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Landscaping & Design/Mark
All Reviews from Users
Column Headings: K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response T = Timeliness P = Politeness
N = Nominated for Expert of the Month
| Date | User | K | C | T | P | N | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009-10-25 | Martha | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | This is the first time, I believe, that I have had a question posed to Mark. His answer was extremely fast! He also gave me more information than I asked for which gives me options to my situation. I really appreciated that as well. I would have liked to know if he had personal experiences with the trees I asked about - but I didn't ask - did'nt think about it until later. At any rate, the answer given was exactly what I needed. I can print it and take it to my local suppliers to assure that I make the best decision. (I love this website - Thanks Mark!!) |
| 2009-10-19 | lori | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | Thanks a bunch. Didn't know there was limestone sealer! |
| 2009-10-09 | ric | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | No | Thank you!! |
| 2009-10-05 | robbie | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | Thank you very much for the response, it was very quick and well thought out. Robbie |
| 2009-10-05 | betsy | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | No | Thank you for your reply. I appreciate the time that you took in considering my question. |
| 2009-10-05 | Chuck | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | Thanks very much for your quick answer. I think you probably saved the life of this 40 year old tree |
| 2009-08-20 | Mark | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | No | Thanks for the thoughtful response -- and for providing such a rich variety of alternatives for us to consider!! |
| 2009-08-17 | Mike | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | Mark replied to all my questions in a straight forward manner with very factual answers. He also offered suggestions beyond my questions for which I am appreciative! |
| 2009-07-20 | Rick | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | |
| 2009-07-10 | Carol | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | No | Thanks for your quick and very detailed response! |
| 2009-07-08 | Sheryl | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | Yes | Very helpful, hope to use this service again when I have other questions!!!!Thanks again, sheryl |
| 2009-07-06 | Steve | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | No | Thanks!! |
| 2009-07-05 | Monika | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | Dear Mark thank you for this informative advise. I am now eager to get started on this project Regards Monika |
| 2009-07-04 | Monika | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | Dear Mark Thank you very much for the fast response. You made my day as I was was afraid to have to remove the sod but this way it will make my job a lot easier. Regards Monika |
| 2009-06-06 | Mona | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | You really seem to know what you're talking about. I just don't think you understood my question. I stated that the mound isn't in an area where a garden, flowers, etc. would look nice, yet you suggestion useing ground cover and named some things to plant there. I was hoping for more of a simple bridge, stepping stones or something that would make it a useful part of the yard. |
| 2009-05-29 | Rob | 9 | 8 | 10 | 7 | No | Thanks Mark, that helped. I'm going to remove the cloth underneath and just leave the rock in place to keep the city happy. Thanks! |
| 2009-05-18 | John | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | Thanks so much for your timely input with many options. |
| 2009-05-11 | Jim | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | Yes | Thanks Mark |
| 2009-04-24 | Wendy | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | No | Thank you for your quick response and different ideas. You have been helpful. Wendy Kehler |
| 2009-04-21 | Eva | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | |
| 2009-03-27 | Jan | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | Wow! This is exactly what I have been trying to learn! Thank you so much for your suggestions. I knew nothing about plants that will grow in this area. Now I have names! And variety! This is a lot more than I expected. Thank you so, so much! |
| 2009-03-24 | Joyce | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | No | I appreciate the help! |
| 2009-03-23 | bea | 10 | 10 | 6 | 10 | No | thank you! |
| 2009-03-10 | Lew | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | Excellent. Thanks for the great idea. |
| 2009-03-08 | Gina | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | Mark, Thank you soo much for writing back. Your feedback was great. I do have clay soil. I am going to take a picture tomorrow and email it to you. Right now, this is something I need to do by myself, so I figured I will or want to do one section at a time. I will have any rock ect delivered but I will be the one doing this. I will send you a pic hopefully tomorrow night. I really really appreciate you answering me question and helping me with an idea. Deeply appreciated...really. This front lawn is driving me nuts every summer. I used to have the greenest grass on the block, now it looks horrible. Gina |
