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Jennifer Rogers and Douglas McCutcheon

September 2023

“Joel Loblaw is a ‘one of a kind’ sorta guy.

He is visionary, full of enthusiasm and ideas for his craft. He is an outside the box thinker, yet really listens to the client’s wishes. Meetings with Joel were exciting and inspiring, he works with you to achieve a common goal. Joel came up with 3 design concepts that respected our requests and our budget considerations. It was hard to choose which one of the 3 we liked best?

It should be said that our house is a Regency Cottage built in the late 1880’s. Joel’s designs combined a sensitivity to history and traditions, yet seamlessly morphed to the practical realities of today’s demands.

At Joel Loblaw Inc. the whole team was a delight to work with. Communications were timely and efficient. The entire project went smoothly and was completed on time. That in itself says a lot!

We are ‘over the moon’ with the end result and look forward to many, many, years enjoying our outdoor space.

We recommend the same experience for you. It will be sensible and a lot of fun, with timeless rewards from Mother Nature.”

Dave Way

August 2023

“I hired the team at Joel Loblaw Inc. to complete our vision for our home. I wanted a team that could both envision and deliver a vision for my property that would integrate with my neighborhood but also stand out as a nod to the more modern design that I favour. The entire team worked tirelessly to help bring that vision into a great design - and even more important - to execute it and bring it to life in a way that exceeded my expectations. I wholeheartedly recommend Joel Loblaw Inc. for a bespoke and special design/build experience.”

Derrick & Vanessa Lee

July 2023

“Joel and his team were an absolute delight to work with. From their creative vision, all the way through to final execution, the team was prompt, communicative and delivered exceptionally strong work. Our product perfectly compliments our house, and our lifestyle. We had a relatively complex project, and had to work around rebuilding our house, which required coordination of trades with our home construction team. We removed a swimming pool and built several structural elements in our backyard, and it feels like a much more curated space. I would highly recommend the team and would not hesitate to work with them again in the future.”

Amanda Hawkins

November 2022

“Working with Joel Loblaw and team was fantastic! They are speedy, practical, flexible and easy to work with. The project has received compliments from everyone in the neighbourhood and looks amazing. Well done on a great job!”

Barbara Caplan

June 2022

“The Joel Loblaw creative team was just what I was looking for when I decided to landscape my newly purchased property. Lindsy managed the project. She’s super organized and a great communicator. It was a pleasure working with all of them and the quality of their work was second to none.“

Happy Client!

November 2021

“The entire team was amazing to work with every step along the process; professional, responsive, transparent and absolute perfectionists. They created an incredible backyard space for our family that exceeded all our expectations. Look forward to working with them again in the future!”

Cathy and John Phillips

October 2021

“We highly recommend Joel Loblaw Inc. to anyone considering a landscape project, big or small. Not only do Joel and his team bring well documented expertise, but they make the whole process from concept to completion a pleasant experience, providing clear, reliable and timely communication and documentation at each stage.

In our case we needed considerable guidance because we were starting from scratch on a property rebuild. We could give a vague description of the look and feel we wished to achieve but had no idea how that would translate into reality. Joel and his team made it happen and we were both surprised (because we could never have come up with the design, colours, plants and various materials that went into creating the unique look ourselves) and delighted with the result. Each season we sit back and marvel at the changes we observe and enjoy. As we are writing this testimonial two years after the work was completed, we can further say that we are even more pleased now (if that is possible!) than we were at the outset, as we have had the time to witness the maturing and enriching of the overall effect.

Thank you Joel, Lindsy, and all the amazing people at Joel Loblaw Inc.”

Catherine & Mark Graham

October 2021

“We were delighted by the work Joel Loblaw and his team did on our property. They met with us and laid out detailed options for upgrading our backyard. The design process was very thorough. We were particularly impressed with the speed and efficiency of the job. In the end, our backyard was transformed into a place we call a second home because of the new seating areas. The process was effortless, efficient and enjoyable.”

