Local Minneapolis & St. Paul Landscaping Nature

Landscape Designers & Architects

As homeowner’s begin the vetting process, they may notice that there are two primary classifications of landscape design professionals, ‘Landscape Architects’ and ‘Landscape Designers”. This observation often pegs the questions, “What’s the difference?” and “Which is the right fit for my project?”.

An Endangered Habitat

Did you know that Minnesota was once home to 18 million acres of the prairie? Today, a little over 1% of native prairie remains, making it one of North America's most endangered habitats.

Summer Blooms to Fall Mums

The KARE 11 Back Yard is ready for Fall. Crews replaced summer blooms with fall seasonal plantings. Watch the transformation in a 30-second time-lapse video.

What Makes a Landscape Modern?

Do you think you might be interested in a modern landscape design for your yard? What is a modern landscape?

Mowing Practices

Commercial-grade equipment and best practices keep the turf healthy.

3 Qualities to Look for in a Landscape Company

Hard to believe but it’s not always “about the price.” For some, it’s more about getting good value for the money. Part of that value is feeling confident in your choice. Here are a few qualities to consider to increase your chances of a successful relationship.

Outdoor Living Under the Deck

If there is enough headroom, why not create a living room, dining area (with or without a kitchen), or kids’ play area under the deck? Put a hot tub in the corner. Add a fireplace. Extend the indoor living space under the deck.

Low-Maintenance Design Features

Consider these low-maintenance landscaping ideas for your yard and garden. Spend less time on upkeep and more quality time with friends and family.

Bringing Designs to Life

In past years, landscape designs were hand-drawn to scale with pencils and pens. Today, CAD tools made the creative process easier for professionals and more fun for clients!

5 Reasons We Are Thankful This Holiday Season

At Southview Design, we're thankful for so much. Topping our list are: our stellar team, loyal customers, helpful peers, making a positive impact, and getting to work outdoors.

Early Spring Chores

Spring is an exciting time in Minnesota. The melting snow and bright rays of sunshine serve as a welcome sign that it's time to put away the mittens and winter boots and prepare for another beautiful Minnesota summer.

Tabletop Succulent Garden Tutorial

Learn how to create tabletop succulent garden pots with this easy DIY tutorial.

Put a Toy Under Our Tree

Every child deserves a little Christmas. Drop off a toy at our office or use our Target Gift Registry. We'll deliver all the toys we collect to KARE 11.

6 Ways to Relax at Home

Now more than ever, we need our backyards as tranquil space to relax and recharge. Here are a few ideas for creating a relaxing and joyful space in your backyard.

TRENDING: Backyard Kitchens & Edible Gardens

More homeowners are asking for space to grow tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, beans, and a variety of fruits. How great to cut fresh herbs for one of your kitchen masterpieces or make a fantastic salsa with peppers from your own garden?

How to make the most of your at home vacation

In 2020 we face a unique challenge: how do we get all the benefits of a change of scenery without being able to travel? Enter the staycation – taking your time off from work at home.

TRENDING: Fun and Functional Entertainment Spaces

Since the pandemic, homeowners have increasingly sought ways to optimize the use of their backyard spaces.

Secluded Outdoor Spaces

While the outdoors can make a great place for entertaining, sometimes they are better enjoyed without the company of too many other people.

Decorating With Gourds

It’s easy to decorate for fall when you use pumpkins and gourds... and it’s budget-friendly too! Here are a few decorating tips from our pros on the landscape care team.

Fire & Light

When it comes to fire features, some look at the practicality of adding a fire feature or outdoor lighting to their landscape, while others focus on the aesthetics. Either way, both of these elements are a sound investment in the landscape.

Let's Talk About Outdoor Lighting

Examples of the different types of outdoor lighting: path lights, uplights, downlights, and wash lights.

11 Outdoor Rooms & What To Do In Them

Over the years people have embraced outdoor living and landscape designers have responded by creating better and better spaces.

