This site required much consideration when coming up with a design solution. From the high water table, to conservation authority regulations this site presented some difficult challenges. Given the sheer size of the site, it also meant balancing the requests of the client along with the reality of budget.
The design solution proposed creating large ponds and using fill to elevate the house and main landscape elements above the water table. Berms, retaining walls, and a custom pool that was partially raised, were also part of the plan to help transition the elevated grade at the house to the natural grade at the limit of the conservation setbacks.
Careful thought was put into the scale of these elements to ensure that the grade was addressed in a way that appeared as natural as possible. Overall the result of the design found a solution for all the challenges and provided the client with a design for a modern, sleek entertaining haven.
With the desire to get outside, our client wanted to capitalize on the beauty of their home and enhance their property to be able to enjoy their space. Having a spot to dine with friends and family was a must while also keeping in mind the change in grade from the house.
In the front yard, there was a strong desire to create a welcoming approach from the driveway. The blending of interlock stone from the street to the front steps creates a sense of continuity, while the offset orientation intuits a sense of flow. These elements help direct foot traffic towards the front door and provide an open, welcoming feeling on the way there. Careful consideration was given to the paver color and texture to ensure the landscape materials complimented the style of the house.
In the backyard, the focus transitioned towards entertaining and creating an aesthetically pleasing space that functionally integrated the landscape with the house. A large deck was built off the kitchen door to incorporate the BBQ and bistro set, while the under-deck area doubles as a storage shed complete with a custom-built barn door. Descending from the deck, a raised patio landing features a large dining area set under a soft-lit, open-air pergola for nightly entertaining. Using interlocking pavers and custom timber beams, feature walls and planters were created. Vegetation helped soften edges and settle the constructed elements into the surrounding landscape.
Lighting is one of the easiest ways to elevate your landscape. Here are 5 reasons why you should consider adding this enhancement to your space:
1. Ambiance
Lighting adds a level of depth to your landscape elevating your outdoor experience. It adds warmth to any entertaining space which creates a welcoming and comforting atmosphere. Consider a variety of lighting to create the ultimate experience.
2. Extending Your Landscape Usage
Just because the sun sets doesn’t mean your outdoor enjoyment has to end. Lighting helps you get more out of your backyard space by extending how long you can use it. Try some overhead lighting for those late night dining sessions.
3.Safety
Lighting is not only for aesthetic purposes. It can also help protect your property. Lighting your front entrance helps deter unwanted visitors by illuminating dark corners. A flood light and soffit lighting help address this problem.
4. Way-finding
Lighting also keeps your visitors safe by allowing them to find their way in the evening, making their experience more enjoyable. Consider some path lights or even some under step lighting to create a warm welcome your guests will remember. If you live in a rural area, lighting may even help guests find your home during the evening hours. A number sign illuminated with lights or a set of pillars with decorative lamps makes finding your home painless.
5. Highlighting Important Landscape Features
Have you got a landscape feature you just love and wanted to show off? Light it up! From ponds to sculptures and even trees, up lighting can help highlight your features during the night. This allows you to enjoy your landscape at night even if you would prefer to stay indoors.
Interested in incorporating lighting into your landscape ?
This simple yet modern space, based in Toronto, faced many obstacles through the process of design. From the connecting of spaces with significant grade change to permitting and zoning issues, this property demanded innovative design solutions. The main concept for this project was to connect the upper-level space with the lower level, creating a few main living spaces. On the upper level, the client wanted a large open deck space where they could entertain. With original plans to have a larger deck disrupted by zoning bylaws, the overall vision had to change to incorporate a small coffee area instead. This Azek deck and staircase allowed for a smooth transition from upper deck to the lower levels.
Custom Azek screens and a structure make the space feel private while the glass inserts on the railings softened the staircase as you descend. The height of the deck allowed an opportunity to create another living space beneath, taking advantage of every inch of the city yard. This spot allowed for a covered eating space out of the elements. Next to this is a lounge area nestled into a simple, shading loving garden. Being the only uncovered space, the lounge area allowed for full enjoyment of backyard greenery and occasional bits sun that shone through. Large slabs were used to create a cohesive look through both spaces, while sections of planting bed were incorporated with the interlock pattern to soften the space and integrate it into the natural landscape. To finish this space off lighting and a Dekko fire feature were added creating a soft evening ambience.
