---
title: "blue house gardens — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/blue-house-gardens-pfvwus-pf~278018979
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~278018979.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "blue house gardens"
category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/c823d28104b6ffb9_0893-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "Arlington, Virginia 22207, United States"
latitude: 38.9033
longitude: -77.1263
phone: "(703) 258-4364"
website: http://www.bluehousegardens.com
rating: 5
review_count: 15
best_of_houzz_awards: 7
followers: 67
last_updated: 2026-08-26
---

# blue house gardens

Original Houzz profile: [blue house gardens](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/blue-house-gardens-pfvwus-pf~278018979)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers
- **Location:** Arlington, VA
- **Serves:** Arlington, McLean, Falls Church, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, DC (Washington), Potomac
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (15 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2016–2022), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 500 Ideabook Saves

I'm a landscape designer with a passion for helping clients find the full potential in their outdoor space. I design all aspects of hardscape and plantings with an eye toward creating a regenerative landscape that supports people and wildlife. I work with homeowners, builders and architects to design and manage bespoke residential landscape installations.

### Services Provided

- Landscape Design
- Garden Design
- Hardscaping
- Landscape Plans
- Patio Design
- Site Planning
- Custom Fire Pits
- Custom Water Features
- Outdoor Lighting Design
- Project Management
- Edible Gardens
- Custom Bocce Ball Courts

### Areas Served

- Arlington
- McLean
- Falls Church
- Bethesda
- Chevy Chase
- DC (Washington)
- Potomac

### Typical Job Cost

$800 - 3,000

Hours needed to create a design vary greatly by project. Costs reflect design fees only. Minimum installation fees are typically $10,000, with an average project range of $25,000-$75,000.

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | blue house gardens |
| Address | Arlington, Virginia 22207, United States |
| Phone | (703) 258-4364 |
| Website | http://www.bluehousegardens.com |
| License Number | 1000025615-04 |
| Followers on Houzz | 67 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/bluehousegardens/
- LinkedIn — maureen-robinson-4049a699
- Blog — http://bluehousegardens.com

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [blue house gardens](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/blue-house-gardens-pfvwus-pf~278018979)
- **Website:** http://www.bluehousegardens.com
- **Phone:** (703) 258-4364

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- I'm a graduate of the George Washington University Landscape Design Program, a Level 2 Chesapeake Bay Landscape Designer, and current Vice President of our local chapter of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers.

- **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2016–2022), 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)
- [George Washington University Landscape Design Pgm](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/george-washington-university-landscape-design-pgm-pfvwus-pf~663720360)

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 15 reviews**

*Aspect averages:*
- Work Quality: 50.0
- Communication: 50.0
- Value: 50.0

### Reviews

**★★★★★ — Erica Lawson, April 2023**

> We had a great experience with Maureen! She helped us build our backyard patio and do all the landscaping. She was super creative and worked with us closely every step of the way. We also really appreciated her project management skills, which was one less thing we had to think about. She still checks in on us and asks how our plants are doing!
>
> We get lots of compliments on our space and several of our friends have since used her services too!

**★★★★★ — HU-4990016, Feb. 2021**

> Maureen at Blue House Gardens recently designed and installed a perfect plan for my side and front yards.  (Maureen and her crew had worked for us on a previous project solving a MAJOR water problem AND adding beauty to our back yard, so I knew who to call when I needed the rest tamed / updated / made wonderful.)  She listens to what you want and designs a plan to suit your needs.   I like a little gardening, but wanted mostly low maintenance and lots of rolling color through the months.  I love how it all turned out!!!

**Comment from blue house gardens:**

> It's always a joy to be part of your garden- thank you!

**★★★★★ — K McBalick, July 2020**

> Maureen's work continues to delight our neighbors.  Just this morning as I walked out the door another passerby asked "Is this your home?  It is so beautiful.  I love walking by here."  This is not the first or second or 10th or 15th compliment we have received.  Maureen worked so well with us to understand our sensibilities.  She designed a walkway and plantings that scaled perfectly to our renovation. The crews (hardscape and landscape) that Maureen brought into our project were professional and thorough as well as flexible to the whims of this homeowner.

**★★★★★ — User, Jan. 2020**

> My welcoming arbor and garden bring me joy every time I drive up to my home.  The scale, placement, and shape of all elements is perfect.  Working with Maureen was easy – Blue House Gardens made every step easy and their follow through was fantastic!  I get compliments from every passerby.

**Comment from blue house gardens:**

> They bring me joy, too! Thank you for including me in your project!

**★★★★★ — Maura Fredericks, Jan. 2020**

> Working with Maureen was pure fun.  With her experience, creativity and out of the box thinking, we have a backyard that represents our aesthetic, and is truly unique.  Our project included building a stone wall to accent a fire pit area, rearranging existing plants and new outdoor furniture.  Do not hesitate to contact Maureen if you want a beautiful project completed with ease, on time and on budget.  Highly recommend.

