Landscape Design Archives - Cole Landscaping https://colelandscaping.com/category/landscape-design/ Landscape Design & Maintenance | Beverly, Gloucester, MA Wed, 30 Jul 2025 19:43:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 https://colelandscaping.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ColeFavicon75x75.png Landscape Design Archives - Cole Landscaping https://colelandscaping.com/category/landscape-design/ 32 32 Fine Garden Care https://colelandscaping.com/fine-garden-care/ Wed, 02 Jun 2021 13:00:29 +0000 https://coleland.wpengine.com/?p=2121 Garden Care Did You Know? What do you know about Fine Garden Care? A Fine Gardener’s singular goal is to vigilantly care for the soil, plants, and design compositions viewed through the lens of a dynamic natural system. This means that we must look at the garden with the eyes of a trainer and a […]

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Garden Care

FIne garden with beautiful lawn, trees and perennials

Did You Know?

What do you know about Fine Garden Care? A Fine Gardener’s singular goal is to vigilantly care for the soil, plants, and design compositions viewed through the lens of a dynamic natural system. This means that we must look at the garden with the eyes of a trainer and a caretaker. Consequently, we ask, “How can we make this perform better, look better, and be healthier?”

For Fine Garden Care, our goal is to nurture both plants and soil to achieve high performance over time. Primarily, that performance is connected to ecological health. However, it is also tethered to the presentation of the garden. It is also important that the presentation pleases the garden owner.  Since beauty is in the eye of the beholder, it lives on a continuum of expression stretching from formal order to wild order. It is up to the Fine Gardener and landowner to determine where on the continuum the landscape will live.

To this end, the Fine Gardener will make changes and subtle shifts within gardens, keeping the original design intent in mind. While doing so, they will keep a firm watch on the evolution of plants and how that affects the space and its uses over time.

The Cole Way

Cole Landscape specializes in partnered Fine Gardening Landscape Care with homeowners. Partnering enables us to supply care at the level best suited for you and your landscape. It also enables us to dovetail our specialties with our other landscape services that we are currently providing for you.

In our family of clients, we have active gardeners who spend many hours in their own landscapes each month. And we have garden enthusiasts who would like to spend more time in their landscape, but life does not allow them the time needed to do the necessary work. We also have clients who appreciate the value of their landscape and all its gardens have to offer but have no interest in doing the gardening tasks themselves.

A Fine Garden Plan for Your Lifestyle

There is no right or wrong answer for the best approach – simply a matter of  different lifestyles and needs. By using the information shared here, we hope you can start to get a feel for what your land management needs are. Let us help tend to them with of our Fine Gardening Care blocks of time.

Six Areas of Fine Garden Care Management
Six Areas of Fine Garden Care Management
Six Areas Of Fine Garden Care Management

Fine Gardening requires the regular consideration of the following six areas of management. Do not leave any of them out or else your landscape risks deterioration into chaos. Here is what you can expect from our team during your time block.

  1. Edging Beds

    Cut lawn edges to demarcate planting beds and lawn areas; keep the lawn from spreading into what it considers empty spaces. In some cases, perennials and groundcovers want to return the favor and spread into lawn spaces. The goal is a healthy cohabitation without invasion so that there is a neat edge with a well-shaped flow that draws your eye through the landscape in a gentle and pleasing way.

  2. Pruning Woody Ornamental Plants

    We prune trees and shrubs at the appropriate time in their growth cycles. Not all plants can or should be pruned at the same time, so be aware that spring, summer, and fall pruning needs are different. There are times when we will suggest that plants be pruned in the wintertime as well. Additionally, all plant types are not pruned in the same way. Understanding horticultural differences is critical in getting this job done right.

  3. Deadheading/Dividing/Transplanting/Removal

    Gardens mature and age over time at different paces. As a consequence, plants may need varying attention over the seasons as they mature and respond to seasonal fluctuations. Light pruning and deadheading of herbaceous plants (like perennials) are necessary as these plants move through their normal flowering cycle. Older, more mature plants may need heavier-handed attention if they become too big or are no longer performing well in a particular location. Dividing and transplanting perennials that have outgrown their current space can make more room in the old location and provide an additional plants to utilize in other, open areas. Moving out shrubs to make more room and fill new spaces can be extremely effective in getting more performance out of an area and the plants in that garden. Most often we perform this kind of work in the spring and fall.

  4. General Weed & Bed Management

    Weeding is a necessary “evil” that should not be avoided. Good bed management also means managing moss and overly aggressive perennials and woody plants that are seeding themselves in the landscape. Primarily, the goal is to keep the garden managed. You need to prevent undesirable plants from getting a foothold in the soil or, worse, entangled in the root systems of the desirable plants. If you skip weeding, you ensure that the problem will increase. This is because weeds also have a flowering and seed setting cycle (just like the desirable plants). When they are left unchecked, those weeds repopulate the soil with more seeds to germinate in the next season and many seasons thereafter. It takes only one seeding to create weeds for several years to come.

