S2 | Rewind Design | E15 Designing with Nature: The Art of Landscape Architecture with Virginia Burt
Virginia Burt
Landscape Architect
“Since founding Virginia Burt Designs in 1996, Virginia has designed and directed healing landscapes for private residential, educational and public clients. VBD has established a reputation for creating gardens and landscapes of meaning. Virginia’s work has achieved international recognition receiving multiple awards from the American Society of Landscape Architects, Palladio, and Canadian Society of Landscape Architects. She is one of seven women in the world with Fellowships from both societies for outstanding contribution to the profession. Clients appreciate and value her deep respect for place and for the human dimensions of each project. Virginia gets things built — beautifully.“ - https://vburtdesigns.com/profile/
Photo: Jessica Crandelmire
Today’s episode of the Rewind Design Podcast is being brought to you by the ThinkBoyd Real Estate Team. The Team of Nicole and Geoff believe that buying or selling real estate is more than just a transaction – it’s a connection that should feel like working with family. For their local perspective and sage advice, If you’re thinking of buying or selling, think Boyd. Part of Royal LePage Team Advantage, Realty Brokerage Inc. Think Boyd Real Estate Team.
Welcome to Episode 15 of Rewind Design Season 2! If you are brand new to this podcast, welcome! My name is Katy McNabb and I am a registered Interior Designer working in Ontario’s Cottage Country. I am on a mission to share sustainable ways of building, promote green energy and document the history of the Cottage Country.
In today's episode of the Rewind Design podcast we take a deep dive into Designing with Nature: The Art of Landscape Architecture with special guest Virginia Burt.
“Founded in 1996, Virginia Burt Designs is a full service landscape architecture firm specializing in residential, estate, and therapeutic landscapes. With offices in Ohio and Ontario, the firm has been involved in a wide range of projects including therapeutic gardens for hospitals and institutions, estate master plans, and native landscape restoration in both the United States and Canada. Virginia Burt leads a team of landscape architects whose inspirations include travel, photography, collaboration with artists, fabricators & nurserymen, art, history, and the beauty of the natural world. Clients include healthcare organizations, governmental agencies, private individuals, and academic institutions. The firm has received acclaim both nationally and internationally with awards garnered from the American Society of Landscape Architects, Ohio Chapter ASLA, Landscape Nova Scotia, and the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects and has been featured in professional magazines, shelter publications, newspapers, and journals.” - https://vburtdesigns.com/
IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
This episode takes place in Virginia's home, where she shares her journey from growing up on an apple farm to becoming a leading landscape architect specializing in healing gardens.
We discusses the importance of connecting with nature in design, her approach to sustainable building, and the concept of rewilding.
She emphasizes the significance of collaboration among design professionals and the need for early involvement in projects to ensure harmony with the environment.
Virginia shares insights into her design ethos, the challenges and rewards of working in fragile ecosystems, and the creative process behind her projects.
LISTEN TO OUR INTERVIEW BELOW!
Questions for Virginia!
Can you tell us a little bit about you and where are you from?
I grew up on an apple farm in Brooklin, Ontario until I was ten and then moved to Port Perry. I have been passionately in pursuit of landscape architectural excellence for my entire 39 year career. My love of the land has been a lifetime journey. Having grown up on an apple farm, I developed a passion for being outside and understanding the rhythms of nature
What inspired you to study landscape Architecture? Can you describe to the readers what your degree entails and your pathway to owning your own studio? What sparked your interest?
My inspiration in landscape architecture is deeply rooted in childhood experiences and a lifelong connection to the natural world. Growing up on an apple farm, I developed an early appreciation for the rhythms of nature and the interplay between agriculture and landscape. The tactile, seasonal changes of the farm instilled a sensitivity to the evolving beauty of outdoor spaces, fostering a deep love for the environment.
My interest in drawing, poetry and art further shaped my approach to design. I use sketching and other visual techniques to express my understanding of landscapes, translating natural elements into built environments. Drawing serves as a tool for exploration and a way to communicate ideas, combining aesthetic vision with ecological considerations.
Travel and outdoor adventures, including hiking, canoe tripping, and skiing, have also profoundly influenced my work. Exposure to diverse landscapes—from mountain ranges to coastal areas—has allowed me to witness the variety of ways that nature can inspire design. Whether it’s the simplicity of a forest trail or the complexity of a desert landscape, these experiences inform my approach to creating spaces that resonate with both beauty and function, seamlessly integrating the built environment with the natural world.
