A well-planted property looks great and works with the land — and in Vernon's zone 6a/6b climate, plant selection matters. The wrong plants struggle through the Okanagan's 35°C July heat; the right ones thrive with minimal irrigation and hold their value through the growing season. Cool Runnings has been planting and landscaping across the Okanagan since 2017, helping Vernon homeowners choose and install plants suited to local conditions: drought-tolerant shrubs, ornamental grasses, foundation plantings, privacy hedges, and feature trees that perform year after year. We handle design, installation, and cleanup — you get a finished result, not a construction site.
Vernon is the northernmost major Okanagan city with a slightly shorter, cooler growing season than Kelowna. More snow in winter means spring cleanups are especially important, and fall preparation before the first October frost matters for protecting plants and setting lawns up for next year. Vernon properties tend to be larger with more space for landscaping.
Coldstream · BX · Bella Vista · Middleton Mountain · East Hill
Free estimates · No contracts · No hidden fees
Call or text (250) 307-9220
We walk your property and discuss your vision — what you want it to look like, how much maintenance you're comfortable with, sun exposure, drainage, and budget.
Based on your soil type, sun exposure, and zone 6a/6b hardiness, we recommend plants that will actually thrive here — not die in their second summer.
We prepare planting beds properly: removing existing vegetation, amending soil, and ensuring drainage before a single plant goes in.
Plants go in at the right depth, spacing, and orientation. Trees and large shrubs are staked where needed.
All new plantings get mulched to retain moisture through the first critical summer — especially important in Vernon's dry growing season.
We haul away all soil, packaging, and debris. You get a clean finished property and watering guidance for the new plants.
Landscaping in Vernon comes with its own unique set of challenges, largely driven by our northern Okanagan location and semi-arid climate. Our growing season is shorter, typically 165 days, meaning plant selection must prioritize hardiness for Zone 6a/6b and quicker establishment before the colder weather sets in. Winter snow loads can be significant here, so plant choices need to handle that weight without damage, and spring cleanups are crucial to prepare beds.
Water conservation is always top of mind. Hot, dry summers regularly push temperatures past 35°C, making efficient irrigation systems and drought-tolerant plant choices essential to navigate common water restrictions. Furthermore, property sizes in Vernon, especially in areas like Coldstream and BX, tend to be larger than in central Okanagan cities, often requiring a grander scale in design and more extensive planting plans. We also contend with specific invasive species like knapweed and Scotch broom, which need careful management during soil preparation.
Vernon's soil and terrain are quite varied. We often encounter dense glacial till, especially on undeveloped sites, which compacts easily and can hinder root development. On higher benchlands, like parts of Bella Vista and the BX, sandy or silty soils are common, requiring amendments to improve water retention. Closer to the lake or in lower-lying areas, you might find heavier clay pockets that need significant drainage improvements. Hilly areas, such as Middleton Mountain and parts of East Hill, often present rocky terrain and steeper slopes, demanding erosion control strategies and careful plant placement to thrive.
The seasonal rhythm profoundly impacts planting in Vernon. Spring, immediately following the last spring frost in late April, is prime time for new plantings. The ground is workable, and plants have a good window to establish roots before the intense summer heat. Early fall, from September into early October, also offers a good opportunity for planting hardy shrubs and perennials, allowing roots to settle before the first fall frost, which typically arrives in early October.
However, summer planting during July and August is generally discouraged due to extreme heat and the stress it places on new plants, unless a dedicated drip irrigation system is already in place. Once temperatures drop in late October and November, our focus shifts to preparing existing beds for winter – mulching new plantings heavily for insulation and protecting more vulnerable species from the heavier snow and cold until spring returns.
When we're working in Vernon's diverse neighborhoods, our approach often adapts. In **Coldstream** and the **BX**, with their semi-rural feel and larger acreages, clients often seek expansive privacy hedges, larger feature beds, and plantings that complement a more naturalized, perhaps agricultural, aesthetic. **Bella Vista's** hillside properties frequently call for terraced gardens, erosion-resistant groundcovers like kinnikinnick, and a strong emphasis on drought-tolerant, view-enhancing plants that can handle sun exposure. For **Middleton Mountain's** established residential areas, we often focus on creating manageable, attractive landscapes that enhance curb appeal and privacy on moderate lots. Meanwhile, **East Hill**, with its mix of newer and older homes and varying slopes, sees requests ranging from contemporary low-maintenance designs for new builds to revitalizing mature gardens with updated plant palettes that respect existing character.
