Creating Their Own Backyard Oasis by Peri Hayes Lynn and Larry Coates offer insight into the building of their backyard oasis. An evident labour of love and commitment, their backyard features curved gardens, fascinating fossils embedded in limestone, a fire pit with speakers for soaking in the music, a lawn sizable for a riveting game of ‘bocce ball’, an outdoor kitchen, a patio, a pool, a pond, statues with stories and more -- being an enchanting sanctuary to explore. “We’re surrounded by a manicured natural setting,” Larry exclaims. Larry hones in on his landscaping passion in this tranquil environment: “I always liked Northern Ontario, with rocks and white pines. What makes this place so beautiful is the mature plants.” There are guiding paths throughout the backyard, as Larry notes, “For walking along, and then the details catch your eye. I just go collecting stuff -- it’s cool for sparking ideas.” Recognizing that the build of this backyard did not happen without a price, bringing this vision to life has also been an evolutionary process of over 30 years. Lynn voices, “We’ve had the opportunity to live in the same place as we’ve created this space.” This yard was once a meadow. Alongside the support of friends, the couple curated their backyard following the build of their house. Larry installed various components utilizing his excavating and construction knowledge, such as the epoxy stone surrounding the pool and the newest edition of their reservoir, for which he dug the stream. As Larry voices, “The key has been creating this privacy. I love the neighbours, though it is nice to have this seclusion.” Dread the Fall Clean-up? Now is the time to book BEAMISH LANDSCAPE SERVICES for your fall clean-up and winter preparation! We can also help with: Pond closing • Fall cut backs• Hedge trimming Winter shrub & tree pruning
They have naturally grown and preserved moss on the floor, as well as adding further vegetation to the property. Larry also reveals the ways in which they incorporated sandy soil, having discovered that this resource is uncomplicated to work with. Honouring their ecological footprint, Larry is dedicated to the maintenance: “Plants have been moved like furniture!” Moreover, their property has met the required criteria to be a Certified Wildlife Friendly Habitat, attracting a vast population including blue heron, kingfisher, minks and more through means of food, shelter and water.
SINCE 1999
WOULD YOU LIKE TO CREATE A NEW OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE FOR YOUR FAMILY? We have all the components you need to create your vision of a truly magnificent haven! Patios • Water Features • Outdoor Cooking • Firepits
Give us a call today at 519-633-9176!
SINCE 1999
46400 Talbot Line, St. Thomas • (519) 765-2379 www.silverthornlandscape.com
Residential • Commercial Design • Build • Maintain
Page 32 Hometown St. Thomas • October 2025
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