--- title: "Rue Sherwood Landscape Design, LLC — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/rue-sherwood-landscape-design-llc-pfvwus-pf~1292070113 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1292070113.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Rue Sherwood Landscape Design, LLC" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/22438b62020d0adb_1341-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "225 Argilla Rd, Ipswich, Massachusetts 01938, United States" latitude: 42.6809 longitude: -70.8494 phone: "(978) 500-3131" website: http://www.ruesherwood.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 16 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 56 last_updated: 2026-11-07 --- # Rue Sherwood Landscape Design, LLC Original Houzz profile: [Rue Sherwood Landscape Design, LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/rue-sherwood-landscape-design-llc-pfvwus-pf~1292070113) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Ipswich, MA - **Serves:** Peabody, Beverly, Beverly Cove, Andover, Gloucester, Danvers, Marblehead, Newburyport, Ipswich, Middleton, Georgetown, Boxford, Hamilton, Newbury, Groveland, Topsfield, Rowley, Wenham, West Newbury, Essex, Byfield, Manchester, Prides Crossing, South Hamilton - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (16 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2017–2018), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Rue Sherwood Landscape Design, LLC creates landscapes on the North Shore of Massachusetts, from design through installation. We work closely with you to create delightful outdoor spaces that are functional, harmonious and enduring. Hardscaping such as patios, walkways, walls and arbors provide a solid framework surrounded with plantings which are rich in texture, color, and multi-seasonal interest. Our designs are sensitive to the landscape and environment of New England, and we emphasize organic methods. Our primary goal is to make your landscape inviting, joyful and suited to your personal style. ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Patio Design - Site Planning - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Custom Fire Pits - Deck Design - 3D Rendering - Coordination & oversight of installation - Grading & Landform Design - Hardscaping Design - Masonry Design - Trees and Plantings ### Areas Served - Peabody - Beverly - Beverly Cove - Andover - Gloucester - Danvers - Marblehead - Newburyport - Ipswich - Middleton - Georgetown - Boxford - Hamilton - Newbury - Groveland - Topsfield - Rowley - Wenham - West Newbury - Essex - Byfield - Manchester - Prides Crossing - South Hamilton ### Typical Job Cost $15,000 - $150,000+ ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Rue Sherwood Landscape Design, LLC | | Address | 225 Argilla Rd, Ipswich, Massachusetts 01938, United States | | Phone | (978) 500-3131 | | Website | http://www.ruesherwood.com | | Followers on Houzz | 56 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/RueSherwoodLandscapeDesign - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/RueSherwoodLand - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/in/ruesherwood/ - Blog — www.ruesherwood.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Rue Sherwood Landscape Design, LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/rue-sherwood-landscape-design-llc-pfvwus-pf~1292070113) - **Website:** http://www.ruesherwood.com - **Phone:** (978) 500-3131 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Boston magazine's Best of Boston Home 2017, Best Landscape Architect, North - Certified Landscape Designer, APLD - Massachusetts Certified Landscape Professional - NOFA Accredited Organic Land Care Professional (AOLCP) - Master in Landscape Architecture - Bachelor of Science in Plant and Soil Science - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2017–2018), for Service. **Affiliations** - [Association of Professional Landscape Designers](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/association-of-professional-landscape-designers-pfvwus-pf~92795973) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 16 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Roger Louis, Oct. 2017** > Rue recently helped us landscape several acres of secluded land adjacent to a large private pond on the North Shore. > > She listened carefully to our vision and preferences (simplicity, ease of maintenance,etc.) and developed an approach that took all of our thoughts into careful account. We also had a budget we were determined to stick to. > > The result was superb, on time and within budget. Rue identified appropriate plantings (she knows the local critters very well and steered us away from stuff that would end up as deer munchables) and designed a lay-out that integrated seamlessly into the natural surroundings. > > She's