Laureen Rama from eco-friendly landscapes is an eco-friendly landscaping pioneer who provides landscaping design, rainwater management, and rain barrel installation in Calgary, alberta.

Your one-stop shop for available and trusted landscape designers and contractors

SERVICES OFFERED:

Design >
Contractor Matching for Installation >
On-site Consultation >
Rainwater Management >
Rain Barrel/Tank installation >

SERVICES OFFERED:

Landscape Design >

Contractor Matching for Installation >

On-site Consultation >

Rainwater Management >

Rain Barrel/Tank installation >

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eco-friendly

landscapes

book your free phone consultation

landscape design

We do landscape designs for your whole property or just your front or back yard.

We do landscape designs for your whole property or just your front or back yard. Laureen and her team create stunning eco-friendly landscape designs tailored to your needs, desires, budget and the opportunities presented by your site. With 18 years of experience landscaping in Calgary, Laureen knows what will work here in terms of plants that will thrive and look beautiful.

Laureen’s team uses permaculture principles in their designs so that the yard is in harmony with nature and most functional in terms of rainwater use and plants that work together. Laureen’s team knows how to incorporate attractive ways to manage your rainwater to water the yard, such as dry rock rivers and ponds, rainwater swales (ditches), underground perforated pipe that distributes rainwater through the landscape, and good-looking rainwater storage barrels and tanks.

click to view possible design features and benefits

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We will create a pollinator-friendly yard design for you using native plants and plants hardy to the Calgary area. Our clients marvel at the life in their yards with abundant bees, butterflies, birds and other wildlife. Pollinators need food all season long, so we include a diversity of plants that will bloom from early Spring into Fall. Birds and insects need shelter and people need some beauty in Winter, so we design in plants that will look gorgeous in Winter too.

attract pollinators

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We also use drought-tolerant plants that can live on their own pretty much without water after three years of establishment. This is called xeriscaping and we make it look lush and beautiful. And if you want desert-looking planting, we can do that too.

xeriscaping

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We can include options for growing food in your design and usually suggest them. We carefully ask how much food you want to grow, so we design in what you can manage in terms of harvest and maintenance. This can include fruit trees and bushes, berry bushes, and garden beds in which you can grow vegetables. Garden beds can be made from wood or metal and can also be made to self-water from your downspout (called a wicking bed as water is stored below and wicks up through the soil). And we love to suggest wild strawberry or trailing raspberry groundcovers.

food production

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A functional yard you will love to be in is important so we can include patios, walkways, staircases, decks, fences, privacy screens, hammock stands, play areas and play structures for children (and sometimes adults - we have put in ziplines and climbing structures for all ages!). We can design for pets too, incorporating dog runs or plants and features that can withstand co-habiting with dogs.

function & play

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Lawns have a place (for picnics and play) and we can suggest grass types and sods that don’t need much water and some that don’t even need mowing. Lately we have been using native groundcovers as play areas, walkways and even patios.

open spaces

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Art brings personality and magic to your yard. We can incorporate statuary, wall art, gorgeous birdbaths, and have carvers and mural artists who can create one-of-a-kind pieces for you.

art installations

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Green roofs on your garage, garden shed, or front door entry add even more colour and life to your yard. Outdoor living walls are also pieces of art that enliven bare walls. We can add these to your design and have a green roof and living wall specialist install them.

living walls

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We leave you with advice, including a handout, on how to look after your yard and are available anytime after your yard is installed to answer questions and concerns.

on-going support

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If you want a beautiful, functional, sustainable yard that delights you and your neighbours, book your free phone consult with Laureen today.

Book your free phone consultation

Prices vary depending on the size of the yard, the complexity of the design, the distance from our NW Calgary office, and if we will need additional on-site visits to do the design.

Your design price will be quoted after the design consultation and Laureen will give you a rough estimate during the phone consultation.

A design for just one area of your yard starts at $600.

A design for just a back yard or a front yard starts from $950.

A design for a Full yard - front, back, side, alleyway starts from $1400.

Note that designs for acreages or large properties would cost more. For complex designs, we may simply charge by the hour at $110/hour.

Image by Kerry Ross, Green T Design.

contractor matching
for installation

With 18 years experience in the landscaping industry, most of that running her own landscape design and install business, Laureen knows the best people.

She will match you to the contractor who best suits you and the requirements of your project. These are full-service contractors who will manage all aspects of your installation and have the staff to do the work. At times, they may bring in trusted sub-contractors to do specialty items, such as concrete, decks or fences.

You will not have to wait long to have your job done as these contractors are available and there are a number from which to choose.

Laureen is like a matchmaker who attends the first date to introduce you and ensure you are a fit. In the unlikely event that you are not, she will match you with another full-service contractor. There is no extra charge to you for this matching - EFL receives a referral fee from the contractor.

get to know our partners

on-site
consultation

$250
for 1.5 hours

Laureen, and usually a team member, visit your yard to meet with you and provide useful advice on whatever concerns you have for your yard. We can provide sketches, suggest where you can get the materials you may need to implement the suggestions, and generally encourage you to make the most of your yard.

We spend an hour and a half on-site. The cost is $250.

BOOK YOUR FREE PHONE CONSULTATION

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rainwater
management

starting at
$250

With climate change causing water restrictions, it’s more important than ever to capture and manage rainwater in urban yards.

Laureen’s team knows attractive ways to manage your rainwater to water the yard, such as dry rock rivers and ponds, underground perforated pipe that distributes rainwater through the landscape, rainwater swales (ditches) and good-looking rainwater storage barrels and tanks. Our team also has eavestroughing contractors who can modify your eavestroughs and downspouts for better placement of rainwater runoff. And when rainwater is going where it shouldn’t - like on walkways or driveways - we can suggest ways to take the downspouts under or over to prevent ice hazards.

If your rainwater management is fairly simple and you want to install it yourself, this could be an on-site consultation (cost: $250 for a 1.5 hour visit).Experts on our team will advise you on options for rainwater capture and use.

If the project will take more than 1.5 hours to address, we will bill by the hour (after the initial $250 for 1.5 hours) at $110/hour to come up with a plan for your rainwater management.

BOOK YOUR FREE PHONE CONSULTATION

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Rain barrel/tank
installation

pricing varies
by system

We offer rain barrel and rain tank installation. This is to make it easy to collect and use rainwater for your gardens. With climate change creating drought conditions more often, it is more likely that we will have outdoor watering restrictions as we are now experiencing in Calgary. With rainwater storage at your downspouts, you can capture that water for use in watering your yard.
 
Having the ability to store rainwater means that, when we have dry stretches, you will have enough water reserve to keep watering your property. When it does rain, one thunderstorm can fill your storage in a few minutes, so why not capture as much as you can?

All of our installations include features not commonly found with installations, such as a sturdy aluminum y-diverter to make it easy to switch between summer and winter use, screens to keep debris out of your barrel or tank, an overflow hose so you can direct excess rainwater where you want it in your yard. Additionally, each system will have a sturdy tap allowing you to easily attach a hose and will be fitted with a stand that is at least 18 inches high to ensure adequate water pressure.

We offer different kinds of barrels and tanks to accommodate your unique needs.

view pricing and more information

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Designed by Colleen Cyca, Installed by Client.

our process

one

The best time to book us to start the design process is August/September the year before you want the landscape installed.

Then we can meet with you, take photos and measurements and be ready to do the landscape design during the Winter when the ground is snow covered. We cannot do design consultations when snow covers your yard.

two

Book a 20-30 minute phone consult with Laureen using our online booking calendar OR call Laureen to book.

When you book, you will be asked to then email Laureen photos of your yard: some overview photos showing the whole yard and photos showing specific areas that will be involved in the work.

You will also be asked to share your budget range for the project when you book. Think about how much landscaping your yard is worth to you. The budget usually determines if your ideas are feasible and if Eco-friendly Landscapes and you are a fit.

three

If you are not sure how much things cost and what your budget should be, Laureen will clarify that during the phone consult. By looking at your yard photos and the description of what you want, Laureen will be able to give you a rough idea of what your project will cost.

The budget sets parameters for the design - shaping how we design your yard. It may seem uncomfortable to share your budget with someone you don’t know yet. Giving an upper budget limit does not mean you need to spend that much - it just sets a ceiling to guide the design. You can let Laureen know what you would like to spend and then what you are willing to spend. Landscaping is usually more expensive than you think it might be. That is why Laureen advises to ask yourself: what is my landscape worth to me? How much am I willing to pay to have the yard of my dreams?