It’s time to add gardens to your to summer cleaning list! While we don’t recommend removing plant material solely based on which plants spark joy, rejuvenating your gardens will help declutter your landscape and leave you feeling satisfied with your outdoor space! Check out our tips and tricks below to bring your garden back to life and find peace in your space once again:
Purpose:
Gardens, when not maintained, grow thick, full, woody and lose their vigor/ flower show. Some shrubs and perennials can be rejuvenated, while others should be removed and replaced.
Shrub and perennial removals and/or heavy pruning are often necessary due to tight planting spaces that are no longer allowing for full potential of each plant.
Medium woody shrubs (dogwoods, large hydrangea etc…) can be pruned to encourage new, vigorous and colourful growth from the base
Large shrubs can be pruned(thinned out and lower branches removed) They then can add strong structural aspects to the design. Otherwise, it is advantageous to remove them to allow for smaller additions to the planting design
Old spreading perennials (black eyed susans, hostas, lungwort, grasses…etc) can be dug up, divided into multiple sections and replanted apart from each other allowing for room to grow and regain vigor. Perennials often thrive from division and transplanting if done properly and at the right time.
Soil should be overturned and amended with organic matter (ie. leaf compost or manure)
Steps to Rejuvenating Your Garden
Prune: Before you remove a plant see if it can be pruned back to full health. Proper practices for pruning and perennial division must be maintained for a successful reorder and healthy growth of existing plant material
Edit: Enlisting the help of a good garden designer would be very beneficial to ensure the right design aspects are taken into consideration when selecting which areas to keep and which areas to remove and adjust. Self assessment may lead to removing material that is still healthy and just needs rejuvenation. Always edit with caution if you are not sure about a plant.
Add New Material: Adding new material will keep your garden looking refreshed and on trend. Designs are built on principles such as proportion, order, repetition and unity. When selecting how to renovate or rejuvenate a garden, these principles must be considered. Additional plant material can be considered once existing plant material has been worked into the design.
Need help deciding what stays and what goes? Our expert gardeners will help edit your landscape and help create a refreshed garden.
As summer comes to a close we reflect back on the warm weather and the time we were able to spend outside. Similar to the spring, we start to consider what needs a refresh or what needs to be removed from our spaces. Our outdoor spaces are no exception! Here are 5 signs it’s time to rejuvenate your landscape:
1. Your Landscape Needs Have Changed
If your landscape is no longer serving your needs then you need to consider rejuvenating your space. Landscapes need to change and grow as you and your family do. Have you expanded your family and need more entertainment space? Consider adding more patios to accommodate. Did your neighbour cut down a large tree leaving an open view into your yard? Consider your options for increasing privacy with new trees or screens. Did you move into a new space and it is just not your style? Edit your landscape to reflect your design tastes. The more you cater your landscape to your needs, the more use you will get out of the space you have invested into. A landscape professional can help you rework your landscape based on your needs.
2. Your Gardens Are At The End of Their Lifespan
Gardens have life spans just like any other living thing. Once they near the end of their life, they do not have the same impact. The typical lifespan of a garden is 10-15 years depending on your plant material (not including trees). There are a few clues you can look for to determine if your garden is at the end of its life. If your plants are not flowering at all or not vibrant the way they used to be, you may need replacements. If your plants are not coming back the same way they used to in the spring or are resistant to pruning techniques, it may be time to swap these out. Maintenance professionals can help you identify plants that need to retire and suggest alternatives.
3. Your landscape is boring and lacks interest
You have a good base to your outdoor space but you can’t help thinking your landscape could be better. Rejuvenation doesn’t just mean things that are broken or tired. It can mean adding spark and depth to an otherwise dull, existing landscape. Take your space to the next level with a focal point feature such as a waterfall or bubbling rock. Brighten up your gardens by adding colour and seasonal value with plants that have fall and winter interest. Expand your backyard use time into the evenings with a lighting system. A landscape professional can offer you suggestions to take your landscape to the next level.
