^ Margaret M. Hantiuk Art & Garden Design Victoria BC www.margarethantiuk.com ^

 

Click to ENLARGE, Back Button to Return
Click to ENLARGE, Back Button to Return

Designed Gardens

 
       
 

I am a garden designer specializing in sustainable gardening methods using the natural processes in the life of a garden as a resource. This kind of gardening is fast becoming part of a new wave of thinking and action around the world, arising from our collective concern regarding our impact on the earth.

Ecological gardening methods include:

  • use of low maintenance, disease resistant and hardy plants

  • plants installed properly and well maintained

  • plants site specific (the right plant in the right place)

  • soil amended naturally with organic compost and mulches

  • plants that attract wildlife and natural predators (no pesticides)

  • diversity of plants and eco-grouping (similar requirements)

  • hardscape that is low impact and more natural

 
  The good news is that it works! Nature is wonderfully restorative and the gardening practices that I recommend are actually easier, less work, less money and more rewarding.

A garden that is a harmonious ecosystem is a magical place, full of activity from the ground up: the soil is alive with millions of beneficial microorganisms.

 
 

All kinds of wildlife will find a home in a yard with a good choice of diverse plants and free of toxic chemicals. The gardener becomes the steward of a thriving environment that is a haven for all to enjoy.

My palette is a mix of rich, textured foliage with all season interest and accents. My aesthetic is a combination of English cottage garden, Japanese, Garry oak native, urban contemporary and Mediterranean outdoor living styles. All of these elements are used to create a garden that suits both the client and the setting.

 
  I am trained in Ecological Garden Design from Gaia College (www.gaiacollege.ca), and I have a Fine Arts Degree (Visual Arts Honours, University of Victoria, 1983).

I am not a landscape architect. My interest, skills and training are in suitable plant choices, sustainable gardening practices and design for optimal function and enjoyment. References available on request.

 
 

Fees

I have set up a flexible fee schedule to suit the needs of the client.

For the committed gardener needing specific input regarding, for example, ecological gardening methods, plant choices or aesthetic input with design issues, a consultation may be sufficient. Perhaps new ideas are needed. Consultations are useful as well for new homeowners or those thinking of selling in the near future. I can assist in creating new gardens and in renovating and rejuvenating older ones: completely, partially or in stages.

  1. A two-hour interactive consultation in your garden during which you can take notes or even make a recording. Plants and best practices will be recommended. Have your questions and concerns ready. May include rough sketches. $100 (Outside of Greater Victoria—a travel surcharge may apply)
     

  2. A hand drafted garden plan to scale (may include interview, site plan, functional use plan, concept drawings, researched plant lists, detail drawings, installation and maintenance plan). This is an extensive process for people wanting a permanent plan for reference. It is recommended for people hiring professional installers. A contract will be issued. The minimum cost is $300. $40/hour charges apply for additional time spent, depending on how many plans are required, the extent of the project and whether installation supervision is needed.

 
  I have been a member of the VHS (Victoria Horticultural Society) for over 15 years and am a long-time member of Glendale Gardens (formerly the Horticultural Center of the Pacific), having taken courses there as well.

I live in Fernwood, where I have raised a family and gardened in my yard for over 20 years. For the last 3 years, I have provided our monthly neighbourhood newspaper (The Village Vibe) with a gardening column covering the many aspects of organic gardening.

 
       

Home
Gallery 1
Gallery 2
Gardens
Contact

Click to ENLARGE, Back Button to Return

Fees
Email

     

Home | Gallery 1 | Gallery 2 | Gardens | Contact

Margaret M. Hantiuk Art & Garden Design Victoria BC www.margarethantiuk.com
Text and images published herein are subject to Copyright© and may not be reproduced without written permission from Margaret M. Hantiuk

www.235.ca

WEB MANAGER Brian Ripley Vancouver BC Low Cost Canadian Web Hosting and Web Design since 2000 www.235.ca

Page Top

WEB MANAGER www.235.ca

This website will display as built using IE browser version 6+ with "View Text Size" at medium
and monitor resolution at 800 x 600 pixels. Refresh browser; page updated October 03, 2009

PAGE TOP