MONACO MUSINGS

Hurricane Ian caused significant damage to the South Coast of Florida and the City of Naples. The Monaco Beach Club Condo Board was prompted to restore the storm-damaged vegetation and update the landscape of the 1983 building. Faithful Flowers proposed to retain surviving elements and introduced a design plan focused on native Florida species. Chandler Green from Green Heron Landscapes provided horticultural advice and the manpower for implementing the design. This restoration not only rejuvenates the surroundings but also enhances the appeal of the Monaco Beach Club Condominiums.

The first impression of the property underwent a stunning update with the removal of an overgrown hedge and the addition of light and airy bottle brush plants. Lush tropicals of varying heights were chosen for the foundation plantings, while long-lasting white Pentas were added for elegance. The result is a refreshing wow factor for the entrance.

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AFTER

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Neglected drainage areas near the parking garage were transformed into shell islands adorned with ferns and Bromeliads, improving aesthetics and effectively managing water runoff.

Native Crinum lilies are sprinkled throughout the landscape, adding a dramatic touch. Florida Muhly grass will add even more visual interest with its Autumn bloom.

New Areca palms, Florida Dombeya, wild petunia, and Xanadu now line the side of the property, offering a secret path for servicing the generators.

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AFTER

A damaged retaining wall was reconstructed and filled with Petunias and native Thatch Palms.

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Following the storm's destruction, the old wooden retaining pool wall was swept away and subsequently replaced with a modern composite wall seamlessly integrated into the surroundings. The beachwalk has undergone extensive restoration and enhancement, now featuring improved nighttime lighting and adorned with orchids, elevating its appeal to a whole new level.

The elevated planters leading to the pool and additional colorful containers add pops of color in the common areas.

Seashells, grasses, and Clusia tidy up previously messy areas.

A hedge of silvery native Button Snake root is used to conceal the water main.

The garage area was cleaned up, and black river rock was added to retain and dress up the bed. Giant Cutleaf Philodendrons were introduced to soften the concrete, creating an appealing and polished look.

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The barren and bare exit was transformed to a lush, lovely tropical lane.

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The shared front of the building, which was also used by three other high-rise properties, lacked charm and elegance. The driveway entry from Gulf Shore Boulevard failed to showcase the beauty of the neighboring properties. The guard house entry felt outdated and unwelcoming, while the main garden was plugged with annuals that needed constant rotation.

BEFORE

To address these issues, the driveway entry was updated to better reflect the beauty of the surroundings. The guard house entry was highlighted to create a more inviting atmosphere. Additionally, the main garden was redesigned with more sustainable landscaping options, reducing maintenance requirements and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.

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A heartfelt thank you to the Monaco Board of Directors, the Monaco Management team, and all staff for your unwavering support and trust in our vision. We extend our gratitude to the Landscape Committee for overseeing the project with dedication. A special thank you goes out to Chandler Green https://www.greenheronlandscapes.com and his team, whose partnership made this endeavor seamless and beautiful. Additionally, we express our appreciation to Mark Stahlmanhttps://www.stahlman-england.com for his expertise in lighting and irrigation, which added the perfect finishing touches to the project!

From Wellesley to Brookline with love!

My client saw our photo spread in New England Home Magazine and she wrote to me asking for a similar garden feel at her Brookline home. The only issue was that her property was more than half the size of our Wellesley project. Our goal was to create a secret garden with walkthrough spaces and a family hangout spot.

The front of the house was crowded and overgrown. We actually moved the huge yew on the left to the side of the house, kept the rodys and made room for new plantings. I suggested adding a fence that would compliment the existing railing. We planted in front and behind the fence to add layers and dimension to the landscape.

We tore out all the grass on the way to the backyard and added a romantic stepping stone pathway.

We divided the small backyard into three distinct experiences in which one can walk through via the stepping stone pathway: the terrace, the meadow, and the rose and perennial garden.

The little natural stone terrace fits right into the garden landscape.

The birch tree throws off beautiful shadows night and day. Later in the season we will plant meadow seed for the spring bloom.

