The homeowners of this Shawnigan Lake Residence had a problem: a small, sloping, rocky back garden that was not inviting to use. They also had a vision: a lush, private, tropical-feeling entertainment garden, complete with a pizza oven that the homeowner would design and build himself.

We came up with a plan that included two main terraces: an entry area, and a sunken patio. Falling from one area to another is a water feature in which water spills from the top pool to the pool below. At the bottom of the stairs, the walkway becomes three large stepping-stones across the water to the patio.

The clients wanted a tropical feel to the garden, so we used hardy plants that have a tropical feel, such as Japanese aralia and purple-leaved ligularia. These plants, along with tall miscanthus grasses, sedges, ferns and others work to soften the linear design of the garden, and to enclose the garden in foliage, creating an intimate feel.

The overall result is a great entertainment space, surrounded by water and foliage, warm and lush, and reminiscent of the kind of place you might visit on a tropical vacation. Add to that fresh pizza from the outdoor oven and something cold to drink, and you’ve got a perfect Saturday afternoon.