You wouldn’t build a house without blueprints — so why approach your landscape any differently?

At Creative Roots, we believe that every beautiful yard starts with thoughtful design. It’s not just about making things look pretty — it’s about creating a master plan that saves you money, time, and stress while bringing your dream outdoor space to life.

Here’s why investing in landscape design is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your property.

What Does Landscape Design Cost?

A full design/master plan for most residential properties takes 40–65 hours. At $120/hour, that’s typically $4,800–$7,800 for a complete, tailored plan.

Here’s what’s included:

• • Site visit and property analysis

  • Concept plan with budget alignment

  • Design development and revisions

  • Final 2D plan + optional 3D visuals

  • Construction drawings & details

  • Coordination with our build team

This isn’t a back-of-the-napkin sketch — it’s a professional roadmap designed specifically for your property, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

Why Design Saves Money Later

Professional design often pays for itself. Here’s how:

• • Prevents costly rework and “do-overs”

  • Lets you phase construction logically

  • Ensures accurate material ordering

  • Accounts for drainage, grading, and irrigation upfront

  • Gives you a clear vision before the first shovel hits the ground

When everything is planned right from the start, construction runs smoother — saving both dollars and headaches.

Design Isn’t Just About Aesthetics

Yes, design makes your yard beautiful. But our team also considers:

• • Flow and function — how you’ll actually live in the space

  • Privacy and views — framing what you want to see, screening what you don’t

  • Sun, shade, and wind — so your yard works with nature, not against it

  • Plant selection — ensuring hardiness, maintenance level, and seasonal interest

  • Lighting and irrigation zones — for efficiency and ease

A good design is more than a drawing. It’s a strategy for how your property will grow with you over time.

The Bottom Line

When you invest in professional design, you’re not just buying plans — you’re buying peace of mind, clarity, and confidence in every dollar you spend outdoors.

At Creative Roots, we’ve spent over 30 years crafting landscapes that make Okanagan homeowners proud — and yes, a little jealous.

If you’re serious about your outdoor space, start with design. It’s the smartest money you’ll ever spend on your yard.

📍 Ready to plan your dream yard? Book your design consultation today.

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In the world of custom home building, timing is everything. Architects and builders are used to thinking several steps ahead—yet when it comes to landscaping, outdoor planning is too often left to the final phase. By that point, options are limited, budgets are tight, and opportunities to elevate the project have already been missed.

There’s a better way—and it starts with early collaboration between builders and landscape designers.

1. Seamless Project Integration

When the landscape plan is part of the initial conversation, everything works together—grading, drainage, hardscaping, utilities, and access points. You avoid conflicts, costly rework, and construction slowdowns.

At Creative Roots, we design with construction in mind. Our team collaborates with your project leads to ensure site conditions and landscape features are aligned right from the start.

2. Unified Design Language

Curb appeal doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of intentional design. When landscaping is integrated early, the outdoor spaces echo th

e home’s architecture and style rather than feeling like an afterthought.

We partner with your designers to ensure the materials, lines, and sightlines of the home extend naturally into the outdoor environment, creating a cohesive, high-end result that wows your clients.

3. Smarter Budgeting

Budget blowouts are frustrating for everyone. By getting involved early, we help you and your client value-engineer the landscape—prioritizing the most impactful features while staying within scope.

We identify cost-saving options, flag potential site challenges, and offer phased approaches when needed, so you can present a clear, confident quote to your client.

4. A Better Client Experience

When builders and landscapers work as one team, it reduces friction and raises trust. Clients feel supported. Timelines stay tight. Communication flows. The result? A polished final product and a more satisfied homeowner.

Why Work With Creative Roots?

We’ve been partnering with builders and architects across the Okanagan for over 30 years. We understand the construction process, respect your timelines, and speak your language. Whether it’s a large-scale estate or a high-end custom build, we’re here to help elevate your project—starting from the ground up.

Let’s Build Better, Together

If you’re a builder or architect in Kelowna or the surrounding area, let’s connect early and create something exceptional.
📞 Call us or book a project consult to discuss your next build.