The fence became the backdrop for a colorful rose garden. The Venus Dogwood provides a spring flower show and fall ruby red leaf color. The hornbeams in the back help with privacy.

When evening falls there is a whole other dimension, feel and enjoyment to the landscape.

Thank you dear client and 3 generations of family who entrusted us with their project. We so enjoyed working with you and creating your dream landscape. Thank you as alway to Francis and his masons and the FF team who worked especially hard to make this project a stunning success!

PORCH LIFE

I was honored to be asked to reimagine a friend’s garden and porch in Jamaica Plain. The garden was overgrown and a mishmash of plantings and the porch was rotting away by the moment. It was an opportunity to tear everything up and start anew! First off, we pushed the porch stairs back a bit and shortened the front landing. That way we could install a longer walkway to show off the garden and home.

Before we got to work.

The old concrete walkway had to go.

Grasses and Yucca plants overwhelmed the tiny yard.

Mike from Insulart deserves a medal for figuring out how to reconstruct the rotting, floor, columns and railings. Next up, we focused on the front and side gardens. Our client wanted to enhance the porch life with colorful plantings that would provide privacy and scent. Viburnum shrubs will provide a pretty backdrop to the Bloomstruck Hydrangea and Russian Sage.

The new stairs are flanked by steeds holly and a beautiful new bluestone walkway leads guests through the garden right up to the stunning porch.

We pulled out more garden space, repositioned the stepping stones and rehabbed the lawn. Now the front garden will bloom all season long with roses, lavender, catmint, sedum, iris, liatris and autumn anemone. Perennial geraniums soften the first step off the street. We tucked in new shade plantings along the house and added a limelight hydrangea in a special sunny spot.

Our client put her own fab finishing touches on her brand new porch. Now she has the perfect porch life!

Thank you to Francis at Stone Creations for remaking the walkway with us and the wonderful FF crew who always goes the distance. Thanks dear friend for trusting me with your makeover!

PLANNNG AHEAD

Our Chestnut Hill clients wanted to make sure that when they were ready to retire, they had a beautiful garden to enjoy in all seasons. In thinking ahead, they desired a landscape they could safely traverse and care for. The existing terrace was cramped with a sharp dropoff to the lawn below. First thing, we took down the wall and pushed it out to create more entertaining space.

The porch was really too small for chairs and tables and there was no way to get down into the garden. We enlarged the porch area, added steps and a colorful rose and lilac garden at its feet.

Over at the slider, we cut out a circular area and installed a brick landing ready for an evening by the firepit.

BEFORE

We wanted to keep the backyard very natural. We cleaned it up and added blooming trees, native and pollinator plantings. A new shed fits right in.

BEFORE

The front of the house was a blank slate. We installed a new bluestone walkway and flanked the door with Pinky Winky Hydrangeas and colorful foundation plantings.

BEFORE

We cut out a garden near the sidewalk so that the view up the street leads you right to this lovely home. At night the Hawthorne trees are softly lit.

BEFORE

Foundation plantings of grasses and sage catch the morning and afternoon light.

Berries, flowers and seeds abound and so do the birds, bees and butterflies.

Thanks as always to team FF and my dear clients for trusting me with their vision. Thank you Francis and the Stone Creations masonry team.

A MONUMENTAL PROJECT!

The only reason this project is called “Monumental” is because it lies steps from the Bunker Hill Monument! It’s actually quite a tiny job but I could not resist saying yes, because my good friend asked me to help her out. This tiny Charlestown backyard can be found down a hidden alley attached to a magnificent townhouse. The problem was the size and the lack of light. A dual wall had been built and while it was nice to have a plant bed, it took up valuable square footage. I suggested we remove the second wall and swap out the deteriorating brick for antique bluestone pavers. We added bluestone caps to the remaining wall and beautiful fountain area. We added some new planting areas and buffed up the area under the tree with some lovely blooming shade plantings.

We chose lightweight aluminum furniture from OUTER. It looks great, is super comfy and best of all has a hidden cover so you don’t have to drag your pillows in every time it rains!

