Privacy is a top priority for many homeowners, but not everyone loves the look or feel of a traditional privacy fence. Hard barriers can come off as cold or unwelcoming, especially in smaller yards or front-facing ...
Creating a beautiful outdoor space that’s also kind to the environment can feel like a tough balancing act. Homeowners often want a lush and welcoming yard, but worry that going eco-friendly means giving up color, ...
It’s not uncommon for homeowners to feel stuck with an outdoor space that’s seen better days. When you’re confronted with overgrown shrubs, patchy grass or a patio that hasn’t hosted a gathering in years, it can be hard ...
If you’ve ever stood in front of a garden center wondering what plants actually look good together, you’re not alone. Creating a visually appealing border garden can feel like trying to match throw pillows without ...
If your garden plants are struggling, your flowers are flopping, or your lawn just doesn’t seem like its best, chances are the problem lies right beneath your feet. Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving landscape ...
For many homeowners, the term “sustainable landscaping” conjures images of expensive garden overhauls, obscure soil tests, or giving up your lawn entirely. But going green in your yard doesn’t have to be complicated or ...
If you've ever stood in front of a rack of plant tags wondering what will actually thrive in your yard — and not just survive — you’re not alone.
Does your backyard feel more like a patch of grass than a true hangout space? If you're dreaming of a place where you can sip coffee in the morning, grill dinner by evening and watch the kids play — all without stepping ...
Does it seem like no matter how much you water or tend to your plants, they just won’t thrive? The culprit may be poor soil.
Who doesn’t dream of a perfectly manicured garden with lush greenery and vibrant flowers lining her walkways — but between work, family, and life’s never-ending to-do list, who has time for constant upkeep? But there’s ...
You love the idea of watching butterflies flutter through the garden and listening to the buzz of bees, but you have one problem — you’re not sure which flowers and plants will keep these pollinators coming back to your ...
Who says adding hardscaping to your front yard or backyard landscaping has to come with a jaw-dropping price tag? With the right landscaping ideas, you can achieve a high-end, polished look without overspending.
Think sustainable, eco-friendly landscaping will be a major hit to your wallet? While it’s true that switching to organic landscaping methods might seem pricey at first, the long-term savings will have both your wallet ...
Imagine stepping outside and being greeted by a lush, vibrant landscape that flourishes in every season — all without relying on harmful chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides or wasteful practices.
Winter might seem like a quiet time in the garden, but it’s actually one of the important seasons for maintaining plants and flowers in your landscape.
With the proper landscape design, there’s no reason your yard can’t display eye-catching color throughout all four seasons, even in a changing climate like Massachusetts.
A well-timed pruning session can make all the difference between a garden that thrives and one that struggles. Cutting back trees, shrubs and flowers at the right moment encourages stronger growth, healthier blooms and ...
For many allergy sufferers, spending time in their own backyard can become a struggle rather than a source of enjoyment. High pollen counts, mold and even the wrong choice of plants can trigger sneezing, sinus ...
When you’re building a new hardscape, there undoubtedly will be many different factors you’ll be considering as you choose your materials — style, budget and availability are sure to be among them.
There’s something undeniably captivating about gathering around an outdoor fireplace. It’s not just a warm and comforting retreat, but a centerpiece of your patio design that transforms it into a year-round destination.
Retaining walls are the multitaskers of the home landscape. They can hold back soil, prevent soil erosion and add needed structure — all while boosting your landscape’s beauty and curb appeal.
There’s just something special about an outdoor fire pit. Installing one in your backyard instantly elevates it into a year-round cozy retreat or favorite gathering spot for family and friends.
When you’re in the middle of the freezing temperatures, biting winds and piling snow of a New England winter, spring landscaping may seem very far away. However, the winter months are actually an optimal time to begin ...
When the last of the leaves have been raked, the lawn aerated, and the final layer of mulch laid, many homeowners consider their late fall landscape tasks complete.
When winter arrives and blankets everything in frost and snow, it’s easy to think of your garden as going dormant. But who says your yard has to hibernate all season? With a little creativity and our landscaping ...
Bright red poinsettias may be the iconic plant of the holiday season, but they’re far from the only option that can bring festive cheer to your home this season. If you’re ready to branch out from the poinsettia plant ...
Picture this: The sun is setting, casting a warm glow over your perfectly styled backyard patio. You're lounging in a comfy chair, a cold drink in hand, surrounded by friends and family in a beautiful outdoor living ...
Many homeowners schedule their fall yard clean up and consider their lawn care needs met until spring. But end-of-season maintenance shouldn’t stop with the collection of fallen leaves.
Privacy trees can help your landscape feel complete, and create a peaceful sense of solitude in even the most densely-settled neighborhoods. There are several excellent options for fast-growing privacy trees for ...
Fall is firmly upon us, which means you may have already completed some essential landscape tasks, such as storing your garden hose, cleaning out your gutters and winterizing yourirrigation systems. However, there’s ...
