Explore recent news, awards, press mentions, design features, and company updates from a Blade of Grass. Our work in residential landscape design, construction, and maintenance has been featured by leading publications and organizations across Greater Boston, New England, and the design community. For more Blade news, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Houzz.
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.
Newton Backyard a Delight of Wildlife and Plantings | Boston.com
A small Newton backyard was transformed into a richly planted, lawn-free family landscape designed to support wildlife, outdoor play, and year-round discovery. The owners wanted an alternative to a chemical-dependent lawn, so our design focused on habitat, privacy, and a series of engaging spaces for their children, including paths, a patio, screening plantings, and a koi pond. Despite the site’s modest size, the landscape was carefully programmed to feel immersive and connected to the neighboring conservation land.
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).
Say It With Flowers | New England Home
Another exciting spotlight on a Blade of Grass and our work, this one from the May/June issue of New England Home (pdf). Jim speaks with Lisa Harrison about his passion for design, the success of a Blade of Grass, and the amazing work he’s done with his very own property in Wayland, MA. Also included is a photo gallery highlighting Jim’s circa-1811 farmhouse and barn and their surrounding gardens, patio, and entryway.
Bring the Indoors Outside the Home | Realty Today
Blade’s Heather Lashbrook Jones lends a few tips regarding designing for outdoor spaces. Her advice – consider designs that work in all seasons and think through the “room” shape. Read the entire article on Realty Today.
Landscape Design 2016 | New England Home
Nothing beats a seaside view. New England Home (pdf) apparently agrees and has featured yet another of our properties in their Special Focus: Landscape Design 2016 issue. The waterfront residence in Duxbury is busy poolside gatherings and family entertainment. Writer Paula M. Bodah notes the combination of hydrangeas, dogwoods, and arborvitaes allow for full blooms throughout the summer and the hardscaping protects from the ocean winds.
Before and After: Enchanting English Garden | Traditional Home
Our Brookline Brownstone property gets the spotlight in this month’s Traditional Home. Walk through the iron gate to a Checkerboard Garden, where patterned pavers lead past a circular flower bed. View the pdf version here.