Vandenberg wins 2024 BCLNA Landscape Award of Excellence
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BCLNA Rosedale Retreat

2024 BCLNA Landscape Award of Excellence

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BCLNA Rosedale Retreat

 

We are thrilled to announce that our ‘Rosedale Retreat‘ project has been honored with the 2024 BC Landscape Award of Excellence in the Landscape Installation – Single Family Residential category. This prestigious recognition by the British Columbia Landscape and Nursery Association (BCLNA) celebrates outstanding skill and workmanship in creating exceptional gardens across the province.

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About the Rosedale Retreat Project

Nestled in a picturesque rural community in Chilliwack, British Columbia, the ‘Rosedale Retreat’ was designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings while providing the homeowners with a private sanctuary ideal for hosting gatherings. The expansive property offers stunning views of Mt. Cheam, and our design aimed to preserve these vistas while enhancing the landscape’s functionality and aesthetics.

Design Highlights

Balancing Privacy and Openness: 

We created intimate spaces that offer seclusion without compromising the property’s open, rural charm.

Pond Revitalization: 

The existing pond was redesigned following the Aquascape method, incorporating a filtration system, EPDM liner, and a blend of rocks and gravel. Aquatic plantings provide natural filtration, maintaining clear water without chemicals. A platform was added to invite guests to enjoy an intimate view of the pond.

Low-Maintenance Landscaping: 

By reducing lawn areas and selecting drought-tolerant plants, we minimized upkeep while preserving the property’s open feel. The design transitions from a traditional farmhouse aesthetic near the home to a more natural style that blends seamlessly with the surrounding fields.

Permeable Flagstone Patio: 

Utilizing Romex as the base and jointing material, the patio allows water to drain through the joints, preventing surface runoff and enhancing sustainability. Reclaimed flagstones were used to enrich the garden’s natural beauty.

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Overcoming Challenges

The project presented unique challenges, including managing a steep backyard grade and integrating existing elements like mature trees and a pond. Careful terracing ensured usability without drastic elevation changes, and the pond was reconstructed to support a new viewing platform, ensuring safety and aesthetics.

A Heartfelt Thank You

We extend our deepest gratitude to the BCLNA for this esteemed recognition. Our sincerest thanks to our dedicated team and the homeowners, whose collaboration and trust were instrumental in bringing the ‘Rosedale Retreat’ to life.

For more details and images of the ‘Rosedale Retreat’ project, please visit our project page.

This award inspires us to continue our commitment to excellence in landscape design and installation, creating spaces that harmonize with nature and enrich the lives of our clients.

Vandenberg wins 2024 BCLNA Landscape Award of Excellence
View 'Rosedale Retreat' Project
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Five Benefits of Professional Landscape Design

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A few years ago (before COVID hit), CBC reported on an Ipsos poll that asked 2,000 Canadians why they’re spending less time outside.

The findings? 9 out of 10 agreed that they’re happier when surrounded by wilderness, but three-quarters of them admitted that they find staying inside “easier.”

Part of our mission as a landscape company is to help change that. Our goal is to see our clients enjoying more time outside, in spaces they can truly call their own. We want to make it easy to spend time outdoors!

But getting there isn’t simple — landscape design is a complex process that requires an expert. Here are five big reasons why it’s worth paying for.

What exactly is landscape design, and why is it valuable?

Landscape design is simply a thoughtfully-crafted plan of what your space will look like when it’s finished. Not having a plan can be both costly and frustrating. Having a plan lets us help you (our clients) experience your space before building it and understand final costs to avoid any surprises.

There are five big reasons why every landscaping project should start with design:

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1. See it before you build it.

A professional landscape designer always includes a detailed proposal with their design.

Here at Vandenberg, that’s a 3D concept plan of your yard. We’ve found that this format is the easiest way to communicate exactly what the finished product will be, as opposed to a 2D plan which can still create some disconnect between what’s on paper and exactly what those ideas will look like. You’ll be able to envision yourself in your landscape before the building even begins!

2. Prevent future issues before they happen.

Since landscapes are outdoors, the design work is very different than something like interior design — which tends to be more static because the environment is controlled. Since your yard is an outdoor setting, it’s important to look at your site as a living, breathing ecosystem. 

