Natural Landscape Magazine - Fall 2011

CANADA’S LANDSCAPE DESIGN BUILD

MAGAZINE

CANADA’S LANDSCAPE DESIGN BUILD

CANADA’S LANDSCAPE DESIGN BUILD

MAGAZINE

MAGAZINE

NL CANADA’S LANDSCAPE DESIGN BUILD

MAGAZINE

The ArT OF OuTdOOr LivinG

T

he beauty of landscaping enriches the

quality of your life and enhances the value of your property. Whether you choose to

entertain, exercise or simply escape, Beaudry will help you achieve your outdoor sanctuary.

Landscape. Design. Build.

905.639.6502

4031 Fairview Street, Suite 215, Burlington, Ontario L7L 2A4 www.BeaudryGroup.com

D e D i c at e D t o t h e p u r s u i t o f e x c e l l e n c e s i n c e 1 9 7 6

Building

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17 Wade Rd Smithville, ON L0R 2A0 905-957-1330 info@boslandscaping .com www.boslandscaping.com

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Legendary Vision

Legendary Vision A place where dreams begin

By Christine Bosanac

D

rive up to any landscaping supply store and you’ll likely face stacks of product on skids and, if you’re lucky, a flat photo board depicting a scene using the product. Drive up to Legends Landscape Supply and you’ll find something entirely different. Their vision? To transform the average supply yard into a life-like walkthrough environment where contractors and homeowners alike can visit to dream, visualize and plan outdoor habitats; taking product display to a whole new level.

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It’s as if you’re approaching a home, because their exterior showroom is just that, a facade of a home and more. Stroll around the terraced patios and lounge by the fireplace while admiring the raised garden beds. You’ll discover new and creative uses for a wide array of products including interlock pavers used in walkways, driveways and edging, along with stone veneer siding and outdoor garden structures.

FALL 2011 NATURAL LANDSCAPE | 5

BBQ Potato Salad (serves 4-6) 2 lbs scrubbed new potatoes 2 Tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper

Dream of what you’ll cook in the inviting outdoor kitchen highlighted by the Lynx appliance line. Legends chose Lynx because they’re “top of the line and guaranteed for life,” says Russell Springer, owner of Legends. “When creating an outdoor extension of your home, you want to ensure you have products that perform

and last,” and Lynx does that. They feature outstanding workmanship, utilizing proprietary technologies and refined features throughout their entire collection.

The site is open and staffed with friendly, professional help during the day. It’s also lit

6 slices smoked bacon, cooked and cut up

Sink & Faucet

4 hard-boiled eggs, shelled and diced 3 green onions, finely chopped Cut the new potatoes in half. Cook new potatoes in a saucepan of boiling water for 10 minutes and drain when they are tender but firm.

Fridge

Trash

Place the potatoes in a bowl; add the olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. (cont’d)

END OF SEASON SPECIALS

6 | NATURAL LANDSCAPE fall 2011 NATURALLANDSCAPEMAGAZINE.COM

and available to visit in the evening on your own. You’ll find everything tagged with product names and colour, so identifying your choices is easy.

quote it right and what’s required to get the job done properly, so the result far exceeds what the homeowner could have imagined.

Legends facilitates vision in a unique way that’s truly legendary.

The Legends team is passionate and knowledgeable about what they sell, how to

Preheat grill to medium heat and add the seasoned potatoes. Grill potatoes, turning regularly, until the outsides are crispy.

Place warm potatoes in a bowl and add the bacon, green onions and eggs.

Dressing

Cook top & Drawers

¼ cup mayonnaise (more if you like it creamier) 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 Tbsp cider vinegar 1 Tsp paprika Salt and pepper to taste

BBQ & Storage

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and add to the warm potato mixture, stir well.

Serve warm or chill in the fridge to serve cold.

REFINED OUTDOOR KITCHEN PRODUCTS

W W W. LY N X G R I L L S . C A | 1 - 8 0 0 - 2 6 8 - 4 0 8 6 NATURALLANDSCAPEMAGAZINE.COM

fall 2011 NATURAL LANDSCAPE | 7

Written by Lori Sweezey

8 | NATURAL LANDSCAPE fall 2011

W

hat if your interest is not backyard bashes and entertaining the masses?

