--- title: "Daryl Toby - AguaFina Gardens International — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/daryl-toby-aguafina-gardens-international-pfvwus-pf~1006725221 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1006725221.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Daryl Toby - AguaFina Gardens International" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/89635ad60d026618_3732-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "2629 Orchard Lk Rd, Sylvan Lake, Michigan 48320, United States" latitude: 42.6114 longitude: -83.3356 phone: "(248) 738-0500" website: http://aguafina.com rating: 5 review_count: 23 best_of_houzz_awards: 17 followers: 542 last_updated: 2026-09-04 --- # Daryl Toby - AguaFina Gardens International Original Houzz profile: [Daryl Toby - AguaFina Gardens International](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/daryl-toby-aguafina-gardens-international-pfvwus-pf~1006725221) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Sylvan Lake, MI - **Serves:** Oakland Township, Ann Arbor, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Rochester Hills, Waterford, Novi, West Bloomfield Township, Pontiac, Royal Oak, White Lake, Auburn Hills, Birmingham, Wixom, Berkley, Rochester, Clawson, Farmington, Commerce Township, Beverly Hills, Walled Lake, Huntington Woods, Wolverine Lake, Bloomfield Hills, Lathrup Village, Lake Orion, Franklin, Keego Harbor, Pleasant Ridge, Orchard Lake, Sylvan Lake, Bingham Farms, Clarkston, Lake Angelus, Central America, Costa Rica, Drayton Plains, India, mexico, Qatar, South America, UAE, Union Lake, West Bloomfield, West Indies - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (23 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 17 awards (2013–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 50,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Published nationally - Speaks Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese AguaFina is a specialized landscape design + build studio with expertise in crafting unique garden spaces accentuated by stone settings, sculptural elements, water features and fire. In working with these elements, AguaFina has developed a distinct design style that fuses modern form and traditional craftsmanship. As we also actively install our designs, our attention to detail and collaborative spirit allows us to engage our clients in the design process. Each of our gardens embodies the unique character of the individual client and draws inspiration from a variety of design traditions. In addition to executing our own projects of varying scale and complexity, AguaFina is often invited to participate as part of broader based design teams to utilize our specialized skills on key elements of larger projects. Beyond our design + build services, AguaFina maintains a unique collection of architectural elements, sculptural objects, found artifacts, fountains and stone, and custom commission creations. Visit our design studio in Metro Detroit, or view a selection of our portfolio and garden décor collection on our website. National and International Commissions accepted. www.aguafina.com Design - Create - Build ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Site Planning - Custom Fire Pits - Pool Landscaping - Custom Water Features - Swimming Pool Design - Gazebo Design & Construction - Design Consultation - Outdoor Lighting Design - Deck Design - Drafting - Pond Construction - Natural Swimming Pools - Fountains - Horticulture Maintenance - Landscape - Pond Maitanence ### Areas Served - Oakland Township - Ann Arbor - Troy - Farmington Hills - Southfield - Rochester Hills - Waterford - Novi - West Bloomfield Township - Pontiac - Royal Oak - White Lake - Auburn Hills - Birmingham - Wixom - Berkley - Rochester - Clawson - Farmington - Commerce Township - Beverly Hills - Walled Lake - Huntington Woods - Wolverine Lake - Bloomfield Hills - Lathrup Village - Lake Orion - Franklin - Keego Harbor - Pleasant Ridge - Orchard Lake - Sylvan Lake - Bingham Farms - Clarkston - Lake Angelus - Central America - Costa Rica - Drayton Plains - India - mexico - Qatar - South America - UAE - Union Lake - West Bloomfield - West Indies ### Typical Job Cost A selection of our more elaborate projects are featured here, though not all of our gardens are large in scale or scope. As well as design and build landscapes, we additionally install fountains, ponds, fire features, and other garden elements. We appreciate projects of all scales, dedicating to each the same level of quality and attention - regardless of size or budget. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Daryl Toby - AguaFina Gardens International | | Address | 2629 Orchard Lk Rd, Sylvan Lake, Michigan 48320, United States | | Phone | (248) 738-0500 | | Website | http://aguafina.com | | Followers on Houzz | 542 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/AguaFina-Gardens-International/170701854905?ref=hl - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/aguafinagardens - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/company/aguafina-gardens-international?goback=%2Efcs\_GLHD\_aguafina\_false\_\*2\_ - Blog — http://www.aguafina.com ## Offers Creating Gardens & Tranquil Escapes ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Daryl Toby - AguaFina Gardens International](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/daryl-toby-aguafina-gardens-international-pfvwus-pf~1006725221) - **Website:** http://aguafina.com - **Phone:** (248) 738-0500 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - HGTV Garden Design Awards Editor's Pick Art of Outdoor category - Detroit Home Design Awards: - 1st Place-Landscape Design under 1/2 acre - 1st Place-Landscape Design 1/2-1 acre - 1st Place-Lighting , Interior or Exterior - 1st Place-Residential Water Feature - 2nd Place-Use of Stone - **Best of Houzz:** 17 awards (2013–2026), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 23 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — HU-482565664, April 2024** > AguaFina recently performed an extensive landscaping project on my home. The existing yard was a blank slate. April and Daryl combined their talents to create an exceptional contemporary landscape design that perfectly enhances my mid century modern lakefront home. The new yard is a pleasure to come home to! April and Daryl were diligent about keeping everything going smoothly throughout the process. The work crews were excellent as well. I would highly recommend Aguafina for any landscape project, large or small. **Comment from Daryl Toby - AguaFina Gardens International:** > Thank you so much for the kind words. We give you a 5 star review as a client, and are happy to continue working with you! **★★★★★ — Ryan Skelley, Feb. 2023** > We hired AguaFina the summer of 2022 to help design and install our front yard landscaping. They were fantastic to work with and helped bring our vision to life within our budget. They were in constant communication and even did some on-the-fly edits at our request as the install was happening. We felt very much involved in the process (which we love) and would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone in need of landscape services in the future. **Comment from Daryl Toby - AguaFina Gardens International:** > Thank you so much for the review. Your style and aesthetic was a great fit for the Aguafina Team! **★★★★★ — judyburd, May 2022** > I have had the privilege of using Aguafina for multiple projects and have been very impressed by their expertise and high level of art. I’d highly recommend them for the most discerning customer. **★★★★★ — juliekunz, Jan. 2022** > April and Daryl and their team are amazing! > Not only were they professional from our first initial planning meeting, their plants and trees are full and gorgeous. April is so easy to work with and a true expert in every way. She listened to our needs and responded with adding the perfect landscaping for our backyard. We had a stone fireplace and pergola built and this is now our most favorite space in our home. > Every time we reached out with a need or question, big or small, April was on it and we have been 100% satisfied. > We also had a fountain placed which we enjoy thoroughly. > We will continue to use Aguafina and would strongly refer them to anyone! **Comment from Daryl Toby - AguaFina Gardens International:** > Thank you for the compliments! We really enjoyed working together with you. We are so fortunate not only for the opportunity to create unique gardens, but also build rewarding relationships. Looking forward to another evening by the fire! **★★★★★ — Douglas Ruden, Dec. 2021** > Daryl and his crew did an excellent job making my backyard a wonderful place to relax. He built a huge koi pond fed by a stream and multiple waterfalls and a boulder pathway going down to the big lake. On the other side of the yard he built a wonderful zen garden with several azaleas and specimen trees. I can't wait until Spring! **★★★★★ — Joanne & Steve Eppert, Oct. 2020** > We love our new rock wall. April, Daryl and the crew did a fantastic job. It made the front of our house look like a picture in a garden magazine. Thanks again for the great work. **Comment from Daryl Toby - AguaFina Gardens International:** > So glad that you are enjoying the garden and thank you for allowing us to play with all the huge stones in front of your house! **★★★★★ — Mary Benish, May 2018** > Daryl and his team were a joy to work with. Daryl designed our landscape to compliment the topography and architecture of the house. Any questions or issues were addressed immediately and in a professional manner. We are very happy with the results of Daryl’s design. **★★★★★ — Hau, Dec. 2016** > We hired Daryl and his team to redesign our entire 1 acre landscape. The project included redoing driveway, motor court, front yard and back yard. > > Daryl is a great creative designer and does a good job of listening to his clients to understand their needs and wants. He is flexible and willing to adjust and adapt his design based on our feedback throughout the project. We are very happy with the final outcome and service provided by Aguafina. > > Keep in mind that he is quite busy and has multiple jobs going at once. The timeline was longer than we anticipated due to his workload and the weather. However, he did a great job of keeping us updated on progress. > > Overall, we would recommend Daryl and Aguafina for any landscaping design projects. **Comment from Daryl Toby - AguaFina Gardens International:** > Thank you so much for the review!!! The garden is starting to fill in nicely and I look forward to seeing it continue to mature. I also appreciate you having faith and not passing out as I sculpted the new ginkgo, basically leaving just one branch! - DT **★★★★★ — Sharon Klein, Oct. 2016** > Daryl has