--- title: "Melanie Rekola Landscape Design — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/melanie-rekola-landscape-design-pfvwus-pf~1955626489 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1955626489.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Melanie Rekola Landscape Design" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/5823ca38044b8daa_6872-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Barrie, Ontario L4N 8E5, Canada" latitude: 44.3317 longitude: -79.728 phone: "(705) 718-2762" website: http://ladylandscape.ca rating: 5 review_count: 21 best_of_houzz_awards: 7 followers: 195 last_updated: 2026-09-07 --- # Melanie Rekola Landscape Design Original Houzz profile: [Melanie Rekola Landscape Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/melanie-rekola-landscape-design-pfvwus-pf~1955626489) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Barrie, ON - **Serves:** Alcona, Anten Mills, Barrie, Blue Mountain, Bradford, Collingwood, Innisfil, King City, Lefroy, Midhurst, Muskoka, New Lowell, New Market, Oro-Medonte, Parry Sound, Tay, Tiny, Toronto - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (21 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2016–2025), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves Specializing in professional landscape design and consulting services, award-winning designer Melanie Rekola has been transforming ordinary properties into landscape art since 2001. It is Melanie's belief that landscape design is the art of developing a property for its greatest use and enjoyment. To achieve this we strive to truly understand the needs and desires of our clients. Our process ensures a great sensitivity to what is significant to you, your home, and your surroundings. With a passion for horticulture plus a careful balance of both function and beauty, we will create a landscape plan that is unique to you. We are able to work within the box but enjoy blurring the lines and challenging the edges. Let us plan the breathtaking private pool patio, fabulous front entry, or gorgeous garden of your dreams! ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Site Planning - Swimming Pool Design - 3D Rendering ### Areas Served - Alcona - Anten Mills - Barrie - Blue Mountain - Bradford - Collingwood - Innisfil - King City - Lefroy - Midhurst - Muskoka - New Lowell - New Market - Oro-Medonte - Parry Sound - Tay - Tiny - Toronto ### Typical Job Cost CAD 2,000 - CAD 6,000 A typical landscape design falls in this price range. This includes a scale master plan, dimension drawing usable for installation purposes, planting and lighting plan plus colour rendering with 3 revisions included. 3D design work is a also an available option charged hourly as an extra. We can also design all at our standard $120 per hour rate. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Melanie Rekola Landscape Design | | Address | Barrie, Ontario L4N 8E5, Canada | | Phone | (705) 718-2762 | | Website | http://ladylandscape.ca | | License Number | 230364556 | | Followers on Houzz | 195 | **Social profiles:** - Blog — www.ladylandscape.ca ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Melanie Rekola Landscape Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/melanie-rekola-landscape-design-pfvwus-pf~1955626489) - **Website:** http://ladylandscape.ca - **Phone:** (705) 718-2762 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Canada Blooms Award 2017 and 2018, Landscape Ontario’s “Award of Excellence” 2016,2015, 2014, 2013, 2011, 2010, Canadian Pool and Spa Council "Award of Excellence" 2016 & 2015 ,Unilock’s “Award of Excellence” 2012, 2010, 2009. National “David Suzuki Digs my Garden” Award/ Achievement 2008 - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2016–2025), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 21 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Sarah Patenaude, Oct. 2020** > I can't thank Melanie enough for helping us design our new backyard. She was very patient and considerate while coming up with a beautiful design that works for the whole family. I really appreciate the thought put into the landscape choices that will compliment our new pool. Seeing her patio and landscape design come to life was a true joy! We couldn't be happier with how our project turned out. **Comment from Melanie Rekola Landscape Design:** > Thank you Sarah for your very kind words! The pleasure was mine and I can't wait to see the photos after all the plant life fills in. So happy for you and your family to have a beautiful backyard to enjoy. All the best! **★★★★★ — simplypoodles, June 2019** > Melanie was tremendously helpful when choosing my stone for my front stairs/patio. I have a two tone orange/ red brick home and found it very difficult finding the right colour. After having a million samples at the front of my house and being so undecided with colour - Melanie knew what colour to use right away when I contacted her. The stairs look beautiful and a few neighbours contacted me, to see what colour and stone I have used on our front stair project. Melanie has an eye for colour and made the front of our house look fantastic! **Comment from Melanie Rekola Landscape Design:** > Lisa!! Thanks so very much for the beautiful review! Goodness I'm blushing ...and so happy that you are