With frosty mornings quickly approaching, you may be wrapping up a lot of your lawn and garden chores. After the garden cleanup that accompanies late summer, many of us are ready to hang up lawn care for the year.
During the summer, when you find yourself working hard to keep up with your lawn’s water needs, you may have wondered if installing an irrigation system could be the key to simplifying your lawn maintenance. For many ...
If you have sunny spots in your yard that are in need of some attention, consider using the space to plant a gorgeous new perennial garden. Sun-loving perennials return year after year, and can add low-maintenance ...
If you’re a homeowner who has been discouraged about gardening because your property is partially or even totally shaded, take heart. Gardening in shady areas is not only possible, it is also can be very rewarding — if ...
One of our favorite things about landscape design is the amount of personal expression it allows. Most people associate landscape with flowers and shrubs, but there are many different styles of plants that can thrive in ...
Now that cooler weather is upon us, you may be looking to spruce up your landscape during the favorable planting temperatures. While on the hunt for new foliage to add to your yard, consider diversifying the types of ...
Summertime passes by quickly, but that doesn’t mean that you’re out of time to garden this year. On the contrary, now is the perfect planting time for a fall garden.
Summer may be winding down, but there is still plenty of time left in the year to tackle some impactful lawn care projects. With cooler temperatures swiftly approaching, now is the time to begin thinking about lawn and ...
Now is the time of year when cold weather approaches and spring blooms are mostly gone. But just because it’s not the beginning of the season doesn’t mean you have no interest in your yard to look forward to. With some ...
We completed a backyard installation in Medford, where the client requested an edit to beautify the yard, as well as fix up the back of the driveway. They desired to make a safer and more aesthetically-pleasing landing ...
For an environmentally conscious gardener, managing your garden during a drought is a constant battle between needing to conserve water and keeping your parched plants alive. Drought is often paired with heat waves, ...
A beautiful, healthy lawn is an investment in your home’s curb appeal that is important to protect. In New England, the summer season is when your lawn is showcased and should appear at its best.
This time of year is when our lawns can look particularly lush and inviting. But, if not very careful, homeowners can find themselves with a very serious weed problem on their hands, quickly discovering that lawn care ...
Completing the design and installation of hardscape materials for your outdoor patio is only the first step in creating the perfect outdoor living space. Whether your patio includes a seating area, dining space, fire ...
This time of year, many of us drag out our hoses and sprinklers in an effort to keep our lawns lush and inviting, only to find ourselves mowing down the fresh growth a few days later.
Many beginner gardeners are excited to start a new garden project simply to provide their family with tasty, fresh produce throughout the summer months. But others, like you, may have a different goal in mind: to grow ...
A vegetable garden can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of a home landscape by introducing a vibrant, dynamic, and functional element that combines beauty with utility.
Do you want to improve your physical health and overall wellbeing?
These days, rising grocery store prices are impacting everyone’s wallets — and they’re showing no signs of coming down any time soon. That means if you’re like many people, you are searching for ways to stretch your ...
While screens offer families a chance to unwind and relax, as we all know, they’re not without their drawbacks.
One of the many satisfying ways of utilizing your outdoor space is by entertaining your family, friends, and neighbors. Hosting gatherings in the fresh air of the garden that you care for throughout the seasons can be ...
Starting a vegetable garden is a great way to live sustainably and ensure your family has easy and abundant access to healthy veggies without depending on the grocery store. Not only does it provide access to your own ...
When looking online for garden design inspiration, it’s easy to see that the raised garden bed is having a major moment. Everywhere you turn, people are showing how easy, fun, and beautiful their raised beds, and their ...
Planting your own vegetable garden can be a rewarding experience in more ways than one. Beyond the positive environmental impact, vegetable gardening can be a stress-relieving hobby that increases your time outdoors and ...
Regardless of your overall home landscape, a well-constructed retaining wall is a design idea that can take your yard from nice but not noteworthy to one bursting with curb appeal.
Whether you’re installing a new patio, building your dream outdoor kitchen, transforming a driveway, or adding a firepit, there are a lot of factors that come into play when working on the hardscape design within your ...
High-quality outdoor stairways can add both functionality and a touch of elegance to your landscape design. Stairs may be needed to provide access to and from a deck or patio space, or when there is a difference in ...
With a large lawn comes a huge amount of upkeep. Between mowing, weeding, fertilizing and other lawn care chores, you can spend hours each week caring for a large swathe of grass. A huge grassy area may seem ...
Thinking about undertaking a hardscape project at your home? Adding features such as a walkway, retaining wall, outdoor kitchen, fire pit or shade-providing structure like a gazebo or pergola is an exciting undertaking. ...
Creating a solid landscape design for your yard requires more than just laying down sod and putting in new plantings. To achieve a well-designed, cohesive space, it is important to incorporate hardscaping elements ...
A key benefit of adding hardscape to your home is improving the functionality of your outdoor space. Yes, hardscaping projects often add spaces for lounging near an outdoor fireplace or outdoor dining next to an outdoor ...