What if it’s not a priority to have a gas fireplace and bubbling water feature? What if you care more about sustainability and creating a space that treats Mother Nature with as much respect as you can muster? Then you’d be at the little cottage home in north-east Hamilton of Raw Food Chef Barbara Maccaroni and her partner, Peter Ormond, Green Party candidate for Hamilton Centre.

“My philosophy is to rethink the current system and try to simplify whenever possible. A vote is cast with every choice made,” Peter explains.

“People may make conscious choices through a healthy diet, career, fuel-efficient vehicle, backyard garden or worthy charity of choice. However, they may still shop at mega-stores, stop at drive-throughs, vote as our parents did, or avoid responsibility by being ‘apolitical.’ It’s been a challenge when people say they admire my example but still follow the status quo in so many ways.”

Their home is a virtual dream for the environment – a challenging accomplishment when you live in the middle of a city. This home has much to boast about. The couple manages a very comfortable lifestyle without many of the things that most people think they’d die without. Things like air conditioning, a furnace, a dryer, a microwave, a stove or a car. The very things that, collectively, leave a big gaping wound on our earth.

The home has been insulated from the outside and features a 1kw solar photovoltaic power source that is mounted on the roof. The energy is sold back to the power grid as part of the Provincial Green Energy Act. For eight months of the year, the rooftop solar system produces all the home’s hot water, and the dehydrators that Barbara utilizes for her Raw Food catering business provide heat during the winter months to keep them toasty warm. The “grey water” produced in their home is put to good use – flushing toilets and watering plants.

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The couple is also involved with Hamilton Car Share and a neighbourhood paper-share (they read the newspaper after two other households have scoured them).

The backyard is something that must be seen to be believed. Although Peter is the Green Party guy, I believe that it’s Barbara who has the greenest thumb (Sorry, Peter.) Everything about this yard has been used before and can be used again. It’s a space filled with great peace and positive energy.

A large cistern at the back of the house holds the rainwater that they use to water the gardens.

To the right of that stands a vermi-composter.

The rich soil and hundreds of worms inside this gadget produce worm castings and a “compost tea” which is used to fertilize – so no nasty chemicals. At the extreme back end of the property, they utilize two large composters in order to avoid using the city’s green-waste bins.

NATURALLANDSCAPEMAGAZINE.COM

Approximately 20 varieties of outrageously healthy, heirloom tomato plants climb up old metal bed frames that are placed strategically throughout the garden. Everything in this space can be eaten during the summer months, canned for future use or dried to be used later in Barbara’s “Raw Food” recipes. Several apple and pear trees provide shade and food. They boast at least 10 varieties of berries, 13 types of herbs, plus the good old standbys: cucumber, zucchini, beets, radish, beans, kale, collards, eggplant and green onions.

Barbara calls their way of life the KISSES example – Keep It Simple, Sustainable Enjoy Sweetheart. “I think sustainability is about keeping life and our

fall 2011 NATURAL LANDSCAPE | 9

KISSES Principle Barbara lives by KISSES. Maybe some hugs and kisses too, but in this case she’s talking about her homegrown version of the KISS theory – Keep It Simple Stupid.

day-to-day ‘stuff’ simple and enjoyable. This is not the same as saying easy. In fact, in what feels like, looks like and is a much faster paced society than ever before, choosing consciously to slow down, grow, make, trade, sow/sew your own is in fact not easier. I feel joy in stepping out into this little patch of yard we have and enjoying literally the fruits of our labour. I grew up on a hobby farm in Binbrook, before all the development you can see there now, knowing and understanding early on that homegrown (without chemicals) and homemade is the best! I could choose to spend my time working to make more money in order to pay someone else to do the things I either don’t know how to do or don’t have time to

do (and there is nothing wrong with that). It’s just not always sustainable and I love learning new things – something I don’t think will ever end when choosing a path towards conscious sustainability.”

This young couple has definitely created a backyard that is congruent with their belief system and lifestyle, and truly reflects what is important to them. Great job guys – you “rawk” the sustainability world.

