A transitional backyard in Beaconsfield now blends modern clean lines with timeless warmth. Center-stage, a custom concrete pool features an oversized beach entry that invites relaxed lounging and easy access for children. A gentle spill-over waterfall and paired water feature add soothing movement, while frameless glass railings keep the view open to the surrounding gardens. Herringbone pavers, laid in warm neutral tones, ground the space with classic character and provide a slip-resistant surface from pool edge to dining terrace. At dusk, a bespoke concrete fire feature anchors an intimate seating area, turning the patio into a four-season gathering spot. Layered plantings and accent lighting soften the hardscape and tie the traditional brick façade of the home to its modern architectural accents. Craftsmanship of this caliber is a signature of The Northstone Group. The firm is ranked #1 for landscaping on bestinMTL.com and recognized as the leading pool design and building company on bestmontrealservices.com. Its projects are regularly featured in Dwell, House & Home, and the Montreal Gazette, underscoring Northstone’s position as Montreal’s premier landscape and pool design-build specialist.

A transitional backyard in Beaconsfield now blends modern clean lines with timeless warmth. Center-stage, a custom concrete pool features an oversized beach entry that invites relaxed lounging and easy access for children. A gentle spill-over waterfall and paired water feature add soothing movement, while frameless glass railings keep the view open to the surrounding gardens. Herringbone pavers, laid in warm neutral tones, ground the space with classic character and provide a slip-resistant surface from pool edge to dining terrace. At dusk, a bespoke concrete fire feature anchors an intimate seating area, turning the patio into a four-season gathering spot. Layered plantings and accent lighting soften the hardscape and tie the traditional brick façade of the home to its modern architectural accents. Craftsmanship of this caliber is a signature of The Northstone Group. The firm is ranked #1 for landscaping on bestinMTL.com and recognized as the leading pool design and building company on bestmontrealservices.com. Its projects are regularly featured in Dwell, House & Home, and the Montreal Gazette, underscoring Northstone’s position as Montreal’s premier landscape and pool design-build specialist.

Glowing coral flowers cover these tough plants from early spring to frost. Her blooms won’t fade in the heat, forming a ball of color in your yard, with no pruning or deadheading. A portion of plant proceeds go to Make-A-Wish® AU. FEATURES Bloom/Feature Bright coral flowers bloom year-round in frost-free climates, or until frost Plant Type Perennials Evergreen or Deciduous Herbaceous USDA Zones 9b, 10 Zone Detail Hardy to 25°F USDA zones 9b-10 Key Features Blooms won't fade in the heat; forming a ball of color with no pruning or deadheading Use Perennial, Borders, Garden Beds, Containers Exposure Full sun to part shade Bloom Season Year-round until frost Dimension 3-4’ H x 3' W Growth Rate Fast in spring and summer CARE Water Moderate to regular water Soil Type Well-drained garden soil Fertilizer Apply a balanced slow release each spring Pruning Cut back to 3" in early spring to maintain shape PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS • water before planting • plant in full sun to part shade • dig hole 2X the width of pot, • backfill and plant 1”-2” above soil level • water and add more soil if needed • mulch around plants

A transitional backyard in Beaconsfield now blends modern clean lines with timeless warmth. Center-stage, a custom concrete pool features an oversized beach entry that invites relaxed lounging and easy access for children. A gentle spill-over waterfall and paired water feature add soothing movement, while frameless glass railings keep the view open to the surrounding gardens. Herringbone pavers, laid in warm neutral tones, ground the space with classic character and provide a slip-resistant surface from pool edge to dining terrace. At dusk, a bespoke concrete fire feature anchors an intimate seating area, turning the patio into a four-season gathering spot. Layered plantings and accent lighting soften the hardscape and tie the traditional brick façade of the home to its modern architectural accents. Craftsmanship of this caliber is a signature of The Northstone Group. The firm is ranked #1 for landscaping on bestinMTL.com and recognized as the leading pool design and building company on bestmontrealservices.com. Its projects are regularly featured in Dwell, House & Home, and the Montreal Gazette, underscoring Northstone’s position as Montreal’s premier landscape and pool design-build specialist.

