Ginkgo Leaf Studio

The team at Ginkgo led the design of our landscape for our new construction home. Our home is modern and at the edge of the cliff but none of this presented a challenge for them! They listened to what we wanted and provided a plan that matched those desires. They do a good job balancing what you ask for vs. what might make more sense, but ultimately are very customer focused. We had them architect the plan and then had a local landscaper do the install. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone!

I contacted Jim at Ginkgo for a completely new backyard and front yard design at our home in Shorewood. Being the prudent consumer I am I had a few other bids including a design-build firm who could include both design and construction in one price rather than a design fee (like Ginkgo's) plus landscaping / hardscaping costs. I received a bid from the design-build firm for the back yard which included a design (which left a lot to be desired) and the price which was quite high. So I decided to go with Ginkgo for the design and then bid out the landscape / hardscape work. Jim’s design was thoughtful, gorgeous, and fit the style of our house. We couldn’t have been happier with the end result and the process overall. We opted to hire Jim as the project manager as well and he was on-site many times throughout the entire project making sure things were going to plan and even showed up with a tape measure on install day making sure the distance between plants was perfect. Not a thing was overlooked during the process. As an added bonus, not only did we get a superior design but the cost of the landscaping, design (front and back yard) and project management came in less than the design-build firm who offered a poorly planned design for only the back yard that didn't’ take many of our requests into consideration . Gingko gets an A+ from us and we highly recommend them.

Jim, Hannah, and the landscape crew were excellent to work with. From consultation to design to execution, all were very professional and responsive. The end result of this project is stunning. Friends, family, neighbors are universally impressed with the layout, plant selection, and the gorgeous blue stone and brick elements. Thanks, Ginkgo Leaf Studio!

Over the years we marched half a dozen or more landscape professionals through our backyard, telling them what we wanted. They would return with a drawing of what we asked for, but we were never moved to action and weren't sure why. Friends referred us to Jim Drzewiecki of Gingko Leaf Studios in Cedarburg. After consternating over his price to draw up a backyard plan we decided to move forward feeling we have already wasted as much money, maybe more, either doing things ourselves or to other landscape companies that did not fully deliver. We met with him in our overgrown, wooded backyard, described exactly what we wanted including preserving the best parts of our woodland and made it very clear we wanted a pergola off the back of the house over the twelve-foot patio doors in order to extend our living space. A couple of weeks later he returned with the plan showing the pergola off to the side (I was not happy) and explained it is best to have it there in order to allow more light into our family room, have the warmth of a fire pit be the focal point and to avoid walking out of our house and around a dining table (of potentially dirty dishes) to get to the backyard. Beyond the hardscaping, the plan called for plants that would artfully integrate into our woodland setting. Everyone else gave us what we asked for, but it never felt right! Fortunately, Jim had the confidence in his vision and talent to NOT simply mirror the design we thought we wanted. Finally, a beautiful hardscaping and landscaping plan, along with a plant portfolio that moved us to action! The plan was bid out and we selected Jay Stilb of Endless Summer Landscaping in Cedarburg. Given our confidence in Jim we hired him to manage the entire project, as we wanted to be sure his expertise was leveraged from beginning to end. The plan was not straight forward, it called for a lannon stone patio with dining and fire pit areas. A water feature, with a dry creek. Lighting and well over 100 plantings. Jay and his team were very professional and easy to work with. His attention to detail was outstanding. He specifically chose one of the signature rocks because it had a divot that collects water and installed it near a bird feeder. In the midst of chaos, heavy equipment and workers Jay carefully protected a small bush given to me in memory of my father which meant so much to me. The final step of the project was the planting. Jim and his Associate Hannah mapped out all the plants according to the plan with precision and art, checking from all angles to be sure they got it right not just to plan specifications but for our daily enjoyment; privacy, nature, art, birds, etc.! Both Jim and Jay were •great listeners and communicators •very, very attentive to all details which meant we did not have to worry or wonder •detail oriented yet willing to be flexible on the fly •artful in all aspects of execution •patient and met us where we were at, sometimes appropriately coaxing me/us along •collaborative throughout the process which lead to some enhanced design elements Together, their collaboration of art and science have transformed our backyard into what our friends have called a sanctuary.

We are very pleased with the work of Ginkgo Leaf Studio and the contractor they chose, Stone Oak Landscape. We would highly recommend both. Jim Drzewiecki from Ginkgo is very knowledgeable and professional. His recommendations and design resulted in a transformation of our yard into a peaceful and beautiful space as we had hoped.

