SUMMER 2012
THE FANTASTIC FOUR TOP 4 SUMMER TRENDS
CANADA’S GARDEN STYLE MAGAZINE
KEEP YOUR COOL Umbrella hot picks
LUXURIOUS LOUNGING READING NOOKS, LAVISH LOUNGERS & SLEEK SOFAS
PLUS!
T UP H E AN I G H T T H ET H F I R ES WI TURE FEA
THE SUMMER ISSUE
GARDEN DAYS & PATIO NIGHTS
editor's letter
Summer Oasis
In this first issue, we shopped ’til we dropped, finding the best in outdoor furniture, fire features and stunning shade solutions to bring you the best ideas for your space. We explored this seasons retro colour trends, and discovered smart and stylish ways for you to conserve water in your backyard. Last, but not least, I share my favourite five high-performance, low-maintenance perennials that are guaranteed to add drama to your garden.
BY GABRIEL VERKADE, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Summer is upon us and your garden is bursting with colour while you enjoy fresh mojitos on your stunning lounge set…right? Well, if that’s not the case, don’t worry; we’re here to help you create your garden oasis! Welcome to the inaugural Summer Issue of GARDEN & STYLE magazine, showcasing the best garden and style trends to transform your garden into the ultimate outdoor living and entertaining space.
CANADA’S GARDEN STYLE MAGAZINE
I hope you enjoy our first issue—I'd love to hear your feedback, thoughts and ideas on what you would like to see featured in our fall issue of GARDEN & STYLE. Enjoy the beauty of summer—happy gardening!
gabriel@verkadedesign.com
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We see gardening differently at GARDEN & STYLE. Our passion for plants and the outdoors inspires our desire for the perfect outdoor living space. Good design is an integral part of real life and we are here to be your style editor to the gardening world, whether it be flora, decor or outdoor design features. Summer 2012 Contributing Editor & Writer: Nora Ursulescu
Gabriel Verkade, principal of Verkade Landscape Design provides custom landscape design solutions to maximize the current beauty and future value of your home. CLICK HERE to contact Gabriel. twitter.com/verkadedesign
GABRIEL VERKADE, PRINCIPAL VERKADE LANDSCAPE DESIGN
facebook.com/verkadedesign
TOP 4 SUMMER TRENDS: #1
RETRO REMIX Summer is all about sizzling temperatures and the colours to match. Be bold and liven up the outdoors with fiery fuchsias, tangerine tangos and mellow lemon yellows that pack a punch. What’s the easiest way to do it? For starters, plant a patch of psychedelic Cosmos. They bloom to boast petals in all three shades and complement fresh-green grass. To turn up the heat, go beyond the garden and make it all about the accessories! Pillows, cushions, and planters are a great way to add a touch of sunny radiance. Whether you combine the three colours, opt for a monochromatic palette, or pick patterns, keep it to a few bold items.
PSYCHEDELIC COSMOS Pack a punch with electric fuschia, orange and yellow.
TUSCAN TERRACOTTA The rustic charm of this Italian staple is perfect for planting your favourite herbs.
RETRO PRINTS Make a statement with a bold citrus print.
TOP 4 SUMMER TRENDS: #2
FOOD FRENZY Vegetable and herb gardens are a fresh addition to summer salads and summer style.
VIDEO: GROW YOUR OWN LETTUCE
HOW TO: DETOXIFY & BEAUTIFY WITH SWISS CHARD
With the warmer temperatures upon us, it’s time to make the move to outdoor gardening. What better way to do this than by planting veggies and herbs! They are a fresh addition not
duty and can be used as decorative accents and colourful patches. The sturdy Kale, with its wavy purple foliage works well in groups and is ideal for borders and container gardens.
