--- title: "A Cultivated Art Inc. — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/a-cultivated-art-inc-pfvwus-pf~1761812695 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1761812695.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "A Cultivated Art Inc." category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/78a380530008bbfc_9692-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "263 Deschamps, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada" latitude: 45.4215 longitude: -75.6972 phone: "(613) 899-8000" website: http://www.acultivatedart.com rating: 5 review_count: 12 best_of_houzz_awards: 5 followers: 64 last_updated: 2026-08-15 --- # A Cultivated Art Inc. Original Houzz profile: [A Cultivated Art Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/a-cultivated-art-inc-pfvwus-pf~1761812695) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Ottawa, ON - **Serves:** Barrhaven, Bells Corners, Britannia, Chelsea, Gloucester, Hazeldean, Kanata, Leitrim, Nepean, Old Chelsea, Orleans, Ottawa, Perth, Rockcliffe Park, Uplands - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (12 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2013–2017), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 500 Ideabook Saves Having spent a lot of the last couple of years working with and learning from a lot of native plants, I have decided to begin offering a limited design service, specifically focused on native plant garden planning. It includes working with you to help plan out the initial plantings for a space that you have decided to allocate to a native plant community. Rather than continuing with the widespread practice of extracting soil from healthy ecosystems and transporting it to new gardens, I’m looking to work with people who are willing to work with the existing soil along with minimal/reclaimed inputs, such as mulches from arborist wood chips, salvaged cardboard, leaf bags etc. and, where appropriate, annual plantings for a transition year to prepare the planting area. I won’t be designing any paving stone or other concrete over gravel spaces, but I can help with planning paths of travel and sightlines, as well as planning out vegetable garden placement, or the inclusion of other plants that offer food for humans, and practical elements like rain gardens, laundry lines and compost areas. Rather than centering the planning on aesthetics, I’m offering assistance in developing a plan for converting ecologically depleted spaces into places that include as much healthy, thriving life as possible, including yours. Not that the results can’t be beautiful, healthy, thriving systems tend to be beautiful. If this appeals to you, please email me a description of what you would like to work with me to accomplish and I’ll let you know if it sounds like something I can help with and what I would recommend for next steps. -My service area includes urban and suburban Ottawa and can also include Perth -My meeting availability is weekdays in the daytime and early evening If you would like more information about me, my experience with plants, horticulture and design and the process that I recommend to DIY native garden designers and that I apply to my own work, you might enjoy the ‘Planning Complex Native Plant Communities’ presentation that you can find here https://acultivatedart.com/videos Since many of my older project photos are pinned to quite a few boards, I'm leaving them active but the one that most applies to my current services in the Native Plant Gardens project at the top of the list. ### Services Provided - Garden Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Design Consultation - Organic Gardens - Edible Gardens - Native Garden Design ### Areas Served - Barrhaven - Bells Corners - Britannia - Chelsea - Gloucester - Hazeldean - Kanata - Leitrim - Nepean - Old Chelsea - Orleans - Ottawa - Perth - Rockcliffe Park - Uplands ### Typical Job Cost CAD 150 - CAD 1,800 Costs are for my services as a designer, from consultations to large sites. Most residential designs run between $700 and $1,200. I can usually provide a description of the process I would recommend and a total design costs if you email me your address and a description of the project you have in mind. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | A Cultivated Art Inc. | | Address | 263 Deschamps, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada | | Phone | (613) 899-8000 | | Website | http://www.acultivatedart.com | | Followers on Houzz | 64 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [A Cultivated Art Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/a-cultivated-art-inc-pfvwus-pf~1761812695) - **Website:** http://www.acultivatedart.com - **Phone:** (613) 899-8000 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - CLD Certified Landscape Designer - Architectural Technician - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2013–2017), for Service, Design. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 12 reviews** ### All 12 reviews **★★★★★ — Ap, March 2017** > All my preferences were taken into consideration and the final drawings we received were just perfect! They really listen to your likes and dislikes and the landscape plans reflect your own choices. > > Thank you! **★★★★★ — Peter Iles, Dec. 2016** > Sundaura at A Cultivated Art created our landscape design for both our backyard transformations. The first time we worked with her was about 10 years ago - and we didn't hesitate to engage her again for our much larger project this summer. We had a wonderful experience with her, and would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone. > > Sundaura expanded our living space by creating an outdoor oasis. She pays close attention to all of the details while maintaining awareness of the flow of the design and how aspects work together. She considers all sight lines, how we move through the space, how children use and interact with the space - and the plants, etc. > > Sundaura supported us through the implementation of her design. She is responsive, punctual, and answered all of our (endless) detailed questions. When we have any follow-up questions (plant care, winter prep, etc.) she is responsive and extremely knowledgeable. > > She exemplifies professional commitment in her field, and furthered her professionalism through demonstrated expertise in building