May 12, 2024
Designing and building a better world
Beautiful landscapes — whether on private or public property — share a certain element of magic. A well-designed home landscape can foster deeper connections with family and friends across generations. Thoughtful public projects can bring communities together, help the environment and even make people safer.
For our annual design/build issue, we’re celebrating this magic, as well as sharing ideas on how landscape professionals in any sector of the industry can help their businesses thrive.
Across Canada, communities are borrowing an idea from Europe to create “woonerven” — living streets where cyclists and pedestrians can safely enjoy green spaces outside of parks. These projects do more than create pretty streets, they unite the human and environmental potential of urban landscapes. Woonerf can help promote well-being and even attract local businesses that live up to the aesthetic and vibe these urban oases create. On a much more modest scale, we rounded up a few bright ideas on how landscape design companies can expand their business and build community year round here
We also dive into how simple landscaping practices can help safeguard homes and communities with an interview with Cst. Matt Hunt, a practitioner of Crime Prevention Through Urban Design — a movement that underscores the pivotal role landscape professionals, together with law enforcement, have in shaping secure and resilient communities.
Physiotherapist Bayley Quinn provides some great tips on creating accessible landscapes for clients of all ages and abilities. When you get accessibility right, you create spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued — and you also build longevity into the landscapes you design and bring to life.
When it comes to running your business, marketing and promoting the work you do is key. Visit this page for tips on capturing images to help your portfolio stand out, whether you choose to hire a pro or shoot images yourself. We also invited Ryan Markewich of Creative Roots Landscaping to share his experience with Open Book Management and how it helped drive more accountability and greater results in his company. It’s a worthwhile model for anyone in the landscape trades to explore. Finally, we have HGTV star Sara Bendrick weighing in on the role of AI in landscape design.
As the weather continues to warm and landscapes come into full bloom there are so many beautiful projects coming to life. No matter where you are in the country, there’s something to explore and celebrate.