so happy! **★★★★★ — Fatima Jaffer, March 2019** > We have received so many compliments on our backyard! Melanie came up with a layout that we were thrilled with. She portioned out all of our backyard features so that we could make the most use of our space, and she added a lot of greenery so that it had a resort feeling. Every single detail down to each plant and even the furniture placement was spot on. She is worth every penny. There is no way we could have ended up with an end result that was this good on our own! **Comment from Melanie Rekola Landscape Design:** > Fatima, thank you so much for the very thoughtful words! It was a pleasure to work with you on this project and I'm thrilled you are pleased with the final result. Happy swimming! I'll be in touch soon! **★★★★★ — Christeen Lewis, Sept. 2017** > Project Scope: Complete over haul of odd shaped, small un-level backyard. Removal of above ground with (wood) deck to inground pool complete with multi level patio. > > For the past year, my husband and I (and several other designers!) scratched our heads about how to make our back yard work. Along comes Melanie--- Always on time and with a smile. Respectful of our home, ideas, and budget! This lady NAILED the design on the first draft! She came up with ideas when everyone else said it wasn't possible. We have a very odd shaped, small yard with significant elevation change. Who knew that we can transform it the way we did. > > Work to the yard has commenced this week. I will follow up on this post with pictures of Melanie's design in 6-8 weeks **Comment from Melanie Rekola Landscape Design:** > Thank you so much for the very kind words Christeen! I too can't wait to see the transformation. I'll pop by sometime soon! **★★★★★ — Jodes Bosse, Aug. 2017** > Melanie took extra care in our landscape design after several walks on the property. She was kind and patient during the entire process. The final drawing is outstanding and now the fun can really begin by making it come to life. Many thanks to Melanie and her design. **Comment from Melanie Rekola Landscape Design:** > Thank you Jody for your very kind words. I'm excited for you and your family to begin living outdoors at your lovely property. All the best! **★★★★★ — B & D Good, Dec. 2016** > After much deliberation, we decided to explore a landscape professional to help us with an overall plan & design of our backyard. > > Ultimately we chose to work with Melanie & she exceeded our expectations. Melanie listened to our initial ideas, budget range estimates & most importantly worked with what we had to provide a design framework we could then explore with sub-contractors. She delivered on her commitments to us & has been there for us to answer additional questions/concerns as we prepare for our investment & anticipated years of enjoyment. We have since referred Melanie to others & highly recommend her services & value to others for any size landscape project. **Comment from Melanie Rekola Landscape Design:** > Brian, I am touched. Thanks so much for your kind words! I too am excited for your backyard dreams to come to fruition! **★★★★★ — lukeducy, Oct. 2016** > Despite a passion for gardening I was struggling with the plantings in our large front and back yard and needed help. It was such a pleasure meeting Melanie, so personable and so knowledgable. She created an exciting and thoroughly detailed layout including a fabulous back patio design which we absolutely love. It was the best thing we could have done to hire Melanie for our landscaping. I would recommend her highly. **★★★★★ — Kyle Roberts, Sept. 2016** > Just had Melanie do our backyard plans. Wonderful person with great ideas. Have already recommended her to a few people. **Comment from Melanie Rekola Landscape Design:** > Thanks so much for your kind words Kyle, I enjoyed your sense of modern style. Thanks also for the referrals! **★★★★★ — drslhudson, Sept. 2016** > After long hot summers of not using our backyard we contacted Melanie Rekola Landscape Design to start the process of our vision. We were able to meet with her to convey what we envisioned and with her knowledge and expertise she was able to transform our vision into a well thought out plan. > > I would highly recommend her services for your landscape design. When you are taking on a project of this nature this is money well spent to ensure you don't make expensive mistakes. Very satisfied and highly recommend this company. **★★★★★ — sbroberts99, Sept. 2016** > After living 12 years with a horribly boring and never-used backyard consisting of a splintered deck and a half acre of grass, we called Melanie and we couldn't be happier. Now we have a beautiful oasis where we spend every possible moment. Melanie listened to our ideas and took them to a level we couldn't even imagine. Watching it all come together was incredible. Our boring blank canvas backyard is now beautiful and functional. The drawings looked great on their own, but the 3D rendering really brought it to life and was a perfect way of seeing just how great our space could be. Melanie designed a perfect deck, gardens that even a non-gardener (like me!) can't kill, a gorgeous fire pit surrounded by huge flagstones, and a pavilion for shade where we enjoy meals, drinks, and watch the sunsets. I don't hesitate