Ask the Landscape Architect Expert
Part Four: The Final Phase: Construction and the Bill – Project Delivery We have arrived at the final section of this multi-part series, covering the many phases of a professional landscaping project. We’ve discussed many topics, including planning, budget, design, and the expectations that need to be set amongst all the service providers working on the project. Paul Brydges, owner of Brydges Landscape Architecture, has guided...
Green, Green Grass of Home
Of all the plant life that adorns residential and/or business properties, grass is easily the most prevalent. While it is hearty and thrives practically everywhere, grass is not invincible. Thus, certain measures need to be taken to ensure sod achieves its maximum potential while, and after, it is being laid. Before embarking on such a project, it is always wise to consult a professional. Smilsky Sod Farms Ltd. of Tottenham has been...
Doing a DIY Project?
Many home improvement stories have graced the pages of this magazine over the years; a lot of them dealing with finding the right contractors for the job and working with them to achieve optimal results. There are times, however, when homeowners feel they have the tools and wherewithal to tackle a project by themselves. With proper planning and the right advice, the results are usually quite positive. To begin with, each project...
Business Profile: The Farm Fresh Experience!
Achieving 30 successful years in business is no small accomplishment. Even more so, is the dedication and love this incredibly giving family has, not only for each other, but for the customers they serve. Their business story actually begins back in 1975, and their family story starts way before that. “My father and mother worked in a grocery store together, and that’s where they met. My father was the produce manager, and they...
Shangri-La in Your Own Backyard
Picture yourself luxuriating in the pool at an exotic resort. The soothing water permeates through your flesh as it melodiously courses through exquisite rock formations illuminated by an array of sparkling lights. When it’s finally time to leave this Shangri-La, there is no need to pack up your bags, go through the checkout procedures and make your way to the airport. Instead, you simply hop out of the pool, open the back door and...
Ask The Landscape Architect Expert, Part Three: The Tendering (Pricing) Process
When we last spent time with Paul Brydges, owner of Brydges Landscape Architecture Inc, the topic of discussion focused on budget, and was part two of our four-part series “Ask the Expert”. As we enter “Part Three: The Tendering Process”, Paul teaches us that both timing and economics are key essential outcomes when making some crucial decisions. “The beauty of working with a landscape designer is that they act as a support contact...
Exploring the Practicality of Equipment Rental
In the construction and renovations business, acquiring and maintaining the proper tools and equipment is a huge capital investment. Not only can the machinery be costly, it may not be used enough to justify purchasing it. Therefore, it often makes sense to rent tools and equipment, rather than buy them. First of all, the initial purchase costs are avoided when one opts to rent. As well, depreciation in the machine’s value is not a...
Thinking of Investing in a Pool this Summer?
Ask a residential pool owner why he or she has one, and chances are you will hear a lot of different reasons. Some will say the backyard pool is the perfect spot for family recreation and bonding. Others will point out that swimming is one of the best forms of exercise there is. Then there will be people who find it more practical to take the thirty steps to get to their landscaped pool area, rather than drive hundreds of miles to a...
Creating Winter Interest. Work with Mother Nature.
So, it’s summer, and just why are we talking about planning for a winter landscape? Simple – we have to think about it now! When else are you going to do those plantings and move that earth than in the next few months! Think back to gardening magazines or books you may have read on stately English homes, those that you envy or admire. Many of them feature beautiful outdoor vistas with attractively arranged plant and garden features,...
A Stunning Entertaining Space
In this digital age of marketing and advertising, a business can choose from many media vehicles to promote their company. But for Ryan VanGerven and his team at New Stone Landscaping, their best strategy to bring in new business is the one that has worked for them for years…word of mouth. When you see one of New Stone’s landscape transformations, it’s easy to see why so many of their projects come from clients who have experienced...
Summer Entertaining
We think it’s safe to say that the team here at LivingSpaces and LifeStyles Magazine enjoy many aspects of entertaining. There are just so many things to celebrate, and the upcoming summer season is no exception! The lazy days of summer should be just that; laid-back and stress-free. So, we’ve come up with a few ideas to make your summertime parties, simple, easy and fun. The great thing about backyard parties is that your natural...
Client and Contractor … some advice for a great fit!!
In a perfect world, one could decide an upgrade is needed on the house. A reliable building contractor is found the next day, plans are put into motion within a week and the project is completed, to everyone’s utmost satisfaction, within a month or two. In the real world, that is highly unlikely to happen. Home renovations and/or additions are meticulous undertakings with many factors to take into consideration. As well, communication...
