My New Project

Site Evaluation

If you have a survey of your property, make several letter sized photocopies.   If not draw a rough sketch of the location of your home on the property (we will measure & determine the location of relevant structures in the next step).  We want to start thinking about the overall property as a type of community,  enabling us to see how elements function together so we can use this information to design with functionality and sustainability.  Aesthetics is equally important but if its not functional and its not going to last there's nooooooooo point...its a waste of time & money!  

First step to any design is to do a site evaluation which involves walking around the property and taking note of: 

• existing plants and their condition
• sun & wind exposure
• shape of terrain 
• drainage problems
• views (focal & unsightly)  
• utilities - gas, hydro, wells, septic, overhead/underground (possible location)  wires
• existing functional areas - parking, walkways, compost, fences etc
• which entrances into the house are used and by who
• noise levels
• how the areas are being used presently
• possible micro climates
• likes & dislikes about property

• amount of precipitation areas get
• type of soil
• views from inside the residence

This is not a complete list but gives you an idea of how to look at your property.  You may know all these things about your property and wonder why you have to write all this information down but when you get to the design phase you will appreciate having this information available in front of you!   You might also find it beneficial to make several drawings ie one just for plants one for sun/wind exposure & soil type etc. 

Next step - measuring important site elements.....

My New Project

My new project...my own gardens...and I have pretty much a clean slate!   Stay tuned, design first, off to the drawing board!

Projects Spring 2010

Projects so far this spring:

Before

After

Spring ....... what spring?

Springs almost over & I can't believe it.  We've had a very dry spring Yes it has rained 3 times over the last 5 days and yes there was some good down pours but....still a relatively dry spring.  We've had good weather for working, were presently on our 5th project of the year.  We have had a lot of fun so far.  Recently we finished a garden for a delightful young family for which we received the best compliment ever!  When given the choice to go to Canada's Wonderland for the day or stay in the newly finished back yard...BACK YARD 1......CANADA"S WONDERLAND 0!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...and were not talking pool and trampoline...just rocks, hammock & one on one family time. I LOVE WHAT I DO.  I was going to say job, work etc then of course its not work when you receive such fulfillment!

Canada Blooms

Canada Blooms

A little late but you can still catch Canada Blooms today & tomorrow.  A great way to tantalize your senses and get dreaming about outdoor projects. Transforming an ordinary backyard into an outdoor paradise can be easily accomplished with the help of a professionally designed landscape plan.  We all need to get outdoors more.  Nature helps us relax, rejuvenate and re-connect with ourselves, our family and friends. 

This year we had the pleasure to be involved in the building of Landscape Ontario's feature garden.  We really enjoyed working with the many professional association members and thank LO for asking us to be involved. 

Projects 2009

SPRING IS HERE !!!!

I can't believe how fast 2009 went by! Another season of projects designed & built! I've added a few photos of some 2009 projects as we are trying to get the web site updated. Looking forward to the projects we have lined up for this year, some projects from returning clients and some new clients we have began working with. We have met some wonderful people over the years and find it extremely rewarding to be part of their landscape projects. We would like to thank our clients for their support and understanding regarding our daughters hospital admissions last year. We are truly thankful for having clients who understand the importance of family. That said, we learned a few new tricks for juggling business & family and have a increased our staff and support group. Looking forward to a great year! Happy Spring!