Slide background

ZEN




After

This project started with a blank slate. The customer contacted us in late March and was eager to get started on a plan to install landscaping in the backyard. She had recently moved into a newly built home with poor, compacted, clay soil typical of new developments, and sod had been laid. The customer had some ideas as to what she was looking for, a path and seating area and gardens with a natural, woodsy feel.




Before

She was interested in incorporating native plants and loved hellebores and poppies so wanted to include some in the design.  She was also interested in a small water feature that could be located outside her window so she could enjoy the sound of water if her window was open or she was seated on the patio.  The seating area would be a place she could relax with tea or meditate and feel peaceful, she was thinking maybe flagstone to complement the natural feel of the gardens. 

We took all of this information and came back with a plan that we thought would bring together all of the elements the customer was looking for.  We designed a curving pathway and small rounded patio space in a uniform precast paving stone by navascape called Kensington.  We chose this over flagstone for several reasons, one being ease of maintenance and also it seemed more suited to the development the home was in.  This particular stone also has a texture to it that gives it the look of more natural stone. 

We designed gardens for colour throughout the year and some shrubs that will provide some privacy.  We included a crabapple tree which will eventually provide a bit of shade and attract birds.  The development also restricts the height of what can be planted in the yards of the home owners so we had to work within these guidelines.

For the water feature we decided on a bubbling stone which the customer went and selected at Creative Landscape Depot in St.Jacobs.  They have a great selection of stones pre-drilled to accommodate hoses for fountains.  The stone our customer chose was just shy of 600lbs and made for an exciting challenge when it came to moving and placing in the back yard!  Thank goodness for our dolly and our stong backs!

We think this project came together wonderfully.  The customer was happy with the result and continues to enjoy the little bit of zen space we created just for her!