Contemporary Front Yard Landscape - Brookfield, WI

2017 Gold Award for Excellence in Residential Landscape Design and Construction

Wisconsin Landscape Contractors Association

This award-winning Brookfield, Wisconsin project revitalizes an early‑90s architect‑designed home whose landscape had become overgrown and outdated. Updated hardscapes, expanded planting beds, and a thoughtful mix of hardy, low‑maintenance plants now give the property a fresh, cohesive look that complements the home’s architecture.

This renovation began with a landscape that had been installed shortly after the home was built in the early 1990s. Over time, the plantings had become overgrown, and several hardscape elements were failing—particularly the front walk and stoops, which had deteriorated due to stone materials ill‑suited to Wisconsin’s freeze‑thaw cycles. While the existing stone walls required only minor repairs, the porches and walkways needed full reconstruction. After reviewing options with our client, we selected Valders Rustic Pavers for all paved surfaces, chosen to complement the stonework on the home and provide long‑term durability.

With the hardscapes addressed, we turned our attention to the planting design. Two isolated lawn panels at the front of the house were removed, allowing the foundation beds to expand and creating a more unified, functional layout. The client emphasized hardiness, seasonal interest, and low maintenance—criteria that guided every plant selection.

Linear groupings of Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster,’ ‘Summer Beauty’ allium, and ‘Tor’ spirea frame the restored front walk, adding structure and rhythm. Bird’s nest spruce and boxwood provide evergreen presence, while the dramatic pairing of ‘Purpurkerze’ astilbe and ‘Limelight’ hydrangea anchors both ends of the home with bold color and texture. At the junction of the garage and house, an ‘Autumn Brilliance’ amelanchier rises from a carpet of Vinca minor, adding height and seasonal interest. Fragrance was introduced near the porch with Koreanspice viburnum and ‘Guacamole’ hosta, creating a welcoming sensory experience.

To reinforce the home’s rectilinear architecture, we defined square mulch beds around the existing Betula nigra in the lawn. Finally, new low‑voltage LED lighting was installed throughout the landscape, replacing outdated line‑voltage fixtures and enhancing nighttime curb appeal.

The result is a refreshed, cohesive landscape that honors the home’s architecture and meets the client’s desire for beauty, durability, and ease of maintenance—earning her frequent compliments from neighbors and visitors alike.