We got a call earlier this summer for a small space design to address the clients concerns with their backyard. One year earlier, they had a sloping backyard graded off with fill and a stair set installed connecting the lower yard area by another local landscaper. While not our ideal situation, fixing/ finishing another companies mistakes, we saw the potential for the space and decided to take it on. Working with the existing steep granite stair set, we reworked the makeshift erosion control stones to create planting beds. We formed planting beds with additional stone surrounds and created a planting plan that will eventually grow into a beautiful rock garden area.
The clients were extremely happy with the results and immediately put themselves on our fall schedule to address the front walkway. The walkway was installed only one year ago by one of our local "competitors". Unfortunately many contractors cut corners to cut price, and this was the case here for sure. With insufficient underlayments and no edge restraints, the original walkway started to slide downhill and fall apart. Frost heaving took hold over the winter and one year later, their walkway was more of a walking hazard. Where others cut corners, we think it through to do it right the first time. We quickly realized we could more accurately match the grade and create a smoother transition to the front door by removing an unnecessary stair. This also allowed us to raise up the lower landing by one stair, essentially removing one step down and another step up to reach the same front door, resulting in a much more user friendly transition. We lined the walkway in jumbo cobbles and concrete as a solid edge restraint.
To finish the project off we gave them another one of our "signature" three-season plantings along the house and added a rock garden and planting on the street side to help unify the space with their new backyard as well. We hope the pictures tell the rest of the story... Contact us to have it done right, the first time!
Catherine Circle
Our client was looking to increase the ambiance outside of her art studio with a water feature. She was looking for an Anglo-French countryside feel to the garden surround, while keeping a very informal and natural look as well. This presented an interesting design challenge, luckily for her she called The Artisans.
What made this even more challenging was the site of the proposed waterfall sloped away from the house, in the opposite direction she hoped to have the water flow. In addition, we were on the edge of a wetland buffer zone. On top of that, we were asked to create a “pondless” low maintenance option. Challenge accepted!
After careful planning, we received Stow Conservation Commission approval and got started on what quickly became one of our favorite projects to date.
We created a true “pondless” waterfall. This required building up a boulder backing to raise the grade. We created a large “upper” falls to create the noise the client desired. This falls into a shallow pool that then flows out down a natural looking stream to a smaller waterfall that empties into a reservoir under the peastone patio. We spent time harvesting mossy native stone to create the most natural looking stream possible. The patio has a sunken feel with its stone surround. To keep the Anglo-French theme, we planted utilizing groups of green foliaged plants and dainty flowers, paying attention to direct the views away from the street. We added a small firepit and single stone bench with a post and rail fence to finish off the look.
We believe the results speak for themselves!
Summer Hill Road
These homeowners have been working hard to boost their curb appeal. New siding and stairs, it was now time to polish things off with some landscaping. We created a front landing and planting to make this one shine. Sometimes a small investment can make a big impact!
High Street
These homeowners wanted to make use of their small backyard space. We came in and did a complete overhaul, delivering a pea stone patio, border planting, and a manageable lawn space. Accompanied by a soon to be installed bamboo privacy fence, this backyard retreat is quickly becoming the envy of the neighbors.
Willard Grant Road
Originally called in for a privacy screen from the neighbors, we showed the homeowners a design that cleans up the entire woods edge of their property. They loved it, and this woodland garden was born... In two years this will grow to create a beautiful border planting with a stepping stone path in place of sparsely growing grass.
Ruggles Street
These homeowners wanted to revamp their curb appeal, without breaking the bank. We classed up the front entry with a solid granite step, a paver walkway in classic New England tones, and a planting to accentuate the house colors. We kept the plants on the small side to reduce cost and the spacing is perfect to allow for full growth and minimal maintenance. See what a small investment can do for your curb appeal!