The post Why Builders Should Collaborate with Landscape Designers Early appeared first on Creative Roots Landscaping.

At Creative Roots Landscaping, we believe lighting is one of the most under utilized ways to elevate a luxury landscape. Using premium brands like Kichler and FXLuminaire, we design lighting systems that strike the perfect balance of form and function.

Here are five ways custom outdoor lighting can reshape how you experience your space after dark:

1. Extend Your Evenings In Style

Lighting transforms patios into evening lounges, turns gardens into moonlit retreats, and makes pools shimmer like resort oases. Whether you’re enjoying wine under the pergola or hosting a late-night swim, the right lighting stretches your living space well into the night.

2. Highlight Features In Your Landscape

Accent lighting draws attention to what matters most: your custom stonework, water features, mature trees, or feature plants. These subtle but striking additions add drama, dimension, and a sense of movement to your outdoor space.

3. Safety that Doesn’t Compromise Beauty

Lighting should enhance the mood and keep your home secure. From subtle step lights to motion-activated zones, lighting helps prevent trip hazards and offers a gentle deterrent for intruders—without clunky fixtures or harsh glare.

4. Create Instant Curb Appeal(and Boost Value)

A well-lit exterior makes a strong first impression. When your home glows in the evening light, it signals quality, care, and intention. Outdoor lighting is also a desirable feature for buyers—one that can enhance both enjoyment and long-term property value.

5. Your Personality, Illuminated

Whether your vibe is modern minimalism or warm and romantic, your lighting style speaks volumes. We work with you to design a system that aligns with your aesthetic—whether that means sleek LED fixtures tucked into stone, or ambient lighting woven through a garden path.

Ready to Light Up Your Landscape?

At Creative Roots, we combine creative design with flawless execution to deliver outdoor lighting systems that are as stunning as they are smart. Whether you’re enhancing your existing landscape or starting from scratch, we’ll help you create an after-dark experience that fits your lifestyle—and reflects your taste.

👉 Let’s chat. Book a consultation with our team and discover how custom lighting can transform your space.

The post 5 Ways Landscape Lighting Transforms Outdoor Living Spaces in Kelowna appeared first on Creative Roots Landscaping.

From calming water features and therapeutic gardens to sustainable plant choices and spa-inspired zones, wellness landscaping in Kelowna is about more than aesthetics. It’s about creating a space you love coming home to — a sanctuary that supports relaxation, health, and joyful living.

Why Wellness Landscaping in Kelowna Is on the Rise

Homeowners across the Okanagan are reimagining their backyards. No longer just for entertaining, today’s landscapes are designed to foster peace, mindfulness, and connection to nature. This growing trend — wellness landscaping — blends thoughtful design, sustainable practices, and sensory experiences to create an outdoor space that feels like a personal retreat.

Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading an existing yard, the benefits of wellness landscaping are clear: lower stress, higher property value, and a lifestyle rooted in calm, natural beauty.

Calming Plant Palettes for Four-Season Serenity

Kelowna’s semi-arid climate and local wildlife call for plant selections that are tough yet beautiful. Wellness landscaping Kelowna projects often include:

• Ornamental grasses: blue fescue, feather reed, and blue oat grass
• Aromatic herbs: lavender, thyme, catmint, and sage
• Hardy perennials: echinacea, yarrow, allium, and hyssop

These choices support pollinators, require less water, and are naturally deer-resistant — creating lush, low-maintenance landscapes.

Year-Round Interest with Native Plants

To maintain tranquility throughout the year, we layer evergreens, native trees like pine and oak, and flowering perennials. A balanced palette ensures your yard offers seasonal colour and sensory appeal — from spring blossoms to rustling fall grasses.

Natural Hardscapes That Ground the Design

Biophilic Materials for a Zen Feel

Natural stone, gravel, cedar, and textured pavers foster a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. These materials age beautifully and create an organic, calming foundation underfoot. Paired with warm lighting and soft planting, your space becomes a place to linger.

