Town of Mont-Royal Garden

A charming Tudor-style home close to Montreal’s Mount Royal neighbourhood required an extensive transformation to both its modest front and spacious back yards. The aim was to introduce soul and character that would match and respond to the architecture.

‍

At the front, we introduced both the formality and romance that are typically associated with English cottage gardens. A symmetrical layout and linear beds either side of a central brick path, flanked by lines of hornbeam trees and hydrangeas, is in keeping with the style of the house while satisfying the clients’ modern tastes and desire for pattern. The layers of low-level planting add softness and movement, creating a sensorial melange and seasonal interest.

‍

Spaced pavers lead around both sides of the house, past the parking area in one direction and kitchen garden in the other, to the larger exterior space at the rear. Here, the clients requested a layout that would work well for social gatherings, as well as maintain a sense of intimacy for use by two. We therefore created a series of outdoor rooms with unique characters and programs for various uses within the wider garden that are delineated by materials. Closest to the house, an outdoor dining area is positioned on a warm adair stone patio, then a carpet of brick defines a convivial lounge area around a fire table and a spot for the grill.

‍

A must-have request was a bocce court, which we created on a flat lawn that spans the width of the property. This area was elevated to ensure that the grass would grow undisturbed by the many surface roots from adjacent mature trees. Behind the lawn, past a row of Japanese maples, is a hidden seating area atop crushed stones that feels secluded and private. At the center, a sculpture treasured by the family sits on a perfect axis with the pathway and the back door from the house, allowing an uninterrupted sightline from inside.

‍

The diversity of plant species offer seasonal horticultural richness, and responds to the varied orientations of the site. In total, 33 new trees were planted, together with the smaller shrubs and perennials playing an important role in defining space and rhythm, creating intimacy, adding color, and concealing unwanted views of the neighboring properties.

‍

Team:

Sophie Robitaille  Partner, CSLA,  ASLA, AAPQ

Teressa Peill  Landscape Architect, CSLA, AAPQ

‍

Photography © Nanne Springer