---
title: "Gardens for Living — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/gardens-for-living-pfvwus-pf~1325584496
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1325584496.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Gardens for Living"
category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/3a33d05e0106ca84_3161-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "1 Village Lane Suite 7, Asheville, North Carolina 28803, United States"
latitude: 35.5393
longitude: -82.518
phone: "(828) 274-7225"
website: http://www.gardensforliving.com
rating: 5
review_count: 26
best_of_houzz_awards: 5
followers: 189
last_updated: 2026-09-23
---

# Gardens for Living

Original Houzz profile: [Gardens for Living](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/gardens-for-living-pfvwus-pf~1325584496)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers
- **Location:** Asheville, NC
- **Serves:** Asheville, Arden, Fletcher, Woodfin, Swannanoa, Fairview, Avery Creek, Biltmore Forest, Hoopers Creek, Bent Creek, Bat Cave, Skyland
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (26 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2014–2017), for Design, Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 10,000 Ideabook Saves

Gardens For Living is a Landscape Design, Installation and Maintenance company based out of Asheville, North Carolina.  Gardens For Living was founded by John Phillips in 1983, fueled by the desire to collaborate with clients to create landscapes that are exceptional in form, function, and beauty. Thirty years later, we continue to design and install landscapes that enhance the lives of our clients all over Western North Carolina. We are known for our intuitive design (uniquely created to fit each individual space), our creativity throughout the process, and our steadfast attention to detail. We take great pride in the ongoing relationships we have formed with our clients over the years. It is a privilege to maintain their landscapes and see them grow and evolve, as every great garden should.

### Services Provided

- Landscape Design
- Garden Design
- Hardscaping
- Landscape Plans
- Site Planning
- Drought Tolerant Landscaping
- Custom Fire Pits
- Pool Landscaping
- Custom Water Features
- Gazebo Design & Construction
- Pond Construction
- Construction Drawings
- Landscape Architecture
- Landscape Construction
- Masonry
- Planting
- Trellis Construction

### Areas Served

- Asheville
- Arden
- Fletcher
- Woodfin
- Swannanoa
- Fairview
- Avery Creek
- Biltmore Forest
- Hoopers Creek
- Bent Creek
- Bat Cave
- Skyland

### Typical Job Cost

$30,000 - 250,000

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Gardens for Living |
| Address | 1 Village Lane Suite 7, Asheville, North Carolina 28803, United States |
| Phone | (828) 274-7225 |
| Website | http://www.gardensforliving.com |
| Followers on Houzz | 189 |

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Gardens for Living](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/gardens-for-living-pfvwus-pf~1325584496)
- **Website:** http://www.gardensforliving.com
- **Phone:** (828) 274-7225

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Best Outdoor Living Space in 2014- North Carolina Home Builders Association (NCHBA)
- Best of Houzz Service & Design Awards in 2015

- **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2014–2017), for Design, Service.

**Affiliations**
- [Association of Professional Landscape Designers](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/association-of-professional-landscape-designers-pfvwus-pf~92795973)

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 26 reviews**

### Reviews

**★★★★★ — Annette Pace, Oct. 2016**

> I hired John and his team last year.  They did an overhaul on existing flower beds, created new beds, built a new patio and front walk and corrected a major drainage problem.  John, in my mind, is the Monet of landscaping. Using my lawn as his canvas, he has created year round color everywhere.  His expertise and love for his work is certainly displayed in everything he has done for me. He is currently maintaining his art work and keeping me smiling every time I walk out my door and see what he has created.  What a wonderful experience I have had with he and his crew.

**★★★★★ — linda\_kinney53, May 2015**

> Our landscaping has been an ongoing project since we bought our house in 2009. John and his crew have been a joy to work with. Our yard has turned into a beautiful, serene oasis from the hustle bustle of the city.  once there, we never want to leave.

**★★★★★ — ggwetjen, March 2015**

> We used their services to install the landscape at our newly constructed home.  The plant material was all first quality, pricing to be more than reasonable, and the installation crew was friendly, helpful and willing to go the extra mile to meet our expectations.  We have subsequently used them the following spring to refresh mulch and replace, w/o cost, a few plants that didn't survive their initial winter.  In addition, shortly we will be having them install additional screening plantings.  We have recommended them to our HOA who have subsequently used their services on a number of large jobs to the HOAs complete satisfaction.  We highly recommend them.

**★★★★★ — sef600, Feb. 2015**

> We were very fortunate to have Shane Phillips, Landscapes for Living, be the landscape architect for our house build. I had no idea of the hidden work they'd done: not just plantings. Our site is in the middle of a long slope, water run-off is very important, both from the roof and what we inherit from higher ground and then send to lower ground beyond our property. They designed and installed the drainage-water flow, directing and controlling the water's course through our property perfectly. They installed the drainage basins and tubes perfectly, not truly appreciated until heavy rain-water was obviously NOT going to be a problem thanks to the masterful design by Mr. Phillips.
> As far as the traditional work, the actual landscape layout, we were very happy. The build ran a little over estimate, and what typically gets whittled down when the remaining budget gets smaller? Landscape. Landscapes for Living worked wonders with our limited budget constraints, populating our property with a beautiful assortment. They've made the outdoors a warm and inviting environment. The working crew were very fast, and polite and friendly. We added a picket-style fence enclosing the back yard, for our dog (or was it for me to be lazy regarding walking the dog?). That crew worked unbelievably hard, and the fence came out perfect.
> My only regret is that I couldn't spend the amount of money I wanted to, and let Gardens for Living really run with it. They're the best.

