The New Box Trailer

After:

Before:

Unfortunately, I did not 'snap' a before photo of this site, but nevertheless, the client at this particular location was extremely pleased with the pavers, the tree selection, the sod install and the plant choices. If you wander the corridors of downtown Lenox, you may find this property.

The Granite Stone steps have been installed.

Site work has begun for the new landscape at the Legacy Banks Merrill Road location. The existing gravel and aggregate base was deemed not worthy, and is being replaced by an improved growing medium.

Warmer temperatures have obviously inspired the part of the brain which signals for landscape design, and estate maintenance. If, and only if, mother nature would order up consistent weather, the folks at Berkshire Turf & Ornamental could begin these renovation projects. In this photo, it is evident that some landscape products have been removed... I am encouraging the client to 'keep' the garden and install new plantings. The garden projects the same image on the opposing side of the walkway. It is certainly a difficult task to see beauty in the landscape setting this time of the year ~ we just need to practice patience... and soon enough.

The holy grail of the bicycle world ~ this site features a rather boring landscape install, with very little if any visual appeal. I am comfortable being critical of this work simply because I was the original installer. At the time, I was asked to offer a very basic turf and garden delineation, and planting plan. We agreed upon both the aesthetic, and as well as the functional aspects; but most importantly, the financial details. At this time however, the 'boys at the bike shop' want an upgrade. I had the priviledge to meet with the bike shop owner, as well as an 'energy consultant', or perhaps better know as a 'feng shui' advisor. Each of us agreed that we had to make some changes... Proposed changes include: a larger garden area; native shrub and herbaceous perennial installs; adirondack river rock for the drip edge; rustic folk art bicycle riding kokopelli; and an eye~catching turf appeal. Stay tuned. Thanks for spending your money Steffen.

As my desire to be more creative becomes apparent, so too does the opportunity to be creative ~ fortunately. Yesterday, I have the pleasure to visit the 'old rock pile' quarry in Otis, MA. I was given a tour of the grounds and facility, and an overview of the function of the quarry. I was then offered as much time as needed to hand select, but obviously, not lift the granite boulders needed for the application. The rock pictured in the photo stands proudly at 8 feet in height, and boldly at 3 feet in width. I would like to incorporate this piece into my landscape design at the Legacy Bank project; however, it is a $3000 chunk of granite ~ weighing in at roughly 3 tons. I will be using much smaller granite boulders in an effort to build a raised garden area whereby mulch will be allowed to spill over and between the joint lines of the rocks. I have determined that I want the rocks to discretely define the garden area. The boulder presentation will be very informal. In the garden area, I have chosen (6 count ~ 10 & 12') single leader American Heritage River Birch plantings ~ to keep with the native theme. Thank you Al ~ It was a pleasure.

The folks at Berkshire Turf & Ornamental wish to thank you for your continued patronage and your loyalty. Inclement weather made scheduling logistics virtually impossible during the 2009 Landscape Season. The farmer's almanac suggests that the new year will be more user~friendly. Hopefully, we will be able to entertain new projects as well as finish the details of the previous season. Thank you for your consideration.

At this splendid property, the client is optimistic that 'Mother Nature' will

enable the professionals at Berkshire Turf & Ornamental to not only 'get

to' but hopefully 'finish' this patio & granite install. In this photo, you see

a site that has been excavated in preparation for a customer chosen granite stone tread install. To the immediate right of the stringers, the contractor has created a vinca shade garden. On the opposite side and in front of the risers, the customer has chosen 'bluestone' for the patio and walkway application. The contrast between the stone selections, the planting scheme, and the vivid color of the home will be sharp. Check back for updates...

...would you like to have a beautiful lawn to compliment not only your landscape but also your home? If you give consideration to certain cultural practices, financial resources, micro~climates, soil considerations, irrigation and sun exposure a beautiful home lawn can be achieved while recognizing the importance of environmental stewardship. At this charming Stockbridge location, this valued client wants the proverbial 'nice lawn'. This process, which began in the fall of 2009, will most definitely manifest itself in the spring of 2010. You will be surprised at the results. (Just a footnote ~ the brown discoloring you see in these photos is simply sphagnum peat moss which was applied using a tractor mount broadcast spreader). We offer a consulting service if you are interested...

Another new construction project leads to another new landscape project. At this site, the client has asked the folks at Berkshire Turf & Ornamental to match the landscape to the decor of the building. The client has also requested that the planting selections, and the mulch detail to be 'organic' and/or 'indigenous'. I can appreciate the 'green movement' and look forward to offering a native planting schedule as well as an organic sweet peat mulch. Stay tuned for updated photos.

With the 2010 Landscape Management & Horticulture Planting Season approaching, the design aspect has begun. At this location, all of the existing weeds/perennials/shrubs and turf areas have been removed. The new project will require site work ~ excavation ~ and the eventual install of 6" of 50/50 compost/topsoil from Holiday Farm, which will serve as a better growing medium for the new plantings. The plant/tree/shrub selection will be 95% native. Starting date: Ground Frost Finish date: 2012

After months of deliberation, we have finally arrived at the new business identity...

Tell what you think!

Perhaps, I am anxious for winter to have completed its cycle. But, I am certainly making mental progress with respect to early season projects. In this photo, you will obviously make note of the apparent weed dominance. The 'white birch' hardwoods should be the primary focus in this garden landscape; however, neglect (and weed seed dominance) has consumed the soils. We intend to begin this project in early to mid May ~ so stay tuned. I will attempt to renovate the garden by performing selective pruning maintenance on the 'birch'; eliminating and/or controlling the weed seed; edging; driveway repair. Also, I will work with the client to decide on plant selection for this site.

The New Lawn

Although this photo does not speak for itself, it is in fact a newly installed lawn ~ only 6 weeks post install.  The process was rather arduous.  Using a sod cutter, we removed nearly 3000 sq. feet of kentucky bluegrass sod (which does not perform well in shady areas) and installed several yards of premium 50/25/25 topsoil.compost.sand mix and a shade tolerant seed blend.  I might still be sore from the sod removal process.  But, the seeing the finished product is certainly worth the inherent difficulty.