  5. Soil Health & Remediation

    Soils deficient in organic matter, minerals, and/or nutrients should be treated to improve conditions for plants. It may be necessary to apply lime applications in the fall to improve the vitality and performance of ornamental garden areas. We recommend soil testing  to understand the soil chemistry more fully. As as result we can determine appropriate fertilization programs as well as more steps for soil remediation. Simply adding fertilizer on a yearly basis is not only ineffective, but it can also be costly. We suggest organic compost for use with all plantings/transplanting. We also recommend organic mulches – simple undyed bark and/or leaf mold – as a follow-up to all the above work. Balanced soils help reduce or eliminate moss, yellowed leaves, insect predation, and at times even helps reduce weeds. Most important, healthy soils have a better chance of supporting plants through times of drought.

  6. Watering Strategies

    Proper hydration is one of the key ingredients for a healthy landscape. First of all, proper hydration promotes healthy soil. Secondly, it supports the right plants in the right places. Thirdly, it helps provide adequate acclimation time for new plants. Plants should only be moved if the homeowner is able to reliably monitor and water them. It should be noted that irrigation systems are not adequate for watering transplants. They also should not be set and left unchecked – this is a root cause of much of our seasonal water shortages. It is important to be aware of factors that may impede proper hydration, such as competition from trees, overcrowded plantings, and areas over-exposed to the elements, to name a few. If this is the case, a change in plant care strategy may be necessary.

What You Can Do Next

For each person who owns a parcel of land – of any size – the trick is to determine what you can or cannot do on your own. First, factor in your time, skills, and desire as the primary step to understanding your landscape care needs. Next, you can start to identify what level of outside help you would need to create the landscape you’ve always imagined. Simply schedule a free consultation with our fine Garden Care Expert. We will develop a strategic partnership that secures a surefire way to ‘have it all.’

If you have never worked with a Fine Gardener, we encourage you to give it a try. Scheduling just one day of professional care can makes a significant difference that will be sure to delight. Once you see what our team of professional Fine Gardeners can accomplish in just one small slice of your landscape, we can discuss developing a custom Fine Gardening care program that will transform your everyday landscape into an exceptional landscape that is tailored perfectly to you.

Schedule your free Fine Garden care session today and see how a Fine Garden Care specialist can make your landscape come to life!

Meet Matthew

Matt started his career at Cole in 2023, and has Associates of Science Degree in Business, & . Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist (MCH)

with over 10 years of experience working in the Landscape industry with a focus on Garden and Tree Care. 

Matt’s wide variety of personal, academic, and professional experiences have contributed much to his interests in the landscape industry. Client satisfaction is Matt’s main focus. Matt is interested in how intentionally designed outdoor spaces impact our quality of life. Providing clients with a beautifully maintained outdoor living space is Matt’s main goal. That space should align with their expressed/felt needs, meet their budget, be aesthetically pleasing, and responsive to their site’s existing conditions.

Matt believes that communication is key. He consistently develops and maintains positive relationships with commercial customers by managing the acquisition and delivery of products, and services. He’s passionate about performing on-site visits with clients to determine what can be improved to make the property more aesthetically appealing. Whether it be small changes or larger landscaping upgrades, he excels at every level.  Matt provides ongoing customer service and maintains expert knowledge of his clients and their property’s needs.

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Cool Trampoline! https://colelandscaping.com/cool-trampoline/ Fri, 18 Dec 2020 18:39:45 +0000 https://coleland.wpengine.com/?p=1661 Our Clients are Jumping for Joy! It isn’t every day that we get a request for a sunken trampoline. However, we pride ourselves in designing custom outdoor spaces for our clients. Especially during quarantine, it’s important to have your own personal space to decompress. When our client came to us for this special request, we […]

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Our Clients are Jumping for Joy!

It isn’t every day that we get a request for a sunken trampoline. However, we pride ourselves in designing custom outdoor spaces for our clients. Especially during quarantine, it’s important to have your own personal space to decompress. When our client came to us for this special request, we treated this project just as we do all our projects. First we take a full assessment of the property. Then we write up a detailed analysis of the work to be done. Before we begin any work, we make sure that we have a clear understanding of our client’s vision for their space. That means we review the materials necessary for the project and outline the design choices that are available for our client. Needless to say, we learned a lot about trampolines by the end of our project.

