--- title: "Genus Loci Ecological Landscapes Inc. — Landscape Contractors | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/genus-loci-ecological-landscapes-inc-pfvwus-pf~25181175 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~25181175.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Genus Loci Ecological Landscapes Inc." category: ["Landscape Contractors"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/4f0386dc0f60e543_2263-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1344 Wellington St. W, King City, Ontario, Canada" latitude: 43.9133 longitude: -79.6409 phone: "(416) 453-3476" website: http://www.genus-loci.ca rating: 5 review_count: 26 best_of_houzz_awards: 12 followers: 376 last_updated: 2026-08-16 --- # Genus Loci Ecological Landscapes Inc. Original Houzz profile: [Genus Loci Ecological Landscapes Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/genus-loci-ecological-landscapes-inc-pfvwus-pf~25181175) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Contractors - **Location:** King City, ON - **Serves:** Aurora, Caledon, King City, Markham, Newmarket, Peel Region, Richmond Hill, Vaughan - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (26 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 12 awards (2013–2023), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 50,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Eco-friendly Genus Loci Ecological Landscapes Inc. is a progressive, full-service landscape company based in King City, Ontario. Serving the Greater Toronto Area, our team of landscape architects, builders, and horticulturalists work in collaboration with associate surveyors, engineers and tradesmen to offer a streamlined, landscape service for projects big and small in the residential, commercial, and public sectors. Here are five key reasons to entrust Genus Loci with your landscape project: 1\. High Level Design Service: We take design very seriously - it really is "where the magic happens". We offer a high level, modestly-priced professional design service to create uniquely customized, thoughtfully inspired and exquisitely detailed landscapes and outdoor living spaces that accurately reflect your vision, needs, wants and budget. 2\. Quality construction and workmanship: Our in-house construction division handles virtually all the installation work. Where necessary, we rely on highly qualified sub-contractors to tackle specialized aspects of construction. Our chain of command includes a site supervisor, a project manager, a site foreman and lead hands, all in direct line of communication with the project designer to ensure each project meets our rigorous quality control standards, stays on track, and remains true to the designs. 3\. Efficiency: Genus Loci streamlines the traditional client/designer/third party contractor process by offering a seamlessly integrated design and construction package that a) saves you money by reducing professional design and administrative fees; b) ensures a smooth and efficient transition from design to construction; c) shorter, more efficient turnaround time from start to finish. 4\. Effective Communications: Effective communications and transparency is a priority through the design, estimating, construction and post-construction project stages. Our integrated design-build model ensures strong lines of communication between the client, designer and project supervisor. Our process is flexible, adaptable and responsive when site-dictated or client-requested design changes are needed "on the fly" as construction progresses. 5\. Continuity: Genus Loci cultivates long term relationships. Our integrated approach allows us to see your project though from initial vision, to concept development and construction, through to warranty periods and on-going maintenance and support. ### Services Provided - Landscape Construction - Hardscaping - Patio Construction - Garden Design - Landscape Maintenance - Deck Building - Pergola Construction - Paver Installation - Retaining Wall Construction - Custom Fire Pits - Pool Landscaping - Outdoor Kitchen Construction - Custom Water Features - Outdoor Lighting Installation - Outdoor Fireplace Construction - Masonry - Swimming Pool Construction - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Gazebo Design & Construction - Fence Installation - Landscape Lighting Installation - Planting - Landscape Drainage System Installation - Tree Planting - Sod Installation - Trellis Construction - Pond Construction - Land Leveling & Grading - Shed Design & Construction - Wood Fence Installation - Arbor Design and Construction - Site Preparation - Excavating - Living Walls - Edible Gardens - Dry Wells - Landscape Design - Swimming Pool Design - Ecological Landscaping & Low Impact Development - Ecological Restoration including Lake & Creek - Landscape Architecture - Natural Swimming Pools - Permeable Pavements - Pool Ponds & Waterscapes - Rain Gardens & Bioswales - Storm Water Harvesting - Storm Water Management - Woodworking - Xeriscapes ### Areas Served - Aurora - Caledon - King City - Markham - Newmarket - Peel Region - Richmond Hill - Vaughan ### Typical Job Cost CAD $25,000 - $100,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Genus Loci Ecological