4. Your Landscape Is Not Functioning Like It Use To
As a landscape ages things can become weathered and broken, leaving it unsafe or unusable. Rejuvenation can mean making your landscape more user friendly. Some of these needs in the landscape are more imminent as they can put you at risk for injury if left unattended. A cracked or heaving step can turn into a tripping hazard if left broken. A broken fence can mean your yard is not as safe for pets and children. Nonfunctional landscapes can also look like blocked access points or unusable pathways. Fixing these elements can only increase the value of your space. Getting your landscape into shape is not only beneficial aesthetically but also in over functionality.
5. Your gardens are messy
Chances are if your gardens are looking off or feeling overwhelming, they are in need of proper maintenance. Weeds, messy edges or damaged plant material can reduce the appearance of your garden. If time is an issue, a professional maintenance team will be an asset in keeping your garden looking fresh all season long. Overcrowding can also make your garden appear messy. If your garden was not planned with proper plant sizes in mind, plants will compete with each other leaving things overgrown and other plants lost in the mess. A garden professional will be able to assist in editing plant material out to create proper spacing so your plants will grow and thrive.
A tired landscape doesn’t always mean you need to start from scratch. Enhancing your landscape may be just the thing you need to get your garden back to its former glory. If you have a landscape that needs refreshing, reach out to our team today >>>
Starting a landscape project can be an overwhelming process. With many options and companies available, finding the right fit may seem daunting. Some companies offer design only services which means the client often manages their own project and is responsible for sourcing contractors and materials themselves. If you are looking for a hands off approach to your project you may find design build has the most to offer. Here are 4 benefits to choosing a design build firm to create your dream landscape:
Benefit 1: A team approach to creating a quality space
With a design build firm, you have a variety of professionals weighing in on your project to ensure it gets done right and on time. From experts in construction, design and plant maintenance there is always someone able to answer any question.
The design process requires thinking about both the functionality and the aesthetics of the project. With design build, you are getting insights from a designer as well as the construction experts who will actually be building the project. This ensures that the design is both well thought out and works in the landscape.
A design build firm works as a team. We all have the same goal and thus everyone upholds the same standard of work. When hiring multiple contractors from different sources, standards may vary. Design build firms are able to monitor the standard of work and correct elements when necessary.
Benefit 2: Value engineering to ensure you are able to get the most landscape for your budget
The design build approach can make your dream landscape a reality. If cost is a major factor, a design build approach may mean the difference between proceeding with the project and abandoning it down the line due to cost.
With this method we have the flexibility to propose alternatives in the design if the project is not within your budget. Materials and methods can be adjusted to help reduce the costs as the firm is carrying out the construction. With a typical design only firm, materials are set ahead of time which makes swapping elements a more complicated process if costs need to be cut.
Flexibility is a great aspect of the design build approach. In the same way that it is easy to remove items, adding elements is also an easier process. The fluidity of the design build process means we are able to continue developing the design as new ideas or problem areas arise. With the bid build approach, these elements are determined at the beginning of the process which means elements are harder to fix if problems or unforeseen issues arise.
Benefit 3: Team to team communication ensures your project is managed in the most efficient way
Our construction teams work with our landscape designers on a regular basis. With the construction team involved from the beginning, there is less back and forth when it comes to the execution of the design. With a team approach to design, communication is made a lot easier. As the general contractor, this means there are fewer people in the chain of conversation and thus less confusion as information is passed hand to hand. This is the best way to ensure a smooth and efficient project.
With design build, it is easier to remain on time and on budget. When unforeseen issues arise, a direct relationship with the design and construction teams, means problems are solved sooner. With design-build, the designer will often come to the site to talk through the issues and come up with a solution on the spot or soon thereafter. With bid build, the changes have to go through many sources. By the time a decision is made, delays are often inevitable.
