Landscaping
Once the ground beneath the deck is covered in fabric and stones, consider planting Emerald Green Arborvitae, Clematis, climbing roses, Cherry Laurel, climbing ivy, Boxwoods, Japanese Holly, Buckthorn, Bamboo, topiaries, tall hedges, climbing vines, or Juniper hedges around the perimeter of the deck bottom. This will add privacy and visual appeal. Think of these plants as a living privacy screen. Privacy not a concern? Full shade plants like Oakleaf Hydrangea, Rhododendrons, Daphne, Mountain Laurel, and Virginia Sweetspire create a perfect shaded garden beneath the deck. Just be sure to use the weed blocker and stone to keep the plants from being choked out by weeds.
I think this is the look I like best, but no water feature. I like the wide and deep one-step slab entry with plantings in front of the window. Lighting at base of slab would be a good addition. Maybe wide concrete slabs set in stone leading up to entry, with turf on either side and then plantings? Unsure about walls, but they do look nice. What about adding some low contemporary fencing at front?
The birches
Maybe some contemporary fencing to section off a courtyard area?
Sculptural orbs!
I like the rocks edging the planting area
Layered plants for front
Fountain
Cool fountain
Fountain from vessel
Water feature
Squared planting area for tree; stones set in gravel from driveway?
Pretty mix
The layered plantings...woodsy.
Moss!
Maybe a walk or seating area made with same material as back deck? [Zuri]
Stone slab walkway, rocks with plantings
Maybe something like this adjacent to the patio in the back? I do love ferns, too.
This is an example of a water feature near the front door. Probably not suitable for MA.
I like this look, but expect it would end up a weedy disaster.
Vertical stone groupings...sculptural!
Gravel with slabs
Love the lighting under the steps
Planting in patio; patio material
Stairs; rocks/boulders
What material is this patio? I like the light color; would help brighten the lower level.
Raised beds, ornamental grasses Big slabs
Island
Q