If it does not seem like a fit from your email and booking form, Laureen may email or call you to cancel, explaining why there is not a fit.

During the phone consult, Laureen will talk to you about what is possible for your yard and together you will determine if you want to proceed further. If so, you will book a design consultation at the end of the phone call to start the design process. If this is a small-scale design - just part of a yard - then Laureen may refer you to one of our small-scale contractors to do the design and the installation for you.

four

The design consultation is a 1.5 hour meeting on site with Laureen and her assistant designer. It is best if all decision-making parties in your household are there too. Laureen and her assistant may stay longer to take photos and measurements. These are usually during the week between 10 and 3. At the end of the design consultation, or within a day or two, Laureen will provide you a quote for the landscape design.

The cost of the design consultation is $100. That will go towards the overall design cost if you decide to proceed.

Once you decide you want to proceed with the design, Laureen and her team will do the design. Depending on the time of year, the design will usually be ready with 2-4 weeks. The design will be a top view of your site with circles indicating plants and with other features drawn in. If you want 3D renderings of the design too, we can do them for an extra charge. Laureen will meet with you on-site to present the design. If you want any changes, Laureen will make those and present the revisions again. Sometimes the second presentation is by email and phone. This one set of revisions is included in the cost. Payment is made by e-transfer, cheque, or cash once the design is accepted by you.

If you want more revisions after the first set, they can be done at a rate of $110/hour.

five

Early on, after the initial phone consultation, Laureen will consider which full-service contractor would be the best fit for you and your job. She will start talking to that contractor, letting them know about the possible job to come and making sure it is a fit for them and their schedule.

Once you approve the design, Laureen will arrange a meeting on-site with you and the contractor to introduce you and to orient the contractor to the site and the design. If you think you want to proceed with this contractor, they will do up an estimate for you and you will then continue working directly with the contractor.

Laureen will be available to you and your job and the contractor to answer questions during the installation and before. At times, Laureen or her team may be on-site to support the installation, for example laying out the plants.

one

The best time to book us to start the design process is August/September the year before you want the landscape installed.

Then we can meet with you, take photos and measurements and be ready to do the landscape design during the Winter when the ground is snow covered. We cannot do design consultations when snow covers your yard.

two

Book a 20-30 minute phone consult with Laureen using our online booking calendar OR call Laureen to book.

When you book, you will be asked to then email Laureen photos of your yard: some overview photos showing the whole yard and photos showing specific areas that will be involved in the work.

You will also be asked to share

two

your budget range for the project when you book. Think about how much landscaping your yard is worth to you. The budget usually determines if your ideas are feasible and if Eco-friendly Landscapes and you are a fit.

three

If you are not sure how much things cost and what your budget should be, Laureen will clarify that during the phone consult. By looking at your yard photos and the description of what you want, Laureen will be able to give you a rough idea of what your project will cost.

The budget sets parameters for the design - shaping how we design your yard. It may seem uncomfortable to share your

three

budget with someone you don’t know yet. Giving an upper budget limit does not mean you need to spend that much - it just sets a ceiling to guide the design. You can let Laureen know what you would like to spend and then what you are willing to spend. Landscaping is usually more expensive than you think it might be. That is why Laureen advises to ask yourself: what is my landscape worth to me? How much am I

three

willing to pay to have the yard of my dreams?

If it does not seem like a fit from your email and booking form, Laureen may email or call you to cancel, explaining why there is not a fit.

During the phone consult, Laureen will talk to you about what is possible for your yard and together you will determine if you want to

three

proceed further. If so, you will book a design consultation at the end of the phone call to start the design process. If this is a small-scale design - just part of a yard - then Laureen may refer you to one of our small-scale contractors to do the design and the installation for you.

four

The design consultation is a 1.5 hour meeting on site with Laureen and her assistant designer. It is best if all decision-making parties in your household are there too. Laureen and her assistant may stay longer to take photos and measurements. These are usually during the week between 10 and 3. At the end of the design consultation, or within a day or two, Laureen will provide you a quote for the

four

landscape design.

The cost of the design consultation is $100. That will go towards the overall design cost if you decide to proceed.

