MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM D.A GRACEY & ASSOCIATES
We hope that you enjoy this Christmas with family and friends. We look forward to 2012, and hope that it is a very special...
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Winter wonderland??
I don't know why we are always surprised to wake up one morning and find snow on the ground. I guess it's eternal optimism; hoping that we will get nice weather until at least December 24th! Preparations for winter are well underway on the job sites, but not so...
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THE MAGIC OF FIRE
We try to engage all of the senses within the residential landscapes we design and install. The addition of a fire-table to a patio or entertainment area is a great way to add to the experience you get in your backyard. It is so nice to sit outside on a cool autumn...
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Outdoor kitchens
Along with the awesome patios and outdoor dining and lounging areas we are creating; we are getting more and more requests for an outdoor kitchen. These areas often include large built-in barbeques, fridges, sinks, ice-makers (for frozen margaritas for the adults and...
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CATCHING OUR BREATH
We took the opportunity to catch a mid-season break as we headed into the August long weekend. Thursday saw everyone work a half day; and then head up to the Gracey's country house for an afternoon and evening of fun. We had the landscaper Olympics which included...
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STAFF FAVORITES – SHRUBS
When asked about their favorite shrubs, once again there is lots of variety in the answers. Gary's favorite Hydrangea is pictured above. Keith and Dave say that their favorite is the Burning Bush, known for it's vibrant red fall color. Jonathon also picked another...
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A POP OF COLOR
Once in a while we design and construct a wonderful residential landscape and still....it's just not quite right. Sometimes it just takes a year or two for the plant material to fill in make the landscape look more grounded and less newly constructed. And...
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STAFF FAVORITES – TREES
As the trees are finally greening up and blooming; I have been thinking about my favorites. Top of my list is the Copper Beech (Fagus sylvatica 'purpurea') which sits in front of our house. Or it could be the Yellow Bird Magnolia (Magnolia soulangiana 'Yellow Bird')...
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NATURAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Frank Lloyd Wright said, "STUDY NATURE, LOVE NATURE, STAY CLOSE TO NATURE. IT WILL NEVER FAIL YOU."...
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START OF THE LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION SEASON
Here we are; ready to start the 2011 landscape construction season, and it is snowing AGAIN! After the teasing hints of spring last week, winter has socked it to us again. All our behind the scenes work of the winter months is done: landscape designs complete, ...
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THOUGHTS OF SPRING
We are really gearing up for the set-up and installation of our feature garden at Canada Blooms. For weeks preparations have been underway; including selecting and ordering plant material and stone, sourcing special items for the garden and fine-tuning the design as...
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PAINTING A LANDSCAPE
"Planting is like painting a landscape with living things." Gertrude...
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CREATING A GARDEN ROOM
One of the ways to add interest to a backyard is to create individual ‘garden’ rooms. A dining area for hosting an perfect outdoor dinner party, a lounge area to put your feet up in and read your latest magazine, an area with a firepit that is perfect for roasting...
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POOL DESIGN – Part 2
Take note of the natural attributes of your site. Assess both the good and bad features of your site. Beautiful existing trees to be highlighted, a distant view to be framed and incorporated into the features of your gardens, an unattractive garage or air...
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WONDERFUL
"ANYTHING LOOKED AT CLOSELY BECOMES WONDERFUL." A.R....
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THAT BEAUTIFUL SEASON…SUMMER
"Then followed that beautiful season...summer...Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light, and the landscape lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood." Henry Wordsworth...
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Water, Water, Water
For all of our clients with newly completed landscape installations, our advice is to WATER, WATER and WATER all plant material. As the newly planted stock has not yet had time to grow an extensive root system, it is very important to ensure the plant as adequate...
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THE PERILS OF PERMITS
Often we have projects ready to go - consultation done, landscape design done, construction drawings done, materials ordered; only to be held up by the municipal building permit process. Remember that it can sometime take months to get a permit, depending on the...
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Inspiration Everywhere
We often get asked ‘Where do we get our ideas from?’ And the answer is ‘Everywhere’. We travel to offbeat and far distant places as often as possible; and visiting a new destination or another culture is a great way to be inspired for future designs. The above...
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Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence
It was another great night for the landscape construction design and construction industry on January 11, for the Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence. Our whole team was there, dressed in their best as they took turns going up to the podium to receive the FOUR...
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