Our container specialist designed containers to do well in a low light and bring an elegant vibe to the new room.

Thank you Francis for coming into the city to fight the traffic and parking! The masons did a great job. As always, Lorena you and I make a great team! Thank you dear client for asking me to transform your small space into a lovely gathering spot.

RESERVOIR OF COLOR

Just a few steps from a local reservoir sits a stately brick home surrounded by old overgrown plantings. We were eager to get our hands on this project and transform the landscape into a riot of color. First thing was to dig out beds by the long front stairway so that pollinator friendly plantings could spill down the hill almost right into the reservoir.

We replaced the overgrown shrubs at the front door with two large limelight hydrangeas. As fall approaches they will turn a nice pink color to complement the brick. We chose to go with a traditional look with boxwoods and clusters of Obedient plants in the front beds to keep the focus on the colorful stairway plantings. A new Japanese Maple defines the corner of the house and brings another pop of red to the landscape palette.

The old shrubs in the car parking area cut off the view and lawn area. We brought in nine beautiful European Hornbeams and underplanted them with Annabelle Hydrangea and Catmint. The Hornbeams now lead you from the street into the stately driveway.

We created a dedicated rose and peony garden by the front door. Come spring, it will bear colorful tulips and Allium to greet friends at the door!

Colorful Coneflowers, Twist and Shout Hydrangeas, Sedum and Drift roses assure us that something will be blooming all season long.

Hugs to my fantastic crew who brought the plan to life. You are all the BEST people. Thank you my dear clients for entrusting us with your dream landscape. I know you will enjoy watching it grow and develop for many years to come. May it bring you joy.

GOLDEN TEMPLE!

It’s hard to work above Brookline’s Washington Square while the scent of local restaurants wafts through the air. Once I stopped jonesing for Golden Temple’s spring rolls and Mamela’s egg and cheese on a brioche, I was able to concentrate on the matter at hand. I met our clients a few years ago when I redid their terrace and installed an upper garden and sitting wall. We also added a new tree and plantings down the steep hill below. It became a great intimate space to hang out and have dinner with friends. But wait! Our clients saw the dry riverbeds we have been inventing and installing and wanted one of their very own. The idea was to be able to view a winding rock “stream” and riverbank from the terrace and from the deck far above. Now our clients have their very own Golden Temple of tranquility!

A deck off the the house gives another great view.

Before we got to work on the river project.

The “river” begins at a birch tree we mounded up with beautiful underplantings of Sweet Woodruff, Solomon’s Seal, Lirope, and Autumn Aneome. Each of these plants has a delicate seasonal bloom. From there the river flows past riverbanks draped and dotted with Lecothe, native Itea, Little Joe Pye, Tangerine Day Lillies and perennial Geraniums. White Annabelle Hydrangeas and lime green Hostas light up the dark spaces.

After-The curves of the river, makes the space look larger. We chose a mix of boulders, colors and sizes to make it all look natural.

Tucked in plantings at the base of the birches.

Perennial geranium bring a purple pop of color to the riverbank.

Tangerine Daylillies

Little Joe Pye-native and gorgeous!

Brunerra

Annabelle Hydrangea

July blooming Lirope

The orange lillies and purple Little Joe Pye make a great combo.

Thank you dear clients for letting us create your dreamy hidden garden and bearing with us as we chose specific spots for each and every stone! Thank you team Francis and Stone Creations for being the best partners in sourcing materials, installing stone and helping with the design. Thank you especially to Lorena who planted each shrub, and flower all on her own in 90 degree heat and was key to design and install. Thanks as always to my design partner Victoria P. who always brings my plans to life exactly as I envision them. This was truly a team effort with a spectacular result.

QUICK FIX!

This older home was a hidden gem in a beautiful leafy Brookline neighborhood. It was hard to see because of the hedges and overgrown plant material. The new family brought the home back to life on the inside and now it was time to address the blank slate out front. They wanted lots of color and gave us great ideas with photos they took on their walks. We replaced the lawn with hardy sod, installed eye catching containers, added foundation plantings and colorful perennials spilling right out to the street.

