Driveway Retaining Wall

RJM Landscaping, Inc. was contacted by this homeowner to replace an existing retaining wall that was falling over, causing the driveway to sink. After evaluating the site and close working conditions, we chose the Unilock Sienna wall system.

This stone is a machine set wall with each block weighing close to 600 lbs. This system reduced the amount of excavation work as well as avoided disrupting the two bordering properties. Upon completion of the wall, to remove the sunken pieces, the driveway was saw-cut, re-graded and a new blacktop was installed.

Hi Rick!

 

Everything looks fantastic! Great job - and again - it has been a pleasure to work with you. Your guys are very professional and courteous (and even liked dogs - I think - at least Bailey thought that)!

I will be happy to refer anyone I know who will be doing this type of work to you! Thanks again!

 

Patti

Goshen Stone Patio and Seat Walls - Westfield, MA

This client contacted us to create a new patio off of their existing deck. We constructed a patio surrounded by seat walls out of Goshen Stone. Small plantings were installed to soften the area and create a splash of seasonal color.

Goshen Stone Wall and Yard Expansion - Huntington, MA

This homeowner wanted their property to become more usable space. After clearing the trees and brush, we brought in over 2,500 cubic yards of fill material and loam to expand the back and side yards. We built a Goshen Stone wall with flat faced boulders incorporated into the wall for a unique appearance. The wall divided the front and side yard elevations, reaching heights over 7 feet. We finished off this project by hydro seeding the newly created areas.

Patio and Retaining Wall

RJM Landscaping was contacted by this customer to design and install a usable space underneath their existing deck. Our design consisted of creating a patio using the Unilock Holland stone paver in the Nevada Blend color accented by the Holland stone paver in the Charcoal color.

We took advantage of the different elevations that the property had to offer by installing a curved two tier retaining wall to add function and privacy by sheltering the patio from the nearby road. It also created an area for the customer to add plantings. The set of steps that runs through the wall also allows access to the upper side lawn, which later on will have a series of paver pathways surrounded by gardens. We used the other grade change to create a small seat wall within the patio for guests and alike to enjoy.

Williston Northampton School, Easthampton, MA

The Williston Northampton School, located in Easthampton MA, needed a landscape to compliment the magnitude and historical nature of their newly built/renovated student and faculty housing.

R.J.M. Landscaping was responsible for installing the entire landscape as well as all lawn areas of the project.  A variety of ornamental and shade trees including large 5-6” caliper Oak trees along with 4-5” caliper Steeple Maples were planted to bring the scale of the landscape into proportion with the project. An assortment of perennials and shrubs were added to compliment the architecture of the buildings. The project was completed by hydro seeding all lawn areas.

Stone Wall, Stockbridge, MA

This client needed the stone wall on his vacation home rebuilt or repaired and chose R.J.M. Landscaping to complete the project.  Upon closer examination of the existing wall, Rick Miller, owner of R.J.M., determined that the large amounts of water, coming from the slope above, was the primary cause of the failure of the previous wall.  It was also determined that there was a fair amount of ledge in the area which would need to be removed to build a new wall properly.  An interlocking block retaining wall with a drainage system built behind it (to handle the quantities of water from the slope above) was created using the Unilock Roman Wall system.  The new wall was designed and built to flow into an existing portion of the previous wall, using native limestone from the area.

Stanley Park, Westfield, MA

R.J.M. Landscaping was awarded the contract to begin renovations of Stanley Park’s Asian gardens in the fall of 2008.  The project consisted of the installation of over 1,000 linear feet of ADA (American Disability Act) approved pathways.  One section of the pathway was created using large slab pieces of Goshen Stone, although the majority of the pathways were made out of stabilized stone dust. Two different styles of unique natural stone walls were installed to further enhance the theme of the gardens. This phase of the project was completed by Hydro seeding all the lawn areas within the new pathways.  Future phases of the project will consist of a two-tier pond with waterfalls, a Cleansing Garden and the addition of Asian-style plantings.

New Landscape, Southampton, MA

RJM Landscaping was hired to design and install a patio, several walkways and outdoor lighting to complement a recent addition to the house.  The raised patio was created using the Techo-Bloc Mini Creta Plus in both 3” and 6” sizes to give a random patterned look.  A seat wall around the patio was installed using pieces of natural granite for posts and capped with stone to match the block.  Steps were installed off each side of the raised patio, giving access to the inground pool below and to the Goshen Stone stepping stones (which lead over to the house’s new addition).  A grand set of steps were installed from the new addition to a new walkway (which RJM also installed using Techo-Bloc pavers).  A new walkway and steps were also added to the front of the house.

