Author: Edwyn Kumar

Harmony in Design

Posted on by Edwyn Kumar

One of the most challenging and rewarding parts of landscaping and hardscaping is creating harmony. Homes are a juxtaposition of nature and building. The house itself has a fixed look, and the yard likely has the basic design from the original build or a previous owner’s work. 


So how does the natural yard synergize with the home itself? A well thought out design is the ideal way to start. Having an idea of the style, vision and final look will start to define what needs to stay, what needs to go, and what features can be added.  


There are a lot of options here, and this is where the experienced eye can make a big difference.

Knowing what doesn’t need to be there is just as important, if not more so, than what goes in. Does natural stone work with an existing fence that has an industrial look? What about a modern house with a driveway that looks rustic? Does the design complement or contrast? Both can work, and it doesn’t have to be just one or the other. What it DOES need is harmony! 

The overall features, retaining walls, pavers, and stone should all work in some thematic way to ensure a pleasing and welcoming final landscape project. 

Escape at Home

Posted on by Edwyn Kumar
Awesome back patio

Traveling is a joy that is irreplaceable.

Do you ever have that moment where you are sitting at a resort or spa and feel the world just wash away into a calm feeling that ‘all is right with the world?’

When we return home, we can often feel a sense of longing and loss for that serene moment. One of our passions at Coastal Design Landscaping is to create outdoor environments that allow you to escape at home.
Whether it’s enjoying a glass of wine beside your fire pit as you lose yourself in the flames, or an enclosed patio surrounded with flowers and shrubs to drop into a favourite book, or a social gathering where you invite friends and family to join in the special moments of life – we care about all those things.

At Coastal Design, landscaping is more than just installation and form. It’s about the outdoors giving you a sense of belonging and connection to nature and those around you.

#coastaldesignlandscaping #outdoorliving #patiodesign #landscaping #hardscaping #lifestyle #luxuryhome 
#homesweethome

Abbey Lane Private Patio

Posted on by Edwyn Kumar

The first stage was demo’ with removing existing concrete and timber walls. The new design had no need for previous work or features, and we removed all of the old landscaping to start from scratch.

We used landscape design drawings and installed the retaining walls. Then we hit a trouble spot, and I love when this happens!!

We realized from the drawings that one of the corners was too close to the house so we curved the retaining wall to open up the space. The clients loved it! While this added complexity to the job, it didn’t add any cost and the creative solution ended up with better flow into and through the yard.

The visual aesthetic became a unique and great surprise from the initial ideas. Sometimes encountering an obstacle can lead to an outcome and result that is better than we imagine.

We used 12×24 “NEW STONE” slabs with a charcoal double sailor border. This required a lot of custom cutting to make the slabs line up perfectly, and our team was up for the task. The end result was tight and ended up with no gaps or flares in the fit and finish.

The wooden screen for privacy was a client “must” and the final result really made for a courtyard that allows for family and friends to gather in an intimate space.

We added lighting to the project, which was a part of the original quote. The clients really liked the effect, so we added another layer of lighting to expand and create a sense of depth to their yard, which looks amazing from inside the house looking out. Their treeline at the edge of the green belt changed from being a dark distant idea, bringing the elements of nature to a picturesque display.

The final touch was helping the clients to bring together the fire table, allowing all season use of their new private courtyard.

– Ajool Adi, Owner Coastal Design Landscaping

The Bamboo Jungle

Posted on by Edwyn Kumar

We dug in with a big excavator and had to delve two and a half feet deep (a total of twelve dump trucks!) to remove all the bamboo roots!!

The topsoil was nearly 200 cubic yards to refill and bring it back up to grade. We also removed the original stone retaining wall, which in its previous form choked the front entrance to the house. 

Our design was to create a brighter space and open up the front door area. This has the added benefit of more security as well as increased curb appeal. 

A new retaining to frame a front porch and patio with new stairs to the side yard were installed. The entire driveway was done in blacktop leading to the patio itself which was made of Indian Summer Pavers in a pin-wheel pattern.

This somewhat modest design had new turf, irrigation, plants and lighting as well. Sometimes certain designs don’t need to be overly complex, and these clients really valued an open and clean style. 

– Ajool Adi, Owner Coastal Design Landscaping

Keets

Posted on by Edwyn Kumar

We came in and blasted through the entire front yard and driveway on this project. The entire original space had to be excavated completely: all the vegetation, lawn, retaining walls, sidewalks & stairs had to go. 

Then we called in a drainage and plumbing company to redo the perimeter drain, as well as replace the water main to allow for new lines and prevent any future issues as the new features were installed by our team. This preliminary work is important on extensive projects like this.

The retaining walls were a combination of different size blocks, which makes for a tricky installation but really adds a lot of beauty and character to the final aesthetic.

The clients wanted to use natural elements into the design. We used five and six foot long basalt stone stair treads to lead through the yard, connecting to paving stone pathways from the front door to the street. This combination of really refined paving stones and the natural stone softens the hard lines which adds for a strong presence and positive final impact. 

The curved front door landing and pathways added a lot of customized cutting but created a cool, natural flow. The garden was bordered in by retaining walls, which is a lovely way to add elevation. The original slope of the lawn was transformed into a multi-layered approach with four different tiers.

Planting was a fun experience. We met the clients at the nursery. We pulled out plants, laid out demo gardens and really enjoyed the whole experience. The nursery can be an overwhelming place for clients, so our zest and laughter while ensuring the right selection of sun worthy and shade healthy plants were all going to fit the final vision. The plants were delivered to the site after the clients made the final approval, and we planted the entire garden with much welcomed ice cream breaks throughout the day!

The only issue or clients have now is the high traffic of neighbours stopping and admiring their new front space!!

– Ajool Adi, Owner Coastal Design Landscaping