Obviously, long-term weather is always unpredictable and there are four seasons of wildly different conditions throughout the year. And without regular maintenance, a landscape can quickly become overgrown or untidy. 

But working with an experienced landscape designer prevents the headaches that can come from this unpredictability — and always keeps your future vision in mind.

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3. Set the tone for our working relationship.

When you pay for design, you’re showing the design company that you’re committed. This is an important first step and it allows us the freedom to do our very best work for you. 

At Vandenberg, you’ll receive timely communication from us during every step of our design process.

4. Get a clear budget & an accurate timeline.

Once we’ve completed our final round of designs, you’ll have a clear picture of exactly what you can expect to pay — and when. 

Since our design work happens in-house, we don’t need to work with many (if any) subcontractors.

Because of this, we’re able to give you a more accurate project schedule, so you can spend less time worrying about when your landscape will be completed. Instead, spend more time dreaming about the finished product, knowing that it’s in capable hands.

Take a look at some of our completed projects!

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5. Get our very best work!

Trent — that’s me, the author of this post — is Vandenberg’s lead designer. I have a Horticulture degree from Kwantlen Polytechnic University in the Landscape Design program and am continuously learning through part-time schooling in Design at Thompson Rivers University. 

With over a decade of experience under my belt, I’m able to ask you the right questions. Combining my knowledge with our purpose-driven design process (we always ask you “why” you want what you want) means that when all is said and done, you’ll have a landscape that’s truly yours.

If you’re interested in starting a landscape design with us or just want to know more about the process, browse our featured projects or get in touch!

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What to Look For in Your Landscape Designer

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So you’ve decided to invest in a new landscape for your home.

Making this decision is a big step to take, and you might feel a bit intimidated — or, at the very least, unsure of where to start. Entrusting your hopes and dreams to a landscape designer who you’ve just met isn’t exactly a simple thing to do.

I’m one of those designers — and I completely understand where you’re coming from. Whether the size and scope of your dream landscape is large or small, I want to help you make your choice with confidence. Here are my top five traits of a good landscape designer.

1. Empathy and good listening skills.

Listening skills are the most crucial trait you should look for in your designer. And not just whether they can repeat everything you say to them — they should be actively listening and prodding you along with helpful questions during your first meetings.

The questions they ask should also come from a place of empathy, where your designer is able to put themselves in your shoes and understand what you’re looking for. When this is done well, the questions can expand your vision and give you new ideas that you might not have thought of. 

An empathetic designer who can truly listen to you is far more likely to get your design right when all is said and done.

At Vandenberg, we always start your landscape design by asking a simple but profound question: “why?” We ask this question because we think it’s the most important first step we can take together — it’s why we call it our “purpose-driven design process.”

2. Credentials, training and licenses.

Check the qualifications, professional accreditations and memberships that your designer and their team claim to have. The capacity and ability of a landscape firm are based on their education and training.

One thing to look for is industry association memberships. The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) is a big one that runs conferences, workshops and seminars on industry best practices and standards. There are also many design conferences throughout the country that keep designers up to date on new trends and products too!

As the lead landscape designer at Vandenberg Landscapes, I have a Horticulture degree from Kwantlen Polytechnic University in the Landscape Design program and am continuously learning through part-time schooling in Design at Thompson Rivers University. But I got my start in landscaping by spending four years on an installation crew — this experience helps me understand what works well during a build and afterwards, and helps me communicate with the crews building our clients’ designs.

3. A beautiful portfolio of previous work.

We all know that education is important, but real-world experience is even more important. Look at examples of your designer’s past work and make sure they have a wide range of experience.

Beyond that, it’s fun to look at how other landscape designs have come to life, as it’ll get you comfortable with what to expect — and inspire you with what’s possible!

If you’re in the Lower Mainland and are considering us, we’ve tried to make it as easy as possible to see some of our past projects. We also constantly post professional photos of our projects on our Facebook and Instagram profiles — check them out for some fresh inspiration!

