Natural Stone Makeover in Acton MA

Where do we begin with this project….. This property was due for a complete makeover. Our clients gave us a fairly open pallet on this project. We shared some photos of past natural stone work and they loved it. Typically we are the last contractors on the job and get the joy of polishing off the project for the homeowners. This was no different as they had recently finished renovating the interior and painting the exterior of the house. Before we began, we suggested removing a few trees as it was a heavily wooded lot filled with white pines. We were tackling three major areas of the property, the front entrance, rear entrance, and the secret garden patio.

On this project we sourced local stone from Barre, MA which has a unique grain and blue hue similar to “imported” blue mist granite. All of our patio material was live edge cut boulders at 2” for the paving surface and 7” for the treads. We started in the back corner of the property creating the secret garden and fire pit area. This patio area was hidden by a mature row of PJM rhododendron which gave ample privacy from the road. We utilized reclaimed granite curbing for the fire pit.

The next phase of this project was the rear entrance. This area proved to be difficult as we had a few challenges in place. Directly off the deck stairs was the cap for the septic tank. To keep access fairly easy, we cut one of the flagstone pavers to be removed when the tank needs service. We then moved to the front yard where we would need to do some serious boulder and drainage work to accommodate the grade of the front lawn.

Instead of a stark stair-set to the front walkway, we chose to break the entrance down into two landing areas. These provided a nice break in the grade and also a smooth transition spot as the walkway curled towards the house. For the front walkway we installed a “caterpillar’ style walkway where the stones remained live on the outside edges and have perfectly matched cut seems from stone to stone. This creates a smooth walking surface that is easy to clear in the winter.

To finish off the project, we installed a full foundation planting as well as complementary plantings throughout the yard. A full irrigation system and lawn were also installed. Our clients couldn’t be happier and they seem to be making great family memories making s’mores by the fire!

Before & Afters

Final Shots

Newton Memorial Garden

Our clients lost their beloved pet and wanted to create a memorial garden and sitting area to reflect on all of the great memories the’ve had together. Days before we were about to start this project, the state went into quarantine and we were not able to work due to Covid-19. Fortunately for us, we were able to create this garden offsite at our shop and pre fabricate all of the elements. We went into Newton to install this garden the first day we were allowed back to work. Our clients could not be happier with the results.




What does it take to create one of the best hardscapes in North America?

After the dust has settled, we’ve had a chance to sit down and look at the thousands of photos we took while creating our newest award-winning outdoor living space. While we typically only put our finished projects on display, there was so much detail into this one, we felt the need to show it off.

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Hardscape North America 2019

We are extremely proud to announce the newest, and by far the biggest, addition to our growing trophy case! We took home top honors in the Residential category at Hardscape North America 2019!!! .

This is our industry’s biggest trade show, and the award was judged by many leaders in our field based on the criteria of: Design, Quality, Compatibility, Construction, and Overall Excellence. .

This was an amazing project for wonderful clients that was a large chunk of last years’ build season and it feels great to be recognized for all the hard work! We already have some really cool projects lining up for next season and you better believe we will be going for the repeat in 2020!!!

https://www.hardscapena.com/press/new-releases/195-2019-hardscape-north-america-awards-recognize-outstanding-residential-and-commercial-projects

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Exciting changes!

As our business has evolved over seven seasons of creating award-winning landscape designs, we realized the Lawn & Leaf moniker was a bit misleading.  As the majority of our projects are creating custom landscapes, with an emphasis on harmonious blending of the hardscape and planting designs, we realized our name did not truly describe what we do.  We were also at a crossroads of a growing business that was transitioning into a corporate entity…

So we are very proud to announce our new look!  Roots & Rocks, Inc.

Roots & Rocks, Inc. is still us, two guys that have a passion for creating beautiful spaces that speak to each individual clients’ desires in their perfect new landscape.  We stand true to our roots of never compromising on quality, we would prefer to pass on a project, than build something we don’t believe will stand up to the test of time.  In fact, we offer a 10-year limited warranty on our hardscapes, unheard of in our industry!  We like to say, “experience the difference”, and we are positive you will understand why after working with us!

Roots-and-Rocks-Web-Logo.jpg

Best of Houzz 2018

While we are extremely proud of every job we finish, it's nice to know our customers love the work as well!  Thanks for all the great projects, looking forward to many more!

"You Won Best of Houzz 2018!

Hi Lawn & Leaf Landscape Artisans and congratulations,

We're writing to let you know that you've been voted by the Houzz community as a winner of our Best of Houzz 2018 award!

Your work won in the Customer Service category, as your portfolio includes some of the most consistent reviews on Houzz in 2017." 

Thank you to all of our customers that took the time to review us on Houzz.com

Houzz Award.jpg

Revisiting our first job of the season

After finishing this project, our client informed us that we had been bidding against two of the "big guys" in the design and build game in our area.  We know we're only two guys and one machine, however we believe our knowledge of plants and materials can compete with the best in the business.  We take a lot of pride in our work and our open line of communication with our clients is why they continue to recommend us.