The side of the house needed some TLC too, so we created a shady garden path leading to the backyard.

Thank you dear clients for trusting us with your vision! Thank you crew for making it happen in two days!

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT!

When you start digging, you never know what you are going to find. In this case, our clients asked us to create a backyard oasis big enough to entertain friends and family. High on the wishlist- a spa, firepit, kitchen, large terraced area and lush colorful gardens. As we set about grading the area, we realized that an underground spring ran across the property. This required a lot of water mitigation to drain the water out and away from the house.

BEFORE-This small terraced area did not even provide enough room for a table.

Next, we built a new terrace using Unilock’s Beacon Hill XL pavers. We added a step up firepit surrounded by scented lavender and roses hanging off the wall. A tiered water feature adds a soothing sound to the environ. The handmade bluestone and granite benches provide extra seating around the crushed shell firepit area.

Once the spa, kitchen and furniture arrives, Let the party begin!

We used a lot of native plantings as well as pollinators to keep the garden bee and butterfly busy!

Native Agatache is a long bloomer.

Miss Manners adds a splash of white and is a prolific spreader.

Whenever I see white Catmint, I grab it! Amazing smell.

Phlox is always a winner. Pretty, long blooming flowers.

Yarrow does not alway have to be yellow!

Hydroseeding is in now we just wait for the lawn!

So now the only river running through, is a river of color and beauty. Thank you to my clients for trusting me with their dream project. Thank you FF crew for bringing it all to life. Thank you Francis and the mason team for rolling with the changing elements and coming up with solutions. Of course thank you Gary Fialosky for getting the irrigation system up and running and to Hydroseeding by Norman for the new lawn! As always my #1 draft pick, Victoria Petrovsky.

WINTER WORK

People always ask me what I do come wintertime. Well besides planning and drawing landscapes, we take on some renovation work. This was a particularly fun project because it was for a neighborhood friend. I watched her daughter grow up, get married and move into her own place. My friend still owns a three decker where she raised her own kids and with a new grandbaby on the way it was time to move her daughter into the ground floor apartment. The only problem was that it needed a lot of love before they could move in. All ceilings were re-plastered, lighting, electrical and plumbing updated, kitchen and bathroom flooring installed and rooms were painted with soft modern colors.

FRONT DOOR

We cleaned up the front entrance with a fresh coat of paint on the floor and walls.

A dim hallway leading to the kitchen was transformed with a coat of Dove White and new recessed lighting.

The kitchen needed some real updating. We installed new cupboards from Cabinets To Go. They were stylish and well constructed and did not bust the budget. We turned the existing pantry into a the all important laundry right off the kitchen.

Old Kitchen

Old stove area.

Old school tile might be the rage, but this particular color of bathroom pink had to go. We added a cheery floor tile, new bath fixtures, subway tile, vanity, lighting and a medicine cabinet.

Old bathroom.

Front rooms were given a coat of Ashley Grey and new lighting. The old fireplace is now a stunning focal point.

Pocket doors separating the two front rooms were restored after many years of disrepair.

The master was painted with the soft color “Steam.” We reconfigured a closet/pantry space into a large his and hers walk in closet.

The “Hint of Violet” Baby’s room awaits her majesty’s arrival!

Thank you to Mike Souza, the “hold my beer guy” who can pretty much do anything when asked and his team including Bona Pang, our fantastic electrician and Dalton Carvalho, best plumber ever! Thank you to our clients for trusting us with this project.

HISTORIC MAKEOVER/PRENTISS HOUSE

We were so excited to be asked to reimagine the landscape at the historic Prentiss House in Cambridge, MA. The home is hidden away in a stunning neighborhood of old homes just off Mass. Ave. BREC LLC, a Boston-based development company, purchased the inn in 2021 to update the property and to improve the guest experience while maintaining the quaint and private nature of the former inn. The front garden had been let go during the pandemic and the fantastic inner courtyard was a mishmash of containers and lawn furniture. FF went to work to blend the old with the new to complement the incredible inside updates. You can book your guest room at Prentisshouse.com

We chose white, yellow and green for the front. Simple and elegant.

