On Sunday, June 9th the sun was shining for the Oakville Horticultural Society’s annual *Through the Garden Gate, OHS Garden Tour*.
Stop number 7 on the self-guided tour was the residence of our clients Peter and Nicolette Van Dijk. For these homeowners we created distinct areas: close to the house and pool there are more formal plantings of spring flowering shrubs and trees; there is a transition to a more open area of grass and unique specimens as you approach the seating area near the free-standing fireplace and pizza oven; from there you can see and hear the waterfall while looking up the rise to the ridge of evergreens and trees. In contrast to the open areas and the ‘forest ridge’, there is a private retreat tucked behind the solarium, accessible by following a stepping stone path.
Visitors were excited by the Water Reclamation project we installed last year (and which won the Landscape Ontario Award of Excellence, **[Water Conservation – Non-Potable Water award](https://gelderman.com/blog/4/a-great-start-to-2013)**.) The Water Reclamation System captures all rain water and surplus ground water. This is done with an underground system of French drains which is then directed to storage and filtration. Water is then available as needed by plants through an extensive inground, zone controlled distribution system.
Thanks to the Van Dijk family, not only for opening up their yard to the public, but also for giving us credit for installing and maintaining their dream backyard.
Funds raised through the garden tour are used to support horticultural projects in the Oakville community, providing examples of how everyone can grow a greener healthier world. More information about the Oakville Horticultural Society and The OHS Garden Tour can be found at [www.oakvillehort.org](http://www.oakvillehort.org/).
