Charles Hodges Ltd. Gardens

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.