A typical planting project in Vernon might involve transforming a 600 sq ft sloped section of a backyard in Middleton Mountain that currently struggles with poor drainage and patchy grass. Our approach begins with re-grading for proper water flow, then amending the native glacial till soil with organic matter to improve aeration and nutrient retention. We'd install a weed barrier, followed by a selection of Zone 6-hardy, drought-tolerant plants chosen for year-round interest and low water needs – perhaps blue fescue and Karl Foerster grass for texture, with spirea and potentilla for shrubs, and drifts of lavender and sedum for perennial color. All new plants would receive 2-3 inches of bark mulch, and larger shrubs would be staked. This kind of project typically takes our crew 2-3 days, including all soil work and debris removal.
Vernon sits in hardiness zone 6a/6b, which supports a wide range of plants. Reliable choices include lavender, spirea, potentilla, ornamental grasses, cedar, juniper, dogwood, and many drought-tolerant perennials. We recommend plants that look great and survive Okanagan summers without constant irrigation — especially important with Vernon's 165-day growing season and dry July and August.
Spring planting should begin after the last frost risk passes — typically late April in Vernon. Fall (September–October) is also excellent for trees and shrubs, as cooler temperatures give roots time to establish before winter. We plant in both seasons and can advise on the best timing for your specific project.
Both. We can work from your own plan or develop a planting design with you during the consultation. Most homeowners prefer to walk the property together, discuss options, and let us recommend a layout — we've planted enough in Vernon to know what works where.
Every project is different. A basic foundation planting job might start at a few hundred dollars; a full front and back yard overhaul with soil prep, plants, mulch, and edging runs considerably more. We provide free, detailed estimates with itemized pricing so you know exactly where your money goes. Call (250) 307-9220 to book your estimate.
This is one of our specialties. With Vernon's hot, dry summers, drought-tolerant design using rock mulch, drip irrigation, and low-water plants dramatically reduces maintenance costs and keeps your property looking great even through August. We design and install xeriscaping solutions that look intentional, not neglected.
We can handle plant supply, or install plants you've already purchased — whichever you prefer. We source from reliable local suppliers and can advise on the best nurseries in the Vernon area if you'd like to choose plants yourself.
For Vernon's unique climate, we lean heavily on resilient species. Lavender, potentilla, spirea, and various junipers are excellent shrub choices. Ornamental grasses like Karl Foerster and blue fescue offer texture and movement. Russian sage and sedum provide reliable perennial colour, and kinnikinnick is a fantastic, native groundcover that handles our conditions well, all while being quite drought-tolerant once established.
Soil preparation is paramount here. For dense glacial till, we break it up and thoroughly mix in significant amounts of compost and aged manure to improve drainage and nutrient content. On sandy benchlands, we incorporate compost and other organic matter to boost water retention. For clay pockets, gypsum and organic matter improve structure. We conduct a soil test if concerns are high, ensuring the amendments are tailored to the specific site conditions.
On sloped properties in East Hill, we focus on deep-rooted plants that stabilize the soil. Groundcovers like kinnikinnick or creeping juniper are excellent for preventing surface erosion. We might also integrate terracing with rocks or retaining elements to create flat planting pockets. Strategically placed shrubs and smaller trees can also help, always ensuring proper drainage is designed to divert water away from critical areas.
"One of the best things that happened to me this fall was getting a recommendation to have Cool Runnings finish my fall cleanup. Exceeded my expectations! Clean, professional, efficient and priced fair. Highly recommend!"
"Ramoy and his helper did a fantastic job cleaning up my scrubs"
"Ramoy and his team do excellent work! Highly recommended -- I am amazed by the careful and thorough efforts they put into clearing the yard before winter."
⭐ 5.0 stars · 31+ verified Google reviews
Free estimates, honest pricing, no hidden fees. Call or text in Vernon today.
📞 Call (250) 307-9220