Jay Sifford Garden Design

From creative concept to meticulous execution, working with Jay and his team was a pleasure. The yard is beautiful. Than you!

Working with Jay and his team was an outstanding experience from start to finish! We originally contacted Sifford Garden Design to address a water run-off issue at the back of our property. Secondarily, because we live on a busy road with a lot of vehicular AND foot traffic, we were interested in creating a more private space. In addition to a total renovation of our home, we've also worked with several contractors for other projects. Based on those experiences, we had a short list of selection criteria: communication, price, quality, and respect for our space. From the start, Jay excelled in the area of communication. He responded to my houzz inquiry within 24 hours (which I submitted over a weekend). He was always on time for scheduled meetings. He kept us updated on the status of the project through email, phone calls, and text messages. He often answered our questions before we even asked them! Jay was transparent when it came to sharing the cost of materials. When the project in the back was completed, he had spent less than the budgeted amount. We were so impressed with the transformation that we asked him to do the same to our front yard. It's important to note that my husband was a skeptic! We had worked with other contractors who did not deliver on their promises, so he had little faith that Jay was going to be successful. When we decided to the front as an add on, my husband didn't even ask for a plan or drawing. He had complete trust in Jay! I can't say enough positive things about his crew. They were always on time, they worked long hours, and they cleaned up at the end of every day. On the very rare occasion when a blower or pressure washer was at another job site, Jay would call to apologize and let me know when I could expect them back out to do the clean-up. At a recent neighborhood holiday celebration, several neighbors commented on both the quality of the work and the crew. Honestly, I was sad when the project ended because I really enjoyed having them around! Jay delivered on his promise. He addressed the water run-off issues in the back yard with boulders and river rock. We had a VERY heavy rain right after that phase of the project wrapped up. There was so much water pouring into our yard from the road that it moved a few rocks. Jay had his crew back out within the week to dig the trench a little deeper and add a couple more curves. When the front yard project was complete, Jay would stop by after dark to make sure the landscape lighting was placed correctly. If he wasn't happy, he'd send his crew back out to move it. His attention to detail is impeccable. I'm sure I'll think of a hundred other things I should have said after I submit this review, but I can say with 100% confidence that we could not be happier. Jay is an artist. He considers the whole of the space - not just the section he's working on. He creates balance and harmony. Hire Sifford Garden Design - you will not be disappointed!

After previous hires, failures and a waste of money to correct a drainage issue in my backyard .. I decided to research and hire the best!! I can confidently say .. I did hire the best when I met and hired Jay Sifford Garden Design. I met Jay Sifford in Feb 2023 when he visited my home to review the project. I look back and realize that I said very little to him for only expressed two needs .. correct the drainage issue and I wanted some flagstone pavers. I immediately knew that Jay Sifford was the one for the project. He exuded expertise, understanding, passion and an artistic flair and could see that a garden is art to Jay Sifford. The wisest choice that I made was to give Jay Sifford free rein to correct and create. To Jay Sifford a garden is art and he brought forth the magic that was just waiting to be awakened in my backyard. Jay Sifford and his team have totally exceeded my expectations. I am totally thrilled! Thank you Jay Sifford!

We cannot say enough about Jay, and his Crew at Sifford Garden Design. They exceeded our expectations in delivering a most tranquil garden, alive with vibrant color, beautiful trees, rocks, plants and earth that work together to engage all senses – visual, auditory, olfactory, and kinetic. Jay is a true artist and man of his word. You can trust his instinct and his vision. It will surpass whatever it is you think he means by a thousand-fold. The Crew: Diligent, Professional, Meticulous, Accountable, Neat, and Respectful The Communication: Clear, Consistent, Honest, and Timely The Result: Breathtaking, Stunning, Enviable, A Dream ComeTrue! The Contract: Forthright The Timeline: On Point The Price: Do-Able The Work Ethic: Second to None

We hired Jay based on his outstanding reputation and are so happy we trusted him with our project. We did a large renovation including woodlands and an open area. Jay incorporated outdoor sitting areas, water features, etc. Jay is not only professional, but extremely friendly and caring. He is an artist and it’s fun to watch your yard come alive with his vision, which includes your input. His team worked diligently for several weeks. The entire team is professional, and are also very friendly and likable. We miss them now that the project is over! I highly recommend Jay and his team for any size landscape project.

Jay Sifford is one of the most talented garden designers in the world. I’m an artist and a gardener; I know genius when I see it .I’ve learned to trust Jay’s vision, as his final product is always breathtaking and exceeds any vision or expectation exponentially. My backward now looks like a backdrop for a sculpture garden in an art museum . The lines curved and straight flow through the garden with the plants being the focal point. Friends visiting my garden are quite literally stopped in their tracks at the entrance - the garden is that magnificent and yet is humbly in rhythm with nature as it should be . Jays crew is top notch, with an attention to detail that is impressive . Everything is carried out to perfection with a professionalism that is remarkable .

We had a wonderful experience with Jay Sifford Garden Design! In our post-COVID world of labor and supply chain issues, getting home improvements done can be challenging. Jay and his team were great to work with. They completed everything as scheduled— and came in under budget. Jay truly has a designer’s eye. We had the somewhat vague notion of a mountain-style landscape for our yard, and he took that idea and made it so much more. He added broad steps to address elevation change, and created pebble pathways, gathering areas & a lovely boulder wall that replaced rotting railroad ties. His knowledge of plants is extensive and the plant selection was spot on. We are very pleased with the outcome, and highly recommend his services.

