About Us

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Merle Kroeker, PRL Principal:
For over 20 years, I have designed properties that offer play and rest and beauty, while addressing the practicalities and problems that keep you from truly enjoying your space. I specialize in unexpected, generous and joyful gardens, creatively going beyond solving problems and designing your space around you.

I see what is and envision what could be as I evaluate the possibilities and potential of a home and landscape. I can relate with my clients when they talk about wanting more space to be together as a family, or their need to unwind by the firepit or a moment of zen by a waterfall after the end of a hard day. I think about the little details that connect spaces and look for ways to create a seamless flow from inside to outside.

I love the constant challenge of coming up with new ideas and honouring my clients by imagining and designing a landscape that brings them joy.

I grew up in a small Mennonite town in Manitoba, and all I ever wanted was to be outside having fun, whether it was playing tennis against the house or turning the yard into a homemade golf course, even mowing the lawn, I was happiest outside. I belonged outside.

Years later, my understanding of spaces and how we interact with them drew me to drafting. I learned how homes are designed and built along with significant technical and visualization skills that have been an incredible foundation for my design work.

Life took new directions and I moved into graphic design. I loved the challenges of creating a unique brand aesthetic for each client and creating websites, print media, and the odd database tailored to their needs.

The next chapter of my life took me back outside. From day one on my friend’s landscape crew, I knew I had found what I was looking for. Over the next few years, I learned everything I could about landscape design and installation. It brought together the technical drafting skills and the creativity of graphic design in a way that allowed for complete reinventions of outdoor spaces.

It turned out, I was pretty good at it. I could see and envision what could be, the possibilities and potential of a landscape. I could relate to my clients as they talked about wanting more space to be together as a family, or their need to unwind by the firepit or listen to a waterfall after the end of a hard day at work.

My specialty is in listening to my clients and creating a landscape that aligns with their lives and their dreams, whatever they may be.

They began and completed the job on time, on budget, and to the highest of standards
— Barrie D.