The Challenge
Overgrown beds, winter-killed plantings, and unedged walkways made the property feel neglected at the start of the season.
After a Muskoka winter, garden beds had accumulated debris, spent plants from the previous fall, and significant weed encroachment along the walkway edges. The client — an absentee owner who uses the property on weekends — needed everything addressed before the May long weekend without being present to supervise.
Soil across several beds had compacted over winter and required turning and refreshing before any new planting could take hold. Overgrowth along the flower bed borders had also begun to blur the lines between lawn and garden, undercutting the property’s overall presentation.
Early-season pruning and shaping of existing shrubs was needed to ensure the greenery framed the cottage rather than obscuring it — a common issue on properties that sit vacant through the off-season.
[02] The results
By the Numbers
Our Approach
We completed a full spring reset before the client’s first visit, then transitioned into biweekly garden maintenance for the remainder of the season.
The project began with a comprehensive spring cleanup: fallen branches and storm debris removed, dead plant material cleared, beds edged with crisp lines, and soil turned and refreshed throughout. New planting selections were curated to complement the existing landscape while fitting the ecology of the Muskoka region — drawing on the company’s horticultural background to mix native species with non-native ornamentals where appropriate.
Mulch was installed across all beds to suppress weed growth and give each garden area a clean, finished appearance. From that point forward, biweekly visits kept the beds weed-free, blooms deadheaded before the client ever saw a spent flower, and the overall property in showroom condition.
Throughout the season, soil health and plant vigour were monitored on every visit, with minor adjustments — additional plantings, edging touch-ups, pruning — made proactively so the client never needed to issue a follow-up request.
[04] Testimonial
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