Pergolas and arbors are neat garden structures that provide shade and define space, that are often used for passageways, entries and/or sitting areas. This entry arbor is one element within our master plan for one of our projects in Deephaven, MN. We designed and built this Cedar arbor to help define the entrance of this […]

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The open arbor design we created for this project in Deephaven, Minnesota provided space for climbing hydrangea, which we planted at the base of all but two of the posts. Climbing hydrangea can be planted in zones 4-8 and are a self climbing woody vines that do not need any supports to grow upwards. They […]

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  Unlike the decks of years past, there are now a number of decking products to consider when decking your deck. We have used redwood, cedar, pressure treated, ipe’ and tiger decking for our deck projects. We are not going to tell you which one to choose, but do want to help you learn more […]

Posted in Decks, Landscape Comments Off on Decks- Decking Options

The decks being built today have come a long way when compared to the decks of the early 1980’s. Clients are hiring us to design and build decks with a creative touch, wanting more than a simple wooden rectangle. In addition to the many options like multiple levels, separate living areas, storage areas, creative shapes, […]

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When designing a deck and landscape project we decided to incorporate a half wall and planter to create and define space and circulation. We also wanted to have a sculptural focal point within the planter. The planter also sat right where an old light post was removed during the demolition phase of our project. So, […]

Posted in Garden Art, Landscape, Landscape Lighting, Sculpture Comments Off on Landscape Light with Frank Lloyd Wright Taste

We designed and built this Koi pond our first year in business, almost 15 years ago today. This Koi pond featured a small waterfall, a bamboo water feature, aquatic plants and of Koi. Generally speaking those of love gardening enjoy Koi. Introducing a gardener who enjoys Japanese gardens would find that Koi to be the […]

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If you are interested in Japanese gardens you should know that the most common plant shape found in Japanese gardens is the tamamono, or “dome” shape. It is the easiest and and perhaps the least expensive way to add more Japanese style pruning to your garden. When visiting a Japanese garden you will see this […]

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There are a number of bridge styles to choose from when creating a Japanese garden. They vary in shape, materials and the way in which they are constructed. In this garden we used a flat single stone slab bridge with no center support. Natural stones that are just the right length, width and thickness can […]

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The snow viewing, or yukimi, style Japanese lantern is a wonderful lantern. This lantern received its name from the cap, or roof, of the piece that is much broader than other lantern styles. This cap is either round, hexagon or octagon in shape and because of its size looks quite pretty after snow fall. This […]

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The Kasuga style Japanese lantern is a classic.  Today it is often found at or near the entrance of Japanese gardens.  Dating back to the Ashikaga period it was traditionally used as a “guardian” lantern in Japanese temples.  When not used near a garden entrance it serves as a focal point like the one shown […]

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