Hydrangeas: The Show-Stopping Favorites of New England Landscapes

It’s no surprise that hydrangeas top our list of most-planted shrubs each year—this season alone, our team at Ahronian Landscaping & Design installed over 130 of them! Loved for their large, colorful blooms, versatility, and timeless charm, hydrangeas are a staple of classic landscape design. Whether you prefer the elegance of tree-form varieties or the compact beauty of dwarf options, there’s a hydrangea for every yard and every homeowner.

Endless Variety: Size, Shape, and Color

One of the reasons hydrangeas are so beloved is their incredible diversity. They come in an array of sizes, shapes, and hues—each offering something special to the landscape.

• A Multitude of Sizes – From small, tidy dwarf varieties perfect for borders or containers to striking tree-form hydrangeas that create stunning focal points, there’s a form for every setting.

• A Palette of Colors – Hydrangeas bloom in shades of white, pink, blue, and purple. Some varieties, like the popular Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea, shift color through the season—from creamy white to soft pink as temperatures change.

• Beautiful Bloom Forms – Their showy blossoms come in a range of shapes—round mopheads, delicate lace caps, or elongated conical clusters—each adding texture and drama to the garden.

• Long Blooming Season – Hydrangeas are among the longest bloomers in the garden, brightening landscapes from early summer into fall.

Choosing the Right Hydrangea for Your Landscape

With so many hydrangea varieties, thoughtful garden design is key. Each species has unique growing preferences, from sunlight to moisture levels.

• Sun or Shade? – Some hydrangeas thrive in partial shade, while others prefer full sun. Oakleaf hydrangeas, for example, can handle more shade and are easily recognized by their lobed leaves that resemble those of an oak tree.

• Plan for Size – Picking the right plant for the right place prevents overgrowth, especially near foundations or walkways. Dwarf varieties like Bobo or Let’s Dance are perfect for smaller spaces, while larger types fill out mixed borders beautifully.

• Design Versatility – Hydrangeas look stunning just about anywhere—along the foundation of a home, near a pool area, or in layered garden beds. They’re equally eye-catching when planted in rows or as standalone accents.

Care and Maintenance Tips

Hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs, meaning they lose their leaves in winter, but with the right care, they’ll return each year even more vibrant. Here are a few essentials for success:

• Pruning Matters – Each hydrangea species has different pruning needs, depending on whether it blooms on old wood, new wood, or both. Having a professional who can identify your hydrangea type ensures it’s pruned at the right time and in the right way.

• Deer Awareness – Deer love hydrangeas, so if your property isn’t fenced or you live in an area with high deer pressure, it’s important to apply repellent regularly to protect your investment.

• Soil and pH – Soil acidity can affect bloom color. In some species, more acidic soils produce blue flowers, while alkaline soils bring out pink and purple tones. A soil test can help you achieve the shades you love.

Tree-Form Hydrangeas: Standing Tall in Winter

We’ve fallen especially in love with the tree-form hydrangeas we’ve been planting this year. Their sculptural shape and large, cloud-like flowers bring vertical interest and elegance to any landscape design. Even as their leaves drop in late fall, their dried blooms and strong branching structure continue to add winter interest, especially when accented by snow or subtle lighting.

The Perfect Plant for Every Season

Hydrangeas embody everything we love about seasonal landscaping—beauty, resilience, and variety. With proper care and placement, they’ll reward you year after year with reliable color and structure. Whether you’re looking to add a single statement shrub or redesign an entire garden bed, hydrangeas offer endless design potential.

At Ahronian Landscaping & Design, we specialize in helping homeowners choose the perfect plants for their property. From compact hydrangeas that brighten small spaces to graceful tree-form specimens that anchor a landscape, we’ll make sure your garden blooms beautifully for years to come.

The Beauty of Blue Spruce: A Perfect Evergreen for Year-Round Interest

As the colors of fall begin to fade and the landscape shifts toward winter, evergreen trees take the spotlight—adding structure, color, and life to our surroundings. One standout species that offers exceptional beauty and resilience is the Blue Spruce. Known for its striking silvery-blue needles and classic pyramidal shape, this hardy evergreen provides year-round interest and has long been a favorite in New England landscapes.

