Larix Landscape Blog | All About Landscaping in Victoria BC

Revitalize Your Residential Garden this Spring!

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 23:30:59 GMT

Next spring, turn your back or front yard garden into something that inspires you!

The team at Larix Landscape is always excited for spring. With the Spring Equinox come and gone, and Easter already over, it's official - springtime is here . Pollen is falling on the cars and flowers are sprouting in the yards. But's it's not just the nicer weather and the vibrant color returning to plant-life that makes us love spring so much. We love spring because it's one of our busiest times of year. We enjoy the work of transforming outdoor spaces into revitalized nature sanctuaries. In 2024, nothing's different except for all the new exciting projects and design ideas we're honored to work on.

Spring is a great time of year for planting new landscapes and gardens because the nice weather makes plants stronger and we can install native flowers and shrubs without risk of them freezing or withering. Flowers love to bloom this time of year, and so do we. If you're thinking about starting a new garden or doing some outdoor renovation this spring, Larix Landscape is delighted to help. We've transformed hundreds of residential gardens over the years and we're always excited to start a new project.

This year, pergolas and ponds are becoming quite popular, as well as patios with interlocking pavers . For residential back yards we're often asked to level outdoor spaces, construct patios, retaining walls, and install flower beds and garden paths. The end results never fail to impress and we're sure you'll feel the same way, as we're just as excited as you are to complete your gardening and landscaping in Victoria BC this spring.

Get your 2024 springtime gardening and landscaping done early, and book your free consultation and cost estimate with Larix Landscape today! Call (250) 590-9508.

Our New and Improved Landscaping Victoria BC Image Gallery! - Larix Landscape

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 18:49:22 GMT

We've Improved Our Gallery of Landscaping Victoria BC Images, Showcasing Past and Recent Projects

We've been landscaping in Victoria BC since 2007, and since then we've been taking photos of almost every project we've worked on. That means, as you can imagine, we have a LOT of photos to share. We recently uploaded dozens of photos we've never shared before onto our new and improved photo gallery . Our purpose in doing this is so that you , our dear reader, can see how serious we are about the quality and workmanship of our landscaping projects. From deck building and fence design to retaining walls and tree service, we do everything with love, care, diligence, and experience to bring superb results that will last a lifetime. And we're not done yet. We plan to continue adding to our photo gallery as often as we can, so stay tuned to view even more amazing Victoria landscapes.

Work with a Victoria landscaper who can design and construct any landscape feature you need, and get in touch us today - (250) 590-9508.

The benefits of having a pergola in your yard

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 16:40:24 GMT

Pergola specialists in Victoria BC explain the top 4 benefits of having a pergola in your yard

The benefits of having a pergola in your yard go beyond just looking nice. The team at Larix Landscape has had the pleasure of installing hundreds of custom wood pergolas in Victoria BC and throughout Vancouver Island. We've learned that no matter if your pergola is on residential or commercial property, the benefits stay the same. What are the benefits? Below, we'll break down the top 4 benefits:

#1 - Support for Plants

Freshly installed wood pergolas look nice, of course, but they can start to look even nicer once greenery uses them as support for growing, which makes plants stronger and healthier. Pergolas are perfect for supporting vines, hanging flower baskets, and other greenery. The best types of plants for pergolas include clematis, trumpet vines, wisteria, crimson glory vine, and countless others. Our landscapers can discuss and install these plants for you, but the point we're making here is that the older your pergola gets, the more beautiful it may become, as plants grow on it for support and turn a plain wooden structure into something magical.

#2 - Private Outdoor Space for Living and Entertainment

Pergolas are sometimes installed over garden pathways, but they can also be installed over your patio or lawn to create a sheltered outdoor space than can be dedicated to living and entertainment. Having a pergola in your yard means allocating a specific area in your yard for a specific purpose. For example, having a pergola installed over a patio for the purpose of fine outdoor dining can be accomplished by creating a seating area under the pergola. Another example is, if you just want a private place to read in your yard where no one can see or bother you, you can install curtains and hanging vines around the pergola. And the possibilities don't end there. For clients in the past, we've also installed landscape lighting features around pergolas for commercial patios to allow extravagant outdoor dining experiences at night, which are amazing for romantic dinners.

