In May of 2025, Mom’s Design Build had the honor of sending Senior Landscape Designer Becca Bastyr to one of the most celebrated horticultural events in the world: the Chelsea Flower Show, held at the historic Royal Hospital Chelsea in the heart of London, England. For anyone in landscape design, gardening, or outdoor living, the […]
A Landscape Designer’s Dream Trip: Becca Bastyr at the Chelsea Flower Show Read More »
These clients wanted a low maintenance, side-yard entertainment and dining space that would flow from their newly remodeled kitchen and look intentional rather than as an afterthought. Horrible soil conditions, an unfortunate electrical service location and the elevations of the driveway and doors presented many challenges to senior designer Heather Sweeney.
The team combined smart material selections, innovative construction techniques and a stepped design to create a traditional outdoor living environment with a modern touch that is as functional as it is beautiful. Colors and shapes are so well integrated it truly looks like an extension of the house itself.
The landings and stairs flow organically from the patio doors to the lawn below. The mix of materials, angles and shapes blend with strategically placed plantings for privacy and visual balance.
The main level of this home has a beautiful wood-panel pub that led to a deck that was barely big enough for a grill. The clients wanted to open the room to a much more substantial deck to accommodate larger gatherings and integrate the indoor and outdoor living spaces while preserving privacy from the neighbors.
The new space needed to offer relief from evening insects and untimely showers, but also extend the outdoor season and add direct access to the yard. The roof line was low and the side yard setback restrictions dictated that the new structure could not extend beyond the side of the garage.
So, senior designer Heather Sweeney created a complete solution with a tall, mechanically-louvered pergola, disappearing screens, a line-of-sight fireplace wall, glass bifold doors and an open deck that wraps around the back of the house. While it extends the pub’s black and brown tones, the project achieved the clean contemporary look the clients desired.
These clients desired a more beautiful, functional and low maintenance space for the steep yard between their contemporary, urban home and the creek below. They not only wanted to update the look and feel but they wanted something that would work for entertaining beyond Minnesota’s short pool season. The couple envisioned a contemporary, less curvilinear, more private poolscape that would suit the house and include a water feature and more modern fire pit. Plantings were to be minimal, except for colorful annuals dispersed throughout.
Nestled within a golf club community, these clients were hoping to take their steeply sloped backyard and transform it into a private oasis for their whole family to enjoy! They had an existing upper patio area that was installed when they moved in, but wanted to expand upon it and create more areas to relax, play and retreat.
These homeowners bought their large home in the brand new development largely because it looked out over a pastoral preserve that can never be developed. But the foreground was nothing but an elevated screened porch on spindly posts and an expansive, flat lawn. They tasked designer Heather Sweeney to create an outdoor environment that could accommodate frequent 20 to 30 person events and extend the home’s lower level entertainment space outdoors. It needed to reflect their favorite travel destination, Tuscany, but fit the home’s modern farmhouse architecture. They credit the team with nailing the design (no pun intended!) and working into winter to have the magnificent space ready for 2019.
Who says we can’t have a little west coast Hollywood glam in Minnesota? (Writer’s Note: Please don’t answer that if you’re going to say ‘me!’) When we think of luxury, we instantly remember this rooftop moment in Minneapolis. Let’s take a moment of our day to revel in what Minnesota has to offer regarding rooftop luxury views.
These clients wanted to connect their new kitchen bump out to the outdoors via a sheltered area that would block bugs and rain but not the view of the lake below. Senior Designer Heather Sweeney exceeded those goals with a design that actually makes the lake appear closer and seamlessly integrates the indoors and out. It even expanded cool weather use with strategically placed heaters and a large fire table. The project features an operable pergola with motorized screen walls and architectural columns over a bluestone patio.
What will be gracing the curb appeal of landscape trends for the year 2020? Last year, it was all about metals, pergolas, and pinks. We’re sure homeowners will find delight in maintaining simple upkeep of backyards, but we’re excited to share the trends that will be topping off the effortless upkeep and simple beauty. Time to dig in!