Jay Sifford is not simply a landscape designer, he is a true artist who uses outdoor space as his canvas, flora as his palette, and his wonderful installation team as the brush. He transformed our sad front yard into an enchanted garden using bold, sweeping strokes of purples, greens, and white that lead to a sculptural triptych of bluestone to complement our modern home. Think Van Gogh meets Magritte: simple, sublime, and completely original. Working with Jay was easy and such a pleasure as he is a genuinely lovely person, and the project occurred with almost surgical precision. His installation team is efficient, courteous, and neat, and they obviously take great pride in bringing Jay's vision to life. We are so thrilled with the results that he is now designing our back garden, and we are excited to see what magic awaits!

Jay is the best landscape designer we have consulted or hired, by far. He exceeded our expectations. He is extremely talented, responsive, collaborative, very likeable, and really invested in creating and installing a quality design that will last for years to come. He was always on time and delivered on every promise, and then some. He asked about and really listened to our desires and crafted a plan quickly. His installation team is punctual, efficient, detailed and respectful. Finally, his plan is manageable for us to maintain. We couldn’t have had a better experience. We are so happy with our new front yard!

I really enjoyed working with Jay. He listened to my concerns, and incorporated some of my visions into his design. The design, itself, was great, and Jay was respectful of my budget. Project was done quickly, as well!

Our yard always had potential, but over time, it had become a drab landscape of lost trees and exhausted plants. Two major eyesores - a botched patio installation and an ugly storm drain culvert - added to the dysfunction. We needed expert help. Luckily, we found Jay Sifford, and he worked nothing short of a miracle in transforming our property. In our interview with Jay, he immediately impressed us with his clear communication, organization, and artistic eye. He gave us undivided personal attention, listened carefully to our desires, and offered expert solutions tailored to our wishes and the space. We felt completely included in the design process, as Jay circled back around to propose ideas and ask questions. Jay saved us time and money by eliminating unnecessary features, while adding creative and functional elements we had not considered. Great consideration was given to capturing the beauty of the new garden from all angles - inside and outside the home. Jay presented us with his spectacular final design, including thorough details about budget and installation. Installation was surprisingly fast and delightful to witness. Each member of Jay’s crew stood out for their respectfulness, skill, and professionalism. They worked diligently through every challenge, including turbulent weather patterns and demolition of an unexpectedly deep slab of concrete under our old patio. Jay and his crew punctuated the garden with our requested favorite plants, while adding inspired new additions. The team complemented the superb plant selections with a gorgeous dry creek bed containing recycled glass rocks, gravel seating areas, lighting, a water feature, and an incredible bluestone patio with seating bench. We were surprised at first that Jay didn’t contract out some of these tasks, but no need! Jay’s crew can do it all! The final product exceeded our wildest dreams. In the spring, we were delighted each day with the surprise of new blooms, exploding with diversity, texture, and color. Much of our traditional lawn was replaced with exquisite plants, including an interesting pollinator-friendly meadow which attracts beautiful dragonflies and birds. Our new elegant and graceful garden has changed the way we live at home. After years of avoiding our yard, we now spend several hours outside each day. The beautiful, flourishing beds have drawn us in, with spaces to relax, socialize, and meditate. The design has a sense of rhythm and flow, and evokes both a sense of energy and peacefulness. These results are the magic of working with Jay: he knew exactly what we wanted and what the space needed. Even an enthusiastic five star review will seem inadequate toward expressing our appreciation to Jay Sifford for his artistic genius, his botanical acumen, and the magnanimous personal attention he gave to this project. He has changed our lives for the better. We are honored to endorse Jay’s work with our utmost enthusiasm and gratitude.

Sifford Garden Design recently did a redesign of a large portion of my terribly overgrown front yard, and I LOVE it! I have followed Jay's work for several years and have admired his style. choice of plants, and artistic touch. He did not disappoint. At one point, I had to take a leap of faith that a major area of the design would be to my liking, and it worked out beautifully. Trust your Designer. The crew is hardworking, knowledgeable, and respectful. Tools were corralled at the end of each day and, though I saw several smoking, I haven't found a single cigarette butt. It was a wonderful experience working with Jay and his team and I would certainly do it again!

I met with several companies before Jay. When I said I wanted a gravel sitting area for our woodsy lot, they all told me we’d be better off with a big concrete patio. Nearly ready to commit to something I wasn’t excited about, I reached out to Jay via Houzz, thinking I probably couldn’t afford his work or that I’d never hear from him. But he responded quickly, and when we met, he understood the vibe we were going for. He landscaped our whole backyard for what a concrete patio would have cost us—and he actually came in under budget. I also appreciated the very detailed invoice he provided when the work was done. The crew was great too; they worked fast and cleaned up after themselves each day. My husband and I couldn't be happier, especially now that everything's starting to bloom.

We were very pleased with every aspect of the design and installation process. Our aim was to add interest to our front yard through the use of color and unique plants. Jay was very flexible and easy to work with. His installation crew was top-notch in everything that they did and they took great pride in executing the project. We highly recommend Jay for both landscape design and installation.

I had a wonderful experience working with Jay. He listened to what I wanted and drew his inspiration from the architecture of the house and the lay of the lot. What transpired from there was magical. The resulting garden is not merely a few well placed shrubs and perennials, but the creation of an enchanting space; the kind of garden one can get lost in, but also a garden that gives a long overdue dignified presence to the house. At present (February) much of the garden is dormant, but there is still plenty of visual interest through evergreens of varying colors and textures. When everything wakes in in the warm weather I look forward to walking through the tapestry as it fills in. The design process was very efficient and the installation moved very quickly. Jay’s crew is hard working, very polite, and respectful. Jay took my quirky requests in stride and inspected the site daily. Now I have a garden that is unique, special, and exactly what I wanted.