One Student's Path to Career Goals

Learning how students gravitate toward a career in the landscaping industry is always interesting. Who or what influenced them to study landscape design/horticulture? Here is one student’s path.

5 Trends in Landscape Design

Some landscaping preferences will last forever. The primal appeal of fire features will endure for years to come, and the function and beauty of outdoor lighting is indisputable. But what changes are on the horizon for the landscape design industry? What innovations lie in store?

Timing is Everything

Planning or building in the fall helps you avoid delays next summer and savor autumn. Plus it's better for people and plants.

5 Fall Flowers to Brighten Your Landscape

Sweater weather is just around the corner and with it hints of red, orange, and yellow peeking through fading green canopies. Here’s a list of some of the best annuals and perennials to brighten your fall landscape.

Composting Basics

Composting converts organic waste into nutrient-dense soil. This process offers several benefits for gardens and results in vibrant and abundant plant life.

Meet Landscape Architects Meg & Justin

Landscape architecture is a multi-disciplinary profession combining creativity and engineering with a passion for the natural world and designing beautiful spaces. Meet two of the landscape architects on our team at Southview Design.

Meet Jacob Hong & Jennifer Johnson

Jacob Hong and Jennifer Johnson are two of Southview Design’s Landscape Care Representatives. Two enterprising individuals, Jennifer and Jacob heard the call of the outdoors at an early age but in different ways.

Landscape Challenge: Swimming Pools on Slopes

Water flows downhill, which is a bit of a challenge when you want a backyard swimming pool but live on a hill. Fortunately, with the right design and careful construction it is possible to build a swimming pool anywhere.

Meet our Two Sydneys

Sydney Clifton and Sydney Valiquet are two talented young women pursuing careers in landscaping.

The Language of Flowers

People give flowers to convey feelings without saying them aloud. So what does the flower you give a person symbolize? We know a red rose says, "I love you," but what about a yellow rose or pink carnation?

Women in Landscaping

Like the construction industry, landscaping has long been a man’s world. That reality may be starting to change.

Patio Design 101

Brick, concrete, pavers, or stone – and that's just the beginning. Here's everything you need to know about creating the patio of your dreams.

Meet Our 2022 Interns

Now in its seventh year​, Southview Design’s internship program provides students the opportunity to experience the landscape industry firsthand. Jack Youngren, Michaela Long, and Aubrey Stewart will spend eight weeks with Southview Design learning all aspects of the business hands-on.

Wood Vs. Gas Vs. Propane

Any fire feature is sure to become a focal point and central gathering place of your landscape design. Here are the pros and cons of the most popular fuels: wood, natural gas and propane.

3 Tips for the Beginning Veggie Gardener

With more time at home, many folks are considering veggie gardening for the first time. Here are three things to know before heading to the garden store.

Summer Pet Comfort and Safety

This summer's constant heat reports remind us to protect ourselves, but what about our pets? They can't sweat like us. How do we keep them safe?

8 New Year’s Resolutions

The days are slowly growing longer as we say goodbye to one year and welcome the next. In the spirit of the season, we’re sharing our landscaping resolutions.

Bringing the Party Outside

Your backyard oasis is a convenient and comfortable space to relax and unwind. And what better way to relax than with your favorite show or even some music?

Enhancement Team is Hard at Work This Spring

Not all landscape projects are design/build construction. Smaller landscape upgrades that improve the aesthetics and health of a residential or commercial property are called enhancements. Meet the enhancements team.

Step-By-Step Guide to Planting a Tree in Your Yard

Trees are a big investment in money, space, and time, so we’ve created this guide to help you find and plant the perfect tree for your yard.

Koller Bros

The Koller brothers started their landscaping careers in South Dakota. Josh was intrigued by the creativity of landscape design. Adam loved the challenge of landscape construction. It comes as no surprise they were a team from the beginning.

