Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Japanese Garden Design & Landscaping Services
Established in 1969, Lee's Oriental Landscape Art has dedicated over five decades to transforming outdoor spaces in the Washington Metropolitan Area. Our expertise lies in creating bespoke Japanese garden designs that blend Eastern tradition with Western practicality, offering clients a unique fusion of cultural artistry and functional landscaping. As a full-service provider, we handle every aspect from initial consultation and computer-aided design to installation and ongoing maintenance. Our team specializes in crafting personalized sanctuaries through custom water features, hardscaping, and specimen plant selection. We pride ourselves on delivering timeless landscapes that enhance property value while providing year-round aesthetic enjoyment.With both on-site nursery access and virtual design services, we cater to local and international clients seeking exceptional craftsmanship. Our commitment to quality is evident in every project, whether residential or commercial, large or small. By combining meticulous attention to detail with decades of specialized knowledge, we ensure each garden reflects its owner's vision while maintaining ecological balance. Our nursery offers rare, hand-cultivated plants and imported granite features for those seeking authentic Japanese garden elements. Through continuous innovation and respect for traditional techniques, we maintain our reputation as regional leaders in landscape artistry.
Services
Landscape Design
Water Features
Hardscaping
Computer Design
Nursery Plants
Maintenance Service
Custom Structures
Lighting Design
Specimen Planting
Online Consultations
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- We offer 55+ years of specialized experience in Japanese garden design
- Our one-stop service handles complete landscape projects from concept to completion
- We provide virtual design consultations for clients worldwide
- Our nursery features rare, hand-cultivated specimen plants not found elsewhere
- We combine traditional Japanese techniques with modern landscaping technology
Services
Landscape Design
Our landscape design service creates custom outdoor spaces blending Japanese tradition with modern functionality. We offer site analysis, 3D computer modeling, and personalized consultations to develop unique designs that enhance property value. Our team specializes in creating year-round appealing gardens that reflect clients' personal tastes while maintaining ecological balance through appropriate plant selection and sustainable practices.
Water Features
Custom water feature installation brings tranquility to any outdoor space. We design and construct koi ponds, waterfalls, and fountains that integrate seamlessly with surrounding landscapes. Our expertise ensures proper water circulation, filtration, and winterization systems while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Each feature uses premium materials and traditional Japanese placement principles to create natural-looking water elements that become focal points of the garden.
Hardscaping
Our hardscaping services transform outdoor areas with durable, aesthetically pleasing structures. We install patios, walkways, retaining walls, and driveways using premium natural stone and pavers. The team incorporates traditional Japanese techniques for stone placement and jointing to create seamless transitions between built elements and living landscapes. Every project emphasizes functionality while maintaining the artistic integrity of the overall garden design.
Computer Design
Virtual design services enable clients to visualize completed projects before construction begins. Using advanced software, we create detailed 3D models and perspective walkthroughs that showcase design elements from multiple angles. This service benefits out-of-state and international clients who can review and approve designs remotely. The digital process allows for easy modifications and ensures clear communication of the final vision between designers and clients.
Nursery Plants
Our exclusive nursery offers rare, hand-cultivated specimen plants ideal for Japanese gardens. We specialize in bonsai-quality trees, ornamental grasses, and traditional Japanese maples that have been meticulously trained for optimal form. Plants are available to both contractors and the public by appointment, with expert guidance on selection and placement. The nursery also features imported granite lanterns and custom-crafted bamboo fencing to complete authentic garden designs.
Questions
What areas do you serve for landscaping projects?
We provide landscaping services throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C., with our physical location in Ashton, Maryland.
Can you help with both residential and commercial properties?
Yes, we offer customized landscaping solutions for both residential homes and commercial properties across the Washington Metropolitan Area.
Do you offer virtual design consultations?
Yes, our online design service provides virtual consultations for clients outside our immediate service area or internationally.
What makes your Japanese garden designs unique?