For more information about “cooking raw” please visit Barbara’s website: www.blove.ca

Barbara’s approach is sweeter though – KISSES – Keep It Simple, Sustainable Enjoy Sweetheart.

“I think sustainability is about keeping life and our day to day ‘stuff’ simple and enjoyable.

This is not the same as saying easy. In fact, in what feels like, looks like and is a much faster paced society than ever before, choosing consciously to slow down, grow, make, trade, sow/ sew your own is in fact not easier.

“I feel joy in stepping out into this little patch of yard we have and enjoying literally the fruits of our labour. I grew up on a hobby farm in Binbrook – before all the development you can see there now – knowing and understanding early on that homegrown (without chemicals) and homemade is the best!

“I could choose to spend my time working to make more money in order to pay someone else to do the things I either don’t know how to do or don’t have time to do. And while there is nothing wrong with that, it’s just not always sustainable.

Besides, I love learning new things; something I don’t think will ever end when choosing a path towards conscious sustainability.”

And there you have it, KISSES from Barbara.

10 | NATURAL LANDSCAPE fall 2011

NATURALLANDSCAPEMAGAZINE.COM

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Martek Supply provides complete solutions for all exterior landscaping projects. Whether it is Low Voltage Lighting, Water Gardening & Ponds or Surface Drainage Solutions, Martek has the right products for every application.

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Not So AverAge Joe

Aren’s favourite recipe: Spinach and artichoke dip 2-8oz pkg of cream cheese softened 2/3 cup of heavy whipping cream 1/3 cup of parmesan cheese, grated

Featuring the real people who work behind the scenes to create those dream landscapes AREN TUK, owner of SERENITY STONE

A

ren is a 28-year-old, six-foot-six-inch gentle giant of Dutch decent. He’s one of two children raised by parents who taught him the value of hard work from a young age.

He always had too much energy to stop and sit down, so the idea of spending his days in a college or university lecture hall was not appealing to him. His love of the outdoors and need to physically work with his hands led to a co-op placement at a nursery where he combined both. The experience of “working outside with a good group of guys” made him “fall in love with the trade,” says Aren.

Aren credits Fred Ferigon of Polar Pools and Dave Maciulis, of Natural Landscape Inc. for instilling a good work ethic, attention to detail and providing real-world experience.

Coffee:

Favourite food:

Double, double, extra large (like him).

Sausage, peas and rice.

NATURALLANDSCAPEMAGAZINE.COM

He prides himself on the quality of his workmanship and a job executed to perfection. “The appreciation of the homeowner, when the job is complete makes all the blood sweat and tears I put into something that I’ll never actually use, worth it,” says Aren.

During the winter, he hones his skills through specialty training seminars and enjoys playing hockey, and lots of it. How anyone could get a puck past this guy is beyond us! He guards the goal with the same determination that he undertakes his work.

Aren does everything from ceramic tile to carpentry to pool installation to stone masonry work. And he’s amazingly talented at it all.

Although he’s considered a Jack-of-all-trades, he’s a master of stone!

Contact Aren Tuk at: tukserenitystone@gmail.com

Favourite hockey team:

Favourite Hobby:

Vancouver Canucks.

Custom car audio.

1/4 tsp of garlic powder 1-16oz pkg of frozen spinach (washed and drained) 1-13oz can of artichoke hearts (drained) 2/3 cup of monterey jack cheese *nachos or pumpernickel bread for dipping!

In a food processor, combine cream cheese, cheeses and garlic until creamy.

Add spinach, and diced artichoke hearts-mix thoroughly.

This dish can be heated in the microwave or in a crock pot. Once completely heated..... enjoy !!! Aren says it’s like going to heaven!

fALL 2011 NATURAL LANDSCAPE | 13

TheBrighter Bulb Fall planting ensures warmth and colour come spring

By Kris Morettie

T

he crisp, cool days of autumn have arrived, bringing plenty of rain with them. While it can be tempting to retreat indoors and give up on the garden for the season, spending some time outside this fall can give your curb appeal a major boost in the spring. Right now is the perfect time to plant spring bulbs in your garden, and when they emerge with their cheerful colours after the long winter, you’ll be glad that you put in the extra effort.

