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Creating Your Oasis: Water Features

Why the right water feature does more for a backyard than almost anything else you can add

Multi-zone outdoor entertaining space with pool, lounge pavilion, and bar by Earthscape

Earthscape Project: Outdoor Haven

Stand in a well-designed backyard on a warm Ontario evening and close your eyes. The first thing you notice is the sound: not the road, not the neighbour’s air conditioner, but water moving over stone. That single change is why water features are one of the most requested elements in the outdoor spaces we design, and one of the most transformative. Done well, water turns a yard you look at into a place you actually retreat to.

Here is how we think about designing water into a landscape, the options worth considering, and what it takes to keep one looking its best through our four seasons.

Key Takeaways

Water masks unwanted noise, cools the air near a patio, and gives the eye a natural focal point.

The right feature depends on your space and how you live: ponds and waterfalls for larger, naturalistic yards; fountains and pondless features for smaller or more architectural spaces.

Water works best when it is designed into the whole landscape from the start, not added on afterward.

Every water feature needs seasonal care in Ontario. Plan for it, and it stays an asset rather than a chore.

Why a water feature belongs in an Ontario backyard

Earthscape Project: Country Side Oasis

It replaces noise you don’t want with a sound you do. If your property sits near a busy road or a run of close neighbours, ambient noise can quietly stop you from using the yard at all. Moving water is one of the most effective ways to mask it. Waterfalls, spillways and bubbling rocks all create enough gentle sound to soften the background and let you reclaim the space.

It engages more than your eyes. A garden you only look at is a garden you use less. Water adds movement, sound and even the cool feel of the air near it, so the space works on more of your senses at once. That is the difference between a backyard that photographs well and one you never want to leave.

It brings the garden to life. A well-planned water feature draws songbirds, pollinators and beneficial insects, supporting a healthier, more balanced garden ecosystem. For many homeowners, that living quality is exactly the point.

It anchors the design. A thoughtfully placed feature gives a landscape its focal point, the thing your eye goes to first and settles on. At the front of a home it lends a sense of arrival; in the backyard it becomes the centre of gravity everything else is arranged around.

Earthscape Project: Hillside Falls

Choosing the right water feature for your space

There is no single best water feature, only the one that suits your site, your style and how you plan to live outdoors. Part of our design process is assessing the space, the grade, the sightlines and your day-to-day use before recommending an approach. A few of the options we most often design:

Ponds

A pond is a beautiful way to bring water into a larger, more naturalistic landscape. It needs room, but the reward is a feature with real presence: a habitat for fish if you want them, and an environment where aquatic plants like water lilies thrive. Ponds reward the space they ask for.

Waterfalls

Waterfalls usually pair with a pool or pond, and their character can swing widely with your design style. Pool-side, a waterfall can read crisp and modern as a wall or a sheer spillway. In a naturalistic garden it can be built from arranged boulders and planting so it looks like it was always there. Getting that style right is a design decision as much as a construction one.

Fountains

A fountain can stand alone as a focal point or sit within a pond. Freestanding, it delivers architectural interest and movement: place one in a front yard to make an entrance feel more considered, or in the backyard for a calm, steady sound to relax beside. Fountains are a strong choice where you want impact without the footprint of a pond.

Pondless water features

If space is tight or you prefer a lower-profile look, a pondless feature is often the right answer. A prefabricated fountain or spillway works as a self-contained unit, while a bubbling rock offers a natural, sculptural option. A bubbling rock won’t move the volume of a waterfall, but it adds gentle background sound and a layer of texture, which makes it a favourite for smaller urban gardens and quiet lounge corners.

Design the water in, don’t add it on

The water features that look effortless are almost always the ones that were planned from the beginning. When water is integrated into the overall design, the grade, the plumbing, the surrounding patio and living space, the lighting and the planting all work together. The pump is hidden, the water sounds right at the height you sit, and the feature feels like part of the property rather than an object set down on top of it.

Added on after the fact, water can fight the space around it: awkward sightlines, exposed equipment, a sound that carries the wrong way. This is why we treat a water feature as one element of a complete design rather than a standalone purchase, and why it often lives alongside a pool or patio in the same plan. If you want to see how that integrated approach comes together, our design process walks through it step by step.

