--- title: "Distinctive Landscaping — Landscape Contractors | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/distinctive-landscaping-pfvwus-pf~470423273 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~470423273.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Distinctive Landscaping" category: ["Landscape Contractors"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/a9a3963702d6f8ca_9324-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "2111 Greenbush Road, Charlotte, Vermont 05445, United States" latitude: 44.3113 longitude: -73.228 phone: "(802) 425-2877" website: http://www.distinctiveland.com rating: 4.5 review_count: 11 best_of_houzz_awards: 5 followers: 85 last_updated: 2026-09-11 --- # Distinctive Landscaping Original Houzz profile: [Distinctive Landscaping](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/distinctive-landscaping-pfvwus-pf~470423273) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Contractors - **Location:** Charlotte, VT - **Serves:** Burlington, Essex, South Burlington, Colchester, Essex Junction, Williston, Shelburne, Hinesburg, Charlotte, Vergennes, North Ferrisburg, Willsboro - **Houzz rating:** 4.5 out of 5 (11 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2015–2020), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Distinctive Landscaping Inc. has been designing and building landscape solutions for clients in Vermont, New York, and around New England for more than 30 years. We are a diverse group of people from all walks of life who love one aspect or another of landscaping and are not afraid of hard work. We are truly a family, respect each other’s views, and enjoy the focus of work, clients, and landscaping that binds us together. Our crew will help you choose the best solution for your landscape needs. You'll find our landscape architects, and our crew, to be friendly and professional. We'll listen closely to you, respond quickly, and work to make the process comfortable and timely. From walkways and patios, to lawns, gardens, and walls, Distinctive Landscaping will bring your landscape to life. Distinctive Landscaping Owner Charlie Proutt as been designing landscapes in Vermont and New York since the 1970’s. Professional credits include past president of the Vermont Nursery and Landscape Association, past chair of the Vermont Urban Forestry Program, and membership in the American Society of Landscape Architects since 1997. ### Services Provided - Landscape Construction - Hardscaping - Patio Construction - Garden Design - Deck Building - Pergola Construction - Paver Installation - Retaining Wall Construction - Custom Fire Pits - Pool Landscaping - Outdoor Kitchen Construction - Masonry - Outdoor Lighting Installation - Outdoor Fireplace Construction - Gazebo Design & Construction - Landscape Lighting Installation - Planting - Landscape Drainage System Installation - Sod Installation - Tree Planting - Trellis Construction - Land Leveling & Grading - Wood Fence Installation ### Areas Served - Burlington - Essex - South Burlington - Colchester - Essex Junction - Williston - Shelburne - Hinesburg - Charlotte - Vergennes - North Ferrisburg - Willsboro ### Typical Job Cost $3,000 - 150,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Distinctive Landscaping | | Address | 2111 Greenbush Road, Charlotte, Vermont 05445, United States | | Phone | (802) 425-2877 | | Website | http://www.distinctiveland.com | | Followers on Houzz | 85 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/HorsfordGardensandNursery - Blog — http://www.distinctiveland.com/index.php ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Distinctive Landscaping](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/distinctive-landscaping-pfvwus-pf~470423273) - **Website:** http://www.distinctiveland.com - **Phone:** (802) 425-2877 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - (3) 2016 Greenworks Excellence Award Design/Build;Greenworks 2014 Honor Awards;Greenworks 2013 Honor & Exceeds Excellence Awards;Greenworks 2012 Merit, Honor, & Grand Honor Awards;Greenworks 2011 Merit & Exceeds Excellence Awards;Greenworks 2010 Exceeds Excellence Award;ASLA–VT Merit Award 2009; - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2015–2020), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [American Society of Landscape Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-landscape-architects-pfvwus-pf~2014062207) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 — 11 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 30.0 - Communication: 30.0 - Value: 30.0 ### All 11 reviews **★ — Jenny, April 2021** > Wow. I read these other reviews and can’t believe it’s the same company. We had terrible customer service. New house, new lawn. Many calls and e-mails to get them to follow through on their promises. Never a response. Promised to pick up rocks out of the soil they put down. Never did it. I would never hire these people. Very disappointed. **★★★★★ — ellenfostervt15, March 2021** > Elizabeth and Charlie did a fantastic job with the hardscaping design for my new home last year. They very quickly got a sense of the casual look I wanted and tolerated my meddling gardener ways. They installed a stone walkway and wall, now the envy of my neighborhood, to highlight my peony collection, and planned a wonderful shade jungle in my back yard. Elizabeth encouraged me to keep a stone