Retaining Walls - A Touch of Dutch Landscaping & Garden Services Ltd

Post-Pandemic Landscaping Trends That Are Here to Stay

by A Touch of Dutch Landscaping | Aug 30, 2023 | Hardscaping, Landscape Design, Patios, Ponds, Retaining Walls, Softscaping

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a seismic shift in how we perceive and utilize our living spaces. As people spent more time at home, the importance of creating functional and beautiful outdoor environments became evident. While the pandemic itself is receding, the impact it had on our lifestyles and preferences is not going away. This is clearly reflected in the enduring landscaping trends that have emerged in the wake of the crisis. Here, we explore the post-pandemic landscaping trends that are here to stay.

Outdoor Living Rooms

outdoor living rooms landscaping hardscaping The concept of outdoor spaces as extensions of our homes gained immense popularity during the pandemic and is set to remain a staple in landscaping. Outdoor living rooms equipped with comfortable seating, weather-resistant furniture, and even fully functional kitchens have become the new norm. People are realizing that their gardens or backyards can serve as a retreat for relaxation, entertainment, and remote work.

Multipurpose Gardens

Beyond aesthetics, gardens are now being designed with functionality in mind. Multipurpose gardens that incorporate edible plants, such as vegetables, fruits, and herbs, offer a sustainable way to supplement household groceries. This trend reflects a broader movement towards self-sufficiency and a desire to connect with nature through hands-on activities like gardening.

Wellness Retreats

The pandemic prompted a heightened focus on mental and physical well-being. As a result, landscapes are being transformed into wellness retreats. Meditation labyrinths and corners, yoga decks, and serene water features create tranquil spaces for relaxation and self-care. This trend underscores the growing understanding of the positive effects that nature can have on our overall health.

Native Plant Landscaping

post-pandemic landscaping trends

Sustainable and low-maintenance landscaping practices have gained traction, with native plants taking center stage. These plants are adapted to the local environment, requiring less water and minimal upkeep. The trend toward native plant landscaping aligns with the broader global movement to conserve biodiversity and support local ecosystems.

Tech-Integrated Outdoors

Technology has permeated every aspect of our lives, and the outdoors are no exception. Smart irrigation systems, outdoor lighting controlled via mobile apps, and even automated lawn mowers are becoming commonplace. This integration of technology enhances convenience and efficiency in maintaining outdoor spaces.

Staycation-Focused Design

Travel restrictions and safety concerns prompted a renewed appreciation for the beauty of one’s own surroundings. Staycation-focused landscaping designs, featuring resort-like amenities such as swimming pools surrounded by lush landscaping, fire pits, and hot tubs, are likely to continue. These spaces provide an escape without leaving the comfort of home.

Eco-Friendly Landscaping

Environmental consciousness has led to an increased demand for eco-friendly landscaping practices. Rainwater harvesting systems, permeable paving, and xeriscaping (landscaping that requires minimal water) are becoming staples in modern outdoor design. This trend reflects a collective commitment to minimizing the ecological footprint of our living spaces.

Outdoor Workspaces

outdoor kitchen hardscaping patio hardscaping Remote work arrangements prompted a need for adaptable workspaces, and outdoor settings proved to be both refreshing and conducive to productivity. As hybrid work models persist, the integration of outdoor workspaces—whether it’s a shaded patio corner or a garden gazebo—will remain relevant.

The pandemic reshaped our relationship with our living spaces, elevating the importance of the great outdoors. The landscaping trends that emerged during this time are not fleeting fads; they signify a lasting transformation in the way we perceive, design, and use our outdoor environments. From functional outdoor living spaces to sustainable practices and wellness-oriented designs, these trends offer a glimpse into a future where our connection to nature is more profound and holistic than ever before.

Want help upgrading your landscaping? Contact us.

Landscaping with Natural Stone

by A Touch of Dutch Landscaping | Jul 5, 2023 | Hardscaping, Landscape Design, Patios, Retaining Walls, Walkways

Creating a beautiful outdoor space often involves finding the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal. Landscaping with natural stone helps elevate outdoor spaces in terms of both beauty and practicality.

Whether you’re aiming to build a beautiful pathway, add a captivating focal point, or design an entire landscape, natural stone options such as flagstone, armour stone, and river rock can transform your outdoor environment into a mesmerizing retreat. In this blog post, we’ll explore the diverse uses and characteristics of these three popular natural stones, offering insights into how they can elevate your landscaping projects.