At Ahronian Landscaping & Design, we love planting Blue Spruce trees for their strength, elegance, and versatility—and this year, we even helped share them with our community by handing out seedlings at the Holliston Home Expo and Celebrate Holliston. Watching these small trees grow alongside the families who planted them perfectly captures what we value most about seasonal landscaping: growth, connection, and longevity.

Why Choose a Blue Spruce?

The Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) offers both beauty and durability, making it an excellent choice for homeowners looking for low-maintenance evergreens that thrive in New England’s climate.

• Hardy & Adaptable – Blue Spruce trees are hardy in our growing zone and handle cold Massachusetts winters with ease. Once established, they can even tolerate drought conditions.

• Sun-Loving & Resilient – These evergreens prefer full sun and tolerate air pollution and road salt, making them well-suited for both suburban and urban settings—even near driveways or streets.

• Elegant Form & Color – Their natural pyramidal shape and vibrant blue-green needles add depth and color to the landscape all year long. During the holidays, they look especially magical, dusted with snow or decorated with twinkling lights.

• Low Maintenance & Deer Resistant – Blue Spruce trees are naturally low-maintenance, needing little pruning and offering great deer tolerance. They’re perfect for homeowners seeking lasting beauty with minimal upkeep.

• Variety of Sizes – Mature Blue Spruce trees can reach 40–60 feet tall and 10–20 feet wide, but there are also dwarf and compact varieties that grow as small as three feet—available in globe or conical forms, ideal for smaller gardens.

Planting Tips for Success

For long-term success, proper tree planting and placement are essential.

• Give It Space – Plant at least 20–30 feet from your home or other large trees to allow full growth without crowding. Blue Spruce trees like room to spread and don’t thrive in tight spaces.

• Soil & Drainage – Choose well-drained soil to prevent root rot. While Blue Spruce can tolerate a range of conditions, they prefer not to sit in overly wet areas.

• Sun Exposure – Make sure they receive plenty of sunlight—this is key to maintaining their strong shape and rich blue color.

• Ongoing Care – Like all evergreens, Blue Spruce trees should be watered consistently until the ground freezes to help their roots stay healthy through the winter.

Growing With the Community

Last fall, we partnered with the Holliston Lions Club to plant a Blue Spruce in Blair Square in the heart of Holliston. The tree symbolizes growth, community, and the future—a living reminder of how seasonal landscaping connects people and places. For the families who brought home small Blue Spruce seedlings from this year’s events, each tree will tell a story as it grows: a story of time, care, and the beauty of nature right at home.

A Perfect Tree for the Season—and Beyond

As we enter the colder months, evergreens remind us that the landscape is never truly asleep. The Blue Spruce offers strength, color, and charm when the rest of the garden rests. Whether you’re looking to enhance your property with a statement tree, add structure to your winter landscape, or carry on the tradition of planting evergreens for the next generation, this beautiful evergreen is the perfect choice.

At Ahronian Landscaping & Design, we bring decades of experience in landscape design and professional tree planting throughout Massachusetts. If you’re inspired to add a Blue Spruce—or other evergreens—to your property this season, contact us to help you choose the right tree for the right spot.

Fall Is for Planting: Why Trees Thrive in Autumn

When most people think of gardening, spring is the first thing that comes to mind. But in reality, fall is one of the very best times to plant trees. At Ahronian Landscaping & Design, we encourage homeowners to take advantage of autumn’s cooler weather and unique conditions to establish new trees that will enhance their property for decades to come.

Why Fall Planting Works So Well

Planting in the fall offers several natural advantages for trees:

• Cooler Temperatures, Less Stress – With the heat of summer behind us, trees experience less stress during planting. Their energy can focus on root development instead of supporting heavy foliage.

• Roots Before Shoots – Trees planted in autumn get a head start. While their above-ground growth rests, roots continue to establish underground, preparing them to burst with vigor come spring.

• Lower Watering Needs – Because deciduous trees have fewer or no leaves during dormancy, they require less water than in summer. Still, it’s important to keep watering until the ground freezes.

• Fresh Evergreen Availability – Fall is also a prime time to find freshly dug evergreens. These are excellent for privacy screening or as specimen trees—many of which can even be decorated with holiday lights to add festive charm.

The Benefits of Trees in Your Landscape

Trees are more than just plantings—they’re long-term investments in your property and the environment. Thoughtful landscape design incorporates trees for beauty, function, and sustainability.