Veggies and herbs do double duty — they can be used as decorative accents and colourful patches. only to summer salads, but also to summer style. Not any will do however. This season, our style radar points to a return of heirloom varieties. Such types have not been altered or genetically modified, and are a great organic option. But don’t confine them to a corner! While veggies have long been used as an ailment, they do double
You can also keep a planter of curly Parsley on your porch. Its slim stems and thick tops pair well with other plants, but stand just as well on their own. The ruby reds and forest greens of Swiss Chard will add colour to any space. Let’s face it – your options are endless, and so are the health benefits!
RAIN BARRELS We all know that traditional rain barrels are not very pretty. But you don’t have to sacrifice your stylish ways to save the environment. Toronto design firm, Hero, created this moroccan-style metal rain barrel.
SELF-WATERING PLANTERS The planters from Lechuza are not only great outdoor and indoor accessories, but they keep your water consumption in check. Each of their products are self-watering, meaning that you can take the guesswork out of growing those greens and focus on water conservation. We especially love Lechuza’s Diamante high-gloss diamond bling pattern.
TOP 4 SUMMER TRENDS: #3
Careful Consumption
Summer is here and as tempted as we may be to water it away, it’s time to think twice about our consumption. Even the Royal Bank of Canada has taken initiative. Through the Blue Water Project, it aims to raise awareness and reward those who are actively involved in preserving the precious resource. How can you help? Start small, and within your own home.
WATERING CANS A great alternative to the garden hose that spritz and spray everything but your greens. Opt for watering cans in fun shapes and colours, such as the ones from Ikea, and conserve in style.
FIRE TABLE Function meets flare with fire pits that double up as tables. Place this Restoration Hardware classic between outdoor seating for glowing ambiance and much-needed space on which to set your favourite snacks and drinks.
FIREPLACES This den-darling will be a peoplemagnet in any backyard as guests will gather ‘round the fire for bits, bites and drinks. If you are a fan of all things modern, opt for sleek steel and glass designs such as this one from Fiberliving.
TOP 4 SUMMER TRENDS: #4
FUEL THE FIRE Bring warmth and glow to your outdoor space on crisp summer nights with sleek and stylish fire-features.
TOWERING TORCHES
BOLD BOWLS Why stick to conventional shapes? Think outside the box with this round fire pit from Paloform. With campfire characteristics, yet sophisticated lines, you can roast yummy marshmallows in style!
Steer clear of the Tiki torch cliché. Unless you’re hosting a Luau where grass skirts and leis are part of the dress code, they have no place in your backyard. Avoid the theme party aesthetic by swapping bamboo or wood torches for these towering metal torches from DecorPro.ca
Made in the Shade
If you need a break from soaking up the sun, we’ve got you covered with high-performance sun screens.
THE CLASSIC
PARASOL
Add shade to more space than the classic parasol with a nautical nod to the tall ships. Shade Sails Canada offers an endless variety of both custom-made and ready-to-order options that take the boring out of your backyard and offer up to 90% sun protection. Whimsical sheets of colourful fabrics will add airiness and drama to decks, patios and pools.
cantilever control Bring fun and flair to your backyard with this cheerful yellow cantilever from Shademaker. With a simple push of a button, you can swing it over the pool, to the seating area, or to the dinner table—all while remaining cool as a cucumber and shaded from the sun.
CLASSIC WITH A TWIST It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s an…umbrella? This modern Manta parasol from Tuuci will stun with its sleek looks and edgy corners. A departure from tradition and bell-shaped forms, it slopes to the skies and is reminiscent of stingrays—perfect for your ocean-inspired oasis.
LoungE around Listen close, do you hear that? Nothing but peace and quiet, the chirping of birds, clinking of glasses, and the cheerful chatter of friends— sure signs that summer has arrived. With it, so have the days for relaxing and nights for entertaining, which means that it’s time to dust off your patio furniture and put it to good use. Seating is one of the key elements. While standing may seem perfectly posh for a cocktail party, and sitting in the grass is appropriate for picnics, these options just won’t do it for your backyard. Instead, here are three
alternatives that are space-efficient and don’t sacrifice comfort for style. This season is all about taking it easy. Whether you place it by the pool and soak up the rays, or push it to the shade to curl up with a K - B ACR S book, a lounger is sure to N A LE NGE leave you loafing! These U O L come in many shapes and materials, such as teak, iron, wood and wicker, but we love lavish padded options. Choosing a chaise that has no cushion can leave your backside looking like a zebra – which is a no-no in the summer when bikinis and swim trunks bare it all. Opt instead for a lounger such as the one we found at Crate and Barrel. This faux-wood piece will fool just about anyone, and is ready to resist any type of weather.