It has been very exciting to work with Jay Sifford Garden Design on the landscape for our new construction home. My wife and I had only been living in Charlotte for a couple of years having relocated from California, so we wanted our new home to remind us of our California roots. We wanted to create that same vibe outdoors, using plants that are native to the region. Jay totally got what we were asking for. When we were doing our initial search for a landscape firm it was the pictures on Houzz of Jay’s own yard that stood out. His style isn’t about fussy flowers or a lot of color. Color is used judiciously; his focus is on textures and visuals that work throughout the year. He has such a wonderful design sense that makes you feel more connected to the earth. To say our project was a challenge would be an understatement. From the day we met Jay at our sloped .7acre lot, multiple changes in the positioning of the house, pool and grading of the land occurred not to mention the surprise 5ft high retaining wall that our builder informed us would be required all around the back to contain the hillside. Jay “rolled” with it all like the pro he is. Even the 100-degree heat during installation and the ensuing biblical rain and flooding the day after plant install, that nearly washed away the whole yard, did not deter him and his team. He was there the next day, in the mud, with his guys designing a French drain network that would stop the flooding from occurring ever again. The service he and his crew provided was top notch. There is even a “concierge” assigned to your project, who ensures all is good and that all of your questions are answered. Phase 1 is completed, but our garden is still a work in progress and we look forward to continuing the vision with Jay. You will not be disappointed if you choose Jay for your project. His creativity, knowledge and attention to detail is exactly what you want when you are creating your garden oasis.

We originally spoke to another hardscape company to get pavers and engineering blocks put into our back yard. This work would have cost us an entire budget for 10x10 space. Lucky for us we met Jay who envisioned a much natural back yard setting that could accommodate 16 people with a mixture of easy flowing grasses and as a bonus a water stream and pond. One of our favorite features is a stacked stone wall that was meticulously done by Rob. All of this was still under our original quote by the other hardscape company. Jay has an artistic talent for envisioning the perfect backyard. Many of his workers were young men that really took pride in their work. Ditches and ponds were dug by hand. Rocks moved with carts. They even took time to level out and stamp areas where boulders were placed to ensure the lose ground would not give way. Our family, friends, and neighbors are blown away by the backyard. We live on the lake so we often get boaters that drift by to catch a glance. Looking forward to having Jay do more work for us in the future.

After moving from my home and garden of 20 years, I knew the first thing I wanted to do was create a garden at my new house that would look amazing right away. I found Jay on HOUZZ and liked the look of his other designs. We started talking in September 2020 about what I wanted in my space. Jay took it from there! He came up with a beautiful, detailed design and started work in May. His hard-working crew showed up on time every single day. They never stopped moving, in fact I'm not even sure they took a lunch break. It was 90 plus degrees and brutal work, but they were always willing to talk to me about what they were doing out there, and educate me about the plants. I learned so much from Jay during this process. He introduced me to new flowers and plants and explained why he chose them. They planted over 700 flowers, shrubs and trees and built a stunning outdoor fire pit that is now the focus of the yard. I would highly recommend him and his incredible team. You will not regret inviting them to build the garden of your dreams!

Jay is a true artist. The vision he created for our yard is amazing and his crew’s ability to bring it to life is even more impressive. On top of that, they are all extremely reliable and hardworking. They showed up early, stayed late and cleaned up the job site every day. Their estimates of project costs and timing were spot on and they stuck to their projected schedule. Add all of this to the fact that Jay cares so much about his clients and what he does and there’s no wonder that his business is so successful! Thank you Jay for all you have done to transform our yard into a garden we will enjoy for years to come! -Scott and Maria Wurtzbacher

We hired Sifford Landscaping to overhaul our front yard with a new layout and plant selection. From start to finish, Jay was professional and creative. The design he created is beautiful and unique. He really worked with the space and crafted a piece of art through the layout and use of hardscaping and plants. He was very communicative throughout the process; specifically, when the project was underway, he would share daily updates and was very responsive to my emails and many questions.

Working with Jay Sifford on our garden design was such a delight. I had seen his work at a friend's house and knew instantly that his creative, natural design esthetic was exactly what I envisioned for our home. Jay was responsive, professional, and personable from the first contact. Although his busy client base kept him from starting right away, he was well worth the wait. He gently convinced me the right areas to pay attention on our property, and I'm so glad he did. I was also very impressed with his crew. They worked from sun-up until sundown, paid close attention to detail, and did thoughtful, unexpected touches as they wrapped up (spreading leftover mulch on other beds, restacking some stacked stone that had become loose, making sure the driveway was spotless). This was an investment in the overall esthetic of our home, but the value of Jay's design far exceeds the cost.

I met with three garden designers. We were referred to Jay from a friend and from our initial meeting I knew Jay had the experience and vision to not only execute our project beautifully but also deal with the drainage challenge and other minor issues on our 1 acre lot. We have not been disappointed. I think jay has the somewhat rare ability to wed creative vision and passion with excellent project management. His team is also experienced and skilled. Jay’s design And selection of plants were tailored to our wish list but with and eye for what would thrive in our garden. While we are thrilled to be surrounded by some of our favorite plants Jay surprised us with some unexpected beauties. We are completely satisfied with our finished garden project and plan to use jay again as the need arises and would highly recommend Jay Sifford.