4. Positive testimonials from happy clients.

Take some time to research multiple landscape companies online. And while you’re doing so, look for reviews and testimonials from previous clients. These can be very telling! 

Whoever you hire will have their employees working in and around your home, so it’s important to get to know them, form a positive relationship with them and most importantly — trust them.

Reading testimonials will give you many clues in these areas. You can see some of ours on Houzz and Google.

5. The ability to communicate with clarity.

Once you’ve committed to a designer, it should be obvious what’s happening — and when. 

Potential red flags to look for include unreturned phone calls, missed deadlines or meetings, unclear processes or not having a point person to contact at the company. 

To combat and prevent any of these red flags, at Vandenberg you’ll work directly with me — the person designing your landscape!

What about the design process?

So you’ve settled on a landscape designer. What’s next?

If you’re curious about what’s all involved in the Vandenberg design process, you can see the steps involved here. Check it out! If you’re just looking for some inspiration for your next project, take a moment to browse some of our featured projects while you’re here.

We want to make sure you have the tools to choose the right landscape designer for you — and part of that is knowing what to expect. If you have any questions at all about how design works at Vandenberg, get in touch and we’ll be happy to help!

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How Much Does Landscape Design Cost?

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Most of us are familiar with architecture and interior design, but many don’t know that there’s an entire profession dedicated to designing outdoor spaces. 

Like other design disciplines, the philosophy of landscape design is rooted in the art of combining form and function by following a set of universal principles. The result? A stunning outdoor space that reflects the needs and wants of its owner (you!)

The best landscape designers are experts in horticulture (the art and science of garden cultivation and management) and architectural design (including building methods and materials). 

Nowadays, most reputable landscape firms charge for design services the way a homebuilder does — and for good reason. Without design, it’s impossible to accurately estimate the cost of construction — resulting in inevitable cost overruns, missed deadlines and awful surprises. Even worse, you could end up with a landscape that doesn’t fit your vision.

It doesn’t help that many landscape companies offer some form of design for free. Not all design is the same. That’s why, when clients ask me about the cost of landscape design, I like to explain what they get by paying for our design services — and why it’s worth it. Here are five reasons why.

1. A clear plan created by experts.

Landscapes can be hard to visualize. When you work with a designer, they’ll have listened to your ideas for your outdoor space. And as they listen, they do the visualizing for you.

Then, they bring your vision to life in a 3D rendering, which (unlike 2D drawings) is easy for everyone to understand. That means no disconnect between what you think your landscape will look like and what it turns out to be (which is often the result of a “free” design process!)

A key value at Vandenberg is “Starting With Why” — it’s the basis of our purpose-driven design process. We always start by asking a simple but profound question: “Why?” This question is the most important one because it’s the foundation for an award-winning landscape and a refreshing experience.

You can also opt to design a complete landscape but have it constructed in phases over a period of years. We can come up with the final vision and then determine how to split up the project efficiently so that everything has been considered from the start. That way, you won’t find yourself saying “Oh, I wish we would have thought of this back then!”

2. An accurate & detailed estimate.

If you choose to design your landscape with us, you’re choosing to get it designed in-house by professionals. “In-house” is the key phrase here, as our team will work together to give you an accurate estimated cost for your project. This is possible because we have a detailed design to price off of.

Nobody wants to pay for something they don’t understand. Our quotes will clearly explain everything that’s included (or excluded) in your price.

3. Rigorous quality control.

Since our design happens in-house, if you choose to work with us, the construction is done by us, too. We’re involved from start to finish, meaning the plan will be executed to perfection. 

Designers will frequently check in on the construction of a landscape, so no details are missed. When you pay for professional landscape design, you pay for quality!

4. Professional designs from talented designers.

Often, the capacity or ability of a designer — and their designs — is based on the education they’ve received and the experience they have.

As Vandenberg’s lead designer, I have a Horticulture degree from Kwantlen Polytechnic University in the Landscape Design program and am continuously learning through part-time schooling in Design at Thompson Rivers University. I also have over a decade of experience.

To get a better idea of my portfolio, take a look at Vandenberg’s featured projects, all of which I designed.

