Showing posts with label water features. Show all posts
Showing posts with label water features. Show all posts

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Water in the Garden


Water features in the garden have become very popular over the years. There's a wide variety to choose from: simple birdbaths, ponds, fountains and swimming pools can all enhance the overall look of a backyard.

Even in our very small yard in the 80's, we had an inground swimming pool. I remember trying to get a quote for an inground pool in a yard that was probably 30' x 40'. Six companies laughed at me until Company #7 said: Ok. We can do it. And they did!! Not only did it look lovely, but we had many hours of enjoyment for ourselves and with friends and neighbours.


In our present yard, space was not an issue but I wanted the pool in before starting to plan a garden (we moved into the house when it was brand new and the backyard was an empty palette). Again, the pool has been a source of relief on hot dry summer days as well as a gorgeous turquoise focal point to be seen from the deck or the kitchen.


Here is a shot of my neighbour's pool with a stunning planter beside it.


I took this photo while on a Toronto garden tour. What a spectacular pool and property!!


The same backyard had a small pond with a fountain.


On a previous garden tour, this shady little nook had a charming statue and a small stone-lined pond.



Bird baths come in a variety of styles and are like a sculpture in a border.


Flowing water looks and sounds nice - here it's in a very contemporary setting.


Speaking of contemporary - this was a lovely water feature highlighting moving water and colourful rocks.



Here is a more formal setting.





And then there are those who are lucky enough to have a river behind their yard!!


Even without a river, you sometimes still get……ducks!

Please be sure to check out my recipe blog http://astridshome.wordpress.com/. The latest entries have been Breaded Tilapia with Orzo, Sunday Morning Crepes and Peanut Butter Cookies.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Rosedale Garden Tour, Toronto


Today my friend Sheila and I went on the annual "Through the Garden Gate" tour put on by the Toronto Botanical Garden society. This year's homes were in the resplendent Rosedale area. The brochure describes the area: "…We've been to Rosedale four times and these have been our most popular tours. So it's fitting that we're back for this special anniversary year (their 25th). Everyone loves Rosedale's spectacular properties, the serpentine streets, the sense of neighbourhood, the old trees and many ravines, not to mention the downtown location..."
We had a fabulous day! I took waaaay too many pictures so I will trim them down and give you just the highlights.


We couldn't decide if this was an old house or a new house built to look old…?



Yellow rose


Globe allium with yellow roses


Allium bulgaricum (I thought it was a fritillaria!)


This one was worth standing in (10 minute) line for!


Interesting water feature with coloured rocks and crystal clear water


Quiet sitting area with water feature


Lap pool with covered seating


There were so many wonderful Japanese maples in the area


Formal white columns and stone entryway


Container with tree and scaviola


Wonderful white gate flanked by white birch


Everyone was speculating if this was from the top of a church


Gorgeous entryway with pineapple sculpture atop white columns and some globe topiary


Trompe l'oeil


Grand backyard with towering Japanese maple


I'm a sucker for yellow roses!


A beautiful side entrance way...


…with a great focal point at the end of it!


See how effective it is to make groupings of the same plant?


This was the fanciest garden - first a wall of climbing roses


Then the Guest house


then the Exercise House (I'm serious! It was full of gym equipment and machines!!)


Rose garden...


…and fountain. It was a very formal space and looked like a well manicured park.


A MOST fabulous arbour!


Climbing roses


Very appropriate garden ornament


Our last garden featured a wonderful relief fountain.

I LOVE garden tours!!!