--- title: "Take Root Gardens — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/take-root-gardens-pfvwus-pf~277360375 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~277360375.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Take Root Gardens" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/d903f18d0240913d_1667-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1067 east 22nd ave, Vancouver, British Columbia V5V 1W2, Canada" latitude: 49.2452 longitude: -123.1017 phone: "(604) 318-5787" website: http://www.takerootgardens.com rating: 5 review_count: 72 best_of_houzz_awards: 11 followers: 81 last_updated: 2026-08-24 --- # Take Root Gardens Original Houzz profile: [Take Root Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/take-root-gardens-pfvwus-pf~277360375) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Vancouver, BC - **Serves:** Burnaby, Coal Harbour, Coquitlam, Hastings-Sunrise, Kitsilano, Lynn Creek, New Westminster, North Burnaby, North Vancouver, Richmond, Sunset, Vancouver, West Point Grey, West Vancouver, Yaletown - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (72 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 11 awards (2015–2026), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Take Root Gardens is a Vancouver, BC based full service garden design and installation company. We specialize in customized, low maintenance garden spaces. Take Root Gardens owner's Matt Kilburn and Ty Smith have a hands on approach to every project, combining an extensive experience in garden design and installation. Matt also writes a monthly article on Houzz focusing on design considerations in urban gardens: www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/mkilburn ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Site Planning - Custom Water Features - Outdoor Lighting Design - Deck Design - 3D Rendering - Project Management - Drafting - Organic Gardens - Shed Design & Construction - Edible Gardens - Deck Building - Deck Repair - Fence Installation & Repair - Masonry Construction & Repair - Trellis & Pergola Construction - landscaping - outdoor lighting - patio installation - planting plans ### Areas Served - Burnaby - Coal Harbour - Coquitlam - Hastings-Sunrise - Kitsilano - Lynn Creek - New Westminster - North Burnaby - North Vancouver - Richmond - Sunset - Vancouver - West Point Grey - West Vancouver - Yaletown ### Typical Job Cost CAD 10,000 - CAD 100,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Take Root Gardens | | Address | 1067 east 22nd ave, Vancouver, British Columbia V5V 1W2, Canada | | Phone | (604) 318-5787 | | Website | http://www.takerootgardens.com | | Followers on Houzz | 81 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/takerootgardens - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/TakeRootGardens - Blog — http://www.instagram.com/takerootgardens ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Take Root Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/take-root-gardens-pfvwus-pf~277360375) - **Website:** http://www.takerootgardens.com - **Phone:** (604) 318-5787 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 11 awards (2015–2026), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 72 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Ardeth Ellis, June 2026** > Making the decision to hire the services of a landscaping team with vision usually means you have been dreaming about the unfulfilled potential of your yard for a long time. You know it could be a garden oasis, but where to start? You have some ideas, and you may already have some existing plants that you wish to keep, but you require a concrete plan that marries function, cohesion, and beauty in order to bring your hazy vision for your garden into clear view. This is where Take Root Gardens efficiently transforms what can seem like an overwhelming project into the reality you always dreamed of. The best part for us, in addition to the final result of course, was that right from the outset their level of enthusiasm for our dream seemed to match ours. It was such a pleasure to work with a team who from beginning to end was communicative, committed, engaged, and professional. They listened attentively to our ideas, shared their ideas and offered direction, made adjustments, worked very hard to source the perfect plants/shrubs/trees, were timely and very well organized, and couldn’t have been more thorough in providing us with a detailed plan of what our garden would look like before proceeding. This plan had several iterations as changes were incorporated, and these were all promptly emailed to us. It is a bonus to have the plan and the plant image board to reference as time passes, and also an easy way to keep interested relatives in the loop who live on another continent! The icing on the cake is Take Root Gardens is a small business, owned and run by partners Matt and Ty who, in addition to their formidable combined and complementary expertise, bring a very welcome personal touch to their interactions with the customer. **Comment from Take Root Gardens:** > Thanks so much for the review Ardeth! We really enjoyed working with you to transform your garden. **★★★★★ — D Lavar, May 2026** > The process with Take Root was seamless and stress free, from design to installation while staying within budget. Ty and Matt are exceptionally knowledgeable in the plant selection to the implementation. Highly Recommend Take Root as they are incredible to work with. **Comment from Take Root Gardens:** > Thank you so much for taking the time to write us a review, we really appreciate it! We enjoyed working with you to transform your front garden and hope you have a great summer. **★★★★★ — amandapanda007, May 2026** > Matt and Ty are pros!! I had the pleasure of working with them on an extensive front yard / walkway reno this Spring. From concept to completion, no detail was missed. Matt was great at turning a concept into a concrete plan, and Ty masterfully