Instagram - Virginia Burt Designs

Staff field trip day / holiday party / in honour o

Staff field trip day / holiday party / in honour of Claude Cormier ❤️💚

Especially in urban landscapes, the composition of

Especially in urban landscapes, the composition of garden layers is a strategic art to create depth, provide intrigue, and visually balance the surrounding character. In Virginia's personal garden, the interplay of Corten steel, salvaged materials, granite surfaces, and thoughtfully chosen specimen plantings, transforms this space into an immersive retreat within the heart of the city. Swipe to see before and after!!!

This weekend, all are invited to tour the garden as part of the 47th St. James Holiday House Tour. Visit www.stjamesdundas.ca to purchase tickets online or go see the folks at @thekeepingrm , @grahamandbrooksfound and @harpersgardenc to inquire.

Photography: @rsmphoto
Landscape Contractor: @environmentaldesigngroup

Retrieving this golden oldie from our project arch

Retrieving this golden oldie from our project archives...such an enchanting view of landscape and bark-itecture...(apologies...couldn't resist!)

We hope everyone had a fabulous weekend!

@rsmphoto

As we gather to reflect on our gratitude for amazi

As we gather to reflect on our gratitude for amazing collaborations with friends, colleagues, and clients, let's honor the rich tapestry of traditions and cultures that have shaped our lands. Wishing everyone togetherness and peace this long weekend.

@rsmphoto

#gratitude #landsapephotography #landscapearchitecture #landscapelovers #landscapearchitect #landscapesofinstagram #gardening #eastcoast #naturelovers

Nestled into it's surroundings, this project is a

Nestled into it's surroundings, this project is a testament to the connection between inside and outside, where the boundaries blur, and nature becomes an integral part of the architectural narrative.

Photography: @rsmphoto
Landscape Architect: @vbdlandarch
Architect: @plusvg
General Contractor: @tamaracknorthltd
Landscape Contractor: @rockscape
Masonry: @steppingstonemasonry

#waterfronthomes #muskoka #woodlandcottage #georgianbay #lakejoseph #lakerosseau #lakemuskoka #lakelife #cottagecountry #landscapearchitecture #naturalization #shorelinerestoration #rewilding #designwithnature

Journey through this VBD garden on the 47th St. Ja

Journey through this VBD garden on the 47th St. James Holiday House Tour! Registration for the tour is now open - visit www.stjamesdundas.ca to purchase tickets online, or visit the following Dundas locations: @thekeepingrm @grahamandbrooksfound and @harpersgardenc

#landscapearchitecture #landscapearchitect #gardendesign #contemporarygarden #urbangarden #fundas #dundasontario #holidaygarden

This VBD garden is part of the 47th St. James Holi

This VBD garden is part of the 47th St. James Holiday House Tour! Inspired by the homeowners’ travels around the world and designed by landscape architect Virginia Burt, unique features include a Corten steel serpentine fence, Corten steel moon gate, garden shed made of salvaged materials, and granite hardscaping and surfacing details throughout. Plantings incorporate native plants, cultivars, and specimens chosen for seasonal and sensory interest. In keeping with the homeowners’ intentions of thinking global and acting local, come join the conversation of how gardens enrich our lives and provide spaces to engage local crafts persons, artisans, and other growers. Registration for the tour is now open - visit www.stjamesdundas.ca to purchase tickets online, or visit the following Dundas locations: @thekeepingrm @grahamandbrooksfound or @harpersgardenc

Photography by: @rsmphoto

Capturing essence and framing a vision.... Landsca

Capturing essence and framing a vision.... Landscape architecture photography serves as a vital tool for showcasing the creativity and impact of landscape architects, documenting the evolution of outdoor spaces, and advocating for the value of thoughtful design and sustainable landscapes.
Going beyond marketing and promotion, landscape photography facilitates effective communication between clients, contractors, consultants and other professionals in the field...its an educational and inspirational tool... it serves as a valuable record of a project's development ....and so much more. We are so grateful to have an amazing photographer @rsmphoto working alongside us and simply cannot wait to share these images from our latest shoot.