Sander Grieve & Tierney Read Grieve

September 2021

Joel and his team were excellent to work with. We enjoyed the opportunity to share thoughts about personal style, uses for the yard and opportunities. While this helped us get what we wanted, it also helped us to get new ideas of what was possible. Ultimately, this led to three design concepts that drove us to further focus on the desired result. With a path chosen at the end of this highly useful engagement, we got to the selection of materials and plant material. Again, Joel and his team helped guide us to spaces and materials with great flexibility and year-round appeal. Throughout the design and construction process we had great support from Lindsy, Adriana and Joel as well as the construction team. The result has been a huge improvement in outdoor recreation and dining space. We liked our yard when we started, but the potential realized has been real lifestyle improvement.

Anonymous

August 2021

Loving design and the process of creating something from nothing, we were thrilled to work with Joel Loblaw and his team. They appreciated what was important to us and brought us along on their creative journey, culminating in a highly functional use of space. Our sad, unloved and unused backyard has been transformed into a dream entertaining and lounging space that is both edgy and serene. Hard, modern edges are softened by the sound of cascading water and lush plantings which offer both visual interest and a haven for bees, butterflies and wildlife. We loved working with this talented group and would happily work with them again. Great job!

Karen & Mark Haar

August 2021

“We had a great experience working with Joel and the team from concept to completion. Adriana, our project manager was fantastic to work with and was always quick to respond to all requests and inquiries and ensured the commitments were met.”

Jennifer McKendry

August 2021

“Joel and his team were recently named to Canadian House and Home’s A-List as one of Ontario’s premier landscape design firms. There is good reason for this. Quite apart from Joel’s incredibly approachable and down to earth personality, he has an incredible sense of vision and does not shy away from pushing the creative envelope. Joel’s design for our small city backyard transformed it from a literal mud pit to a multi-level, multi-functional space that our entire family can enjoy. It’s fantastic! Not to be forgotten is Joel’s team – they are absolutely top-notch! Adriana, Lindsy and Siena are all lovely, responsive, and highly professional. At all stages of the design and execution they were in constant communication and consultation; there were no surprises. I truly cannot say enough good things about this fine group of people and the incredible work they do beautifying outdoor spaces across this city and beyond.”

Orlee Wertheim & Aaron David

July 2021

"It was a pleasure working with the team at Joel Loblaw Inc. From creative to implementation and construction the process was seamless. They managed all of the details and kept us informed and up-to-date every step of the way. They were able to creatively deliver against our objectives even though part of the project was a “retrofit”. The end result is a beautiful space we'll enjoy for many years to come. We’d welcome an opportunity to work with them again!”

Nicole & Chris Palmer

July 2021

“We had the pleasure of working with Joel Loblaw and his wonderful team to design our front and backyard. Throughout the design and execution process, the team was professional, thorough, responsive, and importantly fun to work with.

All of our questions and emails were always answered in a very timely manner. The team was very involved and available to troubleshoot any issues that arose (not that there were many). If something was outside their area of expertise, they were always able to refer us to someone who could help. We especially valued their transparency with respect to cost, as they were able to offer a variety of different solutions to accommodate our ultimate design goals and budget.

We are very grateful to have worked with such a talented team!”

Lesley & Andrew Cogan

June 2021

“We worked with Joel Loblaw Inc. to completely redesign and re-build our backyard including fencing, stonework, deck and side gate. Joel himself also helped us design our new pool (bonus for us!). The team was incredible and so easy to work with. Lindsy managed our project and was on top of every detail and helped us solve so many challenges. Peter was our foreman and was a total pro about all aspects of the project and brought amazing craftmanship to everything. We were honestly sad when the project wrapped up (if you can believe it) because they were so easy to work with.

For those out there considering a pool, the team has a lot of experience working with Betz - we found it seamless. The team also recommended great companies for outdoor lighting and maintenance which we used with great success.”

Diane Sutherland

May 2021

“Working with the Joel Loblaw group was an absolute pleasure and an experience I would gladly repeat and recommend with confidence. Both elements of the team, design and construction work in perfect harmony to ensure that your finished product is what was envisioned.