**Comment from blue house gardens:**

> It was my pleasure to work in your beautiful garden!

**★★★★★ — Karen Bate, June 2019**

> Maureen helped us address a flooding problem in our yard following record rain in the DC area last spring. She designed a beautiful rocky streamed and bordered it with plants that drink lots of water, including a stone bridge to a shaded play area for our future grandchild. It is beautiful, charming and we've had no flooding since, even when it poured for hours. We are thrilled with our new yard and highly recommend hiring this local landscape artist!

**★★★★★ — Dawn Wilson, Dec. 2018**

> Fantastic to work with.  Super responsive.  Always on time.  Very helpful picking plants.  The installation crew also did a wonderful job.  We would use Blue House Gardens again and would highly recommend the company.

**★★★★★ — Richard Shelton, Oct. 2018**

> Maureen with blue house gardens is excellent!  We were looking for a landscaping "Master Plan."   She worked with my wife and me through multiple iterations to develop a landscape and hardscape plan that really fit our tastes and needs.  We now have a plan we can implement as fast or as slow as we wish.  Maureen is very patient and professional.  Our return was well worth the investment. I highly recommend blue house gardens.

**Comment from blue house gardens:**

> It was a real pleasure to work with clients who have a creative vision and a level of construction expertise to go with it! I look forward to seeing your outdoors develop over time.

**★★★★★ — marylandhome01, April 2017**

> I can't say enough great things about Blue House/Maureen. We had a mess of a backyard - trees cutting into a fence, ground cover for days and just an overall boring yard. She came in and outlined a vision of how we could make it both functional for our family + make it wonderful to look at. She took all of our "wants" and incorporated them into the overall design. We couldn't be happier with the final product which includes raised bed gardens, a number of trees that are right sized for the yard, a patio, area for trash cans and lattice under the deck. And finally she's incredibly responsive (based on my experience this was really hard to find!)

**Comment from blue house gardens:**

> Thank you so much! It was my absolute pleasure to work on your landscape with you!

**★★★★★ — Andrew Freistein, Aug. 2016**

> Maureen created a beautiful design and executed it perfectly.  We are thrilled with the results.  She was easy to work with and very responsive to our needs.

**★★★★★ — Christina Bobrow, July 2016**

> Working with Maureen was truly a pleasure. She really listened to us to get a sense of how we are, what we wanted to accomplish, and what we could afford, and translated our rather vague ideas into a vision that we were then able to realize.  Maureen's design work was excellent, flexible and prompt.  She kept us on track by identifying what needed to be done, obtaining bids when necessary, and explaining the relative merits of the options in front of us.  We would definitely work with her again.

**★★★★★ — Nicole Keats Headd, Dec. 2015**

> Maureen was a true professional from start to finish. We highly recommend her. She earned our trust with her objective advice and high touch service. We look forward to working with her again on our next project.