designed three water features a courtyard and is now working on a fire feature for us. > > Daryl has traveled all over the world, collecting artifacts and studying landscape. His artistic vision and unique style of planting is unlike any other landscaper I have seen. He gets to know his client, and adapts his landscape design to suit there personal style. > > Through his vision and execution, we now enjoy our yard much more than we ever thought possible. > > Sharon **★★★★★ — mmflowers1, Sept. 2016** > We have worked with Aguafina for several years on several projects. If you are looking for one of a kind ideas, creative, dependable and honest than they are what your looking for. They are a pleasure to work with & the clients always seem thrilled with the outcome. Nothing about what they do is ordinary, they deliver extraordinary. They go above & beyond to fine unique & special touches. **★★★★★ — karygee2010, March 2016** > I am a grower that Daryl Toby of AguaFina Gardens purchases some of his specimen plants from. He has an eye for plants like no other designer I work with. He personally picks out specimens for his customers landscape and is very particular in his choices. Each project is unique creating a one of a kind landscape for every client. The personal attention he pays to his projects will surely guarantee he can satisfy even the most particular person by creating that one of a kind space. **Comment from Daryl Toby - AguaFina Gardens International:** > Thanks Kary - what you are not telling them are the time I have scared your staff as they report that there is a "crazy" guy in the field with a chainsaw hacking away at your trees. I guess I should have let them know you told me it was ok if did some extra chainsaw pruning to the trees to see how I could shape them a little further. I am so fortunate to have great and honest resources such as you. Thanks for all your help. DT **★★★★★ — cbderian, March 2016** > Our project Included extensive preplanning and design of hardscape, landscape, koi pond and lighting. AguaFina design teams had to incorporate and deal with property undulations, utilities and drainage challenges. Quoting, customer correspondence and project management were excellent. Their plantings allowed for growth and seasonal colorful blooms. Their design and installation was excellent, on-time and within budget. We recommend AguaFina as a highly competent design and build of hardscape, pond and landscape projects. ## Selected projects - [Corten and Stone Water Feature](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/corten-and-stone-water-feature-pj-vj~1614764) - Location: Bloomfield Hills, MI - Photos: 10 - Description: As experts in water features, we were initially called in to assess a leaking waterfall - which ultimately led to a complete reimagination of the garden. A sculptural water feature was integrated with the existing pool coping, and a hand stacked stone wall and new plantings provided further privacy. Antique gates accented with planters and subtle lighting set the tone for the new garden space. - [Mid-Century Update](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-update-pj-vj~7600957) - Location: Bloomfield Hills, MI - Photos: 10 - Description: This lovely mid-century modern home was dominated by a large crumbling circular asphalt driveway and boring lawn. Removing the asphalt driveway and replacing it with separate exposed aggregate driveways to form an upper motor court and a drive to the garage called for a solution to retain the grade and create access from the front door to the lower-level garage. Corten steel sheets were pre-rolled then welded on site to form the dramatic walls to a curving staircase and path and to accommodate t… - [Garden for a Mid Century Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/garden-for-a-mid-century-home-pj-vj~6106119) - Location: Bloomfield Hills, MI - Photos: 11 - Description: Even though this home is an original mid-century design, the garden was not a renovation so much as a completely new addition. Situated on a private cul-de-sac, and overlooking a wooded ravine, the home was surrounded by a weak lawn and eroding hillsides with no landscaping. The new owners completely updated the interior (with designer Staci A. Meyers), then turned to Aguafina Gardens to add outdoor living space, plants for color and texture, an updated approach, and to stabilize the site. The p… - [Floating Entry](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/floating-entry-pj-vj~7375215) - Location: Lake Angelus, MI - Photos: 7 - [Moon Gate Courtyard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/moon-gate-courtyard-pj-vj~7108525) - Location: Bloomfield Hills, MI - Photos: 12 - Description: Crafted out of rough-hewn cedar, this threshold gate frames the forest beyond as well as offers a sense of privacy to the intimate courtyard setting. The focal piece lies within, a fire fountain stone - lush with moss and plants. - [Spiritual Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spiritual-garden-pj-vj~8513) - Location: Birmingham, MI - Photos: 14 - Description: The primary challenge of this garden was to combine the client’s unique philosophies with spiritual elements and naturalistic themes. The client desired to create a personal space for meditation and spiritual growth. To accomplish this, multiple gateways and individual meditative pathways were created within the overall