Location: Hingham, MA, USA This newly constructed home in Hingham, MA was designed to openly embrace the seashore landscape surrounding it. The front entrance has a relaxed elegance with a classic plant theme of boxwood, hydrangea and grasses. The back opens to beautiful views of the harbor, with a terraced patio running the length of the house. The infinity pool blends seamlessly with the water landscape and splashes over the wall into the weir below. Planting beds break up the expanse of paving and soften the outdoor living spaces. The sculpture, made by a personal friend of the family, creates a stunning focal point with the open sky and sea behind. One side of the property was densely planted with large Spruce, Juniper and Birch on top of a 7' berm to provide instant privacy. Hokonechloa grass weaves its way around Annabelle Hydrangeas and Flower Carpet Roses. The other side had an existing stone stairway which was enhanced with a grove of Birch, hydrangea and Hakone grass. The Limelight Tree Hydrangeas and Boxwood offer a fresh welcome, while the Miscanthus grasses add a casual touch. The Stone wall and patio create a resting spot between rounds of tennis. The granite steps in the lawn allow for a comfortable transition up a steeper slope. Photo Credit: Millicent Harvey

L. McGrath
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional shade hillside landscaping in Boston for summer.

This is an example of a traditional shade backyard landscaping in Manchester.

At night, this project is lit by a beautiful soft glow of landscape and pool lighting. The travertine is able to reflect the ambient light, giving the yard a stunning look at night. This project involved an extensive renovation of the client's exiting free form pool. The renovation involved growing the pool to create a larger deep end, and adding a large Caribbean shelf. The extension had to match and compliment the existing form of the pool and natural rock waterfall. The entire back and side yard were renovated to include an extensive travertine deck, integral color light broom concrete band, and new landscaping. There are various destinations around this project, including this sundeck lounge area next to the pool.

Inspiration for a large southwestern full sun front yard brick driveway in Phoenix.

After years of enjoying their backyard, the clients of this property enlisted our firm to improve the original landscape we had completed over ten years ago. Our goal was to update the patio and further develop their backyard by creating a garden with a variety of color and texture. Over time the existing patio had settled, plantings grew, and an existing Oak thrived. During the initial home and landscape construction our clients were particularly concerned about the health of the mature Oak located just off the home. Special care was given when the patio was first built. Precautions were again taken in working around the Oak as the existing patio was removed and replaced. Surrounding trees and shrubs had grown and enclosed the backyard limiting access. This required almost all work and transport of material to be done by hand. The old concrete paver patio was replaced with bluestone. Existing mortared limestone around the edges of the patio levels were cleaned and tuck-pointed. A new stoop was constructed with mortared limestone risers and bluestone treads. A built-in grill and fireplace further updated the backyard space. The fireplace was designed to follow the organic curve of the patio. Mortared limestone and bluestone material were repeated on all elements, tying them together. Along with the updated patio, many additions were made in transforming the modest backyard into a lush garden. Masses of annuals, ornamental grasses, and perennials along with mixed shrubs created sweeps of color and texture in front of a new arborvitae hedge and other existing trees and shrubs. After careful planning and execution the completed landscape gave our clients the updated landscape they desired. The completion of the project was a rewarding and fulfilling experience as we transformed a good past project into a fantastic new project.

James Woetzel
Pool - traditional pool idea in New York

Early spring iris and euphorbia dominate L. McGrath
Photo of a mid-sized traditional full sun backyard gravel landscaping in Boston for spring.

Backyard privacy berm incorporating river boulders.
Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Kansas City.

Photo of a large transitional full sun backyard brick landscaping in Denver.

traditional terrace
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional partial sun backyard stone landscaping in Boston for summer.

Design ideas for a contemporary full sun garden path in Salt Lake City.

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional shade front yard brick landscaping in Chicago for spring.

Design ideas for a mid-sized asian full sun backyard stone garden path in Boston for spring.

Location: Hingham, MA, USA This newly constructed home in Hingham, MA was designed to openly embrace the seashore landscape surrounding it. The front entrance has a relaxed elegance with a classic plant theme of boxwood, hydrangea and grasses. The back opens to beautiful views of the harbor, with a terraced patio running the length of the house. The infinity pool blends seamlessly with the water landscape and splashes over the wall into the weir below. Planting beds break up the expanse of paving and soften the outdoor living spaces. The sculpture, made by a personal friend of the family, creates a stunning focal point with the open sky and sea behind. One side of the property was densely planted with large Spruce, Juniper and Birch on top of a 7' berm to provide instant privacy. Hokonechloa grass weaves its way around Annabelle Hydrangeas and Flower Carpet Roses. The other side had an existing stone stairway which was enhanced with a grove of Birch, hydrangea and Hakone grass. The Limelight Tree Hydrangeas and Boxwood offer a fresh welcome, while the Miscanthus grasses add a casual touch. The Stone wall and patio create a resting spot between rounds of tennis. The granite steps in the lawn allow for a comfortable transition up a steeper slope.

A rhododendron berm, seating area surrounded by chartreuse hostas and a Skylands oriental spruce, a fern garden and a perennial border are highlights of this back garden adjoining a lake.

Spring L. McGrath
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary shade backyard landscaping in Boston for spring.

Hillside garden featuring nepeta, geranium 'Rozanne', sedum 'Angelina', blue billow hydrangeas, azaleas and witch hazel
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional partial sun front yard stone garden path in Boston for spring.

Patio - mid-sized traditional backyard stone patio idea in Chicago with a fire pit and no cover