- when the appointment was first made for a quote, you showed up in a timely manner. You were open to suggestions but offered your expertise. You were patient in making suggestions. Perhaps you knew I'd eventually come around to taking your suggestions but you gave me time to go over it in my head - giving up the lilac and trees. That was hard but putting in a new tree helped.

- you followed up from the original appointment within a reasonable amount of time with drawings indicating your ideas and included plants. The other people I got quotes from drew up fancier computer generated sketches with layouts for the walkway and flower beds but didn't seem to follow the vision through with plants. I asked about what kinds of plants would go in but was brushed off with "we'll deal with that later". I wanted the complete picture you provided. Also it impressed me that you dealt with the total package. The other landscapers wanted to separate preparing the beds and putting in the plants. To me a landscaper is the total package. I was impressed when you didn't want to separate the prices for these items. The only reason I asked is because everyone else did so.

- when we first talked and I mentioned there might be a problem watering the plants and new sod when I go on vacation at the end of the month. You actually said that if necessary someone would swing by and do it. That was most impressive.

- you came highly recommended. That was worth double points with me.

- the consultation process re picking out the stone. I probably would have been happy with what you chose but being involved was good. The other guys asked me to pick stone from a book/catalogue - not so impressive.

- you and your crew/colleagues worked diligently on a daily basis. You put in a full days work each day. I didn't see any standing around doing nothing. I don't even know if you took lunch breaks.

- everyone on your team was very polite, courteous, and respectful. It is always nice when you deal with "gentlemen".

- everyone was willing to answer questions honestly and keep us in the loop as to what was happening.

- the job was finished on time.

- my mother likes it - unbelievable, she usually doesn't like any sort of change

- lots of compliments from the neighbours.