Benefits of Jumping on a Trampoline

Our client did a great job describing how she wanted to use her space while educating us on the benefits of jumping on a trampoline. Did you know that jumping engages every muscle in your body? When you think about it, it makes perfect sense. The motion of moving up and down, due to gravity, stimulates all of your cells. Even if your feet don’t leave the trampoline, every muscle in your body experiences mechanical stress. The end result is improved total body strength. The higher you jump, the more you impact each muscle and the stronger you become. Besides great exercise, jumping can act as a great form of stress relief. If you would like to read more, check out this article: The Tremendous Health Benefits of Jumping On A Trampoline

Prep Work for In Ground Trampoline

Before we could begin the excavation, we demolition work to perform. First we removed the concrete and blacktop near the steps adjacent to the house. Then we prepared to excavate for the 8’x11′ below grade trampoline according to specifications provided by the manufacturer. It’s very important to follow the specific instructions. Otherwise, you will end up with a big muddy hole in your yard after the first rainstorm.

Prior to excavating, you must consider that you need enough space to gain access to the base for routine maintenance. In addition to digging a hole larger than the trampoline, you need to build retaining walls to prevent the sides from collapsing. It’s equally important to calculate for proper drainage and ventilation.

Bakyard before trampoline installation
Backyard from Every Angle Before Trampoline Installation

 

Finishing Touches

In addition to the trampoline, we installed Antara Pavers from Unilock to construct a new walkway. To build up the grade around the trampoline we used all of the excavated soil. Then we topped off all areas with fresh loam, seed and fertilizer. If you have a unique vision for your outdoor space we would love to turn that dream into a reality. Contact Cole today for a free consultation. #colelandscape  #colelandscaping #landscaping  #trampoline #sunkentrampoline

 

 

 

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Looking Back and Planning Ahead Part 2 https://colelandscaping.com/looking-back-planning-ahead-part-2/ Sat, 18 Jan 2020 03:19:38 +0000 http://colelandscapin.wpengine.com/?p=861 Winter is For Planning Winter is the perfect time of year for planning your upcoming landscape projects. By looking back at our favorite projects of 2018, we hope to inspire some possibilities that will boost your home’s curb appeal for 2019. Our winter post series will highlight the talent behind Cole Landscaping where the ultimate […]

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Winter is For Planning

Winter is the perfect time of year for planning your upcoming landscape projects. By looking back at our favorite projects of 2018, we hope to inspire some possibilities that will boost your home’s curb appeal for 2019. Our winter post series will highlight the talent behind Cole Landscaping where the ultimate goal is to complement the natural beauty of your landscape. It is easier to assess your needs when the leaves have fallen off the trees and your plants have gone into a dormant state. Look around and see where your property could use some attention. Is there a focal point, or does your eye wander? Are there any hardscape features in need of repair? Contact Cole  and our professionals will be happy to assist you.

Patio Extension and Plant Relocation for Growing Family

Our client came to us with a small concrete patio and a large extended family!  The patio simply wasn’t big enough for the large extended family to sit and relax by the pool. Also, it was surrounded by a very overgrown landscape.  First of all, Cole utilized the existing concrete patio. By making it part of the overall hardscape space we were able to work within the client’s budget.

new pool patio with newly planted grass
Extended pool patio with new grass border

In order to provide just the right amount of contrast with the existing concrete patio as well as add visual interest, we chose Unilock’s Beacon Hill Smooth in a Copper Ridge color.

Pool yard image
Pool Patio view from far end of property

The Finishing Touch

We also revamped an existing garden (relocating existing shrubs and perennials) and added a second garden on the opposite side of the pool to soften the fence.  Overall, our client was more than satisfied. More importantly, we met the all the client’s objectives and completed the wish list by all by working with the existing landscape.

New Patio with new plants
Patio with new plantings alongside wooden fence

Do you have an area of your landscape that is underutilized? Cole experts have a knack for working within your parameters to achieve your goals. Contact Cole  and we’ll be happy to design a plan that works for you. By looking back at some of our previous projects, you may find your next inspiration.

An Inviting Patio In Danvers

An Entertaining Area In Beverly

Whiskey Barrel Spa

Magnolia Perennial Garden

Gloucester Shaded Escape

Stone Wall In Wenham

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Grand Entry in Wenham https://colelandscaping.com/wenham-grand-entry/ Wed, 16 Oct 2019 18:14:19 +0000 http://colelandscapin.wpengine.com/?p=769 The Task at Hand Our Wenham clients came to us with hopes of creating a grand entry to their home. They wanted to revamp all of their entrances – front, side, driveway (garage) and back patio. Their yard was overtaken by large globe arborvitae that lined the driveway and walkway. These large globes were so big […]

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The Task at Hand

Our Wenham clients came to us with hopes of creating a grand entry to their home. They wanted to revamp all of their entrances – front, side, driveway (garage) and back patio. Their yard was overtaken by large globe arborvitae that lined the driveway and walkway. These large globes were so big you could not see the front walk.

