Canadian Living
This new home sits prominently atop the highest point of this waterfront property to take full advantage of the panoramic views down river and of the adjacent natural landscape. The immediate design challenges were to maximize these views, while nestling the home into the sparse existing landscape, while creating a series of outdoor rooms to socialize and take in the changing views of the natural landscape. To fully integrate the landscape and architectural design, the clients involved our design team from the outset of the project, including the placement and orientation of the house and waterfront amenities.

The sense of entry to the home was enhanced with minor changes in elevation, with a broad sweeping walkway leading to the front porch, and similarly sweeping planting beds hiding seasonal colour within the entrance courtyard. A palette of plants was used that combines strong structural planting to create natural curves to the beds, with detailed herbaceous planting that provide interesting textures and seasonal colour.

Two central sitting areas extend from the home to provide social areas that present full views of the river. The overhead wooden arbour has a curved shape to reflect the curved flagstone terrace below. The arbour shares the simple forms of the home, countered with fine details.

Existing rock outcropping have been enhanced to provide access to the waterfront terraces, boat and float plane docks. The stone slab steps that lead to these areas have been placed to provide a gentle pace to the waterfront. These adjacent boulders, sourced from the same quarry as the slabs, provide a uniform look and feel, integrating them with the natural rock outcroppings.

The waterfront is framed with the boat dock on one end, with the float plane dock on the other. These two dominant features are linked by an oversized flagstone walkway and natural plantings to soften the hardscape elements. Several flagstone terraces provide ample space to entertain and live by the river’s edge, and take in the natural splendor you are immersed in. The result is a bold integration of land, water and home, with outstanding outdoor living areas equal to the natural beauty of the property.

Warm Afternoons
The primary challenge of this project was to integrate a formal style house into a natural treed setting. For this reason we utilized a significant amount of natural materials such as stone, recycled materials and wood to create the natural warmth that was expected by the client.

The pool and terrace area were set at a lower elevation in order to achieve privacy and protect the existing trees which were paramount. The use of exposed aggregate concrete walks, terraces, and feature strips provided a natural warm surface with low maintenance requirements. Modular Iron fencing was also utilized for pool fencing due to its low maintenance requirements, subtle elegance and its ability to blend seamlessly with new and existing vegetation.

The careful use and location of traditional plants such as yews and hydrangeas mixed with more natural plants such as hemlocks and serviceberries, provides the vegetative solution and transition from formal to natural spaces.

This project also incorporates an underground sprinkler system and 12 volt led lighting to complete its overall success.

Splish Splash
This back garden provides for many opportunities for healthy family outdoor living, focused around the swimming pool, and spreading into open lawn areas for young children.

The garden, an extension of the newly re-furbished 1880's Victorian home, and new Carriage House, reflects the new modern lines and proportions of its interior renovation. The garden integrates with the home through a generous composite deck and western red cedar arbour, providing an extended living and dining area at the interior finished floor elevation.

The linear pool, finished in a slate gunite, provides a shallow in-water terrace for children and generous steps to enter. Laminar jets provide an enticing sound of water, especially at night when highlighted with fiber optic lighting. The laminar jets originate from stone faced cubes of varying sizes, which also provide play value for children.

The large adjoining flagstone sitting terrace links both the Carriage House and wooden deck with the pool, and leads into the level open lawn area. The planting strategy includes liner trees superimposed upon shrubs with sculptural horizontal branching, maximizing the interest from the modest available planting areas. The remaining planting beds accommodate a wide variety of flowering shrubs, ornamental grasses, perennials and ground covers, providing year-round interest.

all plants were selected for their multiple interest of seasonal colour and complimentary textures.

Welcome Home
This beautiful home in the Limestone City sits atop a hill at the end of a very private court. The clients requested that the entrance to the home be more inviting to its visitors and truly present itself proudly within the neighbourhood.

Tumbled interlock pavers with the combination of soldiering square-cut flagstone create strong linear lines and definition to the new walkway. The existing concrete porch has been cladded with matching flagstone tiles to complement the walkway soldier course.

Simple, but elegant was the focus for this landscape. A mixture of broadleaf evergreens, complementary perennial colours and seasonally interesting plant material was the taste of choice.