Hosting backyard cookouts is one of the premier perks of suburban living. Whether it's a large gathering for a special occasion, or just showing off your latest fancy burger recipe to a few friends, it can be a great ...
Your garden is a reflection of your personality as well as the personality of your home, and it can be quite challenging to find a professional landscaper who can take your personality and translate it into an outdoor ...
In the winter, walking out to fetch the mail may be one of the only ways you're scratching the itch to spend some time outdoors. These short forays to the front stoop or the end of the driveway don't allow us to get a ...
Landscaping can be broadly defined as the changes you make to the land around your home in order to make it more aesthetically pleasing. It covers everything from the plants that you choose to the extra structures that ...
Whether you’re looking to make changes to your home to make it a more enjoyable place to live or you want to make it more attractive for resale, there's plenty of options for adding curb appeal.
One of the many satisfying ways of utilizing your outdoor space is by entertaining your family, friends, and neighbors. Hosting gatherings in the garden that you care for throughout the seasons can be fun and very ...
Adding plants with different heights, textures and colors can be an excellent solution to adding depth and natural beauty to your garden, but many plants with interesting colors and textures often come with a ...
Spring and summer are by far the busiest times in the garden, but just because the weather has turned cooler doesn’t mean it’s time to hang up those gardening gloves just yet. There are a lot of tasks that can be ...
As we find ourselves making our way through the dog days of summer, you may think, "Why didn’t I plant some more shade trees this spring? Or the last 10 springs!"
Hosting backyard cookouts is one of the premier perks of suburban living. Whether it's a large gathering for a special occasion, or just showing off your latest fancy burger recipe to a few friends, it can be a great ...
“Save the bees” is a phrase that has been repeated endlessly over the last couple of decades. We know how important it is to support our pollinator population, and have learned many ways to care for bees as they do ...
Gardening provides us with many joys, but there are, of course, hurdles to jump. The fact of the matter is that you can’t have a garden without garden pests. You can spray for them if you want to take care of them ...
Many of us are seeking calm moments throughout our increasingly busy days. Not only should our homes provide us with peace and comfort, but we should also find that tranquil balance in our lawns and gardens, the natural ...
Mushrooms play a very important role in many different ecosystems. The fruiting bodies are a source of food for many different species, not just humans, and on a smaller scale, the mycelium digests and decomposes ...
Adding compost to your lawn and garden is one of the best, easiest, most natural ways to get happy, healthy plants. Compost can be bought at lawn and garden centers, farmers markets, and sometimes even from zoos. But ...
This time of year, walking out to fetch the mail may be one of the only ways you're scratching the itch to spend some time outdoors. These short forays to the front stoop or the end of the driveway don't allow us to get ...
Before the mass adoption of chemical pesticides, fertilizers, and mechanized farming equipment in the early 20th century, people had to rely on more natural methods of cultivating plants. Prior to these changes, ...
Watching your garden erupt in the spring, flourish in the summer, and change and fade in the fall is thrilling. There is so much beauty to observe and so many fulfilling tasks to complete to help your garden be as ...
For an environmentally conscious gardener, managing your garden during a drought is a constant battle between needing to conserve water and keeping your parched plants alive. Drought is often paired with heat waves ...
Home lawn care has been a subject of human interest since around the 11th century, with the Japanese sodding areas around their gardens with turf grasses taken from livestock fields. Since then, with the introduction of ...
When it comes to plant care, chemical processes are the main element of whether plants wither and die, or survive and thrive. But more often than not, these processes are watered down into three categories; light, ...
Maintaining a home garden can sometimes require a significant amount of water to maintain. Of course, from time to time that’s supplemented by rainfall, but what about the rest of the time? For most people, this extra ...
Supply chain shortcomings are topping news headlines left and right lately, and it’s not just the latest cars and electronics being affected. Food shortages and price increases are becoming the new normal, and many ...
If you’re a homeowner who has been discouraged about gardening because your property is partially or even totally shaded, take heart. Gardening in shady areas is not only possible, it also can be very rewarding – if you ...
Good landscape design is much more than simply sowing seeds and plunking a row of shrubs in the ground. There is much detail involved in landscape design that requires trained professionals who have knowledge and ...
There are few better feelings than getting outside and getting lost in your garden. No matter what the task at hand involves, from pruning and weeding to ensure your beds look beautiful, it’s an amazing feeling to ...
Although insects are vital to a sustainable landscape, an excess of the annoying ones like mosquitos can be a deterrent to enjoying your outdoor spaces. Chemical pesticides can be effective, but are indiscriminate and ...
Rewilding is not a new idea, but it has grown in popularity over the last several years. The modern homeowner is becoming more aware of how even small choices they make in their backyard affects the bigger picture. As ...
The pandemic has forced many homeowners to spend a lot more time at home, contemplating their property and thinking of ways to improve it to add both value and enjoyment. For some their yards have become a refuge from ...
