tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-317882952024-03-18T05:48:10.228-04:00Landscape DesignerAn insider's look at the landscape trade. Things to consider, things to know....Paul Corsetti (416)455-5515http://www.blogger.com/profile/08641753130780076265noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31788295.post-83670705504405990942013-11-07T09:48:00.003-05:002013-11-07T09:48:39.213-05:00Create an Entrance...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqT82XnxpeminkPuZW1YKTWwHnr59w6lazkfNKDedM2s1RoDlJ5Xx_LiDfpQO76nASbXAZdfIxcDLotXmtqEcRK7FDSak4WEglPXdBSWl4N5MKi1eee9XYaXmE7amdQ9PN44FH3g/s1600/HN+logo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqT82XnxpeminkPuZW1YKTWwHnr59w6lazkfNKDedM2s1RoDlJ5Xx_LiDfpQO76nASbXAZdfIxcDLotXmtqEcRK7FDSak4WEglPXdBSWl4N5MKi1eee9XYaXmE7amdQ9PN44FH3g/s1600/HN+logo2.jpg" /></a>So as the Summer/Fall season come to a close... I find myself going back through some photos I took throughout the year... A couple of them in particular stand out for me as I had a chance to visit another project of mine from the Summer of 2010.<br />
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This photo shows the walkway into a backyard pool/cabana paradise... I get so many comments on how it looks and feels like your own private resort. That was the whole idea for this customer and the planning process involved in their project.<br />
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All the hardscape building materials and planting were carefully selected to bring this whole backyard together. The look and the feel of everything helps to create a timeless appeal for years to come. The one thing I always enjoy about revisiting my old design projects... each year as the plant material ages, it feels like a different space...and looks more and more like what I had envisioned when I first set out the plan on paper...<br />
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Paul Corsetti (416)455-5515http://www.blogger.com/profile/08641753130780076265noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31788295.post-55387019102490395442013-09-10T12:41:00.001-04:002013-09-10T12:41:08.420-04:00Throw a little Arbour in to add detail... <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LQXQyMtU0pcKOrAAdAbO87CYLmacizXiizzyB5iBJS5NlnF_R-z-eaauq3NFgWNl5_cDIRWnfVJ-67EeYjhYL8g2pKr2IeIYjv8skgd7J0YmDNxVm-0tv3o7_ZEcBm39czpUUg/s1600/HN+logo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LQXQyMtU0pcKOrAAdAbO87CYLmacizXiizzyB5iBJS5NlnF_R-z-eaauq3NFgWNl5_cDIRWnfVJ-67EeYjhYL8g2pKr2IeIYjv8skgd7J0YmDNxVm-0tv3o7_ZEcBm39czpUUg/s1600/HN+logo2.jpg" /></a>Okay, so I have been very lacking in my blogging these days... My business has me swamped at the moment... Anyway, here are some pictures I took last month...<br />
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... finally had the chance to visit one of my old customer's homes. I'm glad I waited this long to visit as the plantings have really matured nicely in the space I created for them. The Arbour has a nice Wisteria vine growing over it. My customers are waiting patiently for it to flower....almost there!<br />
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I wanted to define the eating area and frame the rest of the yard through the arbour entrance...gave it sort of a mystery appeal as you enter the yard from the home, you see the dinning set, then the arbour and you wonder...what's beyond???<br />
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How about a nice place to have your coffee/tea and sit while you read a book, a paper...or just meditate to the sounds of the birds? A lot of these downtown Toronto homes end up with narrow yard spaces and as in this example, you see a garage taking up most of the room. The best way to approach these types of design challenges is to section each area as a room space...<br />
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I ended up giving my customers about a 1000 extra square feet to enjoy while living in their home... Now if you can only broadcast your wifi out to the back of the property!??!... Perhaps a day at the office could be best served in this space as well??? <br />
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Paul Corsetti (416)455-5515http://www.blogger.com/profile/08641753130780076265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31788295.post-77693075593477480942013-03-02T11:05:00.000-05:002013-03-02T11:05:17.289-05:00Japanese Maples<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Their vibrant colour and soft architectural form add a great focal point to the overall look of a garden. In many examples of my work, I always try to incorporate a Japanese Maple in the planting plan.<br />
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Most often when planning the gardens for the front yard of a home, the Japanese Maple is a must for me... it serves as a "sign post" to draw a visitor's attention to the front entrance of the home. The garden tells a story for your guests... it should always lead a visitor to the front door of the home. The bright colours of the Japanese Maple will attract a person's eye and if carefully placed, it will allow the visitor to instantly find the front door of the home!<br />
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My rule of thumb is to place it slightly off to one side of the front door... never directly in the main sight-line of the door...Paul Corsetti (416)455-5515http://www.blogger.com/profile/08641753130780076265noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31788295.post-85575822300569084122012-05-16T12:11:00.000-04:002012-06-14T22:18:05.604-04:00Working Hard on a pool landscape plan... Its been a very busy spring...actually a busy winter as well. I worked on landscape projects right up until New Year's Eve of 2011....took a small break after that in January and have been going strong since...<br />
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Below is a plan that I did back in January...<br />
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I started out with this customer in the fall of last year and we talked a fair bit about certain wants in their landscape project. There were some "must haves" to accompany the pool design and so the budget needed to follow a set number...otherwise this project would be a lost dream!<br />
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Anyway, I am happy to say that we came within reason of the anticipated budget numbers. I did my best to keep the patio square footage numbers to a minimum and that helped to balance the rest of the project costs out. There was a previous landscape plan drawn up by a pool company for this particular project with almost 30 percent more patio included in the proposal...I just did not understand, nor did I see the need for so much more square footage. The only other reason I could think of was for the contractor to make more money! <br />
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A good landscape designer should always be looking out for your best interests in the design plan....after all, you've hired them! If patio numbers/sizes start looking like crazy figures... do your research! Most patios can function comfortably at 300 to 600 square feet....if you add in a pool you are usually closer to 1000 square feet when you factor in walkways and sun areas. This particular project shown in the pictures ended up closer to 2000 square feet as the customers expressed to me that they do a lot of entertaining and tend to have large gatherings of family and friends...30 to 40 people as a maximum! Obviously a 400 sq ft patio just would not do for those kinds of numbers.... so my job was to plan accordingly!Paul Corsetti (416)455-5515http://www.blogger.com/profile/08641753130780076265noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31788295.post-9498002290480322782011-11-16T10:38:00.005-05:002011-11-16T11:16:31.309-05:00Choosing the right Pool Contractor<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflq9CvTZMnKKfDXhyphenhyphenY2HbXSyjaucAAlxfgNUIzok35LcNSSOpsMkzWimswkgtJ_nsZNVrQaAt30Q4gVDPe_I61LmWQLgqeoTFtlQ5_BfNkXKl_Gcrd8q4ig1zDPmCaiyRG6CVbw/s1600/HN+logo2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 60px; height: 68px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflq9CvTZMnKKfDXhyphenhyphenY2HbXSyjaucAAlxfgNUIzok35LcNSSOpsMkzWimswkgtJ_nsZNVrQaAt30Q4gVDPe_I61LmWQLgqeoTFtlQ5_BfNkXKl_Gcrd8q4ig1zDPmCaiyRG6CVbw/s400/HN+logo2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675627071138287922" border="0" /></a>Choosing the right pool contractor can be an endless game when you are looking for rock-bottom pricing! Sometimes that idea can really backfire on you and you will be stuck paying more money to fix problems created by the inexperience that comes with the low prices...<br /><br />In my line of work, I have come across some great pool contractors and have come into projects where it has been absolute pool nightmares for the customer because their chosen contractor was not all he cracked up to be.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDkDo7rcCmd8kCAuo3IRHfBzpf8efCu03MjXioGeGQ5CwNX7-1rJBTS5QHvIGHnCoKY_zSPo7Mqc4eHI0iBB7vPDwyQCoN_WbOKoTh1puEGwXPEEZal4BHE2tTyeYB2c8DlIPQw/s1600/Pool+Construction.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDkDo7rcCmd8kCAuo3IRHfBzpf8efCu03MjXioGeGQ5CwNX7-1rJBTS5QHvIGHnCoKY_zSPo7Mqc4eHI0iBB7vPDwyQCoN_WbOKoTh1puEGwXPEEZal4BHE2tTyeYB2c8DlIPQw/s400/Pool+Construction.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675626820600383682" border="0" /></a>In the photo above we see a pool design I had put together. The drawing was completed a few months before the pool was dug in the ground. The chosen contractor sold the client on a great project and convinced them to change my drawing plan in an attempt to save them money. In reality, the contractor was essentially trying to save himself on construction costs so he could obtain more profit from this particular job.<br /><br />My drawing showed the pool sitting lower in grade than what the existing grade at the back of the home was. The yard sloped downward and so it was important to drop the pool level with a small retaining wall between the home and the pool like in the picture...<br /><br />The contractor's idea... leave the pool at the same level as the existing grade of the back of the home... which would give them more usable patio space and save them money! Well, on a flat lot, that would be true! Anyway, they trusted his advice and when he started the work, he only had to dig the pool half into the ground... there was the money savings...for him! After he set the pool up he realized that now the back of the pool called for an even higher and longer retaining wall than my original small step-down in the original plan.<br /><br />He went back to the customer asking for a large sum of money to complete the project and that is when my phone rang.... questions arose as to why things were not working. When I came on site, it was obvious, the plan was not followed and this contractor did not have a clue about grade heights! Solution!...a painful one at best....pull the pool apart, dig the pool pit deeper and re-install everything...follow my plan and everything will work!!!!<br /><br />The right pool contractor will start with the right design and the right contractor will consider all options before digging a pool in... How professional is it to start a project and ask for more money halfway through because the contractor did not see that what he was doing will end up needing a huge retaining wall!? My plan anticipated that factor and my solution was as shown in the picture. My plan was intended to save the client money and the headache of paying to build a retaining wall in TRCA protected land.<br /><br />The contractor was fired shortly after my meeting once he fixed the pool height! The customer was forced to find someone else to complete their project...Paul Corsetti (416)455-5515http://www.blogger.com/profile/08641753130780076265noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31788295.post-10886718224536586702011-10-11T10:52:00.010-04:002011-10-13T10:33:45.116-04:00Front Yard Ideas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCB6Af2w9iV6D7dTk3O9fKVnxJ39yliFXEEaiKeH8AqvlAR4YwUl0sOOgN0qzQaoAW4mKg2zo7lRdQkD1qQncz1AOfaM-2odA7WTbjcB4p4NuFmfX_9zewqIrlOr-gztYn2XXqsA/s1600/HN+logo2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 60px; height: 68px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCB6Af2w9iV6D7dTk3O9fKVnxJ39yliFXEEaiKeH8AqvlAR4YwUl0sOOgN0qzQaoAW4mKg2zo7lRdQkD1qQncz1AOfaM-2odA7WTbjcB4p4NuFmfX_9zewqIrlOr-gztYn2XXqsA/s400/HN+logo2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662253886352378642" border="0" /></a>Here is one project I worked on last Fall with the design and earlier this Spring with organizing the plantings. The backyard is currently in the process of being completed... those pictures will have to wait till next season.