Rendering of new hardscape work
A grand new entry

The front entrance, was hidden behind large globe arborvitae. We needed to open the view to the front door and create a more interesting walk. Instead of the harsh right angle and straight path, we added curves, widened the walkway and added a fresh new planting scheme.

The driveway had many issues for this family of 4+. First of all, it wasn’t wide enough. The homeowner could not turn the car around easily and there was not enough parking. Their kids liked to play basketball in the driveway, too, but with all the cars and the overgrown greenery, there wasn’t enough space. So the plan was to remove the globes along the driveway and remove part of the lawn to widen the driveway for basketball and more parking.

Our clients wanted more patio space that wasn’t quite as open to the public view for the back entry. Since they had a large area to work with, we designed a more secluded space using plants and trees as a natural divider. This  provided more room for the family to relax and unwind.

Challenges

The driveway was challenging to maneuver. It was difficult to back out of the garage and there wasn’t much room for parking. Our designer decided to create a bump out space to make it easier to back out of the garage. It also provided for the extra parking that they needed. Due to the grade (elevation) changes of the driveway it was necessary to build a retaining wall. The challenge then became a design opportunity: the wall matched the new walkways and patio and the new level space provided the basketball/extra parking area.

Images of front, back and side of house
BEFORE Cole Landscaping

Finding ledge on site also posed another challenge. New plantings require an adequate amount of soil in order to thrive. Thus we had to relocate the proposed greenery to an area better suited for it.

Prep Work

Landscape Design Plans, Marking plantings
“Grand Entry” planning stages

After our designer went on site to identify all plants that were to be removed and relocated our crew got to work digging up pink-taped plants/trees (including stumps) and transplanting all green-taped plants/trees.

Then came the demolition work. We removed the original front and back walkways and patio and hauled away the debris. Then we excavated out the driveway for the basketball court/extra parking area.

To properly prep the site, we excavated down to 24″ below the finish grade, removed all loose material, compacted and installed geotextile fabric. Then we added 20″ of stone pack to ensure stability for the retaining walls and the paver installation. To allow for proper drainage, we installed crushed stone  (minimum 12″ depth) as backfill behind the retaining walls. Part of the prep work included digging a 4’x20′ trench for the electrical installation.

Prep work for front, back and side yards
Making the grade

Our Design Approach

Our goal is to get to know each of our clients so we better understand their likes and their needs. We readily welcomed input from all members of the family, including grandpa and the kids. Their main objective was to keep things neat and tidy. For us this translated into a very clean planting and hardscape design that was not overwhelming. We selected plants based on a low maintenance plant palette.

The overall design was very much tailored to the family’s busy lifestyle and love for basketball and lawn games. It was especially helpful that our clients were not afraid of to use color because we were able to incorporate bold colored plantings and specimens that are typically underused. We got creative in the basketball/extra parking area. The retaining walls flair outward, accentuating the curvature of the driveway, walkways and patio.

Materials Used

Out clients chose Techo-Bloc Blu 60 pavers for their proven durability and the natural look inspired by slate stone. In addition to the pavers we installed two granite landings in the back. In the front we also installed a granite mailbox and light pole that added to the overall curb appeal of the project. We installed the cement footings for the basketball hoop and the retaining walls with 2″ overhangs.

Collage of walkway and patio with plants being added
Finishing touches

The Finishing Touches

Last but not least was the new plant installation. We created  an intimate setting in the backyard by strategically planting trees and shrubs as a natural border to provide privacy for the back patio.

Per design, we used the original soil for the new plantings. However we enriched the soil with amendments including compost and root fertilizer for each plant to encourage growth and root development. We also dug water wells around each plant to allow better water absorption and prevent runoff. After we graded off all beds and defined the edges we installed the bark mulch.

The End Result: the Grand Entry

Our clients now have a welcoming grand entry for their home from every point of access: front walk, driveway, side walk and back door.

The finished walkways-front back and side
A Grand Entry Complete

The original walk was hidden by large globe arborvitae which made it hard to distinguish where the front walk began.  The new walkway is more welcoming. It naturally meanders through a new garden bed with plantings that have seasonal interest and varying bloom times. The newly enlarged patio space in the backyard is now more private and functional to accommodate entertaining a large group of friends and family. Our Wenham family couldn’t be happier with the end result!

If you have an entry way that isn’t quite welcoming, our Cole team will be happy to work with your family to design a grand entry that works for you.