The Year of the Simplicity: 5 Landscaping Trends to Watch for in 2020 Read More »
Before the designer could create this charming country cottage landscape in the heart of posh Wayzata, she had to win the trust of a client who had been disappointed by three previous contractors. Her own bold plan called for removing a row of failing cedars and creating an enchanting garden in the now sunny front yard. The plan would bring sense to the home’s complex elevation that had resulted from joining the main house and carriage house.
The goal was to make it easier to find the front entrance and to reclaim the space for a private garden that would feature improved paving, classic architectural elements, dog security and more manageable maintenance. By the time construction was underway the client was so confident she would simply refer questions to the designer.
Curb appeal is real. A front entry will draw the admirable eyes of many and gives homeowners an opportunity to express themselves through home design. The front of the home sets the tone for whoever is visiting. You never get a second chance to make a first impression, after all! That’s why we put together a list of ways you can refresh your entryway in 2020. New Year Resolutions can involve the home, too!
New Year’s Checklist: Fun Ways to Organize Your Home in 2020 Read More »
Curb appeal is real. A front entry will draw the admirable eyes of many and gives homeowners an opportunity to express themselves through home design. The front of the home sets the tone for whoever is visiting. You never get a second chance to make a first impression, after all! That’s why we put together a list of ways you can refresh your entryway in 2020. New Year Resolutions can involve the home, too!
Effortless Ways to Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal Read More »
When it comes to home design, we’re all about creating unique, state-of-the-art spaces for your home. That’s where one of our favorite products comes in: StruXure Outdoor. They create gorgeous and functional adjustable pergola structures. If you’ve been reading the blog, you’ll know pergola structures are all the rage in 2020, along with many other trendy outdoor upgrades. And the luxury systems of StruXure Outdoor are quality and can be created to your own personal design dreams. So, are you ready to think about your newest outdoor upgrade? Here’s all StruXure Outdoor has to offer.
Bring the Indoors Out with This Product We Love: StruXure Outdoor Read More »
A remodel adds a lot of value to your home. Bathroom upgrades, in particular, are manageable and a great option for an upgrade (psst…and oftentimes forgotten about!) If you’re thinking about remodeling your bathroom, we have a great before and after remodel that showcases the breathtaking, simplistic update and a few essential improvement tips you can take with you. For this remodel, the space was opened up (i.e. fewer cabinets and countertop space) to create a breathable ideal. Bathrooms can feel cluttered with standing toilet roll holders, too many cabinets, recessed soap dishes and lots of counter space for random knick-knacks. You want your bathroom to be chic and open to create a sense of zen. So, the cabinets should be practical and plentiful; each must have a purpose. In this bathroom, a bench with added cabinet space in a neighboring mudroom is an effective solution. White light color fixtures and off-white wall color can also open up the space quite well.
The key to quality ambiance in any piece of home design is always the lighting. Trust me, good lighting sets the mood in more than just romantic situations (wink, wink). I learned that from my mom. She said, “beautiful design starts with good lighting. You don’t need to turn ALL the lights on at once.”
Trend Alert: 5 Must-Know Outdoor Lighting Trends Read More »
I’ve always felt a close affiliation with cottage homes. They’re quaint, welcoming, and warm. The home design reminds me a little of Winne the Pooh meets every single romantic comedy set on the east coast. A cottage is small and the ideal of cozy dwelling. It feels old-fashioned and modest, accompanied by holiday decorations and long Sundays at home.
I’ve always felt a close affiliation with cottage homes. They’re quaint, welcoming, and warm. The home design reminds me a little of Winne the Pooh meets every single romantic comedy set on the east coast. A cottage is small and the ideal of cozy dwelling. It feels old-fashioned and modest, accompanied by holiday decorations and long Sundays at home.
I’ve always felt a close affiliation with cottage homes. They’re quaint, welcoming, and warm. The home design reminds me a little of Winne the Pooh meets every single romantic comedy set on the east coast. A cottage is small and the ideal of cozy dwelling. It feels old-fashioned and modest, accompanied by holiday decorations and long Sundays at home.