stairway in my backyard that I was tempted to cut to save money. She asked the crew looked hard to find large stones to control the cost. I’m so glad she talked me into it- it is actually my favorite feature. The work was done to a very high standard, on time, and at budget. The stone masons were friendly and as excited about the different rocks as I was. Can’t say enough good things about them! **★★★★★ — Charlotte, Feb. 2020** > We were seeking an imaginative landscape design for our newly constructed home that captured our love of wildflowers. A backyard habitat built for the butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Our site had challenges like a steep hillside and significant water runoff from the above elevation requiring diversion. The engineering and design challenges were more than met by Charlie, Miles, Christian and the hard-working crew. Attention to detail, high-quality materials, meticulous site clean up and stellar results. We continue to use Distinctive Landscaping for creating other points of interest and recently used their expertise to install a home vineyard. **★★★★★ — Deb Hartshorn, Feb. 2020** > I had a porch built on my house, but had no walkway from the steps to my driveway. From the start of looking at the site with Charlie and Elizabeth; to looking at pictures of walkways and stones at the shop and coming up with a final design; to working with Brian during the building process, I cannot say enough about my experience with Distinctive Landscaping! > Elizabeth and Brian were quickly willing to navigate any hurdle, help me with drainage issues not connected to the walkway and build a gorgeous walk with stone steps that completes the porch in a naturally beautiful way! In fact, my stone walkway is now the envy of the neighborhood! > I recommend DL wholeheartedly for a landscape building project!! **Comment from Distinctive Landscaping:** > Deb, it was a pleasure working with you on this quick yet transforming project! We love how you've landscaped your front yard over the years and were happy to be able to complete your front entrance to invite people into your lovely space. Thank you for choosing us to work with you on your front walk. **★★★★★ — Jacqueline Bassett, Feb. 2020** > We have had Distinctive Landscaping transform our front and backyard. They did an excellent job, from the drawings to the actual implementation. They built us a beautiful deck and leveled the back yard and planted trees, shrubs, flowers in the backyard a well as front. My neighbors were happy watching the work unfold. Everyone was friendly and the quality of the plantings and all they selected and helped us with could not be better. I highly recommend Distinctive Landscaping if you are looking for high quality, timely, beautiful craftmanship! This is an excellent company, we trust them and could not be happier. **Comment from Distinctive Landscaping:** > It is always fun to return years later to a client's home and be given a new design challenge. We were so happy to continue to help you achieve the landscaping of your dreams. We hope your backyard is now a place you admire and can't wait to spend time in. Thank you so much for trusting us with this rewarding job! **★★★★★ — Richard Teitelbaum, July 2017** > Distinctive landscaping is one of the best, most creative landscape design firms, with whom I have worked. They worked with us on a plan after first walking the area, and discussing our preferences and objectives. We worked collaboratively on the plan, revising and tweaking it until it met our goals and budget. They were very cooperative and told us what they thought even when we wanted something a bit different, which was very appreciated. After they implemented the plan, which was 80% of what they proposed,. It turned out to be transformational to our property. We LOVE the work. They are a talented group of folks. **Comment from Distinctive Landscaping:** > Thank you so much for the kind words! We are so glad to hear you're pleased with the results. **★★★★ — Erin Hanley, July 2017** > Distinctive Landscaping designed and built a beautiful series of stone walls for us and designed and installed several garden areas on the site. Less than a year in, the design looks like it has been there for years. The gardens are loose and flowing in some places, and more organized and "architectural" in others. A side shade garden is a beautiful cool glade, and the sunny spots are rich with flowers, trees and shrubs that all feel native to our landscape. Charlie and Elizabeth worked with us to choose plants we love, but also took the lead with novel ideas in areas we were unsure about. They are a great team, and having their own installation crew means good communication and flexibility. We've used this firm on several projects and recommend them highly. You won't be disappointed if you hire Distinctive! **Comment from Distinctive Landscaping:** > Thanks Erin! What a transformation! We can't wait to get some photos up of your landscaping! Thank you for the nice review, we are always happy to hear our clients enjoying their new landscaping. **★★★★★ — Tom Barden, Nov. 2016** > Distinctive Landscaping were truly professional and creative in the work they recently did on our property; from Charlie Proutt the owner, his daughter Elizabeth, his project manager Miles Weston, and his field crew of Brain, Roger and Shane . > From the first visit Charlie and Elizabeth made in the early spring, voicing their vision for our property of open meadow, woods and a lot of ledge and rock, to the final seeding and mulching, he and his team were a pleasure to work with. > A special note must be made of the creativity and ingenuity of the field crew in regards to their stone wall building. They made all our back-breaking work of harvesting the necessary rocks from our property this spring and summer worthwhile and so rewarding. > Miles and Charlie gave us quality service by keeping us current on budget and additional changes we requested, as well as creatively incorporating our numerous transplants with so many new plants into the final design. **★★★★★ — cdalch, Aug. 2015** > Distinctive Landscaping was great to work with in the design and construction of our stone patio project. We are extremely happy with the results, and highly recommend this company for landscaping projects. **★★★★★ — TTK DESIGN, May 2015** > As an former Landscape Architect with Distinctive Landscaping, I can honestly say that this company goes above and beyond for all of their clients. The design staff and crew are truly interested in creating a landscape that their client's love and fit their budget and lifestyle. From the simplest project all the way to the largest master plan that evolves over years, they treat every client with the same respect. Many members of the crew at Distinctive have been with the company for over 20 years or more. The unique and close relationship of the design staff and the crew enables their clients to receive an efficient and beautiful project in the end. And Distinctive Landscaping has one key partnership that most design build firms don't have in the northeast and that is their relationship with their sister company, Horsford Gardens and Nursery. Their clients have access to the best plants in NE and for an incredible value. **★★★★★ — kidsbks, April 2015** > Distinctive Landscaping changed our lives! We had lived on the shores of Lake Champlain for a dozen years or so, and every spring we cut back brush, attempted a lawn, and planted our version of a perennial bed. In August we would leave for a week, only to return to an overgrown tangle of vines, brush, rocks and dust! > > Enter Charlie Proutt! He walked the property with us one afternoon, asking about our lifestyle and our visions for our homescape, and then sitting around our kitchen table, Charlie chatted with us and with our very involved 10-year-old son. When Charlie came back, he had amazing ideas that incorporated our thinking —and oh-so-much more! It was uncanny how he had sensed the subtleties of the land, the shapes and curvatures imposed by our mature trees, the lakeside, and the challenges of our steeply sloping land down to the lakeside cliff—as if our rough and rocky land had communicated directly to him. > > Preserving our stately shagbark hickory trees, cedars, oaks, and sugar maples, Distinctive Landscaping changed our dirt into soil, our scrub brush into verdant shrubs, our parched areas into lush oases, our heavily shaded areas into a mix of dancing green hues and textures, our steep slope into gradual, natural rock steps—all subtly lit at night to enjoy year-round. Charlie then brilliantly expanded our straight, narrow terrace into curved outdoor spaces for gazing at the lake, dining alfresco, playful children, and good conversation. It was nothing short of a miracle! > > Along the way, our dreamed-for perennial bed became an awe-inspiring arc of imaginative plantings, our haphazard home entrance sported a newly formed parking area, blue stone paths, and an amazing new driveway through our magical woodland. For the first time, we could enjoy all sides of our home in all four seasons! And still, twenty years later we arrive home after a busy day and breathe in the beauty, the welcoming sunshine and cool shadows of beckoning greenery, the lovely spaces to gather together with family and friends, or to sit quietly and renew ourselves. > > Yes, twenty years later it is still magical, and we will forever thank Charlie Proutt, Eileen Schilling, and the crew at Distinctive Landscaping for their vision, their work ethic, their artistry, and their expertise. ## Selected projects - [A Modernist Oasis](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-modernist-oasis-pj-vj~2376016) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 18 - [Dining in Nature](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dining-in-nature-pj-vj~2375500) - Location: Ferrisburgh, VT - Photos: 19 - [Small Space, Bold Terrace](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/small-space-bold-terrace-pj-vj~2364023) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 16 - Description: Each unit of this 5 unit condominium has deeded rights to landscape their own small space. Our clients turned to us for help maximizing and upgrading their allotted outdoor turf. Our design eliminates an awkwardly elevated deck and small sunken patio, replaced with a simple patio. The raised level and curved front create a strong overlook of the dock and Lake Champlain. The robust dimensions of the capstone create a strong edge between the architectural patio and the natural plantings and distan… - [Artful Retreat - Burlington, VT](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/artful-retreat-burlington-vt-pj-vj~575718) - Location: Burlington, VT - Photos: 12 - Description: Our clients came into our office in search of an artistic approach to a landscape makeover. Their wish list included spaces for art and eclectic artifacts, meditative spaces, spirals, shade trees and a structure to house outdoor tools, equipment and supplies. Discovering that creating rooms for art, garden, storage and playing in such a small yard would be forced and cramped, we changed gears and created a site plan as if the entire backyard itself were a piece of art. The un-used pool was remov… - [Gardens by the Bay - South Burlington, VT](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gardens-by-the-bay-south-burlington-vt-pj-vj~575399) - Location: South Burlington, VT - Photos: 7 - Description: Squeezed onto a small lot bordering Shelburne Bay, our clients turned to us for help and inspiration. We designed a granite parking court to serve as the entry courtyard and walk as well as a parking court. Flattening the topography of the courtyard allowed a steeper stone cobble drive and surrounding banks of landscaping. Lawn paths, bordered with naturalistic plantings, lead around three sides of the house to the lakefront. The lakefront features a central lawn area surrounded by meadow-like p… - [Petite Garden Terrace - Vergennes, VT](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/petite-garden-terrace-vergennes-vt-pj-vj~575518) - Location: Vergennes, VT - Photos: 11 - Description: Our clients were in the middle of renovations to their garage, when they came to use to find a solution for their smallen sunken backyard. By raising the grade within a stone planter, creating brick patios, and a circular terrace, we created a beautiful garden terrace within a small space. We updated the front entry with a large bluestone landing and bluestone slab sidewalk. - [Cottage by the Lake - Charlotte, VT](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cottage-by-the-lake-charlotte-vt-pj-vj~423753) - Location: Charlotte, VT - Photos: 9 - Description: This lakeside cabin's charming property welcomes exploration with winding paths through woodland meadows, rustic handmade deck railings and natural stone steps leading to Lake Champlain. American Society of Landscape Architects - Vermont Chapter, Merit Award 2009 Vermont Nursery & Landscape Association Exceeds Excellence Award 2009 - [Schoolhouse Garden - Essex, NY](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/schoolhouse-garden-essex-ny-pj-vj~775959) - Location: Essex, NY - Photos: 18 - Description: In the side yard of a historic 1835 house in Essex, NY sits an octagon shaped school house, originally built in the 1850’s to educate the children of the household. For years the schoolhouse had fallen into disrepair. Our clients restored their house, their barn, and then the structure of the schoolhouse. Our charge was to provide a setting for the schoolhouse that would be comfortable for a gathering of people, provide a feeling of separation from the main road while not hiding the structure, t… - [Alluring Cottage - Charlotte, VT](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/alluring-cottage-charlotte-vt-pj-vj~575365) - Location: Charlotte, VT - Photos: 19 - Description: Distinctive Landscaping began design work on the Converse Bay Residence in 1987 and has been working on the property for over 20 years. Recently, we sited and designed a swimming pool, stone terrace and plantings. Using an aerial photo and photoshop, we illustrated a conceptual plan of the pool siting. The pool placement gives our clients a new perspective of their property, overlooking the horse pasture and offering distant views across Lake Champlain. A natural ledge feature was accentuated wi… - [Home of Distinctive Landscaping - Horsford Gardens & Nursery](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/home-of-distinctive-landscaping-horsford-gardens-and-nursery-pj-vj~991682) - Location: Charlotte, VT - Photos: 21 - Description: Distinctive Landscaping is located at the beautiful Horsford Gardens & Nursery in Charlotte, Vermont. Horsford's is both a retail and wholesale supplier, and has a garden center, ample display gardens, Vermont field-grown trees and plants, and glass greenhouses, all situated on more than 40 acres in Vermont's Champlain Valley. The public is welcome to visit and purchase from Horsford's, as well as talk to Distinctive Landscaping staff about your next project. Visit our website at www.horsfordnur… - [Shelburne Point - Shelburne, VT](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/shelburne-point-shelburne-vt-pj-vj~795322) - Location: Shelburne, VT - Photos: 12 - Description: Our first project on this lakeside residence was to create a small stone overlook patio capturing the wonderful long southern view down Lake Champlain. Along with this, we replaced railroad tie lake shore access with natural stone step slabs laid in a comfortable and meandering arrangement. Our clients, who are active outdoors people, loved the results and asked us back when the opportunity arose to relocate the neighborhood road. With new space to work with and more privacy afforded by the road… - [Contemporary Outdoor Living - Charlotte, VT](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-outdoor-living-charlotte-vt-pj-vj~893756) - Location: Charlotte, VT - Photos: 13 - Description: This design features several