for a second to recommend Melanie. **Comment from Melanie Rekola Landscape Design:** > Thanks so much for the kind words Barb. It warms my heart to know your adorable family is now spending so much time in your backyard! **★★★★★ — Tanis Vos, June 2016** > Melanie has been a wealth of information to my husband and I during our recent backyard renovation. From the moment I met Melanie I could tell she had a passion for designing. We worked together to create a backyard of my dreams. Melanie was patient, enthusiastic and there to support me through the entire process. If you are looking for someone who's easy to work with and cares for her customers I would highly recommend you to Melanie Rekola Landscape Design. **★★★★★ — Muise Construction, Dec. 2015** > Muise Construction has worked with Mel on many high end projects, her designs and attention to detail are noticeably a step above other designers that we have worked with. Mel is always available for answering questions and providing site visits when needed, this shows her level of commitment to the projects we have collaborated on. ## Selected projects - [Outdoor Oasis for a contemporary Pod Style Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/outdoor-oasis-for-a-contemporary-pod-style-home-pj-vj~7503996) - Location: Oro Station, ON - Photos: 15 - [Forest Pool with an acrylic edge](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/forest-pool-with-an-acrylic-edge-pj-vj~7333436) - Location: Springwater, ON - Photos: 9 - [Lush Backyard Oasis](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lush-backyard-oasis-pj-vj~7333448) - Location: Barrie, ON - Photos: 11 - [Severn Backyard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/severn-backyard-pj-vj~7722390) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - [Caledon Scandi style oasis](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/caledon-scandi-style-oasis-pj-vj~7722398) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Toronto Backyard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/toronto-backyard-pj-vj~7504002) - Location: Toronto, ON - Photos: 3 - [Scandinavian Style Backyard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/scandinavian-style-backyard-pj-vj~7504011) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Dream outdoor space with a view](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dream-outdoor-space-with-a-view-pj-vj~7504004) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Mississauga Masterpiece](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mississauga-masterpiece-pj-vj~4702749) - Location: Mississauga, ON - Photos: 11 - Description: This extensive project literally took years to design and install. The modern classic styling has been carried throughout both the inside and outside of the home. The heavily treed lot provided the perfect balance and backdrop to this gorgeous home and landscape! The focal point of the front yard is the large bridge and also works as a design anchor. - [Georgetown Gorgeous](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/georgetown-gorgeous-pj-vj~7333462) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - [Priceville Paradise](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/priceville-paradise-pj-vj~2061294) - Location: Priceville, ON - Photos: 11 - Description: Modern concrete pool with auto cover and full width pool steps with 2' treads covered in natural stone. The contemporary clean lines of the patio space has contrast with planting pockets within and an outdoor shower. Amour stone walls are terraced to make up the level change between deck and patio area and filled with low maintenance perennial plant materials. A modern classic backyard with linear lines plus the of warmth of natural materials and sweeping views make this landscape shine. This am… - [Contemporary Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-landscape-pj-vj~1271469) - Location: Minesing, ON - Photos: 13 - Description: Contemporary front entrance with natural elements of wood and stone. Full width entry steps access both the front and side entrance points. Linear parking pad with black polished river stone accents the homes euro flair exterior. Backyard has a linear fibreglass swimming pool with fire and water features, large and long retaining walls with garden bed accents. Landscape design and photography by Melanie Rekola - [Midhurst Magic](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/midhurst-magic-pj-vj~1311608) - Location: Midhurst, ON - Photos: 11 - Description: Lovely backyard retreat included a swimming pool and landscape makeover. The former prefabricated pool steps were removed and replaced with modern vinyl over steel pool entry steps with deep 2' treads that double as a tanning ledge. Long natural stone pool coping adds elegance. The entire pool patio was reconfigured and replaced with premium pre cast pavers in a warm wheat colour with high contrast accent banding. Natural stone steps replaced wood and connect the upper and lower patio spaces. Re… - [Modern Classic](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-classic-pj-vj~2689343) - Location: Richmond Hill, ON - Photos: 10 - [Curvaceous Pool and multi level patio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/curvaceous-pool-and-multi-level-patio-pj-vj~1991189) - Location: Innisfil, ON - Photos: 9 - Description: Free-form pool and multi level patio with numerous seating vignettes fill this backyard retreat. The backyard includes a cabana with attached solid roof pavilion, a fire pit, fire table, and massive waterfall. Inside the pool are wide vinyl over steel steps, and a large tanning ledge. The upper patio terrace by the home sports an outdoor kitchen and dining table plus a comfy sofa set. Terraced armor stone walls retain the slope and are filled with lush plant materials to soften. - [Little and lush front entrance](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/little-and-lush-front-entrance-pj-vj~756545) - Location: Barrie, ON - Photos: 8 - Description: Japanese fusion landscape design. Circular front yard patio with bubbling stone water feature as the focal point. Colourful garden foliage with wonderful textural interest including Japanese Maple, golden scotch moss, blue fescue grass, and hosta just to name a few. This award winning project received 2 "Awards of Excellence" from both Landscape Ontario and Unilock Life in 2008. [See all 16 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/melanie-rekola-landscape-design-pfvwus-pf~1955626489) ## Ideabooks - [Keyhole](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/124909116/list/keyhole) — 1 idea - [CN Fireplace](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/84424267/list/cn-fireplace) — 7 ideas - [bedroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/53817560/list/bedroom) — 2 ideas - [Kitchen ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/37192737/list/kitchen-ideas) — 51 ideas - [furniture](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/52320065/list/furniture) — 29 ideas - [Cool Pools](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/40334371/list/cool-pools) — 81 ideas - [Fire Feature](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/40332281/list/fire-feature) — 27 ideas - [Greatroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/40663269/list/greatroom) — 47 ideas - [Modern Crown Molding](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46699881/list/modern-crown-molding) — 14 ideas - [Front porch/ sunroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/37184343/list/front-porch-sunroom) — 12 ideas - [Pavilions and Pergolas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/40665235/list/pavilions-and-pergolas) — 45 ideas - [Landscape lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/40668285/list/landscape-lighting) — 9 ideas - [Houseplants](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/42914984/list/houseplants) — 36 ideas - [Garden Arbour](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/45257577/list/garden-arbour) — 26 ideas - [Patio Daybeds](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/40332043/list/patio-daybeds) — 7 ideas - [Modern Fencing](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/40666509/list/modern-fencing) — 19 ideas - [Stepping Stone Path](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/40417521/list/stepping-stone-path) — 17 ideas - [Outdoor Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/40331788/list/outdoor-kitchens) — 12 ideas - [Sunken Patio](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/37521619/list/sunken-patio) — 18 ideas - [Pool Waterfeature](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/39379248/list/pool-waterfeature) — 18 ideas [See all 62 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/ladylandscape1) ## Community Q&A **Q: what’s the garage door manufacturer?** *(in Photo Questions)* What’s the brand of garage doors? Are they appropriate for use in a Connecticut climate? A: I'm sorry but I'm just the Landscape Designer for this project and was not part of the house build. i wish I knew! All the best in your search. **Q: Love the large rock outcropping!** *(in Photo Questions)* Can anyone tell me what kind of stones the large outcropping are of? A: Hi there - they are armor stone (limestone boulders) very commonly used my area. All the best in your search! **Q: Approximately how much does an 8x8 fiberglass pool frame weigh?** *(in Photo Questions)* Trying to figure out the easiest way to get small spa from street to backyard without a crane. A: Hi there! I'm sorry I don't know the answer (as well this pool is 8' x 16'). Perhaps you could contact Leisure Pools Canada to ask? All the best! **Q: Name of the bush** *(in Photo Questions)* Melanie, That red bush is beautiful! What is the name of it please. A: Hi there! Its a Canada Serviceberry clump (Amelanchier canadensis) a gorgeous small shrubby tree native to Canada. All the best! **Q: What material is your driveway?** *(in Photo Questions)* What material is your driveway? A: Hi Pamela, the paver is Industria Slab in Nickel by Techo Bloc, driveway is asphalt, stones are polished black beach pebble. Cheers, Melanie **Q: Nice Cocktail Pool** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you please tell me whether or not this is a fiberglass pool and if so, the brand name? Love it! Thanks in advance. A: Hi there Linda! Thanks for you kind words!! Yes this pool is fiberglass, its by Leisure Fiberglass Pools and it's called the "Palladium Plunge". All the best! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-07.*