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVzlzQYIFsSU3r8b9k_mUwIi19A_ul1KTyoSSvClqy2OzqlChYuE1ASS-16cecF-00t3DnBRQpRnQIp2Kzx1h88U4XDP44q6Vi2u9uGgrOTc3D6dcAnABYsY5IB9HOEFD7_V1Dg/s1600/Frontyard+Landscape+Ideas.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVzlzQYIFsSU3r8b9k_mUwIi19A_ul1KTyoSSvClqy2OzqlChYuE1ASS-16cecF-00t3DnBRQpRnQIp2Kzx1h88U4XDP44q6Vi2u9uGgrOTc3D6dcAnABYsY5IB9HOEFD7_V1Dg/s400/Frontyard+Landscape+Ideas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662252149580055842" border="0" /></a><br />Landscaping a property is never a quick and instant process... There are budgets that can keep projects from full completion...and then there is plant material that needs a few years to mature while filling in their spaces according to the visions I have created in my mind...<br /><br />Anyway, I went by the other day to take some pictures of how things filled in over the summer. The client was looking for a very clean and organized feel to the front yard...nothing that would be overly messy and need a lot of maintenance throughout the growing season.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1F5wwRPAoGpOyIzmGfC1RBprad5XEElVnNNidWNSQRDTJXnplJNpgKifWcgEwZ24YMkTImaXbmLynbiwjbP7_9I2M9TK2FVCzdFg1ZvPr-MUcwDEXUlxBDYn0Lo-kbdJ-v-v0CA/s1600/Front+Yard+Landscape+Ideas.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1F5wwRPAoGpOyIzmGfC1RBprad5XEElVnNNidWNSQRDTJXnplJNpgKifWcgEwZ24YMkTImaXbmLynbiwjbP7_9I2M9TK2FVCzdFg1ZvPr-MUcwDEXUlxBDYn0Lo-kbdJ-v-v0CA/s400/Front+Yard+Landscape+Ideas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662252005508667826" border="0" /></a>The standard driveway lines up from the garage to the street curb...the pathway can double for the odd secondary car that may park there when guests are visiting. The whole idea was to not make the front yard feel like one big driveway...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPKf0zBiq4tiBA66VDmXoD5az-GTJLXoCrmzbwaTlY8LSRzsPtYApvpO7Rm9G3C0UkYamqMqeg9SQdSoULV8bnPNnbdfRqSv93O5km7qReTAvTMKQbKfyO5rlgdXFuWBg8Dlfhw/s1600/Front-yard-ideas-2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPKf0zBiq4tiBA66VDmXoD5az-GTJLXoCrmzbwaTlY8LSRzsPtYApvpO7Rm9G3C0UkYamqMqeg9SQdSoULV8bnPNnbdfRqSv93O5km7qReTAvTMKQbKfyO5rlgdXFuWBg8Dlfhw/s400/Front-yard-ideas-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662251868007996002" border="0" /></a><br />The knee-wall in front of the stairway defines a gathering area for visiting guests...and functions as a seating space as well. The wall is made from the same materials as the home so as to tie it in properly to make it look and feel like it is part of the house.<br /><br />One of the unfortunate things with this project is the Eastern White Birch tree that was planted by the municipal forestry people... We could not prune it, cut it down and simply replace it with a strong and healthy looking tree. Birch trees are not the best street trees suited for urban areas as they are not a very long lived tree. They are also much happier trees in the forests where the air is usually cooler in summer. They are also better suited to the ground being moist and shady for most of the growing season...Paul Corsetti (416)455-5515http://www.blogger.com/profile/08641753130780076265noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31788295.post-72160333686409873332011-06-23T08:59:00.010-04:002011-06-23T09:24:16.611-04:00Western Red Cedar Fence<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3paHjKbmgFyPwKb9AJoHHDbKgU39PbeBqtjYaNz7zFrfRKDVkHCRp-dZmmC01X5W71Y3iqhnv6AaHfEhvxD_NegCraELn3vYshX8ei9kgmJSGn28ZZ6Cw1idI9-faMiw8uJVzw/s1600/HN+logo2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 60px; height: 68px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3paHjKbmgFyPwKb9AJoHHDbKgU39PbeBqtjYaNz7zFrfRKDVkHCRp-dZmmC01X5W71Y3iqhnv6AaHfEhvxD_NegCraELn3vYshX8ei9kgmJSGn28ZZ6Cw1idI9-faMiw8uJVzw/s400/HN+logo2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621402043374565490" border="0" /></a>I started this project back in the fall of 2010... the project is still under way as I have not had much time this Spring to complete. I have been so busy with design work for my clients.... but it is getting there... slowly....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJXMdgcB4KWt4x7xPROp-UKLMzNp8FUh6J54d0QSEU_LsRQNVcGofMBliojc5Ek54MQOKNBV429HMk7NqARjRlf20EJW694IIJ0VeMv2XhtcWv8B0y9b55c0gH5_QXiX8aI2A4w/s1600/Cedar+fence+Gate+5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJXMdgcB4KWt4x7xPROp-UKLMzNp8FUh6J54d0QSEU_LsRQNVcGofMBliojc5Ek54MQOKNBV429HMk7NqARjRlf20EJW694IIJ0VeMv2XhtcWv8B0y9b55c0gH5_QXiX8aI2A4w/s400/Cedar+fence+Gate+5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621403444387402258" border="0" /></a>My neighbour made me promise I would build a nice fence.... I don't think she was expecting it to be as nice as this one...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCtUVcs7aIrdmmJ8dnM0hdKnuAaGsEGly_Cosf-ElE0PiJ4qtWW5kam_5OOsmbu2GZF8upuYZeOX4vU7DzdKyh2gzRsq2Z9SdAhkpXHqu2yPjomCu-0TqyVvkW0cxFWkbab3sxw/s1600/Cedar+fence+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCtUVcs7aIrdmmJ8dnM0hdKnuAaGsEGly_Cosf-ElE0PiJ4qtWW5kam_5OOsmbu2GZF8upuYZeOX4vU7DzdKyh2gzRsq2Z9SdAhkpXHqu2yPjomCu-0TqyVvkW0cxFWkbab3sxw/s400/Cedar+fence+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621403638598294642" border="0" /></a>As you study the detail you may notice that there are not very many nails showing in terms of what holds the fence together...some carefully thought out trim details and board placement has allowed for that.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8k5uiS6aUvDsnmUFj5o9cR9InfAyzT143H2ML5Ejy4DFeWHEUmfwyYiGUce0t9nDwV7rNtT3fAhpZwClwyQbI7IWzWR3mMiybb5jmHq6Mhj1-T39X40BlZKAC-r9TaEfsqZvHMA/s1600/Cedar+Fence+1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8k5uiS6aUvDsnmUFj5o9cR9InfAyzT143H2ML5Ejy4DFeWHEUmfwyYiGUce0t9nDwV7rNtT3fAhpZwClwyQbI7IWzWR3mMiybb5jmHq6Mhj1-T39X40BlZKAC-r9TaEfsqZvHMA/s400/Cedar+Fence+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621403823300248274" border="0" /></a>A fence like this is not something put up in a day... there is a lot of cutting and sanding involved. Every second fence board was ripped into a half piece on the table saw, sanded and then stained...in fact, every piece of lumber put on this fence was pre-stained before assembly and is now awaiting a second coat of stain to seal it up nicely.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutK_ikKNUTJj_RlxhR-Xo3IhT4D7MYUE65UEDC47jg36_xKYI27A93OgAHaA_xTpKYOHqAoBJUGklQaSuPrUrlLbFvlMN_xMRLfeQrwlb08KkwXOV95GFlqwaT3ItOgLtIhHz7g/s1600/Cedar+fence+3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutK_ikKNUTJj_RlxhR-Xo3IhT4D7MYUE65UEDC47jg36_xKYI27A93OgAHaA_xTpKYOHqAoBJUGklQaSuPrUrlLbFvlMN_xMRLfeQrwlb08KkwXOV95GFlqwaT3ItOgLtIhHz7g/s400/Cedar+fence+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621404068759226162" border="0" /></a>I have just applied the second coat to the screens the other day and I planted some Honeysuckle vines to trail up and fill in along the trellis screens. The screen details in the fence give an architectural element that allows great interest to the eye as you walk down the pathways to the backyard or the side door entry.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvT6wgR7fZTS2NfFJt5JfXCz-eWKU-WyJvqw7LccWkhxpbpt3ufKVHUs8Oefv9F8V-LuC-Kr0_xVc4mazKDPcH-kcPPkwnUw2zm_ypvj4H2HaPy1l5WV-5q8qJvhNo9DJD1mkrg/s1600/Cedar+fence+4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvT6wgR7fZTS2NfFJt5JfXCz-eWKU-WyJvqw7LccWkhxpbpt3ufKVHUs8Oefv9F8V-LuC-Kr0_xVc4mazKDPcH-kcPPkwnUw2zm_ypvj4H2HaPy1l5WV-5q8qJvhNo9DJD1mkrg/s400/Cedar+fence+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621404253828790354" border="0" /></a>My next project phase is to build a covered structure in the backyard...that is currently in the planned stage and materials pricing stage... Once the structures are built, the patio and pathways will be completed.Paul Corsetti (416)455-5515http://www.blogger.com/profile/08641753130780076265noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31788295.post-90530924700840237022011-06-21T11:08:00.008-04:002011-06-21T11:30:50.481-04:00Mock Orange Flowering Shrub - Philadelphus coronarius<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Jnyr2yxqqlRR7kubWULnDEqaUTbUcCJZIqm0YdF5lN-7gTSSlWhfc_gSg_HAboII_5ll5MNK2n5B4T9Py3_U8tnhb_6weCWRdMAKNnqH-A0HUcRe2-gc3Y-A3zLFJU5Jy23nUw/s1600/HN+logo2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 60px; height: 68px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Jnyr2yxqqlRR7kubWULnDEqaUTbUcCJZIqm0YdF5lN-7gTSSlWhfc_gSg_HAboII_5ll5MNK2n5B4T9Py3_U8tnhb_6weCWRdMAKNnqH-A0HUcRe2-gc3Y-A3zLFJU5Jy23nUw/s400/HN+logo2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620691408676389586" border="0" /></a>Well it's been a while since I posted about a plant or shrub to use in the landscape... Here is a shrub that I use consistently in my designs where space and growing conditions will allow...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaPeUnzsoFbB7kf6YOCxqqzKlixYa3ysdZryGvv_S7-8pLFpiUmm8hnuv2KKO-tsN4JOkJ-Up3y-CXEGOtYrvOl4dJPovy_GAliAdCVQ-iaZ5H2G1FROBoXrEBxKzjG0I99caww/s1600/Mock+Orange+Flowering+Shrub.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaPeUnzsoFbB7kf6YOCxqqzKlixYa3ysdZryGvv_S7-8pLFpiUmm8hnuv2KKO-tsN4JOkJ-Up3y-CXEGOtYrvOl4dJPovy_GAliAdCVQ-iaZ5H2G1FROBoXrEBxKzjG0I99caww/s400/Mock+Orange+Flowering+Shrub.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620691728140964578" border="0" /></a><br />This is a shrub that will tolerate Full Sun or Part Shade...but does better in full sun as it will develop more blooms. The fragrance of the blooms is amazing! They have a citrus-like scent to them and when the wind blows just right, it will carry the perfume all around.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYGxTx0V_wa3DeLHbZeA8NtQ2UVdiksk5oT4C0i99atDZvNt45kGrS1Ep1UqAVU91EAgHywBQPgcHifrCB5RLXvvopj_FivVMmr4OJse0Yp2JcLviKMLWGeHhfH1Yogj2IFIPXg/s1600/Mock+Orange+Flowering+Shrubs.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYGxTx0V_wa3DeLHbZeA8NtQ2UVdiksk5oT4C0i99atDZvNt45kGrS1Ep1UqAVU91EAgHywBQPgcHifrCB5RLXvvopj_FivVMmr4OJse0Yp2JcLviKMLWGeHhfH1Yogj2IFIPXg/s400/Mock+Orange+Flowering+Shrubs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620691794994561314" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Mockorange grows in climate zones 4 to 8 and there are many variations that are native to a number of places around the globe. Good shrub for butterfly gardens as well... height and spread: anywhere from 8 feet tall to 8 feet wide up to 12 feet x 12 feet depending on which variety you find.<br /><br />Make sure you read the plant tag when you purchase this shrub from the nursery to find out it's mature size and spread...then choose a spot that will fit. Also, consult with the people working at the nursery to ensure the variety of Mock Orange you pick is fragrant or not fragrant...again, depending on the specific variety, some are more fragrant then others. Once established The Mock orange shrub can tolerate somewhat dry conditions...Paul Corsetti (416)455-5515http://www.blogger.com/profile/08641753130780076265noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31788295.post-5756435039251218332011-05-01T11:43:00.008-04:002011-08-09T18:16:12.381-04:00Busy Spring...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1R8hgLKuqeC_9u8_TJnzTTkGVX-XeElzPUg7514M55DAqqioRhw7teyWyudNMgfI-MocrEIBBIF3UVpVSrRXYm-eZS33X9XKM5gh9iv6abaP1V1iQ6YNx4pYiWqQF56V8a_tbA/s1600/HN+logo2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 60px; height: 68px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1R8hgLKuqeC_9u8_TJnzTTkGVX-XeElzPUg7514M55DAqqioRhw7teyWyudNMgfI-MocrEIBBIF3UVpVSrRXYm-eZS33X9XKM5gh9iv6abaP1V1iQ6YNx4pYiWqQF56V8a_tbA/s400/HN+logo2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601784740134283570" border="0" /></a>Well, once again the blog posts have slowed to a crawl...my apologies to my regular readers... It has been very busy for me these past two months and has taken me this long to finally sit and breathe on a Sunday morning while looking at a blog topic to post.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUZOjdep9XQov_uo45A3U7-Gof9wP4LnMJocJOtgQOY__eHUhcPQcpfAhf_nRv3E90fzo2Bq_4mqiF4WqA3RaPWsnGH4wMKlXYPFEP8grIJnwdZlm-sCB7-nvq3R81VavRi55LQ/s1600/backyard+pool+layout.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUZOjdep9XQov_uo45A3U7-Gof9wP4LnMJocJOtgQOY__eHUhcPQcpfAhf_nRv3E90fzo2Bq_4mqiF4WqA3RaPWsnGH4wMKlXYPFEP8grIJnwdZlm-sCB7-nvq3R81VavRi55LQ/s400/backyard+pool+layout.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601776504801515442" border="0" /></a>So today we take a look at one of my most recent projects. One that I designed last year for a customer in Richmond Hill...
