Award-Winning Landscape Design in Minneapolis-St. Paul Contact Ground One Today
Landscape design is the architectural planning of an outdoor property. Ground One’s design professionals combine site analysis, Minnesota-hardy plantings, premium hardscapes, and functional outdoor living features into one cohesive plan that complements the home and guides construction from the initial concept through final installation.
Our full-service design-build approach turns disconnected yards into purposeful outdoor environments with lasting beauty, structure, and function.
What is professional landscape design?
Professional landscape design is the artistic creation of an outdoor property. A design team comes on-site to review the existing conditions, chooses plants suited to Minnesota’s zones, specifies hardscape materials, and drafts construction documents that guide the project from beginning to end.
Where Interior Comfort Meets Outdoor Elegance
Your landscape should feel as carefully planned as your home’s interior. Ground One designs outdoor rooms, defined spaces for relaxing, entertaining, and cooking that extend your home into outdoor living space.
Patios, plantings, water features, paths, walls, kitchens, and fire features are planned as one space. Done mindfully, it adds livable square footage without requiring a traditional home addition.
Our Professional Landscape Design Process
- Site consultation: We discuss your goals, budget, lifestyle, and how you want the space to feel.
- Site analysis and surveying: Our team measures the property and evaluates topography, sunlight, soil conditions, existing features, and drainage to determine what is possible.
- Schematic master planning: We develop a concept showing the proposed layout. You review and approve designs for any plans to move forward.
- Material and horticulture selection: We choose premium hardscape textures and plantings suited to Minnesota growing conditions, typically Zones 4–5.
- Construction documentation: Final drawings and specifications give our build team a clear blueprint.
Review the full Landscape Design + Build process.
Solutions for the Twin Cities Metro
Hardscape architecture
- Custom patios, walkways, and pavers create durable spaces for movement and gathering.
- Retaining walls manage slopes while adding structure and visual interest.
- Decks and masonry connect the home with the surrounding yard.
Softscape and horticulture
- Selected trees, shrubs, perennials, and ornamental grasses create color, texture, privacy, and seasonal interest.
- Plants are chosen for your specific property and conditions to last through each season.
Outdoor living features
- Outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, pergolas, and pools extend the outdoor season.
- TVs and sound systems transform your backyard into an entertainment area while protecting against sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Water features add calmness and increase curb appeal. Choose from ponds, fountains, waterfalls, or streams depending on your preferred aesthetic and what your property can accommodate.
Designing for the North: Year-Round Beauty
Minnesota landscapes should offer interest after flowers fade. Evergreens, ornamental bark, seed heads, structural grasses, masonry, and landscape lighting can keep a property engaging through winter.
Drainage requires the same attention. Proper grading, permeable materials, and well-planned planting areas help manage heavy rain and spring snowmelt while protecting structures and hardscapes.
Landscape Design FAQs
What is the difference between landscape design and landscaping?
Landscape design is the plan that organizes spaces, materials, plantings, drainage, and features. Landscaping is the construction, installation, and ongoing care used to carry out and maintain that plan.
How much does professional landscape design cost in Minnesota?
Cost depends on property size, complexity, required documentation, and project scope. Professional design is an investment that can reduce construction mistakes, guide budgeting, and improve the long-term use and property value.
How long does the design phase take?
Timing varies with project complexity, site information, revisions, product selections, and seasonal demand. Ground One establishes expectations during the consultation and keeps homeowners involved throughout the process.
Does Ground One handle permits?
Ground One can help identify and coordinate applicable requirements for the project. Permits and review processes vary among communities such as Edina, Minnetonka, Minneapolis, and St. Paul.
Bring Your Vision to Life
Contact Ground One for a professional consultation. Explore our specialized hardscaping, custom patio, and outdoor fireplace services to see how we execute a complete landscape plan.