| 2009-03-07 | Brenda | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | Mark was very complete in his answer. Now all I have to do is call around for prices and I am ready. Mark was my research. Thanks! |
| 2009-03-06 | Claude | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | Thank you for the help. You rock ! (no pun intended) |
| 2009-02-27 | Lily | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | Thanks for the help Mark! |
| 2009-02-27 | Susan | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | No | Whew! Very thorough. Thanks! SLK |
| 2009-02-23 | will | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | No | Seemed to misunderstand my question about the snow.I also know about concrete sand and crushed stone beneath patio.I have poured and built paver patios before.However he was correct about drainage issue(heavy clay)and did politely and carefully answer the crux of the question. |
Mark
Expertise
Design of landscape structures and design of planting arrangements in the landscape. I usually do not answer questions of a horticultural nature or about growing plants or gardening unless they are related to design. I will answer these questions at my discretion. I will answer maintenance questions at my discretion,usually when they are related to design. I am a landscape designer. I am not a contractor or a gardener. Here are example categories of problems I can help you with: Design of residential walks,low walls,low retaining walls,fences,drainage systems,arbors,plant selection,xeriscapes (low water use landscapes),rain garden design,rain water harvesting,permeable paving,sustainable drainage. No advise on an architectural or engineering level. I do not perform actual design work through this site. I only provide suggestions and advice. I am a skilled draftsman and can advise you about the kind of drawings,permits and construction documents you may need for your landscape project. Any landscape project should be layed out on a drawing but larger projects in particular,that may be contracted out,should have drawings and specifications for cost and quantity estimates and for competitive bids. A drawing and specifications will also become part of any contract made with a contractor and enhances the clients protection.
Experience
Landscape concept plan for a 30,000 square feet housing site. Involved site recon by pace measurements and photographs and a site analysis and a site analysis report and recommendations and a preliminary cost estimate. Design elements included canopy trees,shrub cover,accent flowers,trash receptacles,benches and planters.
Landscape concept plan for a 7,000 square feet site for a community center. Involved site recon by tape measurements and photographs,a site analysis and the creation of 3 conceptual designs for the site.
Work was done through a local professional design center. Design elements included
tree garden,playground,sitting area,lawn,cooking area,lighting and concrete and brick paving.
Landscape concept plan for a 3,000 square feet housing site. Involved site recon by tape measurements and photographs and a site analysis.
Concluded in 3 concept designs for the site,shown at a formal presentation,a site analysis and recommendations. Work was done through a community volunteer program. Design elements included decks,a playground and fencing.
Briefly as draftsman for landscape designer/gardener.
Conceptual landscape design for residence. Involved site recon by tape and pace measurements and site analysis. Design included covered patio area,ground cover and flower beds.
Two years experience as draftsman for transportation department in engineering firm and for engineering consultants to phone company. Duties consisted of plotting topography.
Survey crew member. General assistant to surveyor. Work was done for U.S. Army and County Highway Department. No instrument work. Duties included tape measurement,holding graduated survey rod and plumb bob for sighting and clearing brush.
Marketed Landscape Design Services. Brochure writing,promotional material and marketing graphics.
Education/Credentials
Course in Computer Aided Drafting. 700 hours in AutoCad 2000. 700 hours to date on AutoCad Light 2000.
Certificate in Manual Drafting. 1200 hours drafting time.
Course in Civil Engineering Technology. (One Semester)
Awards and Honors
From Civil Engineer:
I am very impressed with your work and with the obvious thought you have put into the marketing of your venture. It was especially good to see a print of that job we discussed on the phone. I wish you much luck with the venture as I do with your plans for school. Im darn proud of you buddy. And by the way,when I get my license,maybe you will consider me for a consulting job down the road. I hope to get together with Rick sometime soon and I would really like to show him your stuff if its ok with you. From all these questions you ask I get the feeling that you are genuinely interested and have put alot of thought into the idea and process of landscape architecture and if you could possibly afford the cost I would urge you to take some classes in the areas you are most interested in. The subject is not so simple as it appears,mixing science and engineering with art and a certain amount of religion to create a comfortable and pleasing balance between man and nature. A thoughtful soul like yours can do this but it can be a lifes work getting it right.
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