Dalkey Front Garden

Customer reference for Greenstone Landscapes
by Ethna Murakami

8th May 2006

When was the work done?
Over three weeks in April 2006
What was involved?
It was gargantuan. It was a very old fashioned overgrown front garden. The thing I wanted to achieve the most was an area to turn the car in. Ross put in a limestone paved area and steps and a charcol grey tobamore driveway with a turning area. He also planted pittosporum and photinia red robin.
How did you choose Greenstone Landscapes?
I’m a keen gardener myself. Two professional gardeners that I work with recommended Greenstone to me.
Ross gave me a quotation which was very acceptable. We’d had one quotation which was nearly three times our budget.
Had you definite ideas in mind before you talked to Ross Farrell?
Firstly, there were certain plants I wanted to keep in the garden, a lovely holly and a pittosporum. I also wanted to achieve a sort of Italian look to the front. I love Italy and sitting out on sun drenched terraces, drinking coffee and reading the paper. I had thought we’d have a three tiered garden using Wexford pebble.
Did Ross introduce new ideas?
Ross had lovely suggestions. He suggested a more woodland style and it works really well and gives a lovely contrast. What he achieved looked every bit as good as I had hoped, in fact better. When you drive down Killiney road now, the house really stands out. The driveway really has enhanced the house.
How did the project run?
Ross works with a horticulturist and a chap who?s very good at hard landscaping. The three of them were here every morning at 7:45am and worked until 5pm. They even worked on Good Friday! And they cleaned up after themselves, and left the driveway safe every night. They just got on with it.
What was the biggest benefit to you of using Greenstone Landscapes?
Ross did exactly what he said he would do, and in the time that he said. There was no surprises. The surprise was it looks better than I envisaged – it’s just stunning.
What I liked as well was that they watered in the new plants very well and they continued to keep the watering program going.
What’s your favourite part now?
There’s a little bench out the front that’s going to be my favourite area to sit with a cup of coffee and my paper when the good weather comes in. Because of the planting, there is an element of privacy now. We can start to use the front garden in a really social way.
Would you recommend Greenstone Landscapes to others?
Absolutely, with no hesitation. And you cannot always say that. I’ve already asked him to leave me some of their cards so I can pass them.
Any tips for other people?
It’s all in the planning. Even with the best plan, things do go wrong, especially with outdoor projects.

As told to Pickapro