garden. Reclaimed sandstone pavers were used as the labyrinth walkway, which represents the circle of life. The garden also includes a “Walking Wall” and “Meditation Circle” with… - [Forest Oasis](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/forest-oasis-pj-vj~7375407) - Location: Bloomfield Hills, MI - Photos: 13 - Description: Overlooking a natural wetland, the garden unfolds among mature oaks and surrounding forest - [Informal European Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/informal-european-garden-pj-vj~2100177) - Location: Bloomfield Hills, MI - Photos: 24 - Description: The renovation of this front yard landscape presented a challenge with much of it dedicated to a circular driveway. After attempting to design around it, the assumption for its need was challenged and replaced with a semi-formal garden for the senses. Included are fragrant plantings, crushed gravel underfoot, and the sound of water falling into a reflecting pool. A portion of the drive was creatively left as a walkway to the home’s entrance. Realizing the strong roof line detracted from this new… - [Stone, Steel & Sculpture](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stone-steel-and-sculpture-pj-vj~8494) - Location: West Bloomfield Township, MI - Photos: 18 - Description: PROJECTS/COMMISSIONS ACCEPTED THROUGHOUT THE U.S. AND INTERNATIONALLY This garden is a blend of modern design and organic elements. The overall design concept for the lakeside garden was developed by taking a cue from an architectural detail on the house of a contrasting brick that forms a half radius. This motif was then transferred to the landscape by creating a series of interpretive concentric partial radii using corten steel. The idea initially came from questioning of what would the space… - [Garden Details and Misc. Projects](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/garden-details-and-misc-projects-pj-vj~2012863) - Location: Bloomfield Hills, MI - Photos: 7 - Description: This is a compilation of. images from a variety of our projects in which we have not featured the entire project and/or garden - [Hand Stacked Stone Wall and Antique Gate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hand-stacked-stone-wall-and-antique-gate-pj-vj~2078614) - Location: Bloomfield Hills, MI - Photos: 4 - Description: This hand stacked stone wall serves as the threshold to the backyard living space of the home. Painstakingly hand built using traditional dry-stone laying techniques, the wall supports antique wooden doors reclaimed from an old house in China. Custom bronze bracketry were made to hang the doors, but unfortunately they began to squeak when the gates were opened. We offered to fix this "issue", but the client insisted that it be left that way! The stone itself was selected for its reddish grey col… - [Modern Garden - Fire, Water, & Stone](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-garden-fire-water-and-stone-pj-vj~8774) - Location: Orchard Lake Village, MI - Photos: 7 - Description: PROJECTS/COMMISSIONS ACCEPTED THROUGHOUT THE U.S. AND INTERNATIONALLY. This modern garden fuses three strong elements - Water, Fire and Stone. Central to this garden is the fire and water feature emanating from a large basalt stone that has been cut, hallowed and polished. Water flows over the sides of the piece into the basin below which encompasses the entire pea gravel walkable surface that is used for the patio area. This surface acts as collection zone to recharge and replenish the fountain… - [Intimate Courtyard, Pond and Stream](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/intimate-courtyard-pond-and-stream-pj-vj~21720) - Location: West Bloomfield Township, MI - Photos: 8 - Description: This small space was once the main parking area for this cottage lakeside home and was radically transformed into an intimate and inviting courtyard. Defined by a hand stacked fieldstone wall, granite stepping stones lead from the entrance of the garden and gradually wind their way over a stream bed and lead to the porch that borders the garden. Although set in a cold weather climate, the client requested that the garden be developed to have a lush tropical feeling yet remain consistent with the… - [Asian Inspired Stone Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/asian-inspired-stone-garden-pj-vj~6832387) - Location: Bloomfield Township, MI - Photos: 16 - [Rooftop Sculpture Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rooftop-sculpture-garden-pj-vj~6812694) - Location: Ann Arbor, MI - Photos: 9 - [Fusion Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fusion-garden-pj-vj~8500) - Location: Rochester Hills, MI - Photos: 11 - Description: Fusion Style Garden Photographer- George Dzahristos Design Brief: At the heart of this unique home is an intimate central courtyard garden with subtle Asian influenced design details and contemporary styling. Accented with authentic sculptures, seating areas and planters, this setting for intimate gatherings keeps in scale and theme with the overall architecture and interior design style of the home. At the center of the courtyard patio is a tranquil reflecting pool and fusion style water sculpt… - [Zen Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/zen-garden-pj-vj~8847) - Location: Bloomfield Township, MI - Photos: 3 - [Modern Asian Influenced Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-asian-influenced-garden-pj-vj~8776) - Location: Orchard Lake Village, MI - Photos: 11 - Description: PROJECTS/COMMISSIONS ACCEPTED THROUGHOUT THE U.S. AND INTERNATIONALLY - [Fire, Stone & Succulents](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fire-stone-and-succulents-pj-vj~6104351) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - Description: This fire feature was installed to elevate a common patio area to a spectacular and intimate gathering space. The limestone boulder is planted with hardy succulents to soften the stone and give it an aged lush look when the fire is not burning. The fire extending across the pebbles evokes molten lava spreading down the side of volcano and is mesmerizing for all those gathered. - [WINTER IS COMING - Fire and Ice](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/winter-is-coming-fire-and-ice-pj-vj~6104430) - Location: Sylvan Lake, MI - Photos: 1 - Description: A little bit of fun we had at our studio during the Game Of Thrones series We made this just about the time of the big battle with the Ice King. The feature is a carved natural stone bowl with fire on demand.. We have done quite a few of these features where the flames actually comes through the water, unlike most features where the flame source just sits on top and seperate from the water. [See all 31 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/daryl-toby-aguafina-gardens-international-pfvwus-pf~1006725221) ## Ideabooks - [Church](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/131545948/list/church) — 4 ideas [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/aguafina) ## Community Q&A **Q: Western Windows vs Fleetwood** *(in Windows)* Hi Houzzers! I had previously posted a thread about some large sliding patio doors, and we've come down to 3 vendors which are all about the same price and same thermal specs, Fleetwood, Western Windows, and All Weather. Does anyone have any comments on the pros and cons of these brands? Fleetwood and Western Windows seem to be the largest by far, with Fleetwood being also much more popular on the west coast. All Weather Arch Alum is pretty small. Any thoughts or experiences are much appreciated! A: Eric, We are also in a similar situation trying to decide between Western and Fleetwood. What did you decide to do? Our situation any advice is greatly appreciated: Received quote from Fleetwood and Western for 3 doorwalls. Using a 210" OXO as a comparison, Fleetwood was $7100 and Western was $9600. I then spoke with the Western rep and they quoted me their 7650 series which has U value of .3 and Fleetwood is .44. They said that they have a 600 series which has a .38 factor, still better then fleetwood, and the price in this series is about same as Fleetwood. I have heard good things about Fleetwood and that was what I was leaning too, but now not quite sure. **Q: Wondering what this is and where in the project it was placed** *(in Photo Questions)* Cool look , how was this used? A: hi, it is actually the drain grate located in the center of the patio. the project on our profile is titled stone, steel, sculpture. the foundry is called east jordan ironworks. hope that helps! **Q: What is the plant with little purple flowers in the center of the pic?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: If we are remembering correctly, it's a dwarf lavender. Scented plants are a great addition along paths. Thank you for taking a look at our work! **Q: Really Pretty!** *(in Photo Questions)* I love this look. I want to create my own back yard paradise. Are the pink flowers tulips? I'm looking for some color for my shade garden located in my backyard with many pine trees. I live in GA. Thank you for your time and the inspiration! A: Thank you for the question, and good luck creating your own slice of paradise. The pink flowers are Tulips, variety Blushing Beauty. We don't know how well they will do in your zone, but check with bulb suppliers in your area. They do wonderfully and last for years in our Zone 5b. **Q: Beautiful patio.** *(in Photo Questions)* Is the table natural stone? How is it anchored to the ground? A: Thank you for the question and comment. When I found the stone, I decided that we would cut the the top and bottom parallel. After doing so it was incredibly balanced (a person could actually stand on the cantilevered portion and it would not move). Normally on similar sculptural installs, we core into the bottom and insert a stainless steel rod which aligns with another core drilled into a concrete base/footing. Depending on the type of piece, an epoxy will be filled into the holes for additional support. For this install, we simply placed this onto a concrete footing and used small wedges for any movement in the stone. As a side note, the stone is called Nine Dragon Stone and I hand selected it in China with a beautiful colorization on the polished surface. Attached are photos of the same type of stone polished from other projects and on display at our studio. **Q: What is the strength (voltage) of the well light on the lower left?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: All the lights are low voltage. When initially installed (and when the photos were taken), conventional mr16 35 watt lights were used with a warm light. we have now switched to an led equivalent with a 2700 kelvin for that warm effect. please let us know if you have any other questions. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-04.*