Rainwater Harvesting 101

Rainwater is one of the most precious resources in the world. Fortunately here in B.C. we are gifted with an abundance! Unfortunately, the building industry has convinced most home-owners that water is a major threat to their homes and properties, therefore it being important to get rid of it A.S.A.P.! The truth is, if you were to use the correct tools to harness this priceless gift you would be years ahead of the building and development industry! Rainwater Harvesting systems are perfect for indoor use such as flushing toilets and washing clothes, or outdoor use to wash vehicles and pets. Best of all, you can water your lawn and gardens whenever you want in summer months as this no longer controls you by the city watering restrictions! If we install an in-ground drainage system you can additionally reclaim and filter any excess run-off water and use it again!

One of the best ways to use this system is to include a water feature! In doing this, you are able to enjoy and show off the water you are secretly storing underground! If you were to choose to include a pond with fish and plants, this would add even more nutrients to the water for irrigating your landscape! At this stage you would have a mini eco-system on your very own property. A holistic approach based on nature’s intelligent design is always the recommended route, but something as small as a single rain barrel does make a difference in the world.

City storm-water systems have been created to take the water from our roofs and street to direct it into our streams, rivers and oceans carrying harmful chemicals at high velocity. This is extremely damaging to our local eco-systems and is causing greater destruction to plants, fish, and animals than the average person would guess. It’s through small steps like residential rainwater harvesting that will help to heal our local eco-systems and prevent local flooding. We aim to change the world with our clients to create a better world for tomorrow. We hope to partner with you on a rainwater project soon!

The grass on the left side (see picture below) is the RWH finished product!

Written by Rob Thibault

West Coast Pond Stars

You’ve likely heard of Pond Stars, National Geographic’s new, highly anticipated show, which is getting a lot of press lately and it’s easy to see why. The results speak for themselves as the design team builds dream backyards for clients that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly. We at TBO’S Green Landscape Systems work with the suppliers at Aquascape, the hosts of Pond Stars, and have access to the same materials and equipment as they do. If you’ve seen it on TV, we can build it for you (with your own personal touches added of course) anywhere in the Greater Vancouver area. So when you’re sitting down to watch some Pond Stars and think “That would be nice”, just remember that we are in the business of bringing those wishes to life. We build ponds with designs ranging from feng shui to modern to natural!

Call us to begin your pond design today! +1-604-560-6000

Written by Rob Thibault

How to Pick a Contractor

5 STEPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR

If you have been dreaming of a landscape renovation for your backyard and then realized it’s way more work than you care to tackle, your next thought was probably “who could do this for me”? There are a crazy amount of landscape companies in Vancouver, so how do you find the right one for your project? From my experience I would say that the most important question is actually “who can I trust”? The mechanics of most landscape projects are relatively basic – almost any company can create a version of what you are looking for, but who do you really trust to bring your vision to life? Who is passionate about your project? Who do you want to see every single day for the next 2 months? What most people don’t realize when getting into these projects is that challenges will regularly arise, and together these will have to be addressed and discussed on a very regular basis. The crew might need access to your home for power, plumbing, or even the bathroom. Are you ready to trust them in your space to be respectful and professional?

I have been in the business for nearly 10 years and here’s how I suggest you find and interview your future contractor: get referrals from friends or co-workers. This will take some asking around, but it is well worth the effort up front. If someone has already dealt with them and has good feedback, the contractor is a pretty safe bet. Once you get 3-4 names – Google them. Look for online reviews, check their website, social media, just do a little snooping. Do their projects scale and style match yours? After 5 minutes you should be able to get a sense of who their company is and if they are right for your project or not. Keep in mind that almost no one will have a spotless record, and that is actually where you will be able to see the character of your perspective company. When given a bad review did they lash out and accuse the client of being unreasonable or did they offer suggestions and try to make things right? This is where you get to see who you want to work with on a daily basis!