A transitional backyard in Beaconsfield now blends modern clean lines with timeless warmth. Center-stage, a custom concrete pool features an oversized beach entry that invites relaxed lounging and easy access for children. A gentle spill-over waterfall and paired water feature add soothing movement, while frameless glass railings keep the view open to the surrounding gardens. Herringbone pavers, laid in warm neutral tones, ground the space with classic character and provide a slip-resistant surface from pool edge to dining terrace. At dusk, a bespoke concrete fire feature anchors an intimate seating area, turning the patio into a four-season gathering spot. Layered plantings and accent lighting soften the hardscape and tie the traditional brick façade of the home to its modern architectural accents. Craftsmanship of this caliber is a signature of The Northstone Group. The firm is ranked #1 for landscaping on bestinMTL.com and recognized as the leading pool design and building company on bestmontrealservices.com. Its projects are regularly featured in Dwell, House & Home, and the Montreal Gazette, underscoring Northstone’s position as Montreal’s premier landscape and pool design-build specialist.

This gorgeous, walkable grass alternative is literally watered ONCE A MONTH folks!!! In the summertime! This is true water conservation! Large, historic home from the 1930's overlooking downtown Santa Cruz. My clients are self-described "plantaholics" and tend to buy many plants, only to have them die. They have an extensive gardening area and low water budget. Our main goal was to make the overall design cohesive between various areas of the garden while utilizing interesting and unusual plant selections - a very fun project for me! We removed over 3,000 square feet of traditional grass and replaced it with several lawn alternatives. The first is a walkable groundcover that uses a fraction of the water of regular grass (and can be seen here in several seasons, one of which has tiny flowers); The second is a California native grass that grows long (or can be kept short) and can tolerate some shade. Both of these are excellent choices for clients with children or dogs who want a green patch without using excessive water. My clients love plants from Australia and South Africa so plants from the Proteacea and other Southern Hemisphere beauties are used predominantly throughout the project. Clean, flowing water is so important for wildlife and the beautiful stone fountain is a constant gathering spot for birds and other animals. My clients are beyond thrilled with their gorgeous, nature-filled garden and ever-expanding plant knowledge.

Lemon Lime is the first heavenly bamboo to have lime green new growth. The lime green leaves will brighten any dark space and add dimension to an otherwise evergreen planting. FEATURES Bloom/Feature Lime green new growth Plant Type Shrubs Evergreen or Deciduous Evergreen USDA Zones 6,7,8,9 Zone Detail 0°F Key Features Use Exposure Full sun to part shade Bloom Season N/A Dimension 3-4' H x 3-4' W Growth Rate Moderate to fast CARE Water Regular water Soil Type Well-drained garden soil Fertilizer Fertilize in early spring Pruning Shape in spring PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS water before planting plant in full sun to part shade dig hole 3X the width of pot, backfill and plant 1”-2” above soil level water and add more soil if needed mulch plants; fertilize in early spring

Large, historic home from the 1930's overlooking downtown Santa Cruz. My clients are self-described "plantaholics" and tend to buy many plants, only to have them die. They have an extensive gardening area and low water budget. Our main goal was to make the overall design cohesive between various areas of the garden while utilizing interesting and unusual plant selections - a very fun project for me! We removed over 3,000 square feet of traditional grass and replaced it with several lawn alternatives. The first is a walkable groundcover that uses a fraction of the water of regular grass (and can be seen here in several seasons, one of which has tiny flowers); The second is a California native grass that grows long (or can be kept short) and can tolerate some shade. Both of these are excellent choices for clients with children or dogs who want a green patch without using excessive water. My clients love plants from Australia and South Africa so plants from the Proteacea and other Southern Hemisphere beauties are used predominantly throughout the project. Clean, flowing water is so important for wildlife and the beautiful stone fountain is a constant gathering spot for birds and other animals. My clients are beyond thrilled with their gorgeous, nature-filled garden and ever-expanding plant knowledge.