You studied at the University of Guelph - Bachelor of Landscape Architecture - how did you land on this university?
My brother is responsible! I was in grade 11 and my brother brought home a friend at Thanksgiving – this friend was a student of Landscape Architecture at the University of Guelph. When I heard about this course, I was simply verklempt. Could it be true? A course and profession dedicated to combining my love of the outdoors, nature and art? Within one month I had visited the university and realized the program was for me. The remaining courses in high school all were directed towards entering that program and I’ve never looked back.
You are part of both FCSLA (Canadian Society of Landscape Architects) and the FASLA (American Society of Landscape Architects)!
I am honoured to be one of seven women in the world with fellowships from both The Canadian Society of Landscape Architects and the American Society of Landscape Architects. My work in creation of healing gardens and spaces that are deeply meaningful is the reason I am humbled to be awarded fellowships for outstanding contributions to the profession.
research-based design
VBD Core Values
What are the values of VBD?
At VBD, we place people at the heart of everything we do. We prioritize our relationships with clients through deep listening and meaningful engagement, ensuring that every project reflects their unique needs and aspirations. We also have a fundamental respect for the environment, striving to create design solutions that harmonize with and enhance the natural world. Our approach blends care for both people and place, resulting in beautiful, thoughtful designs that are as sustainable as they are inspiring.
Can you describe your role in the company?
I am the founder and lead designer – principal in charge.
How many members of the team are there and what are their passions?
Our team at VBD is made up of six dedicated members, five of whom are landscape architects. We are united by a shared passion for blending art with science beauty with nature, and vision with execution. This fusion allows us to create spaces that are both aesthetically inspiring and environmentally thoughtful. Above all, we are driven by the satisfaction of seeing our designs come to life, transforming ideas into tangible, meaningful landscapes that enhance the human experience.
Can you speak a little about Virginia Burt Designs and the work that it encompasses?
At VBD, we combine creativity with environmental stewardship to transform spaces into functional, meaningful, and beautiful environments. Our passion lies in designing outdoor areas that not only enhance aesthetics but also support ecological health. We believe that thoughtful design can elevate quality of life, protect nature, and tackle contemporary issues like climate change, creating spaces that are healing, inspiring, and harmonious.
I think Landscape architecture encompasses a lot more than the general public realizes!
Early involvement in a project involves several crucial steps, beginning with the preservation of unspoiled landscapes and extending to the sensitive design of infrastructure, including site location and grading. Our process focuses on shaping the environment before planting, with careful attention to the foundational elements that support the final design. In fact, 85% of our work revolves around hard landscape elements—creating the structural framework that guides the project’s success. This includes pathways, drainage, grading, and other physical components that set the stage for the eventual planting design, ensuring a well-integrated, functional, and sustainable landscape.
respect and commitment for the land
Photo: Richard Mandelkorn
Environmental Sustainability
Why is sustainability important to your firm?
Environmental sustainability is at the core of VBD’s values, driving our commitment to preserving, protecting, and enhancing the natural world. We believe it is our responsibility to approach design with a deep respect for the environment, blending art, science, and beauty to create landscapes that are both functional and ecologically mindful. Our work reflects a thoughtful balance, where every project aims to harmonize with nature, promote sustainability, and encourage a deeper connection to the land. Through this philosophy, we strive to create spaces that not only inspire but also contribute positively to the health of the planet.
Environmental sustainability is a broad term. Can you explain the practices and technologies you utilize in your projects?
Our commitment to sustainability extends through our practice of social responsibility. We prioritize sourcing local materials, often from North America or within a 100 km radius, rather than importing goods from overseas where labor standards may be less valued. By using locally sourced materials, we not only support local economies but also significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and production. This approach ensures that our designs are both environmentally and socially responsible, contributing to a more sustainable future while fostering a stronger connection to the places we work in.
Our environmental sustainability practices go beyond material sourcing and extend to every aspect of the landscape design process. We implement tree protection strategies to preserve valuable mature trees, and actively remove invasive species to restore native ecosystems. On-site boulders and outcrops are carefully protected and salvaged, adding both ecological and aesthetic value to the landscape. We incorporate rainwater interception and infiltration galleries to manage stormwater naturally, while bioswales and permeable paving systems enhance water retention and reduce runoff.