Once you have narrowed down your 2-3 companies to contact, set up meetings with them (preferably within a couple days of each other). Have a clear list of items you want in your new landscape and a few pictures cut out of magazines or printed off Pinterest as examples. Given the scale and complexity of your project the contractors should be able to get you a quote/bid within 1-2 weeks on average. During your meeting make sure they have at least a 2 million dollar liability policy and are registered with WCB. Make sure you get some type of drawings with the quote including dimensions so you are on the same page when it eventually gets built. Without a drawing it always turns into “he said she said” game and both parties end up upset. When it’s all said and done – if there were measurements on the drawing it’s easy to see if the project was done correctly or not.

From there it’s up to you. Do not choose your contractor by price alone. A phrase I picked up from my Australian father-in-law is “when you pay peanuts, expect to get monkeys”. Choose the company that has good communication, a good reputation, and your trust. If you choose the cheapest company to save a few bucks, it generally costs you more in the end. Believe me.

A quick recap:

1- Find contractors through friends & co-workers

2- Google them

3- Meet them and get a quote

4- Make sure they have proper coverage’s and procedures

5- Go with your gut, not bottom dollar

Need more questions to ask your contractor or want to know what to look for?

Here are a few suggestions:

– How many years have they been in business?

– How many years do they guarantee their projects for?

– Are they registered for employee payroll and have a GST number?

– Do they use safe and well maintained equipment (trucks, trailers, machinery, etc.)?

– Are they Certified & qualified for the project at hand?

– Are they members of the BCLNA or any other landscape associations?

– Will they provide clear & accurate quotation in an easy to understand format?

– Are they offering the best solutions, not just cost focused?

– Are they prompt in answering your call and arriving for appointment?

– Are they on the web (not just craigslist) with a website for credibility?

 

 

Written by Rob Thibault

Filling in the Gaps – Edible Gardening

Every year during spring and summer there are a few pockets in the garden that are bare because you lost some plants over the winter or it just never filled in. Personally I like gardens that are spaced well and symmetrically – not bursting with little bits of everything! Now is the time to get started on those planting & transplanting project. If you do have shrubs that have taken off and taken over,  well… it’s time for a “hack-back” or possibly a relocation.

With these new gaps I would CERTIANLY recommend putting in some edible plants! Rosemary, Mint, and Chives are SUPER hardy, I’ll be impressed if they don’t survive in anyone’s garden. Right now decorative grasses are pretty trendy – so you could put in some chives because at first glance they look the same as a fancy grass. If you need a low-growing hedge or something to line your front door entrance then Rosemary or Mint would be a great choice! They will smell insane-amazing as your company arrives or when the kids brush up against them as they play- and hey, you can always clip and eat them as needed! One of my wife’s favourite teas (and she loves her tea) is FRESH mint tea. She puts on the kettle and while it’s warming up she snags a few sprigs of mint from the back deck, drops them in the tea pot and just like that – she swears it’s the best stuff going!

If you have plants & trees in your yard, you should be getting a steady return on them, not just putting time and cash into maintaining their appearance. Get out there and eat from your garden – there is nothing quite like it and your company will always be impressed!

Written by Rob Thibault

Brick Pavers & All Finishes of Concrete Maintenance

If you have a CONCRETE driveway (exposed aggregate, stamped, or brushed) then every 2-3 years it should be cleaned & sealed. The same goes for BRICK roadways & walkways – they should be cleaned, repaired (for any areas that have sunk), and then sealed. Even if weeds,grass or ants have grown in the cracks or joints they should be removed to make it SHINE like NEW!

When these paved surfaces are not maintained – the sun, chemicals, and general wear and tear can cut the surface life by up to 50%. Just like you paint the house and fix the sink, your paved surfaces need attention to extend their life and keep them functional!

Written by Rob Thibault

Outdoor Flooring

Outdoor Flooring

 

Are you looking to put in a hard surface outdoors to host BBQ’s for your family and friends but aren’t sure what to choose? Here are two primary options for you: a Wooden Deck or a Brick Patio. Both options basically serve the same purpose but are installed and priced very differently, require different maintenance, and have a dramatically different lifespan.

A Pressure Treated (“PT”) Cedar or Composite Deck is said to last an average of 10-30 years in Vancouver, BC. Composite decks usually cost the most but also have the longest life span and the primarily made up of recycled materials. If the project is designed well & given careful forethought, a deck can snap together relatively quickly and require very limited excavation and ground prep.