There are thousands of varieties of spring bulbs to choose from and they feature many different styles, textures and sizes. From classics such as daffodils, tulips and hyacinths to unusual giant alliums, bulbs range widely in appearance, making it possible to create a spectacular show of colour and life in the garden before most perennials are even starting to awaken.

A clean, contemporary look can be achieved by using a single flower colour throughout the landscape or have fun with a splashy mix of different shades.

For a perfectly coordinated palette, look for combination packs of bulbs that are mixed together in the hottest colours. From deep, dramatic darks to punchy citrus brights, choosing a unique look for your home is all part of the fun of planting in fall. Brand new varieties emerge every year and if the cutting-edge is where you want to be, you have to shop early.

There are a few key considerations for planting bulbs. First, make sure that they’re planted “right side up.” Most bulbs are shaped like a tear-drop with a pointed top and should be planted with the flat side down. Planting depth is also crucial for success. Follow the planting

14 | NATURAL LANDSCAPE FALL 2011

guidelines on the package to ensure that your bulbs are deep enough, which is generally more than four inches. Proper planting depth will prevent your bulbs from shifting or rotting during the freeze-and-thaw cycles of early spring and can also help to keep the squirrels from munching on them.

Bulbs are perfect little packages, containing all of the energy and nutrients needed for growth in early spring. However, adding a bulb fertilizer to the soil at planting time can also be beneficial. Bone meal is a traditional gardener’s favourite and “bulb booster” food blends are widely available and easy to use and will provide extra nourishment for your flowers in early spring.

To create a natural-looking display, plant your bulbs in groups or clusters. An easy trick to planting is to simply drop the bulbs in handfuls onto the garden bed and plant them where they land. This often leads to an organic mix of colours and patterns, which can be difficult to achieve intentionally. When your planting is complete, cover the soil surface with a fresh layer of mulch to add extra insulation and to further deter hungry critters.

After months of cold, grey winter, your spring bulbs will pop out of the ground with bright reminders of the warm weather to come.

For a vast selection of spring bulbs and everything else you need for a fabulous fall garden visit any TERRA store location.

www.terragreenhouses.com Kris Morettie is host, TERRA@Home.

NATURALLANDSCAPEMAGAZINE.COM

Planting tips for a glorious spring showing

By Kathryn Murray Planting bulbs is a fun, easy way to make your garden come to life throughout the growing season. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

Plant Early: While certain climates will allow for planting up until December, it’s important to get your bulbs in the ground prior to deep frost setting in.

Right Depth: Be sure to follow the planting instructions pertaining to depth. If bulbs are planted too shallow they’ll become a tasty treat for wildlife. Planting bulbs too deep results in excess foliage and small, weak flowers.

Read packages carefully.

Right Side Up: Be sure to plant your bulbs the right way. Always have the point or the eyes facing up, allowing the shoot to burst out of the ground and into your garden display.

Plenty of Sun: Don’t let the packaging fool you. It’s true that many bulb plants will grow in partially shady conditions, however, for best results plant in full sun. The spring warmth will awaken

NATURALLANDSCAPEMAGAZINE.COM

your sleeping bulbs and bring colour to your garden earlier in the season.

Numbers Game: Plant your bulbs in odd number clusters. Plant smaller bulbs together (one to two inches apart) for a fuller display and fewer large bulbs to allow plants to mature nicely (four to six inches apart).

Well Packed: Once in the ground, be sure to water well and pack the earth on top of your plantings. Cover your bulbs with mulch or compost one to two weeks after planting.

Avoid the smorgasbord: Many rodents and other wildlife enjoy the taste of a variety of bulbs. Beyond rodent sprays and wire cages, there is a natural alternative to keeping pests at bay: Daffodils. A nasty surprise for many wishing to dine in your garden, planting daffodils amongst your other bulbs will help ensure they make it to flowering time. Other tips include: bone meal, hair from your hairbrush and rose stem clippings on top of your plantings work as other deterrents.