#3 - Shade in the Summer Months

What's awesome about having a pergola in your yard is that, after sun tanning in your lawn chair, you can get some shade by moving your lawn chair underneath the pergola whenever you feel like it. Some of our clients used to have cheap, flimsy pavilions for shade in the summer. But these pavilions often need to be disassembled in the winter and maintained/cleaned year-round. A pergola, on the other hand, is a permanent structure that won't blow away in the winter and can provide the same function as a pavilion in the summer. That's why our clients were so excited to say goodbye to their flimsy pavilions and hello to a custom wood pergola.

#4 - Rise in Property Value

Because pergolas are permanent structures that add to the visual appeal as well as the functional use of your yard, they increase the value of your property. Getting a pergola custom built for your outdoor space isn't the cheapest service in the world, but the investment often pays for itself if you ever decide to rent or sell your property. Homebuyers love seeing beautiful pergolas in the yards they're viewing, because having one already installed will save them from having to get one themselves. And here at Larix Landscape we use the strongest, locally-sourced materials to construct our pergolas which means they're built to last for a lifetime and are more affordable to build because the materials come locally and we're time-efficient when it comes to installing them. So, in other words, you pay less for more value.

Getting A Custom Wood Pergola in Victoria BC

We've shared the top 4 benefits of having a pergola in your yard. If you're looking to get one installed for your yard, our landscaping Victoria specialists are here to help across Vancouver Island. We can design a custom pergola to fit your outdoor space. To learn more about getting a custom wood pergola installed, call our experts today - (250) 590-9508 - and start enjoying the benefits!

How much do landscapers charge per hour in Victoria BC?

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 23:13:01 GMT

What is the hourly rate of professional landscaping in Victoria BC? The experts at Larix Landscape explain...

If you’re planning a landscaping project in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, then knowing the hourly rate for professional landscaping service prices is a great thing to know for planning and budgeting. The hourly price of Victoria landscaping service depends on various factors such as how many workers are needed, if any heavy machinery like mini-excavators are needed, and the overall nature of the project itself. For example, a simple garden design with retaining walls will cost less for an hourly rate than a commercial landscape design with pergolas and ponds requiring excavation and skilled carpenters. Our landscaping company in Victoria BC typically charges as little as $100 per hour for most landscaping projects.

We hope this information answers your question. We also answer other related questions here , such as the landscaping cost per square foot. If you want to know more about what landscapers charge per hour in Victoria, contact Larix Landscape today by calling (250) 590-9508.

The best landscaping for sloping terrain

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 21:09:33 GMT

What are the best landscape design for steep inclines and sloping terrain?

Victoria landscaping experts explain the answer!

If you're looking to get landscaping done but your property is on a hill with steep terrain, you might be wondering what the best options are. The team at Larix Landscape has a great solution for landscaping on sloping terrain, and the solution is retaining walls .

Retaining walls and terraces add level areas to your sloping land like stair steps, so that you're able to design beautiful landscapes on the flat surfaces upheld by the retaining walls. In fact, this was how ancient Peruvians were able to grow crops on the mountainside at Machu Picchu . No matter how steep a terrain is, terraced retaining walls, if installed properly, are strong enough to hold soil in place for level planting.

Like the image above, a sloping land can be leveled out into steps called terraces which create flat surfaces so you can install any type of landscape design you wish, no matter how steep the incline is. We've installed hundreds of retaining walls throughout Victoria BC over the years, so if you want to get started on landscaping your sloping terrain, we're here to help.

Get a free quote for landscaping on your sloping terrain today, and call Larix Landscape at (250) 590-9508.