Pollination has become a hot topic in part because a fatal disease has been killing honeybees, threatening the ability of commercial farms to produce an adequate supply of the fruits and vegetables we all love — not to ...
As efforts to combat climate change become increasingly urgent, one term that is gaining visibility and popularity is “sustainable landscaping.” But what exactly is it and how can it help us protect the environment? ...
Gardening in general and organic gardening specifically are growing in popularity as an increasing number of homeowners are becoming aware of the benefits. The pandemic, economic uncertainty, and the rising cost of food ...
There’s no question about it – New England can be a tough place to garden. Whether it’s flowers or vegetables, pleasure or produce, New England’s soil and weather can take a toll on both the garden and the gardener. So ...
The pandemic has brought about a number of widespread changes in how we live, eat, and thrive. Gone for now are the days of carefree eating out. Tightened budgets often mean tightened belts as more and more Americans ...
While summer may be long gone, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an active yard during the colder months and throughout winter. The key is creating an attractive, sustainable winter ecosystem that not only provides ...
The pandemic has had some unusual positive effects on people, and one of them is the upsurge in home improvement projects. Homeowners everywhere have gotten busy putting in new patios, firepits, walkways, gardens and ...
Truly successful landscaping starts with sustainability, which is built on a foundation of ecology -- really just a fancy word for the relationship of all organisms to each other and their surroundings. By understanding ...
In part one of our series comparing ecological cleanups with traditional ones, we discussed the differences between ecological and conventional landscaping. In the second part, we reviewed some of the specific processes ...
Nothing improves the beauty of a yard and the curb appeal of a home more than the right plantings. Color, texture, size, and shape combine to create a unique and attractive environment that adds value as well as beauty ...
It seems intuitive that we like to spend time outdoors -- we’ve all craved nature at one time or another -- but science has now identified some of the reasons we actually need to spend time in a more natural setting. In ...
Gardening and garden landscaping to many people invokes images of beautiful flowers or rows of healthy fruits and vegetables. But gardening is so much more than that. Modern garden design encompasses a wide range of ...
As the world continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, we’re hearing a lot about test kits, treatments, vaccines, and ventilators. And while all of these are crucial to the COVID-19 fight, many people don’t ...
According to the American Society of Landscape Architects climate change is rapidly growing as a significant factor in landscape design. Raising temperatures, more frequent and severe droughts, and increasing damage ...
Organic landscaping is both a process and a strategy for creating a beautiful, dynamic landscape while supporting a low-environmental-impact installation and maintenance approach. And while organic landscaping may not ...
Lawn care chemicals have been around for decades. But only in recent years have we started to become aware of some of the damage that can be caused by these compounds. There is a lot of hype and misinformation out there ...
In recent blog posts, we have been discussing the key differences between organic and conventional landscaping. While conventional gardening tactics may be more prominent, we believe that organic methods are better for ...
In our previous blog post, we provided an overview of the difference between conventional and organic landscaping. We explained the ultimate goal of organic landscaping: to use gardening and lawn care methods that ...
We live in a time when humans have a tremendous impact on the environment with agriculture and industry. This is especially true in developed countries – according to research by the University of Michigan, we would ...
Pruning is one of those gardening techniques that many people overcomplicate. While pruning does help a plant grow strong, healthy, and in the proper direction, that doesn’t mean it has to be a complex undertaking that ...
A common misconception we see among homeowners is that it takes tons of time and effort to build and then maintain a yard that provides enjoyment. Many people mistakenly believe that they don’t have enough spare time to ...
While we may be firmly in summer’s grasp here in Massachusetts, as locals know, this weather won’t last forever. Although we are now seeing more extended runs of high temperature thanks to climate change, our area has ...
One of the nice things about maintaining a healthy landscape is the aesthetic appeal. We believe that fewer things are more beautiful than an environmentally-friendly yard that forms a natural part of the local ...
A skilled builder can add features like decks, hardscaping, and other attractive structures that make your home better both aesthetically and functionally. Ideally, you want your home’s construction features to ...
With the warmer weather of summer now here to stay in Massachusetts, homeowners will soon start seeing sprouts and seedlings from their early season plantings, if they haven’t already. As your yard grows, it’s important ...
Everyone loves having a healthy yard that is capable of growing many types of interesting, vibrant shrubs and trees. Unfortunately, the presence of unsightly weeds is one of the drawbacks of having a yard that can ...
Now that we’re into June and the summer solstice is only a few weeks away, it’s time for the Earth to show us its natural beauty in the form of colorful, vibrant shrubs and trees. Yet we’ve found that this is also a ...
After battling the forces of winter into the early part of May, it appears to finally be time for consistent warm weather here in Massachusetts! We’ve been dealing with the cold longer than normal this year, which can ...
Using organic methods to take care of your lawn isn’t just better for the environment - it may also be safer for human health. This past summer, a terminally ill former groundskeeper in San Francisco was awarded a $250 ...
As the name suggests, biennials are plants that take at least two years to go through their entire lifecycle. With multicolor bloom phases and interesting shapes, these plants make an ideal addition to any yard. Some of ...