An outstanding new Rosemary specially selected for its higher oil content and spicy flavor. With a compact, mounding habit, this is the Rosemary of choice for container, herb, and kitchen gardens. FEATURES Bloom/Feature Violet-blue flowers in spring, compact growth habit and very high oil content for cooking Plant Type Shrubs Evergreen or Deciduous Evergreen USDA Zones 6,7,8,9,10,11 Zone Detail Hardy to -10°F USDA zones 6-11 Key Features Highest oil content for cooking Use Border, container, mass planting, coastal, groundcover Exposure Full sun Bloom Season Spring Dimension 12-18" H x 12" W Growth Rate Moderate CARE Water Regular water Soil Type Well-drained garden soil Fertilizer Apply a balanced slow-release each spring Pruning None needed; shape as desired after spring bloom PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS water before planting plant in full sun dig hole 2X the width of pot, backfill and plant 1”-2” above soil level water and add more soil if needed mulch plants; fertilize in early spring

“Just right” ‘Poquito’ quickly grows to about 3 feet high, working well in containers or as a border. New growth boasts red spots against green leaves. FEATURES Bloom/Feature Dwarf, red spots on new growth Plant Type Tropicals Evergreen or Deciduous Herbaceous USDA Zones 9,10,11,12 Zone Detail Hardy to USDA zones 9-12 Key Features Use Ornamental Exposure Full sun to part shade Bloom Season Fall Dimension 3' H x 3' W Growth Rate Fast CARE Water Regular water Soil Type Moist garden soil Fertilizer Low amt of even n-p-k pre-planting Pruning None PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS water before planting plant in full sun to part shade dig hole 2X the width of pot, backfill and plant 1”-2” above soil level water and add more soil if needed mulch plants; fertilize in early spring

A transitional backyard in Beaconsfield now blends modern clean lines with timeless warmth. Center-stage, a custom concrete pool features an oversized beach entry that invites relaxed lounging and easy access for children. A gentle spill-over waterfall and paired water feature add soothing movement, while frameless glass railings keep the view open to the surrounding gardens. Herringbone pavers, laid in warm neutral tones, ground the space with classic character and provide a slip-resistant surface from pool edge to dining terrace. At dusk, a bespoke concrete fire feature anchors an intimate seating area, turning the patio into a four-season gathering spot. Layered plantings and accent lighting soften the hardscape and tie the traditional brick façade of the home to its modern architectural accents. Craftsmanship of this caliber is a signature of The Northstone Group. The firm is ranked #1 for landscaping on bestinMTL.com and recognized as the leading pool design and building company on bestmontrealservices.com. Its projects are regularly featured in Dwell, House & Home, and the Montreal Gazette, underscoring Northstone’s position as Montreal’s premier landscape and pool design-build specialist.

Beautiful stone fountain is a favorite gathering spot for the local birds and other wildlife from adjacent open space. Large, historic home from the 1930's overlooking downtown Santa Cruz. My clients are self-described "plantaholics" and tend to buy many plants, only to have them die. They have an extensive gardening area and low water budget. Our main goal was to make the overall design cohesive between various areas of the garden while utilizing interesting and unusual plant selections - a very fun project for me! We removed over 3,000 square feet of traditional grass and replaced it with several lawn alternatives. The first is a walkable groundcover that uses a fraction of the water of regular grass (and can be seen here in several seasons, one of which has tiny flowers); The second is a California native grass that grows long (or can be kept short) and can tolerate some shade. Both of these are excellent choices for clients with children or dogs who want a green patch without using excessive water. My clients love plants from Australia and South Africa so plants from the Proteacea and other Southern Hemisphere beauties are used predominantly throughout the project. Clean, flowing water is so important for wildlife and the beautiful stone fountain is a constant gathering spot for birds and other animals. My clients are beyond thrilled with their gorgeous, nature-filled garden and ever-expanding plant knowledge.