also been by several times to check on how things were going and growing. She clearly loves her work and is a pleasure to deal with. **Comment from Rue Sherwood Landscape Design, LLC:** > Thanks for taking the time to write a review, Roger. I really appreciate your feedback, and look forward to making some tweaks this spring. **★★★★★ — Julie Scofield, May 2017** > Rue is a delight to work with, not least because her ideas reflect an understanding of my goals (she's a good listener!) as well as an understanding of what will actually work in my environment. **★★★★★ — Marya DeCarlen, April 2017** > Rue was professional, timely and listened deeply to our desire for beauty and need for efficiency . She was present with the subcontractors daily and communicated well before, during and after the project completion. We had Rue complete overgrown tree and bush removal, and replace a dated sidewalk and stonework. I enjoy it every time I walk out my door and seek peace in my yard!!! **★★★★★ — Covenant LLC, March 2017** > We worked with Rue on a complete landscape design and install on a new construction home. The project entailed tiered terrace with New England field stone walls, patios, stone step stairway, parking areas, driveways, planting design and selection, and irrigation. She was responsive and detail oriented. She has a great aesthetic sense and works well with homeowners. In the end, the house and landscape looked like it had always been there and meticulously cared for. **★★★★ — Jeffreys Creek Land Contractors Inc, March 2017** > As a landscape contractor who has worked with many landscape designers over the years I can honestly say that the project we did with Rue was an excellent experience. The plans were accurate and she was on site or in contact every day majking sure there were no issues. I would highly recommend that anyone looking for landscape design contact Rue for an initial consultation. > John Filias, MCLP > Jeffreys Creek Land Contractors, Inc. > Essex, Ma **★★★★ — Jan Lindsay, Dec. 2016** > Rue has an artist's eye, a lovely design sense, and combined with an easy going, personal approach, she is extremely easy to work with. **★★★★★ — Richard Santeusanio, Dec. 2016** > Rue's landscape plans are creative and thoughtful. The contractors she chooses to implement the plan are professional and competent, with Rue on-site to oversee the project. **★★★★★ — hesterclapp, July 2016** > I am delighted to write a review for Rue Sherwood Landscape and Design. My husband and I built a new house and I asked Rue to help us with the landscaping. Our house is facing the marshes north of Boston on a hill overlooking a field running down to a salt water creek. Rue was most helpful with the overall design and had very good ideas about material that would be appropriate for our area. She was very careful to listen to our ideas but also willing to suggest plantings that might be more suitable for our site. Rue also worked very hard during the placing and planting of the material - doing much of the manual labor herself. I had a very enjoyable spring working with her, checking out plantings at various nurseries and learning a lot by listening to Rue talking to various professional plantsmen. I cannot recommend Rue Sherwood more highly - she did an amazing design for us and helped to get it implemented. The subcontractors she employs are of equal caliber and very pleasant to work with. Our project designed by Rue is a delight and already we can see how it will fill in and become a beautiful landscape over the coming years. **★★★★★ — mmorosko, July 2015** > I have a small patio space near Salem common. Rue worked with me to make the most of it. She presented material and design options to stay within the budget. Her work and that of the subcontractors was very good. I am very happy with the result. **Comment from Rue Sherwood Landscape Design, LLC:** > This was a fun project. We're glad you are happy with the result, and thanks for the compliment. http://www.houzz.com/projects/1189172/pocket-patio **★★★★★ — whitneyhat, June 2015** > Design, construction management, plant acquisition and placement, periodic monitoring. Rue Sherwood is flexible, diligent, creative and very prompt and attentive. What took us 10 years to think about Rue accomplished in two short sessions of no more than two or three months. Part of her strength has strong relationships with conscientious subcontractors who performed the landscaping and wall building work. We are very satisfied with the outcome of both projects. And it helps that Rue is such a delightful person to work with. **Comment from Rue Sherwood Landscape Design, LLC:** > We are so pleased to have had the opportunity to work for great clients with a stunning site and exciting projects. http://www.houzz.com/projects/972316/ipswich-hilltop **★★★★★ — jags7, March 2015** > After several years of benign neglect, our yard needed a complete overhaul. We knew that we didn’t have the skills to put together a landscape design ourselves. We’re so glad we found Rue. We can’t say enough good things about working with her. > > She spent a long time talking to us and walking around our yard, getting a sense of the kind of landscaping that would work for us (think VERY LOW maintenance). She could tell we didn’t spend much time in our yard, but encouraged us to think of this project as a chance to create a garden that we would WANT to spend more time in. > > Her final design incorporated an amazing variety of shrubs, grasses, and flowers that work beautifully together. She made us think not just in terms of colors, but in textures. From May until October, there is always something interesting to look at – blooming flowers, feathery grasses, or shrubs turning color. As part of the project, she designed new front and back walkways and retaining walls, and brought in a wonderful stone mason to put them in. > > She and everyone who worked for her were incredibly diligent and detail oriented. She worked hard to make sure that everything she planted flourished, that the irrigation system worked seamlessly, and that we were happy with the results. We LOVE our yard, and we do spend much more time in it now. Several of our neighbors have commented on the change in our yard, and some have asked for Rue’s contact information. You couldn’t ask for a nicer person to work with. **Comment from Rue Sherwood Landscape Design, LLC:** > It was a pleasure working with you, Jags7. We are so glad that you are enjoying your yard, and thank you for the referrals. http://www.houzz.com/projects/1336372/new-gardens-and-walkways-in-north-andover-ma **★★★★★ — carterrobertsconst, March 2015** > Rue is not only a great designer but she also has an eye for the details. A true artist, she is able to bring life to a garden or landscape. Not only that, she is a pleasure to work with throughout the process, from concept to construction. She has a great team of contractors, nurseries and suppliers who can bring together all the elements to make for a successful project. ## Selected projects - [Cottage Patio/Landscaping](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cottage-patio-landscaping-pj-vj~972264) - Location: Essex, MA - Photos: 12 - Description: An updated landscape for a renovated cottage included stone work, fencing and planting - [New Gardens & Walkways](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-gardens-and-walkways-pj-vj~1336372) - Location: North Andover, MA - Photos: 15 - Description: An entire yard was redesigned with enduring materials and varied plantings. Stones on site were repurposed into solid walls to create beds for new gardens that are rich in color & texture and provide extended multi-seasonal interest. New bluestone walkways with granite steps and cobble edging create a welcome entry to the front door and back deck. Low voltage landscape lighting is incorporated into the plantings to gently illuminate the front walk. Perimeter plantings offer visual interest at th… - [Salt Marsh Home Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/salt-marsh-home-landscape-pj-vj~1014012) - Location: Ipswich, MA - Photos: 15 - Description: A new home overlooking the salt marsh called for a naturalistic planting with multi-seasonal interest. Grades were modified to integrate the house and terraces with the surrounding landscape, and a sharp embankment was softened with a retaining wall and planting. Specimen trees, shrub borders, grasses and perennials connect the house with the landscape and help to define exterior spaces. - [Backyard Hilltop](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/backyard-hilltop-pj-vj~972316) - Location: Ipswich, MA - Photos: 7 - Description: A hillside garden is created with terracing - [Ipswich Addition & Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ipswich-addition-and-renovation-pj-vj~1582469) - Location: Ipswich, MA - Photos: 17 - Description: Landscape features are integrated with home improvements to ease the transition between inside and out. An informal bluestone walk guides visitors to the new front door from a generous circular driveway. The flow is facilitated with wide steps and a terrace. In the back yard, an informal dining patio softened with steppable perennials extends the inside/outside relationship and further connects the house and garden. Local, reclaimed granite and slab stones add a sense of time and place. - [Backyard Retirement Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/backyard-retirement-retreat-pj-vj~305049) - Location: Marblehead, MA - Photos: 4 - Description: A backyard became a retirement retreat for a couple who decided to stay in their home. The existing patio