This Coastal Cottage Will Make Your Heart Skip a Beat Read More »
Looking for the perfect designer or general contractor? We’re here to help! Finding them can be a lot like dating. You want to have the same values, work ethic, and style. Not to mention, when it comes to being a homeowner, designing and contracting is a foreign practice. You don’t know where to start, stop, end, or begin! And that’s totally fine. Look no further on Google. We’re here to help you (basically) write a love note to your ideal designer and how to find them.
When we consider beauty in any form, it’s always a huge plus when it comes to design. However, the true benefit of Cambria® natural stone surfaces is that beauty is also paired with high quality – something we can stand by (and enjoy cheese on).
Cambria combines true American craftsmanship with innovation and the finest materials. And, it’s exquisite to look at in your kitchen, living room, bathroom, or bedroom. Each striking, sought-after design Cambria provides is truly breathtaking and can take over a room. A lot of their designs have a bold, organic flowing movement, creating the illusion of the natural earth, right under your fingertips.
Design Product We Can’t Get Enough of: Cambria Natural Stone Read More »
This Lake Elmo couple wanted to enlarge their screen porch for family gatherings, but the home was on a pond at the 100-year flood setback. The porch’s proximity to the water was allowed, but it could not creep any closer.
Transform Your Backyard for Year-Round Outdoor Living Read More »
The couple had built the home on Lake Minnetonka, MN in 2003. They loved the premier waterfront setting but craved relief from the heat and glare of the intense afternoon sun along their west-facing yard. They needed an attractive solution that would draw people outdoors and extend the season without compromising the lake view. The designer worked within stringent shoreline management restrictions to create a convenient and comfortable outdoor living environment under motorized pergolas.
Project Spotlight: A Coastal Chic Transformation Read More »
It’s the simple things during those winter months that make us feel cozy (and goes well with the snow). Marshmallows in hot chocolate, wool stockings, and lots of naps and soup. We know what goes well with all of these: a crackling fireplace. Fireplaces are also beneficial for the environment! You can conserve energy and live a greener lifestyle with the addition of a fireplace in your home. Whether you want a real, potent wood fire or something a little more modern – fireplaces are a living piece of fine art. And a central heart to the home. Here are six fireplaces that will stir the design coals of your heartstrings. Mmhmm, we’re warmer already.
6 Fireplaces That Will Warm the Heart and Hearth Read More »
One of the most important and healthy things you can do for your home (to keep a long-lasting relationship with what keeps a home well) is winterizing your outdoor kitchen. And there may be a lot you’re not considering for the task at hand! That’s why we created this easy, step-by-step checklist for winterizing your kitchen (we may or may not have added some fun additional items in there for you to abide by).
A Step-By-Step Checklist for Winterizing Your Kitchen Read More »
If you’re eagerly awaiting summer we have the perfect space for you. Our client loved their pool but hated their backyard with its undersized deck, plain concrete slab and hilly terrain. They wanted a structure that embraced the husband’s affinity for wildlife and grilling and the wife’s French country decorating style. It needed to provide better space for cooking and entertaining, extend enjoyment of outdoors in inclement weather and seasons, and play well with its natural surroundings.
A Must-See Rustic Poolside Chateau That’ll Extend Your Outdoor Living Read More »
Now that the summer heat is officially simmering down, it’s time to throw open the windows and let the crisp breeze come in! Also, it’s extremely beneficial in home design (like good lighting) to open up a space. So, the product we’re featuring in this blog is the coveted Phantom Screen. These retractable screen doors can be used for windows, outdoor spaces (patios, porches and lanais), multi-panel systems and doors. Imagine a double french door that opens up to the fresh air without the burden of bugs at your ankles, yeah it’s that good! Convenience is key in interior decorating so let’s take a dance through some beautiful examples of Phantom Screens being used in our client’s homes.
Here’s a roundup of are our favorite spaces using the product and how you can incorporate into your own home.
While the kitchen is the heart of the household, it’s easy to consider a big, breezy porch as the soul of the home. This is the spot you can hunker down and read a good, juicy book. It’s the corner you can take a nap at high noon. It is the socializing hub, as a place where you can settle down with family and friends and have a nightcap. Whether or not your porch is filled with house plants, good conversation, cozy furniture or whimsical string lights, we have just the porch to get anyone inspired. Meet the breezy and especially cozy sanctuary. Pssst…if you need any porch remodeling ideas, you’ve come to the right corner of the internet.
