Uncommon Ground Landscape Design

Gary was introduced to my wife and I from an architectural firm in Mississauga. Never meeting Gary, we were not sure what we about to experience. He asked us a ton of questions, met us at our home, we spoke about the feel we wanted to have when we were done and just like that he drew up a plan that convinced us that he was our guy. We can honestly say that there is not a single thing in his design that we did not love. We are still working through our final changes, as we address the needs of the city and our budget but he has repeatedly expressed his comment to be there to the end-- he is a true professional.

We are still in process, but we love the design. Very professional approach, fast to respond if my GC have a question. Looking forward to finish and enjoy this timeless beautiful landscape

Let me preface by saying that we are extremely satisfied with the services that we have received from the team at Uncommon Ground. Our particular experience may fall outside the norm of what would be considered to be a typical landscape installation. For our case, we were looking for a landscape design only, where the construction of the project would be done by us and not by a 3rd party contractor. We are very handy people and have plenty of landscape installation experience. We had fallen in love with Uncommon Ground's portfolio and were interested in the development of a concept for our space. After sharing ideas, our wishlist, and budget, we were presented with a concept design, that quite frankly blew us out of the water. Attention to details, usage of the space, flow, eye catching features, softscape recommendation, hardscape selection, colour selection etc... We only needed 1 minor iteration of the concept before moving forward, it was very obvious that our wishlist was very much considered in the design, not in a sense that features are necessarily included, rather their inclusion are part of the flow of the entire design and carry a purpose. We were sold on the concept and then retained their services for the next steps - construction drawings, permitting/halton conservation clearance support, bill of materials, recommended suppliers, contacts, etc... Again, the services offered exceeded our expectations. We may still be in the midst of construction at this point, but the results so far have been overwhelmingly positive. Now that we've completed a significant portion of the construction, we can say unequivocally that the design provided is thoughtful, thorough, functional and eye catching - exactly what we were looking for. Furthermore, it's one thing to see a concept drawing or rendering, it's another to see it come to life... this is one of those rare cases where reality exceeds concepts. We are extremely pleased with the quality of the service that we have received and would recommend Uncommon Ground to any of our friends and family.

I would not recommend using this company. We starting our job with this company in January 2021 and I still don't have anything completed. I have received no follow up calls or revised drawings. We were suppose to start construction in Sept and never received anything, not even a follow up call. I have left multiple messages, sent emails and still received nothing back. All invoice were paid up front as per the companies policy and have received nothing in return. Terrible service and our new landscaping project was never started as we required these drawings to being construction. Do not use this company.

Gary was very helpful. Comfortable to work with, listened to what we wanted to do and prepared a design that was almost exactly what we wanted... and then was very good at working with us on the few adjustments we wanted and helped us to understand and weigh the tradeoffs of various options. He worked closely with the landscaper - who clearly respected and looked for Gary's input - and stayed connected to the project throughtout. Very happy with the end result

Our lot is a reverse ravine so our project is a bit complicated. Gary came up with the perfect design for 2 different scenarios that exceeded our expectations. He's also been invaluable in helping us navigate city and conservation by-laws in Toronto. He's personable and knowledgable plus has impeccable taste. It's been a pleasure working with Gary and I would recommend him to everyone.

I was referred to Gary by my designers. And I was happily surprised by his approach from the first phone conversation to the finished design. Everything we need and so much more was promptly offered to us with respect of our budget and our style. I have already referred Uncommon Ground to two friends and I am forever thankful for their services.

Amazing crew. The Designs are beautiful. They are Great to work with. Very Innovative. Got the drawings in a timely manor

My wife and I have been working with Gary and Uncommon Ground since we were first introduced in 2009. I am a professional Homebuilder and I learned early in my career that money spent on landscaping is the best money spent on a project. We have done 2 cottages and 3 personal residences with Gary and we are thrilled and couldn't be more satisfied with the fees, the service and the results! Gary tailered each design to the climate, native vegetation and architectural style of each project. Gary's design skills are very versatile from traditional to contemporary. We are going to retain Gary and Uncomon Ground to design entrance features for our next two communities we are producing to set the theme for them. I found the Design fees to be very competitive and the scope of services provided is client determined not imposed. Please give Gary the utmost consideration for your next project.