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgbKju9HV9KTK1eIt7LxjJuggkm1TML5JqHlyP6FL_VthPZdQbYHeGmDdyGLL1q29xr2qbnnk5xwZYunQMwxvpYY4NdAiYDfa9M6GrH0ZcVNvsModzjodLONkS4efHK7A-gQ7Ow/s1600/backyard+pool+landscape+natural+stone+coping.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgbKju9HV9KTK1eIt7LxjJuggkm1TML5JqHlyP6FL_VthPZdQbYHeGmDdyGLL1q29xr2qbnnk5xwZYunQMwxvpYY4NdAiYDfa9M6GrH0ZcVNvsModzjodLONkS4efHK7A-gQ7Ow/s400/backyard+pool+landscape+natural+stone+coping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601776666398644162" border="0" /></a>Here you can see the natural stone coping process that boarders a pool. The pool is a steel-wall construction and will later be measured up to have a vinyl liner inserted in it. The coping placed on the pool is a carefully crafted process in which each stone is custom-cut and fitted to turn the corners of the pool walls.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-UquzOFiazaZ7zUORJlcMObc84Ivt_RbwG4KKNJa1XOrkoOXq8x6OmMNd-LyQPwoisLZ8rMOaq3UMZOgdIPvDgQxdiNciDneaFJvmdtMGw37gzn-dbX8z7AQRtsdWfgq8ASYfg/s1600/stone+deck+backyard+landscape.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-UquzOFiazaZ7zUORJlcMObc84Ivt_RbwG4KKNJa1XOrkoOXq8x6OmMNd-LyQPwoisLZ8rMOaq3UMZOgdIPvDgQxdiNciDneaFJvmdtMGw37gzn-dbX8z7AQRtsdWfgq8ASYfg/s400/stone+deck+backyard+landscape.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601777706483645634" border="0" /></a>In this photo we have a close-up look at what I call the stone deck. I like level changes in the landscape... it gives that 3-D aspect to what is otherwise a flat backyard. Most of the time, with newer homes, you get backyards that have been graded relatively flat by the home builder. They have a slight slope going towards the rear of the yard for water drainage and that is it... nothing exciting happening in the topography of the yard. So wherever possible, I try to create level changes for a dramatic effect of separating spaces.
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<br />The upper patio will be ample space for a large dining table and BBQ area. The lower patio spaces will be where all the pool fun happens and you have a wide open view of the pool area from the raised patio.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQb06NstId_gXpFZTLg4lttNOlZIpEkbZd0JRp2vQXDW8s1Ejf7d24BG6qWmOoWPe3vPICOQ7xeN2Dt2W5pfYurWCeWXRWJy3WZjfYxtKYJXIdjMiFsRsU3dLV3bVH0z3O8dpE2A/s1600/pergola+privacy+screen.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQb06NstId_gXpFZTLg4lttNOlZIpEkbZd0JRp2vQXDW8s1Ejf7d24BG6qWmOoWPe3vPICOQ7xeN2Dt2W5pfYurWCeWXRWJy3WZjfYxtKYJXIdjMiFsRsU3dLV3bVH0z3O8dpE2A/s400/pergola+privacy+screen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601779288368023554" border="0" /></a>
<br />In this last photo we see a pergola privacy screen that I have designed to house a hot tub. The wood structure is about 14 feet long by 5 feet wide. It is not meant to act as a shade structure or a rooftop over the hot tub... but more of a focal point or wood feature to dress up the hot tub corner. The other purpose of it is to block the views of the neighbor's house windows as folks sit in and enjoy their time in the hot tub.
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<br />In the screen detail there is a small diamond shape framed into the lattice... that was a last-minute addition I made when i noticed an extra piece of pool coping laying around the site...I had it cut into a 1 x 1 foot square and I framed the stone into the screen as a nice tie in to the natural stone pool coping used for this project.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BCA0ZmxTEcDXEKVuJt5n16S-F0p25s46zzaR1AHy_X-3dBgjZ8oXCyEOtTTn87NUGV-WKhc8XWh6BEKa-boEBATFiv9ONBj9XBR2S0qL7_xHR1faYI6WMu1G48UdzvJAwSHTsA/s1600/hot-tub-screen.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 383px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BCA0ZmxTEcDXEKVuJt5n16S-F0p25s46zzaR1AHy_X-3dBgjZ8oXCyEOtTTn87NUGV-WKhc8XWh6BEKa-boEBATFiv9ONBj9XBR2S0qL7_xHR1faYI6WMu1G48UdzvJAwSHTsA/s400/hot-tub-screen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602321002082356610" border="0" /></a>I was speaking with the home owner yesterday and we talked about staining the structure and growing vines over top of it. I also mentioned that in some cases, years down the road... Hot tubs can become the white elephant in the backyard as a family can become less and less interested in using it... so in case of this ever happening... I have designed the space to function without the tub... they can easily sell the tub and put the money towards a gorgeous patio lounge set centered around the pergola...
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<br />My motto... When you are spending money on a landscape...always design with function and purpose for years to come so you don't have to spend again! I will update you with more photos when this project is complete in the next few weeks...Paul Corsetti (416)455-5515http://www.blogger.com/profile/08641753130780076265noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31788295.post-74514589015201244302011-02-25T10:07:00.010-05:002011-02-25T11:53:56.453-05:00The backyard living space<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7MoxwY4K5gD7gQfphoDoWZnxnHu2U8hsEbeZVBk6WWaTe02RvmpTFrt_cU7ito4woSfQbhGmOu9ryZLWsw8PPwfNJQmhmqH0g2kuJalOJL7uUiH4R3ycoWmeP-14MPsaqWVRMA/s1600/HN+logo2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 60px; height: 68px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7MoxwY4K5gD7gQfphoDoWZnxnHu2U8hsEbeZVBk6WWaTe02RvmpTFrt_cU7ito4woSfQbhGmOu9ryZLWsw8PPwfNJQmhmqH0g2kuJalOJL7uUiH4R3ycoWmeP-14MPsaqWVRMA/s400/HN+logo2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577671373433746066" border="0" /></a>At the tail end of 2009, <a href="http://www.poolcraft.ca/">Jason from Pool Craft</a> came to me with this project. The customer had a small list of things they wanted in the yard (pool, patio and hot tub). Jason was asking me to do my best to lay out everything within the given backyard area. The end result was as follows in the pictures below....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxdlmqglSnLS944XD3agr2ui2u5T3ZOsO4gTlOHsquo71CKkWQpUSOHbBqQ1rFRPAUeeVBBtrq71UMA8ZrSIhZt8rbLXUb_VMV6f6b57PVTnxoRK1_mrcyDdoyaWhuJagNZ6Hdw/s1600/oudoor+living+room.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxdlmqglSnLS944XD3agr2ui2u5T3ZOsO4gTlOHsquo71CKkWQpUSOHbBqQ1rFRPAUeeVBBtrq71UMA8ZrSIhZt8rbLXUb_VMV6f6b57PVTnxoRK1_mrcyDdoyaWhuJagNZ6Hdw/s400/oudoor+living+room.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577648667460238066" border="0" /></a>As Spring of 2010 approached, a couple more things were added to the list of what to fit into the backyard space. There was an idea for a pergola sitting over a bar area and a lounge area with a gas fireplace feature...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0uyQ18G76gd6aur2OBpyWFmzZE78KW_65jsZYJviwtoxu9fEoILlbFvgG3-w31C-OsDsUCV2VPq_5hRvOc4Txy-6U2pibirnd_4ZNEIoDu1At5IFjrpVs8lW7bmLd9Krb2zig1g/s1600/backyard+pool+landscape+4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0uyQ18G76gd6aur2OBpyWFmzZE78KW_65jsZYJviwtoxu9fEoILlbFvgG3-w31C-OsDsUCV2VPq_5hRvOc4Txy-6U2pibirnd_4ZNEIoDu1At5IFjrpVs8lW7bmLd9Krb2zig1g/s400/backyard+pool+landscape+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577648442680464146" border="0" /></a><br />Granted that the yard was not very big to begin with... I wrestled with the spacial limits in my head...then plugged away at the plan on my computer... I like a challenge where the design restraints must conform to what the customer wants... Sometimes the answer absolutely has to be "No" but in most cases I try to find a way around the "No" and look for alternatives that will make my client happy...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdDqxAwNhSRcdYSBeRLrUX4G8qK6CpKIVLoWHjJcpyRFnUHTVBoW5P9mqhjr_5lLhSuHIbVGtSm6pGXDn4o-rWctu77nsJil-atWkNEySf08Go0JjvXWIrx11M0ORyU_-WM_qkQ/s1600/backyard+pool+landscape+3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdDqxAwNhSRcdYSBeRLrUX4G8qK6CpKIVLoWHjJcpyRFnUHTVBoW5P9mqhjr_5lLhSuHIbVGtSm6pGXDn4o-rWctu77nsJil-atWkNEySf08Go0JjvXWIrx11M0ORyU_-WM_qkQ/s400/backyard+pool+landscape+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577648367730724114" border="0" /></a><br />The end result was a yard without grass... (which conforms to my dream to not push a lawnmower around!) ... the end result is a yard that is now part of the home... a backyard living space that can be enjoyed for many months of the year. The addition of the fire pit can take the chill out of a cool September evening... the hot tub can be used year round due to it's proximity to the back door of the home.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOD-oF19J2GvedW2HqqOD7Dn2B_QCaLhgCv6Bh2d-l8voXLYKk7YcMrbe71Dz8tWHRvSdBzW3QJl73fBNOEAk1C-Vqzk0IzghyO5NMI9VHDW0L4PWAjFZcIqVHoKOAD4QgFof3fg/s1600/backyard+pool+landscape+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOD-oF19J2GvedW2HqqOD7Dn2B_QCaLhgCv6Bh2d-l8voXLYKk7YcMrbe71Dz8tWHRvSdBzW3QJl73fBNOEAk1C-Vqzk0IzghyO5NMI9VHDW0L4PWAjFZcIqVHoKOAD4QgFof3fg/s400/backyard+pool+landscape+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577648296792036514" border="0" /></a><br />The Pergola Bar... a place for the "adults" of the pool party to sit while enjoying drinks, conversation and shade! On a hot summer afternoon, while the kids are playing in the pool, this sort of space allows you to be out in the backyard and keep dry from both the pool splashing and summer heat...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9bDFBC7rxMRfpvbrsoEgb4rWnOlBhi7x19Pmq6YUqIH1K2VGO4gET11Wo70wBXxdx3-b1TBKvkjs4oJrv2k8RM1NNQr_vKQBXkuSD4PdCEV1eOX8T9nNSgCn2vl92ohqIAT3CQ/s1600/pergola+and+bar+backyard+landscape.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9bDFBC7rxMRfpvbrsoEgb4rWnOlBhi7x19Pmq6YUqIH1K2VGO4gET11Wo70wBXxdx3-b1TBKvkjs4oJrv2k8RM1NNQr_vKQBXkuSD4PdCEV1eOX8T9nNSgCn2vl92ohqIAT3CQ/s400/pergola+and+bar+backyard+landscape.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577647545166527666" border="0" /></a><br />Lastly, the most important part of the backyard, the pool! When you are considering a pool, most often the ideal design includes an entertainment space. Having a small strip of concrete around a pool with grass clippings and grass areas is not always fun when you come out of a pool soaking wet. You want a good sized patio to place chairs and allow time to dry off before going in the home... if the yard is large enough and budget is big enough... a Cabana house is always a welcome sight!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJM-K7GN4qBUR2LQZuHLTRmU39OPFQtLtSXCqdbEysYyrvbksYuutBpdpYhkIyw3sxW07xlgy0yByJUNYD59OFa9tnDrAlUECNsdJGO3A-p9cE8EWGMwxu_xqh7K5uFSuS_pL5w/s1600/backyard+pool+landscape.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJM-K7GN4qBUR2LQZuHLTRmU39OPFQtLtSXCqdbEysYyrvbksYuutBpdpYhkIyw3sxW07xlgy0yByJUNYD59OFa9tnDrAlUECNsdJGO3A-p9cE8EWGMwxu_xqh7K5uFSuS_pL5w/s400/backyard+pool+landscape.