Samples of Construction Summary
Sample 1:
The stunning sunroom of this contemporary bungalow looked out onto nearly 100 feet of a Pisa wall-retained slope rising to a wooden fence. What started out as a revamping of the plantings soon became a re-thinking of the whole space. Now, falling water provides a dramatic vertical element to break up the long expanse of wall and slope. Simple post and beam arbours frame the patio and entrance to the walkway below. Another similar structure enlarges the side entrance and provides some visual relief from the neighbour’s house. New flagstone walkways connect both the side entrance and lower patio to the existing main patio. The existing wooden beams of the sunroom extended out over the patio and formed an open canopy resting upon four decaying brick pillars. A new pergola comprised of a tightly boxed grid of fully notched boards was installed to better filter sunlight in this area. The brick pillars received cedar wainscoting to soften their feel and visually reduce their imposing height. Screened by two mature Rose of Sharon standards, this patio is now a delightful outdoor dining room complete with “Niagara Falls” in view.
Sample 2:
The backyard of this downtown Toronto home was completely unusable in its original condition because of an extreme downhill slope. A redesign to make the slope a positive feature has resulted in an intimate garden space for family use and parties. From the doors, flagstone veneered steps lead to an upper terrace. This area overlooks a series of Manitoulin stone steps that curve around a natural stone waterfall cascading down to a small pond. The sound of water reinforces the feeling of tranquility and privacy. At the foot of the staircase is the larger lower terrace, done in tumbled precast pavers. In a corner, a sand play area is enclosed by natural rock. An elegant cedar fence forms the perimeter of the backyard and enhances the overall landscape. New plantings included a weeping Japanese Maple, and strategically placed Honey locust and Schubert Cherry trees that will soon provide shade to the upper terrace area. There were many construction constraints with this site including the narrowness of the backyard and the steep slope. Much of the work was done by hand.
Samples of a Maintenance Summary
Sample 1:
Our company has maintained this property since its conception eight years ago. In that time, upgrades and design changes have seen this property transformed into what it is today. A large bed – bordered with blue lobelia — was recently created on the right side of the driveway. The trees and shrubs have been pruned and sheared since the beginning, resulting in their great shape, health and vigor. All of the perennials and annuals are pruned and dead-headed on a weekly basis. New soil is added every year to the planting beds then topped up with mulch. The mulch keeps weeding to a minimum so that the more detailed aspects of the property can be concentrated on to keep the site looking its best all season long.
Sample 2:
Located on a main intersection in Markham, this property consists primarily of large buildings with an extensive parking area. It is surrounded by perimeter berms and trees. The actual landscaped area is slightly less than two acres. The site suffered initially from a lack of curb appeal, especially when compared to the neighbouring properties. The challenge for Tom Jensen Landscape Maintenance Inc. was to create and maintain an inviting corporate appearance. Attention had to be given to the signage and to improving the fitness centre environment. The bright combination of annuals and spring bulbs is repeated throughout the site and the use of mulch around the trees gives a professional appearance. Cast iron urns at each entrance, with displays changed at least four times a year, create fresh interest.
