FAQs

  • Garden Connections is the right fit if you own a condominium balcony or terrace in Toronto, the GTA, or Vancouver and want a professionally designed, beautifully finished outdoor space without managing the process yourself. We work with busy condo owners and property managers who value quality, thoughtful design, and long-term results. If you are looking for a low-cost quick fix or a DIY solution, we are not the right match — and we will tell you that honestly on your first call.

    Not sure if your space qualifies? Book a Discovery Call and we will tell you within minutes.

  • We work with: private condominium balconies and terraces (both undeveloped and those needing renovation); residential homes with rooftop terraces; commercial and multi-residential buildings with shared rooftop common areas; and Condominium Boards, Strata Councils, and HOAs that require approval coordination. If your space has shared ownership rules, building restrictions, or board approval requirements, we have deep experience navigating exactly that.

    Book a Discovery Call to find out what is possible for your specific building.

  • 3. What condo balcony or terrace design services does Garden Connections offer?

  • To ensure quality and consistency, we do not offer: DIY or partial installation support; hardscaping outside our design scope; low-budget one-off projects without a Masterplan; stand-alone furniture and décor consultation; or stand-alone plantscape and plant container installation. This focus is what allows us to deliver results we are proud to stand behind.

    → Unsure whether your project is a fit? Book a Discovery Call and we will be straightforward with you.

  • Pricing is customized based on the size and complexity of your space, design requirements, materials and plant selection, and the scope of installation and maintenance. Rather than publishing one-size-fits-all pricing, we provide accurate estimates after understanding your goals and space in detail. Most clients find that professional planning, design, and execution saves time, money, and frustration compared to piecemeal approaches.

    → To get a realistic picture of investment for your space, start with a Discovery Call.

  • No. Garden Connections does not offer free consultations or free estimates. We are professional designers and master landscape architects — not contractors or landscapers. Like a physician or accountant, we diagnose before proposing a solution. Offering free consultations would be the equivalent of professional malpractice in our field. Our paid process is designed to: understand your space, expectations, and goals; identify your design style and personal aesthetics; surface any building constraints or approval requirements; and establish a clear scope, timeline, and investment range before any commitment is made.

    → If you are ready for professional guidance, a Discovery Call is where we begin.

  • Here is the process step by step: (1) We review your inquiry and the questionnaire you completed. (2) We schedule an initial virtual consultation or a site visit (site visits are available for a modest fee). (3) We prepare a Dreams, Needs and Options Clarity Assessment. (4) We develop a concept design, tailored master plan, and project estimates. (5) We coordinate approvals and structural engineering review where required. (6) We source fabrication and installation contractors. (7) We schedule installation or ongoing maintenance. You will always know what comes next — no guesswork, no surprises.

    → Want a deeper walkthrough of the process? We are happy to walk you through it on a call.

  • In most cases, no. Provided we have access to your space and clear instructions for your condominium manager and building security, our team can complete the work while you are away. We keep you informed throughout the process and follow up once the work is complete.

    → To understand your specific time requirements, book a Discovery Call.

  • That is completely normal — and exactly what we help with. Many clients come to us with a problem ('my space feels unfinished'), a constraint ('I do not have time to maintain it'), or simply a goal ('I want it to feel calm and inviting'). We guide you through the decision-making process and help clarify what will work best for your space, lifestyle, and budget.

    → Not sure where to start? Book a Discovery Call and we will help you figure it out.

  • Garden Connections is not a design-build gardening service. We are a long-term professional outdoor transformation partner. What sets us apart: design-led thinking rather than cookie-cutter solutions; deep experience with condominium buildings, Strata Councils, and board approval processes; a commitment to sustainability and plantscape longevity; clear and consistent communication throughout every project; and a focus on spaces that age beautifully over time. Our goal is not just to make your space look good today — it is to make it thrive for years.

    → Ready for professional guidance? A Discovery Call is the right place to start.

  • Your satisfaction matters. If something does not meet expectations, we address it promptly and professionally. Our reputation is built on trust, long-term client relationships, and standing behind our work.

    → To understand our guarantee, start the conversation with a Discovery Call.

