problem solvers
>> Behind the Scenes
>> CHALLENGE: Replace dated landscape with
design that would not conceal the house and walk
>> SOLUTION: Removed existing material and
replaced with a contemporary Asian-inspired garden
>> SPECIAL FEATURE: Multi-section
bluestone walk
>> MAIN PLANTS: Japanese Tree Lilac, Holly,
Annabelle Hydrangea, Japanese White Pine
>> ZONE: 5
1 2 8 G R E AT B A C K YA R D S
Measured
beds and
borders
create
a clean
modern
design
asian aesthetic
A
N ASIAN-INSPIRED LANDSCAPE
isn’t normally associated with
a 1960s-style ranch house, but
the owner wanted something
more serene and unusual in his front yard.
Landscape designer James M. Drzewiecki
suggested a Far East look. “We decided to
give the interpretation of that style, since
this is not a Japanese house. Our overall
goal was for tranquility,” Drzewiecki says.
His strategy melded ornamental grasses,
flowering shrubs and trees that might grow
in Japan. Other Japanese additions were
river rocks, boulders, Japanese lanterns, slate
chips and a Wabi basin. He arranged all in a
design of two long sections of plantings and
stone, with one extending into a curved bed
for contrast. A stone walk leads to the front
porch, which was built using ipe wood. In
the lawn is a ginkgo tree, planted because of
its strong association with Japanese gardens.
DESIGNER: James M. Drzewiecki, Ginkgo
Leaf Studio, Milwaukee, WI, ginkgoleafstudio
.net, 414-303-4392
PHOTOGRAPHY: JAY WESTHAUSER
ideas we love
1
2
3
4
UNEXPECTED STRIP OF
ORNAMENTAL GRASS amid
river rock in the lawn
MOUND OF CREEPING
THYME with boulders in an
expanse of slate chips
COOL SLAB WALK made
from wet-set bluestone
EASTERN IDYLL
Reinterpreting the traditional
Japanese garden to focus on
serenity, with modern flair
G R E AT B A C K YA R D S 1 2 9
front yards
craftsman
character
Bountiful beds play foil to interlocking brick-lined paths for an inviting entry
T
HE OWNER OF THIS SUBURBAN MILWAUKEE HOME
wanted a change, so he contacted landscape designer
James M. Drzewiecki, owner of Ginkgo Leaf Studio.
In the front, Drzewiecki designed a walk from Fond
du Lac flagstone in a creamy tone that complements
the home’s façade. He used both squares and rectangles for the
main section, and irregular-shaped pieces for a large circle that
forms a transition to the front door. Many of the yard’s existing
plants were appealing, just not in the way they were grouped, so
Drzewiecki recycled them into the new design.
DESIGNER James M. Drzewiecki, Ginkgo Leaf Studio, Milwaukee,
WI, ginkgoleafstudio.net, 414-303-4392
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAY WESTHAUSER
3 4 G R E AT B A C K YA R D S
>> Behind the Scenes
>> CHALLENGE: Build new walk with natural materials
that work aesthetically with the Craftsman-style house
>> SOLUTION: Flagstone used in different patterns
for main walk and border, detailed with clay brick
>> SPECIAL FEATURE: Subtle detailing of interlaced
brickwork
>> MAIN PLANTS: Fireland Yarrow, Summer Beauty
Ornamental Onion, Rozanne Geranium, Hameln Dwarf
Fountain Grass; Northwind Switch Grass
>> ZONE: 5
ideas we love
1
2
3
4
MIX OF MATERIALS IN WALK that are
natural and relevant, and that work with
the Craftsman-style house
MASCULINE-STYLE design, with stronglooking materials and large groupings of
bold, colorful plants
LOW-MAINTENANCE plant choices,
since owner knew he would spend little
time tending the landscape
PRACTICAL RECYCLING Using the
existing plants but reworking them saved
the owner money, is eco-friendly and
lets the new landscape look mature
G R E AT B A C K YA R D S 3 5
patios, paths
& structures
gardens
rooms
fireside
overlook
A new stone terrace enhances views of the golf course and pond
T
HE BACKYARD SETTING WAS SPECTACULAR—EXCEPT FOR
an unattractive concrete patio with almost no landscaping,
recalls landscape designer James M. Drzewiecki. Because of an
existing deck off the house, Drzewiecki knew what he added
had to look good from above as well as from the lower level. His new
stone terrace incorporates the area’s Fond du Lac flagstone in rectangles
and squares for the main field, and irregularly shaped pieces for the
circular areas. He cantilevered out the fire pit’s top so it could be used to
rest drinks and plates, or as a footrest; he lined the inside with custom
fire brick. A Chilton stone retaining wall has a Wisconsin limestone top.
