We’re pleased to announce our first Hardscape Hero of the year, Donald Sherbeyn of Sherbeyn’s Lawn and Landscaping!
Donald has been in the business for 22 years, and it shows in his work. From creating personal golf greens and fire escapes to water features and paver patios, his company is capable of doing it all.
The origins of Donald’s winning project started with the homeowner having a mud problem and hiring Donald to find a solution. When Donald asked the homeowners what they were considering, they asked about installing a patio. It was one of those projects that continued to evolve; after Donald recommended steps and went into detail about the patio, the homeowner asked about a fire pit, adding walls and additional steps. After answering all their questions, Donald was asked one last question: “What can you do with the space?” “I smiled thinking of all the amazing things my staff was capable of and I explained that we could get as extravagant or as conservative as they would like.”
The biggest challenge of his winning project was the removal of the two huge oak stumps. “When we began to dig them out, we did find ourselves in quite a battle of will,” Donald lamented. “We lost a full day removing the two stumps and added an additional 65 ton of 57 gravel to fill the two holes we left.” Outside of the regular challenges of grades, elevations and design aesthetics, the project went smoothly.
“Getting a handle on the exact needs and taste of your client is the most important part of design,” Donald explains, “I get my inspiration from my clients. I’ve found if you are able to listen to someone, they will tell you what they want even if they don’t know how to put it into exact words.”
Donald brought further insight into his passion for his work. “Owning a landscape company, a small landscape supply house, being a father of three and a husband of a wonderful woman, I fully understand the importance of family time. Knowing we are able to create spaces that will bring people together for years and years is very satisfying. Our clients will create memories that will stay with them for the rest of their lives in the spaces we build for them. It does cost money to build these spaces, but you can’t buy the memories.”
With that being said, the homeowner’s reaction to the new patio was terrifically rewarding. They encouraged Donald to use their new patio as a reference for potential clients. “To me this is when you know what you’re doing is being done right; when people want to tell others about you, you have truly succeeded.”
We’re honored to have Donald join the ranks as an Eagle Bay Hardscape Hero, and we’re excited to see how his craftsmanship continues to shape new memories.
To see more of Donald’s work or to get in touch, visit Sherbeyn’s Lawn and Landscaping’s website.