Verified record
Offshoots is a Boston landscape design-and-build practice known for the kind of project a client can barely recognize from the "before" photo — a neglected urban mud pit turned into a functioning patio, an expansive lawn given over to a permaculture-inspired meadow. Its Houzz profile describes the practice as founded by Kate Kennen in 2004, originally as Kennen Landscape Architecture, and the firm has built a five-star record across platforms: 4.9 out of 30 ratings on Google, 5.0 out of 28 on Houzz. What reviewers keep coming back to is how closely the design tracks what the client actually wanted — several describe asking for low-maintenance native or edible plantings and getting exactly that, with the crew checking back on new plantings for weeks after installation to replace anything that didn't take. The relationships often run long: one family describes six years of work spanning a full backyard redesign to ongoing gardening, and the Mystic River Watershed Association says it has partnered with Offshoots for eight years on Blessing of the Bay Park in Somerville. The firm also takes on more involved jobs — one client credits Offshoots with steering a landscape redesign through the local Conservation Commission permitting process before installing a natural "wild space." Its Houzz profile lists a Registered Landscape Architect credential (RLA MA #1255), certifications in organic land care and permaculture design, and typical project costs of $20,000 to $3 million, so this reads as a design-forward outfit for a substantial residential or institutional project rather than a quick lawn-care call. It also holds Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office certification as a Women Business Enterprise and a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. Nothing in the record raises a complaint — the write-ups are uniformly positive across two dozen reviews since 2023. Anyone considering them should expect a design-led process and a price tag to match; worth confirming project scope and budget up front given the wide cost range Houzz lists.
Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from Offshoots Productive Landscapes. Use it to sanity-check bids, then get the real number in writing.
Estimated range
$50 – $70
Typical landscaping service around $60
Great team to work with, great listening and applying our request. We asked for low to no maintenance, native plants, preferably edible, and now it's the prettiest yard in the neighborhood. Thanks!
We hired Offshoots for landscape design, installation, and ongoing maintenance, and the experience has been outstanding from start to finish. The design team really listened to our ideas and came up with a plan that was both beautiful and practical for our property. They suggested plants and materials that fit the space perfectly and would thrive in our climate, which we really appreciated. The installation process was smooth and well organized. The crew was professional, hardworking, and respectful of our property. They showed up on time, kept the work area clean, and paid attention to the details that make a big difference in the final result. The finished landscape completely transformed our yard and looks even better than we imagined. We’ve also been very happy with their ongoing maintenance service. The team keeps everything looking healthy and well cared for, and they’re always proactive about seasonal needs like pruning, mulching, and plant care. It’s clear that Offshoots takes pride in their work and genuinely cares about their clients. We would highly recommend them to anyone looking for thoughtful landscape design, high-quality installation, and reliable maintenance.
Offshoots did a fantastic job designing and planting our small, urban back patio. The space was a neglected mud pit when we started, and Offshoots transformed it into a beautiful, usable patio. They really listened to what we were looking for and managed to fit an incredible amount of functionality into a small and very constrained space. I love watching our garden through the spring and summer as new plants and flowers emerge, one after another. Looking out the window at our lovely outdoor space even makes doing the dishes more enjoyable.
Originally seated on an expansive lawn, we desired a biodiverse and productive landscape, including a native meadow. Offshoots designed and installed a permaculture-inspired landscape on our property that has since matured and evolved. Through this evolution, we have come to know and love the rhythm of this place, which has deepened our appreciation for the thoughtfulness behind its design. Even greater is our appreciation for the ongoing work of Offshoots’ field horticulture team. They know this property intimately and care for it with both expertise and genuine investment. As the landscape changes, I rely on their knowledge and judgment to guide thoughtful adjustments. In the ever-changing meadow, they carefully curate species—managing invasives while promoting native host plants that support biodiversity. Thanks to their care, we are able to simply enjoy this beautiful place as it continues to grow and change.
We worked hand in hand with Offshoots to transform a new single-family home in Jamaica Plain into an urban oasis. Our clients were thrilled with all aspects of the project. Terry, with Offshoots, managed our project with the help of Kate and the rest of the team. Terry is fantastic to work with. He is a real team player and operates at a high level, demanding perfection. From planning/design to executing/assisting on all levels of landscape (masonry, hardscape, drainage, irrigation, plantings, fencing, outdoor kitchen, fire pit). This project received several Gold awards in Builder/Remodeler groups across New England, and we expect to receive more accolades with offshoots for current projects. We're now on our third project with them, and they continue to show the same level of care and pride in their work. Would highly recommend their services and thank you to the entire Offshoots team.
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Certified attributes are verified against the public registry. Others are the business's own statement.
Established 4.4 rating
Large-scale hardscape capability4.9
Thorough post-demolition cleanup2.7