[SemperFiDad]

My wife and I moved to The Villages in late January into a newly constructed home in the Village of Hillsborough. By early March, we decided to change elements of the provided landscaping. We read all of the landscaping threads on Talk of the Villages and explored several contractors' websites. After this research, we interviewed by phone three of them. Two of the landscapers who are well represented on this website were only interested in selling us THEIR concept of what a Villages yard should have and how competitive they could be. What set Ron apart was that he spent time with us and listened to us and what ideas WE had. We wanted our yard to reflect some of our personal favorites, if possible, and to have shrubs and trees that flowered during the year and were easy to maintain. We also wanted to allot space for seasonal flowers in planters.

We have been Florida residents for 16 years and are perhaps more familiar with many of the tropical trees and plantings that are prevalent in this area than many people. We know from experience that just because one sees a lot of a certain species, it doesn't mean that it is hardy and will withstand Central Florida temperature extremes. A large part of our discussion with Ron involved his expanding our knowledge base and helping us to avoid plantings that could represent potential problems or higher risk.

During his first visit to our home, Ron spent 2-3 hours with us, walking the yard and discussing options. During this time, he covered project budget, planting size and whether we wanted only the front yard or the sides and lanai/rear area done as well. We opted to do the entire perimeter of the house. Ron pointed out which shrubs he felt could be transplanted from the front of the house for use along the sides and the rear, thus saving more budget for the front yard. He also explained that it is a good idea to have a planting area in front of the lanai and also along the sides of the house to reduce the likelihood of damage to the lanai screens, stucco or siding from the weekly mowing and weed-beating process.

Ron returned later that afternoon with a formal quote, a detailed list of all trees, shrubs and flowers, including the size of each and all other materials required for the job. He explained to us in great detail what the project would entail, how long it would take and an approximate date of when they could start. We only had to make a couple of minor changes to the plan and Ron was happy to accommodate them.

Ron impressed us with his knowledge, having been a grower in the past and his hands-on experience in landscaping with over 25 years serving The Villages. Within the past year Ron sold the business to his long-time manager, Mike. He still handles the design and sales side of the business and Mike and his crew do the installation. All of these guys were professional, courteous and consummate gentlemen. They were punctual, friendly and diligent. At the end of each day, they cleaned the entire area. Our neighbors commented that they had never seen such well-maintained equipment and clean site work.

Our project took one week, bridging a weekend. The only equipment left behind at the end of each day was the front loader, which they parked in our front yard off the street. This morning they raked our entire yard, just to make sure that no stones from the planting beds were left in the lawnmower's path. They trimmed and shaped all of the plantings, including the existing ones that were transplanted.

We are thrilled with our completed project. Under Mike's supervision we felt that we could ask questions and always get a knowledgeable and honest answer. He left with us an instruction sheet and will be returning several times within the next couple of months to monitor the sprinkler system and check the plantings.

Our home is located in the Village of Hillsborough at 1736 Shale Trail Loop. We are located directly behind the Manatee Recreation Center. Feel free to drive by and take a look. We are so glad that we found Ron's Landscaping on Talk of the Villages. Their phone number for estimates is: (352) 227-7788.

Rob and Mary Beth G.