 to install a paver patio, arbor, sprinkler system adaptations, and finally, radically change our landscaping in our back yard. I will address each in order, but before I do that, I should say that I expressed concern, from before I hired Kevin, about the supervision of such a large job. He assured me that his foreman would be on site every day to supervise: to quote: “I have a foreman, George, that has been with me for 20 years and he is always there.” He wasn’t. He got sick and was in the hospital from right before the work began. I did not find this out until three weeks into the job. After that, it took another 2 weeks before he was back. Kevin did not hire another foreman and struggled to supervise. We had problems throughout the job which lasted 3 months. Installation of the paver patio was problematic from day one. First the workers didn’t do the pattern as instructed. Second, they did the slope along the house rather than away from it (both of these incidents happened when there was no one supervising.) Third, the paving around one of the arbor pillars was so narrow on either side that neither was large enough for a door, let alone someone to pass on either side -- I had to pay to have this item redone because it was caught late and was "my fault." Last, the path coming out from our gate had to be corrected due to being incredibly narrow and the pavers weren’t cut properly for the turn. $9850 ---- We had a second paver patio installed, without issue, near the shed. $1750 ---- The arbor was flawless and beautiful. Kevin contracted this piece out, and I can’t tell you how happy I was with the subcontractors. We liked them so much we had them do some trellises as well. (I reviewed them separately) $9950 ---- The sprinkler/drip irrigation work was also problematic. Before starting the project I had SAWS come out and to their assessment so I could get rebates to help offset the cost. I informed Kevin that I would need all of the sprinkler heads to prove to SAWS they were removed, as well as pop-up indicators for the drip. I didn’t get the heads, and the popup indicators were literally installed months after the job finished after I noticed they weren’t there. I had to forego my rebate. I found drip hoses installed in a way that pinched the hose instead of installing elbows, tons of drip hoses not staked down, and it was installed on top of mulch. I emphasized that I was doing some of the landscaping to improve water efficiency, but they installed the hose drip in a way that used more than my lawn sprinklers. I had to have them completely redo it. Then I discovered that some of the drip was installed tied into one of my lawn zones. At that point, I just hired another company to come out and do the work. $1325 ---- Lots of seemingly “little things.” One 40 year old bush was cut down “by mistake” even though it was clear on his plans. Bend-a-board edging that was just plopped on the ground rather than partially buried to prevent tripping (two trips out to get this corrected). Three plants that were transplanted were left out for days before being replanted: two died, one still struggling. Many plants were installed so high that you could see 2-3 inches of their roots above the soil. Or I found significant air pockets around plants where the workers didn’t even bother to put soil. Extra sand for the pavers was just dumped and mulched over in my beds. Brakers tripped while I was not home (and was not informed). Broken gate latch. Messed up outdoor faucet. Flatbed trailer parked in the yard over a long weekend without permission. Outdoor faucet left open for DAYS. Mulch was piled high on tree trunks and in odd areas -- other areas with less than ½ an inch of mulch. I ended up redistributing the mulch for the entire yard by hand. Many of these issues I found MONTHS after I they “finished” the work and were paid handsomely. The landscaping was the reason I finally decided to post my review. Yes I was unhappy before, but I really hoped that the job Kevin did would pan out as an overall positive, and you can’t judge that so quickly when it comes to things that grow. But instead it causes me intense, unending frustration. Plants subject to root-rot were planted in areas without drainage. Plants unable to stand the western sun were planted where the western sun would beat down on them every day in the summer. The purple lantana that was planted is like an invasive weed that vines everywhere and never blooms (it was supposed to be gold lantana). The esperanza he planted in 4 places were common elder rather than the Tecoma Sans “yellow bell” Texas superstar that you see in most places: this means that it grows fifteen feet high and hardly ever blooms. One tree was damaged on arrival but they still planted it. One tree planted so high out of the soil that half the roots were visible out of the soil but hidden by mulch. Two of the trees he planted were, according to my arborist, not planted correctly. One needed staking two years after planting -- it started falling and would not stay upright in any direction. Kevin sent someone out to stake it. A few months later I called about the second tree falling, asking someone to come out and stake it. These trees are rootbound, which wouldn’t have happened if they were planted properly, and may not make it because their roots didn’t grow in a way that will support the weight of the growing tree. It was the request to stake the second tree where Kevin stopped responding to my texts. $9150 ---- ***So if you are considering a large landscaping job, please look to see if the customer reviewed it a year or two after, especially if you are having work done that is supposed to be a major project that lasts.***

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It was fine, except I was trying to contact him for a year. The price was okay, I guess.