• Environmental Stewardship – Trees sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and provide habitats and food sources for countless species, including the birds we love to see in our yards.

• Shade & Comfort – Well-placed trees provide shade that cools your home and creates inviting outdoor living spaces, even on the hottest summer days.

• Privacy & Screening – From tall evergreens to ornamental groupings, trees create natural barriers that bring peace and seclusion.

• Curb Appeal & Legacy – A street lined with mature trees increases property value and offers timeless beauty. A tree planted today becomes part of your home’s story for generations.

• Erosion Control – Root systems stabilize the soil, protecting against runoff and erosion.

• Right Tree, Right Spot – Choosing the correct tree for each site ensures long-term success, whether you need a variety that tolerates wet conditions, drought resistance, or specific size considerations.

Making the Most of Fall Planting

To maximize success, consider both the type of tree and where it will go. Strategic garden design means thinking about spacing, mature size, and how trees interact with other plantings. A carefully chosen specimen tree might become the centerpiece of your yard, while groupings of evergreens provide structure and screening. By working with experts, you’ll ensure that the right tree thrives in the right place.

Invest in Trees This Season

Trees are living assets that enrich your property in countless ways—adding beauty, creating comfort, and contributing to environmental health. Planting them in the fall gives them the strongest foundation for long-term success.

At Ahronian Landscaping & Design, we’ve been helping Massachusetts homeowners transform their properties with professional tree planting for nearly four decades. Whether you’re dreaming of a stately shade tree, a colorful ornamental, or a screen of evergreens, now is the perfect time to invest in your landscape.

Landscape Maintenance: The Art and Purpose of Pruning Services

Pruning services are more than just trimming plants to make them look neat—it’s a horticultural practice rooted in science and strategy. At Ahronian Landscaping, serving Holliston, Hopkinton, Newton, Wellesley, Framingham, and surrounding towns, we view pruning as essential to maintaining the long-term health, beauty, and balance of your yard's landscape. Here’s a closer look at why, when, and how we prune for both aesthetics and also vitality.

🌿 Why Prune? The Purpose Behind Our Pruning Services

Pruning is a fundamental part of garden care with much more far-reaching benefits:

• Control Plant Size: Pruning helps manage how large your plants grow, keeping them proportionate to your landscape design and preventing overgrowth that can feel chaotic or out of place.

• Promote Plant Health: By removing diseased, damaged, or dead limbs, pruning protects plants from infection caused by insects, fungi, or bacteria.

• Enhance Visual Appeal: A well-pruned garden appears intentional, tidy, and beautifully maintained—bringing out the best in each plant’s natural form.

• Protect Your Investment: Landscaping is a significant investment. Regular pruning ensures your plantings thrive and your property continues to look its best year after year.

Consider the Big Picture:

• Start with a vision of what you want your landscape to look like.

• Think about the plant’s role in the landscape and how it complements nearby plants.

• A balanced pruning job respects both form and function.

Timing is Everything:

• Proper timing enhances plant recovery and future blooming.

• A general rule: prune after the plant’s bloom time and before its next bud set.

• Our seasonal landscape maintenance plans include strategic pruning throughout the year, and we also offer winter pruning services for species that benefit from dormant-season care.

✂️ Strategy on Your Landscape Maintenance: Prune with Purpose and Vision

Pruning is both an art and a science. Our pruning service approach ensures plants remain healthy while contributing to the overall beauty of your yard.

The Pruning Order:

1. Remove Dead Wood: Always begin by pruning out anything dead or dying to prevent decay and disease from spreading.

2. Address Health Concerns: Cut away crossing, rubbing, or inward-growing branches to prevent damage and improve airflow.

3. Shape with Intention: Each plant species—and each property—has a unique look. We shape plants based on their natural growth habits, the design style of your landscape, and your personal preferences.

🌱 Types of Pruning Techniques

Different situations call for different types of pruning:

• Rejuvenation Pruning: A bold technique used on certain hardy shrubs like rhododendrons. It dramatically reduces size and encourages vigorous new growth.

• Rotational Pruning: Common for shrubs like lilacs, this method removes older stems to encourage newer, more youthful shoots.

• Thinning: Improves air circulation and light penetration by removing selected branches throughout the plant.

• Heading Back Cuts: Shortens stems by cutting back to a leaf node or bud, helping control shape and growth direction.