Exclusive to TERRA Hot for this season and exclusive to TERRA is “Lasting Love,” a dark rubyred coloured Lily Flowering Tulip that grows 14-16” tall and blooms in mid spring. Perhaps the most elegant of all tulips with their slender, tapering petals and iridescent tones, don’t let their delicate look fool you. Strong, sturdy stems hold the long-lasting blooms for a reliable showy display year after year. www.terragreenhouses.com

FALL 2011 NATURAL LANDSCAPE | 15

Landscaping for your Lifestyle

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HARDSCAPE FINISHES

Petrisor Residence Dundas, Ontario

PURPLE CORAL BELLS

JAPANESE PAINTED FERN

JAPANESE FOREST GRASS

EXPOSED AGGREGATE

EXPOSED AGGREGATE

CAPPUCCINO COLOUR

MORNING LIGHT MAIDEN GRASS

COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE

INTERLOCK PATIO

NATURALIZE SLOPE

OSC WILDFLOWER MIXTURE

CONSTRUCTION DETAIL SEE PAGE 2

(4) IVORY SILK LILAC (9) OSTRICH FERN

(5) MORNING LIGHT MAIDEN GRASS

BABYS BREATH, BACHELOR BUTTONS, BLACK EYED SUSAN, COSMOS CALENDULA, CATCHFLY, CHRYSANTHEMUM, LANCE LEAF COREOPSIS, PLAINS COREOPSIS, SCARLET FLAX, ROCKY MOUNTAIN PENSTEMON, EVENING SCENTED PRIMROSE, PRAIRIE CONEFLOWER, PURPLE CORNFLOWER, RUSSELL LUPINES, SOAPWORT, SHASTA DAISY, SHIRLEY POPPY, WALLFLOWER.

24" DIAM. DRY WELL 48" DEEP

(40) PACHYSANDRA (3) COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE

(5) PALACE PURPLE CORAL BELLS (5) MORNING LIGHT MAIDEN GRASS PROPOSED HOT TUB (3) HOSTA PLANTAGINEA 'GRANDIFLORA' (1) IVORY SILK LILAC (5) HOSTA 'GINKO CRAIG' (5) JAPANESE PAINTED FERN

(5) HOSTA 'FRANCEE' PROPOSED CABANA SEE PAGE 2

PERMACON MEGA- BERGERAC PAVER

CONNECT DOWN SPOUT TO 4" DRAIN TILE AND GRADE ALONG. PROPERTY LINE ALONG NATURAL FLOW

EXPOSED AGGREGATE WALKWAY CAPPUCCINO COLOUR

UP

5' 2"

102"

P

HOT TUB 84"x84"x35.5" 300 gal

EXPOSED AGGREGATE SOLDIER COURSE

UP

80"

CAPPUCCINO COLOUR

7'' 6"

80"

UP

75"

73"

82"

57"

103.5"

ARBORED GATE SEE PAGE 2

80"

36" WIDE AUTO CLOSE

103" 102"

DS

P

132"

PROPOSED PERGOLA SEE PAGE 2

103"

P

INTERLOCK PATIO

103"

(5) PORCUPINE GRASS

103.5"

100"

72"

108"

P

(50) PACHYSANDRA

68"

LAWN

133"

(5) HUGES JUNIPER (5) HOSTA 'PATRIOT'

77"

P

P

(5) HOSTA PLANTAGINEA 'GRANDIFLORA'

(5) COLORADO SPRUCE

(1) INABA SHIDARE MAPLE

UP

COURTYARD WITH KNEEWALL

(12) IRISH MOSS

UP

LIMESTONE TRAILS GZ 10 WITH SCREEN ENCLOSURE

(5) CALGARY CARPET JUNIPER

107"

(5) JAPANESE PAINTED FERN EXISTING 5' HIGH BLACK CHAINLINK FENCE

SUNSPOT EUONYMUS

(1) RIVER BIRCH CLUMP FORM

QUALITY 3-D SOD BLEND

166"

PROPOSED 10' DIAM. GAZEBO

PURPLE CONEFLOWER

(5) HOSTA 'FRANCES WILLIAMS' (15) KOREAN BOXWOOD

64"

