Reviews

Charles Hodges, LTD. Gardens

Reviews from HOUZZ

The team worked well together to get the job done.  This was a big job with a lot of changes.  Charles and his team worked hard to keep the project moving forward despite issues with supply or weather.  We are very pleased with the work and the craftmanship.  They built a large area and had cut each stone to fit and match.  The aesthetics and workmanship was amazing.   This is the only person I would call for these types of projects.  The cost was definitely on par with the quality of work we saw.  They even helped to keep the new plants watered until the irrigation was completed.  Charles really went above and beyond to make sure this project was completed to our liking.  Thank you Charles and team!!!  --Tim Cullen

Charles did a great job for us.  He made a silk purse out of our sow's ear.  Just ask him to see the before and after pictures.  Our house is 37 years old, but now looks brand new.  The neighbors keep commenting on how beautiful our yard looks since Charles worked his magic.  This project required a true vision for what it could be.  Charles made that vision come true.  Thanks Charles, we love our new home. -- Bob Richards

Charles and his team exceeded all my expectations.  Charles listened to my vision, made it come to life through detailed drawings; he kept to my budget and delivered on-time with exceptional quality.  His experienced team included stone masons and irrigation specialists in addition to landscape experts; they were incredibly talented and professional.  I highly recommend Charles Hodges Ltd. Gardens. -- Elizabeth  Buckley

Charles and team did an outstanding job from beginning to end and we cannot recommend them highly enough. Charles and his team communicated each step of the way from material delivery through to next aspects of the project. The team was polite, punctual, and respectful of both the site and us as owners.

Problems that arose during the project were dealt with effectively and efficiently. We are so happy with the project and the sanctuary it has created for us. Outstanding work and team. -- Nicola Tannion

I started my backyard project with no usable space and a large slope in my yard. I was looking for someone who could deisgn a backyard i could enjoy, and a backyard that was usable. Charles came in with beautiful designs and ideas, more then just slapping a retaining wall in the yard, it was truly a design that maximized every aspect and feature of my yard. Charles' team is amazing to work with and a pleasure to have around and goes above and beyond for every single detail while implementing the design. And the end results speak for themselves, Charles is absolutely fantastic to work with and very involved in every phase of the project making sure the final work stands by the vision that he first designs. I would highly recommend Charles to anyone looking to transform their landscaping into something that you can enjoy for years to come. -- HU-909544598

Charles and his team were recommended to us by our pool contractor Caribbean Pools and we are delighted they did so. Charles is simply a brilliant landscape designer. Our space was limited and naturally the focal point was the pool. It wasn’t close to being the scale of project Charles usually does. But Charles created a complementary garden space that is interesting and beautiful both on its own terms and in conjunction with the pool. He gave us many lovely visual sight lines from the pool and from the patio, introduced a variety of colors, shapes and heights, provided the right shrubs for screening, and created all season interest. He listened to us throughout but we were delighted to use his expertise. One example really impressed us. The pool required regrading from one side of our yard to the other, creating a severe drop. Charles did wonders with this challenge with large stepping stones embedded in garden space on both sides. We love it. What started as a problem area is now our favorite part of the design. Even though the project is new and the plantings recent we are still loving sitting out in our new garden. It looks great now and we know that in two years it will be astounding. -- hmweiss40

We have a cottage on a lake in Georgia that we decided needed a full throated landscape redesign.  The project included a "hardscape" portion that consisted of, 1) a 2 level stone patio that included a grille area, a propane-fired "sugar pot" fire pit, propane-heated hot tub, 18 stone steps, wrought iron railings, a humongous Pergola, and 6 steps leading down to the lake made with 500 pound bluestones.  The hardscape also included a stone wall in front of the cottage as well a the design and installation of a 5,000 foot driveway with stone pavers in the expansion joints.  The "soft scape" included a stated desire for numerous flowering plants, a zoysia lawn, a sprinkling system, trees and ground cover.  We put the project bid out to 2 landscape designers.  Charles Hodges Designs won our vote hands down as his design was the most professional, most innovative, and would transform our humble cottage into a gorgeous property.  In fact, the design was so "on the mark" that we made no changes whatsoever.  The fulfillment of the design was outstanding as was the communication throughout the project.  We now rent the cottage and it is very common for our renters to say, "the patio, the grille, the hot tub and the overall area between the cottage and the lake were perfect!"  We agree, but would add, we're pretty proud of how the front of the cottage looks as well.  Finally, we would not hesitate to recommend Charles Hodges Designs to anyone- and have already done so on many occasions. --

