Inspiration for a mid-sized modern l-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen remodel in Toronto with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and two islands

Utilizing the right plants can really spruce up the look of your property. But before you go and buy the first plant you see, it’s important to think about how dedicated you are to maintaining them and how much time you are willing to invest in them. All plants are alive and need love and attention. The amount of love and attention can vary depending on the plant. If you are a busy person who doesn’t have a lot of time to dedicate to the care of your plants, this doesn’t mean you can’t have plants and have them thrive. There are many low-maintenance plants that you can choose from. These will allow you to add to the aesthetic of your property, without consuming your time to care for them. We here at Five Star Tree Services have come up with a list of the best low-maintenance shrubs for you to consider. Flowering Shrubs Looking to add colour and beauty to your landscape? You might be thinking regular flowers can do this, but have you considered flowering shrubs? These are something simple and beautiful that you can add to your yard. Hibiscus These plants come in many colours. It is also known as Chinese Hibiscus, China Rose, and Tropical Hibiscus. This evergreen perennial is native to warm temperature, subtropical and tropical places around the world. The flowers it produces can be 3-8 inches in diameter. Some resemble trumpets. Every flower has 5 or more petals and can range in colours from red, orange, yellow, purple, pink, and white. Flowers are constantly produced by this plant but each blossom only lasts a day. Its growth can be 24 inches a year and has the potential to reach 15 feet fully grown. Forsythia This shrub is part of the olive family. It is mostly native to eastern Asia but one is native to southeastern Europe. This plant is also known as golden bells. This is a deciduous shrub that can grow to 3-9 feet but ones with rough grey-brown bark have been known to grow to 20 feet. With opposite positioned leaves, that can grow between 2 and 10 cm in length. They produce bright yellow flowers and will bloom in early spring before the leaves come out. Evergreen Shrubs It is beneficial to have more green plants around you. There was a study done that showed women can have improved mental health and a longer life expectancy if you live in or near green areas. If you have a busy life and don’t have space in your home, you are able to still benefit from and experience evergreen shrubs. They are perfect for small yards and large ones alike. Euonymus This plant is native to places like East Asia, North America, Madagascar, the Himalayas, and Europe. Depending on what country you are in will determine the species you encounter. These have many names and you might have heard them referred to as a spindle tree, burning-bush, euonymus, strawberry-bush, spindle, or wintercreeper. There are 130 species of deciduous small trees, evergreen shrubs, and lianas. The wintercreeper is a herbaceous perennial vine and it can grow to 70 feet. But it usually is left at 2-4 feet as a mounded shrub. It has egg-shaped leaves that measure to 1-2.5 inches long and 1-1.75 inches wide. They can vary in colour, such as dark green, green-gold, or green-white. Blue Star Juniper This is a needled shrub and is a member of the cypress family. It is native to the Himalayas, Afghanistan, and western China. You might also know it as flaky juniper, Himalayan juniper, or singleseed juniper. This is a dwarf shrub and when it gets to a mature size, it is a compact mound measuring from 1-3 feet high and 1.5-3 feet wide. It grows slow and has a tendency to grow out and not up. It has silvery-blue foliage and is densely packed with needles that are awl-shaped. Privacy Shrubs Everyone wants privacy while you are in your home or yard. Some people decide to install a fence in order to give themselves privacy. But there is a more creative way to acquire your privacy; with privacy shrubs! If you are looking for something that is different from a fence and low-maintenance, privacy shrubs are exactly what you are looking for. Not only do these plants provide you with the much-needed privacy you desire, they also add beauty to your landscaping. Some suggestions are as follows: Thuja Green Giant This is a genus of coniferous trees that belong to the cypress or Cupressaceae family. 3 out of 5 of these plants are native to Eastern Asia and the other 2 are from North America. This evergreen can also be known as Thuja green rocket or green giant arborvitae. They are fast growing and can grow to 3-5 feet in one season. Growing in a uniform shape, when mature, they can be 50-60 feet tall and 12-20 feet wide. They have tiny, glossy leaves that resemble scales. These overlap tightly together and create a fan of foliage. Boxwood hedges These evergreen shrubs and small trees are slow growing. You might also have heard them called boxes. They are native to numerous places that include Mexico, southern and eastern Asia, Africa, and southern and western Europe. These plants have been specifically grown for their foliage but they also produce a flower. They can grow from 1-20 feet tall and spread 2-8 feet wide. They have leathery feeling leaves that are lace-shaped or almost round. The colours can range from pale green to dark blue-green. They produce small yellow-green flowers in the spring. WARNIIG: this plant produces a toxic alkaloid that can hurt humans and animals. If a person or animal were to eat the leaves, it can trigger convulsions, dizziness, intestinal distress, and respiratory failure. If you come in contact with the sap, it could cause skin irritation. It is best to avoid this plant if you have small children or pets. Wax Myrtle Tree This large shrub or small tree is native to the Caribbean and North and Central America. There are many names for this plant that include bayberry tree, southern wax myrtle, southern bayberry, tallow shrub, and candleberry. It is very adaptable to various habitats but it naturally will grow near rivers and streams, wetlands, dunes, fields, pine barrens, hillsides, and in mixed-broadleaf and coniferous forests. This shrub can grow 20-25 feet tall with light olive-green leaves that have serrated edges. It also has smooth thin gray-brown bark. It can also produce bluish-white fruit which grows on short stalks in clusters. How Five Star Tree Service Can Help When looking for privacy for your home, utilizing low-maintenance plants is a great way to do this. It is also a great way to add something unique to your yard. Some of these shrubs will require some maintenance, which is where our team at Five Star Tree Services can help! We offer shrub trimming services in Toronto and if you require our assistance, make sure to give us a call at (416) 990-3355.

