ANDOVER LANDSCAPE | NOTEWORTHY NEWS

NOVEMBER NEWS FROM ANDOVER LANDSCAPE DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

WELCOMING IN THE HOLIDAY SEASON

As we head into this holiday season, we look forward to safely opening our homes to celebrate once again with family and friends. Our Fine Gardening team is excited to offer holiday décor to spruce up your home and entryways.

Rachel and Colette will be making their way to put your “gardens to bed,” as we like to say, and we are excited to start thinking of ways to decorate that will fit to your individual desire and needs. We offer for winter décor:

Containers and window boxes with winter interest such as birch bundles, winterberry, and greenery
Holiday / seasonal décor such as wreaths, swags, garland, decorative accents, and bows

We'll be starting our decorating the week of November 29th, so if you're interested, please reach out so we can collaborate on your holiday vision!

Please don't hesitate to let us know if we can assist you in a tasteful selection of entryway décor.

PROJECT REVIEW: CORMIERS WAY

This is one project we could not wait to share.

Below is a series of photos that starts with a flat lawn and vinyl fence and progresses into a completely redesigned landscape featuring and outdoor living area with a new pool, fire pit, deck, and covered seating area all surrounded by beautiful plantings overlooking the second fairway at Andover Country Club.

Below, our team works to start the property's transformation as the design begins to take shape. A retaining wall was built on a steep slope to create a flat area for the pool and surrounding terrace. A temporary road was cut into the backyard to allow for equipment access without disturbing the front yard.

The gunite pool and surrounding granite patio was installed in late 2020. The pool finishes and softscape were installed in spring of 2021 just in time for pool season.

The following set of photos shows the completed project. What was once just an uninspired lawn is now a backyard oasis that provides an extension of living space for family and friends to enjoy.

The inviting in-ground pool is sure to be well-loved over the years for fun in the sun. For those times when relaxation is desired, its sculptural water feature provides the sound of water without being visually overbearing while sunbathing on the pool deck.

Opposite the sun deck is an inviting, cozy space complete with a sofa and fire pit that can be used year round.

The outdoor living room is fully-covered and well-lit so even an occasional rain shower or too much sun won't interfere when entertaining guests.

All of these separate spaces work in harmony providing a cohesive feel allowing for more time outdoors enjoying time and making memories with family and friends.

If you are looking to transform your property, contact us and let's explore the possibilities together.

OCTOBER NEWS FROM ANDOVER LANDSCAPE DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

THANK YOU FOR VOTING

The team at Andover Landscape Design & Construction is pleased to announce that the firm has been voted by the community and awarded by Northshore Magazine as the Best of Northshore (BONS) 2021 in two categories:

Readers' Choice Best Pools
Readers' Choice Best Garden Design

These are highly-coveted awards and the team at Andover Landscape Design & Construction is so very honored to add these these awards to last year’s three of best landscape architect, best pools, and best landscape services.

Read the full press release.

CLOWN TOWN 2021 - THIS WEEKEND!

We’re excited to be a sponsor in this year’s Andona Society Clown Town event!

Please come by our table to say hello.

Clown Town takes place at Central Park in Andover, at the Corner of Bartlet and Chestnut Street (1 Whittier Street, Andover).

Friday, October 8, 2021 (6pm to 10pm)

Saturday, October 9, 2021 (10am to 8pm)

Friday night there will be rides, carnival games, candy/snacks, and a DJ. Then Clown Town will reopen at 10am on Saturday. Along with the rides and carnival games, there will be face painting, sand art/crafts, toddler/preschool games, snow cones, candy, coffee, pizza and more. The rides and carnival games will stay open until 8pm on Saturday, but everything else will close at 4pm, so come early!

Saturday from 6pm-8pm, The Real School of Music will host a stage featuring live music from local talent.

ABOUT THE ANDONA SOCIETY:

For over fifty years, this volunteer, non-profit organization has raised thousands of dollars from the generous local businesses and residents of the Andover community. These funds have been distributed to enhance educational, athletic and cultural enrichment programs offered to young people in Andover.