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577647456334218418" border="0" /></a><br />But as in most cases, the pool itself is a big investment for most families. So budgets are taken into very strict consideration as to what can be done with a backyard space. My advice to the potential pool owner... when getting estimates and quotes for a backyard pool installation, have someone plan it out for you first!<br /><br />A proper pool company (<a href="http://www.poolcraft.ca/">like Jason's company</a>) will do this for you... understanding that there is a budget for the project and leaving room for expansion in the future is the key to a successful backyard living space. I often make sure that my plans take into consideration the patio space and structures that may come into play... be it a tool shed, cabana, or even an addition put on a home. If it is a phased project over a set number of years, the plan is a key factor to the backyard success.<br />---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />All photos used in this blog post are the sole property of <a href="http://www.poolcraft.ca/">Pool Craft</a>. Pool Craft can be reached at:<br />Telephone: 905 884 2720<br />Toll free: 1-877-469-6649Paul Corsetti (416)455-5515http://www.blogger.com/profile/08641753130780076265noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31788295.post-46029762156355290032011-02-08T14:51:00.009-05:002011-08-09T18:17:01.604-04:00Water Proofing Your Foundation<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFvFguaPhRo-skWSUABizaOx3s1g3_qzvAl8yGxGwrVxUy2ocI39B1QMYS0CCcpBFg6uiM_S0poCvhrvENQjadSyw1ifwvEWMelrzCDxMpvANgo3PCwnlEL-BZ2LSQYPVXyVVIA/s1600/HN+logo2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 60px; height: 68px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFvFguaPhRo-skWSUABizaOx3s1g3_qzvAl8yGxGwrVxUy2ocI39B1QMYS0CCcpBFg6uiM_S0poCvhrvENQjadSyw1ifwvEWMelrzCDxMpvANgo3PCwnlEL-BZ2LSQYPVXyVVIA/s400/HN+logo2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571413315645752082" border="0" /></a>Often times you will get a damp feeling in your basement...or even more drastically, there is water seeping in from outside... As foundations settle they may incur cracks along masonry joints or cracks within a poured in place foundation wall.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-0X7vmbChu90QDo8lDbxyC3wo-7kNnEOrOiLSYYtlwEKJJ0S_UsRH2cNFug3mDnFXyS3bL-YjlpukPLxK3NhTXc4am4lh-syEEXGFvXnmw6PMNumug1yRpsvj4lu1_81Z5iFAQ/s1600/Water+proofing+1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 195px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-0X7vmbChu90QDo8lDbxyC3wo-7kNnEOrOiLSYYtlwEKJJ0S_UsRH2cNFug3mDnFXyS3bL-YjlpukPLxK3NhTXc4am4lh-syEEXGFvXnmw6PMNumug1yRpsvj4lu1_81Z5iFAQ/s400/Water+proofing+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571408852435326498" border="0" /></a> When such an occurrence happens where you find your basement leaking, you are forced to call up a contractor and have them come in to dig up the foundation walls for proper waterproofing repair. Sometimes things can get messy where the waterproofing repair entails having to rip apart existing landscapes like planting beds of walkways around the home.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEjNbT0A_MF9RaE5TErQeoUIzYso7EsyQRvXPUQsWrfUGYYSyJYXnetc0LiZm8PheWb4HmdsIz443MPgd0Yr9nLNiKSk_3c53Z0bv0a0UH8jffu1Hqgbh-RXe6chet37evVDWbA/s1600/Water+proofing.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 219px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEjNbT0A_MF9RaE5TErQeoUIzYso7EsyQRvXPUQsWrfUGYYSyJYXnetc0LiZm8PheWb4HmdsIz443MPgd0Yr9nLNiKSk_3c53Z0bv0a0UH8jffu1Hqgbh-RXe6chet37evVDWbA/s400/Water+proofing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571410197529044962" border="0" /></a>
<br />If you are living in an older home and considering investing your money into a landscape project, check the conditions of your foundation walls before hand... if a repair is needed in the near future, it may make sense to have that done before you call in someone like myself to design and build your project...
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<br /></big>Paul Corsetti (416)455-5515http://www.blogger.com/profile/08641753130780076265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31788295.post-36556075798601418822011-02-08T13:31:00.007-05:002011-02-08T14:32:51.023-05:00Outdoor Furniture<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDPM-E36w6lEEZxr9vVV856d3yzRwHaSiGal1_x2G-2v0ymjSKB6SNOfU42rqxGcoLQfRcFlYXl-8eLBqe_WVgo1AUsl26MXc7kRQpSiAOXRneMobnLzUfP6Vcbj3bu0-AyxLRw/s1600/HN+logo2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 60px; height: 68px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDPM-E36w6lEEZxr9vVV856d3yzRwHaSiGal1_x2G-2v0ymjSKB6SNOfU42rqxGcoLQfRcFlYXl-8eLBqe_WVgo1AUsl26MXc7kRQpSiAOXRneMobnLzUfP6Vcbj3bu0-AyxLRw/s400/HN+logo2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571402449797816594" border="0" /></a>Okay, so you've had the patio installed and now it is time to find that perfect piece of furniture to add to your new backyard makeover....<br /><br />Last summer I was out and about in cottage country near Burk's Falls, Ontario... I happened upon a quaint little wood furniture store that had this gem of a patio table on display....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKW8q2-6rE9rUUlOxMaRe347MPl0zPqBT29fyyFwe6zc-NnjUJRNytC1be5HXpmnx2GDiVFiwTkei9EESl7Gac-qosY-WU6XIHivTeiwDSN23aaQhDGd6q6rJ5UuiJh8SNkdGhNw/s1600/Western+red+cedar+table.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKW8q2-6rE9rUUlOxMaRe347MPl0zPqBT29fyyFwe6zc-NnjUJRNytC1be5HXpmnx2GDiVFiwTkei9EESl7Gac-qosY-WU6XIHivTeiwDSN23aaQhDGd6q6rJ5UuiJh8SNkdGhNw/s400/Western+red+cedar+table.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571390759537228738" border="0" /></a><br />This table set was made with fine craftsmanship by the Mennonites here in Ontario. I sat there and examined it's construction and attention to detail... everything was well put together and properly stained for maximum protection against the elements. Granted that anything made from wood will need upkeep... maybe and extra layer of stain every so often to keep it looking fresh and new...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGvZdiM8oFVqC9u1M3omya6iC1Kpah9jAB_38LrgmNtLy_g-ZUWoQhGMtXbHW9cVggHDRlQQVUejZ8xswEZbOsl_k9h6bgk27VwyO6pbDyQmhIo5rkCuDVXaqMZnb6oW7nPD8Sw/s1600/Western+red+cedar+table+3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGvZdiM8oFVqC9u1M3omya6iC1Kpah9jAB_38LrgmNtLy_g-ZUWoQhGMtXbHW9cVggHDRlQQVUejZ8xswEZbOsl_k9h6bgk27VwyO6pbDyQmhIo5rkCuDVXaqMZnb6oW7nPD8Sw/s400/Western+red+cedar+table+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571390637750611522" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But it's look and feel is something that can't be replaced by the generic (and dare I say it, cheaply constructed) tables being shipped in from overseas... The price tag on this table with the 4 chairs was a little steep at $2000.00 for the set... but steep when compared to what?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdh2DRcwHN4EMBAKhvJ05OvQUTlIrkJCqn8VmTlBPM8FNLJrAz5I15q3lvif157yjGWerEivCVsm4A3eg_o7kgtwDWJ8hwxzibX4ZlxSwj9SGMqSL5BVQB2IkE0FHbHBWqKCZvrA/s1600/Western+red+cedar+table+4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdh2DRcwHN4EMBAKhvJ05OvQUTlIrkJCqn8VmTlBPM8FNLJrAz5I15q3lvif157yjGWerEivCVsm4A3eg_o7kgtwDWJ8hwxzibX4ZlxSwj9SGMqSL5BVQB2IkE0FHbHBWqKCZvrA/s400/Western+red+cedar+table+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571391077289533954" border="0" /></a><br />As I mentioned, your typical choices on a lower budget are things with the stamp or tag that says "Made in China" Usually they are fabricated out of metals that are not quite refined enough and end up breaking where air pockets exist inside the metal... or the welds are applied with "just enough" tack to hold things together...but not enough to withstand snow and heavy winds...or a BBQ dinner for 20 people... The next time I see a patio table sagging under the weight of the food on it...I am snapping a picture to update this blog post!<br /><br />With a properly designed and crafted furniture piece you get things like the little detail you see in the above photo where there is a chair hook cleverly crafted into the table... a place for the chair to sit securely during a windy day...or even a spot to hold all 4 while you shift the table around for patio cleaning...<br /><br />In my experience, some of the cheaper sets of patio furniture ends up being replaced after a few years because it was designed on a computer without any thought given to what Mother Nature can throw at it... Spending that extra bit for a good quality piece will stretch your dollars a lot further. The good thing about this set is that when it rains, it won't hold and store water within so it can start to rust the structure from the inside out and cause the paint to start flaking off to create a nice rust-orange stain on your patio or the piece itself.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-PxwWC7uXnoE2Ost2sjnHwl87nmaMQtr3zKiq1Ruv7pJpDxw4Qnizz2Nyc57HWG8gpegdRCfoRczoGfmVzjoxiJ4EVRMdKtALcgVnqyzvLqTvpG6ks6LlhEOk4U7Bl3fKnpbHQ/s1600/Western+red+cedar+table+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-PxwWC7uXnoE2Ost2sjnHwl87nmaMQtr3zKiq1Ruv7pJpDxw4Qnizz2Nyc57HWG8gpegdRCfoRczoGfmVzjoxiJ4EVRMdKtALcgVnqyzvLqTvpG6ks6LlhEOk4U7Bl3fKnpbHQ/s400/Western+red+cedar+table+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571390970371893026" border="0" /></a><br />Oh yes!!...and for those of you wondering why there is a trap door in the middle of the table... it is my most favorite detail of all (in the above photo). Not many of the "Made in China" sets come with this much thought put into them.... a place to put beer and or other drinks on ice... as you sit and chat with your guests you can help yourself to a "cold one"...or simply instruct your guests to please do the same... without either of you having to travel very far!!Paul Corsetti (416)455-5515http://www.blogger.com/profile/08641753130780076265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31788295.post-56997392488302584452011-01-22T16:34:00.008-05:002011-02-18T09:46:11.975-05:00Stone Masonry: perfect fit!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtsvcvKo9KRl5LYAeFZRCiH-voNgALhwuaQxXZK-NQZ2NanmefH29PC5mpzdEVqi1D1i7ZnYGSWgwyoCuY_9QbbpdIk_ZRlrWmv78kLEZRWh0PvgfObcIJobiITvtOnbkFTm29g/s1600/HN+logo2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 60px; height: 68px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtsvcvKo9KRl5LYAeFZRCiH-voNgALhwuaQxXZK-NQZ2NanmefH29PC5mpzdEVqi1D1i7ZnYGSWgwyoCuY_9QbbpdIk_ZRlrWmv78kLEZRWh0PvgfObcIJobiITvtOnbkFTm29g/s400/HN+logo2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565134787502853346" border="0" /></a>Yes folks, yet another reoccurring theme in my blog posts; excellent stone masonry work! When a true craftsman puts his hands to a stone wall, I cannot help but stare and admire it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFawMgg4Ez8-ljAAjL9U_9gEBlc1MqdPo2nHaPZ4tuXneXwY8PjCpEOuZOo9D_BYvF7BDo-0a4iHdumx3cmZHRdKVc9FQSLHGSJCOsjzcFmRPXDpbX1h0egIL1lfdXA8uJg6N7g/s1600/Stone-Mason-Toronto-11.