🛠️ Tools of the Trade: Equipment Matters

Using the right tool for the right cut ensures clean, healthy pruning and minimizes the risk of plant stress or infection.

Here are some tools we use in different scenarios:

• Hand Pruners: For smaller branches and detailed work.

• Loppers: For thicker stems that need more leverage.

• Hand Shears & Power Shears: Ideal for shaping hedges and softer growth.

• Pole Pruners: Extend reach for taller shrubs or small trees.

• Orchard Ladders: Provide safe access to higher limbs.

• Chain Saws & Sawzalls: Used carefully for heavy-duty pruning and rejuvenation cuts.

Each piece of equipment serves a purpose—and our trained team knows exactly when and how to use them.

🌸 Prune for a Healthier, Happier Landscape

At Ahronian Landscaping, we don’t just prune to make things look tidy—we prune to promote long-term plant health, enhance the natural beauty of your yard, and ensure your landscape remains a thriving reflection of your vision. We see pruning as an essential part of your year round landscape maintenance, so hopefully with these tips and tricks you will be on your way to adding it into your landscaping routine!

But if you are looking for a little help, whether you’re tackling overgrown shrubs, shaping flowering perennials, or refreshing tired trees, we are here with expert pruning plans tailored to your property’s needs.

👉 Contact us today to learn more about our pruning services or to set up a seasonal landscape maintenance plan. And check out below if we landscape in your area! 

Holliston, Hopkinton, Sherborn, Dover, Wellesley, Sudbury, Wayland, Weston, Natick, Medway, Franklin, Wrentham, Medfield, Millis, Upton, Hopedale, Milford, Framingham, Ashland, Newton, Southborough, Westborough, Walpole, Westwood, Needham.

Mountain Laurel: A Show-Stopper for Yard Landscapes and Gardens

As you plan your spring and early summer landscape updates, now is the perfect time to spotlight one of New England’s most breathtaking native plants —The Mountain Laurel plant (Kalmia latifolia). Blooming in full force right now, Mountain Laurel brings unmatched beauty to any garden and yard landscape with its intricate flowers, evergreen foliage, and versatile sizing options.

Whether you’re working with open garden beds or rock gardens, there’s a variety that will work beautifully in your space. We’ve captured this season’s blooming beauties right here in our own yard — both the classic ‘Fuscata’ and its charming dwarf counterpart, ‘Minuet’.

Why Mountain Laurel for Your Yard Landscape?

With its showy, star-like flowers, the Mountain Laurel shrub is a stunning focal point through all four seasons. Native to the eastern United States, this evergreen is cold-hardy, deer-resistant, and perfect for adding color, texture, and structure to your yard landscape.

It thrives in partial shade and acidic, well-drained soil — making it ideal for woodland gardens, shady borders, or anywhere you want to introduce bold, native charm. Plus, its flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems while beautifying your space.

Key Characteristics for the Mountain Laurel Plant

Foliage: Dense, glossy green leaves that stay vibrant year-round

Flowers: Clusters of intricately formed blooms in white, pink, or red hues, usually appearing in late spring

Pest & Disease Resistance: Generally low-maintenance with strong resistance to common pests

Wildlife Benefit: Attracts pollinators and provides shelter for birds and beneficial insects

Meet the Varieties

🌸 ‘Fuscata’ – A tall, classic Mountain Laurel that can grow up to 10 feet high. It boasts dramatic clusters of light pink flowers with deep red accents — perfect as a backdrop or statement shrub in larger landscape beds.

🌸 ‘Minuet’ – A compact, dwarf variety that matures at around 3 feet tall. Though small in size, it produces similar striking blooms to its larger cousin. Ideal for rock gardens, small borders, or under windows where height matters.

Both varieties are in peak bloom now at our yard, offering a firsthand look at their visual impact and garden potential.

Ideal Yard Landscape Uses

✔ Foundation Planting – Add evergreen appeal near your home while enjoying seasonal blooms

✔ Woodland & Shade Gardens – Naturally thrives in dappled light conditions

✔ Rock Gardens – Especially the dwarf ‘Minuet’, which offers color and texture without overwhelming small spaces

✔ Pollinator Gardens – Flowers draw in bees and other beneficial insects during the blooming season

✔ Evergreen Structure – Provides year-round form and greenery in beds that may otherwise go dormant in winter

Mountain Laurel Care & Maintenance

Mountain Laurel prefers acidic, well-drained soils and does best in partial shade. Once established, it’s relatively low-maintenance — requiring only occasional pruning to maintain its shape and remove spent blooms. Be mindful that while Mountain Laurel is beautiful, it is also toxic if ingested, so consider pet placement when planning.