Landscapes Inc. | | Address | 1344 Wellington St. W, King City, Ontario, Canada | | Phone | (416) 453-3476 | | Website | http://www.genus-loci.ca | | Followers on Houzz | 376 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/Genus-Loci-Ecological-Landscapes-Inc/197109520306194 - Blog — http://www.youtube.com/user/genuslocicanada ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Genus Loci Ecological Landscapes Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/genus-loci-ecological-landscapes-inc-pfvwus-pf~25181175) - **Website:** http://www.genus-loci.ca - **Phone:** (416) 453-3476 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Member of the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects - Member of Landscape Ontario - Authorized Unilock Contractor - **Best of Houzz:** 12 awards (2013–2023), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 26 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Helen Turner, July 2020** > We engaged Genus Loci for both the design and construction for our front and back yards and were extremely happy with the outcome. > > Design-wise: The Communication was excellent - Jean Marc listened, asked questions and took time to understand what we were looking to achieve. He provided creative solutions and kept our budget in mind. He was clear where there may be unknowns and the impact that could have both to time and cost. We felt very confident that the end result would be spectacular and within budget because the communication (both listening and sharing) was open, honest and clear. > > Construction: We were extremely impressed with the level of care and professionalism from the team. They worked diligently and with courtesy for us and our property (and our neighbours experience through it!). The team took care to pick out healthy well shaped plants and specimen trees for our garden and we were thrilled. We were really happy with the quality work and and feel it was good value for money. > > Budget: with the exception of one element the budget was met and in some cases less than expected. As we all know, things happen during construction - the difference with Genus Loci is how they managed it. The one area that exceeded plan had been raised as a potential at the beginning of the project so this was not a surprise - the impact was communicated in a timely fashion, clearly expressed and professionally dealt with. Having experienced other contractors approach to budget - this was a refreshing change and we have no reservations recommending them to others. > > Overall we highly recommend Genus Loci. They are a creative, trustworthy, transparent and professional landscaping company. **Comment from Genus Loci Ecological Landscapes Inc.:** > Thanks so much for your review Helen, we appreciate your recommendation. If there was a way to rate clients, we would definitely give you and Graham a 5 star review - it was a pleasure working with you both. **★★★★★ — Lynda Fishman, Aug. 2019** > Don't search any longer! If you are looking for outstanding landscaping, a beautiful pond, stream or waterfall . . . this is the company you should use. We had a pond and waterfall installed by another company, and the problems we had with the entire system were endless. Simon and his team spent the time and effort not only resolving our problems, but totally enhancing the look and operation of our water feature. They are super professional, competent, honest, fair, and truly a pleasure to deal with. We highly recommend them. **★★★★★ — Joanne Isakow, Nov. 2018** > We had Genus Loci provide landscaping work for us in the springtime of 2018. They were incredibly professional, got in and got out in the time frame they said they would, and provided a finished product which was beyond what we could have wished for. I felt that my idea/vision for the project was realized fully. Unlike some companies who will camp out at your residence for weeks/months on end chipping away at a project with minimal crew because they are spread too thin, GL had a full crew, and was super efficient with their tasks. I would also add that they followed through with some quick corrections to minor deficiencies (dead sod replacement) without issue, which was wonderful. I would highly recommend this group. Jean Marc, Simon, Guido, Derrek and the whole crew were an absolute pleasure to work with. **Comment from Genus Loci Ecological Landscapes Inc.:** > Thanks very much Joanne. We also very much enjoyed working with you and Kevin, and look forward to coming out next year to take some photos! **★★★★★ — StijlTree, March 2018** > Working with Genus Loci Ecological Landscapes Inc was painless and quick! They provided services for soil sampling a Natural Heritage Site. They were very professional and prompt with their service, in addition to being very fair with their pricing. I hope to work with them again on future projects! **★★★★★ — Rae Ann Fera, Jan. 2018** > Jean-Marc and his crew were excellent. I really couldn't be happier. He transformed our small downtown yard into a spa-like oasis where every last inch is functional – and beautiful. > > The objective with our reno was to replace and reinforce a collapsing fence with retaining wall, to design space for a hot tub, and