## Selected projects

- [Serene and Modern Exterior](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/serene-and-modern-exterior-pj-vj~6714106)
  - Location: Arlington, Virginia
  - Photos: 11
  - Description: The clients had very little landacape remaining after a major home renovation, which gave us the opportunity to design something that reflected their taste and lifestyle. Simple paving and plant choices, a thoughtful layout, and attention to details like a wider, more functional driveway (no more getting out in the grass), and a pergola with overhead fan to help with insects and summer temps, ensure a very functional space for the whole family.
- [Back Garden Putting Green in McLean](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/back-garden-putting-green-in-mclean-pj-vj~6612260)
  - Location: McLean, VA
  - Photos: 7
  - Description: We transformed an area of simple sod into a golfing oasis with a putting green, sand trap, and hitting net. Simple plantings and lighting finish the area. Ready for practice!
- [Tiered Patio for Sloped Back Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tiered-patio-for-sloped-back-garden-pj-vj~6993756)
  - Location: Arlington, VA
  - Photos: 6
  - Description: We created a beautiful lounging and entertaining space that uses the natural site slope as a design feature. Even a shallow back yard can fit a beautiful patio.
- [Back Garden Haven in North Arlington](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/back-garden-haven-in-north-arlington-pj-vj~5756726)
  - Location: Arlington, VA
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: An area with pea gravel and raised vegetable gardens was transformed into a patio destination with a propane-fueled fire table, seat wall, and deep camp chairs for relaxing.
- [Backyard Family Haven](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/backyard-family-haven-pj-vj~6714076)
  - Location: Arlington, Virginia
  - Photos: 5
  - Description: The clients had a back yard with an old brick patio in disrepair, a large diseased tree in the center of the space, invasive bamboo from a neighbor, and no place designated for play or entertaining. We completely reworked the space starting with a retaining wall and bamboo barrier, and then added a beautiful stone patio for dining and lounging, a small sod area for play, a play set, lights, plantings and a new storage shed.
- [Woodland Retreat in Arlington](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/woodland-retreat-in-arlington-pj-vj~6612286)
  - Location: Arlington, VA
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: We renovated this back garden to have terracing, new boulder steps, a gravel fire pit area, plantings and lighting. The clients now have a beautiful activity area as well as a great view from their second-story deck.
- [Back Garden Makeover in SW DC](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/back-garden-makeover-in-sw-dc-pj-vj~2544571)
  - Location: Washington, DC
  - Photos: 6
  - Description: A neglected urban garden was completely renovated to create a charming outdoor oasis in Southwest Washington DC. Elements included fencing, painting, a stone seat wall, a custom shelf, an Agriframe metal pergola (York), and plantings.
- [Charming Pond for Patio Border in Potomac, MD](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/charming-pond-for-patio-border-in-potomac-md-pj-vj~1310825)
  - Location: Rockville, MD
  - Photos: 11
  - Description: A front garden patio had an exposed side that needed a little more interest and shelter from the street. We created a beautiful small pond with plants, lighting and a small falls for background sound.
- [New Front Walkway for an Arlington Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-front-walkway-for-an-arlington-remodel-pj-vj~5424089)
  - Location: Arlington, VA
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: This beautiful remodel needed a new front walkway to complete the renovation process. We chose a staggered, rectilinear layout to complement the new facade and the off-center layout of the mature oak trees.
- [Palisades Back Garden Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/palisades-back-garden-makeover-pj-vj~866018)
  - Location: Washington, District of Columbia
  - Photos: 7
  - Description: A client in the Palisades had a very old patio area and sloped hillside that did not complement the beautifully renovated house. We shaped the space by cutting deeper into the hillside to create a bigger patio. A lower retaining wall and steps plus a small upper retaining wall created a more level space to play above the patio area. New trees, shrubs and a few annuals finished the look.
- [New Front Entry Steps](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-front-entry-steps-pj-vj~2547896)
  - Location: McLean, VA
  - Photos: 5
- [Re-purposed Georgetown Brick](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/re-purposed-georgetown-brick-pj-vj~1119837)
  - Location: Arlington, VA
  - Photos: 6
  - Description: A client had a muddy back yard at the base of her beautiful screened porch and needed a patio. We were able to find some gorgeous weathered brick being torn out of an old Georgetown garden where the new owners were remodeling with a modern concrete look. As Georgetown grads and long-time locals, it was fun to find these for this Arlington family. We had just enough brick to do a patio and a seat wall, though we had to stand the bricks for enough surface area! The patio is used even in cold weath…
- [Custom Pergola in Potomac](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-pergola-in-potomac-pj-vj~1242854)
  - Location: Potomac, MD
  - Photos: 7
  - Description: A client had a beautiful back patio that bordered on a public space. We designed a custom pergola that enhanced the seating area and helped break up the vertical view over the fence line.
- [Arlington Front Garden Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arlington-front-garden-makeover-pj-vj~867107)
  - Location: Arlington, VA
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: This home was getting a renovation and needed a new landscape to go with it. We leveled the lawn, widened the walkway and steps, laid new sod, and balanced the plantings between the two sides of the walkway for a beautiful new look.
- [Small Patio Makes a Big Difference](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/small-patio-makes-a-big-difference-pj-vj~866339)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6
  - Description: Even a small patio space can create an easy and accessible area for sitting or grilling without stepping out onto lawn or dirt. This little patio and seat wall created just enough area to stand around with drinks and appetizers while cooking!
- [Stone Patio for Small Arlington Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stone-patio-for-small-arlington-garden-pj-vj~1697156)
  - Location: Arlington, VA
  - Photos: 8
  - Description: This home is undergoing a garden restoration. We started at the base of the screened porch, which is in constant use during most seasons of the year. The existing exterior was a muddy area with poor grass and no space for the grill. We are creating a small but sufficient space for attractiveness, neatness and functionality.
- [Charming Patio Pond](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/charming-patio-pond-pj-vj~1242946)
  - Location: Potomac, MD
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: An existing stone patio needed some privacy and a bit more charm. We added a small pond to buffer the area from the street, add visual interest, and of course, bring the sound of running water into the garden.
- [Skilled DIY Gardeners in Arlington!](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/skilled-diy-gardeners-in-arlington-pj-vj~1241483)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 10
  - Description: This family asked for a master layout so they could do their own work in stages. Over the course of 2 years they created beautiful garden beds with layers of trees, shrubs and perennials, plus a beautiful stone patio for dining.