Working with Gary from Uncommon Ground Design group was great. Gary came to the table with creative solutions to our awkward space. The materials he recommended for the project were unique and modern. Gary was able to provide insight and comfort over the months that we were under construction. He was on site every day to monitor progress and to make plan modifications where required. Gary made himself and his team very accessible for any questions or concerns that we had. Gary has built relationships with a good number of industry professionals. He called on these individuals for the various components of the job and when we needed other creative inputs. Ultimately Gary and Uncommon Ground Design Group proved to be innovative, flexible, professional and passionate about our project through each of the stages until completion. We are very pleased with the final product and will absolutely hire Gary again in the future. Gill and Chris

Gary, the founder and owner of Uncommon Ground Design Group, is a very gifted landscape designer and a very easy going and friendly fellow. He's very conscientious and detailed in his work and his designs show his love of this craft and an excellence that exceeds your expectations. His use of lighting and water features, work areas, ease of transition in his design, choice of native plantings and desire to develop a sustainable plan for his customers all combine together to make an outstanding end product to be enjoyed for years to come. Without hesitation I would strongly recommend Gary.

We have been fortunate enough to work with Uncommon Ground on many projects. They are extremely professional, a pleasure to deal with and their spaces and workmanship are incredible. We are proud to recommend them to any of our clients! Jill Schwartzentruber - Casualife Outdoor Living

Gary and his team designed our landscaper design with creativity and professionalism. He frequently visited the site in order to oversea and examine the work in progress. We consulted frequently along the way and he demonstrated great flexibility in accommodating our wishes. A few years later he designed an amazing outdoor kitchen like no other. We are so excited to use it this spring!! You won't be disappointed with this highly skilled design expert.

The team at Uncommon Ground are very well attuned to their craft. They can translate their knowledge of design and materials and provide their clients with the most appropriate, innovative and cost conscious solution to the complicated business of landscape architecture and design. Having worked with the owner Gary van Eijk over the past 10 years on numerous projects, I have been impressed with his ability to hone in to his clients true needs and illustrate his creative solutions with clarity and brevity, and would highly recommend Uncommon Ground.

I have had the pleasure of visiting several of Gary's projects over the last few years and am blown away each and every time. From incorporating an infinity pool on the edge of an escarpment to a creating a private backyard oasis in the city, each of Gary's designs demonstrates an attention to detail that is second to none. Gary's unique ability to balance form and function enables him to design landscapes that are not only stunning but will stand the test of time. I would not hesitate to recommend Gary and his team to anyone looking to transform an out door space

We hired Uncommon Ground last year to undertake the design of a renovation of our backyard. Our home is situated on a tree preservation area. Although the lot itself is quite expansive, its topography and the municipal restrictions are extremely challenging. Gary Van Eijk and his team created a beautiful design that has significantly improved the functionality and our enjoyment of our home. Gary is extremely knowledgeable, efficient and committed and it was a pleasure to work with him!

I have worked with Gary and his team many times, it has always been an excellent experience. I have found Uncommon Ground Design Group great to work with. Their drawings are so detailed which is great for me as a Carpenter and also great for the customer as they know what they are getting. I am always very impressed with their designs ,they always suit their setting and by the completion of the project their customers are delighted. I also admire Uncommon Ground Design's ability to communicate well with their customers and Trades people on the site .This ensures the projects are well scheduled ,the budget is followed and completed in a timely manner. I'm looking forward to working with Uncommon Ground for many years to come.

Gary van Eijk is a great talent when it comes to landscape design. He is professional, detail oriented and extremely creative. We have worked together on a multitude of projects and each shared client has enjoyed the seamless interaction between the disciplines of home and landscape design. We highly recommend Gary van Eijk and his team at Uncommon Ground Design Group.