OUTSIDERS

From

design tips to landscaping inspiration, the Backyard Glam Tour showcases six stunning, professionally staged backyards throughout the Town of the Blue Mountains.

by Cara Williams and Deborah Lalande

OBJECTIVE – Ask yourself how you plan on using your outdoor space. The most common answers include entertainment, exercise, gardening, relaxation, or creating a play area for the kids. But don’t forget about privacy, and how the needs of your family may evolve over time. Whether your design is big or small, considering how you intend to use the space is the most important step.

STYLE – An effective landscaping plan is one that entices the homeowner outside by making the outdoors feel like an extension of the house. Creating a tie or sense of continuity between your house and yard is the best way to capitalize on your outdoor area and will help to build on the architectural integrity of your house.

MAINTENANCE - Consider how much time you want to spend maintaining your outdoor space—this will be important when selecting appropriate plants and materials. Keep in mind the Escarpment’s four-season weather and natural landscape when making selections and choose items that will match your maintenance intentions in the long run.

BUDGET - Regardless of how much you expect to spend on your project, working with what you already have can save both time and money. That doesn’t mean you have to keep everything, but it may serve as a good starting point in creating your ideal outdoor living space.

The 2022 Backyard Glam Tour visited six magnificent backyards, all professionally designed and landscaped by local businesses and trades. Whether you’re seeking something as simple as a covered porch or a more complex build such as an outdoor kitchen, entertainment/ lounging areas and a pool, inspiration is right around the corner—Deborah Lalande, Backyard Glam Tour Chair, takes us on a tour of six stunning backyards.

PREVIOUS SPREAD

The Ridge Life

Traditional outdoor Canadian colours work very well for this home—the burst of red accessories in contrast to the slate grey façade of the home add dimension and cohesiveness. The kidney shaped pool is the focal point of the space and several umbrellas and a retractable awning offer respite from the sun.

Bliss on the Bay

The owners of this sunny backyard oasis are well traveled and souvenirs in the form of art sculptures adorn their yard. They love to entertain and have several areas for friends and family to gather. A covered dining area and a covered fireplace conversation area provides places to gather intimately. Many backyards are “open concept living” and this one has it all. The pool area with sun tanning loungers and a large conversation area make this backyard a welcome retreat or a great gathering place to entertain. To tie this backyard together, items such as an area rug, umbrellas, cushions and accessories give the space a cohesive look.

Sunset on the Beach

Being on the water has its challenges. The best choice for exposed landscaping is heavy, low maintenance furniture made of metal, like aluminum or wrought iron. Several groupings were built around the expansive yard and the homeowners make use of every space. Dining and entertaining are protected back from the water but still offer a stunning view. Colourful umbrellas and accessories pulled this coastal beauty together.

The 19th Hole

This home backs onto a golf course, the backdrop of the manicured lawns and forested areas are picture perfect. The homeowners love to garden and enjoy colourful flowering plants so the art that was displayed in the backyard reflected this. Art can be used to bring a space together as do other accessories such as an outdoor rug. They will also provide the space with a feeling of bringing the indoors out. The swimming pool with loungers, the cozy covered seating area with fireplace and the outdoor kitchen with dining complete this backyard.