BEE LAWN SPECIAL | Contact us TODAY about BEE FRIENDLY LAWNS
BEE LAWN SPECIAL | Contact us TODAY about BEE FRIENDLY LAWNS
Last Updated on February 24, 2026
Minnehaha Falls Landscaping and its remodeling branch operate as licensed contractors, delivering construction and remodeling projects that meet Minnesota codes and industry standards.
Minnehaha Falls Landscaping has earned “Best Garden” awards and has been honored by multiple Minneapolis mayors and local organizations for its contributions to beautiful, ecologically responsible urban landscapes.
Minnehaha Falls Landscaping has been listed among the top gardening and landscaping services in Minneapolis for its expertise in organic, pollinator-friendly gardens and full outdoor living spaces.
Owner Russ Henry is a Certified Soil Life Consultant who uses science-based soil management to build healthy, resilient landscapes. His expertise in soil health underpins every design, installation, and maintenance plan our team delivers.
Minnehaha Falls Landscaping is home to Bee Safe Minneapolis, a community initiative founded by Russ Henry that partners with homeowners, schools, churches, and businesses to create pesticide-free, pollinator-safe habitats across the Twin Cities.
Through Russ Henry’s leadership, Minnehaha Falls Landscaping is connected with Blue Thumb Partners and the Organic Landscapers Association, reflecting a broader commitment to water-wise design, native plantings, and chemical-free landscape practices.
Russ Henry served as Chair of the Minneapolis Park Board’s Pesticide Advisory Committee. Formed in 2018 to research alternatives to glyphosate, the committee brought together experts and community members to guide the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board toward organic, pesticide-free land management practices that protect public health, pollinators, and local waterways.
Minnehaha Falls Landscaping is consistently praised by clients for creative design, meticulous installation, and environmentally conscious practices.
Minnehaha Falls Landscaping helped transform a conventional yard into a native habitat with a pond, dry stream bed, and rain gardens. The project contributed to the owners receiving a Landscape Environment Program Award and showcases our expertise in water-wise, native plant design.
Minnehaha Falls Landscaping created a lush, perennial garden designed for an elderly homeowner who wanted color, birds, and beauty right outside her door. The mature plantings and wildlife-friendly design turned a simple yard into a neighborhood landmark and lasting family legacy.
Across numerous homes, schools, and community spaces, Minnehaha Falls Landscaping has installed bee lawns, native gardens, and pollinator refuges that provide four-season interest while eliminating the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
(JoContractor – Podcast, June 17, 2024)
In this episode, Russ Henry shares the story of Minnehaha Falls Landscaping, discussing how a passion for soil health, pollinators, and community shaped the company’s ecosystem-based approach to design, installation, and maintenance.
Dishing with Stephanie – Podcast, February 17, 2023
Russ joins host Stephanie Hansen to talk about organic landscaping, bee lawns, and food forests, offering listeners practical ideas for creating beautiful, chemical-free yards that support local ecosystems and healthy food.
Food Freedom Radio (AM950) – Radio Interview, April 16, 2022
In this conversation, Russ explains the principles of food forests—layered plantings of trees, shrubs, and perennials that produce food while functioning like natural ecosystems—and shares ideas for bringing food forests into urban and suburban yards.
Green Tea Conversations (AM950) – Radio Interview, April 11, 2021
Russ talks about creating bee gardens and pollinator habitats, outlining plant choices, design strategies, and maintenance practices that help bees and other beneficial insects thrive in residential landscapes.
Food Freedom Radio (AM950) – Radio Interview, April 10, 2021
This episode focuses on bee lawns as a practical alternative to conventional turf. Russ explains how flowering groundcovers can reduce maintenance, support pollinators, and still provide functional, family-friendly lawn spaces.
Food Freedom Radio (AM950) – Radio Interview, August 22, 2020
Russ appears on Food Freedom Radio to connect organic landscaping with food systems, discussing how soil care, pesticide-free practices, and diverse plantings can improve both environmental health and the quality of food grown at home.
