Local Minneapolis & St. Paul Landscaping Careers

Inspiration Posts



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.

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.

Calvary Cemetery Memorial Day Service 2024

Photos of the service honoring those who have passed.

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?

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.

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.

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.

Smart Landscapes

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

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.

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.

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?

Small Yard, Big Impact

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

Swimming Pool Selects

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

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.

10 Emerging Landscape Design Trends

Whether you're looking to revamp your backyard or create a welcoming outdoor space, here are 10 emerging landscape design trends that are making waves in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

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.

Elevate your Garden: A Guide to Vertical Gardening

Discover the art of vertical gardening – a space-saving solution to bring lush greenery into any environment. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a novice, learn how to transform walls and fences into vibrant oases of growth and beauty.

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.

Low Maintenance Landscaping Ideas

Low-maintenance landscaping saves you time, money, and resources. By implementing these ideas, you can spend less time working on your landscape and more time enjoying it.

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?

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!

What is Riprap?

Answers to common questions about rip rap and shoreline restoration. A guide for homeowners.

TRENDING: Fun and Functional Entertainment Spaces

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

Captivating Transformations

Captivating before and after landscape transformations. From unremarkable spaces to beautifully-crafted outdoor areas.

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.

How to Force Branches to Bloom Indoors

Here's a general guide on how to force branches to flower or bloom indoors.

Backyard Putting Paradises

Golf enthusiasts dream of the perfect shot, the ideal putt, and the serene ambiance of a golf course. But what if you could bring that experience right to your doorstep?

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.

DIY Indoor Herb Garden Tutorial

An indoor herb garden not only elevates your cooking but also adds a touch of greenery to your space. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy fresh herbs all year long.

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?

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

Make-A-Wish Backyard Transformation

The impact of a granted wish goes beyond the immediate joy—it brings hope, strength, and resilience to the child and their family. As a company dedicated to creating outdoor spaces that enhance lives, partnering with Make-A-Wish was a natural fit for us.

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.

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.

Landscape Architects and Designers - What's the Difference?

There are two primary classifications of landscape design professionals, Landscape Architects and Landscape Designers. Many people wonder, “What’s the difference?” and “Which is the right fit for my project?”.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Let's Talk About Outdoor Lighting

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.