A complete front and back landscape was designed to give this house a fantastic new look, using a variety of plant material including a Weeping Red Bud, Japanese Stewartia, Hydrangeas, and mixed perennials.  To finish the project, over 35 low voltage copper lights from Vista were installed throughout the property.  The lights supply ample light around the raised patio and walkways and also cast beautiful shadows by accenting specimen trees and house features giving a subtle, relaxing feel to the entire property. 

Elegant Landscape - Westfield, MA

This homeowner wanted a whole property design, since their house had just been built.  This gave us a clean slate to work with and left much room for creativity.  Due to the intensity and extreme size of the project, it was broken into two phases.  Phase One consisted of the front yard and began in the spring of 2007.  A large front walkway was created using Unilock Stone Henge pavers in Coffee Creek and Terra Cotta colors, chosen to compliment the cultured stone used on the house.  A beautiful landscape was then installed consisting of specimen trees including a Weeping Red Bud and a Fox River Valley Birch tree, along with perennials and other seasonal color.  Low voltage lighting was installed to highlight the landscape and the stonework of the home.  Phase One was completed with a newly Hydroseeded front lawn.

Phase Two began in the fall of 2007 and focused on the backyard and on creating a beautiful yet practical outdoor entertaining area.  The outdoor entertainment area was to be created on the bluff section of the property, highlighting the gorgeous views of the surrounding mountain range.  The entertainment area consisted of sitting walls with built in low voltage lights, a fire pit and the outdoor kitchen.  All of the sitting walls were built with Techo Bloc Mini Creta Plus in the Mojave Beige color and capped with Brownstone.  Over 1,000 square feet of Unilock Mirada Stone pavers were used to create the patio areas.  The outdoor kitchen consisted of a central island containing a built in stainless steel grill with a back splash and several electrical outlets on the back side to power the rotisserie or any electrical items the homeowner may wish to use.  The island’s countertop was also done in Brownstone to maintain the continuity of the project.  Low voltage lighting was installed in the stonework.  On the back side of the kitchen island, boxes were built into the stonework to hold wood for the fire pit.  An 800 square foot walkway was installed behind the house connecting the two sets of steps that were installed in Phase One.

In spring of 2008, the backyard will be finished by installing the landscape, outdoor sound, irrigation system, and lawn.  Updated pictures will be posted at that time – this was truly an extensive project with an absolutely breathtaking outcome.

Paver Patio - Easthampton, MA

This homeowner wanted a new concrete paver patio installed off the back of their home.  First, the existing patio – which consisted of an 8” thick concrete slab with ½” rebar reinforcement – had to be removed and a new 8” thick gravel base was installed to support the new patio.  The client chose the Techo Bloc Victorian paver in a brick red color.  A circle design was added in the middle of the patio to create a focal point and add some flare.  A set of steps leading up to the new back patio were also installed using the Techo Bloc Mini Creta Plus.

Goshen Stone Steps and Paver Sidewalk - Northampton, MA

This project was a lot of fun, since it consisted of working with a historic home and property.  We were hired to install a new front step and front walkway and the challenge was maintaining the old, historic look but using modern materials.  A large slab of Goshen stone – 6’ wide by 3’ deep and 7” thick – was chosen for the front step.  This proved quite a challenge to set due to its 6,000 pound weight!  Once the stone was set in place, the old crumbling concrete walk was removed and a new paver walkway using the Unilock Mirada stone was installed.  The Beechwood blend color with a Granite blend band was chosen to compliment the new stone step and the colors of the house.

Backyard Oasis - Southampton, MA

This project included designing a new landscape that would transform homeowner’s backyard into a more welcoming and inviting space and also provide a relaxing, peaceful place for their new hot tub… a true outdoor oasis.

The wooden steps off the kitchen door and back deck were old and rotted and needed to be removed.  Two new steps using the Unilock Olde Quarry stone in the Terra Cotta color were installed and a level pad for the new hot tub was prepared.  A paver patio was created using the Unilock Holland Stone in Terra Cotta.  A new landscape was installed, consisting of a specimen tree as a focal point along with native shrubs and plants to blend in with the natural surroundings, as well as give year-round color and add some privacy for this backyard oasis.  To finish the project, the entire back lawn was hydroseeded to add lush, green grass to the outdoor space. 

Front Entryway Landscaping - Westfield, MA

This client wanted a new design and installation of a front entry way for their home.  A custom window well was installed using the Unilock Roman Wall, along with two sets of radius steps leading out of each front entryway.  The Unilock Richcliff paver with a three color blend was chosen to compliment the colors of the home.  Once the hardscaping portion of the job was completed, we installed a playscape in the back yard along with a new sod lawn to complete the project.