make better use of our small yard that was constrained by an existing and permanent concrete deck. All while working around certain structures vs. totally gutting the space and starting anew (which we didn't have the budget for) and my (unreasonable?) insistence on saving my 15-year-old rose bush! I was giving up a lush if less than functional yard... I needed to keep something from the past! The job also included landscaping the front yard and adding stone steps to the driveway. > > Right from the start, everything about the project screamed "difficult," from accessing the small space with equipment to retrofitting an extended wood deck over an old concrete one while maintaining access to the basement, to working around an issue that prevented me from replacing the fence in the back of the yard. That was to say nothing of the relenting rain Jean-Marc and his crew – who were polite, communicative and hard-working – faced. > > Jean-Marc met each challenge with creativity, collaboration and humour. He was a great collaborator; I'd been envisioning what I wanted in my yard for over 10 years but didn't know how to pull it off. Some of the most enjoyable times were our design sessions where I could bounce ideas off him and he'd come up with a way to make it happen. He was able to take my vision and elevate it beyond my expectations. > > Jean-Marc was also excellent at recommending solutions within my budget and was very forthright and clear about how much my "what if we did this..." questions would cost, and what alternatives there for to the really expensive ideas. We were able to work together to make the right decisions for the project outcome and the budget. There were no surprises with the final budget as, aside from the modifications we discussed along the way, it was exactly as agreed upon. > > This project did take longer than expected but that was owing to torrential rains at the start of summer and the complexity of some small details. The rains were so bad that one day the crew's drill box was floating in the outside basement stairwell!! Through it all, Jean-Marc was good humoured and communicative (if exasperated by bad weather!) and his crew even worked through rains that would have otherwise ended the workday. The weather threw off our schedule quite a bit but, again, I always knew what to expect. > > The quality of the final product is top-notch and his attention to detail was excellent. His prices were fair and clearly outlined, and were representative of the fact that no short cuts were taken. > > I now have a backyard that is going to last me for decades. And there is literally not a day that goes by that we don't look around us and marvel at how awesome it all is! Now I can't wait for all the plants to start growing in summer! **Comment from Genus Loci Ecological Landscapes Inc.:** > Thanks for the review Rae Ann. Design is a collaborative process, and I thoroughly enjoyed working on this project with you. The end result is very much a product of the ideas and sharp insights you brought to the table. I love synergistic design! **★★★★★ — Anna Teskey, April 2017** > I hired Genus Loci Ecological Landscapes for a garden re-design which also had to address some major drainage issues that affected both my property and my neighbour's. Jean-Marc was very skilled at integrating the new aspects of the design with the existing features of my garden that I wanted to keep. During design consultations, he was very easy to work with: he communicated his thought process, listened to what I wanted, and created a fabulous design that we were both excited about, and that properly dealt with the drainage issues. The cost was very reasonable given the complexity of the project. The construction crew were considerate, on time, and gave great attention to detail. Overall, it was a very pleasant experience with excellent results - I'd highly recommend this company (and I'm very picky!). **★★★★★ — Anne Clemes, April 2017** > I recently bought a home where landscaping solutions were needed in both the front and back yards. As well, drainage solutions were an important concern. Jean Marc took time to assess my needs and wants and provided a clear design plan which we tweaked together. He was able to offer quality alternatives for stone and brick work and plantings etc, to keep within my budget. > The project team were efficient, hard working and kept the worksite clean. Considering the weather didn't always cooperate, they were able to keep very close to the proposed timeline. > Good communication was essential because I was away for much of the actual implementation phase. Daily emails with pictures and prompt follow up to answer questions, kept me fully informed. > There is some spring follow up required and this plan is now underway, including an assessment of how well the fall plantings have lasted and settling of ground cover etc. > I would highly recommend this company: friendly, trustworthy, professional, good quality work. **★★★★★ — User, Oct. 2016** > If you want a landscape that is truly special – hire Genus-Loci. > We did just that two years ago and now have an amazing landscape that perfectly fits our lifestyle. Our project included extensive landscaping of a ravine lot