Earthscape Project: Natures Nook

Multi-level IPE wood deck and double-roof cabana with pool set within a mature tree canopy by Earthscape

Earthscape Project: Hidden Haven -Multi-Level

Caring for your water feature through the seasons

Every water feature asks for some care, and in Ontario that care follows the calendar. Plan for it from the outset and it stays a pleasure rather than a surprise.

Fall: leaf debris and build-up need clearing before they foul the water or the pump.
Winter: every feature needs winterizing, whether that means bringing a small fountain indoors or removing the pump before the freeze. Our freeze-thaw cycles are hard on standing water, so this step matters.
Spring: assess winter wear and get the feature running cleanly again for the season.
Summer: heat brings the potential for algae, so water quality is worth keeping an eye on.

None of this is onerous, and it is exactly the kind of thing our design-build-maintain approach is built to handle. Your landscape job doesn’t stop once the crews leave your yard, and a maintained water feature holds its beauty year after year.

Is a water feature right for you?

Water adds enormous character and value to a landscape, and it rewards being chosen with intention. The best outcomes come from matching the feature to your space and your lifestyle, so it fits the way you actually live rather than becoming one more thing to manage. That match is the part we help you get right.

Whether you are ready to design water into a new landscape or want a hand caring for a feature you already have, we have the expertise to guide you through it, by your side every step of the way.

Book a consultation and let’s talk about the space you have in mind.

Flagstone patio with circular fire pit lounge, outdoor kitchen pavilion, and synthetic turf in a Toronto Beaches backyard by Earthscape

Earthscape Project: Old World Charm - Water Feature

5 Tips For Creating a Beautiful Garden Year Round

It’s easy for our summer gardens to always look their best with so many options for different colours and varieties to be in bloom. However, as summer blooms fade, a poorly planned garden is often left looking flat and barren when the winter weather rolls in. A great garden plan aims for interest in all seasons whether that be with colour, texture or unique structure. In order to achieve a balanced 4 season garden, you must also consider winter and fall, not just the summer months when it is easy to add colour and life to your garden. Incorporating a blend of materials will provide life to your garden in the off season, giving you curb appeal all year long. Check out our planning tips and plant recommendations to keep your garden looking its best from spring all the way to winter:

Planning Your Garden Beds

1. Make Sure Your Beds Are Wide Enough

The first step to creating a four season garden plan is to make sure you have a big enough bed to accommodate it. The size of your garden should be proportional to the size of your house. Oftentimes people are concerned that larger beds means more maintenance. However, with proper planning and grouping of plant material, you will set yourself up for easier maintenance in the long term. A wide bed provides the space for larger groupings and varieties of plants giving you the opportunity to have more seasons of interest.

2. Create a Good Base

Once you have the width of your bed established you can start blocking out where the base of your beds will go. This is typically done with trees and shrubs. It is good to have a mix of evergreen and deciduous materials. When one species loses its foliage the other will remain as the prominent plant in your winter landscape. Selecting trees that have an interesting structure will provide a sculptural element to your landscape when the trees lose their leaves in the winter months.

3. Layer Your Plant Material

Creating a layered garden allows plants that are in bloom to shine. Incorporating a variety of heights adds interest and depth to your landscape. Creating a solid base of trees and shrubs at the back of your garden means smaller perennials in front are not overtaken. This also makes maintenance much easier by having less tedious materials (shrubs and trees ) at the back while materials that need more care (perennials) are at the front where they are easy to reach.

4. Creating a Bloom Plan

Once you are ready to pick your plant varieties, it is a good idea to create a plan. Do your research! This will ensure you that you are selecting the right plants for your hardiness zone as well making sure that you will have interest in all seasons. Remember, the goal is to have something that is constantly in bloom or showy to ensure there are no “bland” seasons in your garden. Enlisting the help of a designer can make this daunting task a smooth process.