Swimming Pool Selects

Some of our favorite backyard swimming pool designs from past seasons.

Vote Southview Design, 2021

Every year, Tiger Oak Media asks their readers who is the best in your city. Don't forget to vote Southview Design for Best Landscape Designer – here's how.

Time to Start Watering Your Lawns and Gardens

Spring 2020 has had below normal rainfall and low humidity. In a normal year, we would not have to water until Memorial day. This year, it's time to water now.

The Growing Appeal of Faux Turf

Consider artificial turf for its low maintenance, water-saving benefits, and year-round green appeal, providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing alternative to natural grass.

Fertilize Your Lawn in the Fall

Fertilizing can be done at any time of the year, but experts agree that the best time for this chore is in the fall.

Ready to Go for a Walk?

Freeze-thaw-freeze-thaw. Warm days and cold nights can make walkways, sidewalks, and driveways an icy mess. Here are our pro tips for keeping your pavement safe.

Benefits of Winter Tree & Shrub Pruning

While you may prefer to stay indoors, winter is the ideal time to prune your trees and shrubs.

Ka-Boom!

Thunderstorms can happen in any season, but June is usually the most active month. They can form in less than 30 minutes and last for hours. Typically, though, a thunderstorm lasts approximately 30 minutes and, on average, is roughly 15 miles wide.

Rain Garden Facts

Water pollution threatens the delicate ecological balance of our waterways. High levels of chemicals, nutrients, and sediment harm vegetation, kill wildlife, foul drinking water, and destroy pristine recreational areas.

Pumpkin Planters by Bailey

We love the change of the seasons! Here's a super easy and fun project for the whole family.

Outdoor Living Design Ideas – Friendly competition at home

Are you trying to perfect your short game, start a neighborhood pick-up league, or host family-friendly competitions at home? We've all seen backyard pools and basketball hoops on the garage. Consider these less common backyard games.

Smart Landscapes

Learn how the introduction of smart technology in landscapes transforms spaces from great to excellent.

Meet Juliana and Noah

Juliana and Noah came to Southview this past summer, eager to learn how our company functions. They spent time in design, maintenance, marketing, and in the field. Their time in the field included landscape installation, maintenance, irrigation, and lighting.

TRENDING: Water-Conscious Landscaping

With drought conditions continuing, it should come as no surprise homeowners are leaning toward water-saving landscape options such as rain gardens, rain barrels, and drought-tolerant/native plants that don’t need much water.

Tired of Turf?

If you are ready to try something different, these alternatives to sod require less water, less fertilizer, and less effort to maintain.

Jumping Worms

You may think those wiggly worms in your soil are helping your garden, but not so fast. Some species of earthworms, such as the Jumping Worm, can negatively impact soil and plant health.

Summer Heat and Your Plants

This is not our first hot summer day, and it won't be the last. Our plants and trees suffer right along with us in the heat. Here are a few things to look for and a couple of tips to help your landscape through this heat.

Five Ways to Dog-Proof Your Yard

Our four-legged friends are part of the family. Their undeniably cute faces, waggy tails and unconditional love bring immense joy to households around the world. As cute as they may be, sometimes pets can really “ruff” up our outdoor living spaces.

New Year, New Roles

Congratulations Mike Mathwig, Mike Goergen, and Ross Inselman on their new roles at Southview Design. We are lucky to have you!

"Table Talk" Christmas Tree

The holidays are here! This easy DIY project is guaranteed to put everyone in the Christmas spirit.

5 Ways to Enhance Your Front Yard

The front entry is the gateway to your home. It should welcome guests or be a comfortable place to pause before saying good night. Over the years, Southview has installed hundreds of front yard living spaces. From charming front porches, to cobbled walkways and even front yard Zen gardens.

Insider Scoop: Mike Goergen of Southview Design

We asked Mike Goergen of Southview Design about his thoughts on the landscape industry. He has a few tips for homeowners.