**★★★★★ — barbaraerb, Feb. 2015**

> John and Shane at Gardens for Living have done an incredible job landscaping our property.  We bought a model home which they had landscaped for the builder.  We asked them to draw a plan to expand the landscaping, after we moved in.   John worked with me, hearing what I wanted, and came up with a wonderful, natural, beautiful plan.  Planting was done expeditiously and carefully.  My husband and I are so pleased with the attention to details such as height, staggering the planting for the seasons, etc.  The yard looks gorgeous.
>
> Mel, the head ground person, and his crew are excellent.  Mel has an eye for what looks right, as well, which is very helpful.
>
> Gardens for Living not only does an excellent job, they are also reasonable and have great integrity.  They are wonderful at getting back to me, if I need something special.  Good communication is important to me and they are great at this.
>
> I give Gardens for Living my highest recommendation.

**★★★★★ — shonnorris, Feb. 2015**

> Hardscape - They built a brick/paver patio with a raised bed and a firepit as well as some brick edging around some other flower beds.  They transformed this from an unusable space to now one of our favorite spots to entertain and relax.
>
> Landscape - Installed over 300 various planting of trees, plants and flower.  The curb appeal is 100 times better and we can't wait until everything blooms again this year.  Without much guidance from us, they knew what plantings would look well in various locations, while also knowing what areas of sun/shade would fit each plant.
>
> We were thrilled with the results and could not be happier.  They even replaced (free of charge) a few of the plantings that didn't make it through the summer.  From design through implementation John and Shane were a joy to work with and they went out of their way to make sure we were happy every step of the way.
>
> We will definitely use them again and I would highly recommend them.

**★★★★★ — Brandon Ellison, Feb. 2015**

> John and his company have been great and a pleasure to work with thus far. John is an ultimate professional with great ideas and truly takes the time to listen and design a project based on your needs and wants. Would recommend this company to my closest friends.

**★★★★★ — luisandnikki, Dec. 2014**

> John Phillips and Gardens for Living completed a project at our mountain home including landscaping, building paths and a fire pit, improving a drainage problem, and building a large retention wall (done by his brother James). In all our interactions, we found John to be knowledgeable, creative and honest. The finished work is beautiful and we are thrilled! We give John and his company our highest recommendation.

**★★★★★ — lhaupert, Nov. 2014**

> John Phillips and his team are total professionals and lovely folks as well. The design plan and implementation were perfect for our small, but compacted, city infill property.
> They met deadlines, and discussed all aspects of the budget with me. They are the type of company where you just know they'll do the right thing.
> I highly recommend them. The quality they deliver with the attitude of respect and generosity is worth every cent we spent.

**★★★★★ — babyhummers, Nov. 2014**

> John, Shane and their staff completely remodeled our landscape (if you could call it that before they came) this summer.  Unbelievable transformation.  They were able to use many of the plants and hardscape items already in place while adding new elements to give our urban home a modern outdoor feel.  They were very fast, thorough and we could not be happier with the results.  What was once an eye sore and the "downside" of our home - is now the feature and our haven.  I do not think another company in town could have done such an amazing job - especially in the short time they did it!  Would (and have) recommend them to anyone from a basic spruce up to a completely new and extensive landscape.

**★★★★★ — Carol Strittmatter, Nov. 2014**

> John Phillips of Gardens for Living designed the exterior environment of our newly constructed home in Asheville, and transformed secondary growth woods into an informal garden that beautifully blends into the surrounding woods.  The project involved contouring the land, artfully designing steps from rock, placing landscaping lighting and planting an abundance of perennials.  John listened carefully to our suggestions and created a landscape that exceeded our expectations.

**★★★★★ — ID.ology Interiors & Design, May 2014**

> We have worked on may residential projects that Gardens for Living also rendered services. I have never seen more beautiful landscapes. They offer a creative component to laying out the landscape design which always offers a refreshing, finished beauty to every home. I couldn't recommend them more!

