Landscape Awards of Excellence – Landscape Winners 2007

Before

After

With a budget much more restricted than their wish list, we were to instantly recreate the lush, year-round flowering, livable, private, low-maintenance garden the clients had left in South Africa. Both water features on the property are ‘pondless’, and sit on re-circulating water reservoirs. The waterless appearance adds to the mystery that running water generally creates, reduces maintenance, and eliminates raccoon visits and possible mosquito breeding grounds. In the front, cored basalt columns flow into a ‘waterless’ pond. The three columns ensure that there is the sound of running water. In the rear, the formal concrete pot on top of a basalt column is the focal point of the back garden, and a deliberate contrast to the natural green setting. The Bokelmans enjoy privacy and charm in their back garden, while the neighbourhood is intrigued by the front.

Central City by Botany Bay Landscape Services Inc.

Spiky, fresh, and new were words our clients used to describe the look they sought. They wanted to update their interior landscaping to complement new furniture groupings. Plants are used to define seating pods, and the colours of both flowers and foliage were selected to set off the carpet and bench colours. Light levels ranged from high to very low, but all groupings had to look uniform and lush at all times, so it was important to select plants that could tolerate the extremes in light conditions.

After

 

The new Sansavarius Cylindrical has generated a lot of interest and the old Snake plants are new again to the young students and shoppers. Central City reflects the revitalization of this community and the plants and planters now reflect a vibrant new future.

West Van Waterfront by Pacifica Landscape Works

Before

After

Originally a weed-infested and dangerously steep piece of property, it now functions as a West Coast Resort style setting. The lowest deck provides storage and access for a variety of water sports. Following an afternoon of swimming or kayaking the homeowners can make use of the shower head nestled into the rocks to wash away the salt water. After a quick shower it’s up to the main patio level where they can warm up around the cozy basalt fire-pit. Access throughout the property has been gained with the construction of stone staircases, allowing previously difficult areas to now be traversed easily. A strong theme was established which blends modern west coast style, rugged natural topography, and the Asian-influenced style of the home, while also ensuring the landscape is not overly refined. In many locations the rocky outcroppings are highlighted and used as backdrops or focal points, and further emphasized with landscape lighting. The curvilinear hand-carved concrete patios on the main level have been formed into the existing rock outcroppings creating a strong connection with the surrounding landscape. Along the western edges of the patios they have been cantilevered out towards the water allowing for a sizable increase in outdoor living space. Two decks have also been designed in a curvilinear fashion to contour to the rocky outcroppings and once again maintain a strong connection with the surrounding landscape.

Owens Residence by Para Space Landscaping Inc.

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After

The Owens residence is a single family home bordered by nature in Port Moody. Natural materials were chosen in the walling and patio to allow it to blend into its surroundings. A pondless waterfall helps block out the neighbourhood noises while creating interest in the upper corner of the yard. A pergola with multiple heights provides privacy while on the balcony or patio. Leveling and sodding the bottom half of the yard gives the children a place to run and play.

The Sterling by Para Space Landscaping Inc.

The Sterling is a 118 unit condominium building located in the heart of Downtown Vancouver. It is maintained to a well-groomed standard, which keeps us busy as the building is located in a high traffic area. Each week we tend to the landscape, ensuring that it retains its well-manicured and impeccably clean appearance. There are many interesting elements within this landscape, including the use of thick granite slabs which give the entrance a sleek and clean feel, and water features at the front entrance.

 

After

A shady courtyard with various benches and ledges used for seating proves to be an oasis for residents and passers by in the middle of a very busy area, and there are some vibrant annual flower displays designed by us.

Partovi Residence by Third Little Pig Contracting Ltd.

We have maintained this garden since installing it 4 years ago. Most of the plants have thrived and flourished here. I am very pleased with the total effect of the variegated theme. The energy and excitement you feel in this garden is unmatched anywhere I know of. This garden is a tribute to Gertrude Jekyll and the work she did. People have said that you can’t plant too many variegated plants in your garden and here I prove them wrong. The maintenance practices are as earth-friendly and green as possible. This garden is a magnificent example of the power of variegated plants to provide drama and year-round interest.

After

 

Dunbar Residence by Watermark Gardens

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After

Having been very involved with the interior design and finishes of their new home in Dunbar, our clients wanted to renovate their rear garden into a beautiful outdoor living room. The limited outdoor space provided a challenge to design a larger deck, outdoor fireplace, water feature, dining area, small lawn area for two dogs, and generous planting in beds and pots. The existing design of the house provided awkward access to the basement and limited deck space. The new design included a reworking of the basement steps and window well, a larger deck to serve as a second area for sitting and for cooking, and an extension of the shed roof to provide more shelter for outdoor activities. Privacy was a key issue of the project, without making the space feel boxed-in or offending the neighbours.

Kits Point Residence by Watermark Gardens

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After

Our clients, professionals with a keen eye for detail and a love of art and cooking, came to us to design their two terraces while they were in the midst of full interior and exterior renovations on their Kits Point townhouse. On the rear, south-facing terrace, the mandate was for privacy and visual barriers from the houses across the street. New porcelain tile surfacing, custom steel planters and a unique steel and glass water feature were designed to blend seamlessly with the existing railings and architectural detailing, with planting providing visual screening and a green backdrop for the Richard Shultz furnishings. The front, upper terrace, which affords an amazing view of English Bay, has become our clients’ favourite evening hang-out. With a full-length outdoor sectional sofa and a custom stainless steel fire pit, they are able to entertain or lounge by the fire long into the evening.

Quilchena Residence by Watermark Gardens

Before

After

Our clients, having just completed their final interior renovations, wanted to have a welcoming front garden entrance which would flow into and complement the contemporary furnishings of the interior space. Professionals who frequently host large parties, they welcomed the idea of being able to use the front garden to entertain or relax in. Their existing pond was in poor condition, including leaks and cracking stonework. Given the state of the existing garden, that had been overplanted with large broadleaf evergreens, our clients wanted to maintain a private and enclosed feeling. The new garden is designed to be a contemporary courtyard garden, incorporating changing grades only at the entry and exits to maximize the patio space from which one can sit and watch the water wall, pond and unique plantings.