"The key to a successful project lies in the original concept and design."
- Mackia Land Design

Creating an outdoor landscape that complements and enhances a home requires the services of professional landscape contractors and the skillful direction of a talented landscape artist. The Keats of Mackia Land Design, and their landscape artist Ric Liesch, have been enhancing outdoor living spaces for homeowners with their award winning work in the Waterloo region of Ontario. We're going to take a look at one of Mackia's breathtaking projects. The complete design was executed in four phases. This article will show you the first phase.

Phase #1 The Entrance and Front Yard

• Flagstone Walkway
• Entrance Planting and Beds

Phase #2 The Swimming Pool and Spa

• Infinity pool
• Concrete Spa
• Flagstone Decking

Phase #3 The Planting of Trees, Shrubs and Plants

• Grading and Site Work
• Landscape Rocks, Trees and Shrubs
• Plants & Flowering Perennials

The flagstone walk curves gently, bringing your eye to a focal point on the home, the grand front entrance, with its spectacular wood door. Planted beds follow the walkway, making for a very inviting first welcome.

Phase #4 The Final Terraces and Cabana

• Final Terraces
• Barbeque Area and Fire pit
• Lanai

Large trees, like the evergreen to the left of the home, were spaded in with a specialized tree-spading truck . These bigger trees were used throughout the property to create an instantly mature landscape and to provide attractive privacy screening.

Smaller trees, such as the maple to the right of the door, are B and B (ball and burlap) trees that are generally grown in nurseries. A variety of trees and shrubs, sizes and shapes were used to add visual interest.

Another front entrance to the home is similarly appointed with an arched flagstone walkway and flanked with attractive beds. As a secondary focus, this entrance does not compete with the main entrance, but echoes the design, adding to the overall harmony.

All of the beds that border walks and lawn edges have smooth flowing lines that are more aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

A professional landscape plan takes vision, not only to see how the completed design will look, but also to envision how it will change as it matures and grows. All Evergreen, Deciduous and Perennial plants used in this landscape were carefully selected and placed with this future vision clearly in mind.

To reduce weeds and conserve water moisture, a shredded bark mulch covers the soil in the planting beds.

To further incorporate natural elements into the landscape design, weathered limestone rocks were chosen and strategically placed in the beds. A close look reveals existing moss, earth and plant life on the rock. This extra layer of life suggests stability, longevity and permanence.

Professional landscaping has helped this new home to look instantly established and has enhanced the value of the property, making it stand out on the street.

View Phase #2 or Phase #3 of this outdoor landscape project by Mackia Land Design.
Phase #4 will be featured in an upcoming article! Stay tuned!