My husband and I built a new home on a lot in a charming small town in NC. When we purchased the property the perimeter of the one acre lot had overgrown shrubbery that had been overtaken with predatory vines. The shape of the lot also created challenges as it was deep and somewhat askew. From the beginning Jay had a vision for how to transform the entire yard into a unique, tiered garden that would encourage guests to want to explore its depths. He was focused on how to blend the landscaping in order to complement the home. He encouraged our input so that the garden would reflect our tastes. Jay communicated well with us in terms of the costs of the project and there were no surprises. He addressed underlying technicalities such as drainage and worked well with the builder. We are asked frequently for the name of our landscape designer and one neighbor has started to refer to our yard as the Garden of Eden. Every view from inside the home invites us outside to experience the magic of the garden. There is no doubt in my mind that Jay has a gift and it was a joy to work with him. He and his team worked tirelessly to implement this design and we are going to feel grateful to them for years to come.

Jay and his team were great. We were very happy with Jay's design ideas. We primarily were interested in Jay to help with water issues. He addressed them and made our backyard beautiful and inviting in the process. His crew worked very hard, demonstrating their expertise in all things landscaping along the way. We certainly would recommend him.

I found Jay through houzz and trusted the reviews...he did not disappoint. My experience was excellent. From the planning to the execution on time, everything was fantastic. I would highly recommend Jay to anyone looking for first class, artistic landscape. I did my entire lake front yard!

Sifford Garden Design worked with us from start to finish. We agreed up front on a budget, and when we were finished everything was slightly under budget. Yeah! He captured the essence of our ideas and goals for the garden in a well written and drawn plan in color. And then installed and built the plan we approved. An excellent experience with Jay Sifford from start to finish! Thank you Jay!

The transformation has been nothing short of magical. Our sloping side yard was beaten down by construction deliveries and equipment. Our neighbor next door removed every tree from his yard leaving us with no privacy and exacerbating the water flowing from his yard into ours. We desperately needed to control the runoff. The best and only solution was to install a dry creek bed. Jay and his team have done a masterful job of beautifully managing a problem area. Each boulder and stone was thoughtfully and artistically placed to create what looks like a natural stream, not a drainage ditch. The guys were a joy to work with and we are looking forward to planting the area for privacy and working with them again.

I specifically was looking for a garden designer, not a landscaper, to “fix my backyard”. I wanted to find someone creative and would pay attention to the details. Jay was the perfect choice. The issues to address included drainage, redefining areas where grass had difficulty growing, and some mature shrubs which really closed off areas near my pergola. Lots of potential but really needed brightening up. I had also wanted to have a fire pit built into the hill near the pergola. All I did was list out my “back yard grievances”, discuss the fire pit idea, and determine my budget. Jay did the rest! He designed a plan and reviewed it in detail, providing photos of all of the plants. Asked for my feedback throughout the entire project. Always kept me up to date on all project phases. When it was complete we had a walkthrough and discussed the care and maintenance of my garden. He was always responsive to my questions and his crew is extremely hard working. He even delivered under budget! He’s a joy to work with and I would hire him again without a second thought!

A beautiful, magical and whimsical design by Jay and his team - we so much appreciate all of their hard work and dedication.

We requested that Jay create a natural, maintenance-free yard and he and his crew did a great job. His idea was to create a sweep of plants that would take eyes to the front door. The yard is very much what we had hoped for in creating great curb appeal for us. We would certainly hire his company again.

I strongly recommend Jay Sifford Design to anyone seeking a landscape designer. He created and implemented an amazing transformation of my outdoor spaces while seeking my input at every step. His knowledge and professionalism was outstanding and he met every deadline set.

Jay and his team have done an amazing job landscaping our property after construction of our home and pool. We knew of his work from friends whose garden we love, and who recommended him to us. He is very collaborative with his clients, but also has a distinct and sophisticated style. The process of honing in on what the clients likes, and what will work with existing design elements and environmental constraints, was a highlight, as Jay really communicates well. He and his team are prompt, thorough, and truly care about their work. We initially hired Jay to do the back garden/pool area, but loved the results so much that we took out nearly all of the front landscaping, reconfigured front beds, and had Jay do our front landscaping as well. He works well with other trades (B and B Pools, Waterworks Irrigation) and is professional and reliable. Though we are still in our first year (installation was completed in Spring 2019), our garden is already looking gorgeous. Each season we love seeing the progression of his thoughtful design choices. Jay and his team have helped us tweak the garden as things settle in (typical of the first year with new construction, especially), and we continue to enjoy working with Jay.

We are more than thrilled with the outcome of our front, side and back gardens. We approached Jay with a vague idea of what we wanted in the back garden, but his vision and final product blew our expectations out of the water. Jay is an artist whose medium is plants. He not only knows plants inside and out, but also has a keen eye for how they will work together and best compliment the space. Our gardens are exactly what we wanted them to be: oases.

Jay and his team were exceptional. Jay's a talented artist; he puts real thought into his designs and is meticulous in his execution. He has an incredibly in-depth knowledge of plant life and thoroughly answered all my questions. The entire process was very smooth and stress-free, and Jay is great about providing frequent and detailed updates along the way. They completely transformed our front and back yards. I'd highly recommend.