We were happy with the work. We’re happy with the price. We were happy with the work overall. He didn’t answer his phone all of the time. The workers were nice and friendly.

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Kevin (owner)has performed landscaping design and installation for our family at two homes over the past five years and he does an amazing job. His prices don't change after the bid and he does a great job designing a landscaping that fits the house and lot. This is not "builder-grade" landscaping, but beautifully thought out designs. His masonry team also rocks; having build large tiered rock beds that complemented the rock on our house.  Kevin's team is punctual, has a great attitude, and is always available to answer questions or explain activities.  Throughout the process, Kevin is constantly evaluating progress and design decisions; not to upsell but to ensure the final landscaping is the best fit for the house and budget.  In addition to our yard in our current and last house, we've had a few friends also use Botanical Designs and have been very happy with the results.  I would gladly recommend Kevin's team, and we are already planning the back-yard of our current home with him. <br />

Kevin, the owner was very responsive if I had a question about how the work was done (usually caused by my misunderstanding what he intended). He made the adjustments without charging a "change order" fee. I was very impressed with his work. We have had other work done at my home, and this was by far the least stressful home improvement project we have had. I have recommended Kevin to family members and friends. <br />

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We had met Kevin at the Home & Garden show. We started with the idea of just having the cactus garden done. Kevin came out and spent some time drawing out the design for the cactus garden but also included what else could be done to complete the back yard. It was such a wonderful design, we ended up doing it all. The crew was great and very neat. It took exactly one week to get it all done. I would highly recommend this company. <br />

Beautifully!

Being new to San Antonio, I didn't know any landscapers. So I turned to Angie's list. I'm so glad I did. <br /> Kevin, of Botanical Designs, met me at my house to go over our desires and our budget. He worked with me to develop a beautiful landscape that stayed in budget. We are a shining star in the neighborhood thanks to Kevin's expert design. <br /> Once started, the landscape took a couple of weeks to complete. They patiently worked around the construction crews and fixed what others broke. Kevin used native and nativized plants that are thriving. He was, and is, concerned about water flow on the property. He incorporated some natural techniques that are doing very well. I'm sure we will be return to implement more of his ideas. <br /> George, Kevin's site manager, is a true professional. He was at our house over 90% of the time that the Botanical Landscape crew was working. George explained all of the native plants which were knew to me. <br /> My only regret is that I couldn't do more. But, as I told Kevin, he's a part of the family and will be working on our house for years to come. <br />

He got in touch with me very quickly, went to look at the issues I was having and gave me a quote, once we were in agreement, work started within days and was completed within one day! <br />

Kevin began with a long talk with us and then produced a drawing of what we wanted.  The cost of this drawing was waved because we decided to go with Kevin and his talented team of landscapers.  In the course of about five days they reshaped our front yard with attractive new shrubs and flowering plants, new metal dividers between the new plantings and our grass.  They worked on the concrete slab for our side yard and in about 24-30 hours it was finished and looks great. <br />  The crowning touch was the bricking of the round planter in the walkway.  The men working on it approached it by making about eight or nine (I have not counted them recently) "pie shaped" pieces that were the made solid with the mortar.  It was difficult to do and we were very appreciative of their efforts. <br /> They always arrived on time every day, and worked hard in the July heat.  Kevin McCormick stopped in to review the progress almost every day to be sure that all the things promised were done, and done well.  They also cleaned up each day so that the tools were not visible from the road, and did a very good job cleaning up as they left for the last time. <br /> We were pleased with their work and we anticipate employing them again next year to spruce up the back yard.