Green Tea Conversations (AM950) – Radio Interview, August 30, 2020
Russ discusses how ecosystem-based landscaping goes beyond traditional yard care, emphasizing soil health, native plants, and pesticide-free practices to create resilient, beautiful spaces for people and wildlife.
Food Freedom Radio (AM950) – Radio Interview, November 7, 2019
In this segment tied to the premiere of the documentary Ground War, Russ talks about the risks of lawn and garden pesticides, the importance of protecting communities from chemical exposure, and how organic landscaping offers a safer path forward.
Food Freedom Radio (AM950) – Radio Interview, September 21, 2019
Russ explains why avoiding synthetic pesticides is central to his work, outlining their impacts on soil life, water quality, and human health, and sharing practical alternatives for homeowners who want safer, healthier yards.
Food Freedom Radio (AM950) – Radio Interview, June 1, 2019
Inspired by Rachel Carson’s legacy, Russ reflects on the continued relevance of Silent Spring and discusses how modern organic landscaping can help address the environmental concerns she raised, from biodiversity loss to chemical pollution.
(Golden Valley Garden Club, January 2024)
This feature recaps Russ Henry’s talk for the Golden Valley Garden Club, where he explains why healthy soil is essential for clean water, carbon sequestration, and resilient gardens, and shares practical strategies homeowners can use to rebuild soil life in their own yards.
(Star Tribune – July 6, 2022)
This profile highlights how Russ Henry transformed his urban Minneapolis yard into a dense, layered food forest filled with fruit trees, shrubs, and perennial edibles, using it as a living example of regenerative, ecosystem-based design that neighbors and clients can learn from.
(Edina Lifestyle / City Lifestyle, June 2022)
In this feature, Russ Henry explains why organic lawn care starts with soil health, describing how Minnehaha Falls Landscaping uses compost, beneficial organisms, and bee-friendly practices to replace chemical treatments and create long-lasting, low-input lawns for Twin Cities homeowners.
(Edina Magazine, May 2022)
This article showcases Minnehaha Falls Landscaping’s approach to bee lawns and pollinator-friendly yards, detailing how simple plant mixes—like clover, self-heal, creeping thyme, and fine fescues—can create family-friendly lawns that support native bees without fertilizers, herbicides, or frequent mowing.
(Longfellow Nokomis Messenger, 2021)
This feature profiles Russ Henry’s work as a leader in bee lawn installation, describing how organic lawn alternatives can support pollinators while reducing maintenance for homeowners.
(Star Tribune, 2021)
This article covers the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board’s move toward reduced pesticide use and organic land management. It highlights Russ Henry, owner of Minnehaha Falls Landscaping, as chair of the advisory panel formed to research alternatives to glyphosate, reinforcing the company’s leadership role in safer, pollinator-friendly public land practices.
(Make It Minnesota – The Giving Issue, December 2017)
This feature introduces Russ Henry’s earlier company, Giving Tree Gardens, and explores how his organic gardening work connects personal health, community well-being, and ecological stewardship—planting the seeds for the ethos that now guides Minnehaha Falls Landscaping.
(MSHS Northern Gardener)
Minnehaha Falls Landscaping’s owner, Russ Henry is frequently invited to speak to garden clubs, conferences, and community groups on topics like soil health, pollinator habitats, and pesticide-free landscaping, including features in Northern Gardener, the Alley News, and local garden clubs.
(MSHS Northern Gardener – August 21, 2024)
Russ Henry makes the case for spreading plants and groundcovers as allies in low-maintenance, high-impact gardens. He explains how the right “spreaders” can outcompete weeds, protect soil, and create lush, living carpets that support pollinators and biodiversity.
