Designing for ten metres of snow: A different kind of landscaping problem

Landscaping in Revelstoke means designing for a climate defined by two extremes: the brief but warm growing period and a long winter covered with many metres of snow. With average snowfall regularly topping ten metres in the surrounding mountains, and heavy accumulation common even at valley elevation, any landscape in this area will have to cope with moisture and frozen soil rather than look pleasant during summer.

Among the factors that require consideration when landscaping in Revelstoke is the question of drainage. The temperate rainforest climate in this area implies large amounts of precipitation, not only during the rainy seasons but also from the melting snow. Thus, improperly graded terrain will lead to such problems as soil erosion and the formation of puddles in the garden long after the growing period has begun. Grading the garden in order to direct all the excess water away from buildings and other elements of the landscape is the most crucial and often overlooked step before the actual design process. On sloped properties, common in such mountainous valleys, retaining walls will also be useful.

Moreover, when choosing plant material, plant selection also needs to reflect the local climate rather than generic guides written for milder coastal regions or drier parts of the BC Interior.  Naturally, native and adapted species work best because they have the ability to endure the long dormancy period, heavy snow load, and a short frost-free growing season. As well, trees and shrubs located near walkways and driveways may be exposed to injury by ploughing machines and heavy snow loads from roofs.

Regarding hardscape features, such as patios, walkways, retaining walls, and so on, it is important to note that their foundation has to be made in such a way that it would resist heaving and cracking as a result of the freeze-thaw process. In addition, building materials and building techniques that work well in another climate may deteriorate within a few years in the local climate due to the lack of proper accounting of frost depth. Irrigation systems are to be fully drained before winter.

Because the growing season is compressed, planning matters more in Revelstoke than in many other BC communities.  It is necessary to take into consideration that planting and other landscaping operations should be conducted within a shorter period, which means that it is much better to plan a yard project instead of dealing with it spontaneously. Lawns should consist of fast-growing and shade-tolerant plants, as a considerable part of the valley is covered by tall trees and slopes, preventing the sunlight from reaching the ground.

A landscape designed around Revelstoke's snowfall, rainfall, and terrain will hold up season after season, giving homeowners outdoor spaces that bounce back each spring instead of showing new damage every year.

Brad Richards is the author of this article. For further detail about landscaping in Blind Bay, Please visit the website: amigotruck.ca.