In my humble opinion, hot tubs are great all year round! During the summertime they’re ideal for relaxing, even in the heat; throughout the winter they are the ideal way to stay steamy and warm. It’s hard to come up with a valid reason not to have one! There really is something about crawling in warm jacuzzi on a brisk fall night. Whether you want to admire an updated landscape at a new home, have a cocktail, or relax after a long run, hot tubs are the ideal space to take a moment for yourself. Now that we’re closing in on autumn as September rolls around, we thought it would be dreamy to roundup a list of our favorites. These are the hot tubs that blend beautifully into jaw-dropping landscapes (and how you can replicate at your own home).
The Hot Springs Oasis
This exquisite hot tub refuge is built right into the patio, making it appear as if it’s a part of the earth itself. The natural stones and breezy path winding down to its base makes it appear as if it’s in a hidden forest, adding to the haven vibes even more. The bonfire nearby makes for a perfect spot to tell stories and curl up in a warm towel to dry off. It’s truly reminiscent of a dreamy getaway.
How You Can Quickly Replicate: Consider lots of planters and additional landscaping near your hot tub space. Investing in a fire pit nearby adds on to the element that you can stick around and stay awhile.
A vast improvement in form and function was simply a matter of envisioning beyond the obvious and working the numbers.
Isn’t the home of your dreams supposed to be perfect in every way? You’ve invested a lot of thought and research, chosen the best builder you can afford and poured over every detail from foundation to finish only to find that even a custom build with a healthy budget can miss the mark. It happens. Decisions have to be made, not always by choice but because of scheduling, supply chains, code restrictions and more.
Making it Work: Smart Design Solutions That Maximize an Edina Home’s Hardcover Read More »
Ahhh, the sweet smell of competition and a little bug spray. Nothing says summer quite like the shuffled enjoyment of putting together backyard sports games with neighbors and friends. While there is a little summer left and a lot of fall, we’d love to see how you can best use your beautiful yard to get out and play! Psst…fall also means less mosquitos so let’s get out the bocce ball and get competitive! Your kids didn’t name you “Mr. King of Funtown” for nothing.
Now, let’s get dreamy. Home design doesn’t only need to be connected to the inside of the house. You were a kid once – and adulting might mean creating the space for your kids (and you!) that inspires you to get outside and play.
Here are some ideas we had that surely will bring a smile to your face.
7 Ideas to Incorporate Family Play in Your Own Backyard Read More »
It’s almost football season and you know what that means: entire Sunday afternoons spent curled up in a blanket watching countless hours of sports. This, of course, includes intervals of basking in between naps and checking the chili cooking in the crockpot. Beyond relaxing, autumn is a wonderful time to host afternoon potlucks with friends or watch the big game. Let’s not forget hosting the kids when they come home for college or having close family over for a staycation.
Get this – personal home office spaces are often the most neglected parts of a home; and that shouldn’t be so! It’s where you spend the most time and need the most inspiration. Also, it’s one space in the home you can really make your own. As the seasons shift to focusing on the kids going back to school and routines seep back into our busy, scattered lives – it’s time to get focused with a new and improved office space.
9 Home Office Inspiration Ideas to Get You Organized Read More »
It’s too bad you can’t close your eyes and read at the same time. Why? Your eyes caught this infinity pool home design for a reason. And that reason is to envision it as your very own. Keep reading. It’s time to envision this dream for a minute:
An infinity pool matches the color of a July dusk sky and reflects from the lake connecting design and nature like a fever dream. The pool is the central point of the triumphant and symmetric design, pulling anyone’s eye to its middle, where a crystal ball wrapped in water dazzles the center. Palm tree leaves bobbing in a light breeze, their reaching into a Minnesota sky seemingly so unique, the contrast takes your breath away. In the evening, the poolside fire bowls blaze orange beside lounge furniture, beckoning anyone to relax by its side. The space feels like a resort a thousand miles away. But you’re simply lounging in heart of Minnesota.