Functional Layouts for Flow & Relaxation

We use design principles that encourage movement and reflection: multi-level terraces, wide transitions from indoors to out, and tucked-away meditation nooks. Every path, bench, and pergola is placed intentionally — supporting your wellness journey with intuitive design.

Pools, Water Features & Aquatic Calm

Pentarm Pool Installations: Wellness Meets Style

One of the top trends in wellness landscaping Kelowna clients love is the installation of fiberglass pools with integrated spas. At Creative Roots, we proudly install Pentarm Pools, which combine:

• Tanning shelves for lounging in shallow water
• Spa zones with hydrotherapy jets
• Infinity edges for stunning, mirror-like views

These resort-style pools create a luxurious and health-promoting backyard environment — perfect for both adults and families.

Plunge Pools & Reflecting Features

Smaller yards can benefit from plunge pools or swim spas, offering year-round use and therapeutic benefits. For added ambiance, features like bubbling basalt fountains, pondless waterfalls, or modern water walls deliver the calming sounds of nature with minimal upkeep.

Outdoor Gathering Spaces That Soothe the Soul

Fire Features for All Seasons

Nothing brings people together like fire. Gas fire tables, built-in stone fire pits, and linear flame walls are perfect for cozy evenings under the stars. Many of our designs now include sunken lounges, semi-circular seating, or fire features integrated with water — offering year-round enjoyment.

Outdoor Kitchens & Dining Rooms in Nature

Wellness is also about shared experiences. We design fully equipped outdoor kitchens with:

• Built-in grills, pizza ovens, and smokers
• Durable stone prep surfaces
• Bar seating islands and weather-resistant cabinetry

Paired with covered dining areas and lounge zones, these kitchens help families and friends connect while enjoying fresh air and good food.

Zen-Inspired Zones & Spa Features

Meditation Gardens & Yoga Decks

Imagine stepping into your backyard and finding a quiet nook with:

• Raked gravel, mossy boulders, and dwarf conifers

• A cedar yoga platform overlooking a view

• Aromatic herbs like rosemary and lavender swaying nearby

These Zen-inspired corners invite daily reflection, mindfulness, and peace.

Saunas, Hot Tubs & Outdoor Showers

For those wanting full wellness immersion, we design:

• Barrel or cube saunas tucked into private corners

• Sunken hot tubs with soft lighting and plant screens

• Natural stone outdoor showers to rinse off under the sky

We integrate spa features seamlessly into your landscape — so you feel like you’re at a retreat without leaving home.

Lighting, Audio & Tech for After-Dark Wellness

Lighting That Heals & Highlights

Low-voltage LED systems extend the mood into the evening with:

• Moonlighting in trees

• Step and seat wall lights

• Custom “scenes” for meditation or entertaining

Smart systems let you control brightness, color, and timing via app or home assistant — enhancing both ambiance and safety.

Soundscapes for Total Immersion

Invisible outdoor speakers now deliver gentle music, bird calls, or guided meditation across your yard. We design distributed audio zones to keep sound balanced and relaxing — whether you’re soaking in the hot tub or stretching on the yoga deck.

Smart Irrigation & Sustainable Design

Water-Wise Systems That Think for You

With Kelowna’s hot summers, efficient irrigation is essential. We install:

• Smart irrigation controllers with weather-based automation

• Drip lines for beds and containers

• Rainwater harvesting systems for eco-friendly reuse

These systems help conserve water while keeping your garden lush and stress-free.

New Build or Renovation: Wellness Works Anywhere

Start Fresh With a Wellness Mindset

Designing from the ground up lets us optimize everything: views, flow, pool placement, privacy, and spa access. We work closely with your home builder to integrate wellness landscaping Kelowna features into the foundation of your property.

Transform What You Already Have

Renovating? No problem. We can:

• Preserve mature trees and cherished features

• Replace high-maintenance zones with low-water options

• Add smart tech and pool upgrades in phases

You don’t need a blank slate to build your sanctuary — just a thoughtful plan and the right team.

Ready to Experience Wellness Landscaping in Kelowna?