POV: When new samples arrive and we get to create

POV: When new samples arrive and we get to create exciting mood boards for our clients 😍😎 ….imagining cobble pathways, square cut granite terraces…unique on-site outcrops… and….a shout out to
@dissimilarmetaldesign - thank you!

Stepping into a work week after a long weekend...a

Stepping into a work week after a long weekend...a 7” rise by 11” tread is a construction standard - often labeled “ideal”. Yet our firm challenges this standard at every opportunity. Our "ideal" is a 6” rise by 16” tread. Why? It's a trifecta of ergonomics, accessibility, & aesthetics.

1. Ergonomics: A 6-inch rise allows for a natural and comfortable stride when ascending or descending minimizing strain on the legs. By providing a balance between ease of use & adequate height for climbing, the extended tread depth also allows for every foot to be comfortably placed without feeling cramped.

2. Accessibility: A lower rise considered more accessible for a wide range of people, including those with mobility issues, older adults, & children. Especially in built environments with these populations (i.e., senior homes, hospitals, & schools) and with the inclusion of ramps, a 6-inch rise height is less likely to cause accidents, such as trips and falls, which can result in injuries. Advocating for a 6” rise is advocating for safety.

3. Aesthetics: Correlated to the descriptions above, the proportion of 6-inch rise is more visually pleasing, harmonious, & enticing. Throughout history & across cultures, shallow rises & deep treads on stairs has been associated with grandeur & elegance. In exterior applications, the goal with a shallow rise & deeper tread is aligned with experiencing the garden & appreciating outdoor space. This contrasts with more constricted proportions of perhaps interior applications – smaller treads with steeper risers – which have a utilitarian, less comfortable feel to get people from one level to another.

There is a specific formula for designing a staircase, (2R + T = 24” – 27”) and it's important to note that these dimensions can vary depending on local building codes & type of building (residential, commercial, industrial). Stair design has always been influenced by practical and aesthetic considerations, as well as the technology and materials at the time of construction. We provide an essential service as designers to ensure not only compliance and safety, but to meet mobility and aesthetic needs of specific users and clients.

🍂 The Magic of Autumn! 🌳🍁 As the leaves s

🍂 The Magic of Autumn! 🌳🍁
As the leaves start to turn and the air becomes crisp, our landscape projects take on a whole new level of enchantment. From the fresh bloom of spring, to the vibrant green of summer... now nature is adorned with shades of gold and crimson... We love projects that are a testament to the beauty of change.

👀 Stay connected with us and stay inspired! 🌟 Subscribe to our newsletters [Link in Bio] which are released with the passing of the seasons (on equinoxes and solstices).

#AutumnMagic #FallFoliage #LandscapeArchitecture #LandscapeDesign #NatureInspired #NewsletterSignUp #LinkInBio #ChangingSeasons #LandscapingWonders

Photography by @rsmphoto

From concept to completion…Norma’s Garden cont

From concept to completion…Norma’s Garden continues to inspire and provide an immersive sensory escape to those touched by cancer. As part of the @tclfdotorg “What’s Out There Weekend”, Virginia Burt and Karen McCoy recently guided a tour through the garden and reviewed their original intentions from over a decade prior. Find out more about @vbdlandarch adventures by subscribing to our newsletters - link in bio and on the contact page of our website.

Sculpture by: Walt Rickli

Hope everyone had a great long weekend! From Vir

Hope everyone had a great long weekend!

From Virginia’s veggie and herb garden: “Allium tuberosum, Garlic chives are wonderful in late summer and fall for pollinators. These beauties are a delicious addition to meals and beautiful for table decor.”

Who else is enjoying these cool August mornings??