and also a permeable driveway. This involved approvals from the conservation authority and City of Toronto. Genus-Loci developed the key documents for these approvals and provided expert support to us through the process. We finally got started in the fall of 2015. > This first thing that is notable about Genus-Loci is that they give you time. We had a several meetings to develop the design and met as needed during the construction process. We had lots of ideas – some of them delightful (we thought), but impractical! Your ideas will be listened to and tempered with that Genus Loci experience that intuits your wishes and respects your budget. We quickly came to trust Genus-Loci with their ideas, expertise and transparency. > Jean-Marc and Simon are creative, thoughtful, but also practical. They really listen and address your concerns. The quotes provided appropriate details and where our vision was not realistic given our budget, Genus-Loci came up with solutions that did not seem like compromises but rather became features of the revised design. They came in on budget for each phase of our project. Of course there were small surprises on implementation – but Genus-Loci was ready with solutions that worked for us. Our completed garden and driveway have wowed friends and neighbours and is low maintenance as we needed. > A more honest and trustworthy company you will not find. Their services are of the highest professional standard, and they give excellent value for money, especially given the level of competence and the high skill level of their team which shows so profoundly in the finished product. > To be honest the only down side is that our project is now over and the discussions and synergy which we enjoyed so much, have subsided. I guess we will have to dream up another project to get them back! **Comment from Genus Loci Ecological Landscapes Inc.:** > Thanks Rob, It was a pleasure working with you and Chris over the past couple of years, imagining, designing and transforming your beautiful urban ravine property. I do believe we found its Genius Loci, expressed in an intimate synthesis of the natural and cultural landscape. As you know, this project also reminded me of what I love about my calling as a landscape architect, ecologist, and builder - to engage in a creative process that transforms the seed of an idea into a place of beauty. This was truly a collaborative and synergistic effort, and I must say that working on your design never felt like "work". I look forward to seeing your garden evolve and mature in the coming years. **★★★★★ — Irene Mota, Sept. 2016** > Jan-Marc and his team at Genus Loci Ecological Landscapes Inc. took a blank canvas (our backyard) and created a lovely backyard oasis. We discussed our requirements, budget, timelines etc. and Jean-Marc and his team took it from there. They asked a lot of questions and gave us a lot of options to choose from. They reviewed local municipal bylaws and were also able to make plant suggestions based on our yard specifications and our lifestyle needs (i.e. low maintenance yard(. We were very happy with the end result and would highly recommend Genus Loci Ecological Landscapes Inc.! **Comment from Genus Loci Ecological Landscapes Inc.:** > Thanks for the review and photos. Looks like you are doing a great job of maintaining the gardens, look forward to dropping by soon to take a look in person! > Jean-Marc **★★★★★ — B Allen, July 2016** > We could not be happier with the work Genus Loci has done for us. Jean-Marc, Simon and all of the crew were extremely professional, knowledgeable, helpful, courteous and accommodating, and provide high quality workmanship. Through Genus Loci we transformed our backyard in two phases between the fall of 2015 and spring of 2016. We had a very challenging drainage issue and clear ideas of how we wanted to use the spaces in our yard, but not sure how to resolve the problems while creating a beautiful space. Genus Loci did an amazing job in solving the drainage and giving us the yard we dreamed of. Their estimate was detailed and accurate and they came in at their estimate. Being a project manager myself, I really respect the clear project management process they follow. They also were very accommodating of questions (I had a lot!) and open to figuring out how to work with you and your budget. Landscaping is not an inexpensive endeavour, and personally I wanted excellent quality and value for our investment - this is what we got with Genus Loci. We will be using them again next year for our front yard and I would highly recommend them. **★★★★★ — Douglas Ng, June 2016** > It was great pleasure with work with the Genus Loci team. Jean-Marc, Simon and Peter are all wonderful people to work with; very respectful, very professional and take no shortcuts. I had this backyard for almost 3 years now; it is like sitting at the cottage everyday after work! Birds (woodpeckers, finches, cardinals, bees, butterflies, frogs) love to visit my garden and pond now... they are just so wonderful to watch. I had never imagined in my life, I can spend a whole day at my backyard and just relax! When it is time to do my front yard, this will be the team :) > > Keep up the excellent work! **★★★★★ — mia57, Feb. 