I first became aware of Sifford Garden Design through the May 2018 issue of Southern Living. Steve Bender, the "Grumpy Gardener", had written an article about Jay and his garden in Charlotte, NC, and our aesthetics lined up so completely that I knew right away this is who I wanted to help me bring my "Piedmont Zen" garden ideas to life! I called and set up a site visit for the following week, and it was as if I had known Jay forever. He took my basic ideas and wish list and turned them into something much more fully realized and cohesive that I could have ever done on my own. Jay and crew installed the hardscape in the brutal days of July and August, creating stone steps that anchor my house to the landscape and create a visual rhythm with my roof line and front porch pillars. There's also a seating area defined by a gorgeous stacked stone seating wall (kudos to Rob) and wrapped with my coveted dry creek bed which Jay managed to seamlessly transition from dry to wet with a melodious waterfall dropping into a small pond. The crew returned in late November to install the plantings, and Jay's guidance here was spot-on. It's a harmonious mix of conifers and shrubs and grasses, with several of the funky specimen trees that we both love. Final touch was in mid December when lighting was installed - it is magical at night. They also planted a previously boring natural area that had nothing in it but an oak tree and a chaste tree, and turned it into a beautiful natural garden. Jay and his crew are not only hard workers, but they are meticulous, with an attention to detail and customer service that you don't find very often anymore. I have zero complaints, and would recommend Sifford Garden Design without hesitation. Their work is far above average, creating beauty and harmony and magic. Can't wait to begin the next phase!

Jay is a true artist! The final project exceeded expectations. His crew is hard working and professional. After meeting Jay, My husband told me “let Jay do what he wants and it will be great!” I did and it was. He is also very respectful of budget.

Jay Sifford transformed a disjointed back yard and side yard into a beautiful cohesive space. We now have an amazing dry creek bed with shade plantings! Our back yard just glows! We love the new curved gravel path with boulders. His plan kept in mind our birds and wildlife. To save time and expense, we chose to walk thru the plan instead of having a formal drawing. His team moved and replanted some existing plants. They watered and cleaned up at the end of each day. The photos are before final mulch. We are thrilled with the results!

I have long been a do it yourself gardener but work demands made it difficult to make progress in our landscape endeavors. We needed someone with excellent design skills and a wide ranging plant knowledge to help bring our gardens to a higher level. Jay proved to be exactly who we needed. In our front yard we desired an informal relaxed looking vibe but also at the same time be something that had tasteful design elements. For this Jay created a matrix design which incorporated grasses, shrubs and various pollinator plants. This garden is nearly two years old and it looks fantastic. I think it will only get better looking with time. In our back wooded area Jay designed a woodland retreat with masses of ferns and woodland shrubs. Jay and his team also designed and installed a circular flagstone sitting area with built-in boulders which gives it a unique custom feel. The wooded area is still a work in progress but Jay put in place a solid foundation for us to build on. I don’t think we could have gotten to this point without his ideas and creativity. In summary, if you are in need of design help for your garden areas I highly recommend Jay. He is a great guy to work with, extremely creative and also manages to get things done on time and on budget. If you hire Jay and his team you will not be disappointed.

Jay transformed our front yard. We knew we wanted to change things up, but we did not have a vision. We knew from the moment we met Jay that he was special and gifted, so working with him was an easy decision. Jay is really an artist whose medium is plants and trees. It’s been a great experience from start to finish. His designs are innovative and beautiful, and he is a great communicator. His crew is professional, courteous and hard working. We love the finished product and enjoyed the process too!

As a new professional in the industry, I have seen and admired Jay's work from a distance. I have made it a point to attend his lectures and meet with him to "pick his brain", hoping that I some of his magical ideas will rub off on me. In my opinion, Jay's best quality is his ability to communicate with the land, and really get to know the spirit of the space. His willingness to listen and observe the elements of his project sites is what really sets him apart. The creativity and execution of his designs are always breathtaking. Nothing is done without careful consideration and reason. I can't give enough praise to Jay and his team. They are truly some of the best in the business.

If you love your home as much as we do, you won’t use anyone other than Jay Sifford for your landscape design! We contacted Jay after seeing him listed as the “best” on Houzz.com, and our experience from the first meeting through project completion did nothing to contradict that designation. Jay is one of the rare professionals who can balance being a master of his craft with managing the more “administrative” aspects of a project. His design for our backyard included a beautiful stone retaining wall, that made the slope we had always viewed as a flaw seem to make perfect sense. We also received consistent, informative updates throughout the entire process that kept us involved and feeling comfortable. As a homeowner with goals in mind and money to spend, it’s easy to adopt the mindset that the professionals you contact should want your business. However, if we ever required help with landscape design and execution in the future, we’d be crossing our fingers that Jay would accept us as return customers.

Jay is a true artist, a rarity in landscape design and especially in the Charlotte area. We are truly lucky to have him in this region! I found Jay via Houzz and fell in love with his designs. He puts his all into everything he does - from customer service, to communication, to plant choices and landscape design, Jay goes the extra mile. He's a genuinely lovely person and truly cares about his clients as well as his work. Of all the projects we've had done to the house, the yard is my favorite because of Jay and his excellent team. I highly recommend him!

We've hired out several projects over 30+ years of home ownership, both interior and exterior. Our investment in Jay's garden design and implementation is the single best investment we ever have made in a home. He gave us a beautiful yet practical garden designed for our terrain. Because of Jay, the front or back yard is now my favorite room in the house! Thank you Jay Sifford Garden Design.