Flagstone: Timeless Beauty and Versatility

stratford landscaping hardscaping flagstone patio Flagstone, characterized by its relatively flat, irregular-shaped slabs, is a timeless choice for adding elegance and functionality to your landscape design. This type of natural stone is available in various colors, including earthy browns, grays, and blues, offering a wide range of options to suit your aesthetic preferences.

Pathways
Flagstone can be used to create visually appealing and durable pathways throughout your garden or yard. By arranging these flat stones in a natural or geometric pattern, you can achieve a unique and inviting path.

Patios
Transforming a bland outdoor area into a captivating patio is effortless with flagstone. Its natural texture and color variations provide a rustic charm, while its durability makes it an excellent choice for outdoor living spaces like patios.

Stepping Stones
Create a whimsical and enchanting garden by strategically placing flagstone stepping stones amidst lush greenery. These irregularly shaped stones add character and functionality, guiding visitors through your landscape while preserving its natural beauty.

Armour Stone: Majestic and Enduring

Hardscaping - walkway with stepping stones and armour stone retaining wall Armour stone is a heavyweight natural stone renowned for its strength and durability. These large, rugged stones bring a sense of grandeur to any landscape and are commonly used for creating retaining walls, borders, and eye-catching focal points.

Retaining Walls
Armour stones are ideal for building sturdy and visually striking retaining walls. Their substantial size and weight provide stability while adding a touch of natural beauty to your landscape. These walls help prevent soil erosion, level uneven terrain, and create distinct planting areas.

Garden Edging
Utilize armour stone to define garden beds, pathways, or driveways. The imposing presence of these stones adds an element of sophistication and serves as a functional barrier, protecting your plantings and preventing soil displacement.

Water Features
Incorporating armour stones into water features, such as cascading waterfalls or natural-looking ponds, can create a captivating oasis in your garden. The rough texture and natural colors of these stones enhance the visual appeal of your water feature, evoking a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

River Rock: Serene Simplicity and Versatile Charm

Pondless stream using natural river rock by A Touch of Dutch Landscaping River rock, also known as river stones or pebbles, is a smooth natural stone typically found in riverbeds. Its unique rounded shape and earthy, soothing colors make it an excellent choice for enhancing various aspects of your landscape.

Ground Cover
Use river rock as a ground cover to create a low-maintenance and visually appealing landscape. Its smooth texture and uniformity offer a soothing backdrop for vibrant plants and flowers while preventing weed growth.

Dry Creek Beds
Mimic the beauty of a meandering stream by incorporating river rock into a dry creek bed. This decorative feature adds visual interest and can be used in xeriscaping projects. But they can also be functional, directing rainwater from rain barrels, eavestroughs, or reservoirs into beds, improving drainage in areas prone to flooding.

Waterless Ponds
River rock can be arranged in a layered manner to resemble the bottom of a pond or lake. This creative landscaping idea provides a unique focal point, adding depth and texture to your outdoor space without the need for water.

Pondless Streams and Waterfalls
The soothing sights and sounds of gently flowing water can be achieved in your own backyard. To create a pondless stream or waterfall, river rock is assembled down a slope and recirculating water cascades down the rock into an underground reservoir, where it’s pumped back to the top of the water feature.

Landscaping with natural stone opens up a world of possibilities for creating a captivating outdoor space that harmonizes with nature. Its timeless beauty, versatility, and durability make natural stone an ideal choice for pathways, patios, retaining walls, and other landscaping elements.

Natural stone is a permeable option that can benefit the environment by preventing runoff or pooling standing water. With increasing frequency and amounts of rain, permeable solutions work by allowing water to pass through joints and filter it back into the ground alleviating pressure on rivers and storm sewers. Permeable options can also reduce heat by counteracting how they absorb and emit the sun’s heat over traditional paving.

Whether you prefer a formal garden or a rustic retreat, natural stone can be adapted to suit your style and preferences, breathing life into your outdoor oasis. Planning a landscaping upgrade? Visit our Project Gallery for ideas and inspiration. And if you’d prefer to have a professional design and/or installation, contact us.

Choosing Materials for Your Patio Project

by A Touch of Dutch Landscaping | Jun 26, 2022 | Hardscaping, Patios, Retaining Walls, Walkways

A patio is a quintessential part of a proper backyard and, more often than not these days, homeowners are opting for stone patios rather than poured concrete. This blog post aims to make choosing materials for your patio project easier.

But there are so many products available to choose from these days that selecting the right one(s) for your project might seem a bit daunting.

Below we’ve outlined some key considerations to help you get a result that looks great and lasts a long time.

