Changing Landscapes

Photo by Peter Bastianelli-Kerze

With new construction, an up-front collaboration between architect and landscape architect is key to seamlessly threading the architecture and site together.

The trend in glorious gardens has evolved into the luxury of luscious landscapes.

April 2007

By Melissa Colgan

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Curb Appeal
The first impression your home creates does more than make your neighbors green with envy—it also will instantly increase its value. Adding curb appeal is also contagious—soon your neighbors will be doing the same, making a more welcoming neighborhood and streetscape. The true beauty is in linking your home to your property through expertly placed shrubbery and the creative use of stone, colorful flora, and mixed textures and foliage, thus creating a complete package. See slideshow for more photographs.

Simplicity in Stone
Natural stone is a vital component in a well-designed landscape. Besides visual interest, well-positioned stone adds some structure and helps define spaces, places, and paths. Take into consideration the surrounding environment and the architecture of your home when choosing a type of stone.

Water Effects
Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes, so it’s no surprise that many of us want to live near water. The addition of ponds, waterfalls, and fountains has been one of the fast-growing elements in area landscapes.

Changing Landscapes Resources

Bloomsbury Market
This is not your run-of-the-mill garden design center. Inspired by the gardens of Europe, co-owner Sotera Tschetter stocks her store with an eclectic mix of unusual plants, ranging from patinaed birdbaths to wrought iron garden accessories designed and created by Tschetter, who is also head of product development for Smith & Hawken. 403 Cedar Lake Rd. S., Mpls., 612-377-7636

Coen+Partners
This nationally recognized landscape firm, with offices in both Minneapolis and Manhattan, is regarded as progressive and timeless. They have created private residential landscapes, as well as large space projects including the Jackson Meadow development and the new Minneapolis Central Library. Mpls., 612-341-8070

Dean Bjorkstrand
Since 1983, Dean Bjorkstrand has landscaped unique outdoor living spaces, offering clients a guide through the entire process, including an initial consultation and formal scaled drawing. Richfield, 612-861-3919

Gerten’s
Although it is best known for its expansive garden center, Gerten’s also offers in-house, on-site, and computer-design services. Depending on how much you want to pay, and how much you want to DIY, there is a service to suit most anyone. 5500 Blaine Ave., Inver Grove Heights, 651-450-1501

Gray Gardens
Andrew Kruger and his team of landscapers at Gray Gardens have created some of the Twin Cities’ most-talked-about landscapes, from European manor–style to rambling country gardens. (Gray offers ongoing garden upkeep too). 952-474-7180 For those who love the look, check out Gray Gardens Home Store, which celebrates the garden lifestyle. 366 Water St., Excelsior, 952-474-9150

Linder’s Landscaping
The Linder’s crew is experienced in all aspects of the installation process and are on hand from consultation and design through complete execution. Or they’ll draw up designs for you to install yourself. 270 Larpenteur Ave. W., St. Paul, 651-255-0443

Mom’s Landscaping & Design
The services available from the landscape designers at Mom’s go beyond simple shrubbery. They’ll build putting greens, outdoor kitchens, and ornate waterfalls, utilizing both architectural and plant elements to lend authenticity and design to the project. Chanhassen, 952-277-6667

Natural Landscape & Design
Natural Landscape & Design is a full-service landscaping company specializing in landscape design, plantings, stone features, and irrigation systems. In addition to landscaping services, owner Jim Hanson is known for creating natural stone benches, which are also available at local art fairs. 651-248-0536

Outdoor Environments
Outdoor Environments is client-driven, offering full-service design, building, and maintenance services, ranging from ornate outdoor spaces to visually appealing gardens. Savage, 952-496-1000

Temenos Garden Services
Specializing in urban landscaping renovation, owner and designer Judy Remington provides design and consulting services and works with outside companies for installation and maintenance. 612-377-4491

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