--- title: "Garden Guru Services — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/garden-guru-services-pfvwus-pf~1545607745 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1545607745.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Garden Guru Services" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/f8238aee07c719db_9987-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Ste. 151, 234 Morrell Rd, Knoxville, Tennessee 37919, United States" latitude: 35.9244 longitude: -84.0015 phone: "(865) 417-3986" website: https://gardenguruservices.com/ rating: 4.9 review_count: 18 best_of_houzz_awards: 4 followers: 13 last_updated: 2026-08-13 --- # Garden Guru Services > Tennessee's Source For Outdoor Design Solutions - 4X Best of Houzz Original Houzz profile: [Garden Guru Services](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/garden-guru-services-pfvwus-pf~1545607745) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Knoxville, TN - **Serves:** Knoxville, Maryville, Louisville - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (18 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2017–2023), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 250 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Locally owned - Offers Custom Work ### Business highlights - Best of Houzz winner - Locally owned - Offers Custom Work Garden Guru Services is a Knoxville-based landscape design, installation, and maintenance company specializing in high-quality outdoor environments that look great in every season. We combine horticultural expertise with thoughtful design and precision craftsmanship to create landscapes that are both beautiful and functional. From custom plantings and seasonal color to hardscapes, stonework, outdoor living spaces, and long-term garden care, our work is rooted in intentional design and proven plant knowledge. We focus on the why behind every choice—right plant, right place, built to last. Whether it’s a refined residential landscape or a larger commercial project, Garden Guru Services brings creativity, experience, and attention to detail to every job—helping clients create outdoor spaces they can truly enjoy, year-round. Proudly serving Knoxville and surrounding East Tennessee communities Design • Build • Maintain ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Pool Landscaping - Custom Fire Pits - 3D Rendering ### Areas Served - Knoxville - Maryville - Louisville ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Garden Guru Services | | Address | Ste. 151, 234 Morrell Rd, Knoxville, Tennessee 37919, United States | | Phone | (865) 417-3986 | | Website | https://gardenguruservices.com/ | | Followers on Houzz | 13 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/GardenGuruServices/ - Blog — https://gardenguruservices.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Garden Guru Services](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/garden-guru-services-pfvwus-pf~1545607745) - **Website:** https://gardenguruservices.com/ - **Phone:** (865) 417-3986 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2017–2023), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 18 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Featured Review **★★★★★ — Lisa Ivins, Dec. 2022** > We loved Garden Guru! They did both a landscape and sidewalk design and installation. We loved what they did! Ben was very good at communication before, during and after the installation. We had planned on keeping our existing stoop and replace the existing concrete slab on top and the two existing steps. Once they got into it, it was obvious that the whole stoop would have to be replaced. Garden Guru explained the situation and gave us a very fair price to replace it all. We also had a couple of bushes that didn't die but also didn't thrive during the year warranty period. Ben didn't hesitate to come replace them. I would highly recommend them to anyone!! ### All 18 reviews **★★★★★ — Carex Design Group, Dec. 2022** > We've enjoyed recently working with the Garden Guru team on an installation project for one of our clients. The team was reliably on site, every day, even in inclement weather, which is not the norm. We enjoyed their professionalism and attention to detail when working with one of our designs. **★★★★★ — HU-788781704, Dec. 2022** > I found Garden Guru to be a company that kept in touch and let me know when to expect them and what to expect them to do. Their workers did a good job, cleaned up and when they lacked a small amount of mulch went to get more and installed it. > They were dependable and did what they said they would. I would definitely recommend them! > Barbara Catlett **★★★★★ — User, April 2020** > I hired Ben because he has a degree in landscape architecture. He and his crew transformed the front of my home from an outdated and tired mess to a serene and welcoming entrance. He utilized his expertise to create a different scene rather than the same boring landscape seen elsewhere in the area. His estimate was spot-on; lighting was installed and hardscaping was also part of the job. He was available, on site, honest, and his work was perfect. We are so pleased and will call soon to have maintenance performed. **★★★★★ — Dewayne Watkins, Jan. 2019** > Ben the owner of Garden Guru Services designed and built a backyard patio which consisted of over 100 tons of boulders, a sitting wall and paver stone driveway. Ben listened to what we wanted, gave us several options and delivered the finished product. Ben was onsite over 85% of the time but even when not onsite, his crew knew exactly what needed to be accomplished and how to do it. My final cost was exactly the original estimate -- not nickel and dime games played during this project. Job was completed as planned taking into account the weather conditions. > > I will have Ben do additional work at my house this summer **★★★★★ — Larry Koppelberger, April 2018** > Garden Guru Service have been providing landscaping services to me for several years. They are easy to work with and provide great service. I have had them landscape the beds in my backyard and also to build a retaining wall in the front yard along with landscaping. I have recommended them to my neighbors. **★★★★★ — Paul Lloyd, Jan. 2018** > Garden Guru landscaped my yard. I am very pleased with the results. The landscaping greatly improved the curb-appeal of my house. Ben is one of those rare individuals in the professional home builders/improvement trades that does what he says, when he said. I can highly recommend Ben and Garden Guru. **★★★★★ — Josh, Oct. 2017** > We chose Ben and his team at Garden Guru to do our paver patio project and we couldn't be happier with the final product. They completed the project on time and provided great follow-up post installation. **★★★★★ — Gena Hassler, Oct. 2017** > +Garden Guru, Ben Ford did a wonderful job landscaping both my front and back yards. He and his crew are fast, efficient and reasonable. He also returned several months later to be sure everything was doing well. I highly recommend his services. **★★★★★ — HU-9048104, May 2017** > What I like about Ben Ford is that he listens to your ideas and implements if he agrees. He always takes the time to respond and always gets back to you. The whole team is very courteous and they work hard. I would recommend them to anyone. **★★★★ — Jeffrey Queen, May 2017** > I have been using Ben's services for a couple of years now. He has done everything from remove landscape material, replace with new landscape material, re-route downspout drainage, build a stone path on a varying grade and my annual mulching and leaf removal. He is conscientious, caring, fair and hard working. I do not hesitate to recommend Ben for whatever landscape needs you may have. I have been pleased with each encounter. **★★★★★ — Ed Shumaker, May 2017** > Ben Ford and the Garden Guru Services team did an excellent job installing a 200 square foot paver patio with stone access steps and a gas fire pit feature in our backyard. The project was started and finished on time, under budget, and in a quality manner. The team showed up on time as scheduled each day, worked neatly, and were courteous to our family and neighbors! **★★★★★ — bmcmurray188, April 2017** > I hired Ben to redo my front yard landscaping. He removed the old shrubbery, hauled it off and replaced it with a completely new design plan. The new design is beautiful, fresh and so much easier to maintain. I love everything that he did! **★★★★★ — Clark Patton, April 2017** > Mr. Ford suggested a variety of plants for my shaded yard with clay soil. A variety of a few trees, bushes and perennials were planted around the yard. This back yard slope (pic), now planted with lentin roses, had compacted soil with sparse vegitation. He amended the soil by roto tilling composted manure into it and mulched the plants to complete this part of the project. To replace a dead leatherleaf viburnum he suggested side by side female and male hollies when I told him my wife would like plants to attract birds. Should have abundant berries. All of the plants, except for one of lentin roses, are thriving, even a small mail order serviceberry tree. The high quality work was done in a timely matter and within budget. **★★★★★ — Landscape Innovation, Jan. 2017** > I've worked with Garden Guru services a number of times over the years, and Ben has consistently shown an excellent eye for design, and detail. He will listen to your preferences, suggestions, and concerns, and work hard to implement the exact design discussed, and to stay within budget. **★★★★★ — Tim Hay, Dec. 2016** > These guys just do excellent work! Their work estimates/budgets are spot on and they are committed to delivering the most beautiful experience possible. We had a new home built and decided to take care of the outside landscaping over 3 years, doing a little bit each year. They worked with us on the overall vision & budgeting the work in phases; for example, expert advice as in what plants are deer resistant!! The largest effort was the new patio and walkway (pictures attached) as well as reseeding the entire side yard. I trust their advice and commitment to quality work. **★★★★★ — Charlie Spadaro, Dec. 2016** > Dendrophilia is an excellent landscaper! Easy to talk to and listens. Very helpful with advise and suggestions, but never pushes his agenda; wishes to please the employer. They are prompt and energetic and work till the job is complete. They have completed one project for us and are presently doing another, although we have shut down for the winter. We will use them for smaller projects during the Winter and then start up again in March. I highly recommend them! **★★★★★ — HU-369934, Aug. 2016** > Their company and their personnel are timely, communicative, experienced, reliable, and cost effective....a new, young, professional company who has worked for me twice. Recommended! ## Selected projects - [Landscape Designs and 3D Renderings](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/landscape-designs-and-3d-renderings-pj-vj~7787545) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 24 - [Outdoor Fire Pits](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/outdoor-fire-pits-pj-vj~2006514) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - [Patios, Walkways, and Driveways](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/patios-walkways-and-driveways-pj-vj~2006527) - Location: Knoxville, TN - Photos: 28 - [Maryville Fireside Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/maryville-fireside-retreat-pj-vj~7060774) - Location: Maryville, TN - Photos: 7 - [Boulder Walls](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/boulder-walls-pj-vj~7787541) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - [Poolside Fireplace](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/poolside-fireplace-pj-vj~2638261) - Location: Louisville, TN - Photos: 8 - [Front Yard Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/front-yard-retreat-pj-vj~2638300) - Location: Fairfield Glade, TN - Photos: 6 - [Belk Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/belk-project-pj-vj~2465780) - Location: Knoxville, TN - Photos: 6 - [Lakeside Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakeside-retreat-pj-vj~2465441) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - [Stump Hollow Lake House Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stump-hollow-lake-house-project-pj-vj~5827782) - Location: Spring City, TN - Photos: 15 - [Westland Lakeside Patio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westland-lakeside-patio-pj-vj~2465638) - Location: Knoxville, TN - Photos: 6 - [Retaining Walls](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/retaining-walls-pj-vj~2006521) - Location: Knoxville, TN - Photos: 5 - [Gas Fire Pit Patio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gas-fire-pit-patio-pj-vj~2465695) - Location: Rockwood, TN - Photos: 3 - [Fire Boulder Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fire-boulder-project-pj-vj~5827755) - Location: Knoxville, TN - Photos: 6 - [Statuary and Containers](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/statuary-and-containers-pj-vj~2006537) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [St. Alphonsus Catholic Church](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/st-alphonsus-catholic-church-pj-vj~2465562) - Location: Crossville, TN - Photos: 10 - [Excavation and digging Spring 2018](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/excavation-and-digging-spring-2018-pj-vj~4033691) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [2018 Dogwood Arts House and Garden Show](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2018-dogwood-arts-house-and-garden-show-pj-vj~4033616) - Location: Knoxville, TN - Photos: 4 - [Rookery Nook](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rookery-nook-pj-vj~2911270) - Location: Rockwood, TN - Photos: 7 - [Mountain View Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mountain-view-cottage-pj-vj~2911300) - Location: Kingston, TN - Photos: 8 [See all 24 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/garden-guru-services-pfvwus-pf~1545607745) ## Video - [Company video](https://cdnapisec.kaltura.com/p/2605401/sp/260540100/playManifest/entryId/1_g8ueacwf/format/applehttp/protocol/https/a.m3u8) ## Frequently Asked Questions **What types of landscape design projects do you specialize in?** We specialize in creating high-quality outdoor environments for both residential and commercial clients. Our expertise covers custom plantings, seasonal color, hardscapes, stonework, outdoor living spaces, and long-term garden care. We focus on thoughtful design and horticultural knowledge to ensure beautiful and functional landscapes year-round, from garden design to patio and pool landscaping. **Do you offer design-only services or full project coordination?** Yes, we offer both design-only services and full project coordination, including installation and maintenance. Our approach is comprehensive, covering everything from initial design concepts to the final build and ongoing care, ensuring your outdoor space is beautiful and functional for years to come. We proudly 'Design • Build • Maintain'. **Do you create detailed planting and layout plans?** Absolutely! We create detailed planting and layout plans as a core part of our design process. Our horticultural expertise ensures that every plant choice is intentional and perfectly suited for its location, contributing to a beautiful and sustainable landscape. We focus on the 'right plant, right place' philosophy. **Do you design outdoor living spaces such as patios and outdoor kitchens?** Yes, designing outdoor living spaces is one of our specialties. We create beautiful and functional areas like patios, custom fire pits, and other hardscaped elements to extend your home's living area outdoors. Our goal is to craft spaces where you can truly relax and enjoy your property, tailored to your lifestyle. **Do you design drought-tolerant or sustainable landscapes?** While we don't explicitly list 'drought-tolerant' as a service, our design philosophy is rooted in 'right plant, right place' and horticultural expertise. We focus on intentional plant choices that thrive in their environment, which naturally leads to more sustainable and water-wise landscapes. We can certainly discuss specific sustainable options to meet your needs. *FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.* ## Ideabooks - [My ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/72601353/list/my-ideas) — 3 ideas [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/gardenguruservices) ## Community Q&A **Q: Looking for landscape ideas** *(in Design Dilemma)* We built a craftsman meets the beach style home and need to landscape... Blank slate... Def want concrete for driveway and possibly walkway too...also need to hide the darn power metre! Suggestions welcome.... Love beach rock and plan to use that and possibly a dry bed as well. We are in zone 6b south west Ontario... Plant suggestions and landscape design ideas welcome! Thanks!! A: I would suggest a formal landscape with boxwood on either side of the steps and hydrangea along the porch that will stay low and not block the view from the street. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-13.*