Owning a waterfront lot is the dream of many. Indeed, the edge of the water is a privileged place to recharge your batteries and forget the tumult of urban life. This type of development provides a space for relaxation, well-being, and contemplation. With summer fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to think about landscaping your yard. However, you will need to know a few basics before starting your project.
In this article, discover how to create your dream space on the edge of the water to wow your guests!
Superior quality of life
Living by the water is a lifestyle that many dreams of! This is why, in recent years, the transformation of its waterfront courtyard into a space for relaxation has gained in popularity.
Owning a residence on the waterfront offers several advantages: a magnificent landscape, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, tranquility, and a calming environment all around. In addition, you will have the opportunity to practice sports such as kayaking, water skiing, and many other activities. Thus, your quality of life will be greatly improved and you will no longer be able to do without your yard.
Warm furnishings
To add a touch of comfort, you will need to choose your outdoor furniture carefully. To do this, Pinterest or Google can be excellent sources of inspiration. That said, several factors are important to consider before choosing your furniture, including the materials, the maintenance, and the use you will make of it.
When choosing your furniture, don’t forget to pay particular attention to its quality, since it will be exposed to all kinds of bad weather. If you want them to last, choose materials suitable for the weather conditions.
You will have the choice between furniture in wood, metal, synthetic resin, natural rattan, or synthetic rattan. The materials of your outdoor furniture will vary its durability, as well as its maintenance. So here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Metal furniture should be cleaned using a sponge or soft cloth with a soap and water solution.
- Rattan furniture, whether synthetic or not, will require less care. You can simply rinse it with your garden hose.
- Wooden furniture should be placed in the shade to protect it from direct sunlight.
Don’t neglect the comfort of your furniture! Since you will often be outside enjoying your yard, be sure to opt for products that offer a good balance between durability and comfort. Moreover, for a warm relaxation area, choose the location of the furniture on your balcony or in your garden. Then, you can enhance your space with accessories, such as cushions to add a touch of warmth.
Finally, you will have to think about storing your furniture for the winter season. You can store it in a shed, in a garage, or in the house to protect it from harsh winters.
The importance of plants
Plants are not only important when it comes to aesthetics in landscaping, but they also have an ecological role for the riparian strip since they participate in the protection of the shoreline ecosystem. Plant roots help stabilize the soil and prevent soil erosion. They also filter the water that accumulates. Thus, it is essential to choose plants that are adapted to semi-dry and humid terrain.
The choice of plants
If you prefer plants to trees for your shoreline landscaping, you should prioritize herbaceous plants, that is, perennials that regenerate from one year to the next. These are low maintenance and often produce beautiful flowers. In addition, no need to be patient since they grow quickly.
You can also plant vines or shrubs. These plants create deep roots, which greatly help with soil stability and erosion prevention. They also produce flowers and small fruits.
Add trees to your relaxation area
Trees are ideal for landscaping the shore. This help protects the banks from the wind as well as the sun. By integrating them into your layout, you will also bring calm, shade, and privacy to your decor.
The rules to follow for development at the edge of the water
Development of the riparian strip is permitted. However, the regulations put in place by the Government of Quebec on shoreline protection must be respected. Your municipality may also have stricter rules specific to it. In other words, to properly develop your land, it is essential to take into account the type of watercourse that surrounds you. Thus, it is prohibited:
to carry out work that could damage the plant cover of the shore, or leave the ground bare;- to dig into the littoral or the bank;
- to cut trees or shrubs to plant grass;
- to use pesticides on the first three meters at the edge of the bank;
- alter the route of a watercourse;
- to build dams or dykes for private or agricultural purposes;
- build a boat ramp with waterproofing materials such as concrete or asphalt;
- to add sand to a beach;
- to build a beach.
You will need to check with a landscaping expert or your municipality to find out what is allowed or not before planning the landscaping of your yard.