## Selected projects

- [Town Mountain (Asheville, NC)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/town-mountain-asheville-nc-pj-vj~1291009)
  - Location: Asheville, NC
  - Photos: 11
  - Description: Japanese inspired garden as well as a contemporary raised vegetable garden and paths we designed and installed for a client who wanted to do some gardening. Gardens for a Living Charlotte, NC
- [The Settings](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-settings-pj-vj~262122)
  - Location: Black Mountain, NC
  - Photos: 14
- [Burnsville](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/burnsville-pj-vj~279414)
  - Location: Burnsville, NC
  - Photos: 6
- [Bank's Creek](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bank-s-creek-pj-vj~154694)
  - Location: Burnsville, NC
  - Photos: 22
- [Pondless Waterfall and Patio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pondless-waterfall-and-patio-pj-vj~237784)
  - Location: Black Mountain, NC
  - Photos: 2
- [North Asheville](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/north-asheville-pj-vj~237598)
  - Location: Asheville, NC
  - Photos: 4
  - Description: Classic Garden that Gardens for Living completed in the Fall of 2012 in North Asheville.
- [The Views at Reynolds Mountain](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-views-at-reynolds-mountain-pj-vj~237792)
  - Location: Asheville, NC
  - Photos: 6
- [Southcliff](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/southcliff-pj-vj~279919)
  - Location: Fairview, NC
  - Photos: 14
- [West Asheville](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-asheville-pj-vj~157209)
  - Location: Asheville, NC
  - Photos: 17
  - Description: A compact urban landscape with nice material combinations and a green/sustainable driveway.
- [Mills Gap](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mills-gap-pj-vj~786114)
  - Location: Mills River, NC
  - Photos: 2
- [The Settings Hillside](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-settings-hillside-pj-vj~784952)
  - Location: Black Mountain, NC
  - Photos: 9
- [Mountain Air](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mountain-air-pj-vj~163261)
  - Location: Burnsville, NC
  - Photos: 18
- [Black Mountain](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/black-mountain-pj-vj~237658)
  - Location: Black Mountain, NC
  - Photos: 12
- [Wolf Laurel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wolf-laurel-pj-vj~155444)
  - Location: Mars Hill, NC
  - Photos: 5
- [Mountain Air Country Club](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mountain-air-country-club-pj-vj~157183)
  - Location: Burnsville, NC
  - Photos: 1

[See all 15 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/gardens-for-living-pfvwus-pf~1325584496)

## Ideabooks

- [Allen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/129256754/list/allen) — 1 idea
- [Watkins](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/33757684/list/watkins) — 32 ideas
- [Olivette](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/124977943/list/olivette) — 8 ideas
- [Swimming Pools](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/102957362/list/swimming-pools) — 5 ideas
- [Reagan](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/96127296/list/reagan) — 1 idea
- [Modern Planters](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/96126165/list/modern-planters) — 8 ideas
- [casa del playa](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/28821108/list/casa-del-playa) — 19 ideas
- [pole barn houses](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/58630287/list/pole-barn-houses) — 7 ideas
- [Barn for Emmas grove](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/55975029/list/barn-for-emmas-grove) — 8 ideas
- [gardensforliving's Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/58367883/list/gardensforliving-s-ideas) — 2 ideas
- [Barns Emma's Grove](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/55975392/list/barns-emma-s-grove) — 11 ideas
- [outdoor furniture](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/56491789/list/outdoor-furniture) — 1 idea
- [Shed ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/55975241/list/shed-ideas) — 1 idea
- [snyder](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/55974976/list/snyder) — 1 idea
- [106 Robinhood](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/35012395/list/106-robinhood) — 15 ideas
- [southcliff sign](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/45281281/list/southcliff-sign) — 1 idea
- [modern houses](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/43874018/list/modern-houses) — 1 idea
- [Hildreath](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/42506550/list/hildreath) — 1 idea
- [hardscape columns](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/30277869/list/hardscape-columns) — 17 ideas
- [Bulliard](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/41782869/list/bulliard) — 2 ideas

[See all 52 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/gardensforliving)

## Community Q&A

**Q: what type of tall red leaf maple tree** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Thanks for the question. It's a Forest Pansy Redbud.

**Q: Doesn't the mulch wash with heavy rains?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Looks great, but I would think the mulch would wash away with heavy rains. Does it?

A: Hi Catherine,

If it is graded properly and you use a good quality mulch(triple ground hardwood/pine mix) you typically won't see erosion issues. Most issue's with wash are due to poor grading and drainage design. 
I hope this helps. Thank you.

**Q: Is that beautiful grass colored?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: No just healthy Tall Fescue lawn variety. Depending on what zone you live in, it may or may not work for your lawn.

**Q: Beautiful Design!** *(in Photo Questions)*

Hi,
I am working with a very steep slope on a home I am just completing in the mountains of WNC.  Do you recall how steep of a slope was involved in the this photo? Did you use the stones to create planting pockets of soil? Thanks for any guidance!
-Kevin

A: That would be a little outside of our typical range that we stay within.

**Q: Are screws, nails, or wiring best for building this ?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: I believe we built it with screws. Good luck!

**Q: Flagstone Patio** *(in Photo Questions)*

We have just bought a home that has a broken concrete slab. Can this slab be broken up and reset over a sand/gravel base w/vegetation between the broken slabs. Do you folks do this work? Thanks

A: I wouldn't recommend that. By the time you've gone to all that trouble you're not far away from the cost to buy the stone to do a patio that will look much better.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-23.*