When other trades must be accessed such as irrigation, lighting etc. they have established excellent relationships with providers and they make the contact, introduce you to the individuals and monitor the quality of the work. There is no need for you to be running around trying to find reliable companies and what it is that you need, they look after it all.

They are all wonderful individuals to work with and truly care about the success of your project as much as you do. They keep you fully informed of their timelines, adapt to any changes that may be required, assist in choosing materials that meet your needs and overall go above and beyond what I would have expected. They have pride in their work which is well deserved as they create and produce beautiful landscapes. They created the space that I always wanted.”

Stacia Morris

November 2020

We are so happy to have chosen Joel Loblaw Inc. for our front and back yard project. The team was a pleasure to work with from beginning to end. They excel at developing beautiful, creative concepts and delivering excellent client service, project management and plan execution. We are thrilled with the end result and would happily work with them again.

Anne & Chi Hong

October 2020

I have to say it’s rare to meet a team like Joel Loblaw Inc. They actually do what they say they’re going to do. From design to execution, I can’t say there weren’t issues but everything was dealt with as professionally and smoothly as possible. My family and I can’t be happier with the new extension of our home the team has given us. We definitely feel we have one the best backyards in the neighbourhood, which actually says a lot in North Riverdale! Thanks for everything to the Joel Loblaw team, especially Lindsy and Adriana. They were always ready whenever we needed anything extra! Looking forward to working with the team again in the near future.

Heather & Larry Ritchie

September 2020

Our experience working with Joel Loblaw's team was a very positive one. Our backyard project got underway quickly and through every piece of it the Loblaw team had prepared us for what to expect. They are a well-organized, creative team and their workers were very polite and helpful. We are delighted with the result and even in the dark days of winter enjoy looking at the new landscape.

Jeffery & Olivia Wang

August 2020

First of all, we would like to say thank you to the team for all of their hard work. We had the privilege of working with Joel Loblaw Inc. and it was nothing short of amazing! Both the design team and the build team were professional, efficient and knowledgeable. They take pride in their work and it shows in their fantastic design and fabulous finishing details. It would be an understatement to say they are creative. They made our dreams come true with their creativity and dedication to their craft. They truly have a business full of integrity and we would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a design/build company. Thank you again for everything. We are looking forward to celebrating with you in our backyard soon!

Sarah & Sameer D’Souza

August 2020

We had a wonderful experience working with Joel and his team. From the design process, build and installation to the final reveal and after care, the team was exceptional in meeting all our needs. We have a space that we absolutely love and thoroughly enjoy.

Michele & Chris Kidd

July 2020

We absolutely LOVE our new back yard! We have spent every dry evening on the back deck watching TV. We love what has been done. Thank you to your amazing crew and designers.

Marc Freeman

July 2020

Kids have really enjoyed hanging out in their new backyard over the past few months; they don't care for the cottage anymore! So much family time is now spent outside - way more than ever before. Great work! We are so happy with the results. Thank you!!!

Cathy & Paul Stephens

November 2019

Joel & Team,

We wanted to say thanks to you and the rest of the team for all of the great work you have done at our house. It has been an absolute pleasure working with all of you. Your crews on-site have been amazing - chatting to our little guy every day and going the extra mile to leave things clean and tidy at the end of the work day. The attention to detail with all of the work done is obvious and very much appreciated (centering the stones on the steps relative to the front door and the meticulously laid patio stones with perfectly straight lines etc.). They even took the garbage out for us before I had a chance to do it when Paul was travelling and overall have been an absolute pleasure. Margaret has also been amazing with her attention to detail visiting our house, making sure everything was on track with her clear and pleasant communication and giving us options when we were navigating parts of the project.

We are really looking forward to working with all of you again on the backyard!

Liz Rykert & John Sewell

August 2019

We love our garden, front and back, in every season, and at every time of day.
Our experience from conception to completion was flawless. The team of staff and contractors for irrigation and lighting were a delight to work with. The garden has grown in beautifully.

Paul & Natalie Hawkins

August 2019

Go to heaven, you little angels!

If I wasn't already married I would marry your company. You have the greatest group of people working for you and it is reflected in the superior results you achieve!!! We are so happy with the end result and would gladly offer ourselves as references in the future.

Add to the great work, our little green gnome added a nice touch!! FLAWLESS.

Stevi Williams

September 2018

Joel Loblaw and his team have been excellent in all regards throughout our entire landscaping project. A few things we particularly appreciated were:

1) Their enthusiastic creativity when it came to coming up with a design. They had several amazing ideas and were very fluid with cutting, adding and shifting them around until we achieved the final, perfect design.
2) They were bang on with the budget and always presented options of at least 3 price ranges along with explanations of where value/cost was gained or lost. Loved that; made me feel much more informed and able to make educated choices on our materials and plants.
3) They were very responsive to all and any questions. Genuine care and interest were evident in the way the team replied to my emails immediately even if it was to say they needed to find out more to answer the question perfectly.

We respect that kind of professionalism and would highly recommend Joel Loblaw Inc. to anyone looking to hire a great landscaping company.

Stella & Jakob Arbitman

August 2018

We want to thank each and every member of the JLI team for an incredible job on our backyard project! We were so impressed with the professionalism of the entire team at all times. Your customer service is absolutely top rate. We will DEFINITELY recommend you to anyone who asks and hope to be able to use your services again at our property up north.

Michele & Doug Cummings

July 2018

We hired Joel Loblaw and his team to do some planters on our large terrace at our condo. Their design separated the terrace into a few living spaces with trees, grasses and perennials. It was great to have such an oasis overlooking the city. When we moved back to a house, one of the first people we called was Joel. They did our front and back yards and we couldn’t be happier. Both times we were given a few design ideas to start with, the materials suggested had different price points and we worked together to get the perfect design for the area. The team who made it all happen was very professional and the yard was spotless when they were done. Thanks so much to all of you for creating these beautiful spaces for us to enjoy.

Jordan & Simone Bender

July 2018

Exhausted, after having undertaken another lengthy reno project we had yet to address our landscaping. How lucky we were to find the Joel Loblaw team. Hands down the easiest and most professional crew we have ever dealt with. The excellent design sense is apparent to anyone who wants to peek at a Joel Loblaw finished site but I can tell you what’s behind the project is equally amazing. Nothing is overlooked, all within budget, and all on schedule! Imagine that! Everyone was a pleasure to deal with and workmanship was truly excellent. We really felt that they wanted to make us happy and they succeeded wildly.

Adam Dhanji

June 2018

Creative, knows his stuff, great to work with and has an excellent team. What’s not to love?! 5 stars all the way!

Michael Kreidstein

December 2017

Happy to recommend this company. Despite a lengthy sequence of bureaucratic challenges and some creative differences, they delivered a beautiful result. Well done!

Claudio Gatti

December 2017

Joel, this note is to thank you and your team for the wonderful job you have done with our landscape project. Our house was redesigned from the ground up, and although it is very modern, it still has a lot of the original elements and materials. Our goal was to have it blend harmoniously with the neighbourhood, without losing its modern flare. You guys joined the project from the start and have able to masterfully continue along that path, working well with the architects, the construction company and us.

The design you came up with is simple, timeless and elegant with a great modern vibe. This was quite a feat in our small lot, but you have done it. I would describe the result as simple without being stark, modern but blending in harmoniously with the neighbours, open and inviting in the front, private and lush in back; and all this while still very functional and maintenance free.

We have already enjoyed it for several months and can't wait for the garden to come into its full shape in the next year or two. You guys did a great job also on the execution of the project, by looking after all the details and making sure everyone was happy, including our neighbour.

Thanks again and all the best.

Katy Waugh

October 2017

Many thanks to Joel, Lindsy and team for the terrific job on both our front and backyards. The whole process was easy (for us at least!), organized and professional – with spectacular results! Joel’s designs were fantastic – as well as practical – and the whole team was an absolute pleasure to deal with. We get so many compliments on our Corten steel wall and our light cube! We love it all. And all on budget too! I recommend Joel and team whenever I have the chance. MANY THANKS!