(MSHS Northern Gardener – October 13, 2023)
In this fall-focused article, Russ challenges conventional “clean it all up” yard practices and describes how over-cleaning can damage soil life, wildlife habitat, and plant health. He offers a more ecological approach to fall cleanup that balances tidiness with protection for overwintering insects and beneficial organisms.
(MSHS Northern Gardener – September 3, 2023)
Russ reflects on the loss of ash trees to the emerald ash borer and what it means for neighborhoods, canopy cover, and local ecosystems. He also points readers toward resilient planting strategies and diverse replacements that help rebuild urban forests.
(MSHS Northern Gardener – March 15, 2023)
This piece outlines organic, ecosystem-friendly strategies for tackling invasive buckthorn without relying on heavy herbicide use. Russ walks gardeners through timing, removal techniques, and replanting with natives that restore health and structure to woodlands and shady yards.
(MSHS Northern Gardener – February 3, 2023)
Russ highlights the ecological value of willows, arguing that they deserve a more prominent role in modern landscapes. He explains how willows support wildlife, stabilize soil, and offer flexible design uses—from rain gardens to living screens.
(Nokomis Messenger – March 1, 2023)
In this community-focused article, Russ examines the history, current challenges, and future possibilities of Minnehaha Creek restoration. He discusses pollution, stormwater, and shoreline issues, while highlighting restoration strategies that could bring the creek back to ecological health.
(Nokomis Messenger – January 26, 2023)
Russ looks at the hidden chemistry of household dust and how it reflects the products and practices we use indoors and outdoors. He encourages readers to make healthier choices in cleaning and yard care to reduce toxic loads in their homes and neighborhoods.
(MSHS Northern Gardener – September 1, 2022)
In this article, Russ introduces readers to bee lawns as a practical alternative to traditional turf, then pushes “beyond” into broader pollinator-supportive practices. He shares seed choices, care tips, and companion planting ideas that help yards come alive with bees and butterflies.
(MSHS Northern Gardener – August 10, 2022)
Russ outlines concrete steps gardeners can take to support monarch butterflies, from planting milkweed and nectar plants to reducing pesticide use. He emphasizes how even small home landscapes can become part of a larger conservation effort.
(Nokomis Messenger – May 24, 2022)
This article explores the biological control of lawn grubs using beneficial nematodes. Russ explains how these microscopic allies work, when to apply them, and why they’re a safer, more ecosystem-friendly alternative to conventional grub killers.
(Nokomis Messenger – March 23, 2022)
Russ introduces the concept of a neighborhood food forest and breaks it down into approachable steps for homeowners. He covers layering, plant selection, and design principles that turn yards into productive, perennial food systems.
(Monitor St. Paul – March 10, 2021)
In this piece, Russ explains how bee lawns can save homeowners time while creating vital habitat for pollinators. He shares practical advice on transitioning from conventional turf to low-input, flower-rich lawns that still function for everyday use.
(Natural Awakenings – April 1, 2021)
Russ highlights the surge of life that arrives with spring and offers tips for supporting early pollinators. He encourages readers to adjust cleanup routines, plant early-blooming species, and create chemical-free spaces that allow bees and other insects to thrive.
(Natural Awakenings – October 1, 2020)
Using the metaphor of Earth as a shared “spaceship,” Russ discusses our collective responsibility to care for soil, water, and biodiversity. He connects everyday gardening and lawn decisions to larger ecological impacts, inviting readers to adopt more regenerative practices at home.
(Minneapolis Home & Garden Show – Minneapolis, MN, March 2024)
Russ Henry walks homeowners through the basics of bee lawns, explaining how clover, fescues, and flowering groundcovers can replace traditional turf to support pollinators while reducing inputs like mowing, watering, and chemicals. The session focuses on practical steps for converting existing lawns, choosing the right seed mixes, and maintaining a beautiful, low-maintenance, pollinator-safe yard.