After interviewing a number of candidates to create a new patio space and garden, we felt Jim and Ginkgo Leaf Studio were a great fit for us. Every home is special and Jim approached our project with care and respect. We live in a home designed by Russell Barr Williamson and wanted a design that would complement and enhance the setting yet fit in with our contemporary lifestyle Jim went through several design iterations taking our input along the way and respecting our budget. Once the designed was decided upon we also used Jim for the project installation supervision. He was here overseeing the contractors installation, tweaking things as necessary. That supervision was so important the the final look and feel of the design and the contractors he selected were excellent and up to the unique aspects of the project We can't say enough about Jim's professionalism, advice and guidance on our new outdoor living space.

Working with Jim was a fantastic experience. He offers the perfect blend of creativity and realism. Our home in Brookfield has gotten rave reviews. He's a true expert on designing for Midwest landscapes, using beautiful, local plants and materials.

Our adventure with Jim @ Ginkgo Leaf has been such an exciting journey. We started our design consultations in April 2015. Over the next few months we bounced ideas back and forth, finalized the requirements, budgets, graduated from conceptual sketches to hand drawn plans then finally to CAD layouts. Over the next two years for the execution we worked with Jim & Kristin on budgets, coordination/supervision of work with all the subcontractors (concrete pours, irrigation, landscape, lighting, etc.), planting layouts, last minute tweaks, and we saw the front project to completion. A prime requirement of this project was to be able to phase portions in, and Jim led us through the maze and not once did we ever have to rework an area or step on prior work. The plants have been in for one growing season now. I am continually amazed, and cannot wait to see the yard at the three year mark - when things have really filled in and matured. Some of the unique touches include a printed plant portfolio, plans worthy of framing, attention to the growing seasons so that something is always interesting, and a genuinely fun adventure with collaboration at every step of the way. Thanks Jim & Kritsin. Looking forward to starting work in the back.

After experiencing some difficulties with retaining walls and drainage, we had some specific landscaping concerns and additional longer term goals. Local help was workmanlike, but not inspired. While searching online, we were repeatedly drawn to pictures published by Jim Drzewiecki, of Ginkgo Leaf Studio. We were excited to find that he was located here in Wisconsin. From our first contact, Jim truly listened and honed in on our goals. He brings an artist’s and architect’s eye and appreciation for site, history, and style, and blends this with a masterful knowledge of plants and foliage. He (and Kristin) responded to our specific needs and requests with a balanced and proportional, artistic plan tailored for us and our site. Jim helped us to find an outstanding landscaper. Even though the landscaper was phenomenal, we particularly appreciated Jim’s oversight and project supervision, which was meticulous from the initial planning stage through final completion. His supervision gave us additional confidence and allowed us to step back and enjoy the process and results. Because he was on site so often, Jim was able to make adjustments for various site changes and to fine tune the design. These details would have never occurred to us, and add another level of quality to the landscaping. Jim is remarkably detail oriented (which we appreciate), and his supervision is exceptional. He also quickly accommodated and beautifully planned what became a major expansion of the project. Jim and Kristin were a joy to work with, and we could not be more pleased. Although this was an extensive and expensive project, we feel that it was well worth it. Not only are Jim’s designs inspired, his supervision of our several year landscaping project was critical in coordinating and obtaining the final results, which we think speaks for itself.

Ginkgo Leaf Studio designed the front landscaping for our 1950's ranch home. We have some unique design requests, as part of the goal of this landscaping project was to make our front accessible for a child with disabilities, which included modifying the driveway and front walk into the house. The design captured my desires for an informal look with native plantings and the need for structure and presence in our home. We had the front planted this year and enjoyed the color combinations, year round interest, and really thoughtful addition of plants that will engage our son through texture, scent and sound. The work of Jim and his team is professional, planting recommendations were very creative while working with what was existing, and the quality the work is unmatched. The project has given this home a new life and has made our home not just accessible but inviting.

Jim and his team were very helpful through our entire landscaping project. From the original concept and design through project management and job site supervision until the final phases. Ginkgo Leaf provided key information about all aspects of the project. The next time we consider an outdoor project, the first place to begin is with a call to Jim.

Jim and Kristin at Ginkgo Leaf Studio made my first landscaping experience an extremely positive one. I am not a gardener! I knew I wanted an Asian garden, but that was about it. By asking the right questions, Jim and Kristin had a vision for my garden that exceeded my expectations. Their design ensured that I would have the low-maintenance I wanted, coupled with a serene aesthetic. What I really appreciated was their supervisory expertise. I did not have to worry (or be home) when the contractor was here doing the installation. They would be at my house in-person to ensure that everything was being done to order. That took the worries off my shoulders and let me just enjoy the fruits of their hard work. I understand it takes three years for a garden to reach its potential. I think mine already looks great in its first year!