The most difficult thing about this recommendation is where to start with the praise? Jay's communication patterns, plant knowledge, design sense, and quality of work are just outstanding. We looked for a landscape designer by googling "Asian-inspired garden design in Charlotte, NC" and thanks to houzz, we found Jay! He listened intently to what we wanted in our new location and then encouraged us gently to consider some ideas outside our initial thoughts to follow his excellent advice. And we're so glad we did, because what he has created for us in a relatively tiny courtyard is just extraordinary. In addition to downsizing our indoor living space with this latest move, we'll be able to thoroughly enjoy and nurture a beautiful garden space as well.

Stunning transformation! Jay and his crew worked their magic on my suburban backyard. The result is nothing less than stunning. Jay incorporated my suggestions and needs into a thoughtful all season design full of wonderful bird attracting plants. The resulting garden is above and beyond my expectations. I cannot say enough about this man's talent! The glass art he selected is a beautiful finishing touch. I am delighted!

My husband and I were attracted to Jay's unique designs at the Southern Spring Show 2015 and 2016. They were so unusual and arty. We are almost through a project now that is amazing. In it we desired bird friendly plants, native plants, woodland plantings with our shade, and surprising and unusual pockets of designs. His use of colors (bold color!) draws visual lines, and brightens shady areas, as well as just making a beautiful color palette. It is a happy place. Jay has an amazing eye (and memory) for detail, does everything the right way (no compromising) and keeps pouring out ideas. Plus he's one of the nicest people I know. It has been such a treat working with him, Rob, Grant, and Jason - hate that we're winding up!

My wife and I just finished a fairly major upgrade with Jay and his staff. The site came with challenges from both the drainage and aesthetic points of view. Jay's vision, his commitment to doing things right, his attention to detail, and his approach to working with his clients were all very impressive. He has an outstanding knowledge of plant species and hardscape options. It was a pleasure working with Jay, Rob and Jason. We rarely post recommendations but felt that potential clients should know what a great job they did for us.

We couldn’t be happier with our garden and yard. Our back garden is now a peaceful haven, and the front yard provides a beautiful frame for the house. Jay’s design responded to both our needs and our desires. Working with Jay was a pleasure. His work was on time and under budget. We wanted to make our back yard more useful and inviting. We wanted a space to sit and a Japanese-inspired feel. When we undertook the project we had no idea how big a difference the garden would make. We now spend nearly every morning there. Jay was inspired by the colors of our house, colors that we spent a long time creating. He chose the plants and stones to highlight the hues in the house, and the result is calming and beautiful. He took what was merely a drainage channel and turned it into a rock-filled creek bed. The plants and the stone together create a complex scene that surprises wherever you look. We wanted the front yard to be low maintenance and grass-free. With some deft touches, such as creating two low berms and relocating two arbor vitae, Jay did more – he made a beautiful yard that enhances the beauty of the house. By relocating some existing plants from the back of the house to the front yard, we used them to better effect and saved money, too. Jay completed the work on schedule, and stayed with us through the first couple of weeks to nurture the plants through a very hot May so that they could get well-established. We are looking forward to living in this garden as it matures.

We hired Jay Sifford to design and transform our previously boring and ugly front yard into a beautiful garden. We are extremely pleased with the result. Jay was a consummate professional who was very responsive, met the timeline, and was 15% Under budget! His design and landscaping was inspirational and has greatly enhanced our house to make it feel like home. We look forward to hiring him for future projects.

Friendly, M. Jay Sifford answered a question that i ask right after i asked. He gave me some practical tricks to think when i'll choose what i want I feel confidente :-)

Jay is the consummate professional and has a great eye for customer-specific and environmental-specific design. We hired Jay for a hardscape and landscape re-design of our uptown Charlotte townhome, and Jay was able to turn a small front and backyard into a beautiful garden that we are incredibly proud of as homeowners. Jay spent a generous amount of time with us understanding our wants and needs, and was able to come up with a terrific plan and execute that plan in a timely manner. You will not be disappointed in Jay's work, he has a great aesthetic eye and hardworking employees to back him up. We're looking forward to enjoying our garden in the continued future!

If you hire Jay, you will not be disappointed. He knows what he is doing and is very mindful of the client's wishes and desires. He created a garden out of a back yard. It was a pleasure to work with Jay, and Rob and Jason, his associates. The work was started on time (adjusted only because of weather) and was completed at budget. If you are not sure what you need in order to achieve the effect you would like, you will not be disappointed if you put your trust in Jay's knowledge and esthetics. I am looking forward to my new garden's "first spring".

We hired Jay to design and realize grass-free landscaping for our front and back yard. Not only are we absolutely thrilled with the way it turned out, but the process was extremely enjoyable. Jay asked thoughtful questions about our vision and respectfully offered his expertise and ideas. He was wiling to indulge our specific wishes even when they did not exactly overlap with his plans, incorporating my husband's long-held desire for palm trees into the design in a tasteful way. At the same time he was able to take our vague ideas and hone them to create a beautiful, peaceful, and functional final product. His employees worked cheerfully, unobtrusively, and all day long when needed. The project proceeded according to schedule and within budget, and he kept us updated about progress frequently but without being intrusive. We have received many compliments from neighbors about the work. I would recommend Jay and his group without reservation.

During his first consultation, we knew Jay Sifford was perfect to create our vision. We downsized into a condo that has two small private courtyards and a covered front porch. Since space was very limited, the design needed some extreme creativity. He and his wonderful team did all of the work. Jay designed, shopped, and worked shoulder-to-shoulder with his team. The results were nothing short of remarkable - an elegant oasis. The water feature was perfect! We love what he did with color and texture. Our neighbors and friends rave about the transformation. All areas are unique, but there are a few common themes that make it fluid. We have never hired a professional for this type of work before and we are so pleased with our spaces that we will rely on Jay going forward and recommend him to anyone looking to get the most pleasure from their outdoor areas.

