Front and backyard landscape design

These homeowners love their unique home in Plymouth, MN. Unfortunately, their existing outdoor spaces were inadequate for entertaining. In the front, what should be a welcoming entry was a decaying and dysfunctional deck. And in the backyard, there was just a postage-stamp-sized patio that could barely fit a grill. Southview's Landscape Designer presented three design concepts for the front and backyard. The homeowners loved the concept for the backyard with different elevations and were grateful to see the front yard deck say goodbye.

Front Yard Before And After

This deck was a mystery to everyone involved. Beyond being old and ready to be replaced, the placement of the steps off the driveway and straight into the garden were the opposite of functional. Unfortunately, to correct this design disaster, a mature tree had to be removed.

The new design features a paver walkway and just a single step with a contrasting tread. A circular garden bed compliments the unique architectural design of the front entry. And of course, a new tree was planted to replace the one lost to construction (RIP).

Deluxe outdoor living in the back

Calling this Plymouth, MN backyard minimalist would be an understatement – until Southview Design was called in. The tiny patio could barely fit a small charcoal grill, let alone a table and chairs.

Upgraded, this backyard landscape not only has a fully-appointed outdoor kitchen, but also has space for seating for the entire family (and then some). The new gas grill and the veneered stone surround were bought as a complete unit. The bar is a custom design, the same veneered stone with storage drawers and electric outlets. Expanded, and with room to spare, now this backyard is a fully maximalist outdoor retreat.

Brand new outdoor kitchen with a built-in gas grill is set up to provide the party with provisions all afternoon and into the night. Bar-height seating so friends can keep the cook company. Pendant lights over the bar mean that family and friends can relax well into the night.

Three steps down in contrasting gray blocks lead to a sunken sitting patio. Surrounded by a seat wall, the space is open yet has a sense of enclosure. Note the water feature in the far corner. Water pouring out of the wall onto the rock bed below provides calming sounds as the homeowners enjoy the sights and sounds of the neighborhood and lake. There are uplights on the trees and downlights under the retaining wall caps.

Don’t overlook what’s under foot. This hardscape is constructed from concrete pavers, and the retaining walls are built from Brisa textured modular blocks. These solid, concrete steps provide easy access to the yard and lake. Unmatched looks, build to last.