Best of Boston Home 2012

Outdoors

Landscape Designer: SiteCreative

From a South End brownstone’s enclosed courtyard to a cottage addition to a Nantucket estate, no project lies outside the scope of SiteCreative. The firm’s dedication to sustainability translates effortlessly to residential designs.

535 Albany St., Suite 402b, Boston, 617-390-5663, sitecreativelandscape.com.

Lawn and Garden Service: A Blade of Grass

Led by landscape designer Jim Douthit and archaeologist Heather Lashbrook Jones, this small company has earned a loyal customer base for its mastery of plant cultivation and lawn maintenance, not to mention its organic solutions to lawn care. In addition to formal and perennial gardens, A Blade of Grass specializes in container gardening — and festive holiday décor for the yard.

129 Boston Post Rd., Wayland, 508-358-4500, abladeofgrass.com.

Pool Design and Installation: South Shore Gunite Pools & Spas

This top-notch company entered the industry 35 years ago, when in-ground pools were mostly uniform. Today, it encourages customers to think beyond the standard rectangle, resulting in pools and spas that always make a splash.

7 Progress Ave., Chelmsford, 800-649-8080, southshoregunitepools.com.

Fence Design and Installation: New England Woodworkers

The fences created by the meticulous craftsmen at New England Woodworkers may have old-fashioned appeal, but this company is decidedly forward-thinking. The wood used in its picket fences, arbors, pergolas, and gates is FSC-certified, and custom patterns are available, too.

3 Royson Dr., Kingston, 781-936-8804, newenglandwoodworkers.com.

Garage Doors: Marathon Door & Glass

The staffers at Marathon Door & Glass are well versed in the best garage doors — each fitted with the appropriate hardware — for every style of home. The company handles all aspects of installation, as well as routine maintenance and repair.

5 Charlesview Rd., Hopedale, 508-482-9558, doorathon.com.

Hardscape Design and Installation: The MacDowell Company

Roy MacDowell and his crew offer skill in both construction and design. From graceful bluestone terraces to water features that look as though they’ve been there forever, the understated designs blend with the environment rather than overtake it. And with masonry artisans who are amazingly exacting, the experience is a pleasure from start to finish.

21 Centre St., Weston, 781-899-9393, macdowell.com.

Outdoor Furniture: Janus et Cie

Janus et Cie’s collections marry beauty (contemporary elegance) and beast (defiance against the outdoors); the brand’s signature textile is UV- and weather-resistant. We also have a soft spot for the electrostatic powder-coated aluminum Forest chair in a die-cut silhouette of lush trees.

Boston Design Center, One Design Center Place, ste. 114, Boston, 617-737-5001, janusetcie.com.