Battery Park
This portion of Kingston’s waterfront is a large parcel of waterfront land located just two blocks from Kingston’s historic City Hall. It remained undeveloped for the past 40 years. Through a unique partnership between the developers and the City of Kingston, this significant greenspace was developed as a premier public space along the waterfront.

The site had been used for a variety of both military and industrial purposes through the years, and the parkland was developed using Brownfield Restoration strategies. The entire parkland portion of the site was capped with 500 mm of clay to prevent infiltration of water into the site. A drainage strategy was developed to carry all water overland. A natural stone sitting wall, constructed from local weathered limestone boulders, bridges the grade differential along the waterfront walkway, and separates this ribbon of asphalt from the extensive lawn areas beyond.

The trees and planting beds use xeriscape materials and techniques, and tolerate drought conditions well. Trees line the many walkways, providing shade and a human scale to the backdrop of the adjacent buildings. The existing Trembling Aspens, long established within the former industrial site, were retained through the use of extensive tree wells that double as additional seating areas below their canopy. The rustle of the wind through these Trembling Aspens offer a natural “white noise” to mask the sounds of the traffic and city life nearby. The planting beds offer a wide variety of ornamental grasses and herbaceous planting, all with dynamic seasonal interest.

The site’s diverse history included the location of the battery involved in the naval battle of the Royal George during the war of 1812, and the name Battery Park was adopted. As the jewel of Kingston’s urban waterfront, this parkland was deserving of a design feature that would become a landmark for years to come. A large central courtyard was required, in which local events could be held. It was determined that a large Compass Rose would be a fitting echo to the site’s naval history, while providing the large event courtyard 38 meters in diameter.

The park has become a very busy, dynamic greenspace throughout the years, with users finding their way to the park from downtown streets, the nearby Queen’s University campus, and adjacent residents.

Lake Ontario Park
Lake Ontario Park is a leading example of how the Landscape Profession can lead social change to create the awareness, intention and opportunity for people to unplug, re-connect with nature, and live a healthier lifestyle outside.

Residents and visitors to Kingston have renewed their passion for this iconic greenspace through the effective development of passive and active recreational amenities for young and old alike. This love for Lake Ontario Park has seen over 5,000 visitors attending events there, and created a very busy and dynamic parkland.

The ecosystem of over 1,000 mature oak and maple trees was unharmed, and full accessibility through both the tablelands and shoreline was achieved through meticulous siting of walkways, activity areas and tree preservation techniques. The shoreline ecosystem was significantly enhanced through stabilization, ecosystem development and an innovative drainage strategy that re-charged the water table, mitigating development damage to the existing tree canopy.

The restoration of Lake Ontario Park includes a diversity of refurbished and new elements. A fully accessible walkways system was developed, providing slopes not exceeding 4%, despite the 40 foot change in elevation within the park. Active recreational facilities include shoreline access for swimming and boating, walking/cycling trails, skating rink, splash pad, play structures, uplands sand beaches, volleyball courts and outdoor performance areas. Passive recreation is achieved through multiple sitting and picnic areas to take in sunrise or sunset views over Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

The existing tree canopy was enhanced through the planting of over 100 new trees, as well as naturalization areas and herbaceous planting beds. Waterfront development features include swimming access and beach areas, a boat ramp and dock, shoreline stabilization and ecosystem enhancement.

Lake Ontario Park has reclaimed its position as the destination point for both residents and visitors to Kingston. It has met its intended goal of bringing people back outside, and offers a range of activities for all ages.

Rock and Water
This stunning location posed many challenges for both design and construction aspects due the severe slope and minimal access to the site. We also worked very closely with the local conservation authority and municipality in order to limit any negative impacts to the existing environment.

The clients wanted to maintain a natural theme to tie in with its surroundings and preserve as well as encourage wildlife to the property. They also wanted outdoor areas from which they could entertain and enjoy the spectacular vistas.

We incorporated hundreds of tons of natural stone for steps, walls and terraces in order to accommodate these requirements. We provided a seamless transition from an indoor pool to the main terrace and outdoor fireplace. There were also numerous intimate seating areas created throughout the site which also maintain lake views. One of the main focal points of this project is the incorporation of the water feature. This feature starts at the upper main terrace with a reflection pond and is spanned by a stone slab bridge. The water then spills over natural stone creating a cascading waterfall down to the larger lower pond which contains fish, frogs, and aquatic plants. This lower pond is then encompassed by an informal seating area that allows the clients and guests to enjoy 360 degrees of natural beauty and the soothing sound of splashing water.