One of our favorite things to explain to clients, is how everything will grow together and mature.  A little over a year later, this garden is really flourishing and our clients couldn't be happier. 

#twoguysandadingo 

Front property Renovation in Sudbury MA. Updating an outdated front entry with a new planting, lawn, and Ideal Concrete front entry.

Northeast Hardscape Awards

On April 6th we attended the first annual Northeast Hardscape Expo.  This is the first of its kind in New England specifically targeting the hardscape industry.  This event had representatives from all the major hardscape manufacturers along with plenty of new innovative products breaking into the market.  To top off a great trade show, they held the Northeast Hardscape Awards.   With over sixty entries into the residential category, we are very proud to have won the best residential landscape up to $50,000 for our lakeside living on long pond project. Is your project our next award winner?

Throw Back Thursday - Natick Farmhouse Renovation

We completed our Natick farmhouse renovation long before we had our current website and blog up and dialed.  Its always fun to look back at past work, this being one of our favorite and most challenging projects to date.  From concept to completion, we were fully committed to meeting a major deadline.... Graduation Day.  The homeowner had big plans to entertain the family on her newly completed patio.  The push was on, two and half months to complete this project with a final push of 21 straight, 14 hour days (rain or shine with tenting) including Sundays.   We couldn't be happier with the results on one of our favorite natural stone jobs to date.  

Two guys, one machine, and another happy client

Our clients reached out to us concerning an empty backyard space after finishing a beautiful interior renovation. They wanted to create an outdoor room that would complement their new and improved home. 

We created a space that worked for circulation from three different entry points, yet still allowed enough seating space for their family utilizing multiple products from Ideal Pavers.  We planted the space to create a focal point with a beautiful Japanese Maple and a mix of hydrangea, catmint, daisy, roses, lavender, and ornamental grasses. We finished it off with a beautiful deck in collaboration with Bob from RJM Renovations. 

Our clients reached out to us concerning an empty backyard space after finishing a beautiful interior renovation. They wanted to create an outdoor room that would complement their new and improved home. We created a space that worked for circulation from three different entry points, yet still allowed enough seating space for their family.

Picking the correct material for the job

Our clients found us on Instagram and wanted to discuss creating an outdoor space at their historic colonial home in Wayland.  With the house having so much character, the garden needed a boost.  We wanted to keep the design period correct and functional.  We chose to use reclaimed granite previously salvaged from the streets of Boston.  With subtle grade changes, and proper drainage, we were able to create an outdoor room that our clients can enjoy for years to come. 

A lot of our work is full property renovations, however we love to work on small space designs, this was a fun one! 

New Patio in Wayland MA using antique granite.

Lakeside Living In Pelham New Hampshire

Our client gave us the go ahead to "do what we do" having seen our portfolio.  So this is what we did.....  

One of our most creative grade changes to date utilizing multiple products from Ideal Concrete and weathered boulders from the property.  The goal was to create a space that fit in to the unique architecture of the house yet appears to have always been there.

We specialize in natural outdoor spaces with a niche for landform design.  

Our client gave us the go ahead to "do what we do" having seen our portfolio. So this is what we did..... One of our most creative grade changes to date utilizing multiple products from Ideal Concrete and weathered boulders from the property.

Sudbury English Garden

Our latest take on the English garden, this one has a modern feel with a New England twist. We utilized lots of new material, but also transplanted materials per the customers request. We always enjoy the challenge of each individual design. We hope you enjoyed the walk through.

Our latest take on the English garden, this one has a modern feel with a New England twist. We utilized lots of new material, but also transplanted materials per the customers request. We always enjoy the challenge of each individual design. We hope you enjoyed the walk through.

Secret Garden For The Kids

After finishing a large renovation in Acton, there was only one ugly spot left in the yard: a transition space where the kids constantly walk back and forth to their friends house.  Our clients' gave us the creative freedom to build a space the kids will use for years.  Check out our before and after video. 

cutting corners without cutting corners

We've had great working weather the last two weeks.  Last week was spent doing all of our site work.  This week we started laying the new front walkway using one of our favorite combos.... Ideal Georgetown Colonial pavers with Ideal Newport Cobble as our border stone. Today was spent making the cuts that keep our curves flowing and flawless. 

Layout

Layout

powering through the pavers

powering through the pavers

Cutting corners without cutting corners

Cutting corners without cutting corners

First Big Project of 2016

From 70* and sunny followed by 2 days of snow, April is off to a wild start.  We cant wait to break ground on our first big project of the year.  We will begin a full property renovation in Sudbury starting on Monday.  Stay tuned to the blog and Facebook to see the progress.

Our favorite photos from 2015

Here are some pictures from our favorite projects of 2015. From waterfalls and plantings, to patios and walkways, even some interior stone, we enjoyed broadening our skills with many artistic projects last year.    

A big thank you to all of our wonderful clients that trusted us to create the living spaces that will undoubtedly house many memories for their families in the coming years.