In the fall, changing leaves bring the year’s last few splashes of color as flowers, shrubs, and other plants start to become dormant for winter. Even though spring and summer are the main bloom times, there are many ...
One of our favorite things about landscape design is the amount of personal expression it allows. Most people associate landscape with flowers and shrubs, but there are many different styles of plants that can thrive in ...
Growing vegetables and other edible plants is one of the most rewarding forms of gardening. You get to enjoy the fruits of your labor - literally - with fresh food, spices, and herbs that can be used in delicious meals. ...
Now is the time of year when cold weather approaches and spring blooms are mostly gone. But just because it’s not the beginning of the season doesn’t mean you have no interest in your yard to look forward to. With some ...
With Labor Day now behind us, it’s time to wrap up summer and start preparing for autumn. Though the hot weather is still hanging around right now, before you know it the temperatures will drop and you’ll need a jacket ...
In our previous blog post, we touched on methods to choose, arrange, and support healthy shrubs and trees in your yard. For this post, we will be talking about ways to maintain your yard over the long run. We’ll also ...
People with sloped yards often feel like they are unable to get a yard to look as good as a more level outdoor space. This isn’t the case - while a sloped yard does require some specific care and may not be best for all ...
Before the wind and early snow take away the rest of our fall foliage, make some time to appreciate the variety of color New England has this time of year. Plants that have phenomenal fall foliage colors are important ...
In recent years, there’s been a large push to educate homeowners and commercial landscapers on how to conserve the environment. More and more home and business owners are realizing that poor landscaping practices will ...
In a July 2018 meeting, the Massachusetts Drought Management Task Force declared that the state of Massachusetts was free of drought conditions. This is a sigh of relief for residents of the state who remember the ...
A short, neatly-edged expanse of sprawling green grass is the ultimate idea of the American lawn. Unfortunately, the “perfect” lawn is more reminiscent of a chemically-treated golf course than a healthy yard that ...
How to use a small yard for a sitting area? Simple!
Homeowners often place lots of emphasis on creating a garden with beautiful flowers and shrubs that bloom majestically in the spring season. Unfortunately, focusing on beauty for a single season can leave your yard ...
Summer is about getting together with friends and family in a fun celebration of the season. Unfortunately, this is a tradition that is often interrupted by uninvited pests like mosquitoes. These insects can make happy ...
Spring Is On Its Way! Here are few suggestions for getting your garden and yard ready for the warm weather and green grass.
There’s nothing like hosting a summer get-together in your backyard to celebrate the season. Spending quality time with friends in your outdoor space is the epitome of summer, and it’s time to prepare for upcoming BBQs ...
Every yard will eventually face pest problems. Caterpillars stripping leaves in your new vegetable garden and fungus that causes root rot in flowers and shrubs are only a couple of examples of the extensive damage that ...
Throughout the past few years it has become a very popular trend for designers to create a native plant garden design, and for good reason. The benefits of using native plants in your home garden can be extensive. Some ...
Once summer hits and you’ve finished all of the work you had planned for spring, it can be tempting to spend your free time enjoying the sun and letting your yard do its own thing. While your yard doesn’t need as much ...
When looking to achieve a balanced, peaceful yard, remember that hardscaping is just as important as natural features. These man-made components, such as walkways, patios, and divider walls, are an important part of the ...
Soil, seeds, and sunlight may be the foundation for a healthy and fruitful garden, but without proper care and attention, you won’t be able to grow the beautiful shrubs and flowers you want. With the right tools for ...
Everyone loves the family pet, a companion that kids and adults appreciate having around. But as homeowners with dogs and cats know, there are some parts of your residence that you can’t share with your furry bundle of ...
Landscapes that have been properly and professionally designed, installed, and maintained have a pleasing and consistent appearance. Of course the visual will change with the seasons, but it will always be inviting, ...
Healing gardens are not new, although they have garnered a lot of recent attention. While most notably found in hospital settings, home gardens are also gaining in popularity. They come in a multitude of shapes and ...
Say the word “bees” around most people and the first thing that comes to mind is a black-and-yellow menace that terrorizes children and summer get-togethers. But that’s an unfair and incomplete picture of the importance ...
Growing your own food is healthy, reduces your environmental footprint, and can even reduce stress and improve your mood. But before you jump into buying supplies for a vegetable garden, you’ll want to do some planning. ...
The timing of your garden is much more complex than simply thinking about planting, growing, and harvesting seasons. You must also think about the lifecycle of the plants in your yard. With a bit of planning and ...
One of the best things about the outdoors is its ability to rejuvenate the human spirit. After a tough day at work or a difficult experience with a friend or family member, it’s nice to be able to get home to a tranquil ...
The arrival of March means we are just weeks away from consistently warm weather here in the Massachusetts area. While we’ll certainly see some colder days, it’s also time to start preparing for the spring season. ...
Growing your own food has many benefits. Not only does it help you establish a more organic space in your yard, it allows you and your family to eat nutritious foods that are natural and healthy. But creating a thriving ...