5. Consider Texture and Structure

Color is not the only thing you want to look for when planning a four season garden. There are other ways to create interest in the garden especially in seasons where colour is hard to come by. Plants with different textures will give your garden depth. Try mixing in plants with a textured leaf or add some evergreens for instant character. Structure is another great resource for winter interest. Most plants look great with their leaves on. Look for materials that have a unique branch structure to add interest to your landscape when all the leaves have fallen.
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With so many options to choose from, creating a garden that can shine in any season may seem like an overwhelming task. Why not reach out to our team? Our group of professionals are experts at selecting plant materials perfectly suited to your space. Get started today >>>

You are helping to create a greener Woolwich!

Your support of Earthscape is helping to create the first new park space in the Township of Elmira in more than 30 years!

In partnership with the Township and Trees for Woolwich, Earthscape is helping to lead the design and development of the Elmira Nature Reserve. The project will turn 65 acres of marginal land in the south-east part of Elmira into a thriving ecosystem for native species of flora and fauna.

Work is already underway on “The Habitats” – a subsection of the larger project within the Nature Reserve. A recent article in the Observer details the exciting plans.The Earthscape team, spearheaded by Mark Schwarz, proposed eliminating invasive species and developing habitats that are already in place to create a nature reserve that is both educational and enjoyable. The overarching goal is to encourage the re-growth of a natural ecosystem.

Why does this project matter? If COVID-19 has taught us anything it is that we all value our green spaces and this project will create more outdoor community space in Waterloo Region! In particular, the Elmira Nature Reserve will offer a diverse ecosystem and that means a better environment for everyone!

Many volunteers and donors are contributing to the creation of this new space. Our team has donated time, resources and equipment. We led the design of the space and have ‘boots on the ground’ to clear out invasive species and prepare the land for planting of native trees, plants and shrubs.

On June 5th (pending lockdown restrictions are lifted) a large tree planting initiative will begin to build back the Habitats area of the Nature Reserve. Keep an eye out for more progress on this exciting project!

What our team is saying…

Mark Schwarz

Earthscape Play

“Steve Irwin said it best, “I believe our biggest issue is the same biggest issue that the whole world is facing, and that’s habitat destruction.””

Chris Enns

Earthscape

“We work to build beautiful landscapes for our clients everyday. It’s equally rewarding to be able to partner with the community to build a landscape that everyone can enjoy for decades and generations to come.”

Sam Bauman

Earthscape

“We are really fortunate to be a part of this great community and to have an opportunity to help create this unique nature preserve. It really is a once in a lifetime opportunity! To be able to use our equipment and people, it was a natural fit for the company. I’m looking forward to seeing this through completion, then watching the plants grow!”

How to Create the Perfect Seasonal Planters

Every landscape needs its finishing touches. The same way you decorate the inside of your home you can also add decor to the outside of your home. Seasonal planters are the easiest and most fun way to do this. They can elevate your space by bringing colour to your front porch or by adding life to your deck. If you don’t have space for a garden or only have a balcony, planters can provide the much needed green your space craves.

If you set up your planter correctly, it can be left out year round and updated with the changing seasons. Check out the following tips for the perfect seasonal planter:

A Solid Foundation- The Pot and the Soil

Getting the right pot ensures you will have enough space for your plants to thrive. The right soil mixture will increase the success and longevity of your planter.

Getting the right size

Keep in mind the size of the planter you have when you start to pick your plants. You want to have ample space for your plants and their roots to flourish. Check out these suggestions below for plant quantity:

Small Planter (10-12”): 6-8 plants

Medium Planters (14-16”): 8-12 plants

Large Planters (16-20”): 12-16 plants

If your plants start to overcrowd one another, trim them back to maintain overall health.

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A Good Soil Mixture

It may be tempting to use whatever soil you have on hand as the base of your planter. However, to set yourself up for success, we recommend using a potting soil mix to ensure plants are getting the nutrients they need.

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Different types of planters

There are many different types of planters you can pick from. While design and colour are important, there are benefits from some planters that can make caring for your plants a lot easier.

‍Weather proof: If you are wanting to keep your planters out year round, you will want to look for a planter that is weatherproof. Check that your planter will resist cracking in winter weather and won’t fade in the summer sun.