After a tragic family loss, the couple wanted their Minneapolis home to serve as a magnet for two young daughters and their friends. Although the property was near Minneapolis’ Lake Harriet, they were after an upscale Hamptons vibe that emphasized water, casual luxury and fun. In fact, they set the bar so high the American
Project Spotlight: Easygoing Hamptons Home in MPLS Read More »
Swimming pools come in many different shapes, styles, and designs. However, this awkward shaped pool required a much needed makeover. The homeowners were inspirited by the pools in Arizona, where they met during college. They wanted their new pool environment to get more sun, low-maintenance, and look better whether they were indoor or outside entertaining their guests.
Before and After: Dated Pool Now Modern and Marvelous Read More »
The original deck that the home builder installed felt like a missed opportunity. They insisted the structure should be incorporated into the design and that the new architecture would enhanced their home. It was a shame because they couldn’t escape the dreadful mosquitos and weren’t able to use this space year-round. They wanted a versatile space that they could entertainment year-round, grill, and lounge next to a fireplace.
The clients’ goals are to create a three-season porch that savors the scenic view, enjoy year-round grilling, bug-free space, and either fresh air or cozy fireplace warmth.
Before and After: An Ordinary Deck Becomes A Cozy Porch Read More »
This space will forever change the way our clients enjoyed their warm summer evenings! The homeowners were looking for a backyard retreat to entertain their friends and family. The one thing they knew they wanted a pool to put on their 2.5 acres of beautiful property with lots of open space. The lack of space wasn’t a problem; it was the lack of purpose. They currently didn’t have any place to hang out and really take advantage of the beautiful setting. The space felt vast and uncomfortable. There was a few main goals they wanted to accomplish:
This homeowner learned the hard way that he wasn’t in California anymore. But with the help of Mom’s Design Build, he discovered an even better outdoor lifestyle here in Minnesota. Hint: no wildfires, earthquakes or mudslides to threaten his investment.
To be kind, this homeowner outdoor living plan “evolved” as he adapted to his new Independence hillside surroundings. First came the cut-and-fill grade leveling, see-through stone fireplace and wood-fired pizza oven. Then the golf area, fire ring overlook, plantings, paving and outdoor kitchen came into play. Finally, the fixed kitchen shelter and operable dining pergola transpired.
Spring has sprung! Create the beautiful garden of your dreams with Mom’s Fine Gardening
Spruce Up Your Lawn This Spring with Mom’s Fine Gardening Read More »
After enduring the plain deck and patio that the homebuilder installed a decade ago, the family was ready to invest in an outdoor living environment that would reflect the quality of the house. Although attached, the new structure needed to make users feel they were outdoors and extend the season by providing versatile options for lounging, entertainingand enjoying the pool. Mission accomplished. The owners say they spent “about 3000 percent” more time outdoors during its first year.
The 146-acre renewal center is dedicated to restoring balance in visitors’ lives by showing gratitude and learning from nature itself. The landscaping and outdoor structures had to be designed and built with sensitivity to this higher calling while satisfying the practical demands of a public meeting place. This design company’s relationship with the Center has grown organically over a series of projects that produced a serene natural environment that feels as good as it looks and functions better than ever before.
Creating a Tranquil Environment that Renews, Inspires and Enriches Lives Read More »
Our challenge was to create an iconic, Nantucket inspired, outdoor environment for the new CōV restaurant at Minnesota’s most upscale shopping mall and opposite the country’s oldest mall. Never mind that the site was painfully narrow and overlooked a parking lot rather than a scenic bay.
In March, we can’t help but be inspired by our favorite teams in the March Madness tournament. We love when a backyard before-and-after makes you do a double-take, so we’ve singled out this unbelievable transformation that delivers playtime to the next level.
Design Spotlight: A Hometown Team Inspired Space Read More »
These fun-loving clients had visited Hawaii often and dreamed of a buying a place there someday. For now, they wanted a luxury poolscape where they could entertain friends in Stillwater three-seasons long. With a nod to Las Vegas, their second favorite destination, the mantra was Go Big or Go Home! And it had to be different. The designer responded with a unique sunken pool house with a swim up bar and premium landscaping, complete with annual Palm Tree.
