A Perfect Experience in Landscaping

Exceptional service experiences are rare however, today I had the most perfect experience buying shrubs and plants, and I received an education in the process. Best of all - I feel totally invigorated! I may have a new career in landscaping.

Situation - Major concrete work on the front steps required demolition of the trusted shrubbery that was in the way. Concrete work is done, granite coating is complete (after many hours of effort), all railings are now pristine white - only issue is a naked landscape. I need (or think I need) two sort of evergreen things about four feet high for each side of the steps.

I do a little research. I think about $100 will get it done.

So I dig out the old stuff. Tough going but I am on a mission to complete this project. Several hours later I have the old out and new holes, but then I think I need more foliage in this tapestry. Dig more holes - another one there on the right, two more there to the left and just one more on the corner as an accent.

So now I have many holes in the ground and haven't a clue what to put in them.

Off to Sheridan Nurseries on Burnhamthorpe Road, my closest plant people.

I'm wandering, looking at these emerald things that might work, and then looking at other shrubs that might fit and really wanting someone to talk to. "Need some help?" from a young lady who could see that I did. "Yes I do."

This young lady was incredible. I outlined my project. She understood. We discussed exposure to sun and soil conditions. We were on our knees looking at the emeralds and she was so very knowledgeable about how to best transplant them but I just couldn't see how I get the holes big enough to make it work. What other options?

We explored several. She took me on a tour to explore everything - the special characteristics of spruce, how these other ones were unique, which ones thrived best in various conditions, how to transpant, how wide they will grow, how high they will grow, how to trim, how to maintain - what a learning experience - and she was so knowledgeable and sincere!

So we settled on two blue spruce as the 'soldiers' for the stairs, and several other accent pieces. She also suggested a special transplanting solution, several bags of their soil, and a few bags of mulch to make it all work. Everything I needed to become the landscaping artist I was destined to be. She helped me to the cash, ensuring the shrubs were safe in my hands, and thanked me for trusting my needs with her.

I came back the same day for two more pieces to complete my work. She saw me wandering again and wanted to know how the project worked. "Superb" I said, just need a few more. I could see in her smile that she enjoyed being of service and helping me create my little work of art. A little conversation and exploration and she helped me find two additional perfect pieces to complete my masterpiece.

It was a wow for me - experiencing sincere, honest, knowledgeable and professional service.

I think it was a wow for her - in being the expert, being of service and helping me succeed at my project.

The outcomes: I set out to spend $100 on two shrubs and did spend just under $400 and was very happy doing so. Sheridan Nurseries now has a very satisfied customer who is referring them to others (as we speak) and I will be a customer for life.

Sincere, honest, knowledgeable and professional service. What an enjoyable experience!