When I talk to a client for the first time about meeting to tour their property and discuss their landscaping, most clients start off by saying,“we were thinking…” indicating, obviously that there is more than one person making the design decisions.

This delightful client has 17 horses on her acreage and felt separated from them. (After spending a day on site, we totally understood.) We were tasked with designing and shaping a space where the family could spend their time and while still feeling connected with their horses.

In an earlier post I wrote about making the perfect patio yours this summer season.  Well, we did just that for clients here on the peninsula.

This lovely couple had recently moved to the island from a colder climate and wanted to enjoy their ocean view and sun filled back yard.  However, a rotten deck and weirdly sloped lawn made that impossible. We got the call when someone put their foot through a deck board.

Recently we began an exciting new project here on the Saanich Peninsula.  Having worked with these clients previously on another property, we were all quite eager to begin another project together. 

Every landscape needs a tweak or two each season as it evolves, but when do you know when your landscape or garden needs to be completely overhauled? It’s not always easy to know where you fall on the continuum between a small investment and some time in the dirt or a serious investment and big equipment.

t seems innocent enough. If you have a contractor building or renovating your house why wouldn’t you have him or her include the deck in the plans. It makes sense, it’s great timing and they are already familiar with your project.  

It doesn’t get any better than summer evenings on a patio!  Between friends and good food, sunsets and conversation, memories are made.  And when it happens at your place, it’s even better. Here are four ways to turn your patio into the place to be.

It’s where you put your air conditioning unit, your air vents, your gas meter, your family’s bikes and stray tools. It’s the way to get from Point A to Point B, it’s transitional, It’s a catchall, and usually —it’s ugly.  It’s your side yard. 

One of the great things about landscape lighting is that much of it can be added into an existing landscape. Most of the time, LED fixtures and low voltage wiring are easily installed at any time for a quick upgrade to your landscape. 

If there is one thing that can elevate your garden from average to awesome it’s lighting. No wonder it's the top landscape focus right now. Having the right lights in your landscape can extend your enjoyment of your time outdoors. Good lighting is something that makes a substantial difference to our clients in their overall satisfaction with their landscape.