This project completely changed how we spent the summer. We are out there all day long. We eat almost all meals outside: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. We read out there. We will sit out late at night with the screens down and enjoy the 360-degree sounds of the night. What we’ve accomplished is an outdoor area that is every bit as outdoors as it ever was, but it is so much more comfortable. We find that family and friends just want to hang out in this space and my wife and I do as well. We live out there.
Our client needed to create an entry landscape that would leave a first impression of the cool, unique resort community that is Concierge. We knew that we needed to enhance the outdated look and feel of the entry, attracting the young professionals working in the area.
A Designer Unlocks Luxury – And You Can Live There! Read More »
The couple loved their backyard pool but hated everything around it. They dreamed of a full-featured oasis where their teenage daughter would choose to hang with friends and they could comfortably relax and entertain while enjoying the gorgeous sunsets from high above the lake. The catch was that the new design had to incorporate the existing deck structure and bulbous concrete pool deck.
With the super bowl in our rear view mirror, now is the perfect time to develop your “Fan Cave” over the off-season. Unlike main level living spaces, a basement allows for further customization and personalization considering it is well stowed away from the unexpected houseguest.
This kitchen has all the modern amenities to create better function and easability for any busy family. Inspired by piece of reclaimed barnwood that we used as accents thoughout the home, including a barn-door over the kitchen sink pass-through that looks into the kids play area.
Often when homeowners are looking to expand their home, the first thought that comes to mind is an addition. Although an appropriate solution at times, we often overlook an easier and more cost effective solutions right before our eyes (or under our feet). Often home builders will leave basements unfinished, leaving large untapped potential in your home. Finishing your basement is a fantastic and cost effective way to expand livable space as well as add bedrooms/bathrooms. Below is a comprehensive breakdown the advantages of finishing your basement.
Planning Guide: 6 Reasons Why You Should Finish Your Lower Level Read More »
For years, the unfinished lookout basement was detached from the yard, save for a few ground-level windows. With the addition of a stunning backyard poolscape, the homeowners wanted to create a high-class entertainment space that would connect with the outdoor living environment and spare the main level powder room the parade of wet feet. It also needed to provide a more private alternative to the open floor plan above where dad could enjoy game day, and mom and daughter could tackle crafts project. Most of all, they wouldn’t accept an ordinary, boring basement.
Before & After: This Dark Basement’s Reno Becomes Inspiring Both Inside and Out. Read More »
This is not your typical kitchen because the homeowners are not your typical family. Start with mom and dad and seven kids. Then add a steady flow of foster children and being on call to provide county-licensed crisis nursery care. These gold-hearted parents needed reliable construction scheduling and super…
Before & After: Innovative Solutions Make a Big Difference Read More »
August and September usher in a different, subtler kind of beauty in Minnesota. In perfect synchronization with that change, Pennisetum “Little Bunny” is an ornamental grass that starts to shine as its inflorescences fill out into full, perky seedheads that catch the dew in the morning and dance gaily in the breeze. This little gem reaches about 18″ high by 18″ wide and prefers well-drained but not dry soil in a sunny or mostly sunny location.
The fence is the simplest way to divide boundaries and to create privacy in your yard. The difficulty with fences, however, is that many municipalities only allow for the construction of fences that are 6 feet in height. This limits to the amount of privacy that can be achieved with just a fence. If you would like to have anything taller, there are a few simple ways in which privacy can be achieved. The best such way being, with plants!
As the growing season comes to a close, it’s a good time to dream about the possibilities of spring.
The word “huge” has lost credibility this past year by its hyperbolic overuse. However, it aptly describes this ridiculously oversized magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) native to the southeast United States.
So ubiquitous is the lotus in Asian art and writing that it is easy to forget that it is native right here in Minnesota.
For those of you who live in Minnesota but secretly wish you resided in the tropics, there is a plant that can help you live out your fantasy, at least visually.
There can be a letdown in spring after the glorious clouds of the crabapple blooms have faded. Do not despair though; just as French, Korean, and Japanese lilacs extend lilac season, “Prairie Rose” extends crabapple season by blooming substantially later than other crabs.
As mid-summer accelerates into autumn, one of my favorite grasses really starts to shine.