Some things to consider when choosing materials for your patio project

Size and Intended Usage

choosing patio materials stone pavers interlocking brick retaining wall boarder neutral beige traditional Flagstone is often one of the first products people think of when they start planning a patio. It’s beautiful and natural, coming in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colours. While it can be cut into geometric shapes, many like the rustic appearance of a patio created using various sizes that are pieced together to create a walkway and/or patio.

However, if you’re planning a larger patio – one that is going to have a lot of seating and see a lot of traffic, the naturally uneven surface of flagstone may be an issue.

Pavers with a smoother, more consistent surface will be easier to walk on, and keep patio furniture from wobbling back and forth. And if you’re planning a pool surround, not only do you want a safe traffic area, but one that doesn’t collect water in its nooks and crannies.

If you like the look of flagstone, but want a smoother surface, there are precast pavers designed to emulate flagstone that would work nicely.

Style

choosing patio materials stone pavers interlocking brick charcoal grey blue green brown square rectangle traditional modern Above, we mentioned the rustic style, which is a subset of traditional and informal styles. The main styles to consider include traditional, modern, formal, and informal.

Traditional design is defined by curved lines and uses multiple colours. There tends to be more texture and detail in the stone choices.

Modern or Contemporary design emphasizes clean, straight lines, 90-degree angles, and ethereal colour choices with minimal variation.

Informal design tends to share traits with traditional design. The layout has a more natural, less structured flow, whereas formal design tends toward a more ordered, geometric appearance with repeated patterns.

When you’re selecting pavers for your patio project, you want to consider both your personal style as well as the style of your home. If your home’s design is more traditional, but you would like a more contemporary design for your patio, you might consider adding a bit of colour and texture to your patio that ties in with your home’s exterior coverings.

Colours

choosing patio materials stone pavers interlocking brick grey blue brown flagstone traditional modern There have never been more colour options for engineered stone products than there are today. And even natural stone is available in a wide array of colours and shades.

Generally, we recommend working with your existing environment – your home’s exterior cladding, other structures, and existing hardscaping – when selecting a colour(s) for your patio.

And consider adding visual interest to your patio’s appearance by selecting a contrasting border or inlay products. The options really are endless.

Budget

choosing patio materials stone pavers interlocking brick red brick traditional design The budget factor needn’t take the fun out of your material selection process. There are lots of great options at every price point. If your budget is limited, consider selecting a cost-effective product as your primary material and then splurging on something a bit more expensive for a border, inlay, stairs, or other accent.

You might also look for discontinued or older stock, as these products can tend to be priced to sell quickly. Just keep in mind that there may be limited quantities of your chosen materials, so double check with the retailer about total available product in square feet, and compare that to what you’ll need to complete your project.

Regardless of what type of patio you’re planning, you want to be sure you’re happy with the choices you make both short- and long-term. We work with clients to help them select the best options for their needs, resulting in a patio that they love to spend time on, year after year. Contact us today to get started.

Increase Your Home’s Value with Landscaping

by A Touch of Dutch Landscaping | May 6, 2021 | Fencing, Flowers, Hardscaping, Landscape Design, Maintenance, Native Plants, Patios, Ponds, Retaining Walls, Shrubs, Softscaping, Trees, Walkways, Water Features

With the current circumstances – stay-at-home orders and a crazy local housing market – many homeowners are opting to invest in their homes. Money that would otherwise be spent on travel, entertainment, consumer goods, etc. is directed instead to home improvement.

Done right, this can potentially increase a home’s value. However, the value of your home isn’t just about what you can get for it when you sell, but also the enjoyment you get out of it while you live there. So, let’s discuss a few ways to enhance both your quality of life and the monetary value of your home.

Curb Appeal

improve curb appeal to increase the value of your home If you search online for ways to increase a home’s value, one method that almost invariably tops the list is to increase your home’s curb appeal. After all, the front of your home provides the first impression for potential buyers, whether they’re passing by or viewing your home online.

Improving curb appeal doesn’t have to be complicated. The most important thing to do is keep things tidy by weeding, edging, and mulching your flowerbeds, pruning your trees and shrubs when appropriate, and aerating, fertilizing, and dethatching your lawn.

Minimal Maintenance

Low maintenance perennials with mulch and stone walkway If you’re looking to upgrade your home’s exterior – front, sides, or back – consider updates that will enhance livability, functionality, and practicality. Not only will this maximize your enjoyment, but when it comes time to sell, potential buyers will be able to see themselves relaxing in, rather than working on, the yard and gardens.

