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; proving that finding the perfect contractor is harder that it may seem. 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 was a result of joining the main house and carriage house.
Needs
To reclaim the front yard to create a peaceful English cottage landscape that would soften and embrace the combined structures to alleviate their busy elevation angles.
Design landscaping to emphasize and brighten the pathway to main entry.
Keep the dogs contained and safe.
Improve paving to the carriage house and backyard.
Functional
A gated arbor and shrub-lined clay paver walkway direct visitors to the main entry while setting boundaries between public and private spaces.
A new, lighted pathway from the front entry to the carriage house is easier to walk and maintain than the former stepping stones.
New gates and enhanced, updated fencing keep the dogs in yard.
Flower beds and window boxes are fitted with automatic irrigation systems.
Hardy-plants in amended soil meet owner’s “something I won’t kill” requirement.
Despite the region’s declining bee population, the Allium beds teem with reportedly well-behaved pollinators.
Aesthetics
Flowing planting beds complement the white fencing and formal pathways create a colorful country garden feel.
The classic gated arbor extends cottage charm into the landscape.
The existing picket fence was reoriented, painted and enhanced with ball caps to define the space and create more of a dreamy feel that pairs with the updated home.
Creative, clay paver walkways with inlaid bluestone diamonds evokes the feeling of stepping stones that the client were inspired by from the UK Instagram scene.
Designer, Heather Sweeney, chose gentle angles rather than continuous curves for the paver paths in a nod to home’s own complex architecture.
A low, natural stone water fountain is serene and understated, just what the client desired.
Innovation & Problem Solving
The bold decision to remove legacy cedars was a game changer. It took some convincing but in turn made everything else possible.
Painting and straightening out the picket fence to align with the house brought instant order to the landscaping.
While bluestone diamonds in the clay paver field was stepping-stone inspired, it is actually safer underfoot and snow blower approved.
Quality Craftsmanship
Carpenters custom built the gated arbor according to plan to create a bold statement feature.
Well-crafted walking paths with demanding patterns and angles.
The busy radiologist now calls the curbside swath “my private oasis,” away from the backyard where her sons practice lacrosse for hours. In fact, she says a psychologist friend often joins her in the garden because they both find it so peaceful. “The landscaping is simply gorgeous, tranquil.” To see more views of this space click here.
