Sorry for missing a day in our conversation about all things beautiful and inspiring. One word. Migraines. All this fluctuation in barometric pressure has not been gentle with me, but it’s nothing to complain about compared to people in some parts of Toronto who are still dealing with major flooding and power outages! All these dramatic signs of climate change make me want to light some candles at night and save on electricity just to take a bit of load off the grid.

I think the beauty of today’s post should make up for missing out on sharing something with you yesterday. I’m delighted to share another project from Jenn Hembruch of Paeonia Gardens. This one will be a two-parter – the “befores” today and some “afters” next week – but can I just say, this is a dream property?! Oh my goodness. The surrounding vistas are absolutely breathtaking. I cannot wait to see how Jenn will bring this project to life!

The Birken house is a piece of the past. Situated about 20 minutes outside of Pemberton BC {about 3 hours north of Vancouver}, this serene 100 year old home needed a complete landscape renovation. The interior was recently updated by the owners in a style very much in keeping with the home’s heritage and aesthetic, and they decided they were ready to tackle the garden next.

The clients wanted a cottage garden, a new lawn, a wall to help retain some of the grade in the front yard, new fencing, and some really unique “vintage” hard-scape details. 
“We were able to embark on the design process with a very clear vision of their goals,” says Jenn, “as they were able to get a feel for how to best utilize every last inch of the property after living there part time for the last few years.”
Birken House sits at the foot of spectacular mountains and is in a bit of a microclimate, with hotter dryer and windier weather conditions then nearby Pemberton. Nestled on the edge of a hundred acres, there are fruiting trees, such as Cherry and Apple, as well as a beautiful marsh in the distant neighboring field. 
Can you say s-t-u-n-n-i-n-g? With views like that, you would never need to go on vacation!
To whet your appetite a bit, here are some photos of the process of Jenn’s transformation of this beautiful piece of property. 
I truly cannot wait to see what you have done to transform this spectacular little piece of paradise, Jenn!
xo
s.