Top 3 Maintenance Tips for Swimming Pool Owners

If a pool is on your must-have list, consider the three most important must-dos in maintenance.

2022 Landscape Design Trends

The pandemic has reshaped the industry and inspired a new era of landscape design trends. What changes are on the horizon for the landscape design industry? What innovations lie in store?

Meet Abby and Ben

During their internships with Southview Design, students move through design/build, landscape care, enhancements, and business/marketing, getting a glimpse into what the green industry has to offer after college.

Conserve Water, Reduce Costs

In the U.S. landscape irrigation uses more than 7 billion gallons of water per day. Irrigation audits, proper maintenance, and smart irrigation can reduce waste, save money.

Bring it on, 2021

Southview Design takes a moment to reflect on 2020 and how it will shape landscape design in 2021. Some landscaping preferences will last forever. But what changes are on the horizon for the landscape design industry? What innovations lie in store?

Nine Flower Bulbs For Minnesota Gardens

Here are nine, gorgeous spring perennials that you can plant every weekend until Halloween.

Select Salt-Tolerant Plants

Choose salt-tolerant plants that die back each year for areas along sidewalks, driveways and streets where deicing salts may be used.

Ohm Sweet Ohm Wins Awards for Sustainable Building

Net-zero home with energy-saving features and a sustainable landscape design is recognized by Green Builder Media, AIA Minneapolis.

Basement Flooding and Landscape Drainage

Every year, one of the top pain points facing our clients is landscape drainage. Caused by melting snow or heavy rainfall, uncontrolled water creates soggy areas in your lawn and can cause serious damage to your home. So, how do you prevent a flooded backyard?

Smart Salters

After participating in the MPCA training program, Southview Design crews became certified Smart Salters.

Winter Has Probably Trashed Your Yard

No matter how carefully we put our gardens and landscapes to bed for the winter - winter always manages to win out. Here's what you can do to fix snow mold and bring your yard back to life in the spring.

Southview Saves The Day

A client with a serious and very frustrating water problem asks Southview for help!

Patio Perfection

The patio is one of the most important features of your outdoor living area. It’s important to plan carefully, choose the right materials, and above all, build a compact and secure base before installing pavers, stone, or concrete.

Battle of the Beetles

Japanese Beetles are an invasive insect that will munch their way right through your garden. Here's how to get this common garden pest under control.

Why Mow Low?

Drop mowing height to approximately 2.5 inches leading into winter. This final mowing can be the most important cut of the year for your lawn, simply because the way you go about it will determine your lawn’s resilience and ability to resist diseases throughout the winter months ahead.

Why Fall is the best time for Planting Trees and Shrubs

Many landscape designers would agree that Fall is the ideal time for planting trees and shrubs.

What To Do With Fall Yard Waste

As you put your backyard to rest for the season, follow these tips to make your autumn backyard clean-up as smooth as possible.

Vote Southview Design, Best Landscape Designer 2023

Every year, our local community lifestyle magazines ask their readers who is the best in your city. Don't forget to vote Southview Design for Best Landscape Designer – here's how.

Small Yard, Big Impact

Our designers can customize your yard to how you want to use it, no matter the size.

Treat Apple Scab in the Early Spring

Did your crabapple tree turn brown and drop its leaves suddenly mid-summer last year? If so, apple scab was likely the cause.

How To Overseed Your Lawn

A step-by-step guide to regrowing your patchy lawn and restoring dead brown spots in your yard.

Rejuvenation Pruning

Get Your Yard Ready for Fall: A Complete Cleanup Guide

Get your yard ready for winter with a thorough fall cleanup.

Design-Build Process Illustrated: Classic Backyard & Swimming Pool

Not sure what it takes to make a basic backyard beautiful? Follow along, step-by-step, through the process of creating this award-winning landscape design in Shoreview, MN.

