Redesign part of 20-year plan

Thanks to a new skylight, she can shower in the sunshine and admire her new “green” roof on the garage.

“I always loved the idea of a growing roof,” said Donna, adding this one includes layers of drainage and engineering to ensure it can support an additional 25 pounds of weight per square foot, above the usual snow load.

Its depth ranges from a couple of inches to a foot in the middle berm.

Donna took a course in 2000 to become a master gardener — “that’s with a small M and a small G” — then spent 15 years since volunteering her skills.

The garden layout at the Brentwood Bay house was tricky because of the topography, so she consulted designer Robin Jones. “We took 52 different elevations, so I could tell her exactly what the slopes were.”

Then Donna hired a University of Victoria anthropology student for the summer. Together, they planted the whole garden and built all the retaining walls.

While only a third of an acre, it feels surprisingly large, because the house sits at an angle on the lot, which creates interesting pockets of space.

“When we moved here, we knew we wanted to recreate ourselves, to have space for projects,” said Philip.

“We had a 20-year plan back then and I think it was a good one, although you have to modify along the way. But we believe keeping busy is good and now we need another 20-year plan,” he added with a grin.

“We have enjoyed each place we have lived and this is appropriate for where we are in life now.”

Philip said that it’s important to retire early enough to reinvent in yourself: “Too many seniors are burned out by the time their careers end.”

Donna agreed. “We all have to go about our own way of finding expression in later life.”

The home’s walls and entry are decorated with colourful original art, made by Philip and his collaborative colleague, Salish artist Chris Paul, as well as other artist friends.

Right: The back garden rises almost three metres from the front and features a screened summerhouse.

Clockwise from above: • A mosaic over the range was made by Donna. • Mother-of-pearl inlay is seen on an 1871 chair made in northern India and featuring Chinese motifs. • Donna planted a willow “hut” as a play area for young and old.

Above: A trespassers sign at the gate greets guests with a little humour.