When we think of commercial landscapes, we often imagine tidy rows, trimmed hedges, and neutral palettes that quietly fade into the background. But what if we brought energy, colour, and delight to these spaces instead?
That’s the essence of the joyful garden—a style that celebrates abundance, emotion, and a natural kind of order. It’s not about being messy; it’s about creating places that feel vibrant, lived-in, and connected to something deeper. And in British Columbia, where the land itself inspires awe, joyful gardens are a natural fit for businesses wanting to stand out.
Reimagining Commercial Spaces with Joy
A joyful garden isn’t just for private yards or nostalgic memories. It can transform courtyards, entrances, and shared spaces into experiences. From hotel patios to the grounds of residential developments, this approach welcomes visitors with a sense of whimsy, curiosity, and comfort.
It tells a story—one that invites people to linger.
What Makes a Garden Joyful?
1. A Bold Plant Palette
Joyful gardens aren’t afraid of colour. Think vibrant perennials like Coreopsis, Penstemon, and Phlox layered alongside drifts of Coneflowers and Salvias. These plants thrive in British Columbia’s temperate zones and offer long seasonal displays.
2. Fragrance and Texture
Include plants that engage the senses—soft ornamental grasses, fragrant Roses or Sweet Peas, and tactile foliage like Lamb’s Ear. Visitors don’t just see these spaces—they experience them.
3. Movement and Flow
Joyful gardens favour sweeping curves and varied plant heights rather than rigid layouts. Use tall, airy blooms like Verbena bonariensis or Hollyhocks in the background, and spill shorter plants like Alyssum or Creeping Thyme into walkways and seating areas.
4. Native Beauty and Sustainability
Joyful can still be eco-smart. Mix colourful non-natives with drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly native plants such as Douglas Aster, Yarrow, and Nodding Onion. These reduce water use while supporting biodiversity—a win for people and the planet.
How IslandEarth Is Designing Joyful Commercial Landscapes
IslandEarth Landscape Company has embraced this shift toward expressive, experience-rich spaces. Their commercial projects across Vancouver Island often blend local ecology with imaginative plant choices that bring warmth and character to a site.
Instead of sterile shrubs and hard edges, IslandEarth designs feature perennial borders that change with the seasons, flowering vines that climb pergolas, and edible elements like raspberries or herbs integrated into planters.
Their joyful gardens don’t just look good—they create moments. In a commercial setting, those moments build connection and brand identity.
A New Era of Outdoor Design
As more businesses seek to humanize their outdoor spaces, the joyful garden offers a refreshing answer. It shows that beauty doesn’t have to be rigid or restrained. In fact, a little exuberance might be exactly what your landscape needs.
Whether it’s a restaurant patio softened by blooms or a residential complex with walkways framed in scent and colour, joy belongs in the design.
And in British Columbia—where nature already knows how to celebrate—commercial gardens are simply catching up.