#hardscaping

Finally went through the photos I took last week from this jobsite- probably 95% of the pathway material and plants etc. were things that the client already had. Sheetmulched over all the remaining grass in the front yard, shaped new planting beds, created a rock garden along the southern side of the house, and then puzzle pieced together the walkways out of bluestone pavers, old clay roofing tiles, marble slabs, concrete pavers, and more. It’s a project that meant a lot to me, and was truly a pleasure to do. ❤️

^ Hardscape for my future isopod vivarium, using a mix of green slate and unidentified rocks I hastily shovelled into my pocket from a train station (I was totally allowed to do that shh) plus azalea roots. Here’s a messy pair of thumbnails of the idea I drew in about ten seconds for it in my terrarium journal ->

I think I managed to preserve the idea of the circular shape created by the roots and rocks pretty well. I really like the shapes and proportions of all the components together, it’s incredibly fun to look at even without the plants and moss :]

Patio - mid-sized rustic backyard concrete paver patio idea with a fire pit

ideas for a sizable coastal backyard remodel with a rectangular hot tub

There’s something kind of embarrassing about the state of our driveway. It’s cracked, uneven, and apparently a magnet for any weed brave enough to claw through asphalt. Every year, I say this is the year we fix it. Every year, I find something more fun to spend money on. Still, every time I pull in, I wince a little at the welcome my house puts on.

The thing is, driveways aren’t just about cars—they set the tone for the whole property. Lately, I’ve daydreamed about a driveway that actually lifts up the front of the house, maybe with decorative borders or that crisp, clean look you see in home magazines. No more dodging puddles or explaining to guests “just step over that little crack.”

So I started poking around for local solutions, and found myself reading Northscapes Inc’s Driveways page (here: https://northscapesinc.com/services/driveways/). They talk about driveways as design choices, not just functional slabs. Materials like pavers, concrete with decorative stamping, even options for “resurfacing” without totally ripping everything out—that’s tempting.

The part about custom layouts and addressing slope/drainage issues had me thinking about all those winter ice patches we get, and how an actually well-graded surface could save some ankles. I never realized how much craftsmanship goes into those beautiful driveways—layer after layer for durability, with a finish that really lasts.

What I love most is this idea that you can choose a surface to match your home’s style. I’m not sure what would look best for us—classic paver or maybe a stamped concrete border—but I’m enjoying imagining the options. Even the talk about regular updates and clear communication (with them keeping you updated every step) made this feel less overwhelming.

I haven’t called for an estimate yet, but I’m walking around the front yard picturing how a new driveway could give our house a real “welcome mat” feel. Pretty sure my car (and my neighbors) would thank me, too.

Your driveway is your home’s handshake—so why settle for a cracked, faded asphalt slab? Cambridge homeowners are ditching dull for durable, head-turning driveways that boost curb appeal and survive Boston winters.

Top Picks: 🔸 Pavers: Stylish, flexible, and easy to repair (plus, no cracks!). 🔸 Stamped Concrete: Looks like stone but costs less. Win-win. 🔸 Permeable Options: Eco-friendly and reduces puddles.

Why It Matters: A sleek driveway isn’t just vanity—it ups your home’s value and makes snow shoveling less of a nightmare.

Local Pro Tip: AMR Landscape designs driveways to fit Cambridge’s architectural charm. Full post here if you’re curious: Driveway inspiration.

Transforming Outdoor Spaces with Evergreen Valley Landscape

Cutters Landscaping

Cutters Landscaping is a dependable landscaping company in Austin, Texas, dedicated to turning everyday yards into beautiful, functional outdoor spaces. We offer customized landscaping solutions designed to boost curb appeal and improve how you use your outdoor areas. Our services include landscape design, planting plans, patios, and expertly constructed hardscaping features, all tailored to suit your style and the local climate. Every project is completed with a focus on quality, durability, and thoughtful design. Whether you are updating specific outdoor features or planning a complete landscape redesign, Cutters Landscaping creates well-planned environments that support comfort, usability, and long-term performance.