outdoor gathering areas. The first area involved a makeover of the outdoor deck, which needed remodeling due to structural and aesthetic issues. We were able to preserve the undercarriage and bi-level layout of the existing deck. We expanded the “living room” of the lower deck by four feet and squared off the end. Between the levels, we built cabinet-like walls with granite countertops. The cable railing of the lower deck allows for viewing the nearby ledges, interme… - [Camp on Corlear Bay, Keeseville - New York](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/camp-on-corlear-bay-keeseville-new-york-pj-vj~575420) - Location: Keeseville, NY - Photos: 18 - Description: Distinctive Landscaping implemented this project on Corlear Bay designed by Oehme, van Sweden and Associates of Washington DC. Eric Groft and Bob Hruby of Oehme van Sweden provided the design and planting layout. The excellent photography was provided by our enthusiastic client. Greenworks Grand Honor Award 2011 - [Oasis in the Woods - Charlotte, VT](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oasis-in-the-woods-charlotte-vt-pj-vj~425943) - Location: Charlotte, VT - Photos: 7 - Description: During house construction, the sensitive ledges and woodlands that first attracted our clients to this property were terrorized by dynamite and earthmoving equipment. Distinctive Landscaping used on site rock to create a ledge clothed in native plantings. The drive now sweeps by our re-created rock outcropping, a much more appealing approach to the house. Uncovering the pool area required removing 50 tandem truckloads of blasted rock to expose beautiful natural ledges that first lured our client… - [Whallons Bay, Essex - New York](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/whallons-bay-essex-new-york-pj-vj~425921) - Location: Essex, NY - Photos: 8 - Description: After securing their waterfront bank from further erosion, our clients turned to us to lessen the danger of a steep lawn mowing chore and to landscape their cross-the road lakefront into useable refuge. We transformed a long and narrow stone roadway into a long landscaped terrace. Glacial boulders create the edge for a dining patio, fire pit, plantings and a grass walkway. The steep bank is retained by a stone wall and mass planted with meadow-like perennials and grasses. A new stone walkway, qu… - [Fairtytale Cottage - Shelburne, VT](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fairtytale-cottage-shelburne-vt-pj-vj~425896) - Location: Shelburne, VT - Photos: 7 - Description: By relocating their neighborhood road, our clients were able to gain much needed space for gardening, outdoor recreation and private family gatherings. A relocated antique cedar rail fence fronted by daylilies and backed with flowering shrubs give the new road an old and pleasant feel. We expanded and relocated large beds of tough native perennials that had adapted to their site. A winding brick path and generous lawn paths from the cottage to the meadow gave the small garden landscape a spaciou… - [Backyard Oasis - Shelburne, VT](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/backyard-oasis-shelburne-vt-pj-vj~575484) - Location: Shelburne, VT - Photos: 14 - Description: Our clients came to us looking for an entire backyard makeover. They had been searching for a new property and concluded that their own home had so many good attributes that a renovation was their best option. Adjacent to a large parcel of preserved land, the design of the backyard includes stone and lawn paths that all point visually towards a large preserved wetland and natural area. Generous mass planting schemes evoke the natural area’s vegetation. Shrubs buffer the neighbors while meadow pe… - [Outdoor Living](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/outdoor-living-pj-vj~1160562) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: Outdoor seating and accommodations are some of the most requested projects with our clients. From fire pits, to bluestone pool patios and outdoor retreats, we love creating both functional and beautiful spaces. - [Town Sanctuary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/town-sanctuary-pj-vj~2991036) - Location: Essex, NY - Photos: 19 [See all 19 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/distinctive-landscaping-pfvwus-pf~470423273) ## Ideabooks - [Summer Landscaping Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50122545/list/summer-landscaping-ideas) — 3 ideas - [Sheppard](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/39714354/list/sheppard) — 2 ideas - [Modern house types](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/24718091/list/modern-house-types) — 4 ideas - [Zen Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/27280270/list/zen-gardens) — 1 idea [See all 4 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/distinctiveland) ## Community Q&A **Q: Great colors and textures** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi there, Any chance you would share the fabulous color names? Thanks, Michelle A: Hello Michelle - We agree, the colors are great! Unfortunately we're not sure of the exact color names. - Thanks, Distinctive Landscaping **Q: Red Chairs** *(in Photo Questions)* Love the project, can you tell me where the chairs are from? A: Our client previously owned the chairs. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-11.*