Get Ahead of the Rush and Secure Your Spot for Next Season
As winter settles in and your backyard enters its quiet season, it’s the perfect time to start planning next year’s outdoor transformation. Whether you’re dreaming of a complete landscape redesign, a custom cabana, a built-in Blaze outdoor kitchen, or a full-service maintenance contract to keep your property looking its best, early preparation is essential. The demand for professional landscape design and construction across Ontario continues to grow, and reputable firms book well in advance. At OGS, many of our major 2025 projects reached capacity long before winter arrived, and 2026 is already filling quickly! Planning ahead doesn’t just guarantee your spot. It gives you the time, space, and expert support needed to craft a backyard that truly elevates your lifestyle.
Why Winter Is the Ideal Time to Plan Your Landscape Project
Most homeowners think of landscaping in spring or summer. But the most successful, efficient, and cohesive projects begin months earlier, when the ground is frozen and the tools are stored. A winter design consultation allows you to explore possibilities, finalize concepts, and map out a build schedule long before construction season begins. This ensures your project is thoughtfully planned, fully engineered, and ready to break ground as soon as temperatures rise.
Early planning also allows time for:
- Architectural and engineering drawings
- Permit approvals from your municipality
- Product ordering (pavers, custom structures, Blaze appliances, lighting, plant materials)
- Budget planning and phased construction options
- Design revisions and 3D visualizations
By the time spring arrives your project can move immediately into production, instead of being stuck in a long queue!
High Demand Features That You’ll Want to Book Ahead Of Time
Planning early ensures access to the best materials, trades, and scheduling windows. Some of the most requested elements for 2026 include:
Custom Outdoor Kitchens & Blaze Grill Installations
Built-in grills, stone islands, fridges, storage, and outdoor bars require careful design, electrical planning, and specialty installation. These popular additions book early.
Cabanas, Pergolas & Covered Structures
Shade, shelter, and four-season usability have made cabanas and pergolas top features across the GTA and Durham Region.
Luxury Pool Design, Hot Tubs & Spa Areas
Pairing your landscape design with a new or existing pool requires coordination between construction, plumbing, electrical, and spa specialists. Especially important for winterized Ontario climates.
Low-Maintenance Modern Landscapes
Interlock patios, porcelain tile, artificial turf, and climate-resistant plantings remain top choices for longevity and aesthetic appeal.
Why Maintenance Contracts Matter for Protecting Your Investment
A beautifully designed outdoor space only reaches its full potential with proper care. With harsh Ontario winters, freeze-thaw cycles, and heavy summer use, ongoing maintenance is key to long-term health and performance. OGS offers annual and seasonal maintenance contracts that include:
- Garden care and pruning
- Seasonal cleanups
- Power washing & sealing
- Pool and hot tub service
- Outdoor kitchen upkeep
- Winter prep services
- Furniture storage
- Lawn care and turf management
Homeowners who invest in full-service maintenance see reduced repair costs, healthier landscapes, and longer-lasting materials, year after year. And because our maintenance routes fill early, winter is the best time to secure your preferred schedule for 2026.
Early Planning Leads to Better Results
Rushed projects rarely lead to great design. Starting early allows every aspect of your outdoor environment to be thoroughly thought out! From sun exposure, drainage patterns, and structural requirements to the way your family actually uses the space everyday. When the planning process isn’t rushed, you have the opportunity to explore a range of design directions, compare different materials and finishes, and determine whether a phased build makes sense for your timeline or budget.
Early planning also gives you the advantage of coordinating smoothly with pool installers, spa specialists, electricians, and other contractors who may be involved in the project. This reduces delays, ensures proper sequencing, and leads to a more cohesive final build. Ultimately, the time invested upfront ensures the design enhances both your property value and your lifestyle. Great backyards aren’t built overnight; they are brainstormed, planned, expertly constructed, and shaped around the way you want to live outdoors.
The Best Time to Prepare for 2026 Is Right Now
If you’re thinking about upgrading your backyard (whether for entertaining, relaxation, year-round enjoyment, or improved property value) winter is the moment to begin. OGS is now booking 2026 landscape design consultations and maintenance contracts for homeowners across Durham Region, the GTA, and we are currently expanding our surrounding areas!
Ready to plan your 2026 outdoor space? Book your consultation, or explore our maintenance options. Your dream backyard starts with a conversation. Let’s design something exceptional together.