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Self watering: These planters have a reservoir for water that releases into the soil to keep your plants properly watered. Self-watering planters and container systems can go without watering for 2-6 weeks and are an ideal system for those new to gardening.

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A Recipe for the Perfect Plant Blend

The recipe for a perfect planter includes a variety of plants that have different purposes but all work together in harmony. The best way to achieve this is a combination of thrillers, fillers and spillers.

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Thrillers are the centerpiece and the main attraction of the planter. They provide a base to build everything else around. Thrillers are almost always your tallest and largest plant material.

Fillers are the plants that surround the thriller. These plants should complement the centerpiece but not steal the spotlight. Fillers should be subtle but play around with different textures to achieve the perfect blend.

Spillers are your final touch. They are plants that cascade over the side over your planter adding a bit more drama to the overall look.

Keep an eye out for upcoming newsletters that will outline some of our favorite season specific plant choices.

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Proper Maintenance

Once you have a beautiful planter established, you want to make sure it stays looking beautiful all year round. There are a couple key areas to consider when maintaining your planters: ‍

Water is one of the most important factors in a healthy lush planter. Make sure your planters are getting watered on a consistent basis as to not dry out. However over watering can cause just as much harm as not watering. Only water when the top of the soil is dry.‍

Fertilizing your planter will ensure your blooms stay vibrant all summer long. When initially creating your planter use a fertilizer with a slow release technology. Continue to fertilize once a week to help your plants maintain their luster.

Changing seasonal material will help your planters look fresh and in season. If you are keeping any of the material, make sure you prune and deadhead anything that is looking shabby to maintain the health of your planter

Following all these tips will ensure your planters will look their best no matter what the season. Our team of professionals is here to help you! If you have no idea where to start, let us put together a planter that will be sure to have your neighbours doing a double take this season. Planter inquires >>>

5 ways to Extend Your Backyard Season

As we spend more time at home the line between work and relaxation can feel blurry. Our spaces which once accommodated our busy lives now feel small and crowded as we spend full days at home. Getting outside has given us a sense of purpose and freedom but as the dark, cold days of winter drag on, our desire to get outside can dwindle.

Creating an outdoor space to use in the Canadian winter may seem impossible but with the right blend of elements your backyard can be that winter escape we never got to go on. Use these tips to get the most out of the winter season this year:

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1. Establish a Heat Source

One of the biggest deterients from getting outside in the winter is the temperature. Therefore designing a space with a heat source is crucial. Fire pits can provide a great source of heat as well as create ambiance. Not only do they help keep you warm in the winter but they also extend your evening use on those chilly nights during other seasons. There are a few different types of fire pits such as gas, propane and wood burning. Be sure to check your city bylaws to see which kind of pit you are able to have.

Tight on space? Not allowed to have a fire pit? Try a heat lamp to give your space some warmth. These are a great addition to any rooftop or small backyard patio

2. Protect Yourself From the Elements

Prevailing winds can make a cold day even more bitter. Understanding where the wind is the strongest on your property is important when setting up your winter hangout. Once you establish wind direction, you can select an option to block it. There are a few ways to establish a good wind barrier. Trees and planting are a great option to block the brunt of the wind. Focus on planting in layers. If you have the space, you may want to set up a few layers. If you have a smaller yard focus on density of plant material. Screens are another good option for blocking prevailing winds. If you are going for a wood option, look for something with tight joints to cut the wind as much as possible.

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3. Create Shelter

Having a space you can duck under when it starts to snow or just to sit under in general allows you to get more out of your outdoor space. Structures create a sense of refuge and contribute to a comfortable atmosphere. If you have the space, a fully enclosed structure or fully insulated shed can provide the extra room you may be needing with everyone at home. Structure add ons such as built in fireplaces, screens and heat lamps can add to the comfort during the winter season.

4. Unwind with Heated Water Features

Hot tubs and swim spas can add a lot of enjoyment to the winter season. They are great for small backyards as they don’t take up a lot of space. Swim spas are great for those who like to swim for exercise and are a great choice for those who don’t have the space for a full sized pool.

The key for enjoying hot tubs and swim spas through the winter months is location. Consider where you are placing the feature in relation to your back door. You want to make sure you are in close proximity to the warmth of the inside.