Ben & Jen Vaughan

September 2017

Joel and team...thank you so much for all of your hard work on both our front and backyards last year! We have undergone many renovations inside our homes over the years, and have many painful memories from them...so wanted to write to say how amazed we were at the effortless and amazing work you all did. Your team did outstanding designs and gave us good direction with enough choices for us to make it our own. You managed the project from beginning to end and gave us zero headaches, and you even guided us through the normal neighbourhood communications required to keep everyone on our street well informed and happy with the minor disturbances. We couldn’t be happier with the quality of the work, the follow-up, and the fact that the project came in on scope, on time and on budget. It will be our pleasure to work with you again in the future!

Jillian & Renzo Mariani

August 2017

We worked with Joel Loblaw team on both our front and backyard landscaping. Joel developed the design for both front and back at the same time, but we executed it in two phases, a couple years apart to stay on budget. Our initial priority was our backyard, as we spend so much time in it during the warm months. We were presented with several design options for both projects, and had lots of opportunity for feedback. They provided multiple price point options for our final designs allowing us to see clearly what each option delivered.

To say we are thrilled with the results would be a huge understatement! Our back yard is like our oasis - the team retrofitted and expanded an existing deck between the house and pool and a gorgeous arbour clearly delineates an outdoor dining room, while a weathering steel wall provides a warm-looking backdrop and privacy screen. It's contemporary and stylish without looking formal. We have room for lounging as well as dining so its perfect for entertaining. And the BBQ is easy access so we can even use it in the winter. The planting plan is gorgeous. European beech trees totally hide the fence and provide a ton of privacy, as well as being beautiful to look at year round.
Our front yard is seriously awesome! It has truly transformed the house from the front, taking the curb appeal to new levels and always making us happy to arrive home. We are so excited to see how it will look as the plants mature over the next few years; I know it will keep getting more stunning.

While we enjoy our front and backyards we are NOT gardeners - and we don't need to be! There is minimal maintenance and it looks great year round - even covered in snow.

The Joel Loblaw team were a pleasure to work with, professional, friendly, patient and very service oriented. We had a couple trees not make the first winter and they replaced them free of charge in the spring. Lindsy was incredibly responsive to every question and request and a delight to communicate with. And both the lighting company and the irrigation company Joel recommended were top notch.

The Joel Loblaw team made it a smooth and enjoyable process and we recommend them highly.

Ilona Torontali

August 2016

It was a pleasure working with Lindsy and Joel and the entire team. They were awesome - very kind, professional and easy to talk with. They take pride in their work. I would highly recommend Joel Loblaw Inc. to anyone looking for a landscape design company such as theirs.

Robbie Cooper and Debbie Zinman

July 2016

Thanks so much for your dedicated efforts this summer. The front and back of the house have been transformed and we thank you so much for making this happen so beautifully. Looking forward to having a drink with you all in the backyard before the summer ends. I look forward to recommending you to all my clients and friends. Your work and focus define professionalism. Thank you again.

Elise Jankelow &
Malcolm Lister

January 2016

We love our deck! After spending 6 months talking to 6 deck builders, paying for a failed submission to the city for building approval, just by chance Joel Loblaw’s name was dropped into the mix. Our experience with Joel, Lindsy and their entire team was a delight from inception to conclusion. They owned this entire project with absolute professionalism. From our initial creative meeting, they presented numerous ideas and then worked through the sticky and lengthy City planning process and submissions to gain all necessary approvals.

The deck, including landscaping, lighting and irrigation culminated into our exclusive “treehouse”.

The highlights of working with the Loblaw team were:

1. The quality of the creative options and flexibility of both discussion and design
2. The high standard of the workmanship including wood craftsmanship of deck and finishing. This extended to the partners they recommended for lighting, irrigation, furniture and their construction team.
3. Problem resolution - every project has an issue and the way the Loblaw team respond and worked with us to resolve any issues that arose stood out in our minds. They were wonderful!

