Casual comfort

Article by: Star Tribune
Updated: March 29, 2006 - 7:53 AM

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Eric Baldus of Terra Vista Landscape and Design, presented a minimalist design that blends low-maintenance sustainable landscape plants with a generous curved play space for children and pets.

The plan includes two separate stone patios: a circular paver patio off the existing deck and a more free-form flagstone patio accented with boulders (to provide seating and table-top space) and a pondless waterfall. The two patios would be connected by a flagstone path.

For season-long color, Baldus suggests repeating simple flowering perennial beds throughout the yard. Five different kinds of perennials are easier to care for than 30, he said.

Highlights

The pondless waterfall would deliver the soothing sound of cascading water but without the work of maintaining a pond.

Wooden pergola would be built over the existing deck to support climbing plants and for shade and privacy.

Trees including Louisa crabapples and maple trees would also provide privacy, create a backdrop for the yard and offer spring flowers, fall color and winter interest.

Baldus would establish a simple planting pattern of bomb proof perennials such as Endless Summer hydrangea, coral bells, sedum, foam flower and daylilies.

Estimate: $15,000 includes the labor and materials for everything but the perennial beds and second flagstone patio, which could be a later addition.

Terra Vista Landscape and Design, 3009 Central Av. NE., Minneapolis, 612-788-7500. www.terravistalandscapemn.com.

CASUAL COMFORT TERRA VISTA LANDSCAPE AND DESIGN PLANT LIST

Apollo maple

Royal Star magnolia

Louisa crabapple

Dwarf white pine

PJM Rhododendron

Allemans Compact dogwood

Dark green spreading yew

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