2016** > Genus Loci has done 3 separate projects for us. We live on a rural property in Richmond Hill, Ontario that is just under an acre.It is an old bungalow that used to be a farm. There is a back deck where we did all of our entertaining and relaxing but this is the smallest part of the yard. The largest part is at the side of the house and we wanted to transform that area so that we could move our leisure activities and guests to that part of the yard. With this in mind, the first project that Genus Loci did for us in 2010 was installing a two tiered pond with a waterfall and landscaping around the pond. The cost was $10,000. The results were dramatic. A beautiful pond with such an amazing visual and auditory experience of tranquility. Your eye always goes there and it attracts a large number of birds and frogs. We even saw a large turtle there once!Our house had a long and wide gravel driveway which had no curb appeal. For our second project in 2012 Genus loci created a stone driveway using brussels block, edged with large rocks where the driveway meets the road. They did some planting using ornamental grasses on both sides of the driveway at the road, and added a big rock with our house number engraved on it and an uplight for night illumination, plus two entrance lights, at a cost of $50,000? The completed work looked like an estate property rather than an old farmhouse. It completely transformed the look of our house. The third project was in the summer of 2015. Genus Loci built a poolside pergola and deck and created a brussels block patio. Landscaping was done around the deck/patio and extended to the pond which they installed in 2010. Landscaping also continued around an existing shed and stone waterfall which is connected to the pool. This tied everything together at a cost of $20,000.Jean Marc, Simone, Peter and the rest of the team were amazing. They take your vision and create a drawn plan which is easy to understand, they assess your needs and incorporate that into the plan. They explored ideas with us and brain stormed and this created a visual image that far surpassed our original conception of the project. Once they provided us with the drawn plans they were open to tweaking it and adding other ideas. The Genus Loci team have always been open, friendly, professional and very hard workers. They are focused on keeping their workspace clean and tidy, not leaving any traces that a work crew has been there.We have had other contractors that completed rennos on our home and we were forever picking up nails and screws and scraps of materials. We have had to cleanup oil spills on our driveway and replant damaged grass. It was refreshing not to have to worry about any of that with Genus Loci. They are an environmentally sensitive company which goes a long way for us. The teams' creativity and focus on detail has created an outdoor oasis that far surpasses any resort we have stayed at during our many travels. ## Selected projects - [Pond in the Fields](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pond-in-the-fields-pj-vj~5688486) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: This site is located in a rural agricultural area in the Blue Mountains region of Ontario. The owners wanted to fit a natural swimming pool within the framework of a modern terrace framed by linear concrete walls designed by Building Arts Architecture to enclose and shelter the space from relentless winds from the west. The clean, simple lines of the terrace and walls create a striking effect and juxtaposition against the pool's natural character and the site's natural/rural flavour. This is one… - [Swim Pond by the River - Caledon, Ontario](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/swim-pond-by-the-river-caledon-ontario-pj-vj~5688331) - Location: Caledon, ON - Photos: 8 - Description: This site is located along the scenic Credit River Valley near the Forks of the Credit in Caledon, Ontario. Having completed the construction of a new rustic log cabin style home with a large studio outbuilding, the owners set their sights on the construction of a natural swimming pond in a courtyard-type setting framed to the south and east by the buildings, and to the north by natural forest through which the Credit River flows. In this design, the owners can walk out of the home, onto a stone… - [The Neighborhood Swimming Hole - An Urban Natural Swimming Pool](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-neighborhood-swimming-hole-an-urban-natural-swimming-pool-pj-vj~2814156) - Location: Brampton, ON - Photos: 3 - Description: We are often asked whether Natural Swimming Pools are suitable for smaller urban and sub-urban properties. The answer is yes, with some creativity and ingenuity. This project is a perfect example. Natural swimming pools require more land than a conventional pool, because the footprint includes the plant filters. A typical NSP with an 18ft x 30ft swim zone will likely measure between 1000 and 1500sf. This can of course be tight fit for smaller lots, especially when factoring additional space requ… - [Urban Potager Retreat Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/urban-potager-retreat-garden-pj-vj~2433450) - Location: Toronto, ON - Photos: 10 - Description: This lovely ravine property is located in Toronto's Don Valley. The Owners, both avid gardeners and naturalists, approached Genus Loci to design and build a garden that would address an ambitious design program. The garden incorporates 5 key design elements: 1) Privacy and intimacy: the backyard was delineated by old chain-link fences that offered zero privacy. A key portion of the project was the design and construction of contemporary cedar fences and screens to enhance privacy and turn views… - [Urban Xeriscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/urban-xeriscape-pj-vj~42154) - Location: Vaughan, ON - Photos: 6 - [Urban Garden Retrofit](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/urban-garden-retrofit-pj-vj~42158) - Location: Toronto, ON - Photos: 3 - [Custom Arbour](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-arbour-pj-vj~365471) - Location: Richmond Hill, ON - Photos: 3 - Description: The Client wanted a new backyard terrace with some shade and a water feature. She is sun-sensitive, and the pergola was to be the centrepiece. She asked for a unique and contemporary design rather than the conventional four post pergola. The end result is a cantilevered pergola supported on two 8x8 Douglas Fir posts, angled to the sun for maximum shade effect, with a dense cedar canopy. Woodwork was completed by Black Line Design Build, hardscape and plantings by Genus Loci. The posts frame an A… - [Urban Xeriscape Rockery](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/urban-xeriscape-rockery-pj-vj~65479) - Location: Toronto, ON - Photos: 3 - Description: This Client's raised front entrance garden adjacent to the driveway was in dire need of a makeover. The dilapidated 20 year old pressure-treated timber retaining walls were sorely outdated, plants were overgrown and unimpressive, and the overall look was completely out of sync with the residence's modern architectural style. The design goals were to: 1) replace and modernize the retaining wall without injuring the garden's three large Honeylocust trees ; 2) downsize and simplify the planting, an… - [Suburban Spa](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/suburban-spa-pj-vj~42161) - Location: Caledon, ON - Photos: 4 - Description: This project involved the complete transformation of a small, exposed 3000 sf suburban backyard lawnscape into a compact, private multi-faceted outdoor living space and spa. The design grew out of the Clients' simple musings on their interpretation of outdoor living: cooking and enjoying a fine meal outdoors, followed by a long soak in the hot tub, capped off with peaceful moments by a fire under the stars with their young family (and yes, roasted marshmallows were a part of the vision). The des… - [Innisfill Ontario Natural Swimming Pool](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/innisfill-ontario-natural-swimming-pool-pj-vj~496044) - Location: Innisfil, ON - Photos: 5 - Description: Having recently divested themselves of a lakeside Muskoka cottage property, the clients wanted to recreate the freshwater swimming and natural outdoor living experience at home, in their backyard. The outcome was a natural swimming pool, constructed in a forest setting, complemented by a diving dock, a outdoor living terrace, firepit and other elements. - [Oasis in the Forest, King CIty, Ontario](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oasis-in-the-forest-king-city-ontario-pj-vj~39420) - Location: King City, ON - Photos: 8 - [Waterfall by Fields](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/waterfall-by-fields-pj-vj~342371) - Location: Nobleton, ON - Photos: 2 - Description: The homeowner wanted to change the look and feel of an unremarkable armour stone retaining wall flanking his front yard. The solution? Insert a waterfall and pond! The waterfall is constructed of granite boulders to contrast with the grey limestone chunks. - [The Terraces](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-terraces-pj-vj~365454) - Location: Maple, ON - Photos: 4 - Description: Having recently moved into their new home in Maple, Ontario, the homeowners were determined to transform their barren and exposed backyard into an intimate and tasteful outdoor living space. The concept centres around the construction of several different "rooms", for dining, sunbathing, lounging and reading. Constructed in 2013, the strategically placed trees and shrubs will need some time to mature so that they can enclose the space and provide the intended level of privacy, but in the short t… - [Rural Retreat on the Farm](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rural-retreat-on-the-farm-pj-vj~430884) - Location: Clarkesburg, ON - Photos: 16 - Description: The owners of this magnificent rural farm property in the rustic village of Clarkesburg, Ontario were looking for a place to swim and relax after a hard day's work on their farm. They were not interested in a chlorinated pool, preferring instead the look and feel of a natural swimming pool that could be seamlessly integrated withing the surrounding natural and rural landscape. They also had a vision for a "faux ruin", a shelter designed to look like a barn ruin, complete with a built in wood bur… - [Cottage at Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cottage-at-home-pj-vj~39416) - Location: Loretto, ON - Photos: 11 - Description: The owners of this 4 acre property were looking for a unique cottage experience in their backyard. Situated in a small rural sub-division, the house is nestled in a ravine forest setting, so the bones of the experience were already in place. Genus Loci developed a landscape masterplan for the property, with a freshwater natural swimming pool, stream and waterfall as its centrepiece. A quarter acre of lawn was reduced to a small 500 sf patch of turf as the setting for a firepit. The master plan i… - [Natural Stone Stairway](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/natural-stone-stairway-pj-vj~342378) - Location: Schomberg, ON - Photos: 2 - Description: As part of a larger landscape renovation project, a dilapidated timber staircase leading down to a music studio was replaced with a natural stone staircase constructed of Goldrush limestone slabs from Attia Quarries Ltd. This is a recent installation, so the plantings are small, but eventually, the design will be completed by lush greenery on both sides of the staircase. - [Oakville Poolscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oakville-poolscape-pj-vj~42156) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Backyard Renovation, Newmarket ON](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/backyard-renovation-newmarket-on-pj-vj~40360) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Erin, Ontario Natural Swimming Pool](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/erin-ontario-natural-swimming-pool-pj-vj~40353) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Urban Ravine Project, Old Bridle Path, Toronto, ON](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/urban-ravine-project-old-bridle-path-toronto-on-pj-vj~39423) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 [See all 20 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/genus-loci-ecological-landscapes-inc-pfvwus-pf~25181175) ## Ideabooks - [walls](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1779354/list/walls) — 8 ideas - [waterfalls](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1947052/list/waterfalls) — 2 ideas - [fire pits](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1772438/list/fire-pits) — 2 ideas - [art landscapes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1787026/list/art-landscapes) — 3 ideas - [water](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1779460/list/water) — 3 ideas - [marketing photos](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1787072/list/marketing-photos) — 1 idea - [pergolas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1772465/list/pergolas) — 2 ideas - [screens and gates](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1779475/list/screens-and-gates) — 1 idea - [pavements and ground covers](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1772444/list/pavements-and-ground-covers) — 4 ideas - [jmdaigle's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1772252/list/jmdaigle-s-ideas) — 11 ideas [See all 10 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/jmdaigle) ## Community Q&A **Q: Dimensions?** *(in Photo Questions)* Hello, It's such a beautiful pool/pond! Can you tell me the dimensions of the pool and also the surround pond area? Thank you1 A: This pool is on the smaller side. The Swim Zone measures around 350sf (22 x 15), the plant filter takes up another 500 - 600 sf sf. Total square footage in the photo (there is more to the landscaping outside the photo) is around 2000 sf. Hope this helps? **Q: What is the plant along the fence?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Northern Sea Oats beneath River Birch (Betula populifolia) **Q: Love this fountain. What are the plants you chose to surround it?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thanks for the feedback! The upright plant at the back is a "Waterfall" Japanese Maple, and the lower shrub in the front is a Carol Mackie Daphe. Hope this helps! **Q: Do water animals end up in these types of pools?** *(in Photo Questions)* These types of pools are beautiful and extremely inviting. However, as inviting as they appear to humans, there may be an invitation too many going out. How are frogs, snakes, turtles and the like kept from making these pools their new homes? Sincerely. Kathi from VA A: I would simply do a search using keywords such as "garden ponds virginia", select images, and click on the photos you like - hopefully, these will link you to companies that do such installations. Also, you could do a search for Aquascape certified contractors for your area. Aquascape is a major player in the manufacture of garden pond equipment, and they have many certified contractors across the US. Good luck with this! Jean-Marc **Q: Plant ID?** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the blue flowering shrub? A: Catmint **Q: Love this look! What did you use in between the stone pavers? Mulch?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Yes, mulch in the short term, ground cover (Irish Moss) for the long term. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-16.*