MODERNIST MASTERPIECE

Modernist architect Marcel Breuer is known for his innovative Wassily chair, a pared back seat made up of a tubular steel frame and strips of canvas. Even if that’s your only point of reference, you’ll see plenty of overlap in this Andover residence he designed, which is highly functional, with clean lines and plenty of open space. The project we are about to share is that of a Marcel Breuer-designed home right here in Andover.

For more on the history of this home's design, click here. The picture below is from the 1950s.

Below is our sketch proposed to update the property creating functional spaces while also honoring the home's architectural design.

Progress photos of the build and the team in action are below.

As with all builds, our goal is to honor the home's architecture, and we feel we did just that with this project. Finish photos are below.

JULY NEWS FROM ANDOVER LANDSCAPE DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

NORTHSHORE HOME MAGAZINE COVER FEATURE

What a way to kick off the summer! We are thrilled to have our Olde Farm Road project on the COVER of Northshore Home Magazine's summer issue, which is out now!

"Tucked away on a small cul-de-sac in North Reading is a backyard oasis like no other: The Old Farm Road Project. Designed by Russell Stott, Andover Landscape’s in-house landscape architect, this property features a free-form gunite pool surrounded by an indigenous Goshen Stone patio custom cut to create ultra-tight joints. Countless hours were spent cutting, chiseling, and even sandblasting this life-sized jigsaw puzzle..." continue reading the full press release.

Thanks to an amazing client who entrusted us to design and build the project and our talented team of artisans that worked tirelessly to bring this to life. To see more from this project, view it in our portfolio.

Photo credit: John R. McCarthy

NORTHSHORE HOME MAGAZINE BONS AWARDS 2021

It's that time of year again! We're honored to be a Northshore Home Magazine Best of Northshore Awards nominee in multiple categories for 2021. These highly-coveted awards allow the community to cast their vote(s) for their favorite, award-worthy businesses. Additionally, these awards highlight the trusted businesses in the north shore community which is very important to local small businesses.

Last year, Andover Landscape was the proud recipient of Readers' Choice awards for best landscape architect, pools, and landscape services. We would be honored to have your vote this year. Voting continues through the end of July.

We are on the ballot in the in the following categories:

Garden Designer

Landscape Architect

Landscaping Services

Pools

Stonework Masons

Water Feature

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL: AN IMPRESSIVELY EFFICIENT BUILD

"My husband and I were in the market for a front yard refresh and started reaching out to a variety of local landscape companies, including our regular lawn mowing service. It quickly became apparent that we needed a company with the vision to design the space not only so it functions, but so it’s aesthetically beautiful. Like most of the projects we do around the house, we asked our friends for referrals and Russell’s name came up repeatedly. At our initial meeting, Russell explained exactly what their process was and how working with them at Andover Landscape was a single point-of-contact to execute our project at the highest level. My husband and I both felt very comfortable with Russell and the process.

Russell’s design was extremely well-thought-out, functioned wonderfully, and most of all -- beautiful. We worked collaboratively throughout the design phase and really learned to trust the expertise that a landscape architect brings to the table. I’m not going to lie, initially I felt a need to control the design as I’ve worked with others on the past that have not listened to my wish list carefully, but after a short time, I realized Russell’s skills were a perfect fit.

The transition from design to build was seamless, with Russell staying involved throughout the entire build to answer any questions that we had and to work through the fine construction details that really makes their work 'next level.'

John and the construction team were professional and very thoughtful, always with an eye to perfection. The flow of trades from masons to electricians to irrigation techs and more was extremely well-managed creating an impressively efficient build.

We couldn’t be happier with the team at Andover Landscape and eagerly pass along their name to our friends."

POOL SEASON IS HERE

Imagine stepping into your yard and having the perks of a resort. View more of our pool projects by visiting our portfolio.

APRIL NEWS FROM ANDOVER LANDSCAPE DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

SPRING IS UPON US

Spring is here. The trees have begun to bud, the grass has started to grow, and gardens are in bloom. We're ready for the warm weather that's coming and, most importantly, the time outdoors that we craved all New England winter long.

We can help you make the most of your outdoor space, but well-thought-out plans take time. If you are planning to update your property's landscape, call us today at 978.475.8138 or contact us to set up a meeting. We'd love to meet with you to explore the possibilities.