DESIGNER James M. Drzewiecki, Ginkgo Leaf Studio, Milwaukee, WI,
ginkgoleafstudio.net, 414-303-4392
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAY WESTHAUSER
>> Behind the Scenes
>> CHALLENGES: Make small wedge-shaped backyard feel larger; account for steep slope of backyard
>> SOLUTIONS: Designed large flagstone and brick
terrace with fire pit; constructed retaining wall
>> SPECIAL FEATURE: Fire pit of natural stone
>> MAIN PLANTS: Fireland Yarrow, Summer
Beauty Ornamental Onion, Rozanne Geranium,
Hameln Dwarf Fountain Grass, Northwind Switch
Grass, Limelight Hydrangea, Tor Birchleaf Spiraea
>> ZONE: 5
Recycle!
Broken slabs
make a mosaic
to surround
fire pit
ideas we love
1
2
3
4
5
BACKYARD FEELS LARGER because of
new terrace and retaining wall
BUDGET PLANTINGS Much of the
existing plant material was recycled
and redesigned
FIRE PIT DESIGN has cantilevered top
that acts as a space to rest drinks
TERRA-COTTA THEME in furniture
cushions and terrace materials
ORNAMENTAL GRASSES mixed with
perennials provide low-maintenance
texture and color throughout the season and from year to year
G R E AT B A C K YA R D S 1 1 1
front yards
>> Behind the Scenes
>>CHALLENGES: Fill empty
landscape to make it more
attractive and welcoming;
replace boring concrete walk
>>SOLUTION: Added
multiple planting beds that
were filled with perennials,
ornamental grasses and
specimen trees
>>SPECIAL FEATURES:
Curvilinear walk with circular
landing for seating
>>MAIN PLANTS:
Northwind Switchgrass, Jacob
Cline Bee Balm, May Night
Salvia, Diablo Ninebark, Sargent
Tina Crabapple, Autumn
Brilliance Serviceberry
>>ZONE: 5
DESIGNER James M. Drzewiecki, Ginkgo Leaf Studio, Milwaukee, WI,
ginkgoleafstudio.net, 414-303-4392
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAY WESTHAUSER
redefining
country
Masses of grasses and a
berm bring a fresh attitude
L
ideas we love
1
ANDSCAPE DESIGNER JAMES M. DRZEWIECKI,
Associate AIA, had almost a clean slate when he
was hired to design the landscape for a front yard.
The homeowner wanted a country feeling and
loved flowers. After eliminating the original walk,
Drzewiecki designed a curving path to the front door built
with concrete pavers that resemble flagstone; it is flanked
with more pavers that mimic tumbled stone. He edged the
walk with two types of ornamental grasses, which provide
interest during the long Wisconsin winter. He also designed
three large curving planting beds—one was built up more as
a berm to block his client’s home from headlights. Drzewiecki
planted it with his signature ginkgo tree plus ornamental
grasses, red twig dogwood and two black hills spruces.
2 6 G R E AT B A C K YA R D S
2
3
COST-CUTTING MATERIALS The
owners considered going with natural
stone for the path leading to the
front door, but the pavers “represented a budget decision that still
looks great and functions well”
SEASONAL INTEREST A dwarf crabapple has white flowers in spring followed by red berries later
BERM HIDES HEADLIGHTS Now the
house is blocked from approaching
cars’ headlights by a berm planted
with large evergreens and shrubs
G R E AT B A C K YA R D S 0 0
>> ask the expert
best bang for your
Long-Lasting Get thebuck
while building
Landscaping a better backyard
How are other homeowners transforming
their yards at a time when water has
become even more precious, and steep
slopes can encourage creative design rather
than make designers, architects and
homeowners throw up their hands and
retreat? Landscape designer James M.
Drzewiecki, AIA, of Ginkgo Leaf Studio
in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, guides us.
water conservation
Water has become more
precious and costly to use.
How can homeowners
rationalize having a pool or even big
pond, or are there ways to curtail
evaporation and consumption?
Q:
budget bets A curved front
walk was constructed from
manmade concrete pavers with
a cobble paver edge, both costeffective choices.
Water-wise A polished gran<
ite Wabi basin recirculates water
up through the bamboo spout.
It’s pondless, so there’s less
evaporation and water waste.
A: We are seeing fewer requests
for swimