Page 69 - Dockside Magazine Muskoka, Summer/Fall 2018

T Granitecreatesclassiccottageescapes
he view from won’t stain, rust or rot and its as outdoor fireplaces, outdoor is stunning. We gave the But, it’s also important to the water of the density makes it impervious to kitchens and in-ground hot property an improved flow be aware of how the finished cottage landscape is deterioration even in extreme tubs surrounded by granite. of the landscape, sturdier project will function.
exceptional: it’s made better once you dock the boat. Granite flagstone blends beautifully into the dock and leads you all the way up to the cottage.
Each step is guided by a retaining wall of the same material. The steps traverse
a large, gradual slope, with a resting area a little more than halfway up. A fire pit lounge area complete with Muskoka chairs is the perfect resting point, offering a breathtaking view overlooking the lake.
Muskoka Stonescape took what was an unfinished landscape with wooden stairs and created an oasis. The various-sized pieces of Canadian Shield lead all the way to the patio doors and even to the front of the property. The gorgeous colours of the flagstone match perfectly with the environment and gardens on the property; the colours shine even more when a rain shower allows the pink in the rock to blossom forth.
Apart from the aesthetic appeal, granite is popular because it
is low maintenance, strong
and will last a lifetime. It
weather conditions. The benefits of granite making
it a sensible investment for Muskoka homes and cottages.
“Granite is trending in Muskoka,” says Collin Dunnett of Muskoka Stonescape. “It’s
a natural material created by the land, which is why it fits so well on landscaped properties. It looks and feels
as if it’s part of the environment.”
Muskoka Stonescape is a full- service landscaping company which designs, installs and maintains a large variety of landscapes. Their experienced team takes clients from the initial idea through to the
final product, providing sound advice and skilled craftsmanship during the process.
pathways and steps, plus beautiful retaining walls and a nice lounge area with a fire pit. This is what cottaging in Muskoka is
all about.”
Plan your landscape
Collin says good planning and communication are key to giving his clients their
Is your initial fire pit location too close to the trees or the cottage? Will the plants get enough sun? Will you have the view you really want? These questions and more need to be answered before beginning the construction stage.
Location of structures such as gazebos or boathouses could affect sight lines, while some areas of a property
have more shade than others. Wind direction also has its part to play when deciding on the overall design. These are essential factors in creating the best landscape possible – and potential problems which knowledgeable Muskoka landscapers can foresee.
“All man-made and environmental factors need to be considered,” says Collin. “We need to go over all the details to get the best results. Knowing the lay of the land is a vital part of creating amazing properties.” DS
BY CHRIS OCCHIUZZI
Not to be outdone by its lakeside counterpart, the street view is nearly as stunning at this cottage. Muskoka Stonescape created a granite path from the driveway to
“K nowing the lay of the land is a vital part of creating
amazing properties.”
dream landscape. He starts by determining
the client’s inspiration, prior to beginning a layout design. He says not to rush into decisions which could end up being big problems in the long run. An
the front deck – a smooth and inviting entrance. Nuzzled neatly among new gardens, the pathway is the finishing touch on a lovely exterior.
The Muskoka Stonescape team has been shaping cottage landscapes for over 10 years, building patios, rock walls, fire pits and more. They can also create unique items such
In this case, the owners wanted their property to
be simply charming, with essential components for maximum enjoyment. The result was exactly what they were looking for.
“You can do almost anything with granite,” says Collin. “From the curb appeal to
the lakeview, the property
experienced, professional landscaper can help make proper plans and execute them with little to
no issues.
Whether you want to host large dinner parties on a patio or have steps leading down to the dock, with proper planning almost anything is a possibility.
67