(Dakota Gardeners Club – Dakota County, MN, March 2024)
In this live presentation, Russ Henry introduces native perennials, grasses, and shrubs that provide a four-season habitat for bees, butterflies, and birds. He guides attendees on how to design layered native plantings, match species to site conditions, and maintain gardens organically so pollinator habitats remain healthy and vibrant over time.
(Becketwood Cooperative – Minneapolis, MN, February 2024)
Russ Henry shares the story of Becketwood’s prairie restoration project, outlining how formerly conventional turf areas were converted into diverse native prairie plantings. The talk covers site preparation, seed selection, phased installation, and long-term management, demonstrating how community landscapes can be transformed into resilient, ecologically rich spaces.
(MSHS Northern Gardener – Online Webinar Series, 2023)
Russ Henry introduces viewers to the concept of backyard food forests, explaining the eight ecological layers—canopy, understory, shrubs, herbs, groundcovers, vines, root crops, and mycelial networks. The session walks through how to design and plant a small-scale food forest at home, emphasizing perennial edible plants, soil health, and low-maintenance abundance.
(Dakota Gardeners Club – Dakota County, MN, March 2024)
In this live presentation, Russ Henry introduces native perennials, grasses, and shrubs that provide a four-season habitat for bees, butterflies, and birds. He guides attendees on how to design layered native plantings, match species to site conditions, and maintain gardens organically so pollinator habitats remain healthy and vibrant over time.
(Becketwood Cooperative – Minneapolis, MN, February 2024)
Russ Henry shares the story of Becketwood’s prairie restoration project, outlining how formerly conventional turf areas were converted into diverse native prairie plantings. The talk covers site preparation, seed selection, phased installation, and long-term management, demonstrating how community landscapes can be transformed into resilient, ecologically rich spaces.
(MSHS Northern Gardener – Online Webinar, September 29, 2022)
Russ Henry, owner of Minnehaha Falls Landscaping and founder of Bee Safe Minneapolis, explains how bee lawns can replace conventional turf with flowering, pollinator-friendly groundcovers that still stand up to foot traffic. Russ covers seed mixes, establishment, mowing and maintenance, and then expands “beyond” bee lawns to include native plantings and habitat features that support pollinators throughout the growing season.
(MSHS Northern Gardener – Online Webinar, June 13, 2022)
Russ Henry demonstrates how even modest urban and suburban yards can be transformed into productive backyard food forests. He highlights plant selection, site planning, and layering techniques that allow homeowners to grow fruits, nuts, herbs, and perennial vegetables in beautiful, wildlife-friendly spaces.
(MSHS Northern Gardener – Online Webinar, May 2, 2022)
In this session, Russ reframes lawns and gardens as living systems that can generate abundance when managed organically. He explains how soil life, compost, and thoughtful plant choices can reduce chemical inputs, lower maintenance, and create healthier spaces for people, pets, and pollinators.
(MSHS Northern Gardener – Online Webinar, January 25, 2021)
This webinar focuses on simple, impactful actions homeowners can take to protect local ecosystems from their own backyards. Russ shares practical ideas—from reducing pesticides and planting natives to supporting pollinators and managing stormwater—that empower everyday gardeners to become “backyard heroes” for the environment.
(MSHS Northern Gardener – Online Webinar, January 25, 2021)
Russ Henry connects soil health directly to clean water, showing how organic lawn and garden practices can reduce runoff, filter pollutants, and protect local lakes and rivers. The presentation highlights compost, mulching, deep-rooted plants, and chemical-free care as key tools for homeowners who want to safeguard urban watersheds.
Ready to transform your yard into a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape that supports pollinators, protects soil health, and fits your life? Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy patio, a native garden, or a full-yard redesign, the Minnehaha Falls Landscaping team is ready to help.
Contact Minnehaha Falls Landscaping today to schedule a consultation and start planning a landscape that’s good for you and good for the planet.
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!
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.
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.
Call us at 612-724-5454 to see what is possible with landscape design and construction, organic gardening, and indoor remodeling.