• Location: White Bear Lake, Minnesota
• Awards: MNLA Honor Award, Sustainable Environments Design

This residence was constructed on an old lake cottage lot on White Bear Lake. The former property consisted of a large lawn area surrounding the old house that extended from the street to the lake. Previously, the only feature in the landscape was a small, failing retaining wall. Our clients, one of whom is an artist, worked with their Architect to create a unique residence, blending colors and architectural features in an unprecedented way. The landscape plan follows suit, merging colors and textures of plant material, both native and non-native to create a unique composition.

The circular driveway that brings one to the front entry of the house includes a circular raingarden that intercepts a majority of runoff. Upright Fond du Lac stones are staggered so that water can seep through and flow into the depressed circular bed lined with river rock at the low point. Native plants selected for the raingarden assist in the absorption and infiltration of the runoff.

The lakeshore planting design was seeded with native short grass prairie. Even though this area is adjacent to the lake, the sand piles absorb the runoff, leaving this area very dry. The landscape design for this home is sensitive to the setting on White Bear Lake. The lakeshore buffer, rainwater garden, minimized lawn area, and the use of a native plant palette contribute to a more sustainable dwelling that simultaneously allows for experiences in which the amenities of this property can be enjoyed.