Let me start with the brief version: Jay is awesome! And so are Rob and Jason! Perhaps what we like most about Jay is that he carefully thinks about how plants will age (size, shape, color, etc.), what a garden will look like down the road, and how much maintenance it will take to keep it as perfect as it starts out. But to be a little more precise, we bought a brand new construction home in which the landscaping was literally a blank slate, by which I mean a "clay mud pit". We originally contacted Jay because the backyard of our house involves a surface drainage ditch, which we figured would be a major eyesore. Looking at Jay's projects on houzz.com it was immediately clear (to us) that he would be the man for the job. And surely enough, Jay came out a day after I contacted him to check out our wonderful mud pit. He immediately saw lots of potential and gave us a rough idea of his plan/quote for our yard, which we loved right from the start. We decided to split the job in two phases, due to the upcoming summer. At the time I'm writing this review Jay has just completed phase one: the front and side yards. Let me briefly list but a few of the numerous things they did in the front yard (besides planting shrubs): pick up the downspouts from our roof and dig in drain pipes; dig through the concrete-like clay surface to till in top-soil, engineer a wonderful pea gravel path in the side yard encased by metal edging, ... But let's skip the boring stuff and turn to the fun part: Jay picked out a wonderful combination of plants that give our front and side yards a vibe that I couldn't even imagine beforehand. I was literally blown away when Jay laid out the plants for the side yard (with the path). The plants he picked (some mid-high straight, compact, grasses, some blue lime grasses, barberry bushes, dwarf nine barks, some other green skinny shrubs whose name I forgot) looked very attractive the moment they came off the truck. But once Jay laid them out in the side yard (not even planted yet) it created the feeling of a lush tunnel that constantly wants to "suck" you along that pea gravel path into the backyard (which I'm sure will be awesome one day). Have I mentioned that all of this magic happened on mere 7 feet of space in width? Again, Jay did an amazing job! What he created in that narrow side yard was unbelievable. Taking our side yard as an example of Jays creativity combined with a clear focus on practicality I won't be as detailed with the description of the rest of his magic in our front yard. But rest assured, I am equally impressed with the rest of the front yard and am still going on several admiration tours each day, closely monitoring the development of the amazing piece of botanical art he had created in our front and side yards. While Jay's unique talent is clearly the design and installation of wonderful gardens that perfectly blend into their surrounding, let me also mention that his managerial skills were just the way you would expect them from a true professional. Rob and Jason are clearly a team that functions seamlessly under Jay's instruction. They were always on time, super approachable, did things exactly the way they (and Jay) promised, etc. We've also had some small hiccups along the way (as with every property care project, I suppose) and the three of them handled them super professionally, and virtually instantaneously. In the same spirit, Jay's initial estimate of the project cost was almost to the penny in the end, despite many ex-ante unknowns (the amount of top soil, and mulch, the exact number of plants, the availability of the right size plants, etc.) All in all, we are extremely happy with Jay's work in the front and can't wait for him to start with the back, which will transform our drainage ditch into a dry creek bed, with a fake waterfall, and all that good stuff! :) Thanks Jay, you are the man! Paul + Lisa

Jay redesigned a challenging small space (700 sq ft) surrounding our back patio. He listened to our requests and expectations carefully. Working with him was a true pleasure. It was a wonderful collaborative endeavor. Jay created a lovely visual and textural woodland landscape that we never would have thought was possible in the space that we have. He and his crew are professional, timely, and accommodating. We have worked with landscaping crews in the past and have never experienced such a polite crew! His staff cleaned up after themselves each and every day while the job was under way. The final outcome exceeded our highest expectations. A day hardly ever goes by without some one commenting on the beautiful design. We would highly recommend "Jay Sifford Garden Design".

Jay Sifford has tremendous passion and talent for garden design. He understands colors and textures as only an artist can. Jay and his team (Rob and Jason) successfully transformed our front and rear yards into beautiful living spaces. They are true professionals and were a pleasure to work with through the entire design and installation process. We highly recommend Jay and his crew to transform your landscape into a garden to be enjoyed and treasured for years to come.

Jay and his team did a great job with the design and installation of our back yard plants and patio.

Jay has true talent when it comes to color, texture and contrast. After 1 year in my new house and trying to "work with" three different horticulturists and landscape designers, I had grown disappointed in how my gardens were developing. I traveled to meet with Jay and seek his advice. The key for his success is his ability to LISTEN to his client. He asks the right questions and seeks to understand the Client and the way the gardens will be used and maintained. In short order, Jay has inspired new designs for my DIY garden. He has clarified my color scheme and taught me a wealth of information. He has broadened my scope beyond flowers to consider art and sound in my personal environment. Oh YES! Jay -- wish I lived close enough to be a "hands-on" client. Worth the investment.

We first consulted Jay with the thought of having him design a small area in our backyard, but the more we talked with him and heard his ideas, the more excited we got about a bigger transformation. Our yard presented several challenges, including the large vegetable garden that dominates the center. Jay embraced the challenge and spent the time to learn what's important to us. The end result far exceeded our expectations. He included the specific elements that we requested, but also added new discoveries and surprises that have continued to appear through the spring. We are thrilled with the results and cannot believe how much we are enjoying it all. The vegetable garden is still there, but it is now surrounded by beauty, thanks to Jay's artistry. Jay is an excellent choice and great to work with.

