CHARM ON MINNESOTA

Recently, I took on two projects located on one of my favourite heritage streets in lovely Collingwood. Minnesota is a charming street—and it’s exciting to see many of the beautiful old heritage homes undergoing architectural and landscaping revitalization. I’m quite excited to see these wonderful projects realize their greatest design potential.

Early this Spring I was invited to visit this lovely property and provide consultation on how curb appeal might be improved upon with landscaping enhancement. I designed an initial plan to present to my client and once it was approved, the question came up if the Fussy Gardener might roll up his sleeves to do the planting and implementation as well.

I generally tend to oversee the selected contractor and various aspects of the project—but from time-to-time I like to get my hands dirty, flex my fussy muscles and get out my trimmers! The size of this property seemed manageable enough so along with my trusty young helper, Jacob, we started to schlep. Initially, the focus was on the front yard to green up and dress this sweet house with the landscaping it deserved.

Ric Riordon, the Fussy Gardener | Dream it. Plan it. Create it.

Stately revived!

PAST AND PRESENT

The second Collingwood project I’m working on has involved a more in-depth process over several months, beginning last winter. This exceptional historic property is undergoing a significant renovation. I have the pleasure and opportunity to design a landscape plan to envelope the restoration and weigh-in on how the exterior and interior spaces will complement. While the structural work is underway there are landscaping considerations such as tree removal and large tree plantings that require preplanning with the excavation and construction process.

Below are some initial ideas I put to paper which are evolving as things progress. Initial clearing of overgrowth and fallen trees has begun with large plantings scheduled to begin this fall once the house exterior is complete and crews are working inside.

Things are taking shape and this property promises to be a stunner. I’m excited to be part of this wonderful project!

Ric Riordon, the Fussy Gardener | Dream it. Plan it. Create it.