Further, we utilize green roofs to promote energy efficiency, recycle irrigation water, and repurpose salvaged stone and materials wherever possible. Our commitment to sustainability also includes deconstruction practices that allow for the reuse of materials, as well as using on-site harvested wood for new structures. Each of these practices is designed to minimize environmental impact, support ecological health, and create resilient, sustainable landscapes.
Can you discuss any innovative technologies or concepts that you've incorporated into your projects?
As part of our commitment to sustainability, we incorporated deconstruction practices on a project where we salvaged materials from a 120-year-old house for reuse in the landscape. This process included carefully salvaging stone foundations, which were repurposed into beautiful stone garden walls and retaining walls. We also reclaimed wood framing and roofing underlay, which was used to construct a pair of rustic sheds. Additionally, we reused the original stone curbing to define garden beds, blending the old with the new in a thoughtful and environmentally responsible way. This approach not only reduces waste but also honors the history of the materials, giving them new life in the landscape.
Sustainable building often involves local sourcing. Where do you source most of your landscape product from?
Locally sourced materials are selected based on the specific needs of each project, taking into account factors such as location, local climate, and the natural color palette of the surrounding environment. By aligning materials with the characteristics of the site, we create landscapes that feel authentic and integrated with their surroundings. This approach ensures that each project is sustainable and visually cohesive, reflecting the unique beauty of the area while minimizing the environmental impact of transporting materials.
embracing the duality of nature
Photo: Richard Mandelkorn
Do you work mainly on residential/cottage projects, also public zen gardens? How did you become interested/inspired by this?
VBD specializes in two key areas: healing gardens for healthcare and supportive care, and residential landscapes. Our residential work encompasses both primary and secondary homes, with a particular focus on re-wilding natural environments to create authentic, sustainable spaces. The inspiration for our designs comes from our travels to places like Japan and Italy, where garden traditions are deeply woven into the fabric of daily life. In these cultures, gardens are not only beautiful but integral to the experience of the spaces in which we live, love, and play, influencing the way we shape meaningful, enriching environments. A recent public project involved a Japanese Garden to honour Itabashi in Japan - a sister city to Burlington Ontario. This project used Japanese garden principles and integrated salvaged rocks, and Japanese plantings to create a strolling garden in the Japanese tradition.
Can you explain your work and the important connection to the natural environment and what that means to you?
Our work is driven by a heartfelt approach to creating spaces that seamlessly connect the indoors to the outdoors. We believe that our connection to nature—through outdoor activities and environments—is essential to our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. With this holistic perspective, we embrace every aspect of a project, finding joy in the unexpected beauty that can emerge. Whether it’s as simple as designing a meadow to attract pollinators or as intricate as perfecting the details of a paving edge, we delight in the transformative power of thoughtful design to enhance every part of the landscape.
blueberry island
Photo: Richard Mandelkorn
Blueberry Island
I would also love to speak about Blueberry Island and the work you completed there. When I went to visit the site, I could hardly tell that the site had been altered! The natural landscaping felt so real and untouched - how did you manage this? What planning + site preparation goes into making the landscape feel so natural after construction?
For the restoration of Blueberry Island, we focused on re-creating the landscape using only the native plants found on the island. To guide this process, we conducted a detailed photographic inventory to document the density and locations of existing plant species. In addition, we carefully protected and salvaged the island’s natural erratic granite boulders, ensuring they remained integral to the landscape. Through this systematic inventory and analysis, we synthesized valuable information into strategic approaches for preservation, construction protocols, material selection, and planting density. This thoughtful, data-driven approach allowed us to respect the island’s natural integrity while enhancing its ecological health.
Why is naturalization / rewilding important to you?
It is important at every scale: our natural world, our community, our homes and our health.
Rewilding and naturalization are essential for restoring ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering ecological resilience. By reintroducing native species and letting natural processes shape landscapes, we help rejuvenate habitats that have been degraded by human activity. This promotes a healthier, more balanced environment where wildlife thrives and ecosystems function properly. Rewilding can also combat climate change by enhancing carbon sequestration through restored forests and wetlands. For communities, it offers cleaner air, water, and recreational spaces. Ultimately, these efforts safeguard our planet’s future, improve human well-being, and ensure that nature’s intricate web of life continues to support us all.
Do clients come to you looking for this type of naturalized landscape?