The hardscape is then softened by strategic lighting and lush plantings.

Landmark
This 30 year old waterfront condominium was in tired condition and in need of re-vitalization. The owners collectively sought a dynamic street terrace over-top of their rooftop garage, which would provide an elegant streetscape to the building while also providing passive outdoor amenity areas for sitting and watching the world go by.

There are multiple demands upon the space which also serves as the primary and secondary entrances to the fourteen story residence, as well as the street entrance to several professional offices. Physical constraints on the site included limited weight capacity to build over-top of the rooftop garage, a self-contained drainage strategy and year-round seasonal interest.

The physical constraints were met through building key components and largest planters with trees over-top of the support columns. The sitting walls of the planters were constructed from precast concrete wall systems with natural stone copings. The ornamental planters were constructed from a combination of western red cedar and Ipe hardwood.

The rooftop drainage strategy incorporated both above and below surface drainage systems to ensure quick dispersion of water.

The planting design included a wide variety of flowering trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses and perennials, providing year-round interest through sequential blooming periods and a broad variety of colours and textures throughout the year. Large urns of seasonal displays highlight key passage routes and focal points to provide visual cues to entrances.

Landscape lighting highlights key plants and areas within the streetscape terrace, while a well articulated irrigation waters the plantings without spilling over onto living areas.

Red Barn
This unique property of rolling meadows was selected to place a summer home at best advantage for evening sunsets and gracious country living. The home is constructed from a historic re-constructed barn moved to the property.

The design goals were very different than most projects; to provide a natural landscape that appears to have very little done to it to enhance the open views, while providing a series of passive and active recreation areas for an active family. The stone terrace moves easily from the barn to the swimming pool terrace. To minimize the view of the pool fencing, broad herbaceous planting beds were used to define areas, as well as attract birds and butterflies. The simple post and beam arbours provide a comfortable scale to the poolside sitting area and inviting guests into the sitting terrace. The simple yet elegant lawn areas move from the croquet court, to lawns cut only monthly, and to the natural meadow beyond.

This simple integration entices a wide variety of birds into proximity of the homes outdoor living areas. The spectacular unencumbered views of the big sky, set over the open meadow with tree rows between agricultural fields, provides drama and a scale appropriate to the unique character and scale of the home.

Farmhouse Courtyard
This historic property underwent extensive restoration and expansion. We worked very closely with the architect to maintain the building’s integrity and attention to detail.

The clients wanted to maintain the rich historic/formal theme and extend it into the outdoor areas in a manner that was consistent with both the architectural style and heritage look and feel of the property.

We incorporated both traditional and man made materials such as limestone, black granite and unit pavers to accommodate these requirements. The use of natural stone in and outside the home provides a seamless transition to the outdoors. The main outdoor terrace area with its natural stone fireplace and cook center allows for a multi-functional space for family and guests to enjoy.

Special consideration was given to maximizing and framing the surrounding farmland and orchard views. The pastoral views are thoroughly enjoyed from the more secluded fire pit terrace area located behind the restored barn. The hardscape is then softened by strategic lighting and a more formal planting scheme in order to maintain a traditional yet comfortable theme.

Waterview
This waterfront home, set overlooking the river, provides views of both sunrise and sunsets in season. The property presented numerous very challenging constraints, including terraced grade changes, limited access, proximity to the septic field, and shallow bedrock.

The design goal was to establish multiple outdoor living areas that would provide areas to entertain both small and large groups. Provision of safe playing areas for a young family was also essential, despite the nearby stone escarpments leading to the river. The entertainment areas were developed through a collection of terraces, decks and gazebos, accommodating smaller gathering areas, and collectively, a spectacular area to entertain.

The prow deck cantilevers to overhang the first escarpment, and naturally leads your eye to nearby islands and boating traffic. Glass railings are incorporated into a wooden railing system to provide a sense of border, while minimizing the visual impact. The screened in gazebo provides three season comfort, while providing a refuge on evenings when the mosquitoes may be threatening. A children's outdoor activity terrace provides a dynamic play area, and is set on rubber tiles for cushioning.

All of these components are thoughtfully placed within the natural tree canopy, providing a natural integration with the existing trees.

