Solti Residence

GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS

Back Yard Landscape (design/built)

	existing garage with established vine & two mature trees
	new deck, entrance arbour with gate, privacy fence, pond with waterfalls
	flagstone patio & sitting arbour garden planted to attract butterflies
	a setting for relaxation & contemplation within an urban context
	house exterior renovations to follow at a later date

A GARDEN TOUR

The unique quality of this garden is the generous extent of the water feature. A water garden was carved into the natural slope of the backyard, sheltered under the canopy of an existing silver maple. A succession of three waterfalls echoes the natural grade change, cascading down to the large pond below.

The cottage/bungalow style of the house was extended out into the garden with the terraced deck, creating the experience of a dock cantilevered over the waters edge.

The lush wall of ivy on the existing garage was continued along the face of the new privacy fence up to the entrance arbour. The privacy fence defines the edge of the garden & screens the service entrance and driveway. The raised planter located in front of the fence & along the edge of the deck provides additional greenery.

The variety of surfaces underfoot creates intimate spaces within this back garden. Flagstone was cut into the asphalt drive, suggesting a welcoming mat at the entrance arbour. Entering through the gate, the angular alignment of the deck direct & entice one into this private space. The meandering stepping stone path inset in pea gravel travels along the pond edge. This path leads to a random flagstone patio at the base of the pond. The canopy of the mature spruce tree shelters this patio, perfect for a table & chairs.

The random flagstone disperses into stepping-stones that lead to the sitting arbour tucked within walls of the shrubbery. This sitting arbour offers a secluded spot for relaxing & viewing this beautiful garden. The original design of the sitting arbor was with an open slatted roof. It was subsequently altered to have a reed roof, echoing the style of a primitive Polynesian or Mayan hut. This space now offers a place for the client to sit in when it is raining, watching and listening to the rain falling around.

The overall strength of this garden is the sights and sounds of the waterscape from a variety of sitting spaces. These vantage points allow one to enjoy the waterfalls, koi fish and butterflies from above, alongside & at the foot of the pond. The planting materials that flourish along the edges embrace this aquatic oasis, providing a sense of tranquility & reflection.