At Creative Roots Landscaping, we help clients design landscapes that nurture body, mind, and soul. Whether you’re dreaming of a peaceful retreat or a resort-style backyard, we’ll guide you every step of the way — from the first design consultation to the final firepit light-up.

👉 Book your consultation today and discover how wellness landscaping can transform your outdoor space — and your lifestyle.

The post Wellness Landscaping Kelowna: Create Your Backyard Sanctuary appeared first on Creative Roots Landscaping.

Whether you’re envisioning a full backyard transformation or a curated space designed for low-maintenance luxury, landscaping isn’t just about plants and patios — it’s about creating an environment that elevates how you live.

At Creative Roots Landscaping (CRL), we take care of every detail — from design to build to maintenance — so you can enjoy your landscape without lifting a finger. Picture sipping your morning coffee beside a tranquil basalt fountain, its soft bubbling a gentle start to the day. Or taking a barefoot stroll through your garden as the late-day sun filters through native trees.

From yoga decks and spa corners to garden paths lit in golden twilight, we design spaces that invite calm, connection, and effortless enjoyment. That’s the power of thoughtful landscape design — it turns your home into a private wellness sanctuary.

Let’s break down what that investment looks like.

✍️ 1. The Design Phase – Where Vision Meets Tranquility

Great design isn’t just about layout — it’s how we make sure your space feels intentional, seamless, and built around your lifestyle.

Design packages typically start at $4,800 and range up to $6,000+ for most standard residential lots. Pricing depends on the scope, level of detail, revisions, and whether you choose to include 3D visualizations.

Why Design Matters:

The design phase isn’t just about pretty pictures — it’s about planning with precision. Our detailed designs integrate all landscape elements seamlessly, helping prevent costly mistakes and saving time during construction. We go beyond layout to craft spaces that nurture your lifestyle — from spa zones and soaking nooks to barefoot pathways and serene sitting areas. Every detail is designed to help you reconnect with what matters most: ease, beauty, and your personal sense of calm.  You’ll know what you’re getting before a shovel hits the ground.

What’s Included in CRL’s Design Process:

• Initial meeting & site analysis
• Concept plan (simple 2D layout + preliminary costing)
• Concept development & revisions
• Final 2D plan + optional 3D visuals
• Construction drawings
• Handoff to the build team

We design not just for beauty, but for how your outdoor space makes you feel — calm, connected, at home.

Pro Tip: We highly recommend 3D modelling. It’s the best way to visualize your space, spot any concerns early, and feel confident about your investment.

🏗️ 2. The Build Phase – Bringing Resort Living Home

Installation projects typically range from $150,000–$250,000 for a full yard renovation on a standard residential lot. Prices vary based on materials, custom features, access, and site complexity.

What’s Included:

CRL handles:
Your project price covers labour, materials, equipment, vehicles, and sub-contractors where needed. Our builds are fully managed from the moment your project is scheduled to the final walkthrough.

• Demolition & site prep
• Drainage systems
• Patios, paving stones, natural flagstone
• Retaining walls (block or natural stone)
• Water features: from bubbling rocks and koi ponds to custom spa-inspired installations — bringing peaceful ambiance to every corner of your yard
• Shrub beds, tree planting, sod installation
• Irrigation systems & outdoor lighting
• Wood features like shaded pergolas, screens, and peaceful yoga decks
• Outdoor kitchens, showers, fire pits, pizza ovens – gathering spaces for effortless entertaining

Our Proven Build Process:

1. Itemized Estimate & Sign-Off
2. Pre-Construction Walkthrough & Team Introductions
3. Weekly Progress Updates & Invoicing
4. Final Walkthrough & Follow-ups (2-week, 1-month, 6-month, 1-year)

Pro Tip: The better the design, the smoother the build. And our system ensures you’re supported and informed every step of the way.

🌿 3. The Maintenance Phase – Luxury That Lasts, Without the Hassle

Our full-service maintenance keeps your landscape looking pristine, healthy, and ready to enjoy — without you lifting a finger.