 

 

 

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Fall Color https://colelandscaping.com/fall-color/ Mon, 09 Sep 2019 18:56:13 +0000 http://colelandscapin.wpengine.com/?p=784 Fall Color Ahead There’s no denying that fall color in New England is a sight to see. In addition to mother nature’s magnificent foliage display, there are many ways to add bold splashes of color to your fall landscape. By this time of year summer annuals are waning, but it’s easy to enhance your outdoor […]

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Fall Color Ahead

There’s no denying that fall color in New England is a sight to see. In addition to mother nature’s magnificent foliage display, there are many ways to add bold splashes of color to your fall landscape. By this time of year summer annuals are waning, but it’s easy to enhance your outdoor palette with plantings and container gardens in rich autumn hues. There are no right or wrong colors to use for your garden design – just think about the colors that you like most. What fall color are you? marigold swatch and flowers

Bright Marigold

Beautiful and Bold – gold adds richness and warmth to everything around it. It will certainly catch your attention. In addition to being associated with luxury, gold is the color of wealth, status and success. Gold and orange flowers radiate positive energy and signify endless possibilities. They bring a message of hope and friendship.

Marigolds resonate the warm hues of fall – varieties cover the spectrum from gold and yellow to orange and red. Marigolds are drought resistant and tolerant of heat and pests. Many gardeners plant them next to their vegetables because their scent to keeps away bugs and pests and their roots deter harmful worms. In Central and South America marigolds are sacred. They are used to decorate household altars to celebrate All Saints Day and All Souls Day

Other flowers with warm golden fall color include rudbeckia, helenium, and varieties of dahlias and mums.

yellow swatch and sunflowers

Sunflower Yellow

Yellow radiates cheerfulness and happiness.  In the psychology of color, yellow is uplifting and illuminating – it symbolizes knowledge, optimism and hope. Yellow pairs well with bright orange and blue, its complement on the color wheel. If you have hydrangeas that bloom well into fall, try pairing them with yellow fall annuals.

When you have a small, narrow area to work with, yellow will increase your sense of space. It will brighten up dark, shaded areas and illuminate your gardens at night. Yellow flowers are cheery and exude positive energy.

Besides sunflowers, you can add fall color to your garden with varieties of mums, pansies, violas and black-eyed Susans.

green swatch and kale

Kale Green

The color green relates to balance and harmony; it is the color of growth, prosperity and abundance. While green is not the typical fall color for, there are ways to add more green to you autumn garden. Besides evergreens, most of the greenery in your landscape is transitioning. For cool season ornamental beauty, flowering kale – and cabbage – are good choices. Not only do they bring interesting color to your containers and garden beds, they require very little care. As the season gets cooler, the color of the inner rosettes intensifies in varying shades of white, purple and green.

People that love green tend to have a love of nature. Green evokes strong feelings of family, friendships, love of pets and home.

Hortensia (aka Hydrangea) Purple

Purple has long been associated with success and royalty. By nature, it demands attention and more often than not gets it. Apparently, Hortensia is another word for Hydrangea, so Pantone chose to use the French name for its color swatch. Hydrangeas in the fall will display varying shades of this magnificent color. To add violet hues to your fall color you can choose varieties of pansies, roses, asters, coneflowers, sage, alyssum and dahlias.

Purple will add a sense of depth and contrast to your landscape. It mingles well with yellows, pinks and deep reds. Purple creates the impression of luxury and wealth, but it also represents imagination and dreams.

purple swatch and purple asters

Wild Aster

The color magenta evokes welcoming and friendly feelings. It helps create harmony and balance while encouraging compassion. Although it’s a bold color in your garden, magenta mixes well with other pinks and purples. Asters come in a variety of colors, magenta and purple being the most common. However, there are other ways to add this cheerful fall color to your garden. Sedum turns to deeper shades of magenta as the weather gets cooler. Varieties of mums, celosia, dahlias, amaranthus, cosmos and dianthus will fill in nicely as well.

pink swatch and pink mum

Chrysanthemum Pink

There’s no doubt that the Chrysanthemum, aka mum, is the king – rather queen – of fall flowers. Mums come in a rainbow of colors, but Pantone has lovingly chosen a pink hue for its namesake. In the psychology of color, pink is a sign of hope – it’s positive, warm and comforting. Exposure to pink can halve a calming effect.

The hardiness and versatility of mums make them the go-to flower for both container and in-ground plantings. Other pink blooming flowers include varieties of asters, roses, dahlias, verbena, Japanese anemones and sedum.

Red Dahlia

It is a well-known fact that red is the color of love. It is warm and positive, associated with our most physical needs and our will to survive. Red in your garden can be tricky because it’s such a dominating color, but it definitely grabs your attention. Who doesn’t love red roses? In terms of fall color, our eyes immediately turn to the red foliage in the treetops. However, in the garden we can turn to the ever-popular dahlia and varieties of mums to get our red on. Other fall reds for our flower beds and containers include celosia, canna, red salvia and dianthus.