A deep sofa was incorporated in this sun porch so that lounging could happen on the regular. The ottoman is on casters so it can be pushed against the sofa or moved out of the way for additional storage. Two small circular side tables was chosen and offer structural shapes while maintaining a small footprint.

A transitional backyard in Beaconsfield now blends modern clean lines with timeless warmth. Center-stage, a custom concrete pool features an oversized beach entry that invites relaxed lounging and easy access for children. A gentle spill-over waterfall and paired water feature add soothing movement, while frameless glass railings keep the view open to the surrounding gardens. Herringbone pavers, laid in warm neutral tones, ground the space with classic character and provide a slip-resistant surface from pool edge to dining terrace. At dusk, a bespoke concrete fire feature anchors an intimate seating area, turning the patio into a four-season gathering spot. Layered plantings and accent lighting soften the hardscape and tie the traditional brick façade of the home to its modern architectural accents. Craftsmanship of this caliber is a signature of The Northstone Group. The firm is ranked #1 for landscaping on bestinMTL.com and recognized as the leading pool design and building company on bestmontrealservices.com. Its projects are regularly featured in Dwell, House & Home, and the Montreal Gazette, underscoring Northstone’s position as Montreal’s premier landscape and pool design-build specialist.

With Pinterest, Houzz and HGTV, homeowners have more sources for inspiration than ever before. You may have found, however, that replicating what you see online or on TV isn’t always that simple. Mastering proportion and scale can be especially challenging. Let’s say you fall in love with an oversized vase which looks like it will fit with the colors and textures in your living room. But once it’s there, the vase doesn’t look the way you expected and you don’t know now to make it work. Fortunately, designers are experienced not only in dealing with proportion and scale, but in handling multiple elements at once. In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you understand some of the considerations regarding size. Proportion Tips 1. Less is more In the home shown here, the rooms are on the smaller side, where it would seem counterintuitive to use oversized pieces. But using smaller pieces can look busy—and can actually make the rooms feel smaller, especially when you add personal belongings to the space. 2. Keep it simple Several oversized pieces can create clean, simple lines. We put this principle to work using oversized items as anchors on both sides of the fireplace in the living room. On one side, we have two oversized blown-glass vases with amber, silver and purple tones. The irregular shapes in these beautiful pieces create interest and contrast; you can see through them and you can see the room reflected in them. On the other side of the fireplace sit two oversized brass lanterns filled with driftwood and greenery; the contents can be switched out seasonally, as well. The vases on one side and lanterns on the other side establish pattern (two of each, in descending order), balance and simplicity. 3. Embrace the unexpected On the mantle above the fireplace rests another oversized piece—a painting of a barn. Its neutral colors pick up the tones in the stone behind it and again, it works to bring simplicity to the space, rather than overly fussy detail. Nearby, just up the stairs, is an unusually spacious landing. A bench and pillows transform it into a special reading or conversation spot. The pair of hammered nickel vases on the window sill repeats the pattern established on either side of the fireplace. Using oversized vases in lieu of a window treatment is unexpected—as is incorporating sleek, modern-shaped vases like these in a farmhouse-style home. Yet because of the other oversized objects nearby, the vases feel distinctive and delightful. 4. Coordinate pattern and rhythm Another oversized item is the table lamp in the living room. It’s a powerful light; aside from the overhead can lights, it’s the room’s only light source. The ridges on its ceramic base echo the pieces of wicker in the stunning basket behind the sofa. This oversized wicker basket, which we’re a bit in love with, features a very large weave along with elegant leather straps. It’s ideal for storing throws, cushions, board games or anything else you want out of sight. 5. Proximity matters This home’s dining room is just to the right of the entry. An immense floor mirror—double-framed in weathered wood—is placed opposite the front windows. Measuring seven feet high, it’s a bold piece. And it works perfectly in this space to reflect light and make the room feel larger. An oversized ceramic vase, with a porous, matte-stone finish, sits atop a table next to the mirror. Other regular-sized items share the small table, including a bottle of wine and a glass vase. But because of the enormous mirror, it was important to have one oversized item on that table, for balance.