The terraced living areas and lawns are also separated from the escarpment through a glass railing system, preventing children from accessing dangerous areas of the property. The multi-level decks leading to the house again provide for groups of varying sizes, with each providing purposeful seating areas and views to the river beyond.

The ornamental planting softens the living terraces and intermediate slopes between them. Groupings of perennials and herbaceous plants are set within flowering shrubs to provide detail, interest and focal areas.

Serenity on the Bay
This project sits on the edge of the Bay of Quinte, where silhouettes of passing sailboats and vibrant sunsets are a common theme. The client came to us with a very definite overall vision for the new landscape of her property. As an avid sailor and Commodore of her local Yacht Club, the vision included the ability to entertain many friends and family. It was extremely important to create an extension of her indoor living space, as strong linear lines and clear sense of order are very apparent. There are 5 very specific spaces at work within the design, all equally important with connecting stone terraces and staircases that maintain the spacial flow.
The Dining area accommodates many users, with its long dining table and custom made cathedral style pergola it’s definitely the main gathering space. Adjoining the dining area is the custom designed outdoor kitchen. The outdoor kitchen features Black granite and glass mosaic tiled countertops, with Tiger-stripe faced verticals. Stainless steel appliances and copper down-lighting complete the look.
The lounge space was designed with very specific sized outdoor furniture in mind, and is nestled amongst stone retaining walls with cascading plant material creating a very cozy feeling. The lounge abuts the main focal point of the entire space. A custom designed and built water feature, that is not only an outdoor feature, but was strategically placed for viewing through the large pane windows of the inside of the home. The copper Fire and Water bowl feature descends into an upper holding pool, and then cascades into the lower pool.
Finally, the descending staircases lead you to the lakeside, where a wonderful Serenity Garden is positioned. Here, the client’s love of sailing, yoga and meditation was highlighted byways of a Nest Rest swaying over a bed of lavender. The Nest Rest is a large piece of outdoor furniture that hangs from a custom designed sailboat mast, boom and sail. Small, but appreciated details were incorporated including the client’s boat symbol and racing number to bring it all together.

Fun on the Greens
This miniature golf facility sits nestles among a mature woodlot setting, and provides a popular family recreational experience.

From the outset, the client involved our design team in determining the minimal impact upon the adjacent trees and natural landscape. The primary design goal then became to integrate the miniature golf layout within generous planting beds of flowering shrubs, perennials and ornamental grasses. All of these plantings needed to be extremely hardy and tolerant of abuse by those enjoying the course.

Great care was taken to maintain the existing trees where possible. This was especially challenging given the nature of the site, use of the property, and dealing with several specimen Birch trees, typically very sensitive to any changes within their root zone.

The plantings have been placed within many groupings, situated to separate the golf holes. The three primary ponds with water sprays, linking streams and waterfalls are visually coordinated by the groupings of plantings, and scaled with the existing trees being retained.

The collection of plants provides density of cover between the holes, discouraging participants from playing off course. The combination of flowering shrubs, perennials and ornamental grasses provide a wide variety of textures and colours throughout the spring, summer and fall.

Fire and Water
This project sits on the edge of the Bay of Quinte, where silhouettes of passing sailboats and vibrant sunsets are a common theme. The client came to us with a very definite overall vision for the new landscape of her property. As an avid sailor and Commodore of her local Yacht Club, the vision included the ability to entertain many friends and family. It was extremely important to create an extension of her indoor living space, as strong linear lines and clear sense of order are very apparent. There are 5 very specific spaces at work within the design, all equally important with connecting stone terraces and staircases that maintain the spacial flow.

The Dining area accommodates many users, with its long dining table and custom made cathedral style pergola it’s definitely the main gathering space. Adjoining the dining area is the custom designed outdoor kitchen. The outdoor kitchen features Black granite and glass mosaic tiled counter tops, with Tiger-stripe faced verticals. Stainless steel appliances and copper down-lighting complete the look.