For a rich look, pair red flowers with deep purples. To get a bolder effect, pair with bright orange or cornflower blue. Either way, red will energize your garden.

Need Help?

Whether you’re a business or a homeowner, if you would like help sprucing up your property for the fall, Cole Landscaping will be happy to help you with your color scheme.

 

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A Welcoming Walkway in Hamilton https://colelandscaping.com/a-welcoming-walkway-in-hamilton/ Fri, 09 Aug 2019 20:14:34 +0000 http://colelandscapin.wpengine.com/?p=803 Old Walkway Issues Our Hamilton client wanted a warm and welcoming walkway for their home. Originally they had and old lackluster clay brick pathway that was buckling and in need of repair. They wanted a new upgrade, but they were concerned about preexisting conditions in the layout of their land. First of all, there were […]

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Old Walkway Issues

Our Hamilton client wanted a warm and welcoming walkway for their home. Originally they had and old lackluster clay brick pathway that was buckling and in need of repair. They wanted a new upgrade, but they were concerned about preexisting conditions in the layout of their land. First of all, there were flooding issues in front of the house, so we had to regrade the area. There was a brand new septic system and we had to relocate three large trees growing on top of underground utilities. Needless to say, we had to be very careful throughout the entire excavation process.

Front door patio
The welcoming walkway leads to an accommodating front patio

Our Approach to the New Walkway

The old walkway was just a straight path from the door to the driveway. Our client’s favorite spot on their property is the front entry because of the beautiful sunrise on that side of the house. At their request, we designed an inviting area where they could sit and enjoy morning coffee. The walkway is winding and there is a spacious seating area to accommodate early risers.

The Process

We removed old clay brick and upgraded to Techo Bloc Blu Shale 60 mm with 6×6 onyx border. Techo Block stone is known for its durability over natural stone. You don’t have to worry about our harsh winters –Techo Bloc can take straight salt and ice melt. You can use a shovel on it without scraping and it is guaranteed for life.

In order to move water from the front yard and eliminate flooding, we created a swale. We also installed a fair amount of low voltage landscape lights. At night time this place looks phenomenal, with the trees, the walkway, and the house all lit up.

Winding walkway alongside house
Side view of winding walkway alongside house

It was fun seeing the transformation from start to finish in this project. Our client was especially pleased to have the water issues dissipate. From the colors of the stone to the curvature of the walkway and slope of the land, there was so much value added to the aesthetics of the property.

Winding walkway alongside house
Side door view of walkway

If you have a challenging issue for your landscape that needs some attention, one of our experts will be happy to design a clever solution that will add real value to your property. Contact Cole today for your free consultation.

 

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“Beachy” Scheme for Gloucester Home https://colelandscaping.com/beachy-scheme-gloucester-home/ Wed, 31 Jul 2019 20:33:39 +0000 http://colelandscapin.wpengine.com/?p=812 A “Beachy” Scheme for our Gloucester Client Our Gloucester clients wanted a new “Beachy” planting scheme that would also ensure privacy for their backyard. In addition, they wanted to delineate two front plant beds as a separation from the driveway. Our Approach Instead of using traditional cobble we decided to do something a little different.  […]

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A “Beachy” Scheme for our Gloucester Client
Our Gloucester clients wanted a new “Beachy” planting scheme that would also ensure privacy for their backyard. In addition, they wanted to delineate two front plant beds as a separation from the driveway.
landscape materials used for beach house
Materials Used: Hearty Beach Plantings and Stone Mulch

Our Approach

Instead of using traditional cobble we decided to do something a little different.  Therefore we installed a reclaimed Gloucester chunk stone for a classy old estate look.  The chunk stone planter edges complement the house as well as define the beds. The chunk stone edges also tie together nicely with the existing granite at the entry of the driveway.
plants along driveway fence before and after planted
Driveway Plantings: Before and After
plants in containers before and after being planted
Front Yard Planting: Before and After

The Plantings

Working with a few of their existing specimen plants such as Butterfly Bush and Endless Summer Blue Hydrangea, we added a stellar plant palate fit for the beach. We chose Lime Light Hydrangeas, classic white Beach Roses, Sedum, Lavender, Iberis, Dianthus, Alliums, and Morning Light Ornamental Grass and Fountain Grass.  We also installed Baby Blue Eyes Blue Spruce for privacy and a specimen Japanese Stewartia tree for its showy summer flowers and intense fall color.  For the final touch, we added a stone mulch to keep in context with the beach theme as well as  to prevent curious pups from digging in the garden!
Tall Spruces for Privacy in the Backyard
Tall Spruces for Privacy in the Backyard