5. A single point of contact.

The major benefit of paying for professional landscape design — and then following through on construction with the same company that designed it — is having someone involved from the start of the project to the very end. They understand your “why” behind your project and keep that in mind throughout the entire process.

When you partner with Vandenberg, our design team will work with you to finalize everything and make sure you have the right permits in place.

We believe that when it comes to landscaping — and doing business, in general — transparency is key. At Vandenberg, our goal is to make as much information as possible available to you before you agree to anything.

While the cost of the design and construction of a landscape can vary, ultimately landscaping is an investment — and paying for careful planning and professional design helps secure a good return.

Find out more about our landscape design and construction process, or schedule a meeting with us today!

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How to Design Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen

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Once built, outdoor kitchens can quickly become the most used spaces at your home.

For those looking to upgrade, there are endless lists of appliances and materials you can use to create a dream outdoor kitchen that’s perfect for you and your family.

While this can feel overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be! To help you decide, we’ve made a simple guide to help you choose.

Where to start? Choosing the right appliances.

When picking appliances, think about what you’ll be using your kitchen for most. Do you want to prepare food indoors? Are you mostly going to host people inside or outside your home? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you decide.

Here are the ones to start with when planning:

For Food… 

  • Grills & barbecues — A cornerstone of the outdoor kitchen. If you’re looking to do any cooking, this is a must-have. They come in all shapes and sizes, so knowing who you’re cooking for, how many and how often is important when choosing the right grill for you.
  • Fridges — Keep food and drinks cool and ready for enjoyment at a moment’s notice. Outdoor fridges make everything easier — from food prep to grabbing a drink without going inside.
  • Pizza ovens — Never go back to delivery or store-bought pizza again. Pizza ovens reach incredibly high temperatures but do so with low energy consumption because they rely on an open fire. Bring the pizzeria to your backyard with your very own pizza oven. Trust me, they’re worth the investment.
  • Kamado grills — Combining a grill, smoker and oven, the Kamado grill is perfect for the home cook who thinks outside the box. Cook pizzas, bread, meats or vegetables all in one place. Of course, you can always opt for just a smoker to pair with your BBQ too.
  • Warming stations — If you’re cooking a lot of food, warming stations — as the name suggests — will keep your food warm for longer and your guests happy. They often come in a drawer or drop-in buffet style.

For Drinks… 

  • Ice makers — If you like having cocktails, an easily accessible icemaker is an absolute must. We recommend one made from stainless steel. 
  • Wine coolers & kegerators — Elevate your outdoor kitchen with an outdoor bar! Keep your wine right where the party is with a wine cooler. Pour yourself a pint right from the tap installed on your counter with a kegerator. A kegerator is a fridge that will hold anywhere from one to three kegs of beer. This summer, bring the bar home.

Make sure you think about the details.

Once you’ve chosen appliances, make sure you’ve covered these other details too:

  • Storage & cupboards — When it comes to outdoor spaces and food, you want to keep it neat and tidy. Selecting good, critter-proof storage will keep everything in its place, especially when you have company.
  • Electrical units — Often neglected, having a few extra electrical sockets can make it easier to use smaller appliances — like a blender.
  • Materials — Due to their durability, many of our customers choose brick, concrete and stone. When choosing material, think about price and aesthetic. Concrete is more affordable but stone is more contemporary and (many would say) more beautiful. 
  • Add a roof! — The Lower Mainland experiences different weather within short periods of time. Adding a pergola or a roofed structure over your kitchen will give you lots of coverage regardless of the weather. Grill for longer, no matter what mother nature throws your way!

Designing an outdoor kitchen can be a lot of fun and doesn’t have to be overwhelming! When you work with our design team, we can help you create the perfect space for you and your family’s needs — staying within your budget so you can get to hosting those summer barbecues much faster! 

To get started, reach out to our team by phone or email or fill out our online form.

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Choosing the Right Spa for Your Landscape

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An evening spent with friends and family, drinks in hand. A soothing dip after an intense workout. Or maybe some solitude in the dead of winter.

If you’re like many of our clients, conjuring up relaxing scenarios involving a hot tub is the easy part. The problem is actually getting there and choosing the right one! It can be hard to know what spa is best suited for your space.

