Portfolio

Quarter-acre eco-transformation (Lindsay)

The clients of this quarter-acre property in downtown Lindsay were tired of mowing the lawn and looking to create a vibrant, ecologically-friendly space. They are keen to include many features, including edible gardens, meadows, and a small urban forest.

Carbon Wise developed the overall concept plan, and construction drawings for each component. Phase 1 began in spring of 2023, with the installation of a native hedgerow, urban forest, and a large rain garden that captures the majority of runoff from the house roof.

Design and installation by Carbon Wise Landscape Design, with additional installation support from A New Leaf Gardens.

Low-carbon driveway using reclaimed pavers (Peterborough)

It was important to the clients that the carbon emissions of their new driveway were kept to a minimum. Instead of using new concrete pavers, which have a huge carbon footprint, we sourced used pavers for a low-carbon, cost effective solution.

The new driveway is edged with a low-profile cedar retaining wall to demarcate the parking area. Hardy native species like Little Bluestem and Prairie Smoke have been added planted in the shallow space between the cedar and an existing concrete edge, to create more pollinator benefit and a gentle transition to the neighbour’s property.

Design by Carbon Wise Landscape Design. Installation by the clients with support from Douglas Works Peterborough.

Low-maintenance townhouse garden in the Danforth (Toronto)

These busy clients wanted a drought tolerant garden that would increase curb appeal and support the urban ecosystem, while being simple to maintain.

The design combines native sedges, grasses, and wildflowers with a few non-native selections. A simple dry creek pulls runoff away from the home and reduces the need for regular irrigation. We planted a Staghorn Sumac cultivar in a large, frost-tolerant planter for a striking, size-appropriate focal point. Bamboo screening helps distinguish this space from its semi-detached neighbour.

Design and installation by Carbon Wise Landscape Design

A native garden at the savannah’s edge (Toronto)

This front yard garden was once part of a large oak savanna that was maintained by Indigenous nations in the Tkaronto/Toronto region, including the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Chippewa, and Wendat. Today, oak savannahs are one of the most endangered ecosystems in North America.

This design includes plants that you might find in a savannah-forest ‘ecotone,’ i.e. the place where two ecosystems meet, even though a majestic Hackberry graces the front yard, rather than an oak. Pennsylvania Sedge has replaced non-native sod as the dominant groundcover, with a selection of other native plants (and one near-native selection) for seasonal colour and pollinator support.

A small rain barrel captures runoff from part of the roof, and doubles as a source of water for irrigation. A woodchip path maintains access to the utilities and rain barrel.

Design and installation by Carbon Wise Landscape Design

Driveway rain garden and overall concept plan (Peterborough)

A narrow driveway rain garden is just one part of the long term vision for this midcentury cul-de-sac property, where none of the oddly shaped spaces go to waste! The clients wanted to squeeze lots of function and versatility into this yard, including stormwater management features, vegetable gardens, a fire pit, and more.

I designed and installed the initial rain garden in 2020, followed by an overall concept plan for the property in 2021. These DIY-savvy clients have been bringing the vision to life every since.

Design and rain garden installation by Carbon Wise Landscape Design