A Freshly Completed Newmarket Backyard Renovation

Transforming Outdoor Spaces: Our Newmarket Backyard Project

This blog is a follow-up to our Newmarket backyard design project—now freshly completed and brought to life.

The Newmarket backyard design first took shape in April when we connected with the homeowner. Over a few online and in-person meetings, we gradually worked through key planning stages. We defined functional zones, selected planting and lighting, and finalized material choices. With everything in place, construction began in early July.

Design Inspiration and Concept

The design was inspired by classical elements from French formal gardens. We incorporated features such as symmetry, central alignment, and structured spatial rhythm. However, we adapted these elements to suit the unique conditions of this property. The elevated deck offered a natural vantage point. The backyard door aligned closely with the garden’s centerline. The client’s request for both privacy and a water feature helped shape a layout that emphasizes structure while remaining grounded in the site.

If you’re curious about the full design process, you can check out our earlier concept-phase blog here: Newmarket: Modern Backyard Redesign for a Sloped Lot.

After photo (Just Finish) View from the deck looking into the backyard.

Construction Overview & Challenges

Construction officially began in early July and took about two weeks to complete. The overall process was smooth, though we encountered a few timely challenges:

• Plant Substitutions: This summer, boxwoods across the region were hit hard by an unexpected outbreak of box tree moth. With many plants turning yellow or dying back, we decided to make substitutions mid-process. Boxwood Green Mountain was replaced with Hicks Yew as our vertical structure element. Lower plantings were switched to Inkberry Holly—a hardy and reliable choice that brought seasonal interest and helped maintain the design integrity.

  
  

• Limitations of Spring Measurements: When we first scanned and measured the site in April, residual snow and dormant plants created challenges in capturing precise dimensions. As a result, a few areas required on-site adjustments during construction. Thanks to the collaboration and feedback from the team, these refinements were carried out efficiently and seamlessly.

  
  

Final Results & Design Highlights

The core of the design focused on visual balance and a clear central focal point. We were thrilled to see our envisioned focal planting bed come to life—even better than expected:

• The ground layer featured Garden Juniper 'Nana' and Blue Chip Juniper.

• The middle layer was built with Inkberry Holly and Golden Globe Cedar.

• A vertical axis was established using 150 cm tall Hicks Yew.

• The client's chosen water feature and the custom wood screen tied everything together at the center.

  
  

Just finished: Fresh plants

The contrast between the expansive artificial turf and 2-foot-wide porcelain pavers further emphasized the garden's clean geometry. These layered transitions and hardscape finishes confirmed how successful the early grading planning had been. We ensured smooth drainage and natural elevation changes that set a strong foundation for both efficiency and aesthetics.

Creating a Serene Atmosphere

Now complete, the garden feels serene and thoughtfully composed. The gentle trickle of the water feature and the soft motion of ornamental grasses add ambient charm. The neatly defined planting zones and crisp materials ground the space with clarity. The once-isolated deck has become an integrated viewing platform that connects effortlessly to the garden below.

Water feature with Screen and Plants

Acknowledgments

We’d like to thank our client for their flexibility and support throughout the process, especially as adjustments were made during installation. We’re also grateful to our trusted collaborators—from the team who installed the cedar hedge to our long-time plant and material suppliers. Thanks to everyone’s coordination, this garden was brought to life just as imagined.

In conclusion, this project exemplifies our commitment to delivering extraordinary, custom landscape designs. We take pride in transforming outdoor spaces into beautiful, functional areas that our clients can enjoy for years to come.

Junning Wang

18 JULY 2025

HORVATH LANDSCAPES INC.