Wooden Decks offer several benefits, including the sensory experience of the natural wood, and the ability to customize with unique features: setting them at a higher elevation, adding custom railings, or even building in a pergola. Deciding to install an elevated deck without stairs down to the yard is another option; this instantly creates a semi-private area without giving intruders easy access to your home. One thing to keep in mind is that wooden decks can rot quickly in the Lower Mainland if not regularly maintained. We typically get a lot of rain, shade, and falling debris throughout the year, which can create a lot of work. Decaying leaves and moss stuck in the deck board gaps are just some of the factors that contribute to the occurrence of deck rotting. Wooden decks also have some typical wear and tear patterns such as checking (cracking) and/or warping. The rough cost of getting a deck installed can range from $12-$35 per square foot, depending on material and the complexity of the project.





A viable alternative decking material option is Brick Pavers. Pavers are available in a wide variety of shapes, colours, and sizes and are designed to last between 25-50 years! When installing pavers, there’s a bit of ground prep involved:

1) Excavation to a depth of 8″ for removal

2) Installation of 4″ clear crushed, 3/4″ gravel

3) A layer of landscape filter cloth

4) 1.5″ of Sechelt sand, and finally

5) Installation of the brick pavers

This ground prep allows for great compaction. This enables the rain to weep through the pavers and be held sub-terra until it can be fully absorbed back into the water table. Due to the lifespan and water-table restoring design, brick-paving is a very “green” solution.

Pavers can also be used to create a driveway; this allows you to re-use the same material all around your property, rather than introducing more materials, colours and textures. Pavers are a better solution than concrete and asphalt because they do not crack or break. Additionally, if you ever need to install a pipe or cable below the pavers, you won’t have to compromise appearance with patches (like asphalt and concrete). Rather, you can simply pull any or all of the pavers up, complete your installation work, and put them right back down!

As for maintenance, Pavers should be pressure washed every 2-3 years and the stones should be sealed every 3-5 years on average. Pricing for a paver patio typically ranges from $7-$15 per square foot, again depending on material and complexity of the project.

In summary, Brick pavers are cheaper and last longer, while wooden decks can be installed more quickly and can offer very unique options. Regardless of which option you choose, it is always a good idea to put in a deck or patio because of the instant “quality of life” increase. That is, if you live anywhere between Abbotsford, Tsawwassen and Whistler you most likely have a wet & mucky backyard because it’s all built on clay and we get so much rain! Putting in a patio or wooden deck over that mud will allow you to claim back the useable space you already own!

 

Written by Rob Thibault

The Basics: Rainwater Harvesting (RWH)

Rainwater is one of the most precious resources in the world. Fortunately here in B.C. we are gifted with an abundance! Unfortunately, the building industry has convinced most home-owners that water is a major threat to their homes and properties, therefore it being important to get rid of it A.S.A.P.! The truth is, if you were to use the correct tools to harness this priceless gift you would be years ahead of the building and development industry! Rainwater Harvesting systems are perfect for indoor use such as flushing toilets and washing clothes, or outdoor use to wash vehicles and pets. Best of all, you can water your lawn and gardens whenever you want in summer months as this no longer controls you by the city watering restrictions! If we install an in-ground drainage system you can additionally reclaim and filter any excess run-off water and use it again!

One of the best ways to use this system is to include a water feature! In doing this, you are able to enjoy and show off the water you are secretly storing underground! If you were to choose to include a pond with fish and plants, this would add even more nutrients to the water for irrigating your landscape! At this stage you would have a mini eco-system on your very own property. A holistic approach based on nature’s intelligent design is always the recommended route, but something as small as a single rain barrel does make a difference in the world.

City storm-water systems have been created to take the water from our roofs and street to direct it into our streams, rivers and oceans carrying harmful chemicals at high velocity. This is extremely damaging to our local eco-systems and is causing greater destruction to plants, fish, and animals than the average person would guess. It’s through small steps like residential rainwater harvesting that will help to heal our local eco-systems and prevent local flooding. We aim to change the world with our clients to create a better world for tomorrow. We hope to partner with you on a rainwater project soon!

The grass on the left side (see picture below) is the RWH finished product!

