The design team met the clients shortly after they had both retired in the early 2020s. They had lived in the house for years and raised their two children there. Now, with an empty nest and plenty of time to focus on themselves, they wanted to create a relaxing, low-maintenance backyard that they could enjoy.

Creating an Japanese-Inspired Garden
The primary goals for the backyard were to remove the existing small deck, create a large patio area, and add a more usable walkway to the driveway and alley. The existing landscaping left the clients feeling like they were in a fishbowl, with wide-open views of the alley and the neighbors to the south. They craved some privacy but didn't want to build a solid wood fence. As a couple who travels often, they hoped their landscape could draw inspiration from the simplistic and peaceful gardens of Japan, but with a modern feel - utilizing the five elements of nature in a contemporary capacity. They planned to remove the existing garage and construct a larger one that included space for a workshop. Lastly, landscape lighting was a priority on their list, both for safety and to provide interest.

Construction Challenges
One of the major challenges of the project was scheduling and phasing. To meet deadlines, the hardscapes had to be installed while the garage was being constructed. Due to budget constraints, the screens were not installed during the first phase. Rather, the screens were added a full year later.

 
The paving selections were chosen to reflect the mixing of different types of stone often seen in formal gardens around Japan. Dark basalt was specified to coordinate with the color palette of the new garage, while the buff limestone was selected for a cohesive feel with the existing stucco on the house.

Lighting was designed to showcase specimen plants and boulders. Path light fixtures were selected to reinforce the Asian-serenity vibe. The path light fixtures are unique, and each one represents one of the five elements of nature: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space. The elements of nature fixtures each cast unique shadows across the lawn, planting beds, and hardscapes, and the four fixtures around the main part of the patio were positioned so their shadows would intersect. The large trap rock boulder was hand-selected and placed. Its banding of quartz complements the limestone bands running through the patio.

Privacy Design
Custom screens were designed to obstruct views of the alley, garbage bins, and neighboring property. The aluminum frames were powder-coated to match the garage trim. The opacity of the acrylic panels varied depending on how much light and shadows they wanted to see in each area. The taller screens were placed with gaps between smaller panels of acrylic to connect the design of the service and main garage doors. The custom acrylic screens create a visual barrier between the back patio and the alley. Solid panels of 95-100% opacity acrylic were used around the garbage, recycling, and compost bins for maximum screening. The rest of the screens were constructed with 75% opacity acrylic and one-inch gaps between panels to allow additional natural light into the spaces. The design team added upright columnar evergreens along the fence to achieve additional privacy from surrounding neighbors without compromising the design. The dark leaves of the Snakeroot (Actaea racemosa 'Chocoholic') in front of the screens provide a fantastic contrast, and the Red Creeping Thyme (Thymus praecox var. coccineus) ground cover fills the space between the steps.

Botany for Cohesion
Plantings were chosen to thrive in the sandy, well-drained soil. The plant palette was kept simple and focused on foliage and texture rather than blooms and color. Columnar trees and evergreens were added around the property borders to add privacy and screen the view of the neighboring homes. The Korean Maple (Acer pseudosieboldianum 'Arctic Jade' and cloud-pruned Junipers (Juniperus chinensis 'Trautman') reinforced the theme. Plant communities were intentionally planted densely, and groundcovers were added to create a layering effect and provide a mat of green mulch. The technique of dense plantings minimizes the amount of mulch needed moving forward while remaining low maintenance.

Irrigation was installed but is used sparingly. The small lawn area is in a separate zone from the planting areas. Catch basins and drain tile were installed to capture water from the roof and funnel it into the planting beds.

Hardscaping and Site Amenities
The hardscape elements of this project were not only intentional for the design but paramount in adding an emotional, personal touch that makes this project unique and special to the design team and client.

The homeowner provided a few small boulders from his late father to reuse in the planting beds. Adding this sentimental detail makes this space that much more personal and custom to the client - a true extension of home. Light fixtures were selected to represent the five elements of nature and reinforce the garden's overarching theme. The warm shadows of clouds from the custom-built light fixtures can be seen at night, cast on the installed striped limestone and specimen boulders. In addition to the up lighting, Columnar Oaks (Quercus robur x alba 'Skinny Genes' ) and surrounding boulders were added.

Design Reception
The design team successfully brought a peaceful space to life for the homeowners to relax and entertain. The landscape connects the new garage to the existing home. The custom screens and plantings provide privacy without using a dark or visually heavy wood fence. Stone and plant selections bring an Asian feel to the space while being low-maintenance and appropriate for Minnesota. Lighting extends the time the clients can enjoy their backyards throughout all seasons. This retired couple now has their dream Zen garden!

As seen in LASN magazine, August 2025.