EXERCISE YOUR DUE DILIGENCE

During a recent meeting with potential clients, our team was surprised to learn that a rather large landscape project had just been completed and the homeowners were looking for our input to correct some mistakes made by the original designer. As classically-trained landscape architects, Russell and Tim have worked with some of the best in the field, so the design mistakes on this project were obvious. This landscape project was well into the six-figure range -- not cheap by any stretch -- but was so poorly done in design and construction execution that the homeowners were considering ways to fix it.

How can this happen? Easily! Anyone can designate themselves a landscape designer -- there’s no minimum requirement to hold this title. Same is true for a landscaper -- no threshold for entry. As a consumer, it’s up to you to do your due diligence by taking the time to figure out who’s the best fit for the job. A site visit with the potential designer/landscaper will help you understand the quality of workmanship they’re offering. Does the aesthetic appeal to you? Does the site lay out in a logical order? Is the fit and finish of the construction up to standards? Does it look like it should be in a magazine?

Once you start researching potential designers, it’ll become clear that certain qualifications align with those doing the superior work. As degreed landscape architects, Russell and Tim have taken their natural interests and honed their skills to offer our clients top-notch design. Their studies taught them the importance of proper planning and the commitment to getting it right on paper before the shovel ever hits the ground. Russell and Tim tend to rely on sketching free-hand versus computer modeling, which helps them work through design details at a more thoughtful pace. Considerations of material choices and site limitations all become factors as the aesthetic takes shape.

The schematic blueprint as well as inspirational photos that convey artistic intent are all part of the design presentation. Perspective view sketches will help you understand what the area will look like in a three-dimensional view. These design tools are the end result of many hours of site surveys, existing condition analysis, and studio work combined to create a comprehensive master plan. We make the design process simple, we listen to your wish list, and formulate a path to completion. As a design/build company, we seamlessly segue into construction with zero disconnects between design and implementation.

When you’re serious about doing it right, take the time to exercise your due diligence. At Andover Landscape, we are committed to providing our clients with a custom design matched with superior craftsmanship for an outdoor space that's both functional and beautiful.

MAINTAIN YOUR DESIGN WITH FINE GARDENING SERVICES

Maintain the integrity of your design and allow it to mature properly with our fine gardening services. Our team of degreed horticulturists and plant experts can care for your landscape and have it looking great from season to season so that you can enjoy its beauty for years to come. We'll develop a tailor-fit maintenance plan to suit your property perfectly.

Services Include:

Annual and perennial care
Organic fertilizer applications
Structural pruning of trees and shrubs
Weeding and deadheading
Edging and mulching
Vegetable garden installation
Irrigation adjustments
Seasonal container arrangements
Bulb planting
Vertical composting
Low-voltage lighting adjustments

Give us a call at 978.475.8138 or contact us to explore the possibilities of how we can expertly maintain your property.

FEBRUARY NEWS FROM ANDOVER LANDSCAPE: THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOOD AND GREAT IS IN THE DETAILS

DETAILS, DETAILS, DETAILS

It’s easy to miss the finer details during construction, but they become evident in the finished product if they're overlooked during the build. Let’s face it, the difference between good and great is vast, with the majority falling into the ‘good’ category… Great is reserved for the upper echelon.

At ALDC, we strive to be a top-tier architectural organization AND a top-tier construction company. A true design/build firm carries the quality of the design all the way through the craftsmanship of the build, with no disconnects between the design intent and the construction execution. How do we do this? Easily. The lead designer stays engaged on the project daily by visiting the site to make sure the design is evolving as imagined.

Let’s consider the following detail that exemplifies the need for a clear vision with a defined course of execution:

During one of our many pool installations, our design team calls out for a seemingly small construction detail that requires replacing the plastic skimmer cover with a custom, stone insert. Our construction team fabricates the new cover to make it blend into the patio surround, eliminating that unsightly plastic circle and creating a uniform patio surface. Additionally, we bevel the cover and the corresponding seat to create a self-centering insert for a consistent gap around the perimeter of the cover. Then a 1” finger hole is centered within the cover which allows for easy access and a clean, functional aesthetic.

It’s all about the details and this comes with proper planning and the years of experience we bring to both the design and the execution in the field -- just one of the many examples it takes to go from good to great.