Here’s our guide, straight from our design team. Enjoy!

Before you choose, keep this in mind… 

Before we look at what options are out there, think about your location. Where you place your hot tub should be determined by the size of your space, how close it is to a power source and how likely you are to go there. 

We’re creatures of habit and comfort. Whenever I hear that people rarely use their hot tub after the “novelty has worn off,” it’s almost always because it’s in a corner of the yard that feels far away from the house, or they never really used that space in the first place. When choosing a spot, try to really think about how likely you’ll walk out to the hot tub and back when it’s a bit colder or raining. Next, think about how private the area feels… I find those are the two biggest factors that influence whether a hot tub is used or not!

With that in mind, here are our favourite spa types. 

1. The Portable Spa

Portable spas are extremely popular and it’s no wonder why. They’re the most versatile when it comes to size, shape, colour, price point and features. They’re energy-efficient which is great for your wallet and very customizable when it comes to jets, lighting features and seating options.

But they do have some drawbacks. Despite their name, they’re heavy, which can make them difficult to move. It can be done but requires some serious muscle. Portable spas also require a special pad to handle their weight, which can be an added cost.

2. The Swim or Exercise Spa

These spas are larger and typically need to be built into a deck or in a specialized room. Swim spas are ideal for exercising in warm water and can be an excellent alternative to lap or full-size pools. 

Since they’re built bigger than traditional hot tubs, swim spas can hold a lot more people than a standard hot tub. Next time you host, there’ll be no need to take turns being in the water. 

That said, they can be expensive to install and maintain and they need a solid foundation to sit on or in. If you have a smaller budget or smaller yard, this likely isn’t the best choice for you.

3. The In-Ground Spa

If you’re worried about your spa looking like an afterthought in your newly designed backyard, you can design a truly customizable in-ground spa with the help of a professional.

This will be a more costly option, and you may require a permit, but you can have total say over exactly what features you want in your spa — from specialized jets and seating to coloured lights! And all of it will blend seamlessly into your designed landscape.

4. The Wooden Spa

This is the original at-home hot tub. Made from different types of wood, this spa is great if you’re looking for a rustic look. Many clients like to choose spas made from redwood or cedar because of the added benefit of aromatherapy.

If you’re choosing a wooden hot tub, you want to consider the heat source. Some spas require a fire, which is less expensive but can make it harder to heat your water. If you’re using electricity, location will be important. Wooden spas don’t typically come with all the exciting features as other spas, but if you really want that natural look, then look no further.

Choosing from common & special spa features

Once you choose a spa type, you’ll need to consider what added features are important to you. Here are the most common ones:

  • Jets — While hot water alone will help you soothe those tired muscles, when angled correctly, water jets will make them feel even better in no time.
  • Lighting systems — Stay out for longer and set the ambiance with a hot tub that includes lighting.
  • Covers — Every spa comes with a cover, but some are better than others. Most are hard covers made of vinyl and foam, with a hinge at the centre. Other options include soft vinyl covers, aluminum covers and “Smartop” covers which are the most expensive, but longest-lasting and most durable.

Looking to elevate your spa experience? Here are some special features you can customize:

  • Moulded seats — Moulded seats are great for protecting your back and keeping you comfortable.
  • Waterproof speakers — If you like listening to music when you unwind, look for spas that include speakers.
  • TVs — Get a hot tub that comes with a TV and make your outdoors the place to be on game night!
  • Cup holders — Simple, but super convenient. You won’t regret making sure your spa has these.

So there you have it — a spa and hot tub primer! If you’d like to add one to your backyard, whether it’s part of a larger project or a one-off, get in touch… we’d love to help!

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Choosing the Right Pool for Your Landscape

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Taking the plunge to add a pool to your backyard is one of the best ways to elevate your outdoor space and maximize those warm summer days with your loved ones.

But knowing what type of pool and what materials to use can be difficult — especially if it’s your first time!

To help you decide, we’ve weighed the pros and cons for some of the most common pool types out there.

