A Backyard Garden Makeover

Credit: GardenWise

The Jongmans of Calgary were looking for a significant upgrade to a backyard that had become tired-looking after many years’ service to a growing family.

Looking to spruce up your home’s appearance? One way is to transform your backyard garden

The Jongmans of Calgary were looking for a significant upgrade to a backyard that had become tired-looking after many years’ service to a growing family

The main objective, says Bruce Kay, president and owner of OnGrowing Works Design & Construction, was to establish a multifunctional space that engaged adults and teens alike.

An extended “family room” was constructed off the kitchen with an informal stucco wall and inset gas fireplace bordered by natural cedar leading to a pergola-covered hot-tub area.

Natural stone stairs and flooring added a functional but earthy feel. Meanwhile, around the side, a quiet circular patio space was created beside a mature spruce that, along with an overhead cedar pergola, provided shade.

A sense of separation was created by the stone-bridge access over a dry creekbed constructed to control drainage. Lastly, a low-maintenance artificial “green” was installed as a playing surface for basketball, soccer and for Dad, the golfer, effectively providing additional drainage from all areas of the yard to the side fence swale.

This design took a provincial Landscape Award of Excellence and was also nominated nationally.