If you need a fresh new look for your landscape and you don’t know where to begin, Cole design experts will be happy to come up with a plan that works for you. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

closeup of backyard plantings
Closeup of Backyard Plantings

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Patio Makeover in Manchester-By-The Sea https://colelandscaping.com/patio-makeover-manchester-by-the-sea/ Thu, 06 Jun 2019 20:48:18 +0000 http://colelandscapin.wpengine.com/?p=820 The Goal: Update a Tired, Old Patio Our Manchester-By-The Sea client was in desperate need of a patio makeover. Their original walkway and patio consisted of rough cobble. The area was showing its age and it was time for an upgrade. For instance, the walking surface was very uneven. Some areas of the masonry were […]

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The Goal: Update a Tired, Old Patio

Our Manchester-By-The Sea client was in desperate need of a patio makeover. Their original walkway and patio consisted of rough cobble. The area was showing its age and it was time for an upgrade. For instance, the walking surface was very uneven. Some areas of the masonry were deteriorating. Since they were planning an addition of a new three season room, it was obvious that the old patio had to go.

What the patio looked like before work was done
“Before” photos of Manchester Patio Makeover Project

Prepping for the Patio Makeover

First we had to remove all of the old cobble and stone walls to make room for the addition.

Work that was done before the new patio could be installed
Prepping the Site for the Patio Makeover

The Plan

Our client wanted a fresh new look that would complement their new addition. From a design standpoint, we wanted the patio makeover to seamlessly blend in with its surroundings. Therefore, we used natural stone for all surfaces. First we laid bluestone for the patio and walkways – the back patio includes a reclaimed granite inlay. The natural colors in the bluestone reflect hues of the sky and the earth. Then we used granite for the steps, walls and caps. The durability of granite will stand the test of time.

Bluestone and Granite Patio
Patio Makeover Near Completion

The Execution

Once the new hardscape was set in place, it was time get to work on the softscape to complete our project. In addition to installing new plants, we relocated a Japanese stewartia from the corner of the house to the corner of the driveway. This proved to be quite a task, but our skilled crew got it done in no time at all. Our plantings include: white shrub roses, Russian sage, butterfly bushes, endless summer hydrangeas, overdam grasses, deutzia, geranium, dianthus and ground cover sedum.

Final phase of patio makeover with new plants
New Plantings for the Patio Makeover
Bluestone and granite walkways with new plantings
Patio Makeover Complete

If you have an area of you landscape that could use a little TLC and you don’t know where to begin, Cole design experts can lead you in the right direction. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

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Paver Patio Update in Beverly https://colelandscaping.com/paver-patio-update-in-beverly/ Mon, 29 Apr 2019 21:23:48 +0000 http://colelandscapin.wpengine.com/?p=835 Paver Patio Update = Backyard Transformation Our latest paver patio project for this Beverly home adds an instant facelift to our client’s backyard living space. Original Site Assessment Before the paver patio work could begin, we had to overcome the biggest obstacle: wetland issues. Planning proper drainage that didn’t interfere with the wetlands was critical. […]

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Paver Patio Update = Backyard Transformation
Our latest paver patio project for this Beverly home adds an instant facelift to our client’s backyard living space.

Original Site Assessment

Before the paver patio work could begin, we had to overcome the biggest obstacle: wetland issues. Planning proper drainage that didn’t interfere with the wetlands was critical. It was necessary for all plantings to be approved and planted as specified  according to the permit. We used the original soil and enhanced it by mixing compost and amendments to enrich the soil as we installed all plantings.

Site Work Performed

First we had to remove of all brush invasive to wetlands as well as remove other select plant material. Next we prepped for plantings. It was also necessary to remove the backyard sod to prepare for new lawn installation.

Paver Patio Installation

Paver Patio Project: Outlining the Border Curve
Paver Patio Project: Outlining the Border Curve

The Cole crew installed 200 SF of Almond Grove square Antara pavers. Its curved border complements features of the existing landscape and flows perfectly with both entryways that lead into the home. We removed a small wall and replaced it with cobblestone as a raised bed. Then we built three 5′ granite steps to replace the current steps. The finished patio has a tan inlay with a gray border.

Paver Patio Project being installed
Paver Patio Project: Measuring up

 

Organic Finishing Touches

On the left side of house we removed existing plantings and installed a garden starting at the gate, fanning out to 5′ wide by 30′, with cobblestones.
The organic vegetable garden consists of a loam/compost mix to provide ideal growing conditions. Once the paver installation was complete, we added  fresh 5% organic loam to all areas. After defining all  the flower beds, we spread fertilizer and an “under-seed” of rye blended grass to specified areas. Lastly we hydro seeded all areas.
new paver patio
New Unilock Antara Paver Patio in Beverly

If you would like to see what a new Cole patio could do for your backyard, our outdoor living experts have the insight and knowledge to work within your existing parameters. Contact Cole Landscaping to help you explore the potential of your outdoor living space.