Lana Kollross

I have worked with Charles Hodges on numerous projects over the last 10+ years. My 40+ years of experience has led me to the conclusion that Charles and his company are the only folks I can with absolute confidence trust with my clients. I am prideful and confident in my companies stature in the swimming pool construction industry and am comfortable in knowing Charles and his company will bring our projects to a joyful and breathtaking conclusion. His artful design, implementation, and compassion for detail results for both of us delighted and satisfied clients. I can say in confidence homeowners are in great hands when they trust Charles Hodges with their outdoor projects. -- Caribbean Pools, Inc

Charles and his crew provided exceptional service to me and my home. From the stone pathways to the classic  design of his garden he made  for us. All the of the subs from the irrigation company , landscape lighting, and mason on site were professional and courteous as was he. Also they were very protective to minimize damage to the existing yard. I highly recommend Charles for your next design project. He made all of our dreams to come true. -- AQUASCAPE OUTDOORS

Charles understands plants and soil and provides great specimens and healthy plants and soil.  However, my experience was that he had little understanding of mechanical systems, I.e. Plumbing, electrical, gas lines, and did not have enough competence to hire people who did understand them.

My fountain has never worked properly, although Charles tried mightily to correct this, he never could. He would not listen to my requirements - even though I put them in writing and insisted on painting it black even though I specified in writing Ng that it was to be blue. Even then, he did not understand how to work with expo you  and the initial covering peeled off within a month of its application. I had to pressure wash it off myself. I have since applied the correct color using the required preparation methods and have had no issues.

We have fire cauldrons and he was to install them as part of the bid. I happened to overhear his conversation with his plumber explaining what was to be done and it was obvious that the plumber was not at all comfortable with this kind of work. Also,Charles was incapable of finding the shape and style I wanted and insisted on a design I did not want. I was able to hire someone else who could do the job to spec.

The landscape lighting subcontractors were minimally competent, I've since had someone else out to correct the work that was originally performed.

If its plants you want, he's great. If water, electricity or natural gas runs through it, do yourself a favor and get a contractor who has an understand of

these things. -- saracaltmann

Charles Hodges and his team did an exceptional job on our landscape design and installation.  Charles is an engaging professional and a great listener.  He thoughtfully translated our random ideas for a landscape into an amazing, to-scale design and effectively made that design into a reality.  Charles managed our project (and the associated subcontractors for hardscaping and clearing) very well, particularly considering the rough weather we encountered.  In particular, we were very appreciative for Charles's flexibility, transparent estimating/billing, and follow-up.  Over the years, we have used a lot of contractors, and a common theme with most is that once the job is done, their follow-up and responsiveness wanes.  One year out from our installation, I can now attest to Charles being the best contractor we have ever used.  He always answered our questions, periodically checked-in on us, honored his warranty, and overall made our family feel like it was a priority to his team.  Thanks Charles for everything. -- aeflores72

Having worked with Charles Hodges on improving my own home as well as observing him interact with some of my friends on their projects, I've come to realize that he is one of those very rare "artistic" professionals who delivers on an ability to meld his own aesthetic values (which are beautiful and enchanting) with the dreams and realities of his clients.  Regardless of the scope of the job, his finished products are nothing short of amazing.

Moreover, he is one of the most amiable, easy-going people you will ever meet, and you will part as friends the creation is complete. -- jpeeples214

I have worked with Charles with Charles Hodges Ltd Gardens for the last few years.  He is a true professional.  He has the ability to create a design and bring to full fruition.  I enjoy working with Charles because he creates an enjoyable work environment and has a team mentality.  I would highly recommend Charles for your next landscape, hardscape or outdoor living area project. -- Final Phase, LLC

We hired Charles to perform a total makeover of our yard after evaluating numerous similar type companies, and he did not disappoint.

The design, installation and attention to detail were awesome.  He also resolved drainage and erosion issues which we had been contending with since moving into our house.

We highly recommend him. -- marytallant

Charles is an artist.  From the first meeting we knew we were dealing with someone who has a wealth of knowledge and experience in landscaping and design.  The plan he created accounts for everything from wet/dry locations in the yard to how the sun crosses our house and yard - simply amazing.