Once you decide you want to proceed with the design, Laureen and her team will do the design. Depending on the time of year, the design will usually be ready with 2-4 weeks. The design will be a top

four

view of your site with circles indicating plants and with other features drawn in. If you want 3D renderings of the design too, we can do them for an extra charge. Laureen will meet with you on-site to present the design. If you want any changes, Laureen will make those and present the revisions again. Sometimes the second presentation is by email and phone. This one set of revisions is included in the cost.

four

Payment is made by e-transfer, cheque, or cash once the design is accepted by you.

If you want more revisions after the first set, they can be done at a rate of $110/hour.

five

Early on, after the initial phone consultation, Laureen will consider which full-service contractor would be the best fit for you and your job. She will start talking to that contractor, letting them know about the possible job to come and making sure it is a fit for them and their schedule.

Once you approve the design, Laureen will arrange a meeting on-site with you and the

five

contractor to introduce you and to orient the contractor to the site and the design. If you think you want to proceed with this contractor, they will do up an estimate for you and you will then continue working directly with the contractor.

Laureen will be available to you and your job and the contractor to answer questions during the installation and before. At times, Laureen or her team may

five

be on-site to support the installation, for example laying out the plants.

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our owner & lead designer

introducing
laureen rama

eco-friendly landscaping pioneer, expert, and business owner for 18 years

Laureen Rama has been an eco-friendly landscaping pioneer, expert, and business owner in the Calgary  area for over 18 years.

She is renowned for her extensive knowledge of local plants, particularly with respect to flowers, and for designing yards that are both beautiful and colourful all year round.

Laureen is also known for listening deeply to hear clients’ concerns and desires. She gently helps clients determine which plants and features would best suit their desires, lifestyles, and budgets.

Laureen leads a team of exceptional landscape designers and partners. She makes a point to ensure that she is present for all initial in-person consultations and personally oversees each design.

Laureen continues to be an industry pioneer by emphasizing sustainability in her designs and partnering with contractors who share her values and commitments about regenerating the natural world through eco-friendly urban landscaping.

get to know laureen

She transformed my boring lawn
into an interesting, creative
and functional garden which
beautifully displays native plants.

- todd -

Laureen clearly loves her work. She is creative, listens carefully, asks good
questions, and has a light and pleasant touch with advice.

- pat -

I continued getting compliments about how great my front yard looks, so I hired laureen again this past spring to landscape my backyard!

- ken -

Our garden is low maintenance and attractive, with different shrubs and perennials flowering throughout
spring and summer.

- catherine and hans -

I love the installed design, from the rock river to the type, variety, and placement of the plants. Laureen was great to work with throughout the whole process!

- carol -

Me and gardening don’t go together. It has been an excellent move to use Laureen’s services. She is patient, calm, and very knowledgeable.

- line -

Laureen and her crew have always been conscientious and accommodating
...not easy things to accomplish in the landscaping field.

- jan and jacques -

“We brag about how quick and easy it is [to look after]. You developed a plan that met all of our needs and wants.”

Ryan l.

View all testimonials

we know all the best people

It's our pleasure to introduce you to calgary's finest eco-friendly landscaping contractors

come meet our partners

we take our role in creating a healthy future for our children and the world seriously

that's why we place Sustainability at the heart of everything we do

We partner with Bullfrog Power to keep our business as net-zero as we can for carbon emissions. We purchase the highest quality carbon offsets available in Canada from Bullfrog Power for our transportation use. We also purchase Bullfrog renewable energy certificates equal to our home office use of electricity and natural gas. Bullfrog’s green electricity comes from a blend of wind, solar, and low-impact hydro power sourced from new Canadian renewable energy facilities. Bullfrog’s green natural gas comes from organic waste at a landfill.

COMING SOON

ECO-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPES IS located IN TREATY 7 TERRITORY

 which has been stewarded for generations by the peoples of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Tsuut'ina, and Iyarhe (Stoney) Nakoda First Nations.

We are also located in Métis District 4 governed by the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of Alberta.

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eco-friendly

landscapes

Led by Laureen Rama, we are a community of landscape designers and contractors who design and install eco-friendly landscapes. We have been doing this for over 18 years and know what works and what doesn’t in this tricky location on the Eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains.

We mostly work for residential clients and beautify landscapes of commercial settings too. We hope you find inspiration and guidance here to make your outdoor space eco-friendly.

we use bullfrog carbon offsets >

coming soon