Our goal on this was to leave the area with as much open space as possible. This was because our client loves the view of the lake and property & wanted as much area for family & grand kids to be able to run around & enjoy. We met this challenge by installing large space of beautiful St. Augustine lawn grass. One request was to hide the view of neighbors property by utilizing native vegetation. This was achieved by varying different species of native trees (including 6 Oak species). The staggered placement & size of the trees resembled a native wooded barrier increasing solitude & bliss of privacy. Most trees used were hand picked specimens. Some trees were triple trunk & others were clusters of different trees. The largest was about a 1,200 Gallon container made up of Cypress, Red Oaks & Monterrey Oaks.

THIS VERY FULL & LUSH ARRANGEMENT POPS WITH THE USE OF THE GORGEOUS MULTI COLOURED HIBISCUS FLOWERS. UTILIZING IVY & CREEPING JENNY TRAILING DOWN SIDES OF THE PLANTER COMPLETES THIS ARRANGEMENT FOR ALL TO ENJOY

Woodinville WA Porch and Deck Transformation Project Project Overview In Woodinville, WA, M3Decks & Outdoor Living revitalized a residential property with a stunning porch and deck transformation. This project focused on creating a seamless indoor-outdoor living space, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal for the homeowners while complementing the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Scope of Work Design Phase: Developed a cohesive design that integrated a modern deck and porch area, prioritizing durability and style. The design incorporated sleek composite decking and thoughtful lighting to elevate the space. Construction: Built a spacious deck extending from the home’s French doors, using high-quality TimberTech composite materials for longevity and low maintenance. Added a porch area with integrated steps for easy access to the surrounding landscape. Lighting Integration: Installed energy-efficient inset lighting along the deck’s perimeter and steps, creating a warm ambiance and ensuring safety during evening use. Decorative Elements: Enhanced the space with biophilic design touches, including hanging flower baskets, potted plants, and cascading greenery, to bring a natural, inviting feel to the outdoor area. Key Features Composite Decking: Utilized TimberTech materials for a durable, weather-resistant surface that mimics the look of natural wood without the upkeep. Inset Lighting: Strategically placed lights on the deck and steps for both aesthetic appeal and functionality, perfect for evening relaxation. Biophilic Design: Incorporated lush greenery, such as hanging baskets and cascading plants, to create a serene, nature-inspired retreat. Seamless Transition: Designed the deck to flow effortlessly from the home’s interior, with French doors opening directly onto the space for easy access. Outcome The Woodinville porch and deck project transformed the home’s exterior into a functional and inviting outdoor living space. The combination of modern materials, thoughtful lighting, and natural elements created a perfect setting for relaxation and entertaining. The homeowners now enjoy a stylish, low-maintenance deck and porch that enhances their property’s value and livability, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living. Location Woodinville, WA Project Type Residential Deck and Porch Renovation

Bright and functional laundry room remodel in Flower Mound, TX, featuring white shaker cabinets, a quartz countertop with built-in utility sink, updated appliances, and patterned tile flooring for a fresh, clean look.

New Craftsman Construction with sloping land that joins with the Sea. Many vistas which overlook small and mysterious Islands that have daunting histories of pirates, fighting settlers, tall ship marauders and tales of the 'sirens' of the sea. Granite strewn ledges, wild blueberries, wildlife and the humming of many bees from a neighboring beekeeper add to the natural ambiance. My mission was to bring it all together utilizing much of what was on the site and perfecting a welcoming entry of color, bloom and scent. Granite boulders with flowing strata’s of tonal grays, whites and blacks were selected for their sculptural qualities, moved to the site and placed. Three tall trees were planted in a triangular arrangement, two of which have red textural bark. A dingy added another point of interest and was filled with an assortment of golden flowers. Perennials were selected that could survive the wind and the salt. A wide variety of Sedums were chosen for color to add their own dense footprint by the boulders. A newer variety of Clematis named Blue Ribbons was chosen for its blue and striking bell shaped flowers to mingle with the reflective deep red foliage of Crimson Falls Mukdenia. One echoed the color of the sky and the sea and the other echoed the bark color of the trees. This reflects the attention to detail that Gwenythe brings to every part of a design. The door entry garden is still to be planted, but the layout of the long boulders and the buildup of good soil already moved to its destination will allow a tier garden of Sweetspire, Winterberries, and Heathers. Additionally a fairy garden with a doorway by one of the huge boulders is planned for 2019 for the Grandchildren to play out their fantasies. And we are all aware that wood anemones and columbine are used as umbrellas by the fairies so of course those will be planted by that spot.

Our goal on this was to leave the area with as much open space as possible. This was because our client loves the view of the lake and property & wanted as much area for family & grand kids to be able to run around & enjoy. We met this challenge by installing large space of beautiful St. Augustine lawn grass. One request was to hide the view of neighbors property by utilizing native vegetation. This was achieved by varying different species of native trees (including 6 Oak species). The staggered placement & size of the trees resembled a native wooded barrier increasing solitude & bliss of privacy. Most trees used were hand picked specimens. Some trees were triple trunk & others were clusters of different trees. The largest was about a 1,200 Gallon container made up of Cypress, Red Oaks & Monterrey Oaks.

Drawing inspiration from the traditional design of the house, Juergen’s team utilized bold linear elements like a rectangular pool with cascading water features to provide an elegant contrast to the landscape. Subtle details such as rectangular flower beds, an interlocking stonework design on both the patio and pool deck, and the patio furniture abound, providing visual balance and symmetry that accentuates the elegant simplicity of this unique landscape. Finally, the large patio with a built-in barbeque for entertaining unites the various elements of this design, making it a zen space for relaxation and play.

This project entailed the draining of a 200,000 cubic foot pond which was originally constructed in the early 1900s in order to install a water feature. I had previously dammed the lower pond, which was roughly equivalent in size to the upper pond, with stonework to match the existing stone walkways. The lower pond will be utilized as a catch-basin in an effort to keep the upper pond’s water level at a sufficient height through a pump system. After the removal of over a 100 years worth of sediment, I began constructing several terraces, stone steps, stone walkways, and several stone retaining walls — all stone features were built without the use of mortar so as to allow plant growth, such as vines and flowering plants to grow through the stonework. The difficulty I faced, oddly enough, was trying to be as random as possible with the placement of the stones, so as to make the stonework appear as though it had been built alongside some of the pre-existing 100-year-old stone walls scattered across other areas of the property. In essence, I forced myself to leave larger gaps in between stones where I typically wouldn’t, as well as leave some stones protruding from the wall, and allowing the wall to slightly fluctuate in height. All of which required me to become a perfectionist of randomness, which was quite trying of me. The top 2 feet of the 2,000-foot upper pond was then faced and retained with stone.

Drawing inspiration from the traditional design of the house, Juergen’s team utilized bold linear elements like a rectangular pool with cascading water features to provide an elegant contrast to the landscape. Subtle details such as rectangular flower beds, an interlocking stonework design on both the patio and pool deck, and the patio furniture abound, providing visual balance and symmetry that accentuates the elegant simplicity of this unique landscape. Finally, the large patio with a built-in barbeque for entertaining unites the various elements of this design, making it a zen space for relaxation and play.

Drawing inspiration from the traditional design of the house, Juergen’s team utilized bold linear elements like a rectangular pool with cascading water features to provide an elegant contrast to the landscape. Subtle details such as rectangular flower beds, an interlocking stonework design on both the patio and pool deck, and the patio furniture abound, providing visual balance and symmetry that accentuates the elegant simplicity of this unique landscape. Finally, the large patio with a built-in barbeque for entertaining unites the various elements of this design, making it a zen space for relaxation and play.

This project entailed the draining of a 200,000 cubic foot pond which was originally constructed in the early 1900s in order to install a water feature. I had previously dammed the lower pond, which was roughly equivalent in size to the upper pond, with stonework to match the existing stone walkways. The lower pond will be utilized as a catch-basin in an effort to keep the upper pond’s water level at a sufficient height through a pump system. After the removal of over a 100 years worth of sediment, I began constructing several terraces, stone steps, stone walkways, and several stone retaining walls — all stone features were built without the use of mortar so as to allow plant growth, such as vines and flowering plants to grow through the stonework. The difficulty I faced, oddly enough, was trying to be as random as possible with the placement of the stones, so as to make the stonework appear as though it had been built alongside some of the pre-existing 100-year-old stone walls scattered across other areas of the property. In essence, I forced myself to leave larger gaps in between stones where I typically wouldn’t, as well as leave some stones protruding from the wall, and allowing the wall to slightly fluctuate in height. All of which required me to become a perfectionist of randomness, which was quite trying of me. The top 2 feet of the 2,000-foot upper pond was then faced and retained with stone.

Lawn care maintenance by the seasons is a year long, continuous affair. To keep your lawn healthy and looking its best all through the year requires a considerable effort. Lawn care maintenance differs from season to season so here are some tips to get you started:

Lawn Care Maintenance in Summer
1 Proper watering is important in this season so that the soil does not dry out.

2 In summer the grass grows faster, so you'll need to mow it more often. However ensure that you don't cut off more than 1/3rd portion of the grass blades.

3 Just like the grass, weeds also thrive in warmer climates. Make sure to do some timely weeding in this season so that weed growth does not go out of hand.

4 During summer insects and pests are very active. Check the lawn soil for grubs, larvae of beetles and other insects that cause bare or dry patches. Go for pest control if you find an infestation. Re-seed the bare patches if needed.

Lawn Care Maintenance in the Fall
1 Falling leaves must be cleared more often during fall. This allows the grass to breathe and utilise the sunlight in preparation for the coming winter.

2 Clear any dead grass and other debris from the lawn in this season.

3 It is important to fertilise your lawn during the fall so that it gets the nourishment required for the dormant wintertime.

Lawn Care Maintenance in Winter
1 Leave the grass level as short as possible in preparation for the winter. This will prevent the blades from bending under the weight of the snow.

2 Just before the onset of winter is a good time to prune the shrubs and trees to encourage new growth and flowering as spring approaches.

3 It is a good idea to clear the lawn and yard of all outdoor furniture, pots, planters, logs, etc. This prevents the formation of dead patches as the snow vanishes.

4 Try to keep the side-walks and other spaces free of snow as much as possible.

Lawn Care Maintenance in Spring
1 Clean up the lawn of debris like leaves, twigs and other dead material that has collected over the winter.

2 Early spring is the time to fertilise the lawn which helps in its growth.

3 To get ready for mowing, begin by tuning up your lawn mower. Now is the time for a routine maintenance check.

4 Check for weed growth and de-weed your lawn so that it not only looks neat, but also ensures healthy growth.

You can follow these lawn care maintenance tips and do it all yourself or you could hire a professional lawn maintenance service like Fox Mowing to keep up the schedules. Fox Mowing( http://foxmowing.com.au/) takes up lawn and Garden Maintenance Professionals contracts along with other jobs like weeding and pest control, fertilising, mulching, debris removal, pruning, hedge maintenance, etc.

Drawing inspiration from the traditional design of the house, Juergen’s team utilized bold linear elements like a rectangular pool with cascading water features to provide an elegant contrast to the landscape. Subtle details such as rectangular flower beds, an interlocking stonework design on both the patio and pool deck, and the patio furniture abound, providing visual balance and symmetry that accentuates the elegant simplicity of this unique landscape. Finally, the large patio with a built-in barbeque for entertaining unites the various elements of this design, making it a zen space for relaxation and play.

This modern kitchen maintains it's industrial feel by having the exposed brick as its backdrop. The warm honey tones of the white oak, mixed with the stainless steel appliances and white quartz creates a perfect space to showcase the original charm of this space. The accessory rails allow for storage, without covering up the amazing brick wall.

Bedroom - modern bedroom idea in Singapore

Woodinville WA Porch and Deck Transformation Project Project Overview In Woodinville, WA, M3Decks & Outdoor Living revitalized a residential property with a stunning porch and deck transformation. This project focused on creating a seamless indoor-outdoor living space, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal for the homeowners while complementing the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Scope of Work Design Phase: Developed a cohesive design that integrated a modern deck and porch area, prioritizing durability and style. The design incorporated sleek composite decking and thoughtful lighting to elevate the space. Construction: Built a spacious deck extending from the home’s French doors, using high-quality TimberTech composite materials for longevity and low maintenance. Added a porch area with integrated steps for easy access to the surrounding landscape. Lighting Integration: Installed energy-efficient inset lighting along the deck’s perimeter and steps, creating a warm ambiance and ensuring safety during evening use. Decorative Elements: Enhanced the space with biophilic design touches, including hanging flower baskets, potted plants, and cascading greenery, to bring a natural, inviting feel to the outdoor area. Key Features Composite Decking: Utilized TimberTech materials for a durable, weather-resistant surface that mimics the look of natural wood without the upkeep. Inset Lighting: Strategically placed lights on the deck and steps for both aesthetic appeal and functionality, perfect for evening relaxation. Biophilic Design: Incorporated lush greenery, such as hanging baskets and cascading plants, to create a serene, nature-inspired retreat. Seamless Transition: Designed the deck to flow effortlessly from the home’s interior, with French doors opening directly onto the space for easy access. Outcome The Woodinville porch and deck project transformed the home’s exterior into a functional and inviting outdoor living space. The combination of modern materials, thoughtful lighting, and natural elements created a perfect setting for relaxation and entertaining. The homeowners now enjoy a stylish, low-maintenance deck and porch that enhances their property’s value and livability, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living. Location Woodinville, WA Project Type Residential Deck and Porch Renovation