The Wicked Yard

Swenson Celebrates 140 Years of Being a Leader in the Natural Stone Industry

Posted by Amanda Pittsley on Sep 22, 2023 11:28:02 AM

Pictured is John Swenson and family, circa early 1900's.

For the rare business fortunate to make it so far, a 90th year in operation is known as a Granite Anniversary. Swenson Stone Works surpassed that milestone 50 years ago this year and is still going as strong as its first quarry in Concord, New Hampshire’s Rattlesnake Hill.

What’s the secret to Swenson’s 140-year run as an industry leader? Like the salt and pepper speckles in Swenson’s signature Concord Gray granite, it took a unique blend of attributes – parts innovation, immigration, diversification, and determination to name a few. 

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Topics: Granite, Natural Materials, Made in America, New England, Hardscape, Landscape Design, Woodbury Gray

Keeping Your New England Coastal Home Low Maintenance With Granite

Posted by Amanda Pittsley on Mar 20, 2023 8:00:00 AM

When you drive along the coast of New England, you can’t help but see rows of beautiful coastal homes. With their clean, crisp elegance, and some located in historical districts that tell the story of the area, they represent a certain lifestyle and the people who love it.

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Topics: Granite, Natural Materials, Coastal Inspired, New England, oceanfront, Hardscape, Landscape Design, Woodbury Gray

Connecticut Hardscape Project Uses Granite to Reflect Home’s New England Roots

Posted by Amanda Pittsley on Jul 29, 2020 7:59:51 AM

For the complete renovation of her mid-19th Century home in Westport, Connecticut, actress, entrepreneur and lifestyle blogger Eva Amurri wanted to stay true to its simple New England roots — both inside and out. So, just as the mom of three retained most of the original doors and hardware inside the home to blend old and new elements, the hardscape design incorporated natural stone details using granite that was quarried nearby, which seamlessly blends into the historic neighborhood’s landscape.

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Topics: Granite, Patios, New England, Hardscape

Since Our Spring Vacations Turned Into Staycations, How About Some Backyard Inspiration?

Posted by Amanda Pittsley on Apr 3, 2020 8:29:57 AM

We understand that responsibly hunkering down at home can be difficult. Why not give yourself a mental boost by envisioning all the improvements you’d like to make to turn your outside area into a place you never want to leave? There is no time like the present to get in touch with your area contractor to discuss your plans and work together to transform your yard into the space you have been daydreaming about. Many of your area contractors have adapted to the current situation and are offering videoconferencing to work with their clients.

Your local Swenson Granite Works store can not only provide you with granite and natural stone products to make your vision come to life, they can also connect you with a contractor in your area to get the job done.

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Topics: Inspiration, Staycation, Hardscape

Swenson Granite Works Now Carries Indiana Limestone at Our 9 Retail Locations

Posted by Amanda Pittsley on Apr 8, 2019 9:00:00 AM

Swenson Granite Works is proud to announce that Indiana limestone products are now available at our nine retail locations throughout New England. Indiana limestone can guarantee durable and long-lasting landscaping products for your next residential project. Visit your closest Swenson Granite Works retail location to see our newest product offerings.

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Topics: veneer, Indiana Limestone, Hardscape, pavers, sills

8 Essentials to Increase the Livability of Your Outdoor Retreat

Posted by Amanda Pittsley on Mar 25, 2019 8:34:10 AM

When it comes to designing the perfect outdoor retreat, few factors are more important than livability. A balance of comfort, warmth and functionality can make a step into your backyard feel like the start of a vacation.

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Topics: Patios, Outdoor living, outdoor kitchens, Hardscape

Celebrating the “Beauty of Balance” at the Boston Flower and Garden Show

Posted by Amanda Pittsley on Mar 6, 2019 8:00:00 AM

Attendees and exhibitors from across the Northeast will be attending the Boston Flower and Garden Show, one of the largest horticultural events in New England, from March 13-17, 2019 at Boston’s Seaport World Trade Center.

The show will feature brilliant indoor garden displays and vibrant floral designs from dozens of the region’s leading nurseries, landscapers, and florists.

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Topics: New England, garden, Massachusetts, Hardscape, Softscape

Balancing Your New England Landscape Design with Hardscapes and Softscapes

Posted by Amanda Pittsley on Feb 25, 2019 8:00:00 AM

Whether rustic or contemporary, minimal or intricate, all beautiful landscape designs have one thing in common: a well-balanced combination of hardscape and softscape.

Hardscape consists of the solid, heavy, unchanging parts of a landscape, such as stone paths, retaining walls, gravel and patios, while softscape describes the living, botanical elements of a landscape, including plants, soil, shrubs, and flowers Unlike hardscape, softscape is moveable and changes frequently—sometimes as often as several times per season. Your local Swenson Granite Works store can help with any hardscape design by supplying you with the natural stone and granite needed for your project.

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Topics: Granite, New England, Hardscape, Softscape, Landscape Design

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