Landscape Articles | Outdoor Backyard Living

Zach Rubin | March, 2025

Hardscaping Ideas on a Budget: Save Money on Patios, Walkways and More

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.

Zach Rubin | February, 2025

The Top Durable Hardscaping Materials for Massachusetts Winters

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.

patio with fireplace ideas

Zach Rubin | January, 2025

How to Make Your Patio with Fireplace the Ultimate Entertainment Zone

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.

Zach Rubin | January, 2025

What's the Right Type of Retaining Wall for You? A Homeowner's Guide

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.

finding the right type of fire pit for your backyard

Zach Rubin | January, 2025

Finding the Right Type of Fire Pit for Your Yard

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.

Zach Rubin | January, 2025

Why Winter Is an Excellent Time for Designing a Landscape Plan

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 ...

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Zach Rubin | December, 2024

Striking Winter Landscaping Ideas That Catch the Eye Even in Cold Weather

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 ...

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Zach Rubin | December, 2024

7 Festive Christmas Plants (That Aren’t a Poinsettia)

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 ...

Zach Rubin | November, 2024

Building a Backyard Patio 101: Questions to Ask and Real-World Inspiration

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 ...

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Zach Rubin | November, 2024

7 Fast-Growing Trees for Privacy in Massachusetts

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 ...

Zach Rubin | October, 2024

Building a Hardscape in the Fall: 6 Reasons It's the Ideal Season

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.

Zach Rubin | September, 2024

The Best Full-Sun Perennials That Thrive in Massachusetts Home Landscapes

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 ...

Zach Rubin | September, 2024

Evergreens in Landscaping: The Secret to Visual Interest in the Fall

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 ...

Zach Rubin | August, 2024

A Complete Backyard Makeover in Medford

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 ...

Zach Rubin | July, 2024

Patio Landscaping Ideas to Boost the Visual Appeal of Your Outdoor Space

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 ...

Zach Rubin | June, 2024

Creative Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas to Simplify Your Life

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.

Zach Rubin | May, 2024

How to Design and Build the Perfect Outdoor Entertainment Area

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 ...

Zach Rubin | March, 2024

Outdoor Stairways: A Must-Read for Building a Comfortable Home Entryway

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 ...

how to improve your home's wow factor with hardscape landscaping

Zach Rubin | February, 2024

How to Improve Your Home's Wow Factor with Hardscape Landscaping

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 ...

Zach Rubin | February, 2024

Outdoor Kitchens: The Expert Guide to Adding One to Your Home Landscape

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 ...

Judith Lipson- Rubin | November, 2023

Backyard Entertainment Ideas: How to Transform Your Backyard Into an Ideal Space for Entertaining

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 ...

Judith Lipson- Rubin | August, 2023

Using Arbors and Pergolas to Add Shade and Interest in the Garden

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!"

Judith Lipson- Rubin | July, 2023

Great Ideas for an Efficient and Welcoming Outdoor Kitchen

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 ...

5 Ways to Enjoy Your Garden Through the Winter Months

Judith Lipson- Rubin | December, 2022

5 Ways to Enjoy Your Garden Through the Winter Months

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 ...

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Judith Lipson- Rubin | May, 2022

Shade gardening design ideas that bring the WOW to your landscape

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 ...

Rewild Your Backyard

Judith Lipson- Rubin | March, 2022

10 Easy Ways to Rewild Your Backyard

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 ...

spring gardening ideas

Judith Lipson- Rubin | May, 2021

Top 10 beautiful spring gardening ideas for New England

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 ...

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Judith Lipson- Rubin | August, 2018

Top Tips for Landscape Design on a Sloped Yard

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 ...

fall color sitting area

Judith Lipson- Rubin | July, 2018

How to Create a Sitting Area in a Small Backyard

How to use a small yard for a sitting area? Simple!

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Judith Lipson- Rubin | June, 2018

How to Get Your Massachusetts Yard Ready for Outdoor Gatherings

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 ...

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Judith Lipson- Rubin | May, 2018

4 Things to Know Before Your Next Hardscaping Project

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 ...

dogs and gardens

Judith Lipson- Rubin | April, 2018

Tips to Create a Pet-Friendly Organic Yard

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 ...

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Judith Lipson- Rubin | September, 2017

3 Worthwhile Tips for Soundproofing Your Backyard Space

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 ...

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Judith Lipson- Rubin | August, 2017

5 Super Easy Ways to Create Privacy in Your Backyard

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 ...

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Judith Lipson- Rubin | August, 2017

8 Questions to Ask About Backyard Landscape Designs

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. ...

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Judith Lipson- Rubin | July, 2017

Entertaining on a Dime: 4 Party-Ready Outdoor Entertainment Design Ideas

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 ...

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Judith Lipson- Rubin | July, 2017

5 Ways to Create a Kid-Friendly Outdoor Garden Space

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 ...

Judith Lipson- Rubin | September, 2016

Patio Materials- Price of Pea Gravel Patios

More information on Patio Materials! The least expensive patio material to buy and install is pea gravel, also know as pea stone.

Anne Marie DiMatteo | October, 2014

What makes an elegant backyard?

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 ...

Anne Marie DiMatteo | December, 2013

Personal Landscape Design and Installation- Needham, MA

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 ...

Anne Marie DiMatteo | December, 2013

Customized Bluestone Patio for Outdoor Living

An unspoken rule of thumb for living in New England, is that, when it is nice outside, you stay outside.

Anne Marie DiMatteo | November, 2013

Woodland garden design in Newton, Massachusetts

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 ...

Anne Marie DiMatteo | May, 2013

Customized Patio Designs

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 ...

Anne Marie DiMatteo | May, 2013

Circular Patio- Personalized Landscape Design

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 ...

Anne Marie DiMatteo | March, 2013

Small Backyard Sitting Area in Winchester Massachusetts

A small backyard sitting area for the entire family to enjoy!

Anne Marie DiMatteo | March, 2013

Personalized Landscape Design in Massachusetts

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 ...

Anne Marie DiMatteo | November, 2012

Watertown Massachusetts Landscape Design

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. ...

Anne Marie DiMatteo | September, 2012

Kid Friendly Backyards in Massachusetts

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 ...

Anne Marie DiMatteo | April, 2012

How to Extend Entertainment Space Outside

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 ...

Anne Marie DiMatteo | March, 2012

How To Design Your Backyard- What's the Best Patio Size?

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 ...

Anne Marie DiMatteo | January, 2012

Landscape Problems & Solutions (2 of 3): Outdoor Entertaining Area

Welcome back to our Problem & Solutions blog series!

Ilex Crenata Sky Pencil

Judith Lipson- Rubin | January, 2012

Landscape Problems & Solutions (1 of 3): Urban Landscape Solutions

Welcome to the new blog series- Landscape Problems & Solutions!