Forsythias will provide a backdrop all season long. Early summer, roses will be added in a nod to the history of the garden.

Dwarf pines flank the entrance.

The back courtyard deck had a lot of potential. We installed seven oversized corten steel containers to bring the garden into the space. Some of the flowers will be changed out seasonally to keep it fresh and colorful.

Arborvitaes with pansies and tulips at their feet create private areas for the guest suites.

A cozy nook is ready for guests to enjoy an afternoon drink.

Containers overflow with spring plantings.

A fun swing awaits guests.

Later in the evening, folks can enjoy chatting by the light of a warm fire table.

Thank you to my remarkable FF team, the folks at BRECC- Brent, Corey and Amanda, Victoria Petrovsky, Outer Furniture, Suns Outdoor Living and Suburban lawn irrigation.

Jamaica Plain Jane No More

This beautiful brick home hidden away in Jamaica Plain has everything going for it. Perched on a hill and tucked away on a secluded street it is owned by a couple who have lovingly restored the inside. Their fondest wish was to create an outdoor area that connected the front yard to a deck and firepit in the new backyard space.

Architect Bruce Miller designed asymmetrical pathways that lead to the new back stairs and upper and lower decking. Carpenter Mike Souza installed a carefree Brazilian hardwood that will last for years. We repurposed an existing back wall to serve as a wood storage area for the new firepit. Stonemason Francis Andrade added great touches of bluestone on the steps and lower pathway. Nice place to spend an evening!

Thanks as always to my Faithful Flowers Team and of course, to our fab clients who entrusted us with their project.

Before/unusable terrace space.

After/ Upper and lower decking, fire pit and wood storage bins.

Before/Old pathway to backdoor and backyard..

After/ New hardwood pathway waiting for spring plantings in pocket garden (right).

Wood storage bins.

Enough wood for cozy winter fires.

Wine makes everything better!

LAST WALL BEFORE THE FREEZE!

Our West Roxbury client was desperate to replace his decrepit wall. We decided that Unilock Concord was the way to go to keep the cost down and curb appeal high! Here’s the before and after as well as his superb review-See below. Thanks so much!!

BASEMENT BONUS ROOM

We’ve been hearing the phrase “Bonus Room” lately and in this case a basement bonus room became three distinct spaces. Our clients had been flooded out by a burst pipe and outside drainage issues. Once FF came on the scene, we took care of the exterior drainage issues and called in https://www.realdrywaterproofing.com to build an interior drainage system. Once things dried out, architect Phil Kramer designed a space to include an office nook, TV hangout area, a gym, and a bathroom with shower!

The entrance to the basement needed a little love. A fresh coat of paint and a colorful window box leads into the the new space.

Office Please!

We created an alcove for a small office space and updated the stairs with a wood and metal railing.

Floored!

We love using the Drycore products. The real wood floor is protected from moisture.

Walled in

The wall separating the space was removed and pushed back and a doorway was added to flow into the gym.

Floored

We love using the Drycore products. The real wood floor is protected from moisture.

Fit me in.

A new exterior door was added, piping was hidden and we converted the area into a space to stretch, bike and row.

Can we get a bathroom down here?

We eked out enough room to add a bathroom in the space where the punching bag was formerly hung. Frosted doors were added to separate the old basement and the new bathroom.

Wash Me

Simple and modern tiles and accessories give the bathroom a crisp look.

Master Mike

Mike Souza of Insulart ran the show and and is responsible for the beautiful transformation.

Phil Kramer of https://philipkramerdesign.com cleverly created multiple spaces for the family to enjoy. As always, Phil provided detailed designs, super solutions and was a joy to work with. Thank you electrician, Bona Pang and Plumber, Dalton Carvalho for making the seemingly impossible-possible! Lastly thank you to my clients for entrusting us with this project.

FRIENDLY MAKEOVER

My good friend asked me to take a look at his daughter’s new home to see what we could do. It is her very first home and pretty darn exciting! I know that we had to make the front a lot more friendly and give her some great entertaining space in the back.

