Outdoor
This TV Executive’s Backyard Is Reminiscent Of A French Courtyard
Published on June 18, 2019
Film and TV executive Jennifer Stewart tell us why this is her favorite room.
“Because it’s a small space, I wanted our backyard to be like a French courtyard instead of having grass and garden beds. It works beautifully for entertaining. We have our Thanksgiving dinner outside at the long table, plus two tables along the back of the garden, so we can host 25 people. It looks magical. It’s shady in some parts and sunny in other areas; there’s always a comfortable place for us to sit, no matter the temperature.”
Jennifer — vice-president of partnerships and communications at the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television — takes refuge in her backyard garden oasis. “When summer comes, we never use the living room; we read, cook, entertain and listen to music in the backyard. We’re outdoor people.”
Greenery is punctuated by white blooms (and Spike the cat), including hydrangeas. “White roses, Irish moss, hellebores, Japanese anemones and several different varieties of hydrangeas — these are the feature plants,” she says.
“My niece and nephew run Rodney’s Oyster House in Toronto,” says Jennifer. “[My husband] Scott and I bonded over our love of oysters — we had our wedding reception at Rodney’s. I wanted to hang a sign about food near the eating area, so when I found the oyster one online, I nabbed it.” The dining table came from a summer camp in Pennsylvania. It’s carved with initials and drawings dating back to 1953.
Vintage zinc planters, a maritime-style pendant and folding café chairs add character to this corner of the garden. “The planters in front of the Bloor Street Club Monaco flagship were a big inspiration,” says Jennifer.
“This fountain reminds me of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work; we are big enthusiasts,” she says. A trough of succulents can be moved off the stone ledge, which can then be used as seating during parties.
Virginia Macdonald
House & Home May 2019
Michael Renaud and Martin Ciccone