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFawMgg4Ez8-ljAAjL9U_9gEBlc1MqdPo2nHaPZ4tuXneXwY8PjCpEOuZOo9D_BYvF7BDo-0a4iHdumx3cmZHRdKVc9FQSLHGSJCOsjzcFmRPXDpbX1h0egIL1lfdXA8uJg6N7g/s400/Stone-Mason-Toronto-11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565133911213746898" border="0" /></a>This past summer I was working on a landscape design for a custom home project built by a friend of mine, <a href="http://www.severhomes.ca/">John Sever of Sever Homes, Custom Design and Build</a> . The interesting thing for me was that I had ventured onto the job site to take pictures of the surrounding property so I could begin my design concept for the landscape plan...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSBEUQlCfHnRzn-fbG7pfaQQiPZwZP1Y3UFD28KzYDs1Yx1ra_uhhlCnSFy8sLUItJXm-5xAFGTIDJTHP1nKfwmVgRX8d9bi2Sp6LPvI7kNYpGD7KC07-S_DWPb-0F5ZKpmWDgw/s1600/Stone-Mason-Toronto-22.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSBEUQlCfHnRzn-fbG7pfaQQiPZwZP1Y3UFD28KzYDs1Yx1ra_uhhlCnSFy8sLUItJXm-5xAFGTIDJTHP1nKfwmVgRX8d9bi2Sp6LPvI7kNYpGD7KC07-S_DWPb-0F5ZKpmWDgw/s400/Stone-Mason-Toronto-22.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565133669918394770" border="0" /></a>Instead of focusing on the task at hand, my eyes were drawn to the stonework that was happening around the home itself. I snapped these pictures in admiration and decided to post them today to share with you... Once in a while you will see stone masonry projects where your eyes go immediately to mistakes in the stone layout, or forgotten corners of stone pieces that should have been chiseled smooth instead of left razor sharp. I've even seen cases where mortar is falling out of joints on a 2 year old house that is valued at about 1.5 million!...that to me would be like buying a Ferrari and having the wheel bolts shear off the first time you drive it....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3_QE8FN3dMdZ-oAZQhkCKZJouZHD08N4rX6LNLFjOMXL-lmHmGsp504XsgKL_A-yzyMgKbP4g9qTP0K0P5kaCa9hWrEAS2SgFM1PuZWHm5nz-8_zxH1-lGLKtMP-HOzVUmcESQ/s1600/Stone-Mason-Toronto-33.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3_QE8FN3dMdZ-oAZQhkCKZJouZHD08N4rX6LNLFjOMXL-lmHmGsp504XsgKL_A-yzyMgKbP4g9qTP0K0P5kaCa9hWrEAS2SgFM1PuZWHm5nz-8_zxH1-lGLKtMP-HOzVUmcESQ/s400/Stone-Mason-Toronto-33.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565134071087577122" border="0" /></a>Well, none of that scariness was evident on this project!... The masons took their time and poured their hearts into their craft as they put this exterior together. It was a pleasure to watch them work and always a pleasure to see what details John creates in his new home projects.... John will always demand good quality work from his trades when building a home... I do the same in my landscapes and that is why I like working with him, makes for a perfect fit.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-4uRT6N9P1KjoYPYBCZXrx7qpJJudMP9j7DOzaAdVX8kJptsnXdBL4rSi-npRS2JV3i6mdaboVZJthQKw_J2leKVcFr7Dj5XcyxSYX0pGQSORtZWd-HnUAmJXhLF0_V42GGzdg/s1600/Stone-Mason-Toronto-44.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 315px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-4uRT6N9P1KjoYPYBCZXrx7qpJJudMP9j7DOzaAdVX8kJptsnXdBL4rSi-npRS2JV3i6mdaboVZJthQKw_J2leKVcFr7Dj5XcyxSYX0pGQSORtZWd-HnUAmJXhLF0_V42GGzdg/s400/Stone-Mason-Toronto-44.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565134262040351954" border="0" /></a>The stone used here is a mixture of Dani stone mixed with Ebel stone... The Mason's technique is to mimic the style of stonework you would see on structures in the old parts of Downtown Toronto and in other various parts of Ontario where Credit Valley stone was used about 100 years ago.<br /><br />The home is near complete and the landscape will be finished this spring... I will be sure to visit once everything is done and photograph it all for a future post update...Paul Corsetti (416)455-5515http://www.blogger.com/profile/08641753130780076265noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31788295.post-26342266712863192192010-12-24T10:40:00.004-05:002011-02-18T09:46:31.449-05:00Sense of Place...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizagu9Rp_zxjtVg4jrN1dcvtm-MFSRIu5bfi6slH8t4owqK7D_Z-SC-Wni0S7DrGFSw2kJA9pz4zT3-7ahW4BIlju8Q8w-szSSM3OVLVQcbCp41OOX-OwLo1rdlwVSJtQnFGh1mQ/s1600/HN+logo2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 60px; height: 68px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizagu9Rp_zxjtVg4jrN1dcvtm-MFSRIu5bfi6slH8t4owqK7D_Z-SC-Wni0S7DrGFSw2kJA9pz4zT3-7ahW4BIlju8Q8w-szSSM3OVLVQcbCp41OOX-OwLo1rdlwVSJtQnFGh1mQ/s400/HN+logo2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554296595532897394" border="0" /></a>The front entrance is what can make or break a landscape... this is a re-occurring theme in my blog posts because I think it is one of the most important aspects of the landscape.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZiFAMdRyJ10ekpy_lS3I7i8ARKzPaRWCoe-ZLrVyIPV0430lc1mMF9cn14ArIQQRi8rEjjAww4zoJvlWL7Orfb8NdBmlVlXFz-ubHD0nMM0JuN3DqjV_HoWF4_nSjVW42ArpxPw/s1600/frontyard+landscape3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZiFAMdRyJ10ekpy_lS3I7i8ARKzPaRWCoe-ZLrVyIPV0430lc1mMF9cn14ArIQQRi8rEjjAww4zoJvlWL7Orfb8NdBmlVlXFz-ubHD0nMM0JuN3DqjV_HoWF4_nSjVW42ArpxPw/s400/frontyard+landscape3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554277169396167138" border="0" /></a><br />One of the important things we were taught in my years studying Landscape Architecture was that we were to give the visitor of a landscape the idea of a sense of arrival... or give the visitor a sense of place!<br /><br />Being a young first year University student back then...you just blindly wrote down words uttered by your prof in hopes that one day you'd understand what they were talking about... of course, in my mind, the term needed further study which paved the way to an understanding that creating a landscape with a sense of place, would take a few years of practice to master the idea....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7arsIunw_8wXUqUdKM8F1vWFf-ya4IwlhJMdEq_4JNUhvDUke9gknuBqAtDw7Ma6Wexw-s6X4PNWlgVdY-U6dGdvBnkAkim0eQfnPPSTmrl6kj_PxLvSPa_rInJfslJKuYez7w/s1600/Front+yard+landscape.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7arsIunw_8wXUqUdKM8F1vWFf-ya4IwlhJMdEq_4JNUhvDUke9gknuBqAtDw7Ma6Wexw-s6X4PNWlgVdY-U6dGdvBnkAkim0eQfnPPSTmrl6kj_PxLvSPa_rInJfslJKuYez7w/s400/Front+yard+landscape.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554282665145940962" border="0" /></a><br />Wikipedia defines the term in a round about way as a place that has a special relationship to both the area and context it is located in as well as a special, unique or authentic feel to the person visiting the space.<br /><br />Have I mastered this unique experience in my designs? Many clients have told me they love the landscapes I created for them... Each one unique to the home and to the user of the space... each place has it's own feel and energy to it and provides hours of enjoyment while a person uses the space. I guess by that definition and their comments, I have discovered how to put a "Sense of place" into the landscape...<br /><br />But by my own definition, I am constantly learning and improving with the next design...striving to bring a unique flavour that is unmatched by my older work... so to say I have mastered it... I think the day I decide to retire from my work would be the day I consider that idea...Paul Corsetti (416)455-5515http://www.blogger.com/profile/08641753130780076265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31788295.post-30276035424977762302010-11-04T11:38:00.002-04:002010-11-04T11:40:24.084-04:00Coming soon...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAxw1wOKb_cJEqSSZZBAUvWLyJu5zxuVyBlOWDfy9dG12fgn3gdReOxcMDiCEHKvyZpTvRErx7t2fumA1mmZVf28zF3rhs62gX_uA0kVOVs6Tcu4I_3ztvQedPrnygjtMdshJPg/s1600/Gate+detail.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 274px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAxw1wOKb_cJEqSSZZBAUvWLyJu5zxuVyBlOWDfy9dG12fgn3gdReOxcMDiCEHKvyZpTvRErx7t2fumA1mmZVf28zF3rhs62gX_uA0kVOVs6Tcu4I_3ztvQedPrnygjtMdshJPg/s400/Gate+detail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535719746541876658" border="0" /></a><br />Sorry folks, I have been away from my posts as of late...it has been a very very busy season for me and in the meantime I have been doing my own backyard landscape project.... it is still in progress but here is a slight taste of it...when I am complete with my fence, I will update for this post....Paul Corsetti (416)455-5515http://www.blogger.com/profile/08641753130780076265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31788295.post-87728611268591935682010-11-04T11:32:00.001-04:002011-02-18T09:46:41.993-05:00Cabana House UpdateAfter a few months of work and some small delays on the roof trusses, the masonry aspect of the Cabana is complete...also, the roof is now on so the place will be forever dry inside!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2uv0o6MElIRHXo_udEMeUVqWVSlslhvXI4fA0eFjLI8_12Pzz7YjjuDK0Xht8jxG4HWAvghbD0zCu9tojR_YvB7iV5ECCZi8s-ZBT46reD-w4gjR5XY1dFmCERQzralHAFd3nQ/s1600/Vaughan-20101103-00162.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2uv0o6MElIRHXo_udEMeUVqWVSlslhvXI4fA0eFjLI8_12Pzz7YjjuDK0Xht8jxG4HWAvghbD0zCu9tojR_YvB7iV5ECCZi8s-ZBT46reD-w4gjR5XY1dFmCERQzralHAFd3nQ/s400/Vaughan-20101103-00162.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535718039242806002" border="0" /></a>Still a bit more work before it becomes a year round structure that can be used comfortably in the dead of winter....Paul Corsetti (416)455-5515http://www.blogger.com/profile/08641753130780076265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31788295.post-41404669676261151902010-07-31T10:18:00.007-04:002011-02-18T09:46:51.366-05:00Pool Cabana<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOulXP8-8a0rjzxtDy_AnD_qE3VrNjxl7LzPg9tuL85Cymxa1GHwsRaIU1TMuMkzHGOPLRZAYsKT_Eja-GILdAaAjv0XWY2r8gFdzWXxJvSUs-a9QHUkOe5TClfnnL31w3ne11pQ/s1600/HN+logo2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 60px; height: 68px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOulXP8-8a0rjzxtDy_AnD_qE3VrNjxl7LzPg9tuL85Cymxa1GHwsRaIU1TMuMkzHGOPLRZAYsKT_Eja-GILdAaAjv0XWY2r8gFdzWXxJvSUs-a9QHUkOe5TClfnnL31w3ne11pQ/s400/HN+logo2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500081535192035378" border="0" /></a>Not complete just yet, but here we see the timber frame assembling for a Cabana. This article is a continuation of my recent one: <a href="http://landscape-design.blogspot.com/2010/07/pool-coping.html">Pool Coping</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_MGpNkXkHIj4C11vcn_MWGM9vhM_U4YOQp7qsdDLnEHrYkM6bDmJ7ciXmBYtgKY8USGgbAt14mBEqSAJxerLBX9n61ogiPvS_hnDTJUAD9Z0Vhu8ZN8-3VyfH7QKAjNjzbaj7Q/s1600/Pool+Cabana.