Clients come to us specifically for our expertise in creating naturally sustainable landscapes. We take pride in guiding them through the process, showing the importance and long-term benefits of sustainable design. We educate our clients on how these plantings contribute to healthier landscapes while enhancing the beauty and functionality of their spaces.Through this approach, we help create landscapes that are both environmentally responsible and aesthetically enriching.
lake rosseau cottage
Photo: Richard Mandelkorn
Lake Rosseau Cottage
I love your Lake Rosseau project and the mentality behind the design.
The Lake Rosseau project exemplifies a thoughtful balance between restraint and innovation. The site features a stunning graminoid marsh, a delicate ecosystem that was preserved by design—left untouched to maintain its natural integrity. This decision underscores the importance of respecting and protecting vital landscapes within development. At the same time, the project focused on creating a beautiful family enclave that gracefully navigates the challenges of a high water table. Through smart design and careful integration with the land, the project enhances both the environment and the lives of its inhabitants, demonstrating a harmonious blend of nature and living space.
Can you explain naturalization to the readers?
Naturalization is the process of restoring a landscape to its original, ecologically balanced state. It involves reintroducing native plants, habitats, and natural features to an area that may have been altered or disturbed. The goal is to enhance biodiversity, improve soil and water health, and create a more resilient environment. By focusing on native species and natural systems, naturalization helps restore the landscape’s ability to function as it once did, promoting ecological harmony and sustainability while often creating spaces that are both beautiful and ecologically beneficial.
acadia point
Photo: Richard Mandelkorn
Landscape + Coastal Protection
Can you briefly describe your general process from start to finish for when you are working on a lakeside project
When invited at the very beginning of a project—which we consider ideal—we begin by immersing ourselves in the site. Our first step is to visit and engage with the landscape, taking time to absorb its character, understand the people and clients, and observe how the natural environment interacts with the space. This initial exploration helps us form impressions and identify sensitive areas that require special attention or highlight outstanding features.
We then intuitively respond to the landscape's unique character, starting with the protection of key spaces that deserve preservation. From there, we adopt a data-driven approach, conducting a thorough inventory and analysis of the site—examining trees, understory and fauna, topography, water levels, floodplains, setbacks, restrictions, and any other challenges.
Once this foundational phase is complete, we begin conceptual design, collaborating closely with the architect, client, and design team, depending on the project. Our goal is to create a clear intent for the project that translates seamlessly from the overarching vision down to the smallest details. Throughout, we ensure that every aspect aligns with the VBD ethos of beauty, sustainability, and respect for the natural world.
From conceptual design we move through the iterative process of Design Development, Working drawings and then On site review during construction – all with an eye towards our original design intent.
Do you work on projects where you alter the shorelines?
We focus on restoring shorelines where erosion has taken its toll, carefully addressing the delicate balance of these vulnerable landscapes. Our approach includes the installation of appropriate shoreline protection and the reintroduction of native plant species that help stabilize the soil and prevent further erosion. We also prioritize the removal of invasive species, which can disrupt the natural ecosystem, and work to create habitats that support local flora and fauna. Understanding the fragility of these "ribbons" of land—where the natural environment is most vulnerable—we strive to enhance resilience and water quality while preserving ecological integrity for future generations.
What are some standards in the industry that you see that are maybe not so friendly to the ecosystems versus standards you have?
Contractors often seek to move projects forward quickly, but this can sometimes result in insufficient regard for trees, especially those in vulnerable locations. A prime example of this is on Georgian Bay, where trees grow in thin soils, clinging to life with limited access to water and air. The compaction caused by construction machinery in these sensitive areas can spell certain demise for these trees—often the very reason clients value and purchase the property in the first place. It’s crucial to approach such sites with care and respect, protecting these natural treasures to ensure the long-term health of the landscape.
Can you share any upcoming or future projects you have in the pipeline?
The future of VBD is bright, we have a number of new projects that span from the restoration of a mid century modern landscape in the US to a family compound on a large northern lakeside property, further we have projects on several islands in Georgian Bay, and a garden for a historic1847 home in Dundas.
THANK YOU VIRGINIA!
Photo: Richard Mandelkorn
Today’s episode was brought to you by the ThinkBoyd Real Estate Team. The Team of Nicole and Geoff believe that buying or selling real estate is more than just a transaction – it’s a connection that should feel like working with family. For their local perspective and sage advice, If you’re thinking of buying or selling, think Boyd. Part of Royal LePage Team Advantage, Realty Brokerage Inc. Think Boyd Real Estate Team.
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