Running through the snow while wet gets old quickly and may limit your desire to use your feature in the winter. Having a structure over top of your feature also makes the experience more enjoyable.

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5. Set the Scenery

Once you have your space set up so that it is functional, you’ll want to make sure it is also aesthetically pleasing to be in. Planting is an easy way to do this. When creating your planting plan, you’ll want to ensure you have plants with winter interest. Some plants you may consider are evergreen shrubs and trees, shrubs with a pretty berry and/ or plants with an interesting branch colour and structure. A garden with 4 season interest will make your space feel intentional in the winter months rather than a barren eye sore that deters its use. Another thing to consider is adding texture to your space with boulders or bubbling rocks. These elements increase winter interest by adding depth to your property and even a bit of ambiance if you add a water feature that can run through the cold.

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Finally, with the limited amounts of daylight, lighting can really add to your space in the winter months. Without lighting, a dark cold backyard feels unappealing in the winter. Try adding some path lights to guide your step and a few uplights to highlight pretty tree structure. A few string lights will go a long way to creating a cozy atmosphere in your seating area as well.

While we have focused a lot on winter, any of these tips can be applied to chilly fall afternoons, damp springs days or cool summer evenings. Extending your outdoor season is about getting the most out of your space no matter what the weather. Our team of designers are experts at creating spaces with four season interest. If you’d like to start getting more out of your space, get started with one of our professionals.

What Every Backyard Needs: SHADE

Limited travel opportunities combined with record high temperatures have pushed many of us into our backyards this summer. Perhaps it has become your safe haven or a place where you can detach from work. However, without relief from the sun you may find yourself back inside.

Shade is essential to the enjoyment and use of your backyard space. With the right design, a covered area and the right plants your backyard will be your favourite destination this summer!

Creating Harmony: Balancing shade and sun

Creating a backyard space that is enjoyable throughout the day and evening requires a design that will balance sun and shade based on your exposure. A landscape designer will be able to recommend options for managing the amount of sun in key areas of your backyard. S/he will ask you questions about what time of day you use different parts of your backyard and how much sun exposure you want. Do you want space for lounging in the sun or for a vegetable garden? Do you want some shade at all hours of the day or just part of the day? After you determine how much shade you need and where you want your shade, your designer can recommend the best methods of creating it.

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Large open and covered backyard structure attached to the house, with furniture, to provide shade during the day.

Creating Shade

There are many ways to create shade. What is best for you? Here are a few advantages and disadvantages of each:

Structures: Structures provide a range of coverage from full to partial. Structures that are fully covered offer an extension of the inside allowing more time outside. Partially covered structures offer relief from the sun but keep an open air feeling. Structures provide immediate coverage and are more durable than temporary solutions however they are also a bigger financial investment.

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An open and covered backyard structure made of natural colored materials.

An open and partially covered structure made of unpainted wood.

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Trees: Trees provide a natural relief from the shade. If you already have trees in your backyard consider a seating area to take advantage of the shade they create. If your yard is treeless, consider the advantages and type of trees to achieve your goals. Trees are a great long term investment. Mature trees add value to your home as well as visual interest. You want to pick a tree that will have a large canopy as opposed to a columnar structure. In the short term, you may want to consider pairing a moveable shade solution with your newly planted tree until the tree is large enough to provide the shade you want.

A large matured tree providing a lot of shade.

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Movable Options: If you aren’t looking for the commitment of a permanent option you might want to consider moveable shade options. Umbrellas, sun shades and awnings provide an escape from the sun quickly and conveniently. Moveable shade options may be a smaller upfront investment but what you save on cost you may lose in lifespan.

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A lap pool with movable large deck umbrella and chairs.

If your backyard is fully shaded:

If your backyard is already fully shaded you will need to think carefully about what plant material will be successful in conditions without sun. Most plants need a good amount of sunlight though there are a few that will survive in shady conditions. Here are our suggestions:

Shade Loving Perennials

Astilbe: Provide lots of colour in shady gardens and when planted as a mass, creates a stunning effect. Our favourites areAstilbe thunbergii ‘Ostrich Plume’ and Astilbe arendsii ‘Colour flash’.