When we bought the house nearly 9 years ago, the thought was always to put in a water feature.  Eventually, we were financially able to have one built. I did a lot of online research and we joined the South Texas Water Garden Club to gather more information from actual water feature owners.   I got three bids and selected Botanical Designs although it wasn't the lowest offer.  Kevin listened to what I wanted which included a waterfall, a stream, and a place to put a water wheel I planned to build.  He made recommendations which included things I hadn't considered and explained the pros and cons of each idea -his as well as mine. The beginning of the project was bumpy because Kevin was finishing up another project which took longer than expected.  We adjusted the start date which gave him some flexibility and things were going well.  The stream bed was dug, the pond was dug, and a huge rainstorm hit.  We thought our pond was so eager to get started it filled itself.  Unfortunately, the liner wasn't in yet so we had a muddy mess.  Progress was delayed until the ground dried out enough to recommence.  There is an amazing amount of dirt that is excavated from the pond area and usually, the crew hauls it off and disposes of it.  I had been doing some landscaping with terraces (my back yard slopes up fairly steeply in one area) and asked if they could fill in the terraced area.  They agreed and even leveled the dirt after they filled in the empty spaces.  The workers ran across a large deposit of river rocks which had been buried some time in the misty past and there was an issue of disposal.  Alongside my yard near the fence is where the utilities are run.  I had begun building a dry creek along the fence because I couldn't extend my terrace blocks over the utilities.  Jorge, the crew chief offered to use the rocks to extend my creek using the river rocks.  I now have the bed extending from the street fence to a raised garden in my yard.  Looks great.  A win-win suggestion.  After excavation and lining installation, Jorge took a great deal of pride in the placement of the stonework.  He even spent time "tuning" the sound of the stream by experimenting with the placement of the stones. <br /> After everything was installed and given a test run, it was discovered that one of the filters was leaking.  Several attempts were made to repair it before a manufacturing defect was discovered.  We are currently waiting for the replacement and then the project will be complete.  In the interim, I have put a few goldfish in the pond and have begun landscaping the surround.  Everyone who has seen it says it looks so natural.  Kevin took advantage of the landscape to create a water feature that appears to be a spring fed stream.  The sound is so soothing and relaxing. <br /> It has been a pleasure working with Kevin and with his crew chief, Jorge. Most projects run into unexpected challenges and this one was no exception.  When these were encountered Kevin or Jorge made suggestions on how to best cope.  These adjustments did not affect the bid price.  There was no requirement for upfront money but the agreement was that Kevin would ask for advances as the project advanced.  The final payment is contingent on the replacement filter but it is expected momentarily.  We enjoy our water feature - my wife has learned that the fish come when she feeds them. <br /> Good job Botanical Designs <br />

The provider was not on site much of the time and the people in charge did not seem like they knew the project plan.  My husband was home every day because we had to keep stopping the men from doing things that were not on the plan.  The provider was unreachable.  The project took 2 months because there were sometimes 3 days in a row that no one showed up on the job.  The electrician worked well with us, but later we found out that he did not do things to code. He was someone who had worked with the provider in the past, and we hired him separately.  The electrician, the people putting in the base of the patio and the project manager (provider) did not have good communication.  The electrician had to visit everyday because the workers were not doing what he told them to do.  The tile layer was great, worked quickly, and had great quality.  He did an excellent job. <br />

He is a nice guy, but not very verbal or communicative. We contacted him in early March so we could get him early. He kept delaying our project. I finally had to threaten to fire him before he got his men to work, and then they only came for a few hours. If they were behind on projects it seems they would work overtime to catch up. They could have come on Saturdays or earlier than 11:00 and work until 5 instead of leaving at 2:00. It seemed to us that they came here to work when they finished their "big" projects. I would call or text him and not hear from him. But they day after they finished, he was calling me early to come get his check. They did a good job; I love the yard, but they really need to work on communication and promptness. I would use him again only if he would be more communicative and set a set date to do the work and stick to it. <br /> We chose him because of his good ratings on Angie's list, but were disappointed. Not in the finished project, but the communication and promptness. <br /> <br />

The did an excellent job.  They cleaned up at the end of each day and stayed in contact with us on progress.  He made sure that the design was followed and answered any of our questions. He made changes to the plant placement as we requested and kept well within the quoted budget.  His people where there when he said they would be.  I would definitely use Kevin again. <br /> Sometimes Kevin was slow to respond to our calls, but he always responded and addressed any issues that we brought up.  That was why I selected the B for responsiveness.   <br />

We got four bids for our backyard project, and we liked that Kevin was the only one who suggested taking out the entire back yard grass and instead installing mulch and rocks.  We struggled with both very sunny areas and very shady areas in our yard and it was making the growing grass almost impossible. We weren't able to afford everything that Kevin suggested, and he was willing to work with us to make changes that kept the project beautiful but reduced cost. When the sprinkler repairs became more complicated than either of us expected due to damage from the other construction project, Kevin was great to work with and keep costs down for us. The end result is beautiful. <br />

Overall I liked his design very much. His crew showed up when on time and the installation went smoothly. I questioned his choice of plants, however. He was assuming the front yard was always as shady as it was on the  October morning that he looked at the site. I tried to tell him that in the summer the late afternoon sun is brutal in the front yard. He did not listen and put in a lot of river ferns that were beautiful during the winter and spring.  By the end of April  l had to move half of the ferns  to shadier areas because they were not going survive in that bed.