Written by Rob Thibault

The Basics: Water Features & Ponds

Any type of water feature adds a whole new level of pleasure to a landscape. Waterfalls and streams are loud enough to block out regular neighbourhood noises, which is often the major appeal to anyone who truly wants a backyard get-a-way. Private ponds offer such a relaxing and peaceful place that cannot be achieved by any other outdoor element.  Running water brings a natural beauty that offers both visual and auditory stimulation to your sense. Ponds that are designed and installed correctly have their own functioning eco-system which makes them essentially self-sustaining.

When plants and fish are added, the whole yard is brought to life. Koi and certain species of goldfish are very interactive, making for great pet’s and entertainment! Fish are also low maintenance pets that always provide hours of fun for the whole family and any guests you might be hosting. Just watching them soar through the water and interact with their surroundings can be enough to take your mind off nearly anything!

Having little pools of flowing water allows local wildlife a chance to wander in and take a quick drink or bath before quietly sneaking away. If you have young children, waterfalls and streams are the safer choices of a water feature to have as we can install them without a pond. No matter how big or small the yard, there is always room for a water feature!

If you are interested in getting a small garden pond installed in Surrey or the surrounding area, please connect with us through our “Bio & Contact” page!

Written by Rob Thibault

The Basics: Outdoor Lighting

Lighting is the most over-looked feature in landscaping. Well placed lighting highlights feature trees, casts dramatic shadows from a water feature, or simply shines some light on your footpath.  A property with no lighting becomes virtually useless once the sun has set. Any outdoor space without illumination becomes uninviting and unsafe. However, with the quick installation of a few low-voltage lights in the yard, you will instantly be able to enjoy your beautiful property day or night! Nothing else will give your landscape a makeover as efficiently as lighting.

Outdoor garden lighting has become fashionable for gardens in local areas surrounding North Vancouver as well as White Rock and Tsawwassen. A well-lit garden at night takes on a whole other dimension you have to see to believe. Landscape lighting provides your party guests the opportunity to stay outdoors and enjoy the warmth of summer nights long after the sun has gone.

Lighting is picture-perfect for year round amusement. When winter is here and the sun is exposed for limited hours, your yard is still showing off! Looking out through the house windows and seeing the trees dance in the wind is entirely captivating for you and the neighbours!

 

Written by Rob Thibault

The Basics: Pavers

Pavers are a great addition to any outdoor living space because they provide any property with a beautiful and functional surface. Whether you’re looking to put in a new driveway, improve an already existing walkway, or create additional space to host a party or BBQ, pavers are the top solution. We have trained ICPI members on staff that are both certified and qualified. This dynamic team of installers have even installed complicated projects such as custom company logos! Bricks and slabs enhance the appearance of any outdoor area by adding the look of warmth and accessibility. We can install them to give an old country cobblestone feel or a sharp and clean modern appearance. A great way to seemingly increase the square footage of your home is to add a patio. Suddenly you can transition from inside the house to outside just like the breeze that passes through.

Another benefit to pavers is that you will never have to worry about them cracking or breaking! Unlike the other comparable surfaces such as concrete or asphalt, pavers have a much longer life-span. A quality paver with professional installation can literally last hundreds of years, just look at the European cobblestone roads that still exist today! We want to help you protect your investment, not regret it! Your options for shape, size, color and texture are almost limitless and we can build them to any design you desire. When we design a space with pavers we aim to compliment your residence and surrounding structures by choosing the perfect combination of products to match your existing elements and themes. Pavers can be coated with a special sealing agent that protects them from the outdoor elements such as weeds, moss, ants, or stains and it also works to ensure their colour stays vibrant for an increased period of time.

Did you know that paving stones are one of the most environmentally friendly options available? That is one of our favourite facts about this amazing paving surface! Most pavers are permeable, which means when it rains the pavers absorb water and weep it into the subgrade soils below, restoring your local water table! Also, if you ever need to remove a section in your driveway or pathway for home updates such as installation of pipes or cable, you could do so with zero waste, unlike the other paving surfaces which cannot be re-used and would have a much higher repair cost. In the case of earthquakes or other natural disasters, pavers are hands down the best solution on the market! As you can see, pavers are the top option for aesthetic and structural capacity which is an extremely rare combination.

 

Written by Rob Thibault