• Typical monthly cost: $700–$1,500 (March–November)
• Larger lakefront properties: $2,000+/month

What We Handle:

• Spring cleanup & shrub bed start-up
• Lawn aeration, fertilizing & trimming
• Irrigation start-up & repairs
• Weekly garden care & weeding
• Seasonal annual plantings
• Summer pruning & hedge trimming
• Fall cleanup & irrigation blow-out
• Low-voltage lighting checks & adjustments

Maintenance is currently billed hourly at $75/hr per person, or as a flat rate depending on the service provided.

Pro Tip: Think of maintenance as your “set-it-and-forget-it” plan for luxury outdoor living. All beauty, zero hassle.

🧘 Your Landscape, Your Lifestyle

From the first sketch to the final leaf cleanup, our goal is simple:
To deliver a stress-free, luxurious outdoor experience that fits your life.

When you invest with CRL, you’re not just getting landscaping. You’re getting peace of mind, professionalism, and the freedom to enjoy your own private retreat — every single day.

📞 Ready to Bring Your Vision to Life?

Let’s talk. Whether you need design, installation, maintenance, or all three — we’ll guide you through the process with care and creativity.

Let’s bring your vision to life — with clarity, care, and craftsmanship.
Book your consultation today and take the first step toward your personal outdoor sanctuary.

The post How Much Does Landscaping Really Cost in Kelowna? appeared first on Creative Roots Landscaping.

Brayden Ursel – Oct 22, 2022 / 8:41 pm on Castanet 

Ethel House, a non-profit organization that provides long term housing for locals who need assistance, got an upgraded to its backyard with a new garden Saturday, thanks to the Yard Angels of Creative Roots Landscaping.

Ethel House manager Carole Jacobs says the gardens will help give the residents a sense of responsibility while also helping spruce up a yard that wasn’t much to look at before this.

“It’s been an incredible blessing for them to be gifted this. They spend a lot of time out here, especially in the summers … it’s been covered in weeds with no care given, so this will give them an opportunity to take care of it themselves and give them something to do on a daily basis,” said Jacobs.

“It’s a peaceful place for them to come. This is their home, they don’t really have anything. They don’t go out into the community, so they pretty much stay around here, so just having something to relax.”

Thirteen workers broke ground at 7:30 a.m. Saturday and didn’t wrap up until about 4:00 p.m.

Colette Kinderdyk, part owner of Creative Roots Landscaping, said the project involved excavating and removal of 1,000 square feet of weeds, rocks and debris. This was followed by the installation of soil, turf, crushed rock path, landscape fabric, edging, shrubs and irrigation.

“It’s a feeling of impact. It feels really good, it’s really heart-warming. To meet the people who are residents here, and also running this facility… to know we are helping out and it’s just fantastic,” smiled Kinderdyk.

Creative Roots Landscaping tells Castanet the Yard Angel program is a big part of their GiveBack initiative, where they’ve raised over $140,000 while giving employees a voice in their workplace and a positive relationship with their community.

The post ETHEL HOUSE GETS NEW LANDSCAPING appeared first on Creative Roots Landscaping.

“This is a supportive housing body, and we have a really limited budget. So we sustain the house, we look after our residents but there is not a lot left over for the garden,” said Simpson

The Ethel House is a supportive, independent-living home for residents who suffer from various levels of mental health issues. Simpson reached out to the Landscaping company and asked them for help.

It was a large task but the company and staff were ready to help.

“This Yard Angel project includes excavating and removal of 1000 square feet of weeds, rocks and debris, followed by the installation of soil, turf, crushed rock path, landscape fabric, edging, shrubs and irrigation, said Colette Kinderdyk, co-owner, Creative Roots Landscaping. “We’ve received amazing support from our vendors, Pro Source Irrigation Supply, Lake Country Compost Distributors, and Kelowna Sand and Gravel who generously donated some of the materials required for the project.”

Simpson, says, this is all about the residents’ quality of life and they are so grateful for initiatives like this.

“This is a blessing for us, it’s truly a blessing.”

The renovations on the backyard began bright and early Saturday morning and the “Yard Angels” team says residents will be able to enjoy the finished product by the end of the day.

