North York Front Yard Design | Malabar Pl Transformation
Status
Completed
Project Type
House
Project Area
150,000 Sq. Ft.
Project Duration
6 Weeks
Project Cost
$3,000
North York Front-Yard Transformation – Malabar Pl.
The homeowners of Malabar Place in North York were referred to Leo Landscape Studio by our trusted partner 58 Home, seeking a full refresh of their outdated and underwhelming front yard. Despite the home’s grand architecture, the existing landscape lacked presence — minimal planting, limited structure, and a footprint that did not match the scale or elegance of the property.
Our goal was to redesign the front yard to enhance curb appeal, introduce structure and layering, and create a more impressive arrival experience while maximizing impact within a modest design budget.
Project Vision
We began with a complimentary on-site consultation to understand the homeowners’ concerns and constraints. The biggest challenge was the disproportionate front landscape — the yard felt visually empty compared to the size and style of the home.
Using Dynascape, we developed a new layout that expanded the garden footprint, introduced structural elements, and brought balance to the façade. The transformation focused on blending modern details with soft, textural planting while respecting the existing architectural style.
Design Solutions.
1. Enlarged Garden Footprint
To give the property a stronger presence, we expanded the landscaped area and reshaped the planting beds. This allowed more depth, layering, and seasonal interest.
2. Custom Address Wall
We designed a modern address wall using:
- Composite fluted boards
- A stone veneer matching the home’s façade
This feature serves as the new focal point, adding identity and architectural structure to the front yard.
3. Evergreen Structure & Four-Season Interest
An evergreen hedge was introduced to provide year-round form and screening while anchoring the front yard composition.
4. Mass Grasses & Textural Layering
Large groupings of ornamental grasses — especially Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass — were planted to soften the hardscape, add movement, and bring elegance to the entry.
5. Low-Maintenance, High-Impact Plant Palette
We curated a planting composition with seasonal blooms, contrasting foliage, and varying forms:
Key Plant Selections
- Japanese Maples (‘Adrian’s Compact’ & ‘Crimson Prince’)
- Annabelle Hydrangea
- Saucer Magnolia
- Vanilla Cream False Indigo
- Dwarf Fountain Grass
- Blacknight Hollyhock
- Meadow Sage ‘Caradonna’
- Garden Phlox
- Russian Sage & more
This palette ensures strong spring structure, vibrant summer color, and graceful fall transitions.
6. Landscape Lighting
Strategic lighting was added to modernize the entryway and highlight key architectural elements at night — dramatically improving nighttime curb appeal.
Installation & Project Management
The project was completed in collaboration with 58 Home, who executed the installation following our detailed plan. Leo Landscape Studio supplied all plant materials and managed placement to ensure spacing, proportions, and layering matched the design intent.
The entire design + installation process took two weeks, delivering a high-impact transformation with exceptional value for the homeowner.
The Result
The transformation, though subtle in footprint, delivers a dramatic improvement in curb appeal:
- A bold address wall anchors the entire front yard
- The expanded planting beds balance the scale of the home
- Ornamental grasses soften hard edges and add seasonal movement
- Strategic lighting enhances nighttime beauty
- A cohesive, modern landscape now matches the grandeur of the home
What was once a flat, dated front yard is now a refined and welcoming arrival experience — proving that thoughtful design, even on a smaller footprint, can produce huge visual results.
Key Details
- Location: Malabar PL, North York
- Project Cost: $1,500
- Project Duration 2 Weeks including Design
- Client: Residential Home
- Landscape Design Software: Dynascape
- Companies worked with: 58 Home
Services:
- Landscape Design.
- Plant Material Supply.
- Project Management.
Landscape Design Documents in North York, ON
Features
Expanded Garden Footprint
Enlarged planting beds to match the home’s scale.
Custom Address Wall
Composite fluted screen with stone veneer for modern curb appeal.
Evergreen Structure
Year-round form and screening with a clean hedge line.
Textural Plant Layering
Mass grasses & perennials for contrast and movement.
Premium Plant Selection
Japanese maples, hydrangeas, sages, and ornamental grasses.
Strategic Lighting Design
Nighttime visibility and architectural enhancement.
Modernized Front Entry
Balanced layout that complements the mansion façade.
Fast, High-Impact Installation
Completed in two weeks with efficient project coordination.
Gallery
Support email
info@leolandscapestudio.ca
Phone number
(519) 731-4624
Location
The Greater Toronto Area, Ontario.
Leave us a message
Ready to bring your landscape vision to life? At Leo Landscape Studio, we design outdoor spaces with intention and creativity, serving homeowners across Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Milton, Burlington, Hamilton, and Etobicoke. Whether you’re planning a full backyard transformation, need 3D design renderings, or want long-term seasonal planning, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