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_MGpNkXkHIj4C11vcn_MWGM9vhM_U4YOQp7qsdDLnEHrYkM6bDmJ7ciXmBYtgKY8USGgbAt14mBEqSAJxerLBX9n61ogiPvS_hnDTJUAD9Z0Vhu8ZN8-3VyfH7QKAjNjzbaj7Q/s400/Pool+Cabana.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561733161287024594" border="0" /></a>When I was called in to this project back in February of this year, the home owners already had a landscape design drawn by another designer for their yard. They expressed to me that they were not too crazy about the design as they felt something did not fit right...<br />I had to admit that my first reaction when I saw the design was...why is there a big Cabana planned to be positioned right in the middle of the yard...blocking the view of the forest behind it and right over top of a group of 30 foot tall trees?<br /><br />The trees were a nice feel to the yard and I wondered why they would be slated for removal?<br />I asked that question to the home owners and they expressed that they loved the trees on their property...all of them! That said it all...this is why they were not crazy about the design plan they had....<br /><br />So I pushed aside the landscape plan they had...and said lets start fresh! We work around the trees to preserve them for you to enjoy and give you everything else you wanted in the yard!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkzopIknT4jNW2NR8SLpk7r7s_KCALd7rF3BwLz5uJzrlFk8BYzsMwX_tWwDOR5jtOmHnhcYZvPteLC22FpT9N-NUH_Tu4PiQxwBCVr273xe7xSlGZQpa8wyqV-EHv9L3udg3Ig/s1600/pool+cabana+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkzopIknT4jNW2NR8SLpk7r7s_KCALd7rF3BwLz5uJzrlFk8BYzsMwX_tWwDOR5jtOmHnhcYZvPteLC22FpT9N-NUH_Tu4PiQxwBCVr273xe7xSlGZQpa8wyqV-EHv9L3udg3Ig/s400/pool+cabana+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500081249159088402" border="0" /></a>The end result is the pictures above...I call it my wrap around Cabana! I am sure those trees thank me for my design every time I visit the yard! When the Architect came to visit the site to get an understanding of my layout...he smiled and loved the idea of the structure being able to work around the existing trees and having wide open views all around the yard!<br /><br />I smile every time I think that those trees in the middle of the yard will grow to a big healthy stand of mature Ash trees in the years to come...Paul Corsetti (416)455-5515http://www.blogger.com/profile/08641753130780076265noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31788295.post-2360776784128889902010-07-21T09:57:00.011-04:002014-03-25T10:39:02.777-04:00Pool Coping<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sUZgBKjJnQ07GkTenJH005693XUL7NBiwwNMzTjarI8Yb9hmXgiJpYTJbU0bnfjsBpF5Rzxu0UuiEsBSIl6X0GA0impR9JGUDpobAKorXJllvDucMffeqeRWWzyVu7hlxcDw6Q/s1600/HN+logo2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sUZgBKjJnQ07GkTenJH005693XUL7NBiwwNMzTjarI8Yb9hmXgiJpYTJbU0bnfjsBpF5Rzxu0UuiEsBSIl6X0GA0impR9JGUDpobAKorXJllvDucMffeqeRWWzyVu7hlxcDw6Q/s400/HN+logo2.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496364519991582546" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 68px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 60px;" /></a>Well... it is a hot summer in the Toronto area...and the landscape work is in full, busy swing! My blog posts have somewhat slowed due to being very busy these days with many clients!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqCATG5FF00hO6MNMGcssq-YsZzqiT2ZxPf65ujBUFZngzMFnhW5Gj0b5fiWT7rz5hnu7M4PH-8h8Ls4GEZTQF5opGKislIl38F7_9ZVYZ2XkeRwjhy8Gg_MZ6XUNfaox4A8Ouw/s1600/Pool+Coping+Owensound+Ledgerock.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqCATG5FF00hO6MNMGcssq-YsZzqiT2ZxPf65ujBUFZngzMFnhW5Gj0b5fiWT7rz5hnu7M4PH-8h8Ls4GEZTQF5opGKislIl38F7_9ZVYZ2XkeRwjhy8Gg_MZ6XUNfaox4A8Ouw/s400/Pool+Coping+Owensound+Ledgerock.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496362359511217570" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>I thought I would throw in an update on my last post about Owensound Ledgerock. After my tour of the facility, and the ordering of materials, the project is finally coming together! The above picture displays a close look at the Eramosa Bush-hammered coping ordered for the job.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yO2McQ1dIql6zrjjQrk1yDgiDXRCFeQBSLGY9AML7nsDOgBgEUmjCTT0kBMposGO0PebolZge3jLRcKNsoDLMQAdZ2qrExuTpd6oGFpZFVBKn7Dd4894RY74N8apwPuk83GNIw/s1600/pool+coping+installation.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yO2McQ1dIql6zrjjQrk1yDgiDXRCFeQBSLGY9AML7nsDOgBgEUmjCTT0kBMposGO0PebolZge3jLRcKNsoDLMQAdZ2qrExuTpd6oGFpZFVBKn7Dd4894RY74N8apwPuk83GNIw/s400/pool+coping+installation.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496363078315957938" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>This picture shows the Stone Mason at his craft...carefully inspecting his mortar joints and checking his level to make things look good! The important thing when using a coping like this... the edges are machine-cut and all the pieces are gauged to almost exact thickness....so you want to make sure your lines are straight and levels are equal!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbKZIt09yj9CE4sGJjB6hKkKqpzmfmvdnAL9fZzj1XdY1ASgTwz1igE4fFuKo5BxhsSPLBtyh5rn0uj3LYl5a5GsNExoc2c8M7u2uqIeC7cDO3akFtWkpC_tbiVC3gdHulKN3Dw/s1600/Pool+Coping+installed.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbKZIt09yj9CE4sGJjB6hKkKqpzmfmvdnAL9fZzj1XdY1ASgTwz1igE4fFuKo5BxhsSPLBtyh5rn0uj3LYl5a5GsNExoc2c8M7u2uqIeC7cDO3akFtWkpC_tbiVC3gdHulKN3Dw/s400/Pool+Coping+installed.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496363600854068162" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>If care is not put into those two important details...it will show up in the final product and you will notice that something is out of square or not level. A less uniform type of pool coping with varying edges and thickness will be more forgiving if a mason is not too careful during the installation process.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnWe3VovZbWAJMzw37Bnx0BByHbKwoU1KQgbl05uTckW3MhfG5WnAOskkTW5fBr4FygW-u5Bf_CRGM7UaiQBbjGnuCzqRKKe6oQzTvf37oa14Z9Qqyi5wZZryfPNmDeQqJD6Pog/s1600/Pool+Backyard.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnWe3VovZbWAJMzw37Bnx0BByHbKwoU1KQgbl05uTckW3MhfG5WnAOskkTW5fBr4FygW-u5Bf_CRGM7UaiQBbjGnuCzqRKKe6oQzTvf37oa14Z9Qqyi5wZZryfPNmDeQqJD6Pog/s400/Pool+Backyard.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496363846555678114" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 189px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>I always demand high-quality stone work when I refer a job to a Stone Mason...the man for this job in particular put the care needed in this install to make this yard look stunning! The project is almost complete...what's next is a couple of stages, one is to build a Cabana suited for a king! ...the other is to complete the planting to make all the stonework...work!!!<br />
<br />Paul Corsetti (416)455-5515http://www.blogger.com/profile/08641753130780076265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31788295.post-46847860077473634972010-06-09T08:56:00.013-04:002011-02-18T09:47:05.633-05:00Owensound LedgerockAbout 2 months ago, I had a chance to visit a very special place! I figure that every landscape designer, architect and natural stone enthusiast should make it a point to visit this place at least once in their career!<br />The place you ask? The <a href="http://www.ledgerock.com/">Owen Sound Ledgerock</a> Quarry Facility in Owen Sound, Ontario.<br /><br />Now it has been over a decade since I was last in school and going on class field trips, but when this opportunity came up to visit the Quarry, I put everything on hold and jumped at the chance to go! Consider this place, the place of ideas and wonders of what can be done with natural stone... in the picture below is a pile of limestone quarried out of the Niagara Escarpment in the surrounding area.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaf1QteA4ii9SA9zb9yk4jkK95_FCaGTMuildpoGK6JE_YHDfuf9yI4gCRSGoaWagp2VMirt63CJws3wXDyvZERK996yCeVPLQ9JtUWymx_cJazauKkdEcf9SBx9T-YUgBDpqw3Q/s1600/Owensound+Limestone.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaf1QteA4ii9SA9zb9yk4jkK95_FCaGTMuildpoGK6JE_YHDfuf9yI4gCRSGoaWagp2VMirt63CJws3wXDyvZERK996yCeVPLQ9JtUWymx_cJazauKkdEcf9SBx9T-YUgBDpqw3Q/s400/Owensound+Limestone.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480761479162398338" border="0" /></a>What Ledgerock does with it after is combine old world ideas with new world technology and provides you with a beautiful natural product. As the stone is picked through and selected for various uses, saws like the one in the photo below go to work at the stone chunks.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjdOrvpi_ivU2LT9-S2CAFsGt9qXIyA98wnAwmUMZhoFecb4ZIBuCeJDU0psPId98pHa2-FQ8phg9zYN0jOh0-JF3K7g-wfihkNPqX6eEokNf1BqmTfAj6R0PYsksicufetdMDUw/s1600/Natural+stone+slab+saw.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjdOrvpi_ivU2LT9-S2CAFsGt9qXIyA98wnAwmUMZhoFecb4ZIBuCeJDU0psPId98pHa2-FQ8phg9zYN0jOh0-JF3K7g-wfihkNPqX6eEokNf1BqmTfAj6R0PYsksicufetdMDUw/s400/Natural+stone+slab+saw.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480761222741201778" border="0" /></a><br />Computer coordinates are entered into the saw's control program and these slabs of stone get sliced and diced into different shapes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAKiv82zXdQNN2v8ZI7RAM6DCTH_7zOpLIPDG77veVtrYO9ze6BsqlymNzupxRoNYDufqb9GNoqPrxoPzF7uI_HvgIbrya9rVjLthj1As6QjeA5gmS-aKqROOCf3F_lednumx4w/s1600/natural+stone+big+saw.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAKiv82zXdQNN2v8ZI7RAM6DCTH_7zOpLIPDG77veVtrYO9ze6BsqlymNzupxRoNYDufqb9GNoqPrxoPzF7uI_HvgIbrya9rVjLthj1As6QjeA5gmS-aKqROOCf3F_lednumx4w/s400/natural+stone+big+saw.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480761145706750386" border="0" /></a>This was the saw of all saws! I figure that blade was a diameter of 12 or 14 feet and the sound it made once it started to slice the stone was the equivalent to locking a jet aircraft inside a room and having it go to full throttle while you stood beside it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLPeX7GGLzVcQyZbblozMVWX4lUotZylSsLJMbGuUxuveydqGj8mc6F2IPI7jLc6JgvKL2ZXr090cfD9bE3Pz5BTPVOCn97kzv_04k4jbrqBikzR_WNnYMW9Ii3MhOSkXUyz5bw/s1600/natural+stone+big+saw+cut.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLPeX7GGLzVcQyZbblozMVWX4lUotZylSsLJMbGuUxuveydqGj8mc6F2IPI7jLc6JgvKL2ZXr090cfD9bE3Pz5BTPVOCn97kzv_04k4jbrqBikzR_WNnYMW9Ii3MhOSkXUyz5bw/s400/natural+stone+big+saw+cut.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480761046121373266" border="0" /></a>The stream of water that showers down from the saw helps to keep the blade cool and keeps the stone dust created by the cuttings from flying around, filling the room.