Built in 1956, this classic west coast beauty needed a make over. Located in the popular Sentinel Hill area of West Vancouver, old West Coast gardens often have a spring showing and a dull green-on-green colour the rest of the year.

This garden contained monochromatic plants that were overgrown and ‘leggyʼ, the soil is poor and sandy, and the lawns were patchy and covered with thick moss and buttercups weed. The Client loves the property‘s vast wildlife visitor and large lawns, and wished for nectar rich plants and a romantic style garden.

The garden came with five majestic old specimen trees. The front of the home features Red Bloodgood Maple, impressive large Japanese Cherry and a tangled sensational Whipping Elm. At the back garden, a sky-high Blue Colorado Spruce and a giant 60 ft wide hot pink blossoming bark twisted magnificent Saucer Magnolia.

When approaching a makeover in such an old garden it is important to acknowledge and respect the unique ecosystem the garden has created with the surrounding plants, nature and wildlife. The Garden Guru created a design that achieves year-round interest in this shade garden. It is a natural, simple and inviting lush and lavish romantic garden featuring vibrant colours, unique textures, impressive foliage and wildlife friendly plants.

The main entrance gardens and driveway are designed with magical hot pink peonies with bold large blossoms, soft romantic views and long textured borders. The mixture of Pampas and Zebra grasses with light blue Hydrangeas, red Yuletide Camellia Sasanqua, Hebe, Lavender, Heavenly Bamboo and broad leaf Hostas and Ferns is exciting and invigorating.

The matured 64-year-old Magnolia at the back is magical; it creates a relaxing calm energy and sense of admiration for natureʼs strength and beauty. Being the focal point of this jewel garden, a delicate tasteful design was crafted.

Using an evergreen lush border of Rhododendrons in soft pink and bright yellow Choisya for subtle and cheerful privacy. Sweet Fuchsia, Star Jasmine and Daphne for intoxicating fragrance and nectar. Airy Astilbe, dark Heuchera, mixed Ferns, Brunnera and ground covers filling up the garden with texture. A vegetable and herb wellness patch was added and clusters of annual flower complete this spectacular garden display. Romantic benches are strategically placed for viewing and enjoying the hummingbirds, bees, butterflies and squirrels playfulness.