executed that vision with his team, overcoming all the obstacles of a quirky old house and grading nightmare. I am beyond impressed and so thrilled with the end product. I HIGHLY recommend Take Root Gardens if you're looking for some beautiful landscaping. **Comment from Take Root Gardens:** > Thanks Amanda! We really appreciate you taking the time to write a review. We enjoyed working with you to transform your front garden. Have a great summer! **★★★★★ — PB, May 2026** > We hired Take Root Gardens for a full front and backyard project alongside a home renovation in Vancouver, and the results exceeded our expectations. Matt and his team handled everything from design to installation, and the attention to detail really shows. The team was professional, on time, easy to communicate with, and worked seamlessly with our general contractor throughout the project. Our yard looks completely transformed and has added so much curb appeal. Highly recommend for anyone looking for reliable landscaping services in the Lower Mainland. **★★★★★ — Sandra, March 2026** > Take Roots Garden team came out to redo the patio space in my backyard. I was so impressed with the quality of work they delivered and I am so "over the moon" with the results. It was not an easy job hauling all the heavy rocks from the existing patio and creating the beautiful "rock garden" on the side of the house. Special thanks to Ty, James and Ronan for doing an amazing job and for creating the beautiful patio in my backyard. They so readily and perfectly attended to all the adjustments I requested and helped replace the heavy concrete blocks and large flower pots back in place. The Take Roots Garden team rock ! I definitely highly recommend them ! **Comment from Take Root Gardens:** > Thanks so much for the kind words Sandra! We hope you get lots of use out of your new patio this summer. **★★★★★ — Bevan Hughes, Oct. 2025** > Excellent experience redo-ing our landscaping after some frustrating missteps with another outfit. Matt and Ty were so easy to work with - excellent communicators with great advice and most importantly efficient and budget-conscious implementation of the plan. Highly recommended! **Comment from Take Root Gardens:** > Thanks for the review Bevan! We really enjoyed working with you and hope you get lots of use out of your new garden. **★★★★★ — Claire, Sept. 2024** > Matt and Ty completed a project at our duplex and we couldn't be more pleased with the results! Throughout the whole experience, their communication was clear and thorough. They provided very helpful suggestions to optimize our space and the final product looks amazing! We would highly recommend working with them and their team :) **Comment from Take Root Gardens:** > Thanks so much for the review Claire! We really enjoyed working with you and hope you get lots of use out of your new garden. **★★★★★ — coachpearce, Sept. 2024** > Matt, Ty and the Take Roots crew achieved a wonderful transformation of our front yard. They were expert on all aspects of the project from design, hardscaping, plant selection and installation. Communication was smooth and easy. They listened to what we hoped to achieve and brought it all to life. 10 out of 10. Thanks guys! > Mike and Christine **Comment from Take Root Gardens:** > Thanks so much for the review Mike and Christine! We really enjoyed working with you and hope you get lots of use out of your new garden. **★★★★★ — Kristine K, Sept. 2024** > We had a great experience working with Take Root Gardens to design and install our front yard landscaping. From our initial consult through the design phase and installation, Matt, Ty and the team were friendly, professional, and highly skilled. Our front yard had some challenges and we were impressed with the solutions Take Root proposed including the choice of plants and a hardscaping layout that worked best for our needs. The installation team showed up on time each day and left the worksite tidy and organized. Our front yard is now our favourite spot! **Comment from Take Root Gardens:** > Thanks so much for taking the time to write a review Kristine, we really appreciate it! We enjoyed working with you and hope you get a lot of use out of your new garden. **★★★★★ — Edward Hayes, July 2024** > For those who don't like reading long reviews, I'll use my experience as a \[now-retired\] teacher, to provide letter grades for 'Take Root Gardens'. In all of the following they get A+: Integrity/ Honesty; Work ethic; Artistic vision; Communication; Hardscaping / Softscaping skills; Affability; Reliability; Fair-Mindedness. > > If you want details to corroborate the above, read on.... > > The owners, Matt Kilburn and Ty Smith, are the epitome of professionalism. They clearly love what they do and it doesn't surprise me that they have attracted great assistants in Will and Ronan. Mutual respect amongst these guys is at the heart of this team. > > After Matt’s initial assessment of our property in October 2023, followed by a few subsequent conversations, we were astonished by the detail of his summary honouring everything we wanted for our new gardens, shaped by his artistic vision and his extensive knowledge about plants. Later, when all of this was brought to bear in Matt's creation of our landscape design, a friend who is a highly-regarded interior designer said she was very impressed with Matt's proposal, for its flowing lines, its thoughtful placement of trees and shrubs, its attention to colour and seasonal variation. > > Ty was similarly thorough in everything he did. Highly skilled in all aspects of hardscaping, Ty is a "can-do" sort of guy who listens well and provides great feedback. Nothing had to be asked twice; Ty always remembered and he got tasks done, with a smile. Like Matt, he is extremely good-natured, and it was nice to see how well all of the guys got along. They were equally likely to be whistling, or engaging in animated conversation while working hard, whether rain or shine. Their