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SdsmB2FF6kD_y-lrG_OuYGQt4pfgtKSIzrV2oWmpqWjnOY5hM4NzZJ9a4tkGaCsxyq7O4oremaS8spcTZHm7PJQVjHWNUm3CkyvB1WkVDCv5vYms-GcC2tDJ4T7PI4FMM2zlnA/s1600/natural+stone+counters.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SdsmB2FF6kD_y-lrG_OuYGQt4pfgtKSIzrV2oWmpqWjnOY5hM4NzZJ9a4tkGaCsxyq7O4oremaS8spcTZHm7PJQVjHWNUm3CkyvB1WkVDCv5vYms-GcC2tDJ4T7PI4FMM2zlnA/s400/natural+stone+counters.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480765900403301058" border="0" /></a>Here we see some of the stone slabs being polished into smooth top counters for use in kitchens, bars or even office buildings. My one regret was that I did not get a picture of the finished counter top... the grain of the stone pattern was gorgeous! A deep rich looking mix of brown colours.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTzvhh4paD2SqBfECoM0oBqJ-MbZ5JdvWXyzVVLAkNu31DNiyB-a8zTsHAbfzGPgEK6zWtaxDPaH060q_XeLwyDfmf9M8RcDfWt1ZTW2u-5unACEtSBWGYaaH6Cvp0wGADZxQyw/s1600/Owensound+Flagstone.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTzvhh4paD2SqBfECoM0oBqJ-MbZ5JdvWXyzVVLAkNu31DNiyB-a8zTsHAbfzGPgEK6zWtaxDPaH060q_XeLwyDfmf9M8RcDfWt1ZTW2u-5unACEtSBWGYaaH6Cvp0wGADZxQyw/s400/Owensound+Flagstone.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480760861301630610" border="0" /></a>Anyway, after all that mess of stone piles and saws...the end result is packaged up into wood crates and ready to be shipped all over the place....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRxgRgg0nCCpIL4WbuyZiSdCvDLyNacmzvQ20hISsbkdQuBERKX3K2fu2cEmJCL8UGxTTcJe7ZhM1SM3q9A7hOSHKHBxRq8tY-QroIAGid6N5E-onja4ZOqTnqt5p5wWyW5qV0w/s1600/Owensound+Bush+Hammered+flagstone.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRxgRgg0nCCpIL4WbuyZiSdCvDLyNacmzvQ20hISsbkdQuBERKX3K2fu2cEmJCL8UGxTTcJe7ZhM1SM3q9A7hOSHKHBxRq8tY-QroIAGid6N5E-onja4ZOqTnqt5p5wWyW5qV0w/s400/Owensound+Bush+Hammered+flagstone.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480760758703722242" border="0" /></a>I would say that this has to be one of my favourite natural stone pavers. The Owen Sound Bush hammered flagstone and coping gives any landscape site a very elegant and timeless finish to the space. If a client were to ask me, what stone I would use on a project? I would say to look no further than this article!Paul Corsetti (416)455-5515http://www.blogger.com/profile/08641753130780076265noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31788295.post-50879235993462301422010-05-05T09:10:00.004-04:002011-02-18T09:47:12.652-05:00Privacy Screen...This recent project was a simple deck overhaul in Downtown Toronto. The home owners had started out with an interior reno-project through the winter and worked their way right out to the backyard this spring. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtDvynG5e_36y7GH7-3FF25oRgptnXQ3XuwotBKqr4lLp0SRXlQmbFnBfp_B1OOuhr2I4iX-ec5I5ztVD80QpZg3ZlWi8ZCZkdacaUv3-2zwfxQXECgqO856s9N_VAaokcTPUFA/s1600/Tiger+Deck+Privacy+Screen+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtDvynG5e_36y7GH7-3FF25oRgptnXQ3XuwotBKqr4lLp0SRXlQmbFnBfp_B1OOuhr2I4iX-ec5I5ztVD80QpZg3ZlWi8ZCZkdacaUv3-2zwfxQXECgqO856s9N_VAaokcTPUFA/s400/Tiger+Deck+Privacy+Screen+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467772876280187154" border="0" /></a>Basically the old deck had consisted of rotting boards and very little space for today's style of furniture... A simple addition of a few more feet to the deck and eliminating a big step out from the back door gave the deck a lot more space to use for furniture and walkway room.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwn9k6tm07o9HUaUvcR9ibDH34w_Ntnkiz0IIDQdhjvY8WOkHAj9tQn-OBqH4xv4thLERDDaQdPQ0hJ5EmYYRlt7PGw7SI_ehOTTatDBblqa401zSrVOw1NOjd-_290RR7qw2dg/s1600/Tiger+Deck+Privacy+Screen.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwn9k6tm07o9HUaUvcR9ibDH34w_Ntnkiz0IIDQdhjvY8WOkHAj9tQn-OBqH4xv4thLERDDaQdPQ0hJ5EmYYRlt7PGw7SI_ehOTTatDBblqa401zSrVOw1NOjd-_290RR7qw2dg/s400/Tiger+Deck+Privacy+Screen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467772805846747586" border="0" /></a>Add to that a very simplified design of a privacy screen to help create that feeling of a room and you have a nice outdoor extension to your quaint little downtown backyard.... without a major renovation expense.<br /><br />The wood used here is Tigerwood...not to be confused with the golfer... it can be stained to preserve the beautiful rich colour you see, or left to weather to a silver-grey colour. The project was crafted by the expertise of Tony Fredricks of the wood crafters... 416-420-3999Paul Corsetti (416)455-5515http://www.blogger.com/profile/08641753130780076265noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31788295.post-84585182168408693172010-04-02T19:09:00.015-04:002011-02-18T09:47:30.805-05:00Canadian Home Workshop<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyVOar_mHtR41IewY38_apHxDFsQyq-jf2aB_AkJc1kGq0uO_ORS9FMRxSxQ21TQ8q7Lvgjmho_-6OHnOUrGRPuWomHxDNbQ4CtT5poaVPbI7iu7gBSK0MZsijjR_WHGnlKt0qg/s1600/HN+logo2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 60px; height: 68px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyVOar_mHtR41IewY38_apHxDFsQyq-jf2aB_AkJc1kGq0uO_ORS9FMRxSxQ21TQ8q7Lvgjmho_-6OHnOUrGRPuWomHxDNbQ4CtT5poaVPbI7iu7gBSK0MZsijjR_WHGnlKt0qg/s400/HN+logo2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455691655053654082" border="0" /></a>It was about the beginning of February... I was at my drafting table dreaming of warmer days and the season to come. I was drawing away on a landscape plan for a customer... placing a pool in the correct position for them when my phone rings and it is the editor for Canadian Home Workshop asking me if I wanted to participate in a story they were doing. Now there is a call you don't expect to get every day!<br /><br />The idea was to have me create 3 landscape plans centered around 3 themes and make the drawings look pretty. The question was...would I be interested in doing that? My answer was very short and direct! Yes!!!!...as would be the case with most any landscape designer worth his salt...when presented with a chance to display themselves in a magazine...who would say no?<br />So here it is folks... in this months current issue of Canadian Home Workshop...it is actually the April/May 2010 issue... which can be found in stores now or <a href="http://www.canadianhomeworkshop.com/index.php/ci_id/3503/la_id/1.htm">ordered online here</a>!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJ1oyFibtAuXv3jfs2GLxTCQMyB3hjAtqqMJkQN5enIc6ehuUGK5p7KCxKyiiqG7caRKn898wydX_PLOTSyfsDIJCSpzmSpba_b7ykXzsJAcYfZohD2wxm-9E_fot3B1HXdrd5A/s1600/Cover-Page.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 295px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJ1oyFibtAuXv3jfs2GLxTCQMyB3hjAtqqMJkQN5enIc6ehuUGK5p7KCxKyiiqG7caRKn898wydX_PLOTSyfsDIJCSpzmSpba_b7ykXzsJAcYfZohD2wxm-9E_fot3B1HXdrd5A/s400/Cover-Page.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455684035993902034" border="0" /></a>Anyway, after my phone conversation, I tossed my blackberry on the table and went back to measuring my pool spacing to ensure proper setback dimensions according to the Town of Aurora, Ontario. I kept looking back at my phone and wondering if I really just had the conversation I had....first with the editor and then a second one with the art director...or was I actually sound asleep and dreaming of a life that was not mine!?!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xTk9Mkn9mk7FEp4eLrotkoZo_mDQiRQOrjrLiTuEMMhwFa9QM5uBtxuDS0_Svvi26iGsiJA3uDRlv_PNRGRzT6kUUtcDySpc3eLwIFZQiR137hIYOpt6PlOhZP53GcUcKYJoWQ/s1600/backyardmakeover12.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xTk9Mkn9mk7FEp4eLrotkoZo_mDQiRQOrjrLiTuEMMhwFa9QM5uBtxuDS0_Svvi26iGsiJA3uDRlv_PNRGRzT6kUUtcDySpc3eLwIFZQiR137hIYOpt6PlOhZP53GcUcKYJoWQ/s400/backyardmakeover12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455694402506686786" border="0" /></a>When I sat down to draw the 3 plans, it seemed like kind of a fuzzy dream to me as the drawings were just like any other landscape plan I would do...only I was the client for each of the three backyard plans! Anyway, I just drew from my experience with the many clients I have designed for and created the concepts you will see in the magazine article...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWVrAL7rEPY-1bJvI5Is2mUBbW4FVsMcnFkoQnngqVO3Eshxd-zmFvy_UET2GoazfGifHeHZEGsJD3-C47xs-j3tlxDq1vCMsduAaKSVYUX3I0J7zHXHlKiUfUj5phQp9eCohLNg/s1600/backyardmakeover34.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 277px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWVrAL7rEPY-1bJvI5Is2mUBbW4FVsMcnFkoQnngqVO3Eshxd-zmFvy_UET2GoazfGifHeHZEGsJD3-C47xs-j3tlxDq1vCMsduAaKSVYUX3I0J7zHXHlKiUfUj5phQp9eCohLNg/s400/backyardmakeover34.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455694562516778738" border="0" /></a>It was fun!...lol...it was a lot of fun...and a lot of hard work too!!!....not to mention I was drawing these in the comfort of my workspace, watching Team Canada play Hockey...listening to a crackling fire in the wood burning stove while the snow lay on the ground outside.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWq66B-x6zypKWM6Pe0qIzZ3CEPDPHnP2CWb94KiSzDQTYYh2ijdCpQs2t2mWaYSH_spo3tRD6G-hMLOJ5a8ZI9iU9QkTMUugroGlT8q94lUkxOSumGPJz2BOot4U2XDq47g_XBA/s1600/backyardmakeover56.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWq66B-x6zypKWM6Pe0qIzZ3CEPDPHnP2CWb94KiSzDQTYYh2ijdCpQs2t2mWaYSH_spo3tRD6G-hMLOJ5a8ZI9iU9QkTMUugroGlT8q94lUkxOSumGPJz2BOot4U2XDq47g_XBA/s400/backyardmakeover56.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455694814555050962" border="0" /></a>When I opened my mail up yesterday...there it was...my hard work along side my name printed in ink... in a magazine seen across Canada...not only was my stuff in there, but my good friend and colleague, Lawrence Winterburn of <a href="http://www.gardenstructure.com/">Gardenstructure.com</a> has one of his deck designs featured on the front cover of this issue along with a few showcased photos contained in a couple of the articles within this issue. He is someone I would gladly share the spotlight with on any given day....<br /><br />Just wanted to say that the people at Canadian Home Workshop were a great bunch to work with and wanted to thank them for this opportunity!Paul Corsetti (416)455-5515http://www.blogger.com/profile/08641753130780076265noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31788295.post-38177011400993378712010-02-27T12:48:00.006-05:002010-03-01T00:02:10.807-05:00A little of everything...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKDkEld00N17EnkgvlbWAzevjbmE8F0AcBVfUOc6UoCwBFDI-9fEhOhhulTR4DWhfQ3tbLD7A-06pKTGEohKY-fXArYA0lVDc0WjFB2h1ogXRYgD1o3S9sFLwi4-ozKpAP0yOnw/s1600-h/HN+logo2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 60px; height: 68px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKDkEld00N17EnkgvlbWAzevjbmE8F0AcBVfUOc6UoCwBFDI-9fEhOhhulTR4DWhfQ3tbLD7A-06pKTGEohKY-fXArYA0lVDc0WjFB2h1ogXRYgD1o3S9sFLwi4-ozKpAP0yOnw/s400/HN+logo2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442990638228623138" border="0" /></a><br />Recently I was asked to do a design that had a touch of everything in it...