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Cole’s Signature Service https://colelandscaping.com/coles-signature-service/ Tue, 12 Mar 2019 00:06:30 +0000 http://colelandscapin.wpengine.com/?p=853 Make Life Easy with Cole’s Signature Services What are the of Benefits of using Cole’s Signature Services? When you hire a professional full-service landscaping company you don’t have to think twice about caring for your property. From the house cleaner to the pool service company to the plumber and electrician – it’s hard to manage […]

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Make Life Easy with Cole’s Signature Services

What are the of Benefits of using Cole’s Signature Services?

When you hire a professional full-service landscaping company you don’t have to think twice about caring for your property. From the house cleaner to the pool service company to the plumber and electrician – it’s hard to manage a home. Add in the lawn-mowing, arborist, fertilizer specialist and irrigation company and it’s enough to drive someone nuts! So it makes sense to have one company meeting all your landscaping needs, right? Cole’s Signature Services provide a custom plan that works for you.

Ease of Working With One Company

Working with one  company for all your landscape needs makes life easier.

One company can mow, fertilize turf and plants, maintain shrubs and trees, plant seasonal flowers, handle irrigation needs and oversee your entire landscaping. Wouldn’t life be easier if you only had to contact one person when an issue or question arises?

All of your services will be scheduled ahead of time – from your spring clean-up leading into winter prep. Using one landscaping company for all your needs will certainly be in the best interest of your property.

For example, when applying fertilizer timing is crucial, as is proper watering. If your landscape company handles the irrigation for your property, they already know your watering schedule. Therefore they will be able to make adjustments while on site. If you use a separate company for irrigation, chances are that they are not going to know your fertilizer schedule. A good landscape professional will know that it is best to apply fertilizer on recently mowed turf. So if they are mowing your lawn, they know when to apply the fertilizer, gaining optimal results. As a Cole Signature Services client, you can rest assured that your landscaping maintenance is always on schedule.

Manicured walkway
Manicured walkway

Extra Set of Eyes

When one landscaping company manages a property, each manager handles a specific service(s) for your property.  The crew will look at the land with a different set of eyes to make sure there are no issues that need to be addressed. From the foreman in charge of the crews to the managers overseeing projects, there is always clear communication at all times throughout the season.

Our staff communicates with each other. If they see a problem they work collectively to find a solution. It’s in their interest to make sure the entire property is well maintained, because they are responsible for it as a company.

Warranties and Guarantees 

When you hire a company to install your landscape, not everyone offers a warranty or guarantee. If you hire a full-service landscape professional and you sign up for a full maintenance package you are more likely to have warranties and guarantees.

Higher Quality of Work

With a full service landscaping company, the quality of work is generally higher. Companies providing continued maintenance after an installation project are motivated to make the landscaping look its best because all parts of the project are tied to the company.

Landscaping matures, so even if the original installation blueprint says one thing, a full-service company will monitor overall aesthetics. if the plants are not growing as planned, the landscaping company can make changes, and monitor progress throughout the seasons.

When you hire a qualified landscaping service, you’ll notice the years of experience in their craftsmanship. These highly talented individuals each have personal areas of expertise, from building hardscapes to ensuring that your lawn is immaculate. By the end of your landscaping project, you’ll marvel at the outstanding job they’ve completed. Sure, you could have tried your hand at rebuilding your backyard, but would it look as stunning as a professionally crafted lawn?

Front yard with beautiful lawn and flowers
Stunning Seasonal Color

Highest Quality Materials

The landscaping industry is booming, which means there’s an overwhelming amount of materials available. For instance, it’s difficult for a homeowner to know about the different types of grass and which seed to use – not to mention what kind of drainage systems you have on your property. Perhaps you choose a certain brand of landscaping material only to find out that it is of poor quality? Professional landscapers will know exactly what materials to use on your yard. You’ll never have to worry about the wrong brand or material being applied on your lawn.

Cole Landscape is your Landscape Partner for Life!

Here at Cole Landscaping & Irrigation, Inc. we know the importance of streamlining the landscaping process for customers. One point of contact managing the landscaping from project installation through maintenance means peace of mind for the customer for years to come. We take pride in our Signature Services.

If you’d like a consultation or want to know what we can do to help you in the 2019 Landscape Season~ give us a call at 978-356-1004 or contact us to arrange an on-site meeting with one of our Landscape Professionals.

We are your “Outdoor Living Professionals.”

 

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