The lounge space was designed with very specific sized outdoor furniture in mind, and is nestled amongst stone retaining walls with cascading plant material creating a very cozy feeling. The lounge abuts the main focal point of the entire space. A custom designed and built water feature, that is not only an outdoor feature, but was strategically placed for viewing through the large pane windows of the inside of the home. The copper Fire and Water bowl feature descends into an upper holding pool, and then cascades into the lower pool.
Finally, the descending staircases lead you to the lakeside, where a wonderful Serenity Garden is positioned. Here, the client’s love of sailing, yoga and meditation was highlighted byways of a Nest Rest swaying over a bed of lavender. The Nest Rest is a large piece of outdoor furniture that hangs from a custom designed sailboat mast, boom and sail. Small, but appreciated details were incorporated including the client’s boat symbol and racing number to bring it all together.

Paradise Point
Set amidst towering trees and surrounded by the lake, this private peninsula had amazing views already built in.

The clients wanted to incorporate a pool and patio area with an English Country/Natural type theme to mesh with their home. They also wanted to have some privacy without obstructing the existing views, while maintaining a large open green space for outdoor games and activities.

The pool and terrace are located off to one side of the main viewing area from the home. This enabled unobstructed views of the lake from the house and created a large open space they hoped for. We utilized natural stone walls, steps and flagstone which maintains their selected theme and matches building materials of the home.

We also incorporated a low stone wall along the south side of the pool adjacent to the lake. This wall provided the clients and guests with absolute privacy while swimming, from passing boaters, but also allowed wide open viewing of the lake while sitting and entertaining. The cabana incorporates stone pillars, change facilities, equipment storage and a private outdoor shower. The pool area is surrounded by flowering shrubs and perennial beds which help to maintain the theme and soften the iron fencing. Soft lighting provides users with a safe and dramatic outdoor space.

Jump Right In
Nestled along a small river this project had amazing views already built in.
The primary requirement for this project was to provide large entertaining spaces for the family and their frequent guests.

This was achieved by the strategic incorporation of elements such as; a swimming pool with a waterfall, hot tub, covered outdoor kitchen and bar, pizza oven, and covered porch, all linked together by large terraces and walkways.
This entertainment space was created on a raised plateau and retained with Armour stone in order to maximize views of the river and gardens, yet minimize the views of the required fencing. Architectural features such as the covered outdoor kitchen and raised terrace roof addition were constructed to match the existing home's building materials.

The entire entertainment area is surrounded by flowering shrubs and perennial beds which provide texture and colour throughout the seasons. Soft lighting provides users with a safe and dramatic outdoor space.

Levels for Comfort
The landscape design concept for this newly built home was to create a backyard haven that would take advantage of the existing views of the green space beyond while offering a private and peaceful space within the yard. The existing second floor deck was small and, without steps to grade, was isolated completely from the backyard. The yard itself was sodded from the house to the perimeter fence. Our design introduced a multi-tiered deck with steps leading to a terrace to the south and into a garden to the north. This created several ‘garden rooms’ which offered various opportunities for privacy and sun/shade options. The area under the main steps from the upper deck was enclosed to create a tiny shed, and the area under the original deck was finished with a small terrace. This cozy spot is the perfect place to read or sip a cool drink on hot days. The paved terrace is large enough for dining or will seat a larger group while entertaining. The gardens surround the decks and terraces with a combination of shrubs and perennials.

The focus of this landscape design and installation was to create a multi-faceted, tranquil space. The gently spiraling traffic patterns, the multiple rooms and the encircling gardens allow and encourage one to explore the space, to enjoy the views beyond and to relax within this tiny oasis.

Fired Up
The Deck and Patio Design was truly inspired by the clients' 4' x 12' large picture pane window, on the bottom floor of the home. The deck rests on long spanned steel I-beams with concrete and stone pillar foundations that help maintain the very beautiful view of Lake Ontario. The clients were interested in a new upper deck space that could easily accommodate many friends and family, but could also be a comfortable perch in which to simply relax and enjoy the outdoors. A custom granite and stainless steel bar-top stretches along the deck rail, allowing for additional seating and a terrific place to enjoy your favourite beverage.

The on-grade patio space is great for dining, lounging and cooking your favourite home-made pizzas. Low pre-cast and stone capped knee walls create a perimeter barrier around the lower patio, while soft landscape lighting emits an evening glow within the space. Colourful perennials and shrubs have been added to complement the existing ferns, hydrangeas and trilliums.

The Design intent was to transform the tired shore-side facade of the home into something very clean, elegant and proud. It was important to extend the indoor living space through the large pane windows of the home, and truly represent the client's lifestyle and personalities.