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A labyrinth is not a maze. It is a unicursal path A labyrinth is not a maze. It is a unicursal path – one way in, one way out – guiding the walker gently to the center and back again. Unlike the left-brain puzzle of a maze, the labyrinth invites the right-brained experience: intuitive, meditative, and deeply personal. This ancient archetypal symbol has appeared across cultures and continents for over 3500 years, evolving from simple spirals to the 11-circuit pattern seen today. It has served as a tool for rites of passage, creative stimulation, spiritual practice and therapeutic healing. (Central Park Labyrinth Burlington)
In the heart of Muskoka, nature speaks in ember an In the heart of Muskoka, nature speaks in ember and echo #muskoka#landscapearchitecture #landscapedesi̇gn #firepits
Nature returns, not as it was—but as it longs to b Nature returns, not as it was—but as it longs to be. Where once was disruption, now thrives renewal. Through thoughtful design rooted in ecology and care, VBD shapes places where nature leads and people belong.
Earth Day is a time to reflect on the profound con Earth Day is a time to reflect on the profound connection between humanity and the natural world—a bond that drives VBD’s work as landscape architects every day. Nature is VBD’s partner in design, and today we reaffirm VBD’s promise to create landscapes that shape thriving environments that enrich lives and honour the Earth. Photography by @lightandshadowphoto
The signs of spring are everywhere - thank you for The signs of spring are everywhere - thank you for beautifully capturing @lightandshadowphoto
Hello 👋 🌷! Spring is upon us and we have exciting Hello 👋 🌷! Spring is upon us and we have exciting news! We are pleased to announce that Jacob is stepping into a leading role on our team to enhance the way we share our projects and connect with you. With his experience in landscape architecture, he’s set to bring a fresh perspective to our social media platforms and shape our digital presence. Further, our seasonal newsletter —filled with design insights, project highlights, and an inside look at the workings of VBD - is being released tomorrow! Want to stay in the VBD loop? Sign up for our newsletter on our website’s contact page (link in bio) and keep an eye out for the first edition of 2025, landing with the spring equinox.
Season's Greetings from the VBD team! 🎄❤️🌿 A pop Season's Greetings from the VBD team! 🎄❤️🌿 A pop of red and green for the holidays! As we reflect on the year’s designs, challenges, and growth, we’re filled with gratitude for the connections we’ve cultivated. Here’s to peace, joy, and endless inspiration in the year ahead. Happy Holidays from all of us at VBD!
Happy Halloween from the VBD team 🎃👻! Trick or tre Happy Halloween from the VBD team 🎃👻! Trick or tree?! 🌲 🍬
Morning light casting over the pool of this countr Morning light casting over the pool of this country retreat #morningvibes ! Landscape Contractor @environmentaldesigngroup Landscape architects Virginia Burt and Paul Carabott @vbdlandarch
VBD creates landscapes that inspire - blending art VBD creates landscapes that inspire - blending art, nature, and design to nourish the mind, body, and spirit. We are now hiring an intermediate or senior landscape architect who loves creating innovative designs, managing exciting projects, and mentoring others. Visit our website and the OALA job board for more information about our firm and the role; resume and portfolio can be sent to leanne@vburtdesigns.com
From Virginia’s own vegetable garden, the VBD team From Virginia’s own vegetable garden, the VBD team juices their own shots for a morning energy boost! Today is carrot and ginger on top of a design extravaganza - thank you to @twospoons.ca for the recipe! Photography by @rsmphoto
Inside our clients’ kitchen looking out at the lan Inside our clients’ kitchen looking out at the landscape. Grateful for our collaborations with @plusvg , @tamaracknorth.ltd @rockscape and @steppingstonemasonry
At VBD, Virginia's hand drawings are integral to e At VBD, Virginia's hand drawings are integral to every design phase. Whether illustrating the overarching concept or conveying specific details, Virginia utilizes sketching as a vital tool for teaching her team and communicating with clients and collaborators. These sketches play an active role in bringing designs to life efficiently, effectively, and beautifully. Recently at the CSLA conference, Virginia and Ethan spoke to different visualization techniques in landscape architecture; from Virginia's sketches, to VBD's use of contemporary software, and integration of AI in the profession. You can learn out more about the presentation "From Pencils to Pixels: The Alchemy of Idea to Reality" in our upcoming summer newsletter. Sign up with the link in our bio! Photography by @rsmphoto #landscapedesign #landscapearchitecture #muskokalife #outdoorliving #pencilstopits #landscapesketch #landscapearchitect #construction #designdrawing #renderingsoftware #aiinlandscaping #pencilstopixels #csla
Get ready for som a-llium-inating content…we are e Get ready for som a-llium-inating content…we are excited to share what we’ve been up to lately in our summer newsletter! Our newsletters are published four times a year, coinciding with the solstices and equinoxes, ensuring each edition is seasonal, inspirational, and filled with the latest VBD updates. Sign up on the contact page of our website - link in bio. Photography by @lightandshadowphoto #landscapearchitecture #designnewsletter #gardeninspiration #goingtoseed #alliums #seasonalupdates #landscapedesigners #gardensofinsta
