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.

The busy radiologist now calls the curbside swath ”my private oasis,” away from the backyard where her sons practice lacrosse for hours and the dog walker visits daily with up to 15 charges in tow. 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,” she observed.

Gated arbor and shrub-lined clay paver walk direct visitors to the main entry while setting public/private boundaries.

New, lighted path from front entry to carriage house is easier to walk and maintain than the former stepping stones.

New gates and enhanced fencing keep dogs in yard.
Flower beds and window boxes are fitted with automatic irrigation.
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.

Flowing planting beds work with white fencing and formal paths to create a colorful country garden.