Markewich says the community has welcomed them with open arms.  “We’re hoping to get a bigger push so that we get more nominations. (We want) more community following around this, so we can get this whole program on more of a routine.”

View the entire report here: Global News Report

The post Local landscape company continues to give back to the community appeared first on Creative Roots Landscaping.

Creative Roots team understands and appreciates efficiently run organizations because they’re immersed in one.

Their unique company uses The Great Game of Business which is a business methodology that brings the company numbers to the team and engages them in financial literacy as well as business planning, operation and success.  Through this they learn valuable financial skills that they can use to improve their personal lives.  

Creative Roots team cares about the global community. 

Another reason Creative Roots Landscaping supports safe drinking water by donating to Lifewater is to live into the Creative Roots core value, Prove You Care.  Here in the Okanagan where washing cars and irrigation is the norm, it is hard to imagine that for others on our planet access to a glass of safe drinking water is a daily life and death struggle.  So supporting the Lifewater Canada belief that “everyone has a right to safe, accessible drinking water” is an impactful way to prove the team cares about the global community.   

At Creative Roots Landscaping each employee generously donates one hour of their wages each week to a GiveBack Fund.  These wage donations amount to approximately $1100 per month, enabling this giving to happen.

For the Creative Roots team, giving back is part of why they do what they do.  They believe that running a business is an opportunity to share many of the great things life has to offer – camaraderie, friendships, challenge, learning, growth, a sense of community and profits.  With this sharing they hope more local businesses will embrace the concept of turning their time into money for the good of the community. 

Stay tuned!  The landscaping team announced they will donate to one more non-profit organization this year. 

For more information, please contact Colette at 250-868-9374 or colette@creativerootslandscaping.com

The post Landscapers Back Top 2022 Charity to Support Access To Safe Drinking Water appeared first on Creative Roots Landscaping.

The Creative Roots Landscaping team has generously donated $2,500 to the Kelowna branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association. They chose to support mental health because they, too, have felt the stress and challenges brought on by the pandemic and inflation. Recognizing that many have even fewer resources, they wanted to help.

Prioritizing Mental Health

Without mental health, overall well-being suffers. The Creative Roots team appreciates the support systems available to them. Their group benefits include access to psychological care, and they also have an internal certified coach to help with personal and professional development.

With this $2,500 donation, they hope to make a positive impact on those in the community who lack similar resources. By giving back, they aim to support mental wellness beyond their own team.

Living Core Values

One of Creative Roots Landscaping’s six core values is “Prove You Care.” This means intentionally building strong relationships with their team, clients, and community. Strong relationships create connections, and these connections improve mental health and make life more fulfilling.

For this team, core values aren’t just words on a poster. They live by them. In fact, demonstrating these values is an employment expectation. As a result, their team culture is one where everyone supports each other.

Giving Back Through Open Book Management

Creative Roots Landscaping follows an Open Book Management system. Every week, employees meet to discuss company finances, team success strategies, and the impact of their achievements.

To support the GiveBack program, each employee donates one hour of wages per week, adding up to $1,300 per month. This collective effort funds charitable contributions like this mental health donation.

Why Giving Back Matters

For Creative Roots Landscaping, giving back is part of their purpose. They believe running a business should be about more than just profits. It should also create camaraderie, friendships, challenges, learning, growth, and a strong sense of community.

By sharing their success, they hope to inspire other businesses to turn their time and resources into community impact.

More Donations to Come

This won’t be the last donation of the year. The Creative Roots team has already earmarked two more $2,500 donations for other non-profit organizations.

Stay tuned for more updates!

The post Landscapers Prioritize Mental Health with Big Local Impact appeared first on Creative Roots Landscaping.

Creative Roots Landscaping is celebrating their Core Value, “Prove You Care” this month.  As a result the team donated $2500 to BC SPCA !   With this donation they support the BC SPCA mission to protect and enhance the quality of life for domestic, farm and wild animals in BC.  Everyweek our team gives 1 hour of wages to our GiveBack fund to allow all this community giving to happen!

DONATE to BC SPCA HERE

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