Project 2: Urban Garden
Project Overview:
This property is located along a busy road with a lot of pedestrian traffic and has full sun exposure.
The client, a frequent traveler, wanted a yard that was ready for him to step into and enjoy when he arrived home after a long trip; a peaceful and enjoyable space that could thrive with minimal maintenance.
This project aimed to transform a lawn-dominated yard into a low-maintenance, environmentally friendly garden that required minimal upkeep.
Main Goals:
- Low-maintenance landscaping suitable for both personal use and rental periods
- Replace traditional lawn with more eco-friendly solutions
- Incorporate existing large rocks into the design
- Maximize the use of on-site materials for sustainability.
- Create some privacy from the road
- Use fire-smart principles
- User-friendly access to house
- Encourage pollinators.
Client Vision & Goals:
The client’s priority was a beautiful yet easy-to-maintain space that minimized the need for yard work. He wanted to relax in privacy and avoid lawn upkeep, while creating beauty and interest for himself and the many pedestrians walking by.
Landscaper’s Approach:
The landscaper designed a solution that made the best use of the existing site features while ensuring low maintenance. Key strategies included:
- Excavating the lawn and creating a berm from the soil, which acts as a privacy screen and central garden feature
- Covering the berm with a weed barrier and adding soil on top for plantings
- Installing garden beds with a focus on drought tolerant grasses and shrubs and pollinator-friendly plants
- Offering a natural aesthetic aligned with the client’s personality and lifestyle
- Turning a large rock into a functional sitting area
- Creating a garden that supports pollinators
- Using walkable ground covers that require minimal care
- Adding an automatic irrigation system for low maintenance and long term absences
- Reassigning and laying pathways to facilitate access to and from house/car/street
- Adding a gravel or mulch along the edges to accommodate foot traffic and dog walkers.
Project Outcome:
The finished garden is lush and attractive, with minimal upkeep despite full sun exposure. Automatic irrigation ensures the garden stays vibrant and occasional professional weeding supports the garden until plants are fully established. The client enjoys a stress-free, ready-to-use yard when home, while renters can enjoy the space with light maintenance responsibilities. The project was completed over one summer. Other areas of the property are in line for a phased, thoughtful approach in keeping with the needs of both the plants and the client.
