Beautiful landscapes begin with exceptional design. That's our expertise. Ginkgo Leaf Studio specializes in custom landscape designs for residential clients from small intimate gardens to large estates and a wide range of commercial properties. We focus on creating stunning and inspired exterior spaces designed especially for you.
Our 22 years in architecture and horticulture combined has influenced our style, which is recognized for designs that encompass strong geometric lines, bold flowing curves, innovative architectural elements, and unique plant compositions.
Both inventive and technical, we believe exceptional landscape design is creating art through nature’s inspiration. This is our passion.
Services Provided:
Existing site analysis and plant inventory
Full color CAD plans
Hardscape design including: patios, walks,
driveways, decks, fencing and walls, arbors and pergolas, pools and water features
Planting plans
Lighting plans
3D virtual renderings
Before/After images
Construction documents and details
Bid review
Project supervision
Nursery plant selection
Plant layout
Furniture and garden art selection
Areas Served:
Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest. We will travel for projects outside the Midwest.
Certification and Awards:
Wisconsin Landscape Contractors Association – Residential Design and Construction 2013: Gold Award, Silver Award, Silver Award
Wisconsin Landscape Contractors Association – Residential Design and Construction 2012: Gold Award, Bronze Award
Our 22 years in architecture and horticulture combined has influenced our style, which is recognized for designs that encompass strong geometric lines, bold flowing curves, innovative architectural elements, and unique plant compositions.
Both inventive and technical, we believe exceptional landscape design is creating art through nature’s inspiration. This is our passion.
Services Provided:
Existing site analysis and plant inventory
Full color CAD plans
Hardscape design including: patios, walks,
driveways, decks, fencing and walls, arbors and pergolas, pools and water features
Planting plans
Lighting plans
3D virtual renderings
Before/After images
Construction documents and details
Bid review
Project supervision
Nursery plant selection
Plant layout
Furniture and garden art selection
Areas Served:
Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest. We will travel for projects outside the Midwest.
Certification and Awards:
Wisconsin Landscape Contractors Association – Residential Design and Construction 2013: Gold Award, Silver Award, Silver Award
Wisconsin Landscape Contractors Association – Residential Design and Construction 2012: Gold Award, Bronze Award
- Contact:
- James Drzewiecki
- Type:
- Landscape Architects & Designers
- Address:
- W63 N672 Washington Ave.,
Cedarburg, Wisconsin,
United States, 53012 - Phone:
- (262) 376-5050
- Website:
- ginkgoleafstudio.net
Ginkgo Leaf Studio photo is featured in an ideabook: Great Design Plant: Rozanne Cranesbill
Great Design Plant: Rozanne Cranesbill
Try this vigorous scrambling beauty as a ground cover or container plant for captivating garden color all summer long Full Story »
maarvai81358 I live in Southern NH and have several Rozeanne. They are beautiful and bloom all summer and fall.
2 days ago · Like
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Le jardinet K_sera many of the old cranesbill could behave that way but you'll be OK with Rozanne
2 days ago · Like
Ginkgo Leaf Studio commented on a discussion
cdmpe123 So it must not have propane connected to it. Also how do you keep it from filling with rainwater
9 days ago · Like
Ginkgo Leaf Studio The bowl is set up to burn wood so there is no gas connection. The bottom of the bowl was drilled with three holes to allow water to drain.
5 days ago · Like
Ginkgo Leaf Studio bookmarked an ideabook
Let's Play: Design! The Board Game
Gather some friends and print out these pages for old-fashioned design-friendly fun Full Story »
Dana Veach The angst (and lack of money) is palpable...so how come I laugh so hard at your articles, Jody?
5 days ago · Like
Ginkgo Leaf Studio bookmarked an ideabook
Do You Believe in Luck Around the House?
Broken mirrors, spilled salt, an unavoidable ladder — superstitions don't seem to affect this homeowner. Knock wood Full Story »
mrsben Superstitious not in the least though I have always had THREE Asian coins tied with a single knotted red ribbon hanging on the inside of my front door knob, to entice 'money luck and/or for a never ending source of income' and often include a set of them (as a token of auspicious money luck) with a House Warming gift that I am giving to someone. Did I mention I am not even Asian?
Also shall admit, I always enter and leave a premise by the same door and ..... I am not Italian. (Just have a terrible sense of direction so it prevents me from getting lost.) ☺
Cute article Becky! Hope your toe has correctly and completely healed.
Also shall admit, I always enter and leave a premise by the same door and ..... I am not Italian. (Just have a terrible sense of direction so it prevents me from getting lost.) ☺
Cute article Becky! Hope your toe has correctly and completely healed.
Ginkgo Leaf Studio commented on a discussion
Ginkgo Leaf Studio Thank you for the compliment! We strive to design the landscape to fit seamlessly with the home, even if it is close to 15 years after the house was constructed, The house was designed by Vetter Denk in Milwaukee.
13 days ago · Like
Barenz Builders http://www.houzz.com/pro/jenvett/john-vetter
12 days ago · Like
Ginkgo Leaf Studio commented on a discussion
Ginkgo Leaf Studio Hi enuss, lots of great suggestions so far. There definitely needs to be a better connection between the house and the fire pit area.You are correct that all it takes is money, but we work closely with our clients to determine the scope of the project AND a budget that makes sense. We are located in Wisconsin so check out our profile here on Houzz and let us know if we can be of some help. I'm attaching a photo of a recently installed project we did two summers ago in Oconomowoc. The deck was already there but you'll see in the photo that all of the spaces are connected, both visually and physically. We'd be happy to work with you.
James
James
2 weeks ago · Like
Rocky Mountain Ironworks How about adding some Artistic Steel logs to your fire pit ?? Will make your pit much more comfortable (year round) due to the amount of heat they will radiate to those seated around. I'll attach a couple pics but feel free to check out our website/Houzz for more. Happy to answer any q's you might have ;-)
Jamie
rmironworks@me.com
Jamie
rmironworks@me.com
2 weeks ago · Like
Barenz Builders Here are two local examples for you to view. The first two are in Oconomowoc and the second one is in Hartland. Let me know if you are interested in viewing either of them! 
11 days ago · Like
Ginkgo Leaf Studio likes a comment on a discussion
Ginkgo Leaf Studio photos are featured in an ideabook: 10 Rock Wall Ideas for a Style-Strong Patio
10 Rock Wall Ideas for a Style-Strong Patio
Strengthen the look of your yard — and solve landscape design dilemmas — with a rock wall that fits right in Full Story »
normpo My favorite was number 7.
5 days ago · Like
Ginkgo Leaf Studio commented on a discussion
High Tech Turf & Trees Krystal....look at our first two projects listed under our Houzz acct.. High Tech Turf & Trees: Landscapemakeover Naturally, and the MicroScape(r) & NaturPav(r) projects. I pulled some photos up top for you. You'll see the larger diameter stone Xeripave material set in sideways, just not as a large load bearing surface. It is used to filter water thru drainage boxes, etc.. If you can preserve them, it might be possible to set recycled "ladders" in at a 45 degree angle on your bank, and alternate planting between the steps, with the use of some pervious pavers between others. Could also work to hold lighter drainage material with geotextile fabric, like vermiculite used to propagate nursery stock in greenhouses, etc.. In your area you might want to consider the use of dwarf conifer nursery stock, as it would be hardier with harsh winter weather, etc.. Have you checked locally with your University Master Gardener volunteers? Might be a source of great info. I can't make any firm recommendations for your area without first hand information and soil engineering spec's....for liability purposes. Good luck! Freeway road side contractors do your type of project with pervious/permeable materials on huge sites and scales....you need to think about mimicking that on your scale.
Ginkgo Leaf Studio Hi Krystal, I agree with the comments that a rain garden on a slope is not really practical. I would suggest perhaps some stone outcropping set into the hillside. We have done a few Zen style gardens one of which is on our profile. We are in Wisconsin also, so you may want to browse some of our other projects for plant ideas. Many of the perennials we use are drought tolerant and of course hardy in our Wisconsin winters. I'd be glad to talk to you more if you have any questions after reviewing our work.
Ginkgo Leaf Studio commented on a discussion
Ginkgo Leaf Studio A photo from the driveway looking towards the front door would help with making further suggestions. Hard to tell the shape of the front walk from this photo.
3 weeks ago · Like
Lavin Landscape & Ground Maintenance Move the path to your front door, do it in a semi circle to drive. That way you will be able to walk past your tree and turn the old pathway into a bed / seating area and patio area? I would have a big circular lawn, that way the curved path will intersect it. The new circular lawn will have lots of planting areas and give you the additional privacy you desire.
3 weeks ago · Like
kathydamolidis Thank you all for your advice!
