The Cottage Project
Design & Installation 2010: Stone & Maple with Jackie
Additional services: 2011-2014

 In a stunning woodland setting nestled on the sparkling waters of a lake exists a sizeable waterfront property with two cottages lovingly renovated by the owners. The Cottage belongs to the loveliest couple and we have enjoyed working with them closely the last few years.

When we arrived in the summer of 2010 the landscaping had begun and another contractor had built a flagstone patio and natural stone walls, which, though pretty in appearance, had inherent design flaws. Though a set of stone steps had been started, the contractor had been unable to finish them leaving issues with base, design and a troubling two foot drop to grade level.

Our first priority was to design and plant a shade garden that was both structured and elegant yet had a natural feel and flow to compliment the woodland setting. Plants included boxwood, hostas, ferns, hakonacloa grasses and hydrangea standards.

Storms have brought down some of the large trees since that time, and the garden now receives more sun than shade resulting in plants being replaced with different varieties of sedums, grasses and colourful annuals.

Lakeside, we worked with the existing new stairs, carefully inserting two natural stone steps to finish the descent. Retaining walls were created with large natural limestone and a second set of steps was installed to lead visitors to the new parking area behind the shed. Sun loving perennials were chosen including lavender, phlox, echinacea, miscanthus and nepeta.

Pockets of shade gardens wrap around the deck and border the forest providing a lush green focal point when viewed from the lake.