A couple of weeks ago, I promised to share some photos of my parents' newly landscaped backyard oasis. For a week and a half this summer, we got to pretend that this backyard was ours. We spent hours meandering along driftwood-lined paths, watching the fish in the pond strewn with blooming lilies and eating our breakfast in the gazebo in the early morning light.
The transformation of the backyard was extreme. Thanks to the vision of my parents and the landscaping team, the yard went from a vast expanse of grass, peppered with several enormous Garry Oak trees, to show-stopping beauty. Before, if you wanted to stroll around the yard, you had to pull on your galoshes to wade through the swampy depression of grass.
Here are a few "before" photos:
Don't get me wrong. It was still a really pretty backyard. However, it didn't suit my parents' needs. They love to entertain - from small family gatherings to large dinners with their wine group. They were relegated to the dining room and were never able to take advantage of a beautiful summer's evening for al fresco dining.
My mum has a greener thumb than anybody I know. Ask her the name of something in the garden and she's almost always able to tell you the name, sometimes rolling the Latin name off her tongue. She has a wonderful eye for placing flowers and creating enclaves of serenity and beauty within her garden.
The new landscaping allows her and my dad to play with different plant varieties and to create different feeling throughout the garden.
The "after" photos:
A perfect spot for dining.
A little contemplation beside the fish pond, which is flanked by driftwood "totems".
A proud Grandad with my boys and one of our meals on the patio.
Nonna helping out M with his barbecued ribs, and one of my favorite plants in the garden.
Even the puppy approves. M & T watching their new fish (they got to pick some out at the fish store).
Happy grandparents and kids!
I'd love to hear about your favorite spots in your garden. Is it your vegetable garden? Do you have a special bench where you like to sip on your coffee first thing in the morning?
Elizabeth
What a beautiful garden & great place to relax & soak up nature. Enjoy your time there with your family.
Jennifer
The backyard is beautiful!
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious
Amazing garden! My fav spot is where my grill is 😉
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
Beautiful garden!
Kathy - Panini Happy
What an idyllic haven! In Victoria, no less, which is one of the sweetest cities I've visited (we were there on our babymoon 5 years ago!). I hope your parents enjoy many happy occasions in the new yard!
Cathy @ Noble Pig
Wow, they did an amazing job, it's just beautiful. I love those driftwood totems, how unique. Thx for sharing!
Danijela
This is just too beautiful. They've done an amazing job. BEAUTIFUL!
KalynsKitchen
Wow, what an amazing yard they have created!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Kalyn, I thought of you when I was sitting out there. My parents hope to put in a bigger veggie garden, but I guarantee it won't match your amazing set-up!
Kathy
Beautiful puppy!! What kind is he?
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Hi Kathy, she's a Portuguese Water Dog. They're a very sweet breed and they don't shed!
Julia {The Roasted Root}
Your parent's garden is absolutely gorgeous! I would want to spend all day out there enjoying the peace, reading a book, drinking coffee! It looks like they put a lot of hard work into it and their efforts definitely paid off! Beautiful, thanks for sharing!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Julia. It was quite a process and certainly worth their effort!
Kare @ Kitchen Treaty
Wow, what a stunning transformation! Kudos to your folks, and you are so lucky that you get to enjoy it, too!
We recently finished a round patio area with a fire pit surrounded by adirondack chairs. So comfy. Perfect for lounging at sunset with a glass of wine (if the baby permits, that is!)
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Kare, that sounds positively idyllic. We've often thought of putting in a fire pit...maybe someday.
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
Their backyards looks like a dream! Absolutely gorgeous!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Katrina. It's wonderful to spend time out there when we visit.
Nadia
What a stunning yard! I sadly rent (here in Victoria, BC as well! ) and don't have quite the garden I dream of - its mostly a collection if grow bags and pots! But we do have a lovely patio couch set that is perfect for laying down just out if the sum but relishing the nearby warmth and ocean breeze Victoria is blessed with. Congrats to your parents for their new oasis!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Nadia, there really is nothing like the wonderful smell and feel of the breeze off the ocean. Hopefully someday you can move toward that garden of your dreams.
Laura (Got Chocolate)
Oh WOW! I want, I want, I WANT!!!
VERY impressive! 😀
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Me too, Laura!
Barbara | Creative Culinary
Absolutely gorgeous. I love to garden and have transformed mine over the years...not in one summer! There is nothing more peaceful than the mornings when I love to sit outside with a cup of coffee. The birds are chirping at feeders; my much smaller pond is softly gurgling and my dog pretends she can still chase squirrels as she meanders through the foliage and flowers.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Sipping coffee or tea in a peaceful setting, watching the birds go about their morning activities, really is a wonderful way to start the day.
Shirley @ gfe
Oh, what fun to be in that amazing garden/backyard! Your mom's vision was awesome. So glad that it came to pass for her and you all! Thanks for sharing all the amazing photos, Dara. 🙂
Shirley
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Shirley. Both my mum and dad did a wonderful job of envisioning every little bit of this project. It's such a peaceful place.
rahul
Hi.. How are you ? Can I ask you where's the garden actually ?
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
For obvious reasons, I won't be giving out the exact location. Thanks.
~mel
Wow ~ that is a very impressive garden and if I were your parent's I'd be having dinner parties and wine tastings and showing it off. Yes, I'm jealous ~ I could only wish for such a beautiful garden. So happy you and your family are able to enjoy it:)
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Mel. They're definitely trying to take advantage as much as they can while the weather is nice. It's a wonderful place for entertaining.