You may see more of this project in a couple publi You may see more of this project in a couple publications this month 👀! Pictured here is the custom-designed spa with views onto Lake Rosseau. Photography by @rsmphoto #lakerosseau #lakehouse #retreat #vacationhome #landscapearchitecture #ontariolandscaping #cottagelife #granitesteps #outdoorspa #landscapedesign #muskokalakes #shorelinerestoration #outdoorliving
Meet the Team - Founder Friday Edition! As we cont Meet the Team - Founder Friday Edition! As we continue to introduce our team on the gram, there is no other like our visionary leader - Virginia Burt, FCSLA, FASLA. Since founding Virginia Burt Designs in 1996, Virginia has designed and directed healing landscapes for private residential, educational and public clients. Virginia’s work has achieved international recognition receiving multiple awards from the American Society of Landscape Architects and Canadian Society of Landscape Architects. She is one of seven women in the world with Fellowships from both societies for outstanding contribution to the profession. Leading every project at VBD, clients appreciate and value her deep respect for place - Virginia gets things built beautifully.  Photography @lightandshadowphoto
Wecome, May! Every day we are excited to see new b Wecome, May! Every day we are excited to see new buds turn to blooms, and what is green grow greener. Architecture: @d.h.ellison.co Landscape: @vbdlandarch Photography: @rsmphoto
"Nothing is more beautiful than the loveliness of "Nothing is more beautiful than the loveliness of the woods before sunrise.” —George Washington Carver Its earth day and our feeds are being filled with stunning images celebrating our planet. This is no exception, as we are so incredibly honoured and grateful for our work in landscape architecture where we celebrate, reflect upon, and are inspired by, the profound connection between humanity and the natural world each and every day. "Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you." —Frank Lloyd Wright
Setting our sights - on site. Last week @vbdlandar Setting our sights - on site. Last week @vbdlandarch and @akbarchitects teamed up during the early planning stages of this new project. The collaboration fostered during these site visits lays the groundwork for a holistic approach to design and critical interdependent work. Through dialogue and observation, we glean invaluable insights into the aspirations and requirements of our clients, ensuring that their vision is not just realized, but enriched by the innate beauty of the site. In our upcoming newsletter, we'll share this "in-site" and discuss how we take inventory of natural features and decipher subtle nuances of the terrain. This "insight on-site" equips us to make informed decisions regarding the placement of future driveways, homes, paths, terraces, and other elements essential to the functionality and flow of a space and program. Remember to sign up for our quarterly newsletter on the contact page of our website - see the link in our bio. Happy Monday everyone! #northernlandscapes #landscapearchitecture #canadianlandscape #designcollaboration #designwithnature #landscapearchitect #siteanalysis
Still ‘reeling’ over last week’s solar eclipse whe Still ‘reeling’ over last week’s solar eclipse where the VBD team celebrated in Virginia’s garden with ‘dark and stormy’ drinks. Sydney Martel (far right) has one of the best reactions in totality 😂
Garden gates are more than mere entrances - these Garden gates are more than mere entrances - these architectural elements add depth, meaning, visual interest, and function. As April is World Landscape Architecture Month, lets celebrate by exploring the elements that make garden gates a quintessential part of landscape design: 1. Entry Identity 2. Functionality and security 3. Sustainability, material selection, and craft 4. Symbolism and Storytelling 5. Boundary or liminality Want to know more about our designs? Stay ‘up to gate’ by subscribing to our quarterly newsletter! Link in bio to our website and sign-up on our contact page. Photography by @rsmphoto
Soon we will be spending our weekend mornings in t Soon we will be spending our weekend mornings in the sun - enjoying our coffee outside! Have you taken out the patio cushions yet? Photography: @rsmphoto #indooroutdoorliving #patiofurniture #landscapedesign #patiodining #outdoorliving #landscapearchitecture #landscapearchitect #sundaymorningview #coffeeoutside #outdoorentertaining #scenicview
Oh the arrival - of spring, of blooms, of the driv Oh the arrival - of spring, of blooms, of the driveway to the residence - the anticipation of the season and the home beyond. One of our cottage gardens on the east coast: Photography by @rsmphoto
Have a wonderful long weekend everyone and cheers Have a wonderful long weekend everyone and cheers to spring blooms! "The flowers of late winter and early spring occupy places in our hearts well out of proportion to their size." —Gertrude Wister, horticulturalist, author, and fellow spring bulb enthusiast.

Virginia Burt designs

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