4 Tips to Prepare Your Garden for Warmer Weather Think you can’t garden just because it’s cold outside? Think again! While you may not be able to put in the long, peaceful afternoons in the yard like you can in the ...
Soil is the foundation for a great yard. Without the right soil, you’ll never be able to create a thriving outdoor environment that gives you relaxation, attracts beautiful wildlife, and supports the local habitat. Yet ...
If you’re in the process of creating a new landscaping plan and want a garden that is not only beautiful but good for the environment, you may be thinking about organic methods. There’s an entire movement focused on ...
Water conservation is important: it helps preserve limited natural resources, conserves energy, and saves you money. A properly engineered drip irrigation system can give your plants the exact amount of water that they ...
Perhaps you just bought a new house and want to be sure you maintain your yard sustainably, or you want to transition to organic landscaping to reduce your environmental footprint. Before you start, read this guide to ...
Organic landscaping may sound overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be — all you need is a good plan and the ability to stick to it. Once you’ve decided to start an organic landscaping project, these are the first five ...
Organic lawn care is not only better for your yard, it improves the environment and human health. But what are the differences between chemical and organic lawn care products? Is there ever a time to use chemical ...
Are you looking for the best possible fertilizer for your lawn and unsure what to pick? Wondering if investing in organic fertilizers are even worth it? Organic supplements and fertilizers are not only better for the ...
We all know how important it is to take care of the planet, but you may be wondering what you can do to improve your practices. One easy step is to use organic landscaping methods. Adopting these habits is much simpler ...
Stones are a beautiful addition to any garden — they evoke a feeling of permanence and strength. By uniquely arranging rocks and boulders in your landscaping, you can enjoy not only the aesthetic benefits but also the ...
Being outside, interacting with nature, and actively gardening are beneficial for both emotional and physical health. Simply being in nature can enliven your well-being, and is a welcome break from a sedentary workplace ...
The way you design and plan your meditation garden is a matter of individual preference. There are many factors that may go into deciding how to create your own space to relax and unwind. Here are some features that ...
Fountains, birdbaths, and ponds add a soothing and relaxing element to your landscaping — but they can be expensive and difficult to engineer. This short guide will give you an introduction to picking out the perfect ...
Picking the right plants for your gardens not only makes your landscaping look beautiful, they can add pleasurable, relaxing scents. Choosing flower smells you enjoy is important because they can have a positive effect ...
Is your garden just a garden, or is it providing you with a place to escape and find rejuvenation? With some careful thought, you can create a beautiful place where you’ll find rest from a busy world. These five tips ...
Living in a busy urban area often disrupts enjoyment of your backyard. The sounds of cars driving by and loud neighbors can interrupt socializing with friends or quiet, post-work meditative time. Fortunately, with some ...
Gardens are a great option for creating an area that is both soothing and good for the environment. When landscaping, you need to consider your personal preference and the effect the plants you choose will have on the ...
Creating vivacious landscape designs can be challenging, given New England’s intense four seasons. Massachusetts weather ranges from bitterly cold nights in the middle of winter to hot and humid summer days. This ...
Picking out the right permanent plants will give your landscapes great color throughout the year. They will complement your house and the flowers you chose for the rest of your garden. That’s why many considerations ...
After a busy day of work, you want to come home to a beautiful landscaped yard — without worrying about hours of weeding, pruning, fertilizing, and watering. How can you design a stress-free garden? These three rules ...
The front of your house is the first thing that people see. What does yours say about you? Creating a warm entryway makes your house feel welcoming and gives a great first impression. A home with great curb appeal isn’t ...
Entering your yard should feel like coming home to your own little sanctuary from the world. How can you do this naturally? A fence may seem like an easy solution, but there are other ways to give your backyard some ...
If you’re in the process of landscaping your property, you may not be sure where to start. You know hardscapes can add value to your home — but maybe you’re struggling to figure out exactly what features to include. ...
Summer has come bringing warm afternoons, long evenings, and fireflies to add magic to the night. If you love to entertain you are probably wondering how to economically host your friends outdoors. With a little ...
Playing outdoors and learning to love nature are integral parts of growing up. Perhaps you have fond memories of playing whiffle ball with your siblings, going on neighborhood adventures with your dog, or rolling in the ...
You’ve spent time, money, and energy making your house a home. You’ve got the right furniture, the perfect paint colors, and the best setup for the kitchen, and now you're ready to tackle your outdoor living space. ...
Most people want to know that they are a vital part of their home improvement projects, even if they choose to hire professionals to carry out the heavy lifting. It is important for homeowners to understand what is ...
Two of our favorite native perennials to plant in Eastern Massachusetts are Kim's Knee High and Bridal Veil False Spirea. The Echinacea purpurea 'Kim's Knee High' is a compact version of Purple Coneflower. It is covered ...
Your garden is a reflection of your personality as well as the personality of your home, and it can be quite challenging to find a professional landscaper who can take your personality and translate it into an outdoor ...