3 weeks ago · Like
Ginkgo Leaf Studio photo is featured in an ideabook: How to Pick a Mulch — and Why Your Soil Wants It
How to Pick a Mulch — and Why Your Soil Wants It
There's more to topdressing than shredded wood. Learn about mulch types, costs and design considerations here Full Story »
aldrda Very nice! I was a big fan of rubber mulch also, (see previous comment), but when i started using it on the plants in the front of my house, which get full sun 8 hrs. a day, the plants that had been there for 12 years and looked great, starting dying. I knew they were getting plenty of water, and fertilizer, so I ask a landscaper friend to look at them. He took one look at them and immediately said "You can't use rubber mulch in Florida in the summer time, because the mulch gets extremely hot, and will kill the plants!" When I picked up a handful of the mulch, I was dumbfounded how hot it was! It's alot more expensive than regular mulch, and it all came out the same day! The plants never survived, and I ended up replacing them! Maybe O.K. for shaded areas, that don't get much sun, but I'm sure Texas gets as hot as Florida. And the funny thing is, I asked a garden employee in Lowe's, and one in Home Depot, to recommend the best mulch, and they both said they don't use any mulch, because they all have problems!! go figure.......
Shahmiri Fine Art That's good to know. I used rubber mulch on the side of my house where grass would grow in patches. It too receives full sun and the grass always looked bad. With red mulch it looks clean and offers a nice contrast.
7 days ago · Like
Ginkgo Leaf Studio commented on a discussion
Ginkgo Leaf Studio Azaleas definitely do not like heavy clay which we have a lot of in Wisconsin. Not that I am biased or anything but I agree with Keith, look for a local landscape designer in your area on Houzz to create a real plan for you. It's worth the investment you are making in your property. It's likely that the plants we use in our designs could be appropriate in your area so take a look at our project photos, we try to identify the plants in our photos and I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have. Years ago I did the design for a shopping mall in Lancaster (Park City?). Not sure if you are close but you could check out the plants there. I think Limelight Hydrangeas would look great with your house. :)
4 weeks ago · Like
jmg1717 Thanks for the input everyone. We actually have hired a landscape designer to help with our backyard (pergola, patio, firepit, etc.), but I thought the front yard was "easier" and something I could try tackling myself :-). The problem is I don't want to make a mistake (plants are expensive, and my time is even more valuable), so I tend to get stumped and end up not doing anything!
4 weeks ago · Like
Ginkgo Leaf Studio bookmarked an ideabook
Strike a Balance: Stuff vs. Space in the Garden
Zoom out to the big design picture before focusing on the little details, to create a garden with all the elements in balance Full Story »
marlene7241 My back yard right now feels so cold. I am so romantic and so creative. I just move to a new place but don't have the money to do what I vision doing. I love to entertain. love dinner parties, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres on a brick patio with fire place and sitting area.
2 weeks ago · Like
imholmes You can get your garden in the condition you want if you establish a plan and work at it. It has taken my husband and I 18 years to transform a weedy and sun-scorched back yard into a Japanese Garden. We hired a landscape designer 18 years ago, and stuck with the plan, and it now looks wonderful. Don't give up. Consider your new garden a chance to start over in a new direction. I believe in planning and patience. A great garden is worth working for and waiting for.
13 days ago · Like
Ginkgo Leaf Studio commented on a discussion
Sweet Caroline Garden Design Steadfast is the word, Home Locators, but to me, as an artist, it's really not much different than painting with a brush-I'm just using the mouse.
4 weeks ago · Like
Ginkgo Leaf Studio commented on a discussion
olldroo Happy gardening mkundeoko, enjoy your retirement and don't forget to post photos of the finished result - although if your garden is like mine it is a constant work in progress.
4 weeks ago · Like
Ginkgo Leaf Studio A local garden center would be a great place to start after you've browsed the great landscape photos on Houzz. Enjoy gardening and your retirement!
4 weeks ago · Like
Ginkgo Leaf Studio commented on a discussion
Tamara Whitney They are both in total shade :( I will definitely be checking into our local garden center tomorrow to see if there is some type of insect causing this! I hadn't even thought of that. Thanks!
4 weeks ago · Like
Ginkgo Leaf Studio commented on a discussion
Ginkgo Leaf Studio I agree with VizX, a designer would ask you many questions about how you will use the space and help you to compare your wish list with your budget. With so much potential, find a local landscape professional on Houzz and get a plan so you get your money's worth out of your investment.
VizX Design Studios We ask our clients several questions before we draw a design for them. There is no real order for these questions. How often do you entertain? How many people will you have over on the average? Describe an event either personal or with guest? We also want to know your style type. The last area is budget but most of the time that is overlooked if it is something you really want.
Ginkgo Leaf Studio commented on a discussion
judet6 Hour Outside Boston, MA
4 weeks ago · Like
Ginkgo Leaf Studio Both of my earlier suggestions will work then. Limelight, Quickfire and Twist N Shout are personal favorites for Hydrangeas. Birchleaf spirea, Wine & Roses Weigela and Little Henry Itea are smaller flowering shrubs we use.