P

(12) IRISH MOSS NATURAL STONE STEPS (3) AUTUMN JOY SEDUM

(1) RIVER BIRCH CLUMP FORM (60) PACHYSANDRA

UP

P

P

SET ON 8" BRICK SAND BASE FIIL 2" JOINTS WITH POLYMERIC SAND

(3) AUTUMN JOY SEDUM

MAINTAIN PROPERTY LINE SWALE

(5) PALACE PURPLE CORAL BELLS

55"

18" STAINLESS STEEL MODE RUSTIC FIRE RING COVERED WITH 1" TUMBLED WHITE GLASS

3" MEGA FLAGSTONE PATIO

(5) JAPANESE BLOOD GRASS

QUALITY 3-D SOD BLEND

UP P

(3) SUNSPOT EUONYMUS A/C

P

DS

SET ON 4" BRICK SAND BASE

GAS FIRE PIT

HYDRO

3" MEGA FLAGSTONE 82"

118"

(5) PURPLE CONEFLOWER

LAWN

UP

P

P

(6) FAIRVIEW YEW CHIMNEY VENT

UP

1'

(5) ELIJAH BLUE FESCUE GRASS

GR

(3) COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE

(1) JEDDELOH DWARF HEMLOCK

(3) PINK BEAUTY HYDRANGEA

88" 157"

(3) HOSTA 'BLUE WEDGEWOOD'

52"

P

(5) PALACE PURPLE CORAL BELLS

75"

(40) PACHYSANDRA

JAPANESE BLOOD GRASS

(6) FAIRVIEW YEW

(1) INABA SHIDARE MAPLE (5) CALGARY CARPET JUNIPER

(1) KATSURA TREE CLUMP FORM

CAPPUCCINO COLOUR

75"

82"

P

P P

(5) HOSTA 'FRANCES WILLIAMS'

CALGARY CARPET JUNIPER

P

80"

89"

96"

(5) HOSTA 'FRANCES WILLIAMS'

P 103" 101"

EXPOSED AGGREGATE WALKWAY

73"

P

VENEER PORCH AND LANDINGS

WITH 1.5" SQUARECUT WIARITON FLAGSTONE

103.5"

P 130"

(5) CUTLEAF STEPHANANDRA

(1) CLIMBING HYDRANGEA (3) JAPANESE BLOOD GRASS WATER FEATURE

CONCRETE STEPS

STONE/CONCRETE COUNTER

P

163"

(5) SUNSPOT EUONYMUS

(3) HOSTA 'FIRE AND ICE'

HOUSE

(1) SHADEMASTER LOCUST

PROPOSED BBQ 81"

DS

EXISTING HILL

(60) PACHYSANDRA

100"

MAIN PATIO 82"

A

P

117"

P

HUGES JUNIPER

103.5"

130"

3.0%

NATURAL COLOUR

A

16' X 34'

163"

*FORM EXTENED LANDING ON 6" CONCRETE PAD WITH 6-6" DIA. SONO TUBE FOOTINGS 48" DEEP

GAS

7"

36" WATERFALL

96"

82"

CUSTOM LAGOON

(5) HUGES JUNIPER

81"

UP

103.5"

P

(3) WHITE SPRUCE

DRIVEWAY

EXPOSED AGGREGATE

(5) CALGARY CARPET JUNIPER

P

WHITE SPRUCE

SQUARE CUT WIARITON FLAGSTONE

(1) BRADFORD PEAR

UP 102"

NATURAL COLOUR

IVORY SILK LILAC

ARMOUR STONE RETAINING WALL

PERMACON MEGA- BERGERAC PLUS PAVERS RANGE BRITTANY BEIGE MODULAR PATTERN INSTALLED ON 4" SLAB CONCRETE

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Three Amigos

The natural adventures of eco Landscape Design

A

fter a long harsh winter these three compadres are anxious to get to the “hands on” part of their work. Reconnecting with nature.

Reconnecting with the people to whom they brought nature.

For the owners of eco Landscape Design, this was the third year they’d opened this particular yard. They’d built a solid rapport with the clients. The relationship felt like it was more than just a business deal. It felt like family.

