Business Details
32 Years
experience
Your Trusted Landscaping Partner in Washington, DC
Garden Wise has been transforming outdoor spaces for over 23 years, combining innovative design with horticultural expertise to create personalized landscapes. Founded in 1994 by J. Mark White, a licensed landscape architect and ASLA member, our firm specializes in full-service design-build projects across Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and Metro Maryland. Our collaborative approach ensures every project reflects the client's vision while enhancing property value and lifestyle.With a focus on sustainability and craftsmanship, we offer comprehensive services including landscaping installation, masonry, carpentry, and ongoing maintenance. Recognized as a 12-time Best of Houzz winner, we provide tailored solutions from initial consultation to final construction, backed by warranties on plantings, carpentry, and masonry work. Our team's deep local knowledge and commitment to client satisfaction have earned us a reputation as a trusted leader in the industry.
Services
Landscaping Design
Carpentry Services
Masonry Services
Landscape Lighting
Custom Swimming Pools
Roof Decks
Automatic Irrigation
Landscape Maintenance
Outdoor Furniture
Container Gardening
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- 23+ years of local landscaping expertise in Washington, D.C. and surrounding areas
- Award-winning design team led by ASLA-certified landscape architect Mark White
- Personalized approach combining client vision with professional expertise
- 12-time Best of Houzz winner for design excellence and customer satisfaction
- Comprehensive warranties covering plantings, carpentry, and masonry work
Associations and certifications
- American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
What people say
Award-winning designs
Professional team
Personalized approach
Attention to detail
Lasting beauty
Services
Landscaping Design + Installation
Our professional landscaping services create tailored outdoor spaces that enhance property value and lifestyle. Combining Mark White's award-winning design expertise with horticultural knowledge, we transform gardens and lawns to match client preferences. The process includes initial consultation, design development, and expert installation, ensuring every detail reflects the client's vision while maintaining ecological balance and functionality.
Carpentry Services
Custom carpentry solutions enhance outdoor living spaces with functional and aesthetic structures. We build fences, decks, arbors, and pergolas using premium materials that withstand local climate conditions. Each project combines durability with visual appeal, creating ideal spaces for relaxation and entertainment while complementing existing architecture and landscape elements.
Masonry Services
Our masonry services utilize natural and manmade materials to create elegant hardscape features. From patios and walkways to retaining walls and driveways, we craft durable, visually appealing structures that integrate seamlessly with landscaping. The work emphasizes precision craftsmanship and material selection that complements each property's unique character and environmental context.
Landscape Lighting
Professional landscape lighting enhances safety while extending outdoor usability into evening hours. We design systems that highlight architectural features, garden focal points, and pathways while creating inviting ambiance. The installations balance functionality with aesthetic appeal, using energy-efficient solutions that integrate with overall landscape design.
Custom Swimming Pools
Bespoke swimming pool and spa installations transform outdoor spaces into luxury retreats. Our designs combine innovative engineering with aesthetic considerations, creating custom water features that complement property architecture. Each project incorporates superior craftsmanship and materials to ensure long-lasting enjoyment while maintaining seamless integration with surrounding landscapes.
People
J. Mark White
Founder & Licensed Landscape Architect
ASLA-certified landscape architect with 23+ years experience, specializing in Washington, D.C. area projects. Graduated from Virginia Tech with BLA degree, featured on HGTV and in national publications. Combines artistic vision with technical expertise to create functional, beautiful outdoor spaces.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We serve Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and Suburban Maryland with full-service landscaping solutions.
What services do you offer?
Our services include landscape design, installation, carpentry, masonry, lighting, pool construction, and ongoing maintenance programs.
How does your design process work?
The process includes initial consultation, design development with client feedback, and phased implementation with warranties on completed work.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, we are a Class A licensed contractor with proper insurance coverage for all projects.
Do you offer maintenance services?
Yes, we provide customized maintenance plans including lawn care, seasonal updates, and plant maintenance.
What sets you apart from competitors?
Our combination of ASLA-certified design expertise, 23+ years local experience, and comprehensive warranties distinguish our services.
Reviews (4)
Keri O'Sullivan
Jun 09, 2017
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Nearing completion of a major renovation project, it was important for us to find a Landscape Architect that could extend our design style to an outdoor living space. Mark and his Team at GardenWise exceeded all expectations with artistic creativity, attention to details, and a service approach that made us feel like part of his family. Landscaping highlights architecture, but in our case it became the highlight. We recommend Mark for inspiration, collaboration and, ultimately, design excellence.
Mary Vihstadt
Dec 26, 2016
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We were pleased with the creativity, quality of work, and level of service of GardenWise. The plan designed by Mark and installed by his crew, as well as his subcontractors, transformed our yard - on all sides. Not a day goes by without someone stopping by to say how much they enjoy what we had done. Mark also follows up and addresses any issues one might have, including, in our case, quickly replacing two water urns that were defective. A quick look at his online portfolio shows that Mark/GardenWise has created some amazing outdoor spaces. We would highly recommend him.
Roberta Colton
Nov 23, 2016
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We have used GardenWise to replace a failing retaining wall, and then install new landscaping around the wall. This was a challenging project, and GardenWise did a great job of managing the process to get a building permit. Once the work began, GardenWise worked efficiently and neatly and actually finished ahead of schedule. They coordinated with our sprinkler installer, too, to make sure the new plants would be irrigated. We are very pleased with the design of the wall and the plantings.
John B.
Jul 08, 2016
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I contracted with Gardenwise to do a complete backyard renovation on Capitol Hill in DC. The finished project was actually featured in the Washington Post for Best of DC getaways. I had a customized fireplace designed and constructed, brick carport installed, a complete outdoor kitchen area to include a grill and refrigerator, picture perfect pergola, and a front steps customized stone installation.
Everything was completed on time and within budget. Mark's eye to detail and oversight of every detail on the project was what anyone would expect from a top notch landscaper architect. I would recommend Garden wise without any hesitation.
Everything was completed on time and within budget. Mark's eye to detail and oversight of every detail on the project was what anyone would expect from a top notch landscaper architect. I would recommend Garden wise without any hesitation.