One way to add low-maintenance beauty to your landscape, is to include native varieties among the trees, shrubs and plants you choose. Native Ontario plant species are well-acclimated to our conditions, so require very little extra care over that which Mother Nature provides. Native species also attract native birds and smaller pollinators, which is an added bonus.

Hardscaping

Hardscaping stone patio and surrounding flowerbeds improve outdoor living area and add value Walkways, patios, and retaining walls are gratifying additions to a home’s exterior. In keeping with the theme of minimal maintenance, though – a focus of almost every one of our customers – we recommend being mindful of the materials you use.

Wood decking has historically been inexpensive but does have a limited life span and also can require quite a bit of maintenance to keep it looking good and hazard-free. Poured smooth, brushed, or stamped concrete can make a great patio or walkway, but durability can be an issue and maintenance is required in the form of cleaning and sealing.

For optimal durability and ease of maintenance, precast or natural stone pavers are ideal. The range of colours, textures, and styles is virtually limitless and a stone patio or walkway can be straight/square or round/curvy, so you can be sure to find the right look to complement your home’s exterior.

And if you like the look of stone, smaller-sized decorative stone like river rock, lava rock, quartz, peastone, granite, and dolomite can be used in lieu of mulch in flowerbeds, in between large pavers in walkways and patios, and in and around water features.

Visual Impact

Visual impact adds value to your home lush gardens around pool Plants, trees, and shrubs can be used to camouflage imperfections, add privacy, and enhance the existing beauty around your home’s exterior and yard. For example, an exposed foundation can make a home appear old and unkempt. But, planting a balanced selection of plants and shrubs appropriate for the location’s sun exposure can add depth and colour, providing a welcome distraction from your foundation’s drab, grey expanse.

Exposure to winds or neighbouring properties can make backyard living less enjoyable than it should be. Planting a row of trees, shrubs, or ornamental grass can add shelter and/or privacy. Consider mixing shrubs or grasses with fence panels for increased visual interest.

Serenity

Water feature bubbling rock serene serenity peaceful atmosphere Add unique atmosphere to your outdoor living areas, walkways, and/or front entrance with lighting and water. Ponds, streams, waterfalls, fountains, and bubbling rocks add an audio-visual element that has a universally relaxing effect. And including lighting along walkways, trees, water features, pools, and patios enhances outdoor safety and enjoyment after the sun goes down.

There are a multitude of ways to improve your landscaping for added quality of life and value. Starting with a plan can help you get focused and establish a budget. If you’re planning some upgrades this year, but don’t want to go it alone, we’re here to help. Drop us a note to let us know what your goals are and we’ll help you get there.

Precast and Natural Stone Retaining Walls

by A Touch of Dutch Landscaping | Nov 26, 2020 | Hardscaping, Irrigation, Landscape Design, Patios, Retaining Walls

Retaining walls can enhance both the appearance and function of your lawn and garden.

Some DIYers may opt for wood when building a retaining wall. After all, timber and ties are easier to cut and install, and less expensive than stone options. Unfortunately, the benefits of a wood retaining wall are short-term.

precast wall stone retaining walls Even though it may look nice at the beginning, a wood retaining wall will begin to weather after a season or two, detracting from its appearance and effectiveness. The structure will need to be treated regularly. And even with treatment, the material may need to be replaced in as little as five years. Plus, the chemicals from pressure-treated lumber leach into the soil, which is not good in general, but especially for vegetable and herb gardens.

So, while retaining walls can be made from various materials, we recommend precast or natural stone for superior looks and durability.

Why Retaining Walls

There are a few key functional and aesthetic reasons that home and business owners opt to incorporate retaining walls into their landscape design.

If soil erosion – either away from or toward a house – is an issue, a retaining wall will help diminish run-off while discouraging water from pooling around and possibly damaging your home.

precast wall stone retaining walls If the slope of the lot in question renders the yard otherwise tough to landscape, one or a tiered series of retaining wall(s) can help create stepped gardens that are much more amenable to hosting plants, shrubs, and trees. Or a retaining wall can convert a sloping lawn into one single level for enhanced enjoyment of your greenspace.

If there is a big difference between the level of the lot and a building’s entrance level, tiered gardens housed in retaining walls eliminate the stark contrast and drastically improve curb appeal.

Of course, retaining walls can be used strictly to enhance the appearance and enjoyment of an outdoor area. They can help frame an elevated sitting area or add privacy to a sunken or grade-level patio.

A Few Considerations When Building a Retaining Wall

Permits

Depending on the size and location of your retaining wall, you may need to submit a plan to and get a permit from your municipal building department.

Foundation

Retaining walls need a solid foundation or base of compacted gravel that is added to a trench which is dug down to the clay level.

