The Journal

Landscaping tips, guides & inspiration

Practical advice from our design-build team — costs, materials, planning and ideas to help you get your GTA outdoor project right.

Last updated: June 10, 2026

InterlockingAugust 15, 2026

Interlock Repair & Maintenance: Sealing, Polymeric Sand and Re-Levelling

Why interlock settles, heaves and grows weeds, how polymeric sand and sealing really work, safe winter de-icing, and when a lift-and-relay beats a full rebuild - with GTA cost ranges.

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Permits10 min read

Do You Need a Permit for a Deck, Fence or Retaining Wall in Ontario? (2026)

Decks, fences, pool enclosures, retaining walls, trees and grading - what typically needs a permit in Ontario, why every threshold varies by municipality, and what we handle for you.

August 12, 2026

Pools8 min read

Pool Landscaping Cost in the GTA: Decking, Coping & Surrounds (2026)

What a pool surround really costs in the GTA in 2026 - decking, coping, railing, fencing and structures - plus material choices, drainage, Ontario enclosure rules and build sequencing.

August 8, 2026

Pricing9 min read

How Much Does Landscaping Cost in Toronto & the GTA? (2026 Price Guide)

Real 2026 landscaping prices across Toronto, Vaughan and the GTA - project tiers, per-element costs, what drives the number, and how to phase a build across two seasons.

August 5, 2026

Driveways8 min read

Interlock Driveway Cost in Toronto & Vaughan (2026 Price Guide)

What an interlock driveway really costs in Toronto and Vaughan in 2026 — installed square-foot ranges, what drives the price, how Toronto lots differ from Vaughan estate driveways, and why interlock outlives concrete in our freeze-thaw climate.

July 16, 2026

Pricing10 min read

How Much Does a Backyard Renovation Cost in the GTA? (2026 Guide)

Real 2026 numbers for backyard renovations across Toronto, Vaughan, Richmond Hill and the wider GTA — from a $15k focused upgrade to a $500k+ pool environment — plus what actually drives the price and how to get a fixed quote you can trust.

July 15, 2026

Outdoor Living2 min read

Outdoor Kitchens & Fire Features: Ideas and Costs for GTA Backyards

From a simple fire-pit lounge to a full built-in kitchen, here are the most popular outdoor cooking and fire setups for GTA backyards — with real 2026 cost tiers.

July 13, 2026

Retaining Walls3 min read

Armour Stone vs. Block Retaining Walls: Which Is Right for Your Yard?

Armour stone or engineered block? A straight comparison of the two most popular GTA retaining wall types — cost, look, engineering, drainage and best use cases.

July 10, 2026

Hiring3 min read

How to Choose a Landscaping Contractor in the GTA: 7 Red Flags to Avoid

A major landscape project is a big investment. Here are seven red flags to avoid when hiring a GTA landscaping contractor — and what a trustworthy one looks like.

July 8, 2026

Design3 min read

9 Backyard Design Ideas That Add the Most Value to a GTA Home

Nine high-ROI backyard ideas that make a GTA home more livable and more valuable — from interlock patios and pool environments to outdoor kitchens and lighting.

July 4, 2026

Planning3 min read

The Best Time of Year to Landscape in Ontario (2026 Season Guide)

Spring, summer or fall? Here's when to build hardscaping, plant, and — most importantly — book your Ontario landscape project so you don't miss the season.

July 1, 2026

Retaining Walls3 min read

Retaining Wall Cost in the GTA: What You'll Actually Pay in 2026

Retaining wall costs in the GTA vary widely by type and height. Here's what garden, block and armour-stone walls really cost in 2026 — and what drives the price.

June 28, 2026

Interlocking3 min read

How Much Does an Interlock Patio Cost in Toronto? (2026 Price Guide)

A clear 2026 breakdown of interlock patio costs in Toronto and the GTA — real per-square-foot ranges, what actually drives the price, and how to get an accurate quote.

June 25, 2026

Driveways3 min read

Interlock vs. Stamped Concrete: Which Driveway Is Right for Your Home?

Both look great on day one. Here's how interlocking pavers and stamped concrete really compare on durability, repairs, cost and curb appeal in the GTA.

May 14, 2026

Pools & Water Features2 min read

Planning a Pool Landscape: 7 Things to Get Right Before You Dig

A pool is only as impressive as the landscape around it. Here are seven things to plan before construction starts so your backyard becomes a true retreat.

April 30, 2026