In Eastern MA, there are many different types of gardens that will grow and thrive, even in the finicky coastal MA weather. A few garden types you might want to consider planting are:
More information on Patio Materials! The least expensive patio material to buy and install is pea gravel, also know as pea stone.
PATIO MATERIALS- concrete PAVERS!
Are you looking for a new landscape design this season? All landscape design jobs- backyard designs, garden design plans, and front yard landscape designs, require a consultation with a professional landscape designer ...
Being from New England I have seen many snow and ice storms come through. It’s important to keep in mind both personal and public safety with winter weather. State workers and highway departments take care of snow ...
Many gardeners choose perennials to plant in their yards to add color and create a low maintenance garden space. Perennials are great because they have color that pops in the spring, summer, or fall, then die back for ...
Are You Growing Plants in the Shade?
This is part 2 of the Patio Material blog series- Understanding the Cost of Bluestone Patios.
Anyone who has installed an impressive landscape of any size knows how much work it can be to keep it up properly. The fact of the matter is that few of us have enough time to get the work done and then have time to ...
A great backyard landscape design makes all the difference in how you and your family enjoy your outdoorspaces. Massachusetts has some of the best summer weather in the country, and you want to make sure you get the ...
What Do You Want In An Outdoor Space? There are a myriad of options available to homeowners when it comes to residential landscape design. This is great, but it can be difficult to find the one that suits your needs. ...
Landscaping can be broadly defined as the changes you make to the land around your home in order to make it more aesthetically pleasing. It covers everything from the plants that you choose to the extra structures that ...
Each client we work with presents new challenges and unique experiences. Our mission remains the same: create inspirational and harmonious landscapes by infusing the client's practical needs and aesthetic desires within ...
When it comes to relaxing in an environment that you find peaceful and inviting, few places can hold a candle to being on your own property and in your own home. Even if you travel to exotic locations and have seen ...
An elegant, well-landscaped backyard is a joy to behold when looking out your kitchen or living room window; however, if you are like most homeowners, you want your backyard to serve many purposes. When landscaped ...
When you need to give your patio a makeover, you might be tempted to do it yourself. After all, you can save a lot of money on labor if you do not have to pay a professional. But, when you want a beautiful patio that ...
Many people think that they can replace the work of a professional without a lot of effort. Sometimes, this is true. But, in other cases, you are almost always better off hiring someone who can do the job right the ...
Tackling landscaping of your New England property is a daunting prospect. With the help of our qualified, experienced and professional landscape designers, you unlock the full potential of your lot. A great landscape ...
Gardens can be time-consuming and difficult to manage, especially if you have a large plot of land at your disposal. One of the trends that is becoming more popular with people who have large trees or unused wooded ...
Learn about 3 of the most common customizable characteristics of patios while deciding what you are looking for in your yard. Professional landscape designers are trained professionals to help you get the most out of ...
One of the best ways to create an ecological garden is by planting more native plants. Planting native plants enhances and supports your local ecosystem which has more benefits than we can imagine. When selecting plants ...
Home owners are more aware of the beauty and ecological benefits of an edible garden, and some are hiring professionals solely for their help with adding a variety of edible trees, shrubs, and perennials to their ...
Many people think to have an edible garden (a garden with fruit and vegetable plants), it has to be in a large, fenced in section of their backyard. This is not only false, but far from the truth.
Job description: Moodscapes designed and installed plantings for the front of the house, including the beautiful ornamental tree on the left. We also installed a 330 sq ft bluestone patio in the backyard with a granite ...
An unspoken rule of thumb for living in New England, is that, when it is nice outside, you stay outside.
Last summer homeowners in Newton, Massachusetts were connected to the city sewer system which left their backyard looking like the picture to the left, a complete mess. They wanted a redesign of their entire backyard ...
Above is a picture of a natural field stone walkway and front garden bed our team installed last year. Plants, trees, and shrubs are growing well together and the field stone walkway adds an element of elegance and ...
The Moodscapes team designed and installed this front yard landscape design last year. The beautiful shrubs, perennials, and trees are in full bloom with various colors and texture throughout the front garden beds. The ...
Professional landscape designers often use water features as a focal points for the landscape design. Above is an example of a water feature surrounded by plants and pea stone pebbles to emphasis the calming affect of ...
A personalized landscape design in Winchester Massachusetts to lead guests into their new backyard. Our team customized a wooden arbor to lead the way along a paver walkway and along side the newly planted perennials ...
Front yard landscape design done last summer by our team. We designed and installed the three garden beds in photo above. Our client wanted to enhance her curb appeal while maintaining a neat and orderly look to the ...
Clients in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts presented us with a very challenging situation in their back/ side yard.
This is a photo from a design and installation job we did last summer of their beautiful front yard garden design in full bloom! The colors and textures all work so nicely next to each other and compliment the style of ...
The colorful garden combination above is from a front yard garden design in Arlington, Massachusetts. The homeowner wanted colorful blooms combined with various textures and flower shapes and sizes. The pink shrub is an ...