4 weeks ago · Like
Ginkgo Leaf Studio commented on a discussion
lc29 Just a thought, I really don't mind the awnings over the entry doors. If they are in good enough condition they could be attractive painted in an accent color to match whatever trim color you decide on. The large awning over the upstairs balcony distracts too much from the overall exterior design. If you want to save money in the short term keep the smaller awnings for now, they may not be original to the house, but are kind of a neat vintage touch. White with black trim, white with dark turquoise trim? Keeping the balcony cover free for a while may help you decide if you really need an awning cover.
Ginkgo Leaf Studio commented on a discussion
ws6bonnie My daughter has a Trex deck,she says it is very hot to walk barefoot on.Her deck faces E. other than that she loves it. She lives in N. Ca.
4 weeks ago · Like
Ginkgo Leaf Studio I'm always concerned about how hot the composite deck surface will get in full sun and what they will look like 15-20 years down the road. I agree with the statement about choosing the color wisely because you'll be living with it a long time.
4 weeks ago · Like
Ginkgo Leaf Studio commented on a discussion
Ginkgo Leaf Studio VizX brings up valid questions. Knowing whether you like a formal or casual style is important as is understanding what activities you plan to use the space for (dining, lounging, grilling, hot tub, shade structure, etc, etc, etc). Based on your comment of wanting a lovely backyard garden retreat, and the investment it will take, I'd suggest you look for a local landscape design professional on Houzz. It will be worth it to have a design drawn up, one based on the actual dimensions of your backyard.
lanibirch My dream is to create a space that is incredibly inviting, casual and relaxed. Where we can entertain friends on the weekend or my husband and I can dine on a deck/patio in the warm summer nights or simply curl up in the sun on an Adirondack chair reading a book. I'm contemplating a two tiered deck (which takes into account the house being raised by 2 feet) with high planter beds at the high side of the deck. Also thought of two openings to the deck... one in the similar location to the existing stairs but moved over under the car port so in the winter time you don't have to contend with the snow to get to the car and then another larger one coming out into the garden on the other side.
4 weeks ago · Like
Sign in to see 13 Reviews »
Review by ams1022bluff:
After completing an addition we had James and Kerry design our backyard landscaping and act as the contractor for the project as well. We are very pleased wit...
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Review by Genesis Architecture, LLC.:
I have worked with Jim both in his capacity as landscape designer on my architectural projects as well as a guest critic to my architectural studios at UWM Scho...
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Review by Blue Hot Design:
Jim and Kerry did a wonderful job designing the Japanese-style landscaping for our low-slung '50s ranch. They are good listeners and a wonderful team. I'm eage...
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Review by acgarni:
We contracted Jim through a recommendation of an architect. We built our home 9 years ago and weren't happy with our initial landscaping. He redesigned our land...
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Review by Gene Hanson:
We contracted with Ginkgo Leaf Studio to initially provide us with a landscape redesign in conjunction with the removal and replacement of a retaining wall whic...
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Reviews by James Drzewiecki (7)
Review for Blue Hot Design:
We have referred Marianne from Blue Hot Design to several of our clients to help them with selecting new paint colors for the exteriors of their homes. Her abil...
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Review for Sazama Design Build Remodel:
The team at Sazama is great at listening to their clients and providing them with creative solutions to their remodeling needs. Having worked with them on a num...
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Review for Modern Edge Design:
Stephanie at Modern Edge Design is a talented designer with a flair for creating highly styled spaces. She is especially well-versed in the Mid-century Modern s...
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Review for Genesis Architecture, LLC.:
Kenneth Dahlin is a truly talented and professional architect. His attention to detail and his modern designs are what set him apart from the rest. It's a genui...
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Review for Wells Design:
Peter is an inventive and creative architectural designer. We enjoy working with him on projects not only because of his skill, but also because of his 3-D capa...
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Review for K2 Structures, LLC.:
Kevin and his team at K2 Structures have done amazing work for us on our client's projects. K2 is great to collaborate with when we design a pergola, arbor, or ...
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Review for Fein Design:
Fein Design is a no-brainer. If you're looking for quality, inspired design, this is your go-to firm. A professional, creative, and talented group with integrit...
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Projects
Asian Aesthetic
· Backyard Resort
· Country Casual
· Craftsman Character
· Ecelctic Craftsman
· Elegance Restored
· Fairway Overlook
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· Old World Made New
· more...
Ideabooks
paving · lighting · paths · outbuildings · airstream · fire pits · walls · fences and screens · trellis · steps · more...
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