Benefit 4: The best materials for your design at the best price
With expertise from both our construction and design teams, you are guaranteed to be getting the best material for your project. We are able to select materials that both create a stunning design but also work with the specific landscape and application. This expertise comes from a team that has experience working directly with the materials we are proposing.
Changes are easier with the design build process. With design build, if a material that was spec’d is unavailable the designer is able to offer alternatives on the fly. With bid build, this process is more time consuming and may come with additional costs associated with the changes.
Does a design build approach to your dream landscape sound like the right fit for your project? Get started on your journey with our team of professionals >>>
Why adding a water feature to your space might be the best thing you do this year
Summer has arrived, temperatures are rising and life is starting to pick up again. With the pace of a summer schedule we all need a place to relax and decompress. One of the best ways to create a peaceful sanctuary within your landscape is through the use of water. There are a variety of ways you can incorporate water into your space. Keep reading for more ideas!
Benefits of water features in your backyard
Here are a few reasons why water can be so beneficial to your space:
For functional reasons, if you live in a noisy neighborhood near a highway or other environmental disturbances, water can act as a buffer for noise. Disruptive sounds can often deter people from using their backyard spaces. Replacing an unpleasant sound for the peaceful one of water, can help you reclaim your backyard escape. Waterfalls, fountains and bubbling rocks all provide great sound masking qualities.
Even if you aren’t struggling with noisy surroundings, water can increase the sensory experience in your yard. Appealing to more than just your visual sense, water helps create a fully immersive experience with your surroundings. Water appeals to both your visual, audible and even tactile senses creating backdrop & ambiance while you relax or entertain.
Adding water to your yard can also be a great benefit to the natural environment. Water features can attract wildlife. It gives the birds a place to feed and is also a benefit to many insects. This helps generate a healthy ecosystem.
Types of Water Features
There are many types of water features that will add interest and flair to your landscape. Picking the right one can be hard. A professional can assess the space you have and determine the kind of feature that will best suit your lifestyle and taste.
Ponds, Waterfall and Fountains
Ponds are a great way to incorporate water into your landscape. While you do need a lot of space, the pay off is a beautiful feature that provides enjoyment for both you and surrounding wildlife. If you have ever been interested in fish, ponds provide a habitat for them to flourish. Aquatic plant life also does well in ponds creating an optimal environment for plants such as water lilies.
In conjunction with ponds are waterfalls. Waterfalls are typically very large features that feed into a pool or pond. Pool side, these features can be very modern in the form of a wall or spout. They can also be organic and natural consisting of an arrangement of boulders with plant material scattered around. Understanding your design style can help you select the best waterfall for your space.
Fountains can either be installed as a feature on their own or as an addition to a pond. Freestanding options often act as a focal point providing architectural interest and movement in a space. Adding a fountain to a front yard can make an entry more grand. While adding one to the backyard can provide a calming ambiance to relax by.
Pondless Water Features
If you have a smaller space you may want to look at a pondless water feature. Some prefabricated fountains do not require a pond and will act as their own unit. If you are looking for a more natural option, a bubbling rock may be the right fit for you. While a bubbling rock will not provide the same volume as a waterfall or fountain, it will create some background noise making it a great addition to your tranquil lounge area. They also make great focal points in small spaces providing a layer of texture to the landscape.
Maintenance
No matter what option you choose, keep in mind that there is no such thing as a low maintenance water feature. Every water option requires winterizing. Whether that be bringing a small feature inside when the temperature drops or removing the pump before the cold comes through. This means that at the beginning of the spring and the end of the fall, the feature will have different maintenance needs to prepare it for that season. In the fall, leaf debris and build up is an issue that needs to be addressed. During the spring, you will need to assess winter wear. Summer heat also brings out the potential for algae growth. A professional can help you assess the needs of your water feature no matter what season it is.
Water features are amazing and can add so much value to your space. Just make sure that they fit your lifestyle or they can become more of a pain then a pleasure.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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>>>
Homeowners who value creative design and exceptional craftsmanship, trust Earthscape’s simple step-by-step process to transform an outdated or non-functional landscape into an exceptional outdoor escape.