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AL TION A S S E N S O FA S
For those days when you just don’t want to be bothered or after long nights of entertaining, retreat in a perfect little pod! DEDON has designed a nest-like lounger that can either be suspended or for the less adventurous, placed on the floor. Unlike traditional sunbeds, it offers complete privacy and seclusion while also being spacious. So if you decide that it’s time to get the party started once again, it will welcome all with open arms.
If you’re an entertainer and live for lively parties, then sectional sofas are just the thing for you! No more fussing with mismatched chairs and kitchen counter stools. One piece will solve the problem and provide plenty of seating for you and your guests. Not only that, but they are cushy and comfy – friends will beg to come back. For a modern look, opt for the seating that has sleek lines and monochromatic colours, much like the one from CB2. With a durable frame, waterproof cushions, and ample space, it can handle a crowd and a few spilled drinks.
CUSTOMIZED CONVERSATION WITH MODULAR PIECES!
Performance Perennials Instantly add drama to your garden with these five easy-to-grow stunners.
Donkey-tail Spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites) For the hot dry spot in your garden such as a sun-baked patio border or rock wall, this cool-toned robust beauty is the perfect fit. Donkey-tail spurge has trailing stems of radiating succulent grey-blue leaves that provide a punch of bold architectural interest. In mid-Spring, it explodes with small acid-yellow flowers which show the soft and feminine side of this enduring grower. Size: 6-8" tall, 2' spread Bloom: May/June
PLANT PROFILE: LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS STUNNING BULB
Allium ‘Globe Master’ (Allium) A close relative to onion and chives, this bulb beauty demands attention. It’s towering slim green stalks boldly display perfect spheres of purple florets that reach 8-12" in diameter. As easy as it is to plant it, it is just as easy to care for. This bulb perennial is not pretentious at all! Accommodating to most types of soils, Allium will grow in full sun as well as partial shade. It is so indifferent, that some species will even thrive in drought. Size: 3' tall, 18" spread Bloom: May/June (4 weeks)
Love the colour? CLICK TO CHECK OUT MORE stunning seafoam plants
‘August Moon’ Hosta
The vibrant chartreuse and deeply-crinkled leaves adds a fresh pop of colour to any shady nook and serves as the perfect companion plant to Purple Coral Bells, Black Lace Elderberry and ornamental Japanese maples. Unlike its shade sensitive brethren, August Moon handles sun very well and therefore serves as a perfect transition plant between shade and sunny garden areas. Size: 20" tall, 42" spread Bloom: Pale lavender flowers
Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)
mid-July
VIDEO: create your own butterfly oasis
As one of the tallest native ferns, Ostrich Fern will provide lush vertical foliage in partial sun area but will thrive most in difficult-to-grow boggy shade areas in your garden. You will be tempted to harvest the coiled fronds, a.k.a. fiddleheads, which emerge in early Spring. Enjoy this culinary treat by selecting just a juicy few fiddleheads from each plant and you will be rewarded year after year with even more. Size:
4-5' tall, 2' spread
PURPLE CONEFLOWER (Echinacea purpurea)
HOW TO: FRESH FERN SHADE CONTAINER
A prolific summer bloomer, purple coneflower adds drifts of colour to sunny garden borders. By late June the lush clumps of erect stems begin to bear large daisy flowers with mauve-purple to rose-pink petals surrounding an orange-brown central cone. A favourite of butterflies, consider adding this longseason bloomer so you always have fresh-cut flowers available for an outdoor dining centerpiece. Size: 6-8" tall, 2' spread Bloom: July-September