Our designs combine traditional Japanese landscaping principles with modern techniques, creating timeless spaces that blend artistry with functionality.
Is your nursery open to the general public?
Yes, our nursery is open to both contractors and the public by appointment for specimen plant selection and garden materials.
What types of payment do you accept?
Please contact us directly for payment information as this detail wasn't specified in the provided content.
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Reviews (6)
Anthony Sipher
Nov 05, 2021
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Lee's Oriental Landscape was a pleasure to deal with, professional, whose results were of the highest quality. The design and implementation were flawless and the end result was surpassed our expectations. Thank you!
Patrick Donovan
Aug 19, 2021
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Lee's Oriental Landscape Art, LLC has been amazing! After scheduling a visit to see his nursery, John Lee was very attentive to our needs and was able to design the perfect design/landscape for our front yard. After we had received the design, which included a water feature our next step was HOA approval. Throughout waiting through the approval process, John Lee was very patient and even gave us updates on his end/scheduling/etc.
Once our design was approved, John Lee was able to schedule for the work. John Lee and crew were able to complete the work morning-late afternoon with no issues. After completion, John Lee gave us tips/pointers to care for the new plants/water fountain. All in all, we are very impressed with Lee's Oriental Landscape Art, and their design, care, communication, pricing, etc. We would highly recommend!
Once our design was approved, John Lee was able to schedule for the work. John Lee and crew were able to complete the work morning-late afternoon with no issues. After completion, John Lee gave us tips/pointers to care for the new plants/water fountain. All in all, we are very impressed with Lee's Oriental Landscape Art, and their design, care, communication, pricing, etc. We would highly recommend!
Frank Blackowitz
Apr 12, 2021
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What started as an impulse trip to a nursery 7 months ago, has culminated in THE most beautiful private garden I've ever had the pleasure to stand in. With Covid in full swing, and no chance to travel abroad, I came to John Lee with a simple ask, "can you bring a taste of asia to my home?" And bring he did! John and I spent a couple weeks going back and forth on a landscaping design, before ultimately deciding that the current deck needed to be scrapped for something more fitting. John came up with a new deck design that gently opened up to the garden, without obstructing line of sight.
With that done we worked out the rest of the details, ultimately incorporating a dry stream to help with water management, which had been an issue since the day I purchased the house. Working with John on this project has been a delight, and I'm completely satisfied with the service he has provided. I've included some pictures in this review, but keep in mind that I'm far from a photographer.
With that done we worked out the rest of the details, ultimately incorporating a dry stream to help with water management, which had been an issue since the day I purchased the house. Working with John on this project has been a delight, and I'm completely satisfied with the service he has provided. I've included some pictures in this review, but keep in mind that I'm far from a photographer.
Kristine Martin
Dec 17, 2020
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John has transformed our overgrown and chaotic rear garden into a beautiful, calm space that incorporated but reorganized much of the existing material. The result reflects John's artistic ability in envisioning the space as well as his practical capabilities in placing large trees and boulders in awkward areas - all quietly and without fuss. It was an absolute pleasure working with John Lee and I thoroughly recommend him.
Laura Ard
Jan 26, 2020
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I've been a client of John Lee's for going on 10 years. He first designed and installed an Asian garden in my small backyard. He turned a bare, grungy area into an intimate space that my friends and I have continually enjoyed during all seasons of the year. He has also I installed little vignettes in my front yard and turned it into a one of a kind presentation. His regular maintenance visits keep my spaces healthy, neat, and beautiful. I highly recommend his design, installation, and maintenance services!
Michael Paulsen
May 15, 2019
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John was wonderful to work with in creating this beautiful landscape for us. His vision of what will look best in the areas that needed attention was spot on. In meeting with us, John was always on time. In developing the plan, he encouraged us to communicate our thoughts and, as the project unfolded, modified the initial concept as needed so that we all were pleased with the outcome. The work started and ended as planned, and the areas were always left in a clean and neat condition. He is certainly one of the best contractors with whom we have ever dealt.
