Matt Olson, Author at The Edge from the National Association of Landscape Professionals

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Author: Matt Olson

Matt Olson is a freelancer for the National Association of Landscape Professionals.

Creating Modern Elegance with Limited Space

After many years, this family was ready to upgrade to their dream home in the northwestern suburbs of Washington D.C. Their wish list included a modern, luxurious space for entertaining. Additionally, they wanted a low-maintenance landscape that would fit their travel schedule. For the design and installation, the owners reached out to Rossen Landscapes, based […]

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Transforming a Riverside Oasis: Blending Function with Aesthetics

A short drive from Annapolis, Maryland, leads to a new riverside landscape near Chesapeake Bay. For three years, McHale Landscape Design, Inc., based in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, transformed this property into an oasis, featuring swaths of native plants, rain gardens, and modern plantings that match the new house. Their efforts led to them earning a […]

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Where Agronomy Meets Athletics: Crafting a 5 Star Racing Surface

For five years, the Fair Hill Racetrack in Elkton, Maryland, was preparing for its first horse race. In 2024, their vision became reality as they hosted the Maryland 5 Star. Less than a year later, the turf track saw its first racing action. The groundwork for those events began in 2020, when Ruppert Landscape, based […]

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Two Decades of Dedication: Systems and Stewardship Behind Lasting Landscape Excellence

For 20 years, this gorgeous home outside of Boston, Massachusetts, has been under the care of NatureWorks Landscape Services, Inc., based in Wellesley, Massachusetts. With over 2.5 acres, the property requires lawn care, fine gardening, snow removal, and plenty of pruning. While the standards have remained the same, the site has evolved, bringing challenges and […]

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Against the Elements: Creating a Mountaintop Escape for Year-Round Enjoyment

Until now, the landscape of this mountaintop home had been a blank slate. Nestled among the Appalachian region of Pennsylvania, this yard consisted of nothing but turf. As the family began renovating the home’s interior, they sought to create a backyard resort that would enhance the mountain views and provide year-round enjoyment. They brought in […]

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Landscape of the Month: Creating Luxury in the Heart of Lake Country

A short drive from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, takes you to Lake Country, the home of many well-known people in the Midwest. The area also has numerous lakefront residents, including a new house with a complete outdoor living area. From the upper terrace to the large swimming pool, this landscape has everything needed for a luxurious hangout. […]

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Safety Culture: Strategies for Effective Defense Driver Training

Driving habits have a major impact on employee health and your bottom line. A five-year study from PubMed found that traffic accidents were the leading cause of death among landscape employees. From an insurance standpoint, the average driving accident costs an employer over $90,000 when someone is injured. When accidents happen, insurance premiums can go […]

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Landscape of the Month: Raising the Standard for a Botanical Hotel

This English-themed hotel stands out among the places to stay in New York City, New York. From a rooftop garden to a courtyard filled with sculptures, this property offers a refined, elegant experience for guests. Since 2017, John Mini Distinctive Landscapes, based in Congers, New York, has been responsible for maintaining the diverse landscapes on […]

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Creating an Effective Peer-to-Peer Recognition Program for Your Landscape Team

After a long day on the job site, an employee can relate to the phrase ā€œwe’re all in this together.ā€ As you seek ways to build a healthy team, consider adding a peer-to-peer recognition program. This provides an easy way to celebrate each employee’s contributions and recognize their efforts to go above and beyond. According […]

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Landscapes of the Month: Crafting a Dream Rooftop Terrace

Since 1886, this eight-story building has been a dream location in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts. With proximity to downtown and the Boston Common park, the residents have access to amazing views and amenities. Shortly after moving to Boston, one family wanted to take the dream further by creating a rooftop terrace to entertain guests […]

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