Project Overview
Project Details
- Award winning Landscaping
- Signature Back Yard Landscape
- Project Budget: $30,000 – $50,000
- Engineered Paving Stone Patio, Pizza Oven, Fire Pit, Retaining Walls, Gardens
Our clients had recently retired from their careers and were in the process of becoming full-time residents in Fernie wanted to enjoy the outside as much as they enjoyed the inside.
Uniquely, the side and back zones of the property were untouched from the time the house was built so our design team could map out and connect all the required components.
Key Design Features
- Create an environment for social gatherings of families and friends.
- Integrate components such as fire pit and wood fire pizza oven into backyard.
- Connect the entire design to the properties front entrance way and the two separate landings off the existing decks.
Natural Terraced Landscaping
The whole of the property gradually sloped away from the front curb to back property marker. We designed terraces using large ‘cut and fill’ framed by natural stone retaining walls which were then connected with large stone slabs.
The areas between the retaining walls were planted as new garden locations. Pathways were composed of shale aggregate and flowed seamlessly from pedestrian approaches, deck landings and landscape features.

Paving under construction
Entertainment Area
The design centered around a 600-square foot patio constructed of an engineered product that resembles three pieces of slate. This product was selected due to the durability and natural look. The paver slabs were bonded together with polymeric sand ensuring the patio could have snow removed if the area was to be accessed in the winter.
The patio features a centrally located fire pit assembled from a reclaimed rock aggregate funnel. The patio is framed with a 4′ boulder retaining wall that opens up on the downhill side to reveal fairy creek in the distance. We constructed a wood fired pizza oven and recessed it into the retaining wall.
The approach to the patio is constructed of large rock slabs for steps. The slab steps have been framed by additional boulder retaining wall segments and are connected with a pathway comprised of 1″ shale. To provide uniform continuity the shale aggregate selected is a smaller fracture of the large boulders used in the retaining wall and the slab steps.
The home owner’s property features a large two-tiered deck overlooking the newly constructed landscape. To provide easy access, we created a new custom built staircase off the deck, that matches the existing deck materials.
Garden Beds and Planting
The project was completed by installing and planting a series of garden beds. Our team selected a combination of hardy shrubs, ornamental shade trees, perennials to accent the new hardscape areas.
This project was a tremendous success for our client and our team. Utilized locally sourced materials for the project we ensured that the new landscape would blend into the natural environment.
A win- win project for all of us!
We've all had pizza, and it's GREAT that Mow and Snow won an award for the project at the annual Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards Gala.