1. Vinyl pools: Inexpensive and versatile but not very durable

If you’re installing a pool on a limited budget, a vinyl-lined in-ground swimming pool is a great option. They’re much cheaper than their concrete counterparts and can be cut to any shape or depth you want. This means that if your space is irregularly shaped, a pool can be custom built to match your backyard.

The main drawback of vinyl-lined pools is the liner durability. Depending on use and size, the lining may need to be replaced every 7–12 years. The replacement process is fairly quick as opposed to redoing a concrete surface, but it’s the added cost you should keep in mind. Many people even prefer the feeling of vinyl as opposed to concrete that has aged a bit, and there are a lot of different colour choices!

2. Concrete pools: Long-lasting and beautiful but expensive

While slightly more expensive than vinyl, concrete pools last longer, have a distinctly contemporary look and can be designed to any shape and depth. Because of their durability, concrete pools add a lot of property value. This should be welcome news if you ever decide to sell your home!

However, concrete does have a few downsides. It can take longer to build and requires more maintenance. Concrete pools need resurfacing work every 8–15 years and can be rough to the touch. This may not be the best option if you have small children as it might be too harsh on their feet.

3. Fibreglass pools: Low-maintenance, inexpensive, but less versatile and difficult to install

If you’re looking for an easy, low-maintenance pool, fibreglass pools can be a third option. They have a non-porous surface, making it hard for algae to grow — and if you use a salt chlorinator, the maintenance needed is minimal. However, I don’t typically recommend them. Here’s why.

The downsides to fibreglass pools are two-fold. First, fibreglass pools are made from a mould, limiting how much flexibility you can have when customizing your space and shape. Second, depending on the shape, it can be difficult to backfill against and underneath the mould. If ANY settling occurs this could affect your pool and it may need to be emptied and reinstalled. If choosing fibreglass, it’s important to use a trusted, reputable installer.

4. Swimming ponds & natural pools: Eco-friendly, chemical-free and customizable!

Bring the cottage to your backyard with a natural pool! Inspired by natural springs and lakes, a natural pool or swimming pond invites nature back into your outdoors and is an organic take on the traditional chlorine-filled pool.

Natural pools are aesthetically pleasing and can also provide a chemical-free water environment that’s safe to swim in. If you have sensitive skin or simply don’t like that eye-stinging pain resulting from swimming in chlorinated water for too long, natural pools are a great choice!

Since they’re customizable, natural pools can be a cost-effective option that will blend well with the landscape of the rest of your space.

One of our featured projects in Langley includes a natural wading pond — check it out!

Whatever pool type you decide on, when it comes time to start your project — especially if it’s your first time — always consult with the experts. If you’re ready to take the plunge, schedule a consultation with us today.

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Which Landscape Design Style Is Right For You?

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Whether you’re looking to spruce up a neglected corner of your yard or planning a complete overhaul, designing a new landscape can be fun and exciting. But if you’ve never designed one before, it can also be a bit overwhelming.

The “perfect” landscape is one that combines your personal style with the architecture of your home — and choosing the right materials, structures and plants to bring your vision to life.

If you’re not clear on your vision, it can help to think of your outdoor space as an extension of your home. Decide how you want your gardens to look and, more importantly, how you want them to make you feel.

To get your project off to a good start, here are three distinct landscape styles for you to consider. See which one resonates with you.

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Modern: Clean & Contemporary

Modern: Clean & Contemporary

A modern landscape design is clean and uncluttered, featuring sharp edges, hard corners and embracing the philosophy that “less is more”.

Modern landscapes are designed around their intended use and focus on creating a landscape with an architectural feel. This style is much easier to maintain than a landscape with extensive gardens.

The variety of plants used is typically kept to a minimum too.  This creates a space that is calm and less busy on the eye — and makes way for features such as pools, patios and walkways. 

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Rustic or Naturalized: “Wild” & Organic

If you’re at home in the midst of a little “organized chaos” a rustic landscape design might be the style for you.

Rustic landscape designs are relaxed and inspired by nature, inviting you to wander down a cobblestone path to watch the butterflies dance in a garden of wildflowers.

Inspired by nature, naturalized gardens take full advantage of native trees, plants and shrubs. 

