A Backyard Built for Living: Outdoor Transformation in Scituate, MA
In Scituate, MA, a homeowner turned to Elmwood Landscapes to transform their plain backyard into a vibrant, multifunctional space for meals, laughter, and relaxation. The existing setup didn’t match their vision, but Elmwood saw the potential. With a four-phase plan, including a custom patio, outdoor kitchen, lush plantings, lighting, and hillside restoration, they created an inviting outdoor retreat ready for every season and occasion.
I am thrilled to share my experience with Elmwood Landscapes over the past four years. They have consistently transformed our outdoor space into a stunning retreat, from the beautiful patio and expertly designed outdoor lighting to the vibrant new plantings that bring life throughout our property.
Their attention to detail and commitment to quality are evident in every project. The team is professional, knowledgeable, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure our vision comes to life. Each installation has exceeded our expectations, enhancing our outdoor experience and creating a welcoming atmosphere. I highly recommend Elmwood Landscapes to anyone looking to elevate their landscape design. Their dedication and expertise truly set them apart!

Phase 1: Hardscape
Backyard Patio, Outdoor Kitchen, and Seating Wall
- Excavated and installed a 1,100-square-foot patio using Unilock Bristol Valley Endura-Color Pavers in Steel Mountain with an intricate border design.
- Constructed an 18-foot seating wall with a matching cap.
- Designed and installed an outdoor kitchen with a 13-foot deck extension and an 18-foot bar area featuring a granite countertop.
- Integrated a custom firepit, kitchen, and pizza oven in collaboration with StoneFire Outdoor Living.
- Installed landscape lighting with In-Lite Puck-22 paver lights every 6 feet, plus an Alliance Bluetooth transformer to power additional lighting.
Phase 2: Softscape
Plantings and Boulders
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Created new planting beds throughout the property using screened loam, plant-based compost, and 2–3″ of brown mulch for healthy root development.
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Installed a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and perennials, including Japanese Maple, Magnolia, Knockout Roses, Hydrangeas, Arborvitae, Holly, and ornamental grasses.
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Regraded lawn areas and installed Black Beauty sod, dry-seeded, and fertilized for lush, long-term growth.
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Installed and adjusted irrigation zones to accommodate new lawn and planting layouts.
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Transplanted and repositioned existing plants like rhododendrons, peonies, and ornamental grasses to harmonize with the updated landscape.
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Incorporated natural boulders to define garden beds and enhance the terrain across slopes and hillsides.
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Added new trees like River Birch, Blue Spruce, Dogwood, and Eastern Redbud to create year-round texture and color.
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Extended landscape lighting into the planting beds and tree areas using well lights and path lights for enhanced nighttime ambiance.
Phase 3: Enhancements
Landscape Lighting & Lawn Irrigation
- Removed storm-damaged trees and restored the landscape with Japanese Maple, oakleaf hydrangeas, and blueberry bushes.
- Installed Cherokee Princess Dogwood Tree, split ornamental grasses, and enhanced lawn with 3/4-inch blue stone.
- Expanded planting beds with Colorado Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, River Birch, Rose of Sharon, and assorted perennials.
- Downspout diversion system installed to manage rainwater effectively.
Phase 4: Hillside Restoration & Additional Tree Planting (2024)
- Cleared unwanted vegetation and applied wildflower seed for natural aesthetics.
- Incorporated large landscape boulders for structural integrity.
- Added River Birch, Japanese Maple, Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, Limelight Hydrangeas, Knockout Roses, and Gold Mop Cypress.
- Enhanced lighting with Alliance well lights.
- Prepped and elevated planting areas with 14 yards of screened loam.
- Installed Paperbark Maple and Eastern Red Bud trees.