[See all 18 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/blue-house-gardens-pfvwus-pf~278018979)

## Ideabooks

- [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/159185166/list/wish-list) — 5 ideas
- [17th St N](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/146524827/list/17th-st-n) — 26 ideas
- [McClelland](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/146107667/list/mcclelland) — 57 ideas
- [Saul](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/132271735/list/saul) — 26 ideas
- [RG Front Slope](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/113602761/list/rg-front-slope) — 55 ideas
- [OR McLean](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/117047754/list/or-mclean) — 36 ideas
- [F-M Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/135920116/list/f-m-renovation) — 35 ideas
- [McC-B](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/113487937/list/mcc-b) — 44 ideas
- [Alexandria Patio](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/135926639/list/alexandria-patio) — 29 ideas
- [29th St N](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/136162639/list/29th-st-n) — 1 idea
- [KS Garden Reno](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/133073309/list/ks-garden-reno) — 12 ideas
- [2246 Back Garden](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/125237658/list/2246-back-garden) — 23 ideas
- [Fred.](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/119084686/list/fred) — 64 ideas
- [Chiar. Planting Design](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/117703236/list/chiar-planting-design) — 41 ideas
- [Patio Floors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/117340033/list/patio-floors) — 1 idea
- [Brady](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/114400329/list/brady) — 23 ideas
- [Bethesda-1](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/113524824/list/bethesda-1) — 9 ideas
- [Purcellville Landscape Enhancements](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/110359591/list/purcellville-landscape-enhancements) — 19 ideas
- [Classic Garden Shrubs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/82123050/list/classic-garden-shrubs) — 7 ideas
- [Coping with Deer in the DC Area](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/49244245/list/coping-with-deer-in-the-dc-area) — 19 ideas

[See all 23 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/bluehousegardens)

## Community Q&A

**Q: What neutral wall color goes with golden flooring?** *(in Design Dilemma)*

Our flooring is nice, but the color is difficult because it is golden in color.  We don't know what neutral wall colors might work (we were hoping to stay away from colors with more yellow in them).

A: My wood floors are a similar warm color, and I wanted something neutral but not too pale. I ended up using Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter and I love it. It's kind of an indeterminate warmish gray. This shows the color together pretty well. It's a different look to bring in the gray, but you might like it.

**Q: recycled french windows** *(in Design Dilemma)*

i would like to use a set of 8 french windows (200cm in height) which originally were encased in one large timber frame . The windows have been dismantled from the frame and are currently stacked up in my garage. Is it possible to use the windows in  my extension but split them up into 2 lots so two frames with 4 french windows in each frame ? the windows are over 100 yrs old but very sturdy solid and beautiful condition

A: A good carpenter should be able to construct a frame to any specifications you need. This sounds beautiful! Will you use them in window openings or in doors?

**Q: Subway tile dilemma and Ann Sacks** *(in Design Dilemma)*

Hello - I have 2 backsplash questions. 

We are starting a kitchen renovation soon... 100 yr old house. We will be doing SS pro appliances, white shaker cabinets, keeping the original maple floors, and some type of quartz counters (not chosen yet - something light but not white). 

I fell in love with Ann Sacks Stoneware Elements tile in "Flannel" (a pale blue-gray-green). There is a fair amount of variation in the colors between tiles, which is fine with me. My kitchen is not large (12x14 ish) and has a door on each of 3 walls, and the fourth wall is not a wall - it's open to our breakfast room. I need 32 sf of tile for backsplash. Here are my questions:

1\.  I have no idea if I should use 2x4 or 3x6. Worried the 2x4 will be too busy; worried the 3x6 will seem too large and modern in our soon-to-be transitional kitchen & old house. 

2\. There seem to be a lot of unhappy Ann Sacks customers.... am I crazy to use their tile? Should I go with some other subway tile brand that will no doubt be less expensive and arrive sooner than their 10 weeks?

I have attempted to attach the Ann Sacks photo below showing the Flannel color and variation.

Thank you for any help you can offer.

A: I'd never heard of that tile before, but it is beautiful. We're preparing for a bathroom renovation so I'm going to look into it. Good luck with your project!

**Q: Table and chairs where to purchase?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Table and chairs?

A: Where did you source the metal arches? Were those custom made?

**Q: What is the low ground cover?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Please give me the name of the low ground cover.

A: Looks like pachysandra to me.

**Q: Grass or Moss in between patio** *(in Photo Questions)*

Good Day ... what do you use in between stones grass or moss If moss how do I do your help needed and greatly appreciated.
Thank You in kind 
Guru U

A: This is so effective laid on the diagonal. I would definitely use this image as inspiration for a client. Beautifully done!

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-26.*