The shoe removal stone, or kustu-nugi-ishi, literally is the stone you stand on when removing your shoes before entering a Japanese home. These stones are generally found in the foyer of the home or adjacent to an engawa, or veranda, where you access the garden from the home. The shoe removal stone also delineates where […]

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This garden entrance is flanked with a pair of beautifully carved limetsone shigu.  Shigu is actually a Chinese word used to describe the type of sculpture shown in the picture.  Although the bases are actually unfinished the detailed carving of the dragons, foo dog heads and the phoenix or mythical fire birds.  These decorative stone […]

Posted in Asian Gardens, Entry Monuments, Garden Art, Garden Types, Landscape, Paths, Sculpture, Stairs, Stonework No Comments »

The millstone entry fountain commands attention from approaching guests visiting this beautifully landscaped home in Greenwood, Minnesota. As one of the properties on display in the 2000 parade, of homes we have received many compliments for this landscape design and construction work […]

Posted in Asian Gardens, Dry Garden, Fountains & Water Features, Garden Art, Garden Types, Home Landscape Design, Landscape, Patios, Stairs, Stonework No Comments »

The Japanese stone garden, or Japanese sculpture garden, is a small garden enclosed within a brick sitting wall. When we were hired by the owner of Yorktown Offices in Edina to prepare a landscape maintenance report, we also made suggestions for small improvements which included remodeling the east and west entries. Both of these new entry walks and steps incorporated matching brick sitting wall planters […]

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