How to winterize your pond

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 03:47:38 GMT

Larix Landscape provides essential tips for maintaining your pond in the winter

Hey, there! As Victoria's leading pond contractors , we have some great tips for winterizing your pond. Preparing your pond for the winter and fulfilling several tasks will ensure the well-being of your aquatic ecosystem during the colder months. So without further ado, here's a detailed list of essential tips for winterizing your pond.

Clean and Install Netting

Remove all feeble and sensitive plants from the pond's perimeter and use a skimmer to remove any fallen leaves, twigs, and debris from the pond's surface. Once the pond is clean, installing a net over the surface before winter gets underway will prevent further leaves and debris from falling into the pond which will make it much easier to clean again when winter's over. And speaking of cleaning, now's also a good time to check your pond's water filter and give it one last cleanup before winter settles in.

Lower the Water Level

The winter months tend to see a lot more rain, especially in Victoria. By reducing your water level slightly, you'll avoid overflowing during storms. A pond that overflows can cause lawn swamping and a muddy mess in your garden. That's why it's also wise to check your water's levels throughout the winter.

Raise Your Pump

When the pond freezes over, any fish you have will instinctively hibernate in the deepest part of the pond. If your pump is at the bottom of the pond, it will make the environment much colder than necessary. For your fish's sake, it's best to leave the pump in a shallower part of your pond during the winter months, so that the fish can hibernate in peace. If you don't have any fish though, leaving your pump at the bottom of the pond is fine.

Aerate the Pond

When your pond freezes over, break a hole in the surface to allow the exchange of air and gases. This is crucial for the survival of fish and other aquatic organisms, and it will also make feeding your fish easier if you have any.

Invest in a Pond De-Icer or Pond Heater

One way to ensure your pond doesn't completely freeze is by using a pond de-icer or by installing a pond heater. This is an important step especially if you have fish in your pond that you want to stay happy and healthy. Just make sure that if you do install a pond heater to check the temperatures often to ensure the water is at the ideal temperature for your fish to thrive. If you don't have any fish, a pond heater is still nice if you like to enjoy your pond all year round. After all, it's a great place to enjoy a hot chocolate on Christmas!

Check and Waterproof Your Electronics

Last but not least, go over your pump, your filtration system, your pond heater if you have one and any other electronic components in your pond and make sure they're all functioning properly. Once that's done, make sure all the electronics are waterproofed by concealing any exposed wires and laying tarps where needed. Some pond owners even prefer to stow away all the components until winter is over, but they should be fine so long as they're waterproofed.

However, if your pond has a fountain or pump-powered waterfall, turning these off during the winter is a good idea, because they may freeze over anyways and you can save on electricity while the pond isn't being used. If you want your fountain running all winter long, though, a well-placed pond heater should prevent it from freezing.

By following these essential tips, you can ensure the health and survival of your pond and its inhabitants during the winter months. Thanks for reading the Larix Landscape Blog.

Happy holidays!

Commercial Landscape Construction with a Tailored Approach

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 19:32:28 GMT

Larix Landscape has had the honor of creating many beautiful commercial landscapes throughout Victoria BC - here's how we offer a tailored approach to any commercial landscaping project

Our 25+ years of experience working in all the various fields that landscaping requires is what allows us to provide a tailored approach to your project. From the initial land clearing and excavation all the way to the final lighting and garden design, we do it all. By working closely with our customers we strive to understand their needs and create a custom landscape design plan. Our experience makes us easy for developers to work with, because we're transparent the whole way through. From the cost estimate to the final results, you'll be working with a passionate team of skilled workers and planners.

We work with many customers who have a specific vision in mind. By listening to their needs, we bring their vision to life. We break down what materials are needed, what plants need to be planted, and bring everything together in a timely manner, as your all-in-one solution for any commercial landscape construction imaginable. From transplanting trees to installing drainage systems, everything is done to the complete satisfaction of the customer.

Give your project the comprehensive, tailored approach it deserves, and experience the difference Larix Landscape makes. Call us today to receive a cost estimate for your commercial landscape construction in Victoria BC - (250) 590-9508.

Six simple ideas to maximize your SMALL outdoor space!

Tue, 02 May 2023 17:59:02 GMT

6 ideas to maximize your small outdoor space.

Emphasize the essentials.

What do you want to achieve?
Why do you use your yard?

Focus on these two questions and build your yard around the answers.

Choose appropriate plantings.

Use height for privacy.
Keep plants small (invest in dwarf cultivars!)
Add container plantings for less maintenance.

Add a water feature.

Water features are a great way to introduce a focal point.
Water feature add instant interest to your yard and help make it seem BIGGER.
Adding the element of sound adds dimension, peace and most of all tranquility.

Think Materials.

Don’t be afraid to use different materials.
Mix greenery with metal, concrete, wood, etc. The possibilities are endless!

Use illusions to enhance space.

Long straight lines give the illusion a BIGGER yard.
Use open gates such as metal or lattice to divide areas without cutting them off.
Play with height! Just because you can’t go out doesn’t mean you can’t go up. Used tiered spaces to add multiple areas.

Simplify.

Choose your palette of materials and plants carefully.
Go for spaces that are multifunctional, it will make your yard seem BIGGER.
Opt for 1 or 2 main focal points, no more.

What is the difference between a gardener and a landscape gardener? | Victoria BC

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 15:25:18 GMT

Gardener vs. Landscape Gardner: What is the difference?

If you don't spend a lot time or attention with landscapers, it's easy to confuse gardeners with landscape gardeners. In Victoria BC there are a lot more gardens in residential yards than you'll find in most other Canadian cities, so if you're looking for services to maintain or work on your garden in Victoria BC you might be wondering if you need a gardener or a landscape gardener to hire.

The easy answer: Both a gardener and a landscape gardener work on your garden, however a landscape gardener offers a lot more services than a gardener.

Such services that a landscape gardener offers that a mere gardener wouldn't typically offer are:

Tree care - Landscape gardeners have the equipment and skills to top and prune your trees, whereas a gardener might only work on ground-level plants.
Hard installations - While a gardener might only work on planting and caring for your garden, a garden landscaper can construct a garden from scratch with many extra features like landscape lighting, paved pathways , retaining walls, pergolas , etc.
Excavation - A gardener might not have an excavator or other heavy equipment involved in terracing your land. The closest thing a gardener might have to an excavator is a shovel! But a garden landscaper is basically a landscaper that is just working on your garden, so they bring with them all the heavy excavation tools that you would expect from a full-blown landscaping company.

There are many other services that garden landscapers provides that a gardener doesn't, but those three are the top that come to mind. To put all this in simpler terms, you would hire a gardener if all you wanted was someone to tend to your pre-installed garden, or to plant new flowers, bushes, etc., and to provide regular maintenance to your garden such as picking weeds and fertilizing the soil. A garden landscaper , on the other hand, does a lot more than just tend to your garden - they can plant new trees, build rock walls, install water features like ponds and fountains, and a whole lot more. Check our our Victoria BC landscaping services if you want to see all that a garden landscaper can provide.

Us here at Larix Landscape hope this answers your question. Thanks for reading. Consider subscribing to our YouTube channel for fun updates and extra info. Thanks again!

Why It's Worth Hiring Professional Landscapers...

Sun, 22 Jan 2023 23:08:01 GMT

Is it worth it to hire landscapers?

There are many reasons why you should hire professional landscapers. Firstly, without occasional landscaping your yard and property may become dilapidated, especially if you have much vegetation. Professional landscapers have the knowledge, the experience and the skills to design, install and maintain a beautiful and functional landscape for your yard. Landscapers are familiar with the different types of plants, trees and materials that will thrive in your property, and they can create a plan that is tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Landscaping can be a time-consuming task and it can be hard to fit it into a busy schedule, especially in the financially demanding City of Victoria. Hiring professional landscapers can save you time and allow you to focus on your own hobbies while enjoying a beautiful yard.