Even though at times, it may look a bit hap-hazard and random, each element is carefully chosen and placed for maximum effect. The result is a garden that looks wild and carefree, but never messy.

This style is low-maintenance and eco-friendly and the perfect place for reflection and communing with nature.

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Formal: Classic & Charming

Formal landscapes are prim and proper — the gardens are well-balanced delights filled with boxwood hedges, fountains and even the occasional sculpture. 

Formal gardens are symmetrical and structured, typically emphasizing geometric shapes with clean lines. Green, leafy plants are favored over an abundance of flowers, making these gardens calm and serene. 

If you choose this landscape style, you’ll be inviting your guests to your home with an air of elegance and refinement.

Want to know more about landscape design? 

While these three landscape styles have different aesthetic goals, they all have a single purpose — to create a landscape that reflects your personal style and gives you a beautiful space to enjoy with your family and friends.

If you’d like to know more about landscape design and how to bring your vision to life, the designers at Vandenberg Landscapes are here to help.  So give us a call and let’s chat!

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Choosing the Best Water Feature For Your Landscape

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Adding a water feature to your landscape design is a unique way to invite the sights and sounds of nature to your backyard — but with so many choices available, how do you know which one is best for you?

Water is soothing and gives us refuge from our busy lives, and creating water features for our clients is something we’re especially passionate about — in fact I just became a Certified Aquascape Contractor! (more on that later…)  

But before we go to your property and start digging, it’s important to choose a water feature that suits both your vision and your landscape — so I’ve written this post to make that decision a little easier.

What do you mean when you say “water features”?

Nothing has the power to relax you and wash away the stresses of the day like listening to the sound of water as it trickles down a stream or bubbles over rocks — but the kind of water feature you choose depends on the size of your property, your budget and your personal preferences.

Ponds

If you like the idea of being surrounded by nature while you hand-feed your Koi, you should consider including a naturalized pond in your landscape design. 

The average backyard pond is 10’x15’, but if space is an issue you can build one that is quite a bit smaller, although I wouldn’t recommend anything under four feet. Small, shallow ponds warm up quickly in the sun and are more susceptible to the growth of algae and bacteria, making them more difficult to maintain.

If you intend to have fish in your pond, it’ll have to be at least three feet deep so the fish have the space to swim and grow. You’ll also want to include space for aquatic plants both inside the pond and around the edges (known as “marginals”).

A landscape company that specializes in water features can incorporate a beautiful, naturalized pond into just about any landscape. In fact, part of my certification process required extensive knowledge of pond design as well as pond construction — two subjects that are dear to my heart (and why I’m known as the “pond nerd” in the family).

You can also add a variety of features to your pond, such as waterfalls, spillways and bubbling rocks.

stream with rocks

Swimming Ponds

If you’re trying to decide between adding a pond or a pool to your backyard, a swimming pond may be the perfect solution. 

Swimming ponds are eco-friendly and blend in perfectly with nature. They stay clean through natural filtration so you don’t need chlorine or other harmful chemicals, and you don’t need to perform numerous daily or weekly chores — just keep them skimmed and free of debris.

pond with waterfall

Pondless Waterfalls

If your space is limited, pondless waterfalls are a great alternative. They’re easier to maintain than a pond since all you need is a pump to circulate the water — no skimmer or filtration system is required.

They are just as beautiful as the ones built into natural ponds and are created using the same natural materials, including boulders, rocks and aquatic plantings — and the sound is just as soothing.

pondless waterfall

Water Features & Fountains

This category includes features such as bubbling rocks, basalt columns, fountains. These are great choices if space is an issue or you want to add a water feature closer to your home. 

 They are low-maintenance and can be incorporated into a larger water feature (like a pond) or standing on their own. And adding a fountain to your front yard adds a touch of elegance and style.

 Those are the basic water features. And once you decide which kind resonates with you, it’s time to start designing — that’s when the fun begins! 

rock water feature

What to look for in a water feature designer… 

When choosing a company to work with, it’s important they be experienced, artistic and dependable. 

If your pond is built by a landscaper without enough knowledge or expertise, you may run into issues with either the design or the installation, which could end up costing you thousands of dollars.

