There are very few slow days at a Blade of Grass – we're busy designing and maintaining Boston's most beautiful properties. Below are some of the recent highlights of our work, design awards, Boston landscaping events, press mentions, and general Blade happenings. For more Blade news, be sure to follow us out on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Houzz.
Wayland Farmhouse Wins APLD’s Gold Award for Residential Design | APLD
The 2017 winner of APLD‘s Gold Award for Residential Design goes to Blade designer and owner, Jim Douthit, for his “Wayland Farmhouse” project in Wayland, MA. To be sure, this property offered a unique opportunity for Jim to flex his extraordinary creativity and design vision, and we’re so proud that his hard work was recognized by this very prestigious organization. Be sure to see the results of this amazing transformation for yourself.
Backyard Bluestone Patio With Stacked Stone Retaining Walls | HGTV
It’s a quick mention, but always an honor to be included in such a popular publication. In this design tip, HGTV asks our designer Heather Lashbrook Jones her thoughts on prioritizing a patio in terms of focus and materials.
Giving Back | Heifer International
For the past several years, a Blade of Grass has been donating to Heifer International – an amazing organization that is “working to end hunger and poverty around the world by providing livestock and training to struggling communities.” In an effort to include our clients in this charity, we also make contributions for each word-of-mouth referral they generate (they really add up!). The tally is in and our contribution for 2016 is: 24 flocks of chickens, 7 goats, 3 alpacas, and 3 llamas. Congrats to all – it really feels great to be a small part of this effort.
Backyard Retreat Near Boston | Traditional Home Magazine
Check out our work in the February/March issue of Traditional Home magazine (pdf). Kudos to designer Tom Wilhelm for creating a “lawnless” (and low maintenance) outdoor space that fits the family’s lifestyle perfectly.
See You at the Marketplace | Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club
Be sure to stop by the Wellesley Marketplace on November 19 and support a great cause. Keep an eye out for a few of our planters that are being raffled off for the Wellesley Gardeners’ Guild.
10 Outdoor Fireplace and Firepit Designs for Fall | Boston Design Guide
Nothing is more quintisentially New England Fall than relaxing by a beautiful outdoor fireplace on a cool evening. In honor of the season, Boston Design Guide has featured one of our favorite properties in their recent 10 Outdoor Fireplace and Firepit Designs for Fall article. Be sure to see all the great ideas and examples in their post.
Embracing the Shoulder Season with these Outdoor Oases | Boston Design Guide
Boston Design Guide likes our graduated terrace in Boston’s charming South End. This has always been one of our favorite projects for it’s simple yet elegant intimacy. Perfect for a quiet evening by the grill, or entertaining friends before a night out.
Tom Wilhelm Awarded Designer of the Year 2016 | APLD
Our very own senior landscape designer, Tom Wilhelm, was awarded the Association of Professional Landscape Designers 2016 Designer of the Year at the annual APLD International Design Conference in Santa Fe, NM. Tom also received a 2016 Chapter Service Award. Congratualtions Tom, we’re so proud.
How Your Yard Can be a Space You Actually Use | The Boston Globe
Fireplaces vs. fire pits – the debate continues. Tom Wilhelm gives his advice on choosing which is right for your outdoor space, and the pros/cons of gas and wood options, in this Boston Globe article.
A Backyard Wonderland in Newton | Design New England
Excited to share yet another cool project in Newton designed by our very own landscape designer, Tom Wilhelm, featured in the May/June issue of Design New England (pdf).