Landscaping tasks such as operating heavy machinery, cutting trees and trimming hedges can be dangerous if not done by experts. Our landscapers here in Victoria BC are trained to do these tasks safely and efficiently. Professional landscapers have access to the necessary equipment and resources to complete the job quickly and cost-effectively. This can save you money down the road, as well as help you to avoid unnecessary expenses if something goes wrong with your landscaping in the future. We provide a warranty or guarantee our work which gives you peace of mind knowing that we will fix any issues that may arise in the future. Professional landscapers have the knowledge and experience to create magnificent and functional landscapes that will enhance the appearance of your entire property.

If you are looking for professional landscaping and reliable services in Vancouver head over to Blossom Landscaping .

To conclude: hiring professional landscapers can save you time, money and hassle while ensuring that your landscape looks good!

How our landscaping company stays busy in the winter.

Sat, 21 Jan 2023 17:37:03 GMT

Our winter landscape services

Our winter landscaping services include:

Snow Removal: This service involves clearing snow and ice from walkways, driveways, and other areas to ensure safe access and prevent slips and falls.
Winter Pruning: This service involves cutting back trees and shrubs to promote healthy growth in the spring.
Winter Fertilization: This service involves applying fertilizer to lawns and other plants to provide them with the necessary nutrients to survive the winter and thrive in the spring.
Holiday Lighting: This service involves installing and maintaining holiday lights on trees and other landscaping features to add a festive touch to the property.
Mulching: This service involves adding a layer of mulch around trees and plants to protect their roots from freezing temperatures and to help retain moisture in the soil.
Winter Clean-up: This service involves removing fallen leaves, debris, and other items from the landscape to keep it looking neat and tidy throughout the winter.
Tree protection: This service involves wrapping the trunk of trees with protective material to prevent sun scald, frost cracks and other winter damages.

To learn more or order winter landscaping service in Victoria BC today, call (778) 401-0806 or visit us on Google .

Why Do I Need A Drainage System Maintenance?

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 22:21:19 GMT

Why Drainage System Maintenance Is Important!

Floods can be one of the most damaging events any homeowner can experience. Water can destroy your personal belongings, damage or weaken the structure of your home, and leave behind lingering health concerns related to standing water, mold, and mildew.

You can prevent flooding with a drainage system maintenance.

Watch the video for some tips.

Do You Need A Drainage System Installed In Victoria BC?

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 22:17:54 GMT

Larix Landscape Offers The Most Affordable Drainage Installation Systems In Greater Victoria!

Are you looking for a trusted company with years of experience? Here at Larix Landscaping we have over twenty-five years of experience and do everything we can to ensure your satisfaction with our services. Customer service is what our company is built from, without you lovely people we would not be in business! We apply due diligence in every single aspect of life and make it our goal to be the most affordable, most available, and most efficient landscaping company in Victoria BC!

Drainage system installation for a price you can afford, friendly, genuine workers who make every effort to make you smile; that's what you receive when working with Larix Landscape!

Call us today for your free estimate, we are offering discounts for the month of September!

Larix Landscape Offers The Most Affordable Landscaping In Victoria, British Columbia!

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 22:14:30 GMT

Would you like to speak with a professional landscaping contractor and be given a free quote today?

Here at Larix Landscape we strive to offer services that people can smile about, not only for the end result of the project but the overall experience of working with Larix Landscaping. Friendly, professional, and genuine human beings who take pride in the work they do; that's who we choose to employ. We love the people of Victoria and we do everything we can to offer the highest quality services at prices that are unheard of. We've been told we're the best landscaping company in Victoria BC. We work with property and building managers, contractors of all kinds, local business owners, owners of educational facilities, and of course home owners! Larix Landscape will deliver a service to you that you will be able to share with your family and friends AND all of our services will add value to your real estate!

An affordable landscaping company in Victoria BC that you can trust; that's Larix Landscape.

Call us today to get your free quote!

(778) 401-0806