Who else is enjoying these cool August mornings?? Photo taken from the vegetable garden @virginiaburtdesigns own home 💚🌱

Remember, life's just a collection of moments that

Remember, life's just a collection of moments that we rock...(especially as landscape architects and designers)...so lets make them count!
.
In the world of landscape design, boulders are the silent storytellers, etching tales of time and transformation across the earth. Holding a history that predates our existence, a boulder's texture and form invite us to contemplate the passage of years, the slow dance of nature's artistry. In gardens, they're not just stones; they're sculptures that can whisper secrets of the land's evolution...in other words...they put the genius in loci...

Creating a buzz in VBD’s veggie garden with poll

Creating a buzz in VBD’s veggie garden with pollinator friendly companion plantings 💚

Utilizing building materials from a deconstructed

Utilizing building materials from a deconstructed 19th century house, the stonework, timbers, and pergola seen here combine to create the bones of this garden, which maintains its strong visual interest throughout the changing seasons. "Like a building or a story, having a solid structure before filling in the details is important, and a garden’s bones provide the framework against which all other plant material is set…these structural elements create an organizational frame…some elements may be natural…yet typically it’s the constructed architectural elements – walls, fences, patios, pathways, small buildings, and arbours - that add definition to an outdoor space and make it useful for everyday activities. Architectural structure works with us in the garden regardless of the season, holding back, bearing up, creating shelter and places to sit and enjoy, and generally making the garden a better place to be. Well-designed and well-executed bones show an understanding of proportion that delights the eye and relaxes the mind, making a garden truly live in our hearts and minds throughout the year."

- check Virginia Burt's contribution to the book, Garden Design Master Class, or our website for more on this incredible garden.

Flame-ous Muskoka nights are lit by beautiful atmo

Flame-ous Muskoka nights are lit by beautiful atmos-fires...like this.

With carefully planned native vegetation, erosion control measures, and eco-friendly/local materials, together we're stewarding landscapes and fostering a sense of tranquility through the design of outdoor living spaces. Join us!

#landscapearchitecture #outdoorliving #smorefun #flameon #muskokaliving #muskokalife #cottagegardendesign #shorelinerestoration #nativeplants #burningdesigns #burningdesires #firepitdesign #firepitseason

Love all the little details? Step on into the VBD

Love all the little details? Step on into the VBD office because of all the wonderful things we do...and because we are also hiring.

For details, see the posting on the OALA job board and email michele@vburtdesigns.com with “Application: Landscape Architect” in the subject line.

....."stakeholder meeting".... ...."high stakes ou

....."stakeholder meeting"....
...."high stakes out in the field..."
...so many puns to caption this project visualization process. Hope everybody is having a great week 🙂

Photography: @rsmphoto

See link in our bio to subscribe to our newsletter

See link in our bio to subscribe to our newsletter for quarterly news in landscape architecture, our drawings, and more ! Issued on the solstices and equinoxes of the year! #landscape_lovers #summersolstice #landscapearchitecture #landscapearchitect #gardeninspiration #gardensofinstagram #gardensoftheworld #gardeninspo #designinspo #designinspiration

Interested in creating meaningful and beautiful la

Interested in creating meaningful and beautiful landscapes? We are in search of a highly motivated and dynamic intermediate or senior landscape architect who is looking to work in our creative and collaborative office in Dundas, Ontario.

Interested applicants can send an electronic copy of their cover letter/ letter of introduction and interest, résumé, and sample portfolio of work or link to online portfolios to the attention of Michele Gunn at michele@vburtdesigns.com with “Application: Landscape Architect” in the subject line.

Now, bring me that horizon...one of our projects o

Now, bring me that horizon...one of our projects on the coast "harboring a vision" so to speak.

@rsmphoto Photography

An escape from the heat and also the street.... Ho

An escape from the heat and also the street.... How to hide and also abide by the neighborhood surround...a garden and antithetical place of both lost and found.

Landscape by us
Architecture by @whcdesign
Photography by @rsmphoto