Rear area of new house, Concord, MA

A large bluestone patio is softened by plantings of small shrubs which add summer color.

Dull area near house with overgrown shrubs. Concord, MA.

Patio and pond are created and view from window is dramatic and interesting.

Front entrance steps and path, Concord, MA.

Redesigned steps, walls, and planting beds create new entry space.

Sunken herb garden next to dilapidated iron garage, Concord, MA.

Garage is rebuilt and a formal herb garden with bluestone paving and beds is created in the sunken area.

Rear patio area, Sudbury, MA

An enclosed patio with fire pit and sitting walls connects to a small formal garden.

Exposed backyard, Concord, MA

Screening border for privacy added.

Empty space behind studio, Concord, MA

New patio and simple pergola with vines create an outdoor dining room.

Newly constructed house, Concord, MA

Plantings of Dogwoods, deciduous and evergreen shrubs anchor the house to its surroundings.

Cramped patio, Concord, MA

Extended bluestone patio becomes an outdoor room.

Barren pool area, Sudbury, MA

Tall grasses and Russian Sage soften edges of the pool and add texture.

Back yard with poor drainage, Acton, MA

An informal fieldstone wall and River Birch trees and Twig Dogwoods help solve drainage issues.

Side entrance, path and borders, Concord, MA

A brick path is restored with new lamppost to "announce" the side entrance to the house.

Barren condominium courtyard with monotonous wall, Wayland, MA

Trellises with flowering vines, perennials and shrubs along the edges add color and texture to the sitting area.

Cottage Backyard, Concord, MA

Addition of a long flower border adds color to the garden and reduces the amount of lawn.

Entrance garden, Concord, MA

Overgrown shrubs are moved elsewhere and replaced with smaller shrubs that fit the scale of the space. A more formal and easier to maintain path leads to the garage.

Side yard, Concord, MA

Awkward paths are reshaped to create a circular fieldstone patio, and shrubs and perennials replace the grass that is struggling in deep shade.

Fenced yard, Concord, MA

A backyard formally filled with lawn and many invasive plants is cleared out and rejuvenated with new shrubs, trees and flowers.

Front deck area, West Concord, MA

A view of small shrubs and flowers enclosed by a stone wall makes this deck a great place to sit.

Rear raised patio, Concord, MA

The bluestone is reset in the patio and weeds replaced with hardy shrubs such as Oakleaf Hydrangea and perennials such as Autumn Sedum and Catmint.

Rear entrance steps, Concord, MA

New and old granite from the original steps are combined to create a clean-looking and welcoming entrance area.

Path to backyard, Concord, MA

This narrow strip at the side of the house is made inviting with a new brick path and interesting shrubs.

New construction of an addition to house, Sudbury, MA

Small rose garden with Monet arches leads off from the patio creating another outdoor room.

Front of house and foundation, Concord, MA

Plantings of Boxwood, Andromeda, Dwarf Lilac and Hydrangea add color and soften the expanse of hardscape of the wall, driveway and parking area at the front of the house.

Rear yard, Acton, MA

A patio with small shrubs and moved Rhododendrons make this a usable and pleasing outdoor space.

Foundation planting, Acton, MA

Overgrown foundation shrubs are removed or moved elsewhere on the property and replaced with smaller growing shrubs and perennials.

Backyard, Concord, MA

Regrading maximizes the space in this back yard and allows for a stone patio at the base of the stairs and for four raised vegetable beds.

Wall and planting bed, Concord, MA

The granite is repurposed with a longer wall that gives the bed more substance and impact.

Front yard, West Concord, MA

A granite path and steps lead down to the driveway. Some trees are thinned and removed and lawn is repaired.

BEFORE AND AFTER