Homeowners are transforming backyards into multifunctional, eco-friendly and wellness-focused spaces that extend indoor living, according to landscape professionals in Ontario. Adrian Bartels, president of Cedar Springs Landscaping in Oakville, says, “Homeowners want practical spaces built for real Ontario weather – comfortable seating and dining areas, firepits or fireplaces for shoulder seasons, and good indoor-outdoor flow.”
Fire Features and Extended Seasons
Sunken patios with fire bowls or fire tables remain a favourite backyard element, reports Greg Hogan of Hogan Landscaping in Stouffville. “Great for all ages to enjoy, they give the space a very warm, intimate feel and extend the enjoyment of the backyard space well into the evening,” he explains. A connection from inside to outside is still popular, often achieved with a covered patio, fireplace or heater to prolong use into late fall, some winter days, and early spring.
Landscape lighting, once optional, is now standard in most projects for both front and backyards. “It provides safe passage along walkways and steps and highlights different features of the landscaping,” Hogan notes.
Louvered Pergolas and Privacy Solutions
Louvered pergolas have become popular because they help with municipal lot coverage restrictions while offering rain and bug protection, says Bartels. Privacy is also in high demand. “In small urban yards, clients are requesting smart privacy solutions using columnar trees like Slender Silhouette Sweetgum, Hornbeam and Pyramidal Beech. Overall, low-maintenance designs remain a top priority.”
Landscape Styles and Wellness
For new properties, homeowners prefer a contemporary, geometric style, while mature properties with existing trees lean toward a natural, free-flowing style, according to Hogan. More homeowners are interested in attracting birds and butterflies through correct planting of trees (such as Serviceberry), shrubs (like Arctic Fire Red Osier Dogwood) and perennials (such as milkweed).
Demand is rising for wellness sanctuaries – quiet garden areas for reading and meditating – as well as drought-tolerant, naturalized spaces and vegetable gardens. In materials, natural stone flagstone and quality hardwoods like Ipe or Thermory are top choices for those with budget, while large-format concrete pavers and low-maintenance composites are very popular. Trends past their prime include pressure-treated or cedar decks, overly manicured lawns, high-maintenance grass, stark minimalist hardscaping, coloured/dyed mulches, plastic edging and rigid formal symmetry.