was extended, a new walkway improved access to the yard and new plantings introduced seasonal variety, texture and extended interest. A new cedar gate and sodded lawn provided the final touch. - [Cottage Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cottage-garden-pj-vj~305067) - Location: Hamilton, MA - Photos: 11 - Description: Extended seasonal interest, diverse textures and structure in a cottage-style garden - [Pocket Patio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pocket-patio-pj-vj~1189172) - Location: Salem, MA - Photos: 7 - Description: A small urban space under an existing deck was transformed into a welcoming patio for outdoor entertaining. Large irregular bluestones edged with reclaimed granite cobbles provide a sense of endurance. Shade tolerant plantings soften the space and contribute multi-seasonal interest. An elegantly simple privacy screen blocks the view of an adjacent parking area. 3D renderings helped to convey the design intent prior to construction. - [Studio Barn](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/studio-barn-pj-vj~972521) - Location: Ipswich, MA - Photos: 11 - Description: A newly sited barn for an artist's studio in a pastoral setting is landscaped with reclaimed granite and low maintenance grasses and perennials . - [Newburyport Duplex](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/newburyport-duplex-pj-vj~5819446) - Location: Newburyport, MA - Photos: 7 - Description: A newly renovated duplex brings charm to the neighborhood with colorful plantings, and an enclosed backyard garden provides a private place to relax and entertain - [Japanese Inspiration](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/japanese-inspiration-pj-vj~5535194) - Location: Ipswich, MA - Photos: 11 - Description: A new Japanese-inspired home on a marsh island, dominated by mature Oak & Hickory trees, called for terracing, stonework and planting design to integrate the architecture and landscape. Stone steps lead through terraces flanked by mature trees, and underplanted with colorful azaleas, Japanese Maples, dwarf conifers and herbaceous plantings. Native shrubs mark the edge of sensitive conservation area. - [Great Pond Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/great-pond-landscape-pj-vj~5535214) - Location: Ipswich, MA - Photos: 6 - Description: A naturalistic design, with an emphasis on simplicity and low maintenance, integrates a new house set beside a beautiful great pond. Easy care plantings complement the natural surroundings and soften the built structures with color, texture and long seasonal interest. The landscape beckons the family to explore and enjoy the natural setting, and provides home to a variety of wildlife, including songbirds, hummingbirds, turkeys, waterfowl, frogs, turtles, butterflies and bees. [See all 12 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/rue-sherwood-landscape-design-llc-pfvwus-pf~1292070113) ## Community Q&A **Q: Run off issues?** *(in Photo Questions)* I have a yard similar although not quite so steep and the slope is towards the back of my house. I have two retaining walls, similar to this set up, and have run off issues at the ends of each wall where the mulch ends up washing out into the grass. How do you control that here? A: DC: We have not had any issues with runoff washing mulch into the grass, especially as the planting has grown in to fill the entire bed area. Perhaps your issue could be resolved by planting more densely, so you have less area of mulch. **Q: Is this a Hydrangea? If so, what kind. I have one similar** *(in Photo Questions)* A: This is a pink form of Clethra, also known as Summersweet or Sweet pepper bush. Its a wonderful plant with sweet fragrance that fills the air in late summer and is very attractive to pollinators. **Q: love the hedge! What is it and is it deer resistent?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: It's Canadian Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) and unfortunately the deer did browse on hemlocks, as well as most everything else exposed above the snow last winter **Q: Back yard patio** *(in Photo Questions)* Does it cost money to have you come out and look at my area That I would like to fix up and maybe get some designs? A: Depending on your location, I’d be happy to discuss the details of a design consultation via phone or email. You may visit my website at www.ruesherwood.com for more information. **Q: Hi Sue, who built this wall, and what kind of stone? Love it!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The mason was Carter Roberts and the stone is New England fieldstone **Q: What kind of sea grass is up against the barn?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Schyzachyrium scoparium 'The Blues' & Festuca glauca --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-11-07.*