codes, horticulture, sustainability, ecosystems, and any possible question we asked about her design and plants. We will continue to work with her without hesitation. **★★★★★ — brian tansey, Dec. 2016** > Sundaura did a great job for us; two actually ( front and back yards / gardens / decks (only one of those is cited below - (as there was no space allowed for two in the 'approximate project date' box) ; it was thru our backyard detailed deck -design needs that we originally found her. > > she works very efficiently, is on time, and at reasonable cost for what we received ; she both listens closely to what we desire and adds her knowledgeable input after that; the whole business looks great already and we haven't even had enough time yet for the plantings to take proper root and start growing naturally. Her aesthetic sense seemed to perfectly align with ours but she had the knowledge to apply these vague concepts of ours.She seems to really appreciate and encourages, whatever we wanted to do to be 'green'/ eco-friendly. Sundaura did the two detailed designs and helped us find a very capable landscaping contractor for both projects ...which were spread over two years **★★★★★ — sheila c, March 2016** > Sundaura worked with me to devise a plan for our back yard and back door entry way. She was very careful to ask questions to understand our traffic patterns and general usage of the area and her resulting design was very accurate in reflecting these needs. No question went unanswered and she accommodated all of our "must haves". > > While I was obtaining the permit for the back entry construction using the designs that Sundaura had provided, she was very quick and thorough both to help me understand the city engineer's questions for our building permit and to supply additional information in the response to the city. This resulted in the permit being approved without incident. > > It is almost spring now and I look forward to the final stage of doing the additional planting needed to complete the design. Her plant lists and drawings will be valuable resources for this. **★★★★★ — magnosis, Nov. 2015** > I reached out to Sundaura after seeing her portfolio on Houzz. I loved her style and knew she could help refine my ideas for a complete redesign of the exterior (1/3 acre sloped property with massive bedrock). > > Not only did she design a beautiful landscape comprising a two-tiered staircase and a terraced flower bed, she also provided plans that were structurally bomb proof and well engineered. She knows how to design in a way that is both beautiful and functional, I love this practical side to her art. > > Sundaura has a great personality, she listens carefully and is fun to work with while being very professional and organized as well as creative and artsy. Every phase of the project were completed on time and exceeded my expectations. Her deep knowledge of building code, architecture, exterior design and flora makes A Cultivated Art reputable and commendable. I would not hesitate to work with her again (and have already committed in doing so next summer to continue my project). **★★★★★ — dweatherbee, Nov. 2015** > In the past 13 years my husband and I have completed many renovations to our home and yard, which involved working with numerous contractors, landscapers, etc. Some were very good experiences and others not. Without a doubt Sundaura was a good experience and a breath of fresh air. Very professional, knowledgeable, and reliable. She successfully drew out a plan for our backyard that addressed our issues while reflecting our taste. Would definitely hire her again. **★★★★★ — wendyyow, Oct. 2014** > After seeing Sundaura's designs on Houzz, I contacted her for a landscape design for our yard. I found her extremely easy to talk to, knowledgeable and reasonably priced. The service we received was exceptional. In the course of three visits, Sundaura helped us to identify our needs, wants and "hope for" ideals, put together two different designs, and then submitted to us a final completed drawing of the agreed design, suitable for a contractor with all pertinent information. She also supplied a detailed printout of all plants suggested in the design. Sundaura also created a mock up of a possible design for our basement stairs and put us in touch with two landscapers for quotes. She has followed up with us and is available for any questions we might have. We look forward to seeing this beautiful design come together over the next couple of years with a combination of DIY and professionals. We highly recommend Sundaura and A Cultivated Art and trust you will be as pleased with her service and expertise as we are. **★★★★★ — chidifer, Aug. 2013** > Sundaura designed an outside room with a pergola and a privacy screen. What I particularly like about Sundaura is that she listens carefully to the client and as a result we have the welcoming room we always pictured. We have a backyard oasis that is wonderful for entertaining as well as reading the paper on Saturday mornings. **★★★★★ — jeieig, Aug. 2013** > I hired A Cultivated Art to develop a landscape design that could be built by a full service landscape company for my entire yard. Sundaura did a wonderful job. She met with my husband and I to discuss our requirements and was able to take everything we provided her and turn it into exactly what we were looking for. She is very knowledgeable and truly understands how things should be designed for the outside. She was very organized and following 3 meetings developed and provided us with our plan in a timely manner. Our plan has not yet been built, but I will update my review with photos once it is. **★★★★★ — Don McCuaig, July 2013** > My partner and I hired Sundaura to create a landscape design for our residential property in Ottawa. Over a period of three visits to our home she gathered information, produced preliminary drawings and then detailed scale drawings for our project. Each step of the way she listened carefully to our ideas and wishes and then transformed them into working plans that truly inspired us. Sundaura’s broad knowledge of building codes and the construction process make her thoughtful designs not only beautiful but practical. We plan to implement the project over the next few years as our budget allows. Sundaura explained how to break up the work into stages to make the project more