Ferns: While they don’t flower they provide texture, varying heights, and softness to a shade garden. They also can be used to provide a more natural woodland setting or a more formal look. Check out the varieties, Japanese painted fern for colour and Ostrich fern for height.

Lungwort: Beautiful flowers are usually pink and blue in spring. Great for the front border and looks best planted on mass.

Shade Loving Shrubs

Yews: Easy to grow and fairly fast growing, from dark green to light green. Provide good texture and colourful berries. With many varieties can be great for formal or informal gardens.

Viburnum: Great texture on leaves, large flower balls, beautiful fall colour, and many varieties to choose.

Dogwood: Many varieties, adds bright colour, open and airy, responds well to pruning. Best in dappled shade.

Whether you have ample shade or too much sun, getting help from one of our talented designers will ensure you are taking advantage of your current sun conditions. Set up a consult today>>>

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Finding a Landscape Gardener: A Checklist

Earthscape was honoured alongside project collaborators at the City of Toronto Urban Design Awards as the Grange Park Revitalization received an Award of Excellence for Large Places and/or Neighbourhood Designs.

Jury’s comments:

At a time when urban greenspace is at an all-time premium, the revitalization of Grange Park is a welcome redesign that feels at once fresh and timeless, and does a lot with relatively little space for its program. Generous paths balance open sight lines with sheltered nooks and “rooms,” with welcome shade from a carefully maintained mature tree canopy. The jury noted that the paths loop around a central lawn that doubles as green infrastructure to soak and slow stormwater while providing much-needed open public space for gathering, playing, celebrating and sitting. The enclosed dog run in the wooded southern section provides a safe and separated solution for fourlegged friends, while the playground offers fountains, climbers and adventure in an understated but creative corner. The jury was impressed with the park’s quiet confidence and capable program, offset against the gravitas of the Art Gallery of Ontario, a stately backdrop for this people’s park for the 21st century.

If you read our earlier post, Gardening: Should I Hire Someone For This?, you may have come to the conclusion that you are in the market for a landscape gardener.

You don’t want to pick just anyone to maintain your property. You want someone who is on the same page as you with regard to the goals for your garden. The following is a checklist of essential characteristics you want in your landscape gardener and not surprisingly, they are skills that all our gardeners excel at.

A landscaper removing debris from a garden.

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A Good Landscape Gardener…

✓ Puts the Design First

A good landscape gardener will work with your design, knowing the intent the designer had and ensuring it looks better than the day it was installed. They will be able to create a maintenance plan to keep the integrity of the design intact.

A lot of designs feature focal points that add interest to your landscape such as ornamental trees or boulders. Without a gardener that understands the design, these elements can get lost in plant material.

A good landscape gardener will know when they need to alter the design to improve the look and health of the garden. When a piece of the planting design is not functioning as intended or sun/shade patterns have changed, a good gardener will work with the designer to offer suggestions for a good swap.

If your original designer is no longer involved in the process, your gardener will have the knowledge to suggest plant material that compliments the original design.

✓ Is Knowledgeable About Pruning Techniques and Practices

Pruning is an essential skill of any landscape gardener. If done properly, pruning can help the health and appearance of your plant material. There are a few things your gardener should consider when pruning. Bloom periods are essential knowledge. Most plants have specific bloom times where they set buds (i.e. Lilacs). If you prune at the wrong time you may end up cutting off the young buds resulting in a lack of bloom the following season. How a plant is pruned and formed is also very important. You don’t want a company who is going to come in and prune everything really tight. Some plants flourish when they are left to their natural form. Others are even hindered when pruned too tightly. A good gardener will be able to determine which pruning method is right for your gardens.

✓ Understands Proper Disease Control

Diseases can occur in your plant material and be detrimental to the survival of your garden. A good landscape gardener will have a plan to stop the spread of disease to healthy plants. Instead of immediately jumping to a chemical solution, a good gardener will assess the problem and look at alternate solutions. He/she will also recognize when a plant is becoming weak and susceptible to disease, creating a plan to treat or replace it.

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