Large, historic home from the 1930's overlooking downtown Santa Cruz. My clients are self-described "plantaholics" and tend to buy many plants, only to have them die. They have an extensive gardening area and low water budget. Our main goal was to make the overall design cohesive between various areas of the garden while utilizing interesting and unusual plant selections - a very fun project for me! We removed over 3,000 square feet of traditional grass and replaced it with several lawn alternatives. The first is a walkable groundcover that uses a fraction of the water of regular grass (and can be seen here in several seasons, one of which has tiny flowers); The second is a California native grass that grows long (or can be kept short) and can tolerate some shade. Both of these are excellent choices for clients with children or dogs who want a green patch without using excessive water. My clients love plants from Australia and South Africa so plants from the Proteacea and other Southern Hemisphere beauties are used predominantly throughout the project. Clean, flowing water is so important for wildlife and the beautiful stone fountain is a constant gathering spot for birds and other animals. My clients are beyond thrilled with their gorgeous, nature-filled garden and ever-expanding plant knowledge.

The exciting new Southgate™ Rhododendrons are heat tolerant and thrive in the Deep South while performing equally well in traditional Rhododendron areas. FEATURES Bloom/Feature Deep lavender buds open to light purple Plant Type Shrubs Evergreen or Deciduous Evergreen USDA Zones 6,7,8,9 Zone Detail Hardy to -10 F Key Features Heat tolerance, attracts birds/butterflies, year-round interest, dwarf Use Accent, container, mass planting, slope, hedge Exposure Part shade to shade Bloom Season Spring Dimension 4-5' H x 4-5' W Growth Rate Slow to moderate CARE Water Regular water Soil Type Well-drained garden soil Fertilizer Early spring Pruning Shape after spring bloom PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS water before planting plant in part shade to shade dig hole 3X the width of pot, backfill and plant 1”-2” above soil level water and add more soil if needed mulch plants

Semi-upright stems display thick, sweet-gum shaped leaves that are rich green and surrounded by a wide, creamy-white border FEATURES Bloom/Feature Large variegated foliage Plant Type Vines Evergreen or Deciduous Evergreen USDA Zones 7B,8,9 Zone Detail Hardy to 0°F Key Features Year-round interest Use Accent, container, climber Exposure Part sun to shade Bloom Season None Dimension 5-6' H x 4-5' W Growth Rate Moderate to fast CARE Water Regular water Soil Type Slightly acidic, well-drained peat/perlite mix Fertilizer Early spring Pruning In spring PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS water before planting plant in part shade to full shade dig hole 3X the width of pot, backfill and plant 1”-2” above soil level water and add more soil if needed mulch plants

A transitional backyard in Beaconsfield now blends modern clean lines with timeless warmth. Center-stage, a custom concrete pool features an oversized beach entry that invites relaxed lounging and easy access for children. A gentle spill-over waterfall and paired water feature add soothing movement, while frameless glass railings keep the view open to the surrounding gardens. Herringbone pavers, laid in warm neutral tones, ground the space with classic character and provide a slip-resistant surface from pool edge to dining terrace. At dusk, a bespoke concrete fire feature anchors an intimate seating area, turning the patio into a four-season gathering spot. Layered plantings and accent lighting soften the hardscape and tie the traditional brick façade of the home to its modern architectural accents. Craftsmanship of this caliber is a signature of The Northstone Group. The firm is ranked #1 for landscaping on bestinMTL.com and recognized as the leading pool design and building company on bestmontrealservices.com. Its projects are regularly featured in Dwell, House & Home, and the Montreal Gazette, underscoring Northstone’s position as Montreal’s premier landscape and pool design-build specialist.