Vote Southview Design, 2020

Every year, Tiger Oak Media asks their readers who is the best in your city. Don't forget to vote Southview Design for Best Landscape Designer – here's how.

How to Create Christmas Porch Pots

Evergreen winter porch pots are a quick, easy, and festive winter decoration that will last from Black Friday to New Year's Day – and beyond.

Mulch Madness

​It’s that time of year again. The ice is melting, the birds are chirping and those first rays of warm sunshine are peeking through the clouds. Springtime is here, and homeowners are eager to get their yards in tip top summer shape.

The Healing Power of the Outdoors

Here are some fascinating ways in which nature positively impacts our physical and mental health, providing you with even more reasons to invest in your outdoor space.

Water until the freeze, please

Trees and shrubs are stressed from the summer heat and drought. Keep watering until the ground freezes.

Step One: Collect the Sap

Eager for Spring? Making maple syrup in your backyard is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while you're waiting for the snow and ice to melt. Step one: collect the sap.

Plunge into this New Design Trend

One unique design trend in the last couple of years has certainty captured our attention – the plunge pool or dip pool. ​

Landscape Care During a Drought

While you might be tempted to give your lawn, plants, and trees extra water and fertilizer during a drought, these practices can actually do more harm than good. Instead, keep these tips in mind.

Soak away the winter chill

Minnesota winters can be harsh, but cozying up in your hot tub is a great way to find warmth and relaxation all season. Here are five hot tub tips for frigid temps to help you soak away the chill.

Sparkling Luminaria

Have you ever wondered how to make sparkling candle-lanterns out of ice? Here's a fun and easy way to add a festive touch to your yard.

The Fortress of Solitude: When something goes wrong, how do you make it right?

Mistakes can happen in any business. Whether you are a mailing house, a restaurant, or a landscaping contractor. When something goes wrong, how do you make it right? Here’s what worked for us.

April No-nos and To-dos

Feeling the urge to get out in the yard? Here are a few don'ts and dos for early spring chores.

How to Plant Flower Bulbs in Minnesota

Step-by-step guide to planting fall flower bulbs in Minnesota. Once planted, most bulbs need little maintenance and will reward you with a show of color every spring.

Land of 10,000 Lakeshores

Learn how Southview Design works to protect Minnesota's precious waters from erosion, reduce runoff, and create habitats for native plants and animals.

6 Ways Landscaping Can Save Energy & Money

Landscaping is the most natural way to keep your home cool in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Monarchs, Migration, Milkweed

The monarch populations have declined 90% since the 1990s. Want to help? Plant milkweed. Here's how.

Show Your Love for Pollinators This Growing Season

Many often wonder why pollinators are important in their garden. Pollinators are important because they are vital in the reproduction of flowering plants and the fruits and vegetables. So if you want large blooms, seeds, fruits, and vegetables in your garden, make it a pollinator friendly garden!

Show Your Love for Pollinators This Growing Season

Many often wonder why pollinators are important in their garden. Pollinators are important because they are vital in the reproduction of flowering plants and the fruits and vegetables. So if you want large blooms, seeds, fruits, and vegetables in your garden, make it a pollinator friendly garden!

How to Create a Mood Board

Share your landscaping style and personality with a professional landscape designer by creating a mood board. Collect images, then choose your favorites.

Spring Yard Tips

When to prune. How much to mulch. Secrets for a greener lawn. Plus, growing flowers that thrive.

Step Two: From Sap to Syrup

To turn sap into syrup you'll need space to store lots of sap, a propane stove, time, and some basic equipment.

2023 Landscape Design Trends

Over the last three years, we have seen a growing number of homeowners ready to invest in their outdoor living spaces. While many preferences have remained consistent, others have evolved and inspired a new era of landscape design trends.

Luxury Backyard Ideas That Will Actually Make You Happy

Fine craftsmanship. Refined aesthetics. Superior comfort. Over-the-top grandeur. These are the elements that define luxury.