Waconia City Lifestyle invited Justin Goche, owner of Waconia Landscaping Co., to share stylish trends for luxury outdoor living. We wanted to know the best ways for creating a space that will allow us to extend our outdoor entertaining season.
What are the hottest trends in outdoor upgrades you’re seeing?
“Kitchens and gas fireplaces have been popular in years past, but now it’s about creating a backyard space that can be lived in for more than a single season. Everyone seems to want that outside oasis at home where adults and kids want to be. I’ve had numerous requests to create outdoor spaces that function as an extension of people’s interiors. Patios with pergolas, outdoor fireplaces and bonfire pits, comfortable areas to relax, cook and enjoy food are top considerations.”
What are your tips for expanding the use of outdoor spaces into fall and beyond?
“Personally, I’m planning an upgrade at home under my deck with a fireplace, pizza oven, and hot tub I can enjoy after plowing snow. We’re often hired to clear snow off patios for outside entertaining so the focus can be on preparing for guests.”
Homeowner Inspiration
We wanted to know, firsthand, what inspired homeowners to upgrade their outdoor spaces and extend past the summer season. We asked Kathy Norton, one of Justin’s clients, to give us some insight.
What was the inspiration behind your updated outdoor space?
“We spend a lot of time entertaining in the summer and with both sides of the family living locally, the parties are at our house. We tend to turn up the pool heat so our guests can swim well into fall. And we’ve added a hot tub to enhance the space in the winter. The pizza oven was inspired by our trips to Italy. It brings together my love of cooking and my husband’s love of grilling.”
Have you made anything unique in the pizza oven?
“We look forward to trying prime rib and spatchcock chicken this fall. We’re learning as we go. I make a yummy potato, chicken, and rosemary pizza which we make with pure Italian flour.”
How will you transition and entertain for fall?
“To extend the season, we put out Faribault Mill blankets, and change out our striped pillows for plaids. For us, setting the autumnal theme makes it cozy. We light the trees with café lights, torches and lanterns to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We put out bushel baskets of blankets by the fires, a s'more charcuterie bar for company, and mums in planters throughout. Given that we are Minnesotans, we also plan to plow the patio, so we can use it all winter long.”
What do your guests say about the space?
“The overwhelming response has been wonderful because we can stay outside much later into the evening and season. It makes people not want to leave, which I love. The more people around my table the happier I am. We grab a fall mulled cider, a blanket, and a seat, and enjoy our new space for as long as we can.”