If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
Hi! We are a boutique landscape installation company with ecological values and a love for what we do. We've been designing and building beautiful landscapes in the East Bay since 2006. Our palette includes water, wood, stone, steel, light and of course plants!
Overview
Hired 12 times
Serves Berkeley, CA
Background checked
License verified
1 employee
20 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
Services offered
Softscaping
Work needed
Larger landscape changes
Complete renovation
Hardscaping
Retaining wall
Artificial turf
Driveway
Boulders or stones
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for responsiveness, work quality, and professionalism.
Great 4.8
9 reviews
5
89%
4
0%
3
11%
2
0%
1
0%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Rupal S.
Jul 15, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Paul did a great job with our backyard. He installed a fence and concrete patio. From the initial contact, he was straightforward about the costs and time estimates, and did the work on time with attention to detail and excellent quality. Highly recommend.
Details: Complete renovation like replacing soil or hardscape services • Patio • Back yard • No, one-time project • Home
Outdoor Landscaping and Design
Tajah T.
Jul 15, 2025
•
Hired on Thumbtack
We hired Harkness Gardens to replace some rotten wood in our backyard. While their quote wasn't the lowest, we appreciated Paul's transparency around labor and materials, and ultimately felt good moving forward. The good: the crew worked quickly, were friendly and flexible (even as the job doubled in size once more boards were identified as rotten), and they did a good job with the installation overall. They even fixed some outdoor lights in the process--great job where it matters most. Unfortunately, a few issues cropped up after they left: nails, wood chips, and trash were scattered around the property and they left behind excess oversized wooden planks and rebar too big for our trash bins. None of this was major--but it did require extra time and effort on our end to clean up. The bigger issue was how Paul handled it. Rather than simply acknowledging the concerns or offering a small fix--like a quick cleanup, an apology, or a nominal discount--he let us know that they optimized the price of install and did not consider clean up a normal part of the job unless specifically requested. This was not made clear to us up front and we assumed that part of any landscape job would include cleaning up any debris left after, and certainly cleaning up materials that they brought in. If you hire Harkness Gardens, make sure to be extremely explicit up front about cleanup, debris removal, and basic care for plants or surrounding structures--because otherwise, it may not be included. Otherwise, the quality of their work and install was great.
Details: Complete renovation like replacing soil or hardscape services • Install or repair outdoor lighting • Patio • Retaining wall • Back yard • No, one-time project • Home
Outdoor Landscaping and Design
Nitya M.
May 14, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Fixed our broken fence. I’m satisfied with the work they did.
Details: Fence is leaning or sagging • Wood • Residential
Fence and Gate Repairs
Brian F.
Sep 25, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
We had a great experience working with Paul installing some landscape lighting. Very responsive and a pleasure to work with. We would highly recommend.
Details: New lighting installation • 5-10 lights • These lights will not be installed in the ceiling • Outdoors • Existing property • House
Lighting Installation
Wendy R.
Apr 14, 2020
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Paul and his company did a great job on our concrete patio. It looks great and I would definitely recommend them.
Details: Pour new concrete • Patio or porch • Sidewalk • Less than 500 sq ft • Home
Concrete Installation
Credentials
License
License type: C27 - Landscaping Contractor
License state: CA
License verified on 8/1/2026
Background Check
Paul Harkness Jr
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
-We have a transparent, fair and consistent bidding process.
-Time and Materials billing arrangement available
-Economy of scale
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Connect -> Meet on site -> Review project scope -> Proposal -> Contract -> Begin Project -> Bill as elements are completed
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
-Landscape Horticultural Studies Merritt College
-Bay-Friendly Qualified Landscaper/Designer
