Few cities compare with Boston for coastal living and exceptional urban landscapes. This historic city is home to the Charles and Neponset Rivers that feed into Massachusetts Bay. In this city is the Emerald Necklace system of parks designed by America's greatest landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmstead. Many of the oldest homes lie upon this exceptional greenbelt where beautiful examples of federal and Greek revival architecture provide opportunities for upscale city gardens. More modest are the old row houses, not affordable by any means, and thus ideal places for small patios and decks to allow outdoor living in this mild coastal climate.

This area is home to the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, established in 1829 and its activities are part of the annual spring Boston Flower and Garden Show which demonstrates the latest trends in local garden design. The beauty of this area's old gardens can be seen in the historic Beacon Hill neighborhood where occasional home tours offer glimpses into these very private spaces.

Just up the Charles River lies the city of Cambridge, the home of Harvard University and its world famous Arnold Arboretum. Designed by Olmstead and devoted to woody trees, shrubs and vines, it's a valuable resource for finding examples of mature landscape specimens in the local climate. Here too are many opportunities to learn more about gardens for New England and to discover both exotic and native plants widely used in residential home landscapes.

Further inland is Newton, a quiet suburb with large homes and expansive landscapes that are both modest and upscale. They are also some of the most expensive suburban homes in the east. This is where the best residential landscape architects and designers know how to get that prim New England character that makes these vintage homes look like magazine spreads. Here upscale adults and growing families have space for swimming pools, tennis courts, outdoor kitchens and the latest in outdoor fire features. Contractors here are accustomed to getting the most out of large properties that aren't quite estates.

Follow the Mystic River upstream to Medford, which offers larger urban lots and homes within an easy commute into the city. With much 20th century development, there's full range of architecture styles with a strong emphasis on single family houses of brick, clapboard and stone, materials typically reflected in the landscapes too.

In these outlying areas the look and feel of the landscape is distinctly traditional with expansive lawns, shade trees and beds of blooming shrubs. Landscapers in this area know how important azaleas are to spring and maples to fall, making their projects as beautiful in every season as possible. With a powerful dry stone wall tradition, this is where the most skilled masons achieve the same traditional look with stone veneer over block. These contemporary versions of historic walls offer the same look as the original houses and farms.

Further south along the coast, the coastal breezes makes living in Quincy ideal for outdoor entertaining within an easy commute into Boston. This collection of neighborhoods offers more affordable housing and thus larger homes accented by beautifully designed gardens. While the front yard may be lovely, the backyard is where homeowners are adding amenities such as a spa, grilling station, outdoor kitchens and perhaps a family fire pit as well.

The Boston area with its Nor'easters and occasional summer hurricanes requires quality contractors to build landscapes that stand up to the extremes of weather. With freeze thaw a serious issue, choosing only qualified companies ensures your investment will last. Above all, the design here is traditional northeast, but when it comes to outdoor living spaces with dining and grilling in the summer months, entertaining al fresco is always in big demand, particularly after a long cold winter.