Sarah Jenkins
Landscape Architect
Sarah is a certified landscape architect with over a decade of experience in sustainable urban design and rigorous quality control.
Articles by Sarah Jenkins
Cost Breakdown: Artificial Turf vs Natural Sod
An honest financial comparison between installing artificial turf and natural sod in the Lower Mainland over a 10-year span.
Best Landscaping Companies in Vancouver 2026: A Buyer's Guide
How to actually choose a Vancouver landscaping company in 2026 — what credentials matter, what red flags to watch for, the ICPI/BCLNA accreditations that signal quality, and how to compare quotes that aren't apples-to-apples.
Cedar vs Composite Decks in Vancouver: The Honest 2026 Comparison
A side-by-side comparison of cedar and composite decking for Metro Vancouver homeowners — real installed costs, lifespan in our climate, maintenance reality, and which one wins for your specific project.
Frost-Resistant Plants for Vancouver Gardens (Zone 8b): A Designer's Picks
A landscape architect's go-to plants for Metro Vancouver Zone 8b: evergreens that hold structure year-round, perennials that survive our winters, and native species that thrive on minimal water. Plus the plants we never use anymore and why.
Irrigation System Installation Vancouver: Smart Watering
Protect your landscaping investment with professional irrigation system installation in Vancouver. Learn about smart controllers and drip lines.
Paver Patio Cost in Vancouver 2026: Materials, Sizes & Real Installed Prices
Real installed prices for paver patios in Vancouver — concrete pavers vs natural stone vs porcelain, sizing your project, base prep costs, and the line items contractors don't always show you upfront.
Pet-Friendly Backyard Landscaping Vancouver: Dog Runs, Turf & Plants to Avoid
Design a Vancouver backyard that works for dogs and humans — pet-grade artificial turf, dog runs, safe ground covers, the plants you must remove for pet safety, and the urine-resistant landscape solutions that actually hold up.
Retaining Wall Cost Vancouver: Allan Block vs Boulder vs Engineered Compared
Real installed prices for retaining walls in Vancouver — Allan Block, boulder, timber, and engineered concrete walls compared by cost per face foot, when you need a permit, and the drainage details that separate a 50-year wall from a 5-year failure.
Vancouver Backyard Privacy Solutions: Fences, Hedges, Pergolas Compared
Compare fences, hedges, pergolas, and privacy screens for Vancouver backyards — installed cost, time to maturity, maintenance, and what fits zero-lot-line urban yards versus larger suburban properties. Plus Vancouver-specific bylaw heights and setbacks.
Vancouver Landscaping Cost Guide 2026: Real Prices for Every Project
Real installed prices for every type of landscaping project in Vancouver — patios, decks, retaining walls, irrigation, water features, lighting, and full-yard renovations. Updated for 2026 with line-item budgets and what actually drives the cost up or down.