Construction

Retaining walls should be constructed with the appropriate stone, and using the right techniques to avoid premature deterioration or total collapse of the structure.

Backfill

The lower portion of the retaining wall’s contained area should be backfilled with drainage stone wrapped in filter cloth to prevent contamination between the soil and drainage stone. We recommend installing a drain tile so that excess water can easily drain from behind the wall.

The reason for this is two-fold. When soil gets wet, it expands and doesn’t drain well. Gravel and sand tend not to expand, minimizing the amount of lateral pressure that will be applied to a retaining wall. Gravel and sand also promote drainage, which will mitigate the risk of standing water. This is especially important if the area in question sits along a building’s foundation.

If you’re interested in adding one or more retaining walls to your landscape design, but the prospect of a DIY project seems a bit too much to handle, please contact us. We’re happy to work with you to create and install a design that makes your yard more attractive, more functional, and more enjoyable.

natural stone armour stone retaining walls

paver interlocking brick retaining walls

What’s Your Landscape Design Style?

by A Touch of Dutch Landscaping | Oct 27, 2020 | Fencing, Flowers, Gardening, Hardscaping, Landscape Design, Native Plants, Patios, Ponds, Retaining Walls, Shrubs, Softscaping, Trees, Walkways, Water Features

Landscaping is a fantastic way to upgrade your home’s exterior. Done right, it improves curb appeal and enhances your enjoyment and the functionality of your outdoor environment.

And, like the clothing and home décor you choose, landscaping also provides an excellent opportunity to express your personal style. You may have inherited an already established landscape design when you moved into your home. Or you may have previously defaulted to a style that you thought suited your home’s exterior style.

While matching the style of your home may be a factor you want to consider, the design can be updated to better reflect your personal style as well.

If you haven’t given much thought to your landscaping style, we’ll outline the major styles, their differences, and their defining elements. When we get right down to it, there are really only two principal styles – traditional and contemporary (or “modern”) – with many substyles that can play a role in the overall design.

Traditional landscaping with native plants

An example of a traditional garden design overflowing with a mixture of native plants and flowers

Traditional Landscape Design

The traditional landscaping style tends to be associated with soft or curved lines, more rustic, textural materials in muted, mottled tones, and a balanced mixture of softscaping, hardscaping, and water elements that create a relaxed, laid back atmosphere. More often than not, traditional landscape design tends to be associated with the “informal” style. Because of its more free-flowing lines, a traditionally designed landscape can be more desirable for those wanting a lower maintenance outdoor living area.

Contemporary Landscape Design

On the other end of the spectrum, modern landscape design employs straight lines, clean edges, and sharp angles. Contemporary landscapes offer steep contrast in colour, with lots of symmetry in the shape and size of its elements. Hardscaping materials tend to be flat with a matte or polished finish. These attributes lend to what is generally considered a more “formal” style and also tend to demand more work to maintain the shapes and symmetrical appearance.

modern landscape design clean lines right angles monochromatic hardscaping retaining wall

Elements of modern landscape design – clean lines, right angles, and monochromatic colour scheme

Generally speaking, while most landscape designs may primarily be classified as traditional or modern, they really fall somewhere in between. Besides your personal style, here are many good reasons for a hybrid design, including:

Soil conditions and light exposure
How you use your yard
Your proclivity for garden maintenance
Your home’s exterior style

Substyles and Themes

If you don’t want your yard to be purely traditional or one hundred percent contemporary, below are a few substyles/themes you can work into your design.

Native

Plants and trees are indigenous to Ontario/Canada. These not only attract birds, bees, butterflies, and other native wildlife, but also tend to require less maintenance because they’re well-adapted to our climate.

Xeriscape

This type of landscaping reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental watering through the use of above-ground or underground water collection and circulation techniques in conjunction with more drought-tolerant plant and tree varieties.

Asian-Inspired

Elements can include a pergola, gate, trickling water feature, ornamental grasses, koi pond, walkway or labyrinth, and soft lighting.

English Garden

English garden with lavender and traditional hardscaping elements

Lush green lawns with one or more sitting areas among large, colourful gardens, overflowing with flowers, plants, and trees that attract a range of pollinators.

Natural/Organic

Plants and materials are sustainably sourced and managed. Can be easily combined with Native and/or Xeriscape themes.

Rustic

Incorporates wood and natural stone into decks, patios, walkways, fencing, sheltering structures, and retaining walls.

So, what’s your landscape style? Hopefully, this guide has provided some insights. If you’re having trouble deciding, we’re just a call or email away.

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