October News

Posted on Craig Okerstrom-LangPosted in News
The original modern home was built in the mid-80’s and had absolutely no landscaping except for mowed lawn and the Boston Ivey growing on the concrete block of the house. We worked with the new owners, first with sketches and visits to landscape nurseries, to develop a theme for the new gardens. The hardscape design was by the owner (who is an Engineer who is also an excellent welder) which we advised on. The initial landscape design and installation was by OL Ltd.

Our nickname for this property is “Berkshire Asian” due to the far-east influences in the courtyard, Asiatic plant species, Bonsai plantings including a mini-forest of tiny upright Yews.

The owner wanted a landscape that would have a clipped and controlled feeling and look plus contrasts with weeping dwarf trees and ornamental grasses.

The owner built the Corten steel arbor that connects the main house to the studio. The Studio was originally an open structure with the roof for parking a tractor in it. It is now a design studio and mediation room.

New swimming pool that was started late fall 2018 and finished for the 2019 4th of July weekend for new home in West Stockbridge, MA. Designed to accommodate large family gatherings, this 18’ x 38’ “play-pool” has a number of fun features including:
• Curved corners for a casual layout
• Spa in shallow end corner with sun shelf next to it
• Deep end for diving
• Swim out at one end of deep end
• Curved seat at the other end of deep end
• Kodiak Granite coping (warm tan tones)
Stamped concrete pool terrace and surround has all curved edges, provides ample area for pool furniture. The pool fence connects two house corners and winds down the lower slope so it hardy visible. The landscape design is all mixed tree and shrub Hydrangeas (6-8 weeks of flower bloom), summer perennials and mixed sizes of ornamental grasses. The lawn was sodded.

OL Ltd completed a pool master plan, design and construction management and installed the landscaping. Pool built by Scott Pools. All site work and drainage system by Shane Oates Construction Inc.
Lakeside sitting deck on Yokum Pond, Becket, MA is tucked along the shoreline between the lake, large native trees and a wetland area. Careful design and permitting with the Becket Conservation Commission prior to any work being commencing.

The air is crisp, we are wearing layers of clothing while being outdoors hiking and working in our gardens. It is one of my favorite times of the year, as long as it not rainy.

My best prediction for best fall colors in the Berkshires is the 2nd week of October. In 2018 the fall colors seemed dull here but in Northern Michigan they were spectacular, while we were in Traverse City, Michigan and Leelanau County.

So enjoy your last days of decent outdoor weather. This is an excellent time to plan any projects for spring 2020!

Please contact Craig Okerstrom-Lang, ASLA, RLA for a consult at 413-329-6165