We were elated when our clients asked us to develop a full-scale landscape design concept for their newly built cottage in Eastern Ontario. Starting from scratch on a site that was initially nothing more than grass and soil, we approached the project with care and intention.
Design admirers themselves, our clients brought a discerning eye and an appreciation for thoughtful detail. We knew we wanted to meet that standard — and dress to impress. Their trust in our sensibility throughout the project gave us the confidence that we were headed in the right direction.
Working directly with the contractor, we shaped every aspect of the outdoor environment — from a raw-edge flagstone pathway to driveway improvements suitable for all four seasons. From selecting hardscaping materials to choosing the right soil, it all came together through a thoughtful and collaborative team effort.
Shade-loving ferns and tall cedars were planted along each side of the cottage at the lot line, introducing low-maintenance lushness, privacy, and a sense of gentle compression — as though you’re walking along a secret path that eventually opens into a vista view of Marmora Lake.
The client wanted the landscape to integrate elements of the native environment. We repurposed large, raw-edge granite rocks that had originally been piled at the foot of the driveway. Positioned at the front of the cottage, they established the architectural groundwork for the surrounding plantings. Stones, no surprise, are incredibly grounding in design. Plus, when the light catches their edges, the granite refracts it through its crystalline texture, casting beautiful shadows across the nearby plants and adding a touch of lightness.
Rows of yews along the base of the house will hedge out over time, creating a clean, modern line, while softer plantings — a variety of ferns and Hakone grass — add texture and layered shades of green. They were chosen not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their practicality, requiring minimal water and maintenance — and, most importantly, they don’t seem to excite the local deer!
Maple trees, smoke bushes, and larger specimen trees were selected for their zonal hardiness, contrasting tones of burgundy and deep purple, and their eventual height and width, which will enhance privacy along the roadside of the cottage.
All beds were topped with black mulch to complement the cottage’s façade.
On the lake side, we carved out intentional areas for enjoying the views and family time, including a fire pit and lounge area at the waterfront. The team opted for a mass planting of switchgrass, which establishes quickly and maintains an upright habit, avoiding the untidy appearance that can sometimes make grasses a challenge. It will rise above the edge of the elevated deck, gracefully concealing the space beneath.
We also designed sophisticated, colourful container plantings for the screened-in portion of the upper deck, creating vibrant focal points that truly pop.
Ultimately, the design achieves a quiet, modern, hygge-inspired elegance, complimenting the cottage while also conveying a profound sense of serenity.