  • Garden Connections primarily serves the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) — including Toronto, Port Credit, and Milton — and Vancouver. We also consider select projects beyond these cities depending on scope and logistics. If you are unsure whether your location qualifies, reach out and we will advise you directly.

    → Questions about your location? Book a Discovery Call.

  • Timelines vary based on size, complexity, and approval requirements. A Dreams, Needs and Options Clarity Assessment typically takes one to ten business days. A full balcony or terrace transformation — including design, approvals, technical drawings, contractor sourcing, fabrication, and installation — can take several months depending on scope. Projects requiring board approvals or specialty materials may extend timelines. We provide a realistic timeline estimate at the outset so you always know what to expect.

    → To understand the timeline for your project, the first step is a Discovery Call.

  • Yes — and this is one of our strongest capabilities. We regularly work with condo boards, Strata Councils, property managers, and HOAs. We prepare all required documentation, drawings, and specifications for approval, coordinate structural engineering review for large terrace projects, and navigate building rules and regulations on your behalf. This saves you significant time and frustration while improving approval outcomes.

    → Questions about the approval process for your building? We are happy to walk you through it.

  • Weather is a reality of outdoor work and we plan for it. If conditions are not suitable, we pause work to protect plants and materials, reschedule as quickly as possible, and keep you informed with clear updates throughout. Quality always comes before speed — we never rush work at the expense of results.

    → Questions about weather or material delays? We are happy to walk you through how we handle it.

  • Yes, and many clients choose this option. Ongoing maintenance ensures plants stay healthy, seasonal changes are handled professionally, and your space continues to look polished year-round. Maintenance plans are customized based on your space, plant selection, and how hands-off you want to be. We coordinate with professional maintenance service contractors to deliver these services.

    → To understand post-installation maintenance options, book a Discovery Call.

  • In most cases, yes. Scheduled regular maintenance prevents costly plant replacements, extends the life of your installation, and keeps the space consistently looking its best. Clients who invest in maintenance programs typically spend less over time than those who rely on reactive, one-off fixes.

    → To understand what makes sense for your space, book a Discovery Call.

  • We can work within a defined investment range, as long as expectations align with what is realistically achievable. When a budget has limits, we prioritize the highest-impact design elements, recommend phased approaches where appropriate, and are transparent about trade-offs from the outset. Honesty upfront leads to better outcomes for everyone.

    → Let us explore what is possible for your balcony or terrace — book a Discovery Call.

  • Yes. Many clients prefer to start with a core design, install in phases, and spread investment across seasons. This approach provides flexibility while still working toward a cohesive long-term vision for the space.

  • We understand that ideas evolve once you see things come together. If changes are requested during a project, we discuss feasibility and impact, provide clear guidance on any cost or timeline adjustments, and move forward only with your explicit approval. Clear communication keeps every project smooth and stress-free.

  • Yes — sustainability is built into our approach from the start. We prioritize healthy soil practices, long-lasting plant choices, designs that reduce unnecessary replacement, thoughtful watering and care strategies, fire-rated decking materials, non-use of exotic wood products, and Canadian-made lighting products. The result is a space that is better for the environment and easier to maintain over time.

  • Planning can begin any time of year. Autumn and winter are ideal for project planning and design work. Spring, summer, and autumn are best for fabrication and installation, although specific hardscape components can be installed during winter months. Starting the planning phase early — ideally in autumn — typically means better contractor availability and smoother project timelines.

  • Garden Connections Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “Garden”) warrants to the original purchaser that its products shall be free from material manufacturing defects for two years from the date of original purchase, under normal use and service conditions.

    ***If a manufacturing defect appears within the warranty period, you must notify Garden Connections in writing by sending a description of the claimed defect including quantity affected, photographs of the defects and entire area, a sample of the defective product, along with proof of purchase

  • Getting started is straightforward: (1) Reach out through the contact form on our website to request a Discovery Call. (2) Tell us about your space and goals using our short questionnaire. (3) We will schedule a consultation and guide you step by step from there.

    → Book your Discovery Call and let us explore what is possible for your balcony or terrace.

  • Only condominium owners can apply to modify, upgrade, or improve an exclusive-use common area balcony or terrace. If you're a renter, contact us. We may be able to give you some guidance about how to ask your landlord to consider a Garden Connections upgrade to the home you rent.