Design Philosophy

We believe that sustainable, ecologically focused landscapes that mimic local plant communities offer a myriad of benefits from reduced maintenance, increased habitat for other organisms, flood control and climate regulation. We create landscapes that showcase the beauty and biodiversity of our native flora and provide a distinct sense of place to the residential garden.

It’s hard to beat the ornamental and ecological benefits of Clethra alnifolia, commonly called summersweet because if its sweet smelling blooms. Loved by pollinators but ignored by deer, drought and disease resistant, this hardy native shrub is

Sweet Annabelle

Had to learn a whole new plant palette for the design for this North Hollywood bungalow project

Hard to beat the vibrant blooms of Asclepias tuberosa, known by the common name butterfly weed. This beautiful native is a nectar source for Monarch butterflies and a host plant for them to lay their eggs.

“A garden without a viburnum is akin to life without music and art.” Michael Dirr. Viburnum dentatum, arrowwood viburnum.

Hard at work installing new bluestone patio

Sanguinaria canadensis, known by the common name bloodroot, is a lovely native spring ephemeral. Love the way the leaf is giving the flower a hug as it emerges on this chilly spring day.

During Earth Week 2020, I am so grateful for the trees that clean our air and mark our seasons. #earthday2020

Beautiful moss is a harbinger of spring.

“Each of has the power and the responsibility to fix barren landscapes,” Doug Tallamy told an overflow crowd at Harvard University last week. Read more about what Tallamy said on my blog at the link in my bio.

A new public park on the former site of Anthony’s Pier 4 restaurant in Boston’s Seaport district. The park offers a respite from the busy seaport streets and a front row seat to the Boston Harbor waterfront. @reedhilderbrand @icaboston

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’ in winter sunlight

“A beech forest is perhaps the most awe inspiring sight in the natural world,” writes Michael Dirr. Fagus grandiflora, American beech.

Eurybia divaricata, white wood aster, is a must have for the fall garden. A lovely New England native!

Looking forward to seeing the new green spaces being designed in Boston. Join us on October 2nd at the Roxbury Innovation Center. @cogdesignlandscape

Harvested 30 bulbs of garlic this morning

A Rhododendron specimen on the estate of Horatio Hollis Hunnewell, a railroad financier and amateur botanist who is credited with popularizing the now prolific shrub in the United States.

The bright green foliage and lavender flowers of Polemenium caereleum, Jacob’s ladder, brighten shady corners of the garden

Fothergilla gardenii

Fiddleheads unfurling