We gave her a nice big landing coming right out of her front door for an easier exit and to comply with code. A new railing is on its way. We then pushed the stairs further out and broke into the wall to add some big new steps. The front garden was reimagined into a cheery and colorful space.

The backyard needed some big time TLC! We added a big terrace and a bigger landing and steps from the house.. The new path to the street cleans up nicely. Bamboo will screen the property and adds a calming feeling to the space.

BEFORE

BEFORE

Orange you glad you checked out this cute project?? Thanks as always to the FF Team and to Francis and his magic masonry crew.

BLAME IT ON THE PORCH!

When they called me, our Newton clients had just added the most beautiful porch to their lovely victorian home. Now they wanted landscaping to enhance the new work. Upon my initial visit, I suggested taking up the old pavers and adding a bluestone pathway from the carpark to a sweet rest area surrounded by a half moon wall. They loved the idea and we were off to the races!

Before construction.

During construction.

We moved a lot of trees around to create a backdrop for the new wall and create some privacy from the aqueduct crowd. A new stepping stone pathway connects cleanly to the back door. We were happy to change out the old front door landing with beautiful natural bluestone surrounded by lush plantings. Now this home has a landscape to match her beauty!

From our client…”Thank you Faith,
We are DELIGHTED with the results and we were impressed by each and every member of your staff. You created a beautiful outdoor space for us —we loved working with you. We will keep watering! Please feel free to invite people to come by and to use us a reference.”

As always thanks to the fabulous Faithful Flowers team for their attention to detail and making this project a winner. Thanks to Francis at Stone Creations and his team of masons who can build anything I ask for. Lighting and irrigation by Suburban Lawn of Newton who never fail me, no matter how complicated the project may be!

THE BUCKET LIST

Our Dedham client had a big bucket list and backyard big enough to make it happen. They wanted room for a greenhouse, firepit, hammock rest area, and terrace for entertaining. Best of all they wanted to get rid of the lawn and have a colorful and wild garden.

We pushed back and rebuilt the terrace walls and added new bricks and a lot of square footage.

A concrete foundation was poured and our handy client ordered a greenhouse kit for the space and installed it overnight!

Natural stepping stones wind through the garden and pause at the greenhouse, firepit and rest area. Pollinators are already enjoying the variety of colorful plantings.

How about a cuppa tea in the garden?

Thank you Team Faithful and Team Francis for making another fantastic, faithful garden!

HILLSIDE HORROR!

Take a look at this before photo and you may feel like I did when I first visited the site…yikes!!!!! This steep backyard offered very little to the young family. They yearned for play space for the kids and a pretty garden to soften the landscape.

Even getting down to the backyard was hazardous.

I’m not a huge fan of block walls, but in this case it was the way to go. It enabled us to push back the grade and create a two tiered garden. We then added beautiful granite steps for easy access to the new space. Fabulous Francis and the team worked up until the first real snow to get all the masonry installed.

Next up was to stabilize the right side of the hill with boulders and add a trio of River Valley birches with an underplanting of ornamental grasses.

We sprinkled in viburnum, hydrangeas, hosta, itea, catmint, giant ferns and some lovely bleeding hearts. Then, we lay down a carpet of freshly farmed sod to complete the project. Now we just have to convince the kids to stay off until it takes root!

THE WHITTLED DOWN WEDDING.

So many folks have had to postpone or downsize their wedding during Covid. It may be disappointing to some, but I have see the upside. The weddings are smaller, more intimate and more meaningful. Many, like this young JP couple decided to downsize their wedding and focus on improvements in their backyard.

When I first visited, I found an overgrown mess. They really wanted to create a large level space to celebrate with their family. Luiz and Lucas figured out how to do it by digging out an enormous boulder and building a long retaining wall. We added a nice pathway down to the space and granite steps to the lower level. Next season we will add a small lawn below. The FF team was happy to give the couple a gift of bluestone stepping stones. In return, they have promised celebration photos! Enjoy the before and afters!

Thank to the fantastic FF team for wrangling rocks and removing stumps!