work ethic was exemplary, drawing the attention of several neighbours who commented on this. > > Our project involved extensive excavation, laying of new lawns, incorporation of landscape lighting, and installation of pavers to create winding pathways, a new patio and an attractive driveway. Redesigned front steps and the use of flagstones, river rock and interesting boulders created attractive vignettes front and back. A privacy wall using emerald cedars, a pergola and suggestions for planter pots and a water feature rounded out the list of Take Root’s transformations. Finally, Matt and Ty coordinated seamlessly with the company I hired separately to install in-ground irrigation. > > Each day Matt and Ty explained what they would be doing. They consistently arrived on time and cleaned up thoroughly when finished. Throughout, they kept me apprised of choices in landscaping materials, with suggestions for lowering costs wherever they could. > > Everyone agrees that 'Take Root' has totally transformed our property; moreover, they've exceeded my expectations, creating a green sanctuary I’ve long wanted but couldn’t quite conceptualize. > > Thank you again for your exceptional work, Matt, Ty, Will and Ronan. It was a joy working with you! **Comment from Take Root Gardens:** > Thank you so much for the kind words Ted! It has been a pleasure working with you and we look forward to hearing how everything grows in. Hope you're having a great summer in your new garden! **★★★★★ — Sandra F, July 2024** > We are fortunate that Take Root was recommended to us by a friend for our landscaping project. Take Root exceeded our expectations from inception to completion. Matt and Ty seamlessly transformed our ordinary front and back yards into a beautiful, and tranquil oasis for our enjoyment. Their professionalism and expertise was consistent throughout the project including communication, budget, installation, coordination and follow-up. > It was a pleasure working with the talented Take Root team and we highly recommend them for anyone considering landscaping projects. **Comment from Take Root Gardens:** > Thank you so much for your review Sandra! We really enjoyed working with you to transform your garden. Have a great summer! **★★★★★ — jlyell, May 2024** > Take Root Gardens are amazing. From the initial consult to the completion of the project, everyone involved were fantastic. Matt is super responsive and had a great understanding of what would work best for our space. Quick turn around time from our consultation meeting to the plan presentation and explained every aspect of the plan. > > Ty and the installation crew were always happy and positive and didn't once complain when scope changes were requested. They always left the yard clean and tidy each day and were very respectful. > > You guys exceeded our expectations and we are so grateful for providing us with the garden of our dreams! **Comment from Take Root Gardens:** > Thank you so much for taking the time to write us a review! We really enjoyed working with you and hope you get lots of use out of your new garden. ## Selected projects - [UBC Front Garden Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ubc-front-garden-project-pj-vj~1863984) - Location: Vancouver, BC - Photos: 6 - Description: The client contacted us to transform their front garden from a chafer beetle destroyed lawn to a contemporary, low maintenance entrance garden that compliments the architecture of their home. - [East Vancouver Patio Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/east-vancouver-patio-project-pj-vj~7291105) - Location: Vancouver, BC - Photos: 4 - Description: An intimate outdoor lounge space combining bluestone flagstone paving with modular concrete pavers. Low profile paver lights, uplights in the bamboo troughs and a central firepit bring this space to life at night. - [East Vancouver Front Garden Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/east-vancouver-front-garden-project-pj-vj~6660836) - Location: Vancouver, BC - Photos: 5 - Description: We transformed a sad area of underperforming front lawn into a vibrant, naturalized landscape that better addresses drainage concerns and adds greater functionality to the space. - [Point Grey Patio Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/point-grey-patio-project-pj-vj~6989712) - Location: Vancouver, BC - Photos: 6 - Description: We transformed a tired looking, sloped back garden into a functional, modern patio space with defined dining and lounge areas. The porcelain tiles and stone caps add great texture and compliment the low maintenance planting. - [Mount Pleasant Front Garden Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mount-pleasant-front-garden-project-pj-vj~7291136) - Location: Vancouver, BC - Photos: 4 - Description: We transformed an under-utilized, overgrown front garden into a functional space that compliments the architecture of the client's home. The patio is surrounded by lush, low maintenance planting and the addition of a water feature helps mask city noise in this front garden oasis. - [Burnaby Front Garden Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/burnaby-front-garden-project-pj-vj~5825680) - Location: Burnaby, BC - Photos: 6 - Description: We transformed this front garden into a rustic, low maintenance landscape full of drought tolerant plantings. The addition of a small sitting area accessed through a meadow of grasses and perennials adds greater functionality to a previously under utilized part of the property. - [Dunbar Front Garden Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dunbar-front-garden-project-pj-vj~729361) - Location: Vancouver, BC - Photos: 9 - Description: A vibrant, terraced landscape with a rustic patio area and entrance path meandering through drought tolerant plantings. - [Dunbar Back and Side Garden Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dunbar-back-and-side-garden-project-pj-vj~1275693) - Location: Vancouver, BC - Photos: 