affordable and avoid rework. We are excited to have such a great design to work with and look forward to completing our project and enjoying our outdoor spaces for years to come. Thanks Sundaura! **★★★★★ — mjdallaire, July 2013** > My husband and I decided that instead of buying a cottage for our retirement we preferred to create an outdoor living space in our backyard. Sundaura gave us a wonderful oasis that we use and enjoy daily! > Previously, the backyard was very large and bare with no shade cover. It was very hot, unattractive and unusable. > Sundaura listened intently to our ideas for the backyard. She adapted the plans according to our wishes but also supplied us with practical, creative suggestions along with other resources that were necessary to make the project a reality. With her knowledge of design and architecture she created a practical, low maintenance space for us that was far beyond our expectations! > We would highly recommend Sundaura Alford and her company. We are completely delighted with her work! She is a very professional, capable, well informed professional who is able to make your ideas for your outdoor space a beautiful reality! **★★★★★ — Chloe Hillier, July 2013** > Sundaura from A Cultivated Art Inc. provided us with a beautiful landscape design for our large garden at our respite home for children and youth with disabilities. > From the first, she was a pleasure to work with listening to our requirements, developing a gorgeous design of low maintenance plants and shrubs, sourcing all the plants for us and helping with the installation. Throughout the process she offered a wealth of information on the care and maintenance of our garden and has been an incredibly helpful resource in the months since as well. > A year after we first planted the garden, it has filled in very well and is just stunning! ## Selected projects - [Native Plant Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/native-plant-gardens-pj-vj~7192745) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 33 - Description: Some of the native plant gardens I've been puttering away at over the last couple of years in preparation for transitioning my design services entirely to native plant and edible garden designs. -Possibly a bit too jungly for some tastes, but I was the client for these gardens and joyful abundance makes me happy - [Natural swim pond](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/natural-swim-pond-pj-vj~2917470) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 18 - Description: Large, naturally filtered swim pond, build using rock from site and AquaScape components. The gardens around the pond are primarily made up of native species and the patio and front walk and steps are of Ontario granite. - [New Landscape for an Arts and Crafts Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-landscape-for-an-arts-and-crafts-home-pj-vj~278879) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 15 - [Backyard Eden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/backyard-eden-pj-vj~602258) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: A backyard landscape and garden I designed a few years ago when I worked for Yards Unlimited Landscaping. - [Sensory Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sensory-garden-pj-vj~278295) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - [Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gardens-pj-vj~63649) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 11 - Description: Pictures of some of the gardens I have designed. - [2015 Projects so far](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2015-projects-so-far-pj-vj~1093257) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 23 - [Decks and Pergolas](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/decks-and-pergolas-pj-vj~1033399) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 17 - [Garden Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/garden-renovation-pj-vj~658627) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: An overgrown raised garden in the front of a traditional home which was due for renovation. There were no changes made to the hardscaping. After pictures were taken 3 months after planting. - [2014 projects so far](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2014-projects-so-far-pj-vj~548069) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 16 - [A Landscape for a Traditional Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-landscape-for-a-traditional-home-pj-vj~249795) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Strathcona Ave. Front Yard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/strathcona-ave-front-yard-pj-vj~249784) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [With Natural Impressions Landscaping Inc,](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/with-natural-impressions-landscaping-inc-pj-vj~1790409) - Location: Ottawa, ON - Photos: 18 [See all 13 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/a-cultivated-art-inc-pfvwus-pf~1761812695) ## Ideabooks - [Burdock](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/129312580/list/burdock) — 5 ideas - [Landscape Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/128780807/list/landscape-lighting) — 13 ideas - [Planting plan examples](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/128692533/list/planting-plan-examples) — 5 ideas - [Ecosystem style gardens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/128197088/list/ecosystem-style-gardens) — 23 ideas - [Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127728365/list/contemporary) — 16 ideas - [West coast / Asian](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127607409/list/west-coast-asian) — 15 ideas - [Colonial](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127642827/list/colonial) — 14 ideas - [English Garden](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127607175/list/english-garden) — 29 ideas - [Mediterranean](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127728905/list/mediterranean) — 10 ideas - [Prairie and meadow](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127729228/list/prairie-and-meadow) — 15 ideas - [Xeriscape](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127607482/list/xeriscape) — 9 ideas - [Edible](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127729360/list/edible) — 16 ideas - [timber pavilion](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/84487219/list/timber-pavilion) — 6 ideas - [Lismer](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/68070085/list/lismer) — 7 ideas - [Old Lilac Lane](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/34563886/list/old-lilac-lane) — 64 ideas - [Regional](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/56300800/list/regional) — 28 ideas - [Courtyard](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/54648443/list/courtyard) — 13 ideas - [Traditional Small Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/54599416/list/traditional-small-gardens) — 9 ideas - [alternative small garden](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/54610139/list/alternative-small-garden) — 10 ideas - [Russel](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/49186315/list/russel) — 23 ideas [See all 37 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/sundaura) ## Community Q&A **Q: Lattice Screening** *(in Photo Questions)* I love the beautiful lattice screening that is picture here! Is it constructed of wood and painted? Or is it a composite/PVC material? Is there a manufacturer I may purchase it from? A: It was custom made out of cedar by a local fencing company and then painted. The same style of fence is available through Yardistry Structures. **Q: Grass** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi there- what type of grass did you use in this garden? Its located right beside the tree. A: The grass by the tree looks like a wedge to me, possibly a Fox Red Japanese Sedge **Q: Landscaping** *(in Design Dilemma)* We would like to landscape our front yard but we do not get much light. There is a huge Magnolia tree in the middle of the yard that blocks 99% of our sunlight and its roots spread throughout the yard, coming up in some areas. What are suggestions for easy plants that LOVE the shade? We are thinking azaleas, ferns? A: Where are you located? Your climate will have a big impact on what plants will grow and thrive in that location. **Q: how to I edit out delete photo from my account** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Go to your profile page, in the list on the left side of your screen (your left) click on 'photos' if it is a picture you uploaded, click on 'ideabooks' if it is in an idea book. once you have found the right picture library or ideabook select the edit button (it looks like a pencil icon) one of the options will be to remove the picture. Just FYI, questions posted in 'pictures' go out to the general HOUZZ community, not to tech support. **Q: My front yard is one HOT MESS!** *(in Design Dilemma)* What can we do to make this corner property look more inviting and add a little privacy without a high fence? A: The first thing I would recommend would be planting a large shade tree or two as a long term solution for cooling the whole space and even your house. For creating privacy a perimeter planting of shrubs, small trees and tall perennials will start to provide a barrier from the street. A low fence would also help create a psychological barrier and make the space feel more like a semi private area and less like a front yard. I've attached a couple of pictures of a front yard of a corner lot that was landscaped a couple of years ago to create privacy and make it safe for young children. There are more pictures of this project on my business website at www.acultivatedart.com **Q: Landscape help! Killing it all and starting over.** *(in Design Dilemma)* I have drawn out a potential plan but not sure if it is a good one. ( picture attached) any comments? Suggestions? I would like to use landscaping rock but have no idea what kind would good? Or should I just do mulch? A: Where are you located? From the plants you've selected I'm guessing that you are in a cold climate. Overall I think you have a fairly colourful selection of plants. They aren't quite as contemporary as the architecture of your home but if you are hoping to soften the look then they may be just what you need. I would suggest caution in putting roses near the path, in my experience they always want to send out a few long branches in late summer and the thorns will catch on people walking by. If you are going to use a rock mulch you will need a good quality fabric under the stone and I would suggest investing in a leaf blower and cleaning out leaves, grass clippings etc. every month or two so they don't accumulate and act as compost for germinating weed seeds on top of the fabric. Crab apples can be a difficult combination with stone mulch since the apples can collect between the stones so if you are including one look for a variety that has very small fruit that don't drop before they dry, something like 'Malus sargentii' . The Cistena Plums can be pest prone in some areas so it is worth checking with a local nursery to see if that is the case in your area. If it is some other options for purple leaved shrubs would be a purple barberry (possibly Rose Glow) Wine and Roses Weigela or, if you have the space, a purple smoke bush. The viburnum may also be problematic, (here in Ottawa they are often severely damaged by Viburnum Beetle) and you might want to consider using another plant in its place. Overall it looks to me like you have chosen plants which are fairly low maintenance and will provide you with some blooms through the spring. If that's your plan I think you are on the right track. If you are thinking of mulching the gardens with stones because you like how it looks I would recommend rounded stones, usually sold as 'river stones' or 'river wash' rather than a quarried stone which has been crushed since crushed stones have textured surfaces which collect dirt and tend to look untidy after a couple of years. If you were thinking about using stone because it would be less maintenance than a bark mulch, in my experience stones over fabric are usually more work in the long run since you have to clean out anything that collects in them rather than just topping them up like you can with bark mulch. If you do you use a bark mulch I would skip the fabric since it doesn't really reduce the weed growth if you have about 3" of mulch and any weeds which do grow usually root right into the fabric, making them harder to pull up. Have fun with your new garden! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-15.*