PREPARE FOR SPRING AND SUMMER 2021

Warmer weather will be here before we know it. We can help you make the most of your outdoor space, but well-thought-out plans take time. If you are planning to update your property's landscape, call us today at 978.475.8138 or contact us to set up a meeting. We'd love to meet with you to explore the possibilities.

BEST OF HOUZZ DESIGN 2021

Andover Landscape Design and Construction has been named the Best of Houzz Design for 2021. We are proud of this distinction awarded by the Houzz community of users.

From Houzz:

“Best of Houzz is Houzz’s people's choice award. It is the Houzz community's pick of the top-rated professionals and popular home designs across and around the world. There are 2 types of awards to be won; Design and Customer Service.”

BEST OF BOSTON MAGAZINE 2021

We're very honored to be regarded as the Best of Boston for 2021. Thank you, Boston Home Magazine, for honoring us as the Best of Boston North Design Build Firm and for the kind words!

JANUARY NEWS FROM ANDOVER LANDSCAPE

HAPPY NEW YEAR, HAPPY NEW DECADE!

We hope you enjoyed all that the holiday season brings. Now that 2020 is here, we are getting back into the swing of things and looking forward to all that this new year has in store. We hope that this year brings you much happiness, great health, and a lot of time outdoors. Cheers to a new year and new decade!

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT | MAIN STREET, ANDOVER

Situated mid-way between the historic Phillips Academy campus and the bustling downtown area, this property came to life with a design that’s both functional and beautiful. When we initially sat down with the homeowners to discuss their lifestyle, they had just gotten a very exuberant puppy that needed a place to run and play. A traditional fence would isolate the yard and really restrict it’s flow, so we created a ‘puppy lawn’ surrounded by a stainless steel cable system that allows for a safe-dog environment while simultaneously keeping the sight lines open to the remainder of the property.

A circular fieldstone fire pit with a hand-tooled, two-piece cap sits perfectly within the bluestone patio. Located adjacent to the screened porch in the most private part of the yard, the location is optimal for this ultimate four-season retreat... continue reading

VIEW PROJECT PORTFOLIO

MAK & CO. DESIGN NIGHT - SAVE THE DATE!

We're teaming up with the crew at Mak and Co. for the first design night of the year! Join us at Mak & Co. located at River Bend Mill, 18 Red Spring Road, Andover, from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

Come sit and chat with designers about your current or future home projects; observe designer topic presentations (Russell, our in-house landscape architect, will be one of the presenters); and enjoy nibbles, wine, and champagne!

Mark your calendars for January 29th, tell your friends, and prepare for a fun night out!

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CRAVING THE FRESH OUTDOORS?

Us too.

Let us help you get your property ready for the 2020 outdoor season. Well-thought-out plans take time, and our calendar is filling for 2020; if you are planning to update your property's landscape, call us today at 978.475.8138 or contact us to set up a meeting. We'd love to meet with you to explore the possibilities.

MAINTENANCE DIVISION STARTING SPRING 2020

Spring is just over 70 days away and we are very excited for the launch of our new maintenance division.

Many of our clients have realized they need expert services for their designs to mature properly so they can enjoy the beauty for years to come. Allow our team of degreed horticulturists and plant experts to care for your landscape and have it looking great from season to season. We'll develop a tailor-fit maintenance plan to suit your property perfectly.

Services Include:

Annual and perennial care
Organic fertilizer applications
Structural pruning of trees and shrubs
Weeding and deadheading
Edging and mulching
Vegetable garden installation
Irrigation adjustments
Seasonal container arrangements
Bulb planting
Vertical composting
Low-voltage lighting adjustments

Give us a call at 978.475.8138 or contact us to explore the possibilities of how we can expertly maintain your property. Book your 2020 expert maintenance services today.

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REFERRALS KEEP US GOING

The best compliment you can give us is a referral. Do you or someone you know need a landscape renovation? We have the expertise to design and execute a fitting landscape for any property. Referrals keep us going.

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WE'RE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR TALENT

Our team is growing and we're always looking for talented, hard-working candidates to join our crew. If you know anyone with a love for working outside that is looking to join an award-winning team, please share our careers page with them.

VIEW OUR PORTFOLIO