posts by a Blade of Grass

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Sunlit red Japanese maple leaves framing a softly blurred garden background.

Japanese Maples: Form and Seasonal Color for Boston-area Landscapes

Japanese maples bring distinctive branching, foliage, and seasonal color to Boston-area gardens. Choosing the right form and setting helps those qualities become lasting parts of the landscape.

Pink and magenta rhododendrons in a layered foundation garden.

Rhododendrons: Spring Flowers and Structure for Boston-Area Landscapes

Rhododendrons bring spring flowers and evergreen presence to Boston-area gardens, but varieties differ considerably in size, foliage, and growing requirements. Learn how to choose and use them as part of a larger planting.

Hosta varieties with contrasting foliage in a shaded garden.

Hostas: Foliage and Structure for Massachusetts Shade Gardens

Hostas can bring remarkable foliage, texture, and structure to Massachusetts shade gardens, but varieties differ considerably in size, color, and form. Learn how we think about choosing and using hostas as part of a larger planting.

Curved boxwood hedge defines the lawn edge

Plant Spacing: Designing Your Future Landscape

Plant spacing is about more than measuring the distance between plants. Good landscape design considers mature size, growth habit, circulation, and how plants will relate to one another as the property evolves.

Lushly planted beds of boxwood, holly, magnolia, and birch.

9 Landscape Problems We Find on Boston-Area Properties

Many landscape problems begin with reasonable decisions that didn’t account for how the property would change over time. Here are nine common mistakes we see on New England properties and what homeowners should consider instead.

Inkberry hollies in layered foundation plantings.

Inkberry Holly: A Native Evergreen for New England Landscapes

Inkberry holly is a versatile native evergreen that adds year-round structure to Massachusetts landscapes, from foundation plantings and mixed borders to moist sites, low hedges, and native gardens.

What Is Circulation in Landscape Design? Creating Better Flow Through Your Property

Good landscape design considers more than how a property looks. Learn how thoughtful circulation can connect the home, gardens, outdoor living spaces, and arrival areas into one comfortable experience.

Pink and white panicle hydrangeas beside a brick path, perennials, and a white picket fence.

Panicle Hydrangea: Is It a Good Choice for Massachusetts Landscapes?

Panicle hydrangeas are a familiar sight in Massachusetts gardens, but choosing the right variety and location makes all the difference. Here’s where they work best, how to care for them, and when we’d choose something else.

A garden setting with native plantings surrounding a simple barn structure

Planning a Backyard Transformation: Where to Start, What to Prioritize, and How to Create an Outdoor Space You’ll Love

A successful backyard transformation begins long before construction starts. This guide walks Greater Boston homeowners through the planning process, helping you prioritize goals, avoid common mistakes, and create an outdoor space that adds lasting value to your home.

Urban rooftop terrace with layered gardens, lounge and dining areas, and city views.

Rooftop Terraces and Gardens in Boston: Designing Outdoor Living Above the City

Whether built above a townhouse or high-rise, rooftop terraces offer a unique way to live outdoors. Explore the design, planting, construction, drainage, and care behind these distinctive spaces.

posts by a Blade of Grass

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