Today’s Plant of the Week is seldom used but always adored when making its ephemeral blooms burst on the scene in June and persist through the summer.
Allium sphaerocephalon, commonly called round-headed leek or drumstick allium, provides a unique and timely explosion of color that punctuates the garden come Fourth of July.
Dawn redwoods have a spotty record in Minnesota. Some specimens die their first year, others persist until succumbing to our cold winters, and yet others keep reaching skyward year after year
For those gardeners who love ground covers but want more variety in their color scheme, consider this diminutive cousin of fern leaf tansy, Tanacetum densum ssp. amani.
Shady locations with poor soil are a perennial dilemma for Minnesota gardeners and usually result in a sea of hostas. There are precious few shrubs that grow in such conditions that maintain a tidy form.
Beardtongue may sound like a fearsome pirate, but alas it is merely a charming perennial which can be found in prairie settings throughout Minnesota.
Today’s Plant of the Week, fragrant abelia (Abelia mosanensis), will not wow anybody in a photograph, but if you happen across it in the landscape while it is in full bloom, be prepared to be swept off your feet by its unearthly fragrance.
Spruces have been utility plants in Minnesota landscape for years, but most of them are standard blue, Norway, black, or white spruces.
Arborvitae are ubiquitous in the Minnesota landscape, but the range of larger cultivars in common use is limited.
Many Minnesotans remain unaware of the bounty of hardy fruit tree options available to us. In fact, most people don’t know that they can grow anything other than apples. Among the more beautiful and intriguing fruit options are apricots such as our plant of the week…
Japanese red pines are relative strangers to the Minnesota garden but that needn’t be the case — at least in the Twin Cities they have proven reliably hardy. Today’s Plant of the Week, Pinus densiflora “Dragon’s Eye”, is a unique cultivar
Ramps or wild leeks have begun springing forth in the forests of the upper Midwest. What at first glance looks like a mass of lilies of the valley is far less poisonous and far more delicious! The leaves and long stem can be cut above the bulb and cooked or made into pesto.
Lenten roses are becoming more popular in Minnesota because of their extremely early fireworks of bloom and lustrous evergreen foliage. Many cultivars have deep burgundy blooms that are stunning but hard to appreciate from a distance. That’s the beauty of “Spanish Flare” which produces…
“What the is that??!” is what I thought when I came across this plant at a client’s garden last year. It took a while to figure it out, but I eventually concluded that this amazing, improbably hardy perennial is Deinanthe caerulea, a native of…
Sedges are quickly gaining in popularity because of their rugged, durable gracefulness. Most consist of arching leaves which emerge from rhizomes in clumps. “Oehme” is a bit different. Bright green leaves emerge opposite on stems…
What could be better than a graceful weeping ornamental conifer that looks like Spanish moss and smells like a gin and tonic?
Spring is coming and it’s easy to start wondering about all the new plants we can grow. Table Mountain Ice Plant, a South African native frequently spotted along the roadsides in Malibu, has no problem with our harsh Minnesota winters.
The “Wee White” hydrangea from the Incredibelle Series has a sturdy compact frame that reaches just 2′ tall and is covered in pure white flowers from summer to fall.
“Conica” is a semi-dwarf strain of concolor fir that maintains a narrow upright habit similar to Picea “Cupressina” but with the heavier, more substantive needles of a fir. Very tolerant of heavy snows…
A favorite of floral designers, sea holly (Eryngium) yields steely, thistle-like blooms that hold their color even after drying out. “Blue Glitter” produces clouds of stunning blossoms…
Black Tupelo is a medium-sized shade tree that is hardy in the Twin Cities but underutilized. Similar in size and habit to Acer miyabei “State Street” or Parrotia persica, it has shiny leaves that resemble an ornamental pear and turn brilliant scarlet in autumn. Insignificant green flowers in spring give rise to bluish berries when…
The native common rush forms stout tussocks in damp sunny locations throughout much of North America. An attractive plant seldom used in the garden…
Wow, what a frigid start to the new year! As an antidote to the weather I have chosen a particularly cheerful Plant of the Week…
This striking series of apples brings the bounty of the orchard into small spaces.
