Architectural Digest

"Miracle In Connecticut"    
By Carol Lufty
Photography by Durston Taylor
Architecture by Shope Reno Wharton
Landscape Architecture by Michael Mushak

Michael Mushak worked closely with the client and architect to create a landscape master plan for the renovated home in New Canaan, CT , that blended dramatic existing features such as mature trees and pond, with new features including stone walls , fences, walkways, terraces, and lush plantings of trees, shrubs, flower borders, and groundcovers.

Architectural Digest

"Rethinking the Barn"
by Amanda Vail
Architecture by David Howard
Photography by Bruce Katz
Interior Design by Greg Jordan
Landscape Architecture by Michael Mushak

In a strong collaboration with the client, Michael Mushak created a landscape master plan  for a renovated barn in Martha's Vineyard, MA, which included stone walls of local stone, rustic fencing, gravel driveway, pool, deck, and lush plantings of trees, shrubs, flower borders, and groundcovers.

Metropolitan Home

"Garden Fresh"
By Katherine Whiteside
Photography by Richard Felber
Landscape Architecture by Michael Mushak

Greenwich Magazine

"Landscaping the Site Specific"
By Rosemarie T. Anner
Photography by Michael Mushak
Landscape Architecture by Michael Mushak

For his Into The Woods garden (created for the Junior League of Greenwich's Designer Showhouse), Michael Mushak created a fantasy woodland garden with a lush combination of native plantings, surrounding romantic seating areas paved with low-impact pine needles. Whimsical sculptures by Diane Rossi dance through the space and surprise visitors at every turn. The achievement was to create a beautiful and environmentally sensitive space in a neglected wooded corner, a common feature of Connecticut gardens.

Bedford Magazine

"A Secret Garden"
By Francis Shell
Photographs by James Robinson
Landscape Architecture by Michael Mushak, et al.

Hudson Valley Magazine

"Designs that Endure-Economy, Understatement, Superior Design"
By Frances Halsband
Photographs by Robert L. Marx
Architecture by Robert L. Marx
Landscape Architecture by Michael Mushak
AIA-Hudson Valley Residential Design Award

Michael Mushak's quote in the article:
"We wanted to remain sensitive to the Colonial architecture of the house and do a very understated, low-maintenance garden, paying respect to the changing seasons. The master plan subdivides the outdoor area into rooms.  We created a stroll garden of sorts that is demarked by fieldstone paths, gateways, arbors, and views defined with new plantings. The area between the terrace and the main entrance is reminiscent of a Colonial dooryard garden-we used boxwood, hydrangea, spiraea, viburnum, and various herbs. The terrace serves as a continuation of the family room. The overall effect is of a garden that was always there."

Client's quote in the article:
"Michael presented us with a plan, which he didn't expect to be done all at once, but over time. The white picket fence, a trail through the woods, the patio design, the exterior lighting are all Michael's work. We have a working relationship with Michael to develop the property."

Country Living Magazine

"Country in the City Gardener"
Photographs by Rachel Newman
Landscape Architecture by Michael Mushak

Michael Mushak is featured in his (former) Manhattan rooftop garden, which doubles as his horticultural laboratory.

Home Magazine

"Beyond Creature Comforts"
By Judy Ostrow

Michael Mushak is mentioned in the article written about spiritual well-being in the home:

"Landscape architect Michael Mushak works with many high-power business people, entertainers, and other professionals, designing outdoor environments for first and second homes in Westchester County, New York, and Fairfield County, Connecticut. Although very few people ask directly for a meditation garden or a contemplation area, he notes that his clients immediately recognize the appeal and benefit of quiet seating spots in a design. "Even though they haven't specifically requested it, they immediately relate to a bench or a pair of chairs pulled together on a bed of gravel. They know it's a place to sit and reflect."

Through his designs, Mushak tries to help clients think about using the outdoor space around their homes. "Many people don't like to leave the comfort of their screen porch," he says. However, to preserve a wooded area on a property, he will often design paths through the trees with recycled wood chips, thus creating a nature trail that the owners can use and enjoy.  Or he will designate an un-mowed field in a landscape plan as a wildlife sanctuary, thus permitting his clients to recognize a more gentle, less artificial use of the land.

"To use your property as a connection to nature and the larger world is very comforting and very healing," says Mushak.

Home Design Magazine

"Tiny Garden"
By Maureen Fitzpatrick
Landscape Architecture by Michael Mushak

"Mushak envisioned an understated and meditative composition-a Zen treatment of the area-for the garden beyond the sliding glass doors.  He designed a railing-less deck for the area, which appears to float above the ground. "I wanted to design a garden of subtraction to emphasize the beauty of the setting; a design that reflects restraint," explains Mushak. "The simple design lends itself to low maintenance while the neutral color of the gravel provides a background for colorful accessories, plants, and artwork.  When the bones are good, you can accessorize the look with pots of flowers or sculpture, or just do nothing."

Norwalk Advocate

“Small Steps Towards Making the Community
a Greener Place to Live”     
by Joel Weickgenant

Michael Mushak helps to plant trees in yards in his Norwalk neighborhood. 

Norwalk Advocate

“Flowers Gone Wild: After Planting is Done, a Meadow
Blossoms Along I-95 Exit Ramp in Norwalk”
by Lisa Chamoff

Michael Mushak designed and installed a wildflower meadow to replace an illegal dump , along a highway ramp that is major entry point to the city.    

Norwalk Hour

“People of All Faiths Welcomed to Labyrinth
Dedicated at Saint Paul’s”
by Jill Bodach

Michael Mushak designed and installed a stone labyrinth and healing meditation garden as a donation to the Norwalk community.

Norwalk Hour

“St. Paul’s Flags Attention to Soldiers”
by Jill Bodach

Michael Mushak and David Westmoreland designed, and re-install every Memorial Day, a solemn memorial flag display honoring fallen service members in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Norwalk Citizen-News

"Preserving the Past-Restoring Mill Hill Cemetery”
by Jeanne Goodman

David Westmoreland coordinated the restoration of the historic 250-year-old cemetery at Mill Hill Historic Park in Norwalk.

Norwalk Hour

“Following his passion for history”
by John H. Palmer

David Westmoreland enjoys studying the history of and preserving Norwalk’s burying grounds.