Sheila & Sebastien Centner

October 2015

Working with Joel and his team was a great experience. They designed and then delivered our ‘perfect backyard’, and through the entire process were an absolute pleasure to deal with! And they came in ON BUDGET!!!!

The Drake Hotel

October 2015

We have had the distinct pleasure of working with Joel Loblaw and his team on three uniquely different, yet highly successful projects.

Their first was to design the patio planter boxes at a very high profile office building for our downtown restaurant - Drake One Fifty. They understood our need for more than just the typical flowers one finds on restaurant patios and conceived the brilliant notion of spray painting garden gnomes in neon orange to offset the plantings then went to tremendous effort to secure these gnomes in place.
However, in spite of their efforts the gnomes proved so popular with passersby that most were 'stolen' as collector items throughout the season, and needed to be replaced periodically- a great marketing coup! Fortunately for us, the Loblaw group continues to curate these planters for us on a quarterly basis and always offers something beyond the ordinary.

The second project was a complete landscape design of the area surrounding the Drake Devonshire Inn in Wellington, Ontario_ This was a major undertaking and required close contact with Quinte Conservation, the owner of the Drake Devonshire, our architects and designers as well as a crew of workmen. This project included several decks, 2 stone patios, the development of fire pits and tiered bleachers on the beach front and the future positioning of a bridge over the creek on the property and the development of some adjacent space as a year-round Spa. The project was completed on time and within budget and required many trips to and fro the Devonshire. Joel and his team did an amazing job and we're completely satisfied with the results. The Drake Devonshire has garnered much international press and won awards for its avant-garde, yet timeless design.

More recently Joel re-designed the landscaping in the front and back yards at a home in Forest Hill. Once again we are delighted with the results and the manner in which they were able to transform a backyard space. The project was done quickly with no unexpected cost over runs and Joel and his team were often on site to guide their work crew to the finish line.

Martha Weaver

October 2015

It was a pleasure working with the Joel Loblaw team of designers and trades. I had a project involving a tiny back walled garden in the middle of Cabbagetown. The team approached it with creativity and attention to both detail and our budget. The 9'x12' space was transformed with privacy glass panels, a new multi-leveled deck, irrigation, lighting and some beautiful low maintenance plantings. I wish we'd done the work years ago!

Willa Griffin

June 2014

When we decided to renovate our Leaside home we wanted to do something different with our outdoor space. Being slightly restricted by our lot size, we wanted to hire a landscape designer that could create an outdoor living space that felt like an extension of our interior. With our kids being older and no longer needing a backyard play space, we wanted to have a comfortable living area but we also needed somewhere to house our sporting and other unattractive items.

We hired Joel Loblaw as he was recommended by our architect. Right from the get go, I knew it was going to be a great collaboration. Joel and his team were so professional and immediately knew what we wanted. The first round of ideas blew our minds and the end product exceeded our expectations beyond our wildest dreams. We love and use our space more than we ever thought.

The Loblaw team not only has incredible design sense and an incredible portfolio because of that but what stands out the most to me about them is they are a ton of fun to work with. They make it a joy and a pleasure to work with them.

Shawna & Jamie Cohen

October 2013

Working with Joel Loblaw is a dream! He is passionate about his craft and it showed in every step of the process, from sketch to final product. Thanks to Joel, our once decrepit backyard has become an urban oasis in which we love to entertain, chill out or let the kids run free- all in a really modern yet warm and functional space. His entire team is professional, courteous and good natured, and it was a pleasure working with each and every one of them. Joel’s vision is truly one-of-a-kind and we cannot recommend him enough.

Bob & Zelia Bek

September 2013

Our family can't thank the Joel Loblaw team enough for what has become a complete backyard oasis for us. You nailed everything in the design that we wanted. And you even threw in a couple of things that we didn't know we wanted (i.e. sunken patio), which we love!

You are a designer like no other in our opinion, and we feel very fortunate to have worked with you and your team. Can't wait for the next project!