I hate seeing people throw away their hard-earned money… which is why I decided to join Aquascape’s certification program. They have the most comprehensive training for designing and building beautiful ponds, waterfalls, fountains and more — which means we could offer our clients an even higher level of service than before.

Ready to take the plunge?

If you’re ready to move forward with your project — or you’d like more information about water features — schedule a consultation with us today. We’d be happy to discuss your project and help you decide which water feature is right for you.

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Is a Landscape Worth the Investment?

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Having a great backyard offers you more than a place to play a game of catch or host epic barbecues with family and friends. A beautiful garden can feed your soul, relieve your stress, improve your health, protect the environment — and might even save you money.

Nature is good for us, plain and simple. 

But you don’t have to travel to a forest, hike up a mountain or even visit the local park — you can get all the benefits of nature by improving and beautifying the natural surroundings of your own backyard.

When it comes to the benefits of landscaping, there are three main areas I like to tell people about: physical health benefits, mental health benefits, and economic benefits.

house with rocky garden

Landscaping is good for your health!

When you live in a healthy environment, you not only feel healthier, you become healthier. Here are a few ways landscapes can affect your physical health:

  • Improves air quality — A healthy landscape produces oxygen and improves air quality by eliminating dust, smoke, and pollutants. A single tree can provide enough oxygen for a family of four!
  • Lowers blood pressure and reduces stress — Studies have shown that looking at plants and trees (even through a window) can lower blood pressure and levels of the “stress hormone” cortisol. High levels of cortisol have been linked to issues with learning and memory, weight gain and heart disease.
  • Reduces inflammation & boosts the immune system — being in nature encourages activity and reduces stress, both of which help reduce chronic inflammation. Being outside also boosts your immune system, making it easier for your body to fight off minor illnesses like colds and flu. Preliminary studies even suggest that hanging out in the backyard can stimulate your body to produce anticancer proteins! 
chairs and garden

Landscaping is good for your mind!

Whether you’re walking through the woods or enjoying a simple meal on the deck, being outside does more than just make you feel good — it’s actually good for your mental health.

  • Improves memory — multiple studies have shown that spending time in nature can improve short-term memory by 20% and has the same effect as meditating.
  • Provides peace and clarity — as humans, we have a deep connection with nature and being outdoors can elevate your mood and help relieve the symptoms of anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. 
  • Relieves stress — when you’re relaxed, it’s easier to focus and concentrate on difficult tasks and come up with creative solutions to problems. Having a relaxing space where you can spend time outdoors isn’t a luxury — it’s essential.
stairway to house

Landscaping is good for your wallet!

In addition to health and aesthetic benefits, creating and maintaining a beautiful landscape can have financial benefits as well.

  • Increases curb appeal & property value — A well-landscaped property can significantly add to its value, compared to property without any landscaping. Some sources claim that increase can be as high as 20 to 25 percent. Curb appeal is real — how a home looks from the road will affect whether someone wants to buy it or not —  your home’s first impression will set the tone for the rest of the tour.
  • Save on electric bills — If you’ve ever walked across a parking lot in midsummer, you know how hot asphalt and concrete can be. Lawns and gardens act as natural air conditioners — according to a Cornell University study, well-planned landscapes can reduce heating and air conditioning costs by 10 to 30 percent. 
  • Lower water bills —planting native species that need less water to thrive, using trees and shrubs to control erosion and adding mulch to your flower beds can all help reduce your water bills. 
patio with garden

Landscaping makes you feel good!

Having a beautiful yard — with lush green grass and abundant flower gardens — can give you a sense of pride and motivate you to get outside and get active!

Instead of staying indoors, you’ll find yourself drawn to the tranquility of your garden. The strength of your relationships will improve as well — nothing brings people together like a game of bocce ball on the lawn or sharing a meal on the patio.

Depending on your interests and desires, there’s no limit to your yard’s potential. You may even find your yard is your favourite place to be.

If you’re excited about creating a landscape to enjoy with the people you love, give us a call or fill in our online form.

At Vandenberg Landscapes we delight in bringing nature to you.

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