Contemporary Front Yard Landscape - Brookfield, WI

2017 Gold Award for Excellence in Residential Landscape Design and Construction - Wisconsin Landscape Contractors Association

Our client’s architect designed home had been landscaped shortly after it was built in the early 90’s, but it had since become overgrown and out of date. The existing stone walls needed some minor repair, but could otherwise remain mostly intact. The front walk and stoops, though, were disintegrating due to stone choices that were not compatible with Wisconsin winters. In conjunction with the redesigned plant beds, the front and side porches were rebuilt. After discussion with our client, we specified Valders Rustic Pavers for all the paved surfaces, to compliment the stone on the home.

After the hardscapes were taken care of, we focused on the balance of the front yard. Two lawn panels in front of the house were removed, as they were cut off from the rest of the yard and difficult to mow. This allowed for the expansion of the foundation planting beds. Within these new beds we focused on hardiness, seasonal interest and low maintenance; criteria that our client had stressed. Linear groups of Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster,’ ‘Summer Beauty’ allium and ‘Tor’ spirea flank the restored front walk. Bird’s nest spruce and boxwood provide evergreen color, while the striking combination of ‘Purpurkerze’ astilbe and ‘Limelight’ hydrangea visually anchor both ends of the house. An ‘Autumn Brilliance’ amelanchier surrounded by Vinca minor groundcover adds a vertical element in the corner where garage meets house. Fragrance was added on either side of the front porch courtesy of Koreanspice viburnum and 'Guacamole' hosta. To continue the rectilinear theme, square mulch beds were defined around the existing Betula nigra in the lawn. To finish things off, all new low voltage, LED lights were added throughout the landscape, replacing the original line voltage fixtures. Our client now receives constant compliments on her revitalized landscape.