Patio Appeal with a Living Room Feel

The backyard of Beth and Bev Luther Quast’s 1930 Tudor home near Lake Nokomis needed a remodel. Tearing down their old single stall garage left a mess, and it was time to move beyond the small patch of concrete slab and sidewalk that went from their house to where the garage stood. They wanted a large patio space for dining and entertaining, and a fire pit to enjoy throughout the seasons. They also wanted a nice space for their Goldendoodle, Babkah to hang out and be close.
Sun peaking through bright green blades of grass

Challenge

Building a two-car garage in the aftermath of tearing down the old one was a challenge because the landscaping timeline was based on the garage contractor’s timeline that ran consistently behind schedule. “Minnehaha Falls Landscaping was so patient,” says Bev. “Our patio design was dependent on the garage contractor pouring some extra concrete, and when it wasn’t happening, landscape architect Tom Kerby jumped in with a new plan.”

Solution

Tom quickly ordered more pavers, and with ingenuity and perseverance, the crew moved forward. They graded around the garage, diverting water down to the alley. Then they installed a patio of Slatestone and Versalok in smooth ash and planted hearty heat island plants of purple catmint and Karl Foerster grass along the side that meets the garage. Beth says, “We now also have a rain garden for patio run off, and the plants are dog safe and attract non-stop bumblebees. We’re looking forward to adding some colorful plants next spring.”

Results

Bev, Beth, and Babkah say they love their patio, and the design is much better than the original. “We have a peaceful space for entertaining family and friends with a nice dinner on the patio, followed by drinks around the fire,” says Beth. “Our patio is like a second living room, and we’re teaching Babkah how to safely interact with bumblebees.”

As the education and advocacy branch, we work with community partners to create safe places for our pollinators, one garden, yard, business, school, church, conversation at a time. We know that together, we can build the buzz! Learn More
As the construction branch of Minnehaha Falls Landscaping, we build outdoor decks, steps, railings, pergolas, fences, and planters. When it gets colder, we step inside to remodel living spaces with creativity and craftsmanship, including cabinetry. Learn More
As the gardening branch, we work within your landscape to grow plants, flowers, shrubs and woodland gardens that are beautiful, restorative, and safe for birds, people, pets, and pollinators. We also install bee-friendly lawns and do spring and fall clean-up. Learn More

Let's Talk!

Call us at 612-724-5454 to see what is possible with landscape design and construction, organic gardening, and indoor remodeling.