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.