Gardens

Each property we maintain has its own unique qualities and site specific environmental conditions. These landscapes generally become reflections of the owners who occupy, use and enjoy them over the years. Many of our clients are well-versed in gardening and take an active role in decision making. Others require only basic maintenance along with a few small, thoughtful interventions as needs arise. Oftentimes we are working to enhance your existing landscape by providing simple, cost effective improvements that make a substantial visual or utilitarian impact. Whether you are an avid gardener lacking time to complete your projects, or someone with little knowledge or interest in the garden who is in need of ideas, we welcome the opportunity to assist you.

Hardscape

Stonework can make or break a landscape. In an age where quality materials and craftsmanship are becoming increasingly rare, we work hard to promote both in work with stone. Through innovative and careful use of quality materials our stonework can set the stage for the rest of the landscape and really make your property shine.

Herringbone brick path along driveway with cobbles, blue stone and granite walkway

Driveway in use

Landing and gate

Master Mason Nick hard at work

In progress

Granite and blue stone walkway

Blue stone landing and pea stone patio

Pea stone patio

Granite treads with Irish moss garden path

Natural cleft blue stone patio, irregular and regular geometry

Freshly laid herringbone brick front walkway

Pennsylvania stepper garden path

Natural stone path leading to dry-laid retaining wal

A fork in the road

Herringbone brick patio

Dry-laid retaining wall and patio

Wall and patio

Seasonal

The climate here in New England is constantly changing and, as we all know, the plant life around us also changes over the course of the calendar year. Our simple yet elegant seasonal containers and offerings like bulbs and holiday decoration will provide those focal points and bursts of color which keep your property looking its best throughout all four seasons.

Urns with Boston ferns and ivy

"Birdbath" in bloom

Spring daffodils

Crisp white bulb display

Cheerful spring bulb mixture

Simple summer container

Lilies

Early fall container

Early fall planter box

Christmas wreath

Christmas wreaths

Christmas planter

Before / After

Here you will find documentation of a range of projects from larger scale re-designs to small interventions.

Before

Cambridge, MA: An under-utilized lawn, bleak wall and little to no interest or cohesion.

After

After extensive grading, removal of lawn, installation of patio, expansion of perennial beds, and addition of screening elements along visually obtrusive wall, an interesting and use-able space was born.

Before

Cambridge, MA: Haphazard arrangement of plants and furniture within the space doesn't correspond with client's aesthetic sensibilities.

After

Existing plant material is reconfigured and moved to other parts of the small property in order to choreograph a view from the deck and kitchen. A versatile space is formed via combined usage of irregular blue stone with a geometric inner framework. The area was extended off of the existing irregular blue stone landing. Upright yew and pine are used as evergreen screening. A sense of openness is introduced within the confines of the property and the existing tromp l'oeil grate work becomes more visible. Sturdy, low-maintenance perennials framed by staggered heights of yew hedge form the rest of the planted area. Brilliant Containers lovingly planted and maintained by the homeowner conjure a Pacific Island vibe which hearkens back to her roots.

Before

Belmont, MA: Failing perennial beds with poor soil are prepared for new plantings.

After

Soil is amended and new perennials are introduced. The palette is mostly blue with a couple seasonal spikes of bright red via Asilbe 'Red Sentinel'.

Before

Cambridge, MA: Granite and river stone walkway poses a problem for daily navigation and snow removal in winter months.

After

Entire walkway is re-graded, granite reset and blue stone wedges are cut to replace river stone.

Cambridge, MA: Former dumpster site from home renovation requires versatile semi-permanent, aesthetically pleasing intervention.

After

Area is stripped, planting beds amended, pea stone patio and hedge installed until future improvements are made.

Before

Lexington, MA: An overgrown perennial bed requires rejuvenation/reorganization.

After

A sense of order is re-established after invasive species are removed, entire bed is divided and new perennial material is added to existing plant palette.

Before

Cambridge, MA: A wonky concrete and brick front walkway is in dire need of improvement. The camera man didn't get to this until after we started pulling up the existing but you get the idea.

After

A simple yet refined herringbone brick pattern is used to grace the front entry. Curvilinear border compliments and responds to existing use of curves throughout the layout of the yard.