11 - Description: A back garden oasis providing ample opportunity for entertaining and exploration. - [Kitsilano Front Garden Patio Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitsilano-front-garden-patio-project-pj-vj~1120694) - Location: Vancouver, BC - Photos: 7 - Description: A modern front garden patio combining low maintenance planting, modular concrete paving and river rock. - [Queen Elizabeth Front Garden Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/queen-elizabeth-front-garden-project-pj-vj~4063395) - Location: Vancouver, BC - Photos: 6 - Description: A rustic front garden landscape and boulevard garden utilizing a mix of low maintenance grasses and perennials. - [North Vancouver Back Garden Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/north-vancouver-back-garden-project-pj-vj~1120678) - Location: North Vancouver, BC - Photos: 6 - Description: A clearing in the forest provides the perfect location for a patio sitting area, accessed by rustic stone stairs from the house. Gravel pathways and a dry riverbed punctuate a low maintenance space that compliments the wildreness backdrop. - [West Side Back Garden Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-side-back-garden-project-pj-vj~1783536) - Location: Vancouver, BC - Photos: 6 - Description: A lawn free, low maintenance landscape to compliment the modern aesthetic of the home. - [Yaletown Rooftop Patio Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/yaletown-rooftop-patio-project-pj-vj~5825858) - Location: Vancouver, BC - Photos: 4 - Description: We transformed this rooftop patio from a monochromatic pad of concrete pavers to a modern outdoor living space with clean lines and contemporary finishings. Features of this low maintenance patio oasis include integrated lighting, a self circulating concrete bowl water feature, a fire table and an automatic watering system. - [Point Grey Back Garden Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/point-grey-back-garden-project-pj-vj~1829832) - Location: Vancouver, BC - Photos: 6 - Description: This lawn free garden was designed to add greater function to the site and compliment the mediterranean style architecture of the home. The chafer beetle destroyed lawns were removed and a combination of modular stone pavers and irregular flagstone were used to define lounge and dining areas. Planting areas are contained in stone retaining walls adding elevation to a previously flat garden. - [North Burnaby Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/north-burnaby-project-pj-vj~5825911) - Location: Burnaby, BC - Photos: 5 - Description: The client's wish was to convert their uninspiring back garden space into a functional and aesthetically pleasing Japanese inspired landscape. We removed all of the lawn, constructed a deck to hide the concrete sumps, and devised a plan that combines traditional Japanese garden components and vegetable garden features. - [Main Street Front Garden Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/main-street-front-garden-project-pj-vj~1783485) - Location: Vancouver, BC - Photos: 5 - Description: An Informal, rustic front garden landscape with a curving concrete paver path leading to a circular sitting area. - [New Westminster Front Garden Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-westminster-front-garden-project-pj-vj~729455) - Location: New Westminster, BC - Photos: 7 - Description: A Heritage House Garden With Modern Conveniences. - [East Vancouver Back Garden Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/east-vancouver-back-garden-project-pj-vj~1165508) - Location: Vancouver, BC - Photos: 4 [See all 18 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/take-root-gardens-pfvwus-pf~277360375) ## Ideabooks - [screens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/47527198/list/screens) — 10 ideas - [Benches](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/39654117/list/benches) — 7 ideas - [Built-In Features](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21028342/list/built-in-features) — 10 ideas - [Sitting Areas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21027882/list/sitting-areas) — 17 ideas - [Feature Containers](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21028727/list/feature-containers) — 21 ideas - [Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21028411/list/lighting) — 8 ideas - [paving](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/47527058/list/paving) — 2 ideas - [Front Garden Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21028450/list/front-garden-ideas) — 8 ideas - [Fence Colour](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/47526983/list/fence-colour) — 8 ideas - [Decks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21029533/list/decks) — 11 ideas - [Planting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21028783/list/planting) — 11 ideas - [Railings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21028464/list/railings) — 3 ideas - [Gates](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21029541/list/gates) — 8 ideas - [Firepits and bowls](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21028525/list/firepits-and-bowls) — 9 ideas - [Water Features](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21028122/list/water-features) — 10 ideas - [Back Garden Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21027983/list/back-garden-ideas) — 7 ideas - [Paths](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21028076/list/paths) — 9 ideas - [Grass Alternatives](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21027675/list/grass-alternatives) — 8 ideas [See all 18 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/takerootgardens) ## Community Q&A **Q: how was the chalkboard wall made?** *(in Photo Questions)* Special paint? A: Yes, the paint is special chalk board paint. It's available at most big box stores (Home Depot, Lowes, etc.) --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-24.*