Landscape Design & Install
in Highland Park, McKinney, and Frisco, TX
Transformative outdoor spaces through expert landscape design and professional installation services.
Complete Landscape Design & Installation Services Tailored to North Texas
From Plans to Installations, We Bring Outdoor Visions to Life
At Secret Gardens, landscape design and install is a process that combines artistry with practical expertise. Each project begins with custom plans and detailed renderings, giving clients a clear vision of how their landscape will take shape. This thoughtful approach ensures every decision is intentional and personal. With a deep understanding of North Texas soils and climate, our team selects plantings for long-term vitality and builds hardscapes for durability. Patios, pathways, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, and fire features are carefully integrated with the landscape to create outdoor environments that feel cohesive and timeless. From the first design to the final installation, every detail is managed with care so the result is a space that belongs to your home and thrives beautifully through every season.
Complete the form below and someone from our team will reach out:
Before You Call
How a Project Works Here
Secret Gardens is a design-install firm. We install what we design, which means the person who draws your plan is accountable for how it looks once it is in the ground. Here is the whole sequence, including the parts most companies leave until the invoice.
- Step One
Consultation at your property
Free, and usually about an hour. We come mid-day on purpose so we can see where the sun actually falls before recommending a single plant.
- Step Two
Your plan, drawn in 3D
You see the space rendered before anything is ordered. See how our landscape designs and 3D renderings work.
- Step Three
Meet the actual plants
We present at our own garden center in Richardson, with the real plant material from your plan in front of you. Swap anything you dislike and watch the design and the budget update in the room.
- Step Four
Budget, then installation
Nothing is ordered until the plan and the number are both agreed. We do not hand over a drawing and disappear.
Budget
From $15,000
Where our projects generally start
Publishing this saves everyone an afternoon. Most full design and installation projects here begin around $15,000, and larger properties run well beyond it. If your project is smaller than that, we would rather tell you now than after a site visit.
We talk about your budget on the first visit, before any drawing exists, so the design is built to a number you already agreed to.
What the budget includes
The foundational work others quote later
Two line items surprise homeowners when a cheaper contractor leaves them out:
- Soil replacement. North Texas clay is the reason plants fail here. We budget to change out the soil rather than plant into it and hope.
- Irrigation modification. New planting changes what the system has to deliver. A cypress needs far more water than a juniper, so emitters get adjusted on every job. See irrigation installation and drainage and grading.
Warranties
What is covered, in writing
You get a copy up front, before you pay a deposit:
- Five years on a paver patio
- Six months on trees
- Three months on shrubs
If something looks droopy or shriveled in the first few weeks, send a photo. It is usually an irrigation emitter, and it is usually a quick fix.
Honest Fit
When we are the wrong company
We would rather say this on the website than on your driveway:
- We do not cut grass. We are not a weekly mow-and-blow crew, and we will not pretend to be one.
- We are not a design-only studio. If you want a drawing to hand to another contractor, we are not the right fit.
- We turn work down. The consultation runs both ways. If the project is not a fit for us, we say so early rather than halfway through.
Designs & Renderings
Our process begins with detailed landscape designs and realistic renderings that capture the vision for your outdoor space. We factor in topography, architecture, and local plant hardiness to ensure form and function align perfectly. These plans guide each installation step and help clients visualize the final product before we break ground. Especially in North Texas, where weather and soil play a big role, our customized plans provide confidence and clarity.
Plantings & Softscapes
Lush, climate appropriate plantings form the heart of any landscape. We select and install shrubs, trees, and flowers that thrive in the North Texas heat while providing year round interest and color. Softscapes are thoughtfully layered to complement hardscape elements and integrate seamlessly with your home’s architecture. Our team ensures proper spacing, soil amendment, and long term growth planning.
Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor kitchens extend your living space and increase the functionality of your backyard. We design and install fully integrated outdoor cooking areas complete with grills, countertops, storage, and refrigeration tailored to your needs. Materials are chosen for durability in Texas weather, blending seamlessly with patios, pergolas, or garden features.
Landscape Lighting
Professionally installed lighting enhances safety and ambiance while showcasing your landscape after dark. We strategically place uplights, path lights, and accent fixtures to highlight architectural features, trees, and garden beds. Our energy efficient systems are built for long term performance and minimal maintenance.
Pergolas
Pergolas create inviting outdoor rooms that offer shade, structure, and visual appeal. Our custom pergolas are built to complement your landscape and withstand the Texas sun and storms. Whether freestanding or integrated into patios or decks, they are perfect for dining, lounging, or adding vines for natural beauty.
Fire Pits
Our fire pit installations turn outdoor spaces into cozy gathering spots year round. From modern gas units to rustic stone rings, each fire pit is tailored to your style and space. They are ideal for entertaining, adding warmth, and extending seasonal use of your backyard.
Artificial Turf
For a low maintenance, green all year look, artificial turf is a smart solution. We install high quality turf systems that look and feel natural without the hassle of watering or mowing. Perfect for pet areas, play zones, or modern landscapes across Highland Park and Frisco.
Patios & Pathways
Our expertly designed patios and pathways connect your landscape with natural flow and function. We use durable materials like flagstone, pavers, and stamped concrete to create surfaces that withstand Texas heat while adding beauty and accessibility. Each installation is customized for drainage and aesthetic continuity.
Driveways
A custom driveway boosts curb appeal and provides a lasting first impression. We design and install driveways using pavers, concrete, or decorative stone, ensuring proper grading and water management. Our driveways are built for longevity and tailored to match your home’s architectural style.
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls provide crucial support on sloped properties and create level planting or activity areas. We construct walls that are both structural and attractive, using stone, block, or timber to match the surrounding landscape. Proper engineering ensures lasting strength and erosion control.
Outdoor Stairs
For properties with elevation changes, outdoor stairs provide safe and beautiful access across your landscape. We build custom stairways using stone, wood, or concrete that integrate smoothly with patios, paths, and retaining walls. Each set is designed with safety and aesthetics in mind.
Mulching & Stone Beds
Well maintained mulch and stone beds add texture, color, and moisture retention to your garden areas. We install beds that not only beautify but also protect root zones and suppress weeds. Our choices suit both contemporary and classic designs throughout the McKinney and Frisco areas.
Drainage & Grading
Proper grading and drainage are the foundation of a healthy landscape. We evaluate slope and soil to install grading solutions that direct water away from structures and prevent erosion. Our drainage strategies ensure long term functionality even during heavy North Texas storms.
French Drains
French drains are an effective solution to chronic water pooling and runoff. We install discreet, underground systems that collect and redirect excess water, protecting plant beds and home foundations. These systems are crucial in clay heavy Texas soils where drainage can be challenging.
Irrigation Installation
A professionally installed irrigation system ensures your landscape receives the right amount of water year round. We design and install smart systems that are efficient, easy to manage, and customized to your property’s layout and plant types. Proper irrigation is vital in the hot and dry Texas summers.