Do yourself a huge favor and hire Jay. His designs are exquisite, unique, and creative, and his attention to detail is top-notch. Jay works with you throughout the process and is not satisfied until he has exceeded your expectations. He provides a great value for the price of the work, and his technical skills mirror his design ability. Jay planted our front garden in Fall 2013; having just experienced one of the harshest winters in decades, we were concerned that a number of the plants would not make it. But every single one, and there are a lot, not only survived but is thriving. We've been so impressed that we hired him to now work on our backyard.

Jay Sifford creates magic. The use of product in his garden projects ,his professionalism make him a joy to work with.

We hired Jay Sifford Garden Design to redesign our front yard. We had seen his work in the neighborhood and were impressed by the fresh designs, lines, and the variety of plants he uses. He did not disappoint - after listening to our ideas/needs, Jay created a beautiful design for our front yard which was unique and customized for us. He was mindful of color, texture, and focal interest - our front yard has a "secret garden" appeal, organic, arty, but not overdone. Even though the new design encompassed an overhaul, Jay was able to incorporate some of the existing plants which was nice. We are very pleased and highly recommend Jay.

My dream of having a peaceful backyard retreat project began when I was at a local nursery and I asked for recommendations from some business cards that were displayed at the register. (Jay) Sifford Garden Design was described to me in a simple quote: “He is pricey, but you will not be disappointed”. Although it was an expensive project (for 2 teachers), I can’t express how much passion Jay has for his work. He is an artist who uses nature and plants to create the most stunning landscapes for his clients. Right from our first meeting, Jay stated that he would be communicating with me throughout this project. He did! It was so refreshing to have to reply to his emails rather than me having to hound yet another service provider...He even invited us to go look at some of his work at other people’s residences. Jay has a real eye for working with different textures and colors within the landscape and takes into account what the client likes. He has an affinity for conifers as do I and when I emailed him from a trip back home to New England to tell him about all the stone walls and how much I love and miss that, he took it upon himself to include stones into my design! I guess the first phone call was back in April, 2013. Jay came out to talk and look at the backyard a few times before we came up with a preliminary plan of 2/3 phases. In August, he installed the hard scape, planted a mass of autumn ferns and a small moss garden from moss salvaged from the backyard. I felt so comfortable with him, that he did phase I of the project while I was out of town. Phase II & III we decided to do together. Jay is understanding of our circumstances and was willing to work with us in phases so we could afford it. Another great quality of Jay’s is that he wants to plant when it is the right time to plant, not just to get the project done to move onto the next one. So, this past week (Nov. 2013) Jay completed the project by planting a wonderful array of shrubs and trees and mulching the entire space. We love it and so does he, so that makes us all really happy!!! You would be a fool not to hire Jay Sifford if you like his aesthetic. He has a great eye for design, keeps the clients desires at the forefront, is punctual, friendly, and responds quickly to questions. He is the best, most professional service provider I have ever hired and look forward to seeing more of his work around town! Thanks for the personal touches throughout the entire process. I will now know when I see a Jay Sifford Garden...

Jay is a rare combination of creative energy and inspiration along with the practical skills to make the vision into reality. He has a strong artistic viewpoint all his own but at the same time is affable, reasonable and an excellent communicator. He has an astounding encyclopedic knowledge of horticulture and is very gifted in color theory as applied to garden design. We asked for a garden in keeping with the historic tradition of our Arts and Crafts style home but focused through a contemporary fashion-forward lens. The result is a delight of form, function and color. Jay sticks to the budget and we look forward to working with him again.

Jay Sifford is a magician. He listens carefully and then translates the client's desires into a work of art. Jay is very conscious of color, and even working with a color-blind client, his word pictures are evocative and, in the end, perfect. Jay is also budget-conscious, and will work to fulfill the client's wishes within the confines of the client's budget. At the same time, if he finds a particularly exotic or enticing plant or piece of sculpture, he will present it to the client as a possible "add on" but he will always be respectful of the client's wishes. Jay is prompt, neat and considerate of his clients' time and space. I enjoyed every minute he spent on our yard, and I'm delighted that the wonderfully awesome job he did on our yard has brought not only raves from our neighbors, but more work for Jay. Soon he will have beautified our entire block! Without any hesitation, I would recommend Jay's work.

Jay is truly a talented individual. He is very artistic and creative in his garden designs. He works closely with the landowner to ensure that the landowner is happy with the final design and the costs associated with the project. He is thoughtful in his designs in that he evaluates the coloring of the home, the surrounding areas, the quality of the soil, and moisture conditions. He really thinks everything through. Working with him is always a pleasure. I've received numerous compliments from neighbors already this year from the project that he did last year as everything comes into bloom.

Jay did an incredible job in my yard. I have a lot of space and for a few years kept "trying" out a bunch of different plants. He asked me what I liked and didn't like. He came in looked at the space , measured and gave me his vision of the space and told me the plants he was recommending. I honestly feel he has a gift. I have been interested in gardening for years and know plants fairly well but Jay's vision was so much more than I ever imagined. He thought of colors, movement , space and seasons. Something no other garden designer has ever done ! The yard turned out beautifully ! I am excitedly awaiting the spring show of movement ,design , color and beauty. I have 2 more small areas I want him to do ... areas I have not liked since I moved in here and did them 6yrs ago. CAN"T WAIT to see what he will do !