Landscape Design Services in Kelowna, BC
Transform your outdoor space with custom landscape design from Okanagan Landscapers. We specialize in xeriscaping, hardscaping, and drought-tolerant gardens tailored for Kelowna's unique climate. Every design includes 3D visualization so you can see your landscape before a single plant goes in the ground.
Custom Landscape Design for the Okanagan Valley
Creating a beautiful landscape in Kelowna requires understanding our semi-arid climate, alkaline soils, and seasonal extremes—from 35°C summer heat to -15°C winter lows. Our designs work with these conditions, not against them, using proven techniques like hydrozoning and drought-tolerant plant selection.
Our Landscape Design Process
1. Initial Consultation (Free)
We visit your property to discuss your vision, assess existing conditions, and understand your budget. This includes reviewing sun exposure, drainage patterns, soil type, and existing features worth preserving.
2. Site Analysis & Concept Development
Detailed site mapping including property boundaries, elevation changes, utility locations, and microclimate zones. We develop 2-3 concept options showing different approaches to your space.
3. 3D Visualization
See your landscape in realistic 3D before installation begins. Our renderings show plant placement, hardscape materials, lighting, and how the design will look at different times of day and at plant maturity.
4. Final Design Package
Comprehensive plans including detailed planting specifications (species, sizes, quantities), hardscape layouts, irrigation zones, lighting plan, and material lists with estimated costs.
5. Installation Coordination
We manage the installation process, coordinating with our crew or your chosen contractors to ensure the design is executed correctly.
Xeriscaping: Smart Design for Kelowna's Climate
Kelowna receives only 400mm of annual precipitation—half of Vancouver's rainfall—with most falling outside the growing season. Traditional lawns and thirsty gardens struggle here, especially during water restrictions. Xeriscaping offers a beautiful, sustainable alternative.
Xeriscaping Principles We Apply
- Hydrozoning: Grouping plants by water needs (low, medium, high) for efficient irrigation
- Soil improvement: Adding organic matter to improve water retention in sandy soils
- Efficient irrigation: Drip systems and smart controllers that water only when needed
- Appropriate turf areas: Reducing lawn to functional spaces, using alternatives elsewhere
- Mulching: 3-4 inch layer to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Native and adapted plants: Species proven to thrive in our conditions
Drought-Tolerant Plants for Kelowna
Our go-to plants for xeriscaped gardens include:
- Shrubs: Oregon grape, common lilac, gold coast juniper, hedge cotoneaster, potentilla, red currant
- Perennials: Lavender, sedum, yarrow, Russian sage, coneflower, black-eyed Susan
- Ornamental grasses: Blue fescue, feather reed grass, little bluestem, native bunchgrasses
- Ground covers: Creeping thyme, woolly thyme, kinnikinnick, stonecrop
- Natives: Saskatoon berry, red osier dogwood, snowberry, big sagebrush
Hardscaping & Outdoor Living Spaces
Hardscaping creates structure, defines spaces, and reduces maintenance. Our hardscape designs integrate seamlessly with planting areas and Kelowna's natural beauty.
Hardscape Elements We Design
- Patios: Natural stone, pavers, stamped concrete ($15-$35/sq ft installed)
- Retaining walls: Segmental block, natural stone, timber ($20-$150/sq ft)
- Pathways: Flagstone, gravel, paver walkways
- Outdoor kitchens: Built-in BBQs, counters, seating areas
- Fire features: Fire pits, fireplaces, fire tables
- Water features: Fountains, ponds, pondless waterfalls
- Pergolas & shade structures: Cedar, aluminum, vinyl
Understanding Kelowna's Soil Types
Kelowna's soils vary significantly by neighborhood. Glenmore and Dilworth feature clay-heavy soils that compact easily and drain slowly. Mission and Lower Mission have sandier lakeside soils with better drainage but lower nutrient retention. Rutland often has glacial till with varying composition.
Our designs include soil amendments appropriate to your property—adding organic matter for water retention in sandy soils, or improving drainage in clay-heavy areas. Proper soil preparation is essential for long-term plant health.
Landscape Installation Costs in Kelowna
Beyond the design package, here's what Kelowna homeowners typically invest in landscape installation:
- Basic landscaping (plants, mulch, small patio): $5,000-$15,000
- Mid-range project (design + hardscape + planting): $15,000-$40,000
- High-end transformation: $40,000-$80,000
- Luxury lakefront/estate: $100,000-$150,000+
- Irrigation system: $2,400-$7,000
- Landscape lighting: $2,000-$8,000
- Sod installation: $1.70-$3.50/sq ft
Note: Kelowna prices are typically 20-50% higher than rural BC areas. Hillside properties and lakefront lots often have additional complexity and access costs.
Related Services
Once your landscape is installed, keep it looking great with our lawn care services. We also offer snow removal to protect your investment during winter months. Learn more about our team or contact us to schedule your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does landscape design cost in Kelowna?
Landscape design packages in Kelowna range from $4,800-$6,000+ for comprehensive plans including site assessment, 3D visualization, and detailed planting specifications. This typically covers 40-65 hours of design work. Basic concept plans start at $2,500-$3,500. Full landscape installation costs $15,000-$150,000+ depending on scope—mid-range projects average $25,000-$40,000, while luxury lakefront properties can exceed $100,000.
What is xeriscaping and is it good for Kelowna?
Xeriscaping is low-water landscaping that uses drought-tolerant plants and efficient design principles. It's ideal for Kelowna's semi-arid climate, where summers average 28°C with limited rainfall and water restrictions are common. Xeriscaped gardens use 50-75% less water than traditional lawns once established. Key techniques include hydrozoning (grouping plants by water needs), mulching, and selecting native plants like Oregon grape, juniper, and ornamental grasses.
What plants grow best in Kelowna's climate?
Kelowna sits in USDA Zone 6a/6b with hot, dry summers and cold winters (-15°C to -20°C possible). Best plants include: drought-tolerant shrubs (Oregon grape, common lilac, gold coast juniper, potentilla), perennials (lavender, sedum, coneflower, black-eyed Susan), ornamental grasses (blue fescue, feather reed grass), and native options (saskatoon berry, red osier dogwood). Avoid plants needing consistent moisture unless in irrigated zones.
How long does a landscape design project take?
A typical landscape design project in Kelowna takes 2-4 weeks for the design phase (site assessment, concept development, 3D visualization, final plans). Installation adds 1-6 weeks depending on project scope—small garden renovations take 1-2 weeks, while full yard transformations with hardscaping may take 4-6 weeks. Spring and early fall are best for planting; avoid installing during July-August heat or frozen ground.
Do you provide 3D landscape renderings?
Yes, our design packages include 3D visualization so you can see your landscape before installation begins. This includes realistic renderings showing plant placement, hardscape materials, lighting, and how the design will look at maturity. 3D visualization helps ensure the final result matches your vision and allows for adjustments before any construction begins.
Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Space?
Schedule a free consultation and let's discuss your landscape vision.
📞 Call (250) 555-0123Free estimates · No obligation · Available 7 days a week