Common Ground Landscapes, which offers site planning, landscape architecture and design services, was founded in 1989 by Maureen Parker, RLA, who is the sole proprietor. Maureen specializes in upscale residential projects, and has been in the design field since 1982. The residential designs of Common Ground Landscapes have won multiple awards and have been featured in over 40 publications, including LASN, Architectural Digest, Better Homes & Gardens and more.

Maple Grove, Lake Charlevoix, Michigan
This custom residential project in Lake Charlevoix, Mich., included streams, waterfalls, bridges, granite pavers, bluestone, pool, spa, and extensive plantings. Michigan granite fieldstone retaining walls with boxwood hedging along the top were built to protect the wetlands below and to complement the stone on the house. The stream originates from a pond on top of the bluff behind the house. The plants lining the steam include Myosotis palustris and Juniperus horizontalis. Precast concrete planks with wooded timbers were attached to the drive surface. Featured in LASN January 2013: https://landscapearchitect.com/research/article.php/17311

 

Preserve, Bay Harbor, Michigan
This Bay Harbor, Michigan residence has panoramic views of Lake Michigan. Common Ground created paths to the shoreline, and outdoor living areas that take full advantage of the natural scenery. The design features several bluestone patios, stone steps, fire pits and extensive plantings. The New York bluestone flagging was dry laid with polymetric sand joints. Natural plantings such as bearberry ground cover and coneflowers accent the flagstone path. The upper level flagstone terrace has a seating area that overlooks the lake.

Kingsley Beach, Indian River, Michigan
Common Ground installed permeable pavers in the outdoor living room and kitchen area for this residence. In addition to the outdoor living area, Common Ground did the paver patios, a stone stairway down to the lake, and extensive plantings on the property. The wall blocks have hand chiseled textures, making each stone unique. The pavers are sealed with a matte sealer to enhance the color, and have sand joints for permeability. Steps leading to the lake are lined with Michigan granite fieldstone to retain the slope on both sides. Featured in LASN January 2015: https://landscapearchitect.com/research/article.php/20149

Kingsley Beach, Indian River, Michigan
The outdoor living spaces in this custom residential were designed to create a close relationship with the lake, with outdoor rooms for entertaining and family gatherings, decorative concrete, stone steps, retaining walls and plantings. The concrete was custom colored for the project to match the pavers, and the retaining wall stones were selected to match the home. A custom stone spa connected to the pool contains a small waterfall for visual and auditory effects.

South Shore, Walloon Lake, Michigan
Common Ground installed several bluestone patios, stepper walks and steps, stone retaining walls and plantings for this new residence. Bluestone slabs were used for the entry walk. A patio was created on the non-lake side of the house for cool, windy days. Several fountains were placed around the property. Plantings include myrtle groundcover, hardy shrub roses, and hydrangeas.