Homeowners’ attentions turn to outdoor spaces

By Heather Ryan
May 28, 2019

With the arrival of warmer weather, many Calgarians are turning their attentions from their indoor to outdoor space and considering projects they want to take on this spring and summer.

Homeowners already taking advantage of the sunshine are preparing garden beds, raking and mowing lawns and looking at ways to turn their yards into an inviting living space.

With a little planning, you can turn your backyard into an attractive entertaining space, a private place for relaxation or a peaceful nature experience, while the front yard can present colourful gardens that add to your home’s curb appeal.

When you buy a new home, you have a unique opportunity to develop your landscaping from the very beginning, adding beauty to your home, the street and the community.

If you’re like many Calgarians who are looking to buy a new home this spring, you may be surprised to discover that several of the home builders featured in this magazine offer landscaping options or “packages” that include planting trees, sodding front yards or even adding patios and decks. Plus, local builders have a network of professionals including landscape specialists, so check with your builder to see if they have one they can recommend.

Before you start landscaping, there are some things to consider regardless of whether you will work with a landscaping specialist or do it yourself.

First, planning is everything. Make sure you develop a full vision of your entire outdoor space to avoid making mistakes. Put together a wish list that includes items that you have always wanted such as gardens, patios, decks, fences and gazebos.

Then review those items and compare them to the space you have to see what you can realistically do in the outdoor space you have. You may need to be creative by putting together a vertical garden if you have a smaller footprint.

Once that’s done, prioritize what items can be done now and what can be phased in over time when the budget allows.

With landscaping projects, remember soil preparation and water control, particularly drainage, are crucial. Talk with your home builder about the soil type on your property, landfill, foundation height and backfill around the house. It’s important to ask about drainage patterns to ensure that water drains away from your home.

Some outdoor design trends in Calgary include roof structures, which allow you to enjoy the outdoors even during a rain shower, as well as outdoor fireplaces, gas heaters and fire tables that add warmth to chilly Calgary evenings. There are also outdoor kitchens and living rooms that allow you to use the backyard as an extension of the indoors.

Naturescapes, such as rock gardens, garden fountains, waterfalls and ponds are popular additions, but be realistic with whatever you create and think about how much maintenance you are willing to, and/or are capable of undertaking.

Landscaping is an integral part of your new home, so no matter what your plans are, explore your options thoroughly and remember to save some time to enjoy your creation.

Related reading

The cost of landscaping your new home

Design tips to create an inspiring outdoor space

About Heather Ryan

Heather Ryan is a Calgary journalist with more than 25 years of experience, focusing on real estate for the past 10 years.  

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