a yard & a half logo
Main Menu
Schedule Your Consultation

Collaborate With Us

Send Us Your Portfolio

Are you a designer interested in pairing up with A Yard & A Half?

Over the years, AYAH has partnered with landscape designers from around the Boston area. We’ve grown and maintained these relationships by offering expert advice, high-quality installations, and working with various budgets.

If you are a designer or a client working with a designer, we would love to discuss this type of partnership with you.

Two people stand outside examining large blueprints spread over a stone wall. The man leans over, pointing at the plans, while the woman follows, touching the paper. They are near a stone building, surrounded by trees and garden tools.

Testimonial from Designer:

“As a designer, I enjoy working with AYAH not only for their superior expertise and combined experience in the field but for their dedication to the earth, passion for nature, and being an insightful eye on all my installations. The quality of their work is above most others, and their positive and supportive collaboration within their own company is clearly expressed in how they work with clients, contractors, and designers.”

– Jocelyn Giso, Owner of Generous Earth Gardens By Design

Terraced Treasure

Transforming a Sloped Backyard into a Functional Family Oasis
Designer: Jocelyn Giso, Generous Earth Gardens
Over the years, AYAH has partnered with landscape designers from around the Boston area. We’ve grown and maintained these relationships by offering expert advice, high-quality installations, and working with various budgets. One of these designers is Jocelyn Giso, the owner of Generous Earth Gardens.
 
Project Manager Steve Hansen and Jocelyn have worked together for many years, and they have developed an approach that benefits both businesses. Steve manages large construction projects that are beyond Generous Earth’s capacity, and Jocelyn is confident that her designs will be built to her standards.
 
If you are a designer or a client working with a designer, we would love to discuss this type of partnership with you.
 
Our latest project with designer Jocelyn Giso focused on transforming a challenging sloped backyard with a ledge into a beautiful and functional space for a young family. The homeowners wanted flat areas where their children could safely play, so we terraced the backyard using stone walls to create leveled spaces. Compact and easily navigable steps were installed to connect the lower deck to an upper play area, maximizing space without taking up too much room.
 
The terraces were designed with perennial beds featuring pollinator-friendly and bunny-resistant plants. The homeowners’ newly renovated home has large picture windows that view a sea of green lawn and terraced lush and perpetually blooming perennial gardens. These carefully planned sightlines make it feel as if the outdoors is seamlessly connected to the inside of the home, inviting the family and guests to enjoy the outdoor spaces.
 
In addition to the terracing work, Jocelyn and the A Yard & A Half team addressed the drainage issues, diverting rainwater from the backyard to the front and ensuring the space remains functional in all weather conditions. We also tackled the steep front walkway, replacing it with a gentler, more accessible path that winds from the driveway to the front door. Lined with perennial gardens, shrubs, and trees, the new walkway adds curb appeal and a welcoming touch to the front yard.
 
Using natural boulders from the site, we not only retained the terraces but also maintained the natural beauty of the landscape. The result is a harmonious blend of functionality, beauty, and smart design that caters to the family’s needs while preserving the environment around their home.
A lush garden scene with large stones and a stone retaining wall among dense green foliage. A small path is visible on the left side. Sunlight filters through the trees, highlighting the varied textures of rocks and plants.
A landscaped backyard features a lush green lawn, stone retaining walls, and a variety of plants. A wooden pergola with seating is on the right, while a small bridge spans across a rocky area in the background. Tall trees frame the scene.
A modern two-story wooden house with tall windows, surrounded by greenery. The house is elevated with a stone retaining wall at the front, and there are trees and shrubs in the landscaped garden. A neighboring house is partially visible on the left.
Granite steps leading to a small garden area with green foliage and pink flowers. A large beige rock nestles between the plants and the edge of the steps. Some small plants are growing in the crevices.
Terraced stone garden with steps leading up through lush greenery. Stone walls support each level, with decorative plants lining the path. Tall trees create a shaded backdrop, enhancing the peaceful, natural setting.
A modern house with wooden siding is surrounded by lush greenery. Stone steps lead from a paved pathway to the entrance. The landscaping includes a small tree and various shrubs, bordered by stone walls.
Scroll to Top