Alford’s English Gardens

I know the term highly skilled professionals seems over used and perhaps even a cliché. But that is what comes to mind when I think of the folks at Alford’s English Gardens. We chose them for our landscape project because Kathy and Rocky visited our home and spent the time to get to know us and understand what we wanted. The result far exceeded our expectations. They were on time every day and worked hard until days end. They finished the project in 5 working days even though the contract called for 10. And the result is a beautiful drought tolerant garden. We couldn’t be more pleased.

Kathy Alford and her staff did an excellent job on a complete re-​do of our front yard. All facets of this project, from design to installation, were handled collaboratively, so we always felt fully invested in the process and very pleased with the outcome.
Kathy has a great-​looking office, with many types of plants on site, and is an experienced, knowledgeable, and professional landscaper. The staff she employs are courteous, conscientious, and skilled. She was especially helpful in designing a drought-​tolerant but lovely front yard landscape, and preparing all necessary paperwork and graphic designs needed to apply for the rebate currently offered by Long Beach under its Lawn2Garden program. Kathy has a very artistic eye for design, and she created a garden which would compliment the style of our home.
We recommend Alford’s English Gardens without hesitation.

The company sold me «Birth Control» for snails. Many times I questioned this product, but got the same answer; «Sluggo Birth Control.» When I questioned where Alford heard of such a nonsense thing, I was told the owner learned of this product at a lecture. She finally said she was wrong in calling it a «birth control» method for snails.
The landscapers piled dirt around the «weep screed.» When I asked about this, I was told that I could not expect landscapers to know about the weep screed. I would have thought they might have been given some instructions.

I’ve seen a couple of their designs and although nicely done, they are somewhat elementary. But I have to agree about the maintenance aspect of the business. These guys are just as sloppy as any other ‘gardener’. Leaf blower is the main tool.
You remember the terrible fires of around 3 years ago that covered Long Beach in ash? I called Alford’s and asked that they not blow next door where they do maintenance on one of their installations. What do they do when they show up? Blow.
That’s plain stupidity and very unhealthful. Today I saw a line of debris lying on my windshield wiper blades after they got done blowing. This was after I chided them for blowing all of the back yard debris under the gate into the alley a few months ago. When I called them out on that they said the gate was locked and they didn’t have a key. They drove around and swept it up.
Again, today, they blew debris under the gate and left. Why do I write this stuff? Because I have asked office for some consideration and nothing has changed.
So, if you want some stepping stones, some gravel and decomposed granite and a bunch of plants placed helter skelter In an «English» garden and then a lot of blowing, these are the people for you.

Do not use for monthly landscaping service. Crews would show up and use leaf blower for 10 minutes (breaking most of my garden figurines), mow my postage stamp yard (no edging), rarely trimmed plants and bushes and was the most expensive service in the area. They would leave hanging palm fronds and debris in my garden beds. Contract said they’d check lights and sprinklers, never did, have many lights burned out. Said they wouldn’t trim anything over 8′ tall, wasn’t a problem for them because they wouldn’t trim and everything got over 8′ tall, they didn’t have to bother. They even charged my account when they didn’t show up! Then they cancelled my service overnight because they said they weren’t making enough money on my account. Really? Avoid like the plague.

I used Alfords last summer when they completely beautified my back yard. There were very many large trees that had to be removed. It looked like hard work! The team of workers were very nice and had to put up with 2 big barking dogs. The cost was not cheap… but you get what you pay for. I loved the design that was drawn up and the types of flowers, trees and shrubs work nicely. The yard has become my sanctuary… thanks Kathy!

Alford’s English Gardens designed and installed an edible for garden in our backyard and a «native garden» garden in the front yard. I wanted something that wouldn’t need to be watered all the time or require too much work, but I was surprised at how beautiful it was too! And, because the plants are native we get butterflies and hummingbirds all the time.
The team paid attention to all the details. They even planted a couple of fully-​grown plants in the lettuce patch so we wouldn’t have to wait to start making salads from our new garden.

Kathy and staff put together a great design for my back garden. She made sure she addressed all of my needs to fit the garden to my life style. Plants were dog friendly, Urbanite patio fit my budget. Great plant selection — that I can maintain. Her staff were prompt and attentive and garden plan was affordable (but great!) so I could put all of my monies into Alford’s installing a state of the art irrigation system. Although the process is different that the other contractors who mostly hit and run! I felt the final project fit what I was looking for and more. Worth the process! and the final product gives me and my partner many hours of happiness. Thank you Alford’s Englsh Gardens for my drought tolernt garden

Two months, four meetings and they cannot provide a drawing that reflects our discussions or a bid. I was told I would get my deposit back but have not and it’s been two weeks since it was promised.