Client Testimonials

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When we bought our property on Vancouver Island we had big plans for our retirement home. We saw the rough outline of what we wanted in our landscape. It was important to get the design and execution right as this would become the backdrop and context for our retirement years. Katie and Merle of Pacific Ridge Landscapes made it possible for this dream to become a reality. They are passionate, committed and show a genuine interest in you and your project. Their depth of knowledge and attention to detail is extensive;  no job too big or small. Everything from a simple spade to large earth and rock moving equipment.  Our job really had the spectrum, from a multi-tiered water feature, greenhouse foundation construction, large rock retaining walls, flagstone patios and walkways, environmentally sensitive areas requiring native plantings, lighting - the list goes on.  Katie and Merle handled it all with the PRL team to back them up. Their collaborative approach and open communication keeps you informed of their progress. Equally impressive is their ability and agility to find alternative solutions when you hit a road block or a big rock. They are industry leaders in their craft and will make your landscape dream come true. 

Greg W and Dianne R

March 2020

Pacific Ridge Landscapes recently created a small private front yard garden for us. This included a cedar hedge, patio and plantings as well as irrigation and subtle lighting. The project was delivered on time and on budget by a pleasant, knowledgeable and communicative crew. A big thank you to PRL for this lovely addition to our living space.

Barbara B

March 2020

Pacific Ridge completed a comprehensive landscaping transformation on our home on Shore Acres in Sidney and the results speak for themselves.  From the initial consultation, project planning, and execution, Pacific Ridge intuitively knew what we wanted and were not only able to translate our requirements into a tangible plan, but also execute that plan with an outstanding degree of precision and professionalism.  Throughout the project, Katie and Merle maintained an excellent grasp of requirements including schedule and budget, engaging us on a regular basis to advise of the project progress and to make minor adjustments as required without any surprises.  Their attention to detail was simply outstanding from the careful selection of a variety low maintenance plantings to the thoughtful design and construction of two pergolas, interlocking brick patio, walkways and a natural gas fire pit that complemented our home.  They not only ticked all the boxes to achieve our vision of a relaxed outdoor living space,  but also created an inviting outdoor area that focussed the ocean views that we will enjoy for many years to come.   We would highly endorse Pacific Ridge for any landscape project of varying size and complexity.

Philip and Deborah D

July 2019

Chris and I wanted to let you know that we are beyond thrilled with the backyard transformation here on Shoreacres.   The end result is even better than we had anticipated and we have thoroughly enjoyed the experience from start to finish.  From the initial consultation to the final clean up, we’ve felt like a part of the process and for that we thank you.   Your pride in workmanship and attention to detail is what makes your work exceptional and the reason we will recommend you to our friends and family.   We truly appreciate your patience during our project for the changes along the way (lighting and pergola details specially!) and for including us in the creation of a space that reflects our style.  You translated our ideas into a beautiful backyard oasis that we will enjoy for years to come.  

With thanks,  
Leslie and Chris

Merle and Katie are a phenomenal team with innovative and creative ideas. What I value, which is so clearly seen in their portfolio, is there good taste and judgement. I have recommended them to a number of friends and have heard nothing but praise and gratitude. No hesitation in recommending them!

J McNicoll

We had our landscaping completed on a newly built home Sept. 2011 by Merle & Katie.  We were extremely happy with the results. They completed all aspects of the job in the time they had quoted us. They were on site every day along with their crew. They gave us personal and professional attention and would highly recommend their services.

H Allan

I first noticed Merle & Katie's work through their ads in Avenue Magazine. Each time I saw a picture of a beautifully designed garden, be it minimalist, Japanese, natural, or a water garden etc and all by the same company; that I should be impressed by all their ads gave me the confidence to approach them. It was clear from the first concept meeting that Katherine and Merle had a very good sense of what worked for me and my tastes.

I needed my entire front yard ripped up and replaced with something natural and flowing. The whole process was so easy and a delight. The winter meeting resulted in plans that just seemed so right at the outset. When I was presented with their ideas for revamping my entire front yard, there was next to nothing that I wanted to change. It was clear from the first concept meeting that Katie and Merle had a very good sense of what worked for me and my tastes. We had an agreement to proceed in late June of 2012.

The work was done in a swift and thorough fashion, and all well on time. I got to watch much of it fall into place, and was invited to be part of the process from choosing particular trees to approving of the placement of particular rocks. Their grace and flexibility meant the whole process went smoothly and very much to my liking. In truth, there was so little that I wanted altered that I probably could have left them to it and gone away for two weeks.

I am so satisfied with the result, and for the nature of the collaboration. I wholeheartedly recommend them, and if I were to run a landscaping company I would like to think I would do it exactly the way they run their business. If I was asked for just one disappointment with the process, it would be that I couldn’t quite go round the side of the house and do the back as well! That being said, I have no doubts at all that I will be picking up the phone and invite them back to carry on and finish my entire yard when the timing is right for me.

I Sheldon

Our experience with Merle & Katie was beyond our expectations. Their design and construction ability was evident in the initial on-site meeting. They listened to our "wants" and "wishes" and knowledgeably recommended and implemented materials into our landscape.

Their professionalism was found throughout their entire team. Even when issues did arise they always offered a number of solutions that they skillfully executed. They completely stand behind their workmanship, as on one occasion, without hesitation, they were back to our property to quickly remedy a slight imperfection caused by another contractor.

Our project was completed as scheduled, much to our surprise considering the amount of work and detail. Their sign still stands in plain view because we continue to receive numerous compliments. We love what they have done with our property and highly recommend this wonderful group of people. 

J & S Simon

We were looking for a landscaper who could xeriscape our yard without turning it into a lunar landscape. In Pacific Ridge, we found a team of fabulous artistic professionals who turned our lawn-free objective into a work of art that brought admiring neighbours to knock on the door and still stops cars in the street while people gaze.

Beginning with thorough consultation, Pacific Ridge delivered a creative and exquisite plan that met our budgetary and visual needs, then delivered the project on schedule and worry-free. We brought them back to do the back yard this year. The folks at Pacific Ridge care as much as we do about the value, beauty and functionality of our home. They have given us a wonderful landscape to live in and enjoy for years to come.

S Rupnarain

A year ago we needed the expertise of a landscaping firm and were directed to consider Pacific Ridge.

From our first meeting we were impressed by their professional approach and interest in considering our design requests. They were very open to our preferences and offered us a design that was fresh and contemporary, and, cohesively and elegantly, incorporated many of the cues we'd offered.

We liked that Katie and Merle and their team attack one project at a time, and that they provide both the design expertise and the on site work. We appreciated that the crew arrived when scheduled and worked continuously until the job was complete.

And what a job! We are very happy with the finished project. While truly unique it also melds beautifully with the design of our house so there is a seamless flow from the house into the yard.

Among their various attributes we particularly liked that the crew cleaned up the site every day, were respectful of the neighbours, and paid careful attention to our feedback as the job was ongoing. We are very impressed and extremely grateful for both the wonderful design and the quality workmanship.

T Olekshy and T Theman

We contracted Merle & Katie to design and develop the yard of our newly built home. They provided design expertise in addition to the actual implementation of the job. Some of the work they did personally (placing blocks, planting, moving dirt, mulch, etc), and other services they arranged, such as concrete work, lighting and irrigation, moving a large spruce with a tree spade. Throughout the process they were very good to work with, flexible with their time. Merle oversees the project personally, is on site throughout, very approachable. We had a lot of input into the project. A lot of opportunity to add on, make changes. Katie even sourced some fabulous house numbers for us. Overall we were very happy, and look forward to enjoying the space.

L Skafar