Mike worked methodically in the back garden, pulling out old weeds and debris that the fall had deposited. The team had worked hard over the past few years to help this landscape evolve into the piece of art that it had become. He wasn’t sure what it felt like to be a proud dad,

40 | NATURAL LANDSCAPE fall 2011

but he was pretty certain that this must be a similar feeling. After Colin had taken his soil samples and examined the trees for any winter backlash, he joined Mike standing at the edge of the property. They took a few moments to inhale the view and reflect on their work. Man, how they loved this work.

Chris’s devilish laughter snapped them out of their dreamy state. They turned to see him immersed in an animated conversation with the homeowner.

His laugh was always a good sign that things were going well and the client was pleased.

They were instrumental in assisting these clients in uncovering their mind’s eye. It had been an arduous journey, but they’d formed some solid

NATURALLANDSCAPEMAGAZINE.COM

By Lori Sweezey

[L-R] t

Mike Thiessen: 32: Niagara College: Landscape Designer: Childhood dream–to be Jacques Cousteau Colin Wade: 32: Humber College: Arborist/self-proclaimed perfectionist/in charge of operations: Childhood dream–to be a veterinarian Chris Orlesky: 32: McMaster-BSc: Sales/Numbers guy: Childhood dream–to be a firefighter

NATURALLANDSCAPEMAGAZINE.COM

fall 2011 NATURAL LANDSCAPE | 41

relationships with everyone on this project – from the architect, to the contractors, to the clients, to the interior designer. The eco team had been the student as well as the teacher.

They’d figured out early on that the key to their success was going to be communication; or, – mostly the listening.

They’d set high standards for themselves and expected the same from everyone involved in their projects. They’d been very successful in creating cohesiveness between the clients’ wants and needs, the style of the home, Mother Nature, the interior of the home and even the bylaw guy.

Three years in and the gardens were full and lush. The property flowed. It was inviting and calming to the eye.

32 | NATURAL LANDSCAPE fall 2011 42

Mike and Colin made their way back to the sunken patio to join Chris and the clients.

They all helped themselves to an ice-cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade. The air felt slightly thick. They could feel it coming – the “it’s not you, it’s me” spiel. It always felt a little similar to breaking up with an amazing girlfriend. You’d grown and shared some great times together, but it was just time to move on.

“So this feels a little awkward, guys, and nothing personal or anything. I just think we can do this all by ourselves now. You’ve taught us well. The grounds look amazing. I hate to say it, but I think we’re good!”

This is always a bittersweet moment. But that was their mission from the very beginning.

Engage and inspire the client. Imagine and

NATURALLANDSCAPEMAGAZINE.COM

About eco Landscape Design: Founded in 2002 by three boyhood

the savagery of nature?” states Colin.

friends, Mike Thiessen (designer), Chris

The “eco guys” try to make their clients

Orlesky (sales/business) and Colin Wade

understand that a landscape, even a

(operations/arborist), eco Landscape

specifically designed one, is dynamic

Design leaps to the forefront of the land-

and ever-changing; and so talking about

scape world. These three men have

expectations and educating the clients

very distinct personalities that comple-

at the beginning stages of a job is crucial

ment their business and benefit their

to a happy ending. They take into con-

clients. Their synergy is palpable. They

sideration the relationships between

say that they’re in the business of “com-

the home in its natural environment, its

munication,” with “listening” being the

newly incorporated elements, the needs

most important part of that – listening to

and wishes of the client, respecting the

each other and the clients. They are all

environment itself and how they can

very aware of each other’s strong points,

harmonize all these aspects.

so this makes it easy to determine who

There are many reasons that this

will take the lead role in any given eco-

dynamic team is so successful.

client relationship. “The question is:

Check it out for yourself!

How do we marry post-modern man with

www.ecoLD.ca

Tips from the Amigos A great design and landscape starts with communication.

Here are some helpful tips from eco Landscape Design: 1. Communicate expectations.

2. Decide on as many details as possible before breaking ground.

3. Stay involved with the project on a daily basis with updates.

4. Work with people who are passionate about what they are doing.

5. Discuss issues where your expectations haven’t been met.

Don’t stay silent.

build the environment and then work with them so that they get a feel for the ever-changing landscape. Their work here was done.

NATURALLANDSCAPEMAGAZINE.COM

fall 2011 NATURAL LANDSCAPE | 43 33

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