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvm-gtuMX42ql13gQBaNc9aBU8MXGTgB_i86MODw-ZJ4Uz7kZnAThY1iIvvJg1UMcuG4m7JVeuixq5728nw1cNfbQ6dW5mgRul3f5do5oSRs_hf1n2gfTD6KFvnrbLl8qKFerZwA/s1600-h/Pool-backyard-landscape-plan.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvm-gtuMX42ql13gQBaNc9aBU8MXGTgB_i86MODw-ZJ4Uz7kZnAThY1iIvvJg1UMcuG4m7JVeuixq5728nw1cNfbQ6dW5mgRul3f5do5oSRs_hf1n2gfTD6KFvnrbLl8qKFerZwA/s400/Pool-backyard-landscape-plan.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442991922397527602" border="0" /></a>The property owner had made requests for:<br /><ul><li>a pool with a water feature<br /></li><li>enough patio space to allow for a chiminea and sun lounge chairs<br /></li><li>deck space for dinning and BBQ area</li><li>a covered hot tub space</li><li>the cabana house with a small bar area incorporated in it</li><li>privacy</li><li>grass or lawn space to allow for kids to play and possibly have an ice rink in winter</li><li>storage areas</li><li>and last but not least....gardens!!!</li></ul>When presented with these requests...it can sometimes seem like a tall order for smaller yards but the idea of a landscape design is to make things fit and organize the space so it fits well! The particular drawing shown above displays a slightly larger than normal typical sub-division lot which allowed for me to fit everything in that the customer had on their wish list! I was able to do it in a way that kept things in balance in terms of where things were located.<br /><br />The end result.... a cool looking backyard that will provide hours of entertainment that would extend into the winter months with the addition of the skating rink, the chiminea spot and the hot tub!!!Paul Corsetti (416)455-5515http://www.blogger.com/profile/08641753130780076265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31788295.post-55484273774213342142010-01-07T11:59:00.006-05:002010-01-07T12:34:26.329-05:00What inspires- Winter 2010...part 9Ok, so a few weeks ago I was dreaming about lupines in the summer... now it is the New Year of 2010! So...Happy New Year!<br /><br />I spent a few days in the woods taking in the quiet surrounds and the snow covered landscape. On New Year's morning, I woke up to this lovely sight...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1RZF2xFUd1HIPZ2ruOJEhBKRqIx-f9s_JbmHGY338nl2MA_LwYFQWgSQkIz_Q3i9bSwz1IYttnJCO8DrTp9yLIh0-BCsp6UeqEqxxkSyrh0TP8cM3vfzMU27OTq5GrTfiMjk1w/s1600-h/Barred+Owl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 312px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1RZF2xFUd1HIPZ2ruOJEhBKRqIx-f9s_JbmHGY338nl2MA_LwYFQWgSQkIz_Q3i9bSwz1IYttnJCO8DrTp9yLIh0-BCsp6UeqEqxxkSyrh0TP8cM3vfzMU27OTq5GrTfiMjk1w/s400/Barred+Owl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424047875019046274" border="0" /></a>This is apparently a Barred Owl! Stands about 40 to 50 cm tall and wing spans stretch out to about 110 to 120 cm in length. It is a marvel for me to understand how such a large bird can land on a 3/8th inch diameter re-bar and perch there for a few minutes. When I first took his picture I was not sure what type of owl it was. When I got home I was able to identify him and as I read on, I discovered he has probably been living in the area for a number of years and he is the equivalent to having a neighborhood cat living in the yard!<br /><br />Anyway, the next picture is showing what Nature does best...an arrangement of hills in the distance and placement of trees....followed by a nice winding road.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGc6tFP4w0H16qjfH5sIYGgblS5XwcKPgZIjamBDkmZYnef1j1EVLkruwaSD_t7r7ipyTOrO8P7ftQMDwBllBctxJ81dzbu8tFDRspUZFhYbtjsPFsfGn_c1vIF97maxUKBEvrDQ/s1600-h/fun+road.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGc6tFP4w0H16qjfH5sIYGgblS5XwcKPgZIjamBDkmZYnef1j1EVLkruwaSD_t7r7ipyTOrO8P7ftQMDwBllBctxJ81dzbu8tFDRspUZFhYbtjsPFsfGn_c1vIF97maxUKBEvrDQ/s400/fun+road.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424048179403356066" border="0" /></a>Believe it or not, these roads are much easier to drive on than a snow covered road in the city mixed with road salt! The sand mixes in with the snow and combines with cold air to make the tires actually grip to the snow... and it is pollution free!<br /><br />This last picture is an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fagus_grandifolia">American Beech (<b>Fagus grandifolia</b><span style="font-weight: bold;">)</span></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl12umAvq5n0KJavnFaYIkP-a4W_mjnBSr5kR2UqMbTa023uYd1mMJEb69wxLRXmgoPZcBmMjMuGd9SYA0DHvFdxEYOMDKs_cS0OqkGoBwynswoB_2B1C1dVHZGCKXZZyCwtQA5g/s1600-h/Winter+beech+tree.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl12umAvq5n0KJavnFaYIkP-a4W_mjnBSr5kR2UqMbTa023uYd1mMJEb69wxLRXmgoPZcBmMjMuGd9SYA0DHvFdxEYOMDKs_cS0OqkGoBwynswoB_2B1C1dVHZGCKXZZyCwtQA5g/s400/Winter+beech+tree.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424048348328453906" border="0" /></a>A baby Beech...or sapling coming up from a maturing forest in the background. These trees develop a smooth bark with a very long and straight trunk. They have an interesting form and in winter they hold their leaves as you see in the picture. The larger trees can add a nice look to a bare winter backdrop of trees.Paul Corsetti (416)455-5515http://www.blogger.com/profile/08641753130780076265noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31788295.post-90717831869067439542009-12-21T07:08:00.002-05:002009-12-21T07:08:00.691-05:00What Inspires - part 8<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1Q8zuNjyFSi9w7oWb_X_2jculniXwfXl-JdxZo_l1Ld-OZoiVGyFd6xQHf00MW7cw-3ti7BeCemImO1m-OwNQj10s9RwsCZ7hl8E0emSdx1fVd4v2McefaI2Krp-vsnepY7TsQ/s1600-h/HN+logo2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 60px; height: 68px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1Q8zuNjyFSi9w7oWb_X_2jculniXwfXl-JdxZo_l1Ld-OZoiVGyFd6xQHf00MW7cw-3ti7BeCemImO1m-OwNQj10s9RwsCZ7hl8E0emSdx1fVd4v2McefaI2Krp-vsnepY7TsQ/s400/HN+logo2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417587921928873330" border="0" /></a>Well the first day of winter is finally upon us and we are starting to feel it in the North East. December 21st is the Winter Solstice which signifies the official start of winter.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34S5p59DxlY6g8ozJkaqKEfZ60n30J6eOtRdiEIeqpdT3ns7GQ8mGawnmEobuCY54qg57LU4pwOhqJ9mG-EwTKCyOE1InQy5Te-38tWT6QHaTaDdeDu6K9gthLWBzhrjHYX3Hxg/s1600-h/lupins+June.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34S5p59DxlY6g8ozJkaqKEfZ60n30J6eOtRdiEIeqpdT3ns7GQ8mGawnmEobuCY54qg57LU4pwOhqJ9mG-EwTKCyOE1InQy5Te-38tWT6QHaTaDdeDu6K9gthLWBzhrjHYX3Hxg/s400/lupins+June.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417587543922256690" border="0" /></a>I was just talking with my Uncle in Florida last night and he told me it is cold there! In fact, he has stockpiled firewood in preparation for cold weather this winter. One tends to wonder about the effects of Global Warming when you need a wood burning stove in Florida to keep you warm!<br /><br />Anyway, as we head into the Holiday season, I am wrapping up some old projects and starting on some new ones...I can't help but think about the Summer Solstice! It is six months away from now and it was six months ago!!! My one consolation that comes with the marking of this date is that the days will start getting longer by 2 minutes each day until June 21st...<br /><br />The above photo was taken back in the summer of 2009 around the time of the Summer Solstice... this is the same place I wrote about in a previous <a href="http://landscape-design.blogspot.com/2007/02/what-inspires-part-3.html">article from 2 years ago</a>. It will always continue to amaze me at how Nature can recover a landscape after it has been disturbed by man. It amazes me even more that it can do it in such a beautiful and graceful manner...Paul Corsetti (416)455-5515http://www.blogger.com/profile/08641753130780076265noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31788295.post-69997149514021951082009-12-18T11:40:00.005-05:002009-12-18T11:56:49.593-05:00A unique looking bulb...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WOIPEBdwbMnlGb5J7WJ5T_QsPOyahLBWRFkbTnfjNBeXJq-VR440n-4GXnEHLZznlGde1_xBM9yHoxLtHOuZ_R0c87MtVXjRnHjiYd914tFDXYSj2ID6QH3II2YOAnvbPmpa8Q/s1600-h/HN+logo2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 60px; height: 68px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WOIPEBdwbMnlGb5J7WJ5T_QsPOyahLBWRFkbTnfjNBeXJq-VR440n-4GXnEHLZznlGde1_xBM9yHoxLtHOuZ_R0c87MtVXjRnHjiYd914tFDXYSj2ID6QH3II2YOAnvbPmpa8Q/s400/HN+logo2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416621111810913410" border="0" /></a>If you are into the spring bulb scene and are looking for something a bit more in the wow factor than planting various colors of tulips in your garden...try the Crown Imperial Lily! otherwise known as the Fritillaria imperalis Aurora.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrLasYfqVpViooZRXhAG8VeuySQFBac4XO46WUyUMKtToCnwwTZr2SnHD7V_b554O2al2pnkpncpIY5V8tBcMCIlPNMIcKOb6SOazuhcFLXvIY4ILj6WInxmgGtrsD4dfknOPYwg/s1600-h/Crown+Imperial+Lily.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 257px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrLasYfqVpViooZRXhAG8VeuySQFBac4XO46WUyUMKtToCnwwTZr2SnHD7V_b554O2al2pnkpncpIY5V8tBcMCIlPNMIcKOb6SOazuhcFLXvIY4ILj6WInxmgGtrsD4dfknOPYwg/s400/Crown+Imperial+Lily.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416619680478572498" border="0" /></a>I fist stumbled upon this stately looking plant while visiting someone's home last spring. In my years of gardening I had never seen this one before and wanted to find out more about it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5G_19sWr9irkZ-2ELtgmcXAcKuiKaCdu1qwY7FErUB-jMl1qm8wVC52IYEdHFycNSZoNLnXXOA2b90F21mceKasn85JwZI3s9T4sO2z955OpDYcN2HzI3JwDW54vS6cnFxaz48w/s1600-h/Crown+Imperial+Lily+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 378px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5G_19sWr9irkZ-2ELtgmcXAcKuiKaCdu1qwY7FErUB-jMl1qm8wVC52IYEdHFycNSZoNLnXXOA2b90F21mceKasn85JwZI3s9T4sO2z955OpDYcN2HzI3JwDW54vS6cnFxaz48w/s400/Crown+Imperial+Lily+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416619902942236434" border="0" /></a>They will grow in climate zones 5 to 8 and reach a height of about 36" to 39" (inches). The bloom time is in spring just before everything leafs out...about the same time as the tulips come up. I have also seen this flower in a yellow color as well. So if you are looking for something to make people stop and enjoy your garden with a sense of wonder... try popping a few of these bulbs in the garden.Paul Corsetti (416)455-5515http://www.blogger.com/profile/08641753130780076265noreply@blogger.com5