It’s almost officially spring, which means we’re knocking on the door of the most wonderful season of the year in Minnesota – patio season. How do we know for sure? Well, the air doesn’t hurt our faces, and everyone seems to be the happiest they’ve ever been in their entire lives. Sound dramatic? We don’t think so, and if you live in Minnesota, you don’t either. It’s time to dine, gather, and Zoom in the great outdoors. That’s right, working inside is so 2024. But you don’t have a cozy and comfortable outdoor living area to lounge in? You have the space but need a little guidance to make it picturesque and homey? Well, you’re in luck because you have the owner of Waconia Landscaping Co., Justin Goche, and his talented team just around the corner, ready to help make this your season of al fresco serenity and style.
“There are several key elements to consider when designing a livable backyard,” Justin says. “Most importantly, it’s the site itself and the homeowner’s goals.” Justin explains that what draws people out of their houses is different for everyone, but he and his team find one thing the same: patios and firepits are two basic elements that move them from the couch to the open air.
“These spaces are often enhanced with landscape plantings to soften the hardscape (the decorative non-plant elements) and add privacy. Perennial and vegetable gardens are another element used to create a more livable backyard.” Trends that Justin and his team are currently seeing include sustainable landscapes using bold new materials in paving and unique Corten steel and natural stones in retaining features – these tend to last much longer and complement homes without having to change over with each new fad.
“Low maintenance is a term we continually hear and has become foundational when designing a space. Most new irrigation systems are installed with smart controllers that you can control in the palm of your hand. This allows for better and easier maintenance of plants and turf areas; similarly, app-based landscape lighting controllers and LED fixtures are replacing old inefficient lighting systems.”
Balance is another key term for creating functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces. “We look again to our client’s goals and budget for each project, then balance the scale to achieve the goals intended for the patio or firepit space while considering the size of planting beds for both maintenance and effect.” He says that the selection of materials in both the hardscape and softscape (the organic components that bring life and vibrancy to an area) is what balances the pendulum on the aesthetically pleasing side. Learning about each unique property and client through our design consultation process is the fun part of designing their landscape.”
If you belong to the busy homeowner population who wants a beautiful backyard without a lot of upkeep, Justin highlights the idiom we’ve heard time and time again: less is more. He suggests keeping expansive turf open for kids and pets to run around and play on. “It’s a lot easier to mow the lawn than to care for large plant beds. However, for the plant beds you choose to add, use native plants to reduce maintenance and choose landscape rocks over mulch, which will cut down on the annual care of the beds.”
If you’re a member of the cost-conscious but style-minded homeowner population who wants to elevate their existing outdoor living space without spending a lot of money, Justin recommends thinning out plants and adding some new young vegetation. However, he believes the most impactful way to enhance a space is to add quality outdoor lighting.
“Lighting brings a whole new dimension and allows for your outdoor haven to be enjoyed longer into the evening in the summer. It also changes the dynamics of the yard through the longer winter months.” And speaking of winter months, to create a cozy and inviting vibe out in the elements, Justin says to start by choosing flooring materials that are unique to the style and architecture of the home and client. Next, add freestanding seat walls to make the space more intimate by creating an outdoor room.
“Then comes the fun part for the homeowner when they get to add their distinctive flair with outdoor furniture. Couches and loveseats with end tables are an amazing way to enhance any outdoor gathering space, making it a cozy place to gather and relax. Add a portable gas firetable, and you’ve created a whole new atmosphere.”
So you’re ready to take your backyard from boring to brilliant; how does it work? “This is the fun part of what we do!” Justin shares. “In every design consultation, we put special emphasis on drawing out each client’s vision for their space. Some clients have a general idea of what elements they want to incorporate, some have it down to the fine details, and some are somewhere in between. “I often tell clients that I am just a liaison – I get to work with what they have: their goals, vision, site, and budget, and turn it into what they want!” And what you want is to experience working with Waconia Landscaping Co. so you can live your best outdoor life.
https://www.waconialandscapingco.com/