Invest in Seasonal and Structural Beauty

By incorporating Mountain Laurel into your garden design, you’re adding more than seasonal color — you’re investing in a reliable presence that transforms with the seasons. Whether you’re drawn to the full-size elegance of ‘Fuscata’ or the petite charm of ‘Minuet’, this native shrub brings timeless character to your landscape.

📍 Contact us to start planning your own Mountain Laurel installation.

At Ahronian Landscaping, we’ll help you design a space that looks stunning now and lasts beautifully year-round.

Welcome Spring with Flowering Trees for New England

As winter fades and your landscape finally begins to wake up, few sights are as refreshing as the first blooms of spring-flowering ornamental trees. At Ahronian Landscape & Design, we believe these trees are essential for adding beauty, structure, and seasonal charm to your property. Whether you’re updating your landscape or starting from scratch, spring is the perfect time to consider planting one—or several—of these signature trees.

Ornamental trees for front yard landscaping located in Norfolk, MA

Front yard landscaping located in Holliston, MA

Why Choose Spring-Flowering Trees?

Spring-flowering trees are among the first plants to bring color and life back to your outdoor space after a long winter. Their blooms support early-season pollinators, fill the air with natural fragrance, and create an unforgettable focal point in any yard. These trees also set the tone for the entire growing season, providing lush greenery throughout summer and often delivering colorful foliage in the fall. They offer curb appeal, structure, and a sense of seasonal rhythm that enhances the beauty and functionality of your garden all year long.

Popular Options for New England Landscapes

Located in Holliston, at Ahronian Landscape & Design, we are proud to help the surrounding communities of Hopkinton, Sherborn, Dover, Wellesley, and Medfield and the rest of Massachusetts transform their landscapes each spring too. Bringing that charm and beautiful bloom we help Holliston see each year to life! And when it comes to ornamental trees - we are the specialist. Whether you’re refreshing an existing garden or starting from scratch, our team is here to help you make the most of spring with flowering trees that thrive in New England.

Top Spring-Flowering Ornamental Trees for New England Landscapes

🌸 Cherry Trees

• Bloom Time: Late March to early April

• Blossom Color: Soft white or pink

• Height: 8 to 35 feet

• Best For: Small and large landscapes; weeping and dwarf varieties available for ornamental value

🌸 Redbud Trees

• Bloom Time: April and May

• Blossom Color: Pink, white, or red

• Height: 20 to 30 feet

• Best For: Compact yards; flowers bloom directly on branches before leaves emerge

🌸 Plum Trees

• Bloom Time: March through May

• Blossom Color: White or pink

• Height: 5 to 20 feet

• Best For: Small gardens; adds romantic charm and fits in tight spaces

🌸 Crabapple Trees

• Bloom Time: April and May

• Blossom Color: White, pink, or red

• Height: 6 to 25 feet

• Best For: Colorful blooms and fruit that attract birds later in the season

🌸 Magnolia Trees

• Bloom Time: March through June (variety dependent)

• Blossom Color: White, pink, purple, red, or yellow

• Height: 15 to 60 feet

• Best For: Making a dramatic statement with large, showy blooms

🌸 Dogwood Trees

• Bloom Time: April through July

• Blossom Color: White, pink, or red

• Height: 20 to 40 feet

• Best For: Front and back yards; offers layered structure and multi-season appeal

Bringing Your Landscape to Life

Spring-flowering ornamental trees are more than just decorative; they bring life, movement, and personality to your property. From the early bursts of color to the lush summer canopy and vibrant autumn tones, they offer something in every season. Their resilience after winter serves as a reminder of nature’s ability to renew and inspire.

At Ahronian Landscape & Design, we specialize in creating outdoor environments that are both beautiful and functional. If you’re thinking about enhancing your yard this season, our team can help you select and install the perfect flowering trees to complement your space.
Let’s make this spring unforgettable. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start planning your landscape transformation.