Garden Retreats

The Junior League of Toronto restored the MacLean House which is owned and operated by Sunnybrook Estates.

I was involved in the “Coach House Garden”  here are some before and after pics.  There is a stone arch built by J B Stoneworks (donated by Beaver Valley Stone)  and patio by Kingsway Landscape Contractors (donated by Unilock)  that remain.  You should visit this beautiful Treasure of Toronto located behind Sunnybrook Hospital

The Coach house entrance after with new arch and keystone

Trojan Horse by Jules Pietras welcomed visitors

the patio with Haddon Stone containers (from Beyond the Veranda) were well enjoyed during the event.

Small back yard transformed into oasis.

City front yard updated

New garden draws client outside

Modern front garden to compliment architecture

Dated back yard becomes new entertaining centre

Japanese Garden

Modern cooking centre

Art in the garden, is a must

Grass removed and entire yard planted

Evolution of a downtown classic low maintenance garden

Low maintenance property

A classical, monochromatic  Georgian look for an Updated Thornhill home

Backyard Screens

This is a perspective of my feature garden at Canada Blooms. This year the theme is flower power and there will be lots of brightly colored walls and flowers in an amusing atmosphere. Think disco dancing, garden parties, curved lines, pink flamingoes, lots of plants and foliage. Look for the information in the February issue of Gardening Life.

The show starts March 12th and runs to the 16th at the Metro Convention Centre. If you can make it call me at 416-565-8343. I am in featue garden #14.

(drawing by Margrieta Vandelis)

Sneak Preview of this years backdrop and a month of planning and construction have been logged to date

The Japanese maple creates a focal point in the garden while the boxwood frames and softens the hardscape in the corners.  The plants provide structure around the perimeter of the garden.

The best feature is the connection between the house and garden. “You want to ask for a table on the patio like you are out at café”.

The much needed storage shed is as chic as the house, was designed with glass doors to match the back of the house.

Progress in the construction site

The site upon my first visit….

The fountain is the main focal point…. A 4 foot sheet of water cascades into the lower pool of reflecting water and river pebbles.  Pebbles can be removed for a clear pool when the family is grown.

All rooms at the back feature greats view of the garden.

The flatstone provides an excellent path to the back while the plants soften the edges around the garden.

The western red cedar screens provided much needed privacy close to the house, and security for the children and pets around the yard. A combination of lattice and solid panels, let the air circulate….

The owners of this classic dwelling wanted a low maintenance look as well as the removal of all the grass. Planting was a challenge under the maple. The result was an eye catching group of plants and all season’s interest which generated many compliments from the neighborhood.

A small courtyard with the stone pet brought from the previous residence, gave the kids a place                  to sit while waiting for friends, while the container provides a consistent focal point.

The natural stone was used to create levels and retain the necessary raised beds. At the base of the tree, resilient plantings were required at the edges and used to soften the hardscape and require less maintenance.

This small back yard was a challenge and had to provide areas for family enjoyment and future expansion. The raised beds double as seating and the garden can be expanded when the trampoline is gone.   

The original hydrangea was salvaged during the construction of the new fence. New plantings were added with columnar habits to maximize space. Annual plantings provide interest all summer.

Retaining walls provide additional seating, give the small back yard a larger appearance and added space for entertaining.

An existing shed was removed and a pergola built to provide an intimate dining area for the family and add structural interest in the winter.  A small fountain on the fence was selected by the owner.

Connie poses with her award winning design at the 2007 Canada Blooms. Her feature garden at Canada Blooms won 2 awards: The S.G. Ulbright Award for “Outstanding Medium Size Garden” and the Certified Landscape Designer Award.

Entrance to the 2007 feature garden where the stone wall and planters were a hit.

Wire baskets (gabions) were used as retaining walls. Blue chips campagnula and white azaleas lined the front planting bed. Rustic arches framed the entrance to the garden.