A new trend is starting with homeowners in Eastern Massachusetts- circular patios. Homeowners are looking for custom patio designs that give them space for a table and chairs and lawn play space. The solution ...
Add creativity to your backyard with a personalized landscape design plan to incorporate all of your outdoor needs. Our clients wanted a small paver patio just large enough for a few adults to sit and relax on while the ...
Create an elegant and easy to follow path in your side side by choosing a natural field stone walkway. Flat field stone is the most natural looking stone and when installed correctly, can become a smooth surface to ...
When deciding on a new garden landscape, there are many types of garden designs to choose from. Depending on your needs and existing conditions, gardens can be made for privacy, relaxation, entertainment, play space, ...
WHAT IS A SOIL TEST?
A small backyard sitting area for the entire family to enjoy!
Clients in Roslindale, Massachusetts had very specific ideas for how they wanted their backyard sitting room to be designed and installed. Our designer worked closely with them to infuse her expertise into their ...
We were approached by a family in Winchester Massachusetts to design and install a new front and back yard that encompassed three very specific needs. The family wanted to use their yard to entertain family and friends, ...
Every home, landscape, and family is different. When deciding to redesign your landscape, choose a landscape design company that will create a personalized landscape design and installation to work within your existing ...
A landscape design/build company is responsible for all aspects of the project from initial consultation through design and installation. Some companies also provide long-term maintenance. The company starts with a ...
Watertown residents wanted to enhance the front of their home with a walkway that would invites friends and family into their beautiful home. In collaboration with the homeowners, Moodscapes designed a paver walkway ...
Homeowners in Watertown Massachusetts contacted us to redesign and install their front yard. They wanted to remove the overgrown shrubs and replace with something more appealing. Our design team shaped the existing ...
Clients in Watertown Massachusetts wanted to make their backyard more usable by reducing the size of their deck. The existing deck was too large for the small backyard space and prevented easy access to the lawn. ...
At our client's home in Watertown, Massachusetts, a beautiful arbor design is complimented by an existing Hydrangea paniculata 'Pink Diamond' Tree. Well designed front entry walkways connect the front yard to the back ...
When designing your backyard, make sure to include space for both adults and children to play. Creating a backyard oasis for entire family is easier than it may seem. An adult space can consist of a patio made of any ...
Add an early bloomer to your yard for next spring!
One of the most versatile trees for almost any garden in New England, Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) exists in a multitude of forms that provide an endless choice of colors, sizes, and shapes. The most recognizable ...
Field stone walkways create a natural, elegant, and easy to follow front yard entrance way. Flat field stone is the most natural looking stone and when installed correctly, can become a smooth surface to follow along. ...
One of the most important factors that play into landscape design is understanding the light conditions of a front, back or side yard. When selecting new plants to add to your yard, or moving existing ones around, it is ...
Hydrangeas are one of the easiest shrubs to identify throughout Eastern Massachusetts. They are superb garden plants with an enormous diversity from evergreen climbers, to small deciduous trees with splendid masses of ...
For many homeowners here in the Northeast, having enough space for entertaining guests can be a bit challenging. A good cost-effective alternative to full-scale home additions or remodeling is creatively extending your ...
If you're looking to install a paver patio in your backyard, the process is limited only by your imagination. Once you've decided what kind of pavers you want to incorporate in your patio design, it simply becomes a ...
A patio is an investment not only in the value and outdoor appeal of a home, but also an investment in the quality of life for the homeowners that live there. A quality outdoor patio material and of the right size ...
Part 3 of Patio Materials: FIELDSTONE- How much does a fieldstone patio cost?
Welcome to our 2nd blog series on Choosing Paving Materials- Understanding How Much Patio Materials Cost.
Welcome to our 3rd and final blog of the Landscape Problems & Solutions series!
Welcome back to our Problem & Solutions blog series!
Welcome to the new blog series- Landscape Problems & Solutions!
One of my favorite aspects of living in New England is being able to watch the seasons change and plants adapt with seasonal interest. Most plants have one or two seasons of which they bloom or have bright foliage, very ...
Winter sun, wind, and cold temperatures can damage bark, injure or kill branches, flower buds, and roots. Snow and ice can break branches and ruin entire trees. Winter food shortages force some rodents and deer to feed ...
5 Quick Tips for Selecting Plants for Your Yard!
Daphne Carol Mackie- Daphne burkwoodii 'Carol Mackie'
Choosing the right type of patio material is the hardest part of designing or redesigning a patio. Here is a quick summary of the most commonly used material for patio design and installation. Outdoor Patio Materials ...
February is halfway over!! This means it's time to start looking for early signs of spring! There is nothing I love more than looking out from my home office window and seeing a glimmer of hope for warm weather ...
Over the years, many close friends, colleagues, and clients have asked me, "Why Moodscapes?" I put together this brief explanation for our followers and hope everyone enjoys getting to know me better through this ...