We've had Charles do two phases of a larger plan.  The first phase included a porch last year and we just wrapped with a large planting of shrubs, plants and small trees that included removing sod and reworking existing beds.  All in we're looking at approximately 250 plantings of various sizes and shapes.-- robhuey

I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Charles and his dedicated team.   Charles was charged with transforming an overgrown and neglected backyard space with a steep awkward terrain. Charles came up with a comprehensive design plan that surpassed anything I envisioned--a design that reflected his comprehensive knowledge of plant materials, enormous creativity, and painstaking attention to detail.  Charles' team was equally meticulous in execution of a massive handcut stone retaining wall, a breathtaking waterfall and retention pond--their craftsmanship has made me the envy of the neighborhood.  The project was brought in on time and budget.  I will not hesitate bring Charles and his team back for future projects. -- shereeg1

Prior to hiring Charles, we looked at various projects that he had completed. We were impressed and hired Charles to design and execute a make over of our front and back yard. We were not disappointed. Beautiful stack stone wall in the front with beautiful plantings and complementary lighting. He was meticulous in the design and his work. We are very happy with the work that Charles provided and would recommend him without reservation.-- dkostakos

Charles is a warm, witty, amazing and creative artist and miracle worker! It was April - and my daughter was getting married in about 5 weeks.  I looked out one morning at our soggy, empty backyard where we would soon be hosting family and friends coming into town for the wedding weekend.  We met with Charles and he drew up a gorgeous plan including a water feature, a garden filled with hydrangeas and other indigenous plants, and a stone patio for entertaining.  All the work was completed professionally and on time for the celebration by Charles and his expert team.  Our new garden oasis has become a perfect extension of our home and we spend every moment we can outside now - sometimes even when it's raining.  Thank you Charles! -- viglotti

I had a serious erosion problem.  Charles worked with me to solve the problem while making my landscaping (hard and soft) lovely.  Most importantly he did it within my budget.  He answered calls and questions promptly and ensured satisfaction.  I would use him again without hesitation. -- swellsmccook

We have a small courtyard that we had professionally done a year ago and was not happy with it.  Charles came highly recommended to us by another neighbor and after seeing his work we hired him.  He came in, worked with what we had, added a beautiful fountain feature and some additional trees and plants as well as lighting.  His creativity and vision made such a huge difference over what we had.  He is great to work with and has a wonderful crew. My only regret was not hiring him in the first place! -- Pamela Pakula

Charles was very helpful in the design and implementation of our courtyard project.  He listened to our ideas and put together a plan that fit our budget and our requests. We have a beautiful stone patio and artificial grass.  Charles worked with our HOA to gain approval for the project. He helped us work with the Grass distributor. This was a new experience for all of us but with Charles' help the project was completed beautifully on time and on budget. The workers and artisans that Charles employs on his projects are friendly and very professional. I have recommended Charles to several of my neighbors . We were very pleased. -- kathy1035

Charles Hodges completely gutted our front yard which was a complete disaster.Grass never grew properly because of the soil.He built magnificent retaining stone walls on both sides of the yard with a beautiful driveway,large patio with a fantastic array of bushes and flowers in between.The grass is now superb.

I would recommend Charles to anyone wanting a superior job --  bikeys

I have worked side by side on many jobs for Charles. He is very detail oriented with both his customers and his employees. I have worked with many other contractors over the years and none are as organized as Charles. The work that he does is very impressive and I am always happy to get a chance to work on

his projects. -- 252436458

Charles is the consummate professional. His work was complete and thorough from start to finish.

He developed a complete landscape plan for our property, developed a quote for the work (including several revisions based on our needs), and also executed the plan.

He is very easy to work with and provided us with options for the work to meet our budget and timing. His workers were very respectful, timely and tidy even when not directly supervised.

I haven't always had good experiences with contractors, but the experience with Charles was stellar. --bvarnadoe

Charles Hodges is a good man. He just also happens to be a great garden designer.  He designed a large and beautiful garden for us several years ago at our former home. Charles has a serious passion for what he does and it shows in his work.  He doesn't just churn out copycat gardens like many landscape designers often do.  Instead, Charles works with clients in a partnership to create unique beautiful spaces, large or small, that balance scale and beauty over time as plantings mature through the years.  Charles is first a horticulturist, and that's key to making any design work as time goes by. Recently, we bought a townhouse in a historic town for our "downsized" lifestyle, and our garden space was much smaller than the original garden Charles designed for us at our previous home.  He worked with us to create a walled garden that just makes us smile every time we are in the space. Life is good, and with Charles Hodges as our garden designer, life is much prettier, too!  He's the best. -- artistinroswell

An artist with plants!  Knows what performs best best on soil,sun,and lot constraints.  Pays attention to details unlike other landscape designers I have used and responds in a timely fashion.  Pricing is very competitive for the quality deliver. -- rschultz600

We have supplied stone to many of Charles' projects over the years and always look forward to new indeavors with him. His quality of work and his dedication to his craft make the end results a work of art. He is easy to work with, supportive of changes, and always looking for new and better ways to improve on the projects at hand. His willingness to work with us we see reflected in his attitudes with his customer's changes...always eager to find a solution to the next challenge. We appreciate very much his business with us over the years and look forward to many, many more projects in the coming years. --  Majestic Stone