Home Landscape Design

It's raining money

Landscaper Paul Rancour dug a hole in his North London backyard. Now he's convinced he's struck gold.

Gold, that is, in the form of rainwater that will be captured in an underground cistern as big as a typical suburban dining room. The water will be used to keep his lawn green, flowers fresh and his vehicles clean and shiny. It will be topped by a patio water feature that will be part of a circulation system that will keep the stored water aerated and fresh.

What's best, this water falls freely from the sky and doesn't arrive via a city water main or get taken away through the municipal sewer system, so it won't appear on his London Hydro bill either as a charge for water supplied or in the form of two onerous sewer surcharges based on the total litres recorded on his water meter.

Gold, also in the sense that his new rain-harvesting system will be a major selling point to conservation-minded London homeowners interested in having their own systems installed, and gold, too, to growing municipalities that have to install a costly stormwater run-off system in each new housing development.

Rancour considers that the installation of his own private rainwater harvesting system will help put his company, Tydan Landscaping Inc., in the vanguard of what he expects will be a hot market for private rain-harvesting systems as homeowners seek relief from mounting water bills and the threat of more torrid dry spells in future.

He also notes that a water feature -- three big black urns bubbling water on his front lawn at 655 Fanshawe Park Rd. E. -- are already serving the same function.

"They've already attracted a couple of potential customers," he says.

Rancour considers his 11,000-litre rainwater harvesting system a typical suburban installation. He won't say how much he spent on it, but does reveal that the rule of thumb is that "costs range from $6 to $9 for each gallon (4.2L) of rainwater capacity installed. It all depends on how much water a customer wants to capture."

Rancour says he first realized the potential of the business two years ago and immediately enrolled himself and his son, Tyler, 23, who is also his foreman, in a course to become qualified installers for rain-harvesting systems.

The course was offered by Illinois-based Aquascape Inc. a world leader in rainwater-harvesting systems.

"It's the coming thing," Rancour says, noting that harvesting rainwater is already compulsory in Calgary and in other jurisdictions around the world.

Landscape Design Ideas for Unique Terrains | Blue Creek Home ...

Article by Allen Quay

Not all landscape design ideas are suited for every type of yard. In fact, some yards will require a great deal of planning and adjusting to get just the right look from a landscape design. Whether you’re working with limited space or difficult grades, there are a variety of landscaping tips and ideas that can help you make the most of your outdoor space.

Garden Wall Design

Walls can be used for privacy, protection, seating, or simply for beauty. Varying heights, depending on the wall’s purpose, and angles or curves to suit your garden style make these hardscape features a great addition to any type of landscape design. Bricks, stones, or other materials that complement the rest of your outdoor space is a great way to blend your landscape with your home.

Retaining Walls

Retaining walls are a unique type of garden wall, designed to offset slopes and enhance curb appeal. Like most hardscape designs, planning and constructing a retaining wall requires special attention to accuracy. Drainage, erosion, and other issues must be addressed as well. Landscape designers can typically create and build a retaining wall that works well with your yard.

Landscape Design for Slopes and Grades

Retaining walls are just one technique for landscaping hillside garden areas. Slopes and grades can become beautiful parts of your outdoor space with the right landscaping. Appropriate drainage and irrigation systems are recommended to maintain all of the following ideas for hillside landscaping:

Rock gardensFunctional decksWild flower gardensNatural areas with unique ground covers.

Landscape Design Ideas for Terraces

From secluded sitting areas near the master suite to expansive patios for entertaining, garden terraces are beautiful landscaping techniques that create harmony between your outdoor and indoor living space. Use patterns, colors, and materials that complement your overall design. You can add more functionality to your terrace and patio by integrating covered areas, railing, and other custom touches.

Landscape Design Tips for Small Yards

Limited outdoor space does not mean you are limited with design ideas. Small yards have become quite common and there are plenty of ways to create a beautiful garden with a tiny amount of space.

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