Interview: Margaret from Cypress Hill Landscaping

Margaret and I have never actually met we have traded numerous emails in regards to the website GardenDesign.ca. I do however look forward to further discussions on landscape issues and trends with Margaret and her company Cypress Hill Landscaping.

Ian
Most Design-Build companies I see do not specify any type of Carpentry accents for their clients, from looking at your portfolio I see this is not the case with Cypress Hill Landscaping. How big is the woodworking element to the success of your company?
Margaret
The woodworking element has been very successful for us. When designing outdoor living area's we are basically designing outdoor rooms, with walls, floors and ceilings. With woodworking these walls can be represented by trellis, fences, screens and have functions such as enclosure & privacy, screening from undesirable views, noise, wind & pollutants, directing vision to a focal point or en-framing a desirable view. The ceilings can be in the form of pergolas, gazebos, arbors, overhead trellises. The ceiling may be open to various degrees allowing a desired amount of sunlight to filter through or be completely solid, providing protection from sun and weather conditions. Proper design and positioning of these elements is extremely important. Improper positioning of an wood element can take away from its aesthetic or functional properties. As a design and build company we have the advantage of providing our clients with a well executed site design which takes into consideration all aspects of their requirements as well as that of the property. The end result is a visually appealing but functional component of their outdoor living space, favorably influencing their outdoor experience.
 

Ian
Outdoor Kitchens seem to be the next big thing in landscaping and considering the economic slowdown and rising gas prices may become the replacement for the family cottage. Now Outdoor Kitchens will never replace their Indoor counterpart, but how far do you see the Outdoor Kitchen going in terms of features?
Margaret
There is no limit to available features for outdoor kitchens! From basic BBQ's to pizza ovens the choices are limited only by your imagination and of course your pocket book! Outdoor kitchens are now designed with the intention of keeping you outdoors, no longer necessary are the trips back into the house. Everything you could possibly require can be installed outside, refrigerators, side burners, warming drawers, sinks, wine racks, the list is endless. Lightening and outdoor heating (fireplaces or patio heaters) help extend the useable time for the outdoor area, practically a concern in our limited seasons.
 

Ian
Most clients that require your landscape design services have a successful career and family demands. After a stressful day at work, how do you as a landscape designer get them to relax in the gardens you create?
Margaret
Excellent communication between myself and the client is the key element to providing the client with an outdoor space that beckons them, fulfilling their needs and wants. Getting to know the client extends beyond a site visit and questionnaire. In order to better understand how this family will use their new outdoor space you have to learn about the family, schedules, family dynamics (new baby on the way, aging parents etc), hobbies, interests, etc. The better you understand your client, the more successful your design will be. On completion of the design analysis I should know the site and client well enough be able to provide them with a garden that is both enjoyable and useful. A successful marriage between design principles and clients desires will lead to a outdoor oasis that both the client and the designer will be proud of. As a business owner there's no bigger reward than to see firsthand somebody enjoying the fruits of your labour, and love!

More information at:
Margaret
Cypress Hill Landscaping
info@cypresshill.ca
www.cypresshill.ca