Livingston Landscaping Company: Calgary Dreamscapes

Past Landscaping Project in Livingston, Northwest Calgary

As a professional landscaping company, our team at Calgary Dreamscapes was thrilled to take on this comprehensive landscape project in one of our city’s most sought-after up-and-coming northwest communities.

When the homeowner approached us with her sketch and ideas for her outdoor space, we immediately recognized the potential to create something truly spectacular that would enhance both the functionality and beauty of her Livingston home.

The project encompassed an extensive back yard landscape renovation, with a focus on creating multi-level outdoor living areas using natural stone retaining walls, custom hardscaping elements, a central fire pit, and new sod and plants.

As an experienced Calgary landscaping company, we pride ourselves on bringing creative visions to life through meticulous planning and execution and are thrilled to have had the opportunity to bring this Livingston landscaping project to life!

Step #1 - Design and Breaking Ground

Our experienced landscaping team began with initial design consultations, providing our client with a professionally made 3D rendering of her Livingston backyard and how it would look like upon completion. After agreeing on some further details, a thorough site assessment was performed to ensure proper drainage and optimal layout for our design.

The first phase of work involved carefully excavating the areas designated for the sunken fire pit and tiered natural stone retaining walls. This critical foundation work allowed us to establish the proper elevations that would define this project and make it stand out amongst the neighbour’s back yards.

After excavation and soil treatments, we installed premium landscape fabric across approximately 1,200 square feet to provide a stable base, promote drainage flow, and prevent weed growth. The foundation for all hardscaped areas included 8-10 inches of crush gravel, meticulously compacted in layers every three inches, a signature trait of our Livingston landscaping project in Calgary to ensure landscape integrity while preventing shifting and/or settling in the years ahead.

Step #2 - Crafting the Hardscape Elements

The centerpiece of the backyard transformation was a beautiful central fire pit and a sunken patio on the one side of the yard which utilized Tafino Grey pavers with a striking charcoal colouring. This 400-square-foot space was designed with fluid, curvilinear lines to create a natural flow throughout the property, a stunning touch to our recent Livingston landscaping project.

Adjacent to the patio, we constructed three tiers of Kootenay brownstone retaining walls, incorporating custom planting pockets to soften the stonework with greenery such as sod and plants. The master staircase was designed to flare outward, creating an elegant transition between levels and serving as a focal point of the landscape design.

On the property's north side, we installed a practical pressure-treated brown retaining wall using 4x6 lumber, reinforced with rebar for durability. For the natural stone staircase on the south side, we carefully placed Rundle rock to create ten seamless steps that blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape.

Step #3 - Adding Texture and Dimension

To create visual interest and proper drainage, we strategically incorporated different sizes of Rundle rock throughout the property: 10mm in the bottom area, 20mm for the side yard, and 40mm for the front yard. Behind the retaining walls, we installed 40mm drain rock to ensure proper water management—a critical consideration for any professional Livingston landscaper.

For the finishing touches on the hardscape elements, we created a custom fire pit using 8-10 pieces of natural stone with a 40-inch circumference, providing the perfect gathering spot for evening enjoyment and a place for our client to entertain loved ones throughout the year.

Step #4 - Softscaping Elements

As a premier Livingston landscaping company in Calgary, we understand that softscaping is as equally important to the overall design. Hence, we prepared the planting areas with 24 cubic yards of premium topsoil, then installed 1,000 square feet of lush Kentucky bluegrass sod to create an inviting green space.

The planting design featured specimen trees, including a Japanese lilac and snow crab-apple, both substantial 60mm caliper specimens that provide immediate impact. The landscape was further enhanced with a thoughtful selection of complementary trees and about a dozen shrubs, creating layers of texture and seasonal interest throughout the property.

Step #5 - Functional Elements and Finishing Touches

To complete this comprehensive Livingston landscaping project and backyard transformation, we installed a black chain link fence with two convenient gates, providing security without compromising aesthetics. A three-zone irrigation system ensures effortless maintenance of the lawn, trees, and shrubs.

For evening enjoyment, we incorporated a sophisticated outdoor lighting system featuring three spotlights and five bollard lights, all controlled through a smartphone app for ultimate convenience. We also addressed practical considerations by installing non-perforated weeping tile to manage drainage from downspouts on both sides of the property.

As a dedicated Livingston landscaping company, we're particularly proud of the thoughtful details that elevate this project, from the custom address feature incorporated into the stonework to the carefully selected Douglas fir mulch that provides the perfect finishing touch to planting beds.

The Result

This comprehensive landscape transformation exemplifies our company’s commitment to excellence, and our reputation as a professional Livingston landscaper of choice.

By combining thoughtful design, quality materials, and meticulous craftsmanship, we've created an outdoor living space that beautifully balances aesthetics with functionality—a space that will be enjoyed by our client in Livingston for many years to come!

Questions About Landscaping in Livingston, Calgary?

At Calgary Dreamscapes, we pride ourselves on understanding the unique needs of landscaping projects in unique communities like Livingston and strive to deliver exceptional results. Contact us anytime at 403-471-7588 or send us an email at richie@calgarydreamscapes.ca to learn more about how aggregate can transform your outdoor space!