location:
Minnetonka, Minnesota
 
project characteristics:
Our clients own a fairly large suburban property with gently rolling woodlands and a wetland.  Early on, they made it clear that they simply weren’t getting as much use from their property as they desired.  “Help us to create a landscape that we can participate in”, was their request.  This striking pond setting at upper right, is part of a wetland and woodland reconstruction for the site, that creates inviting new uses of their outdoor areas.

 

plan development & site design philosophy: 
We developed a master plan for the clients' site that takes cues from the natural areas of the land and then integrates new features within it.  The highlight is an extensive, looping pathway system, that meanders through the upland woods, then down and into the wetlands. This path system is vital to the diverse and enjoyable use of their property.
 
implementation:
The first task was to remove thick European Buckthorn undergrowth, which had choked off native shade plants and blocked all views through the wooded areas.  We worked the new walking trail system through the

shaded forest canopy.  A sparkling pond was

created and the paths cross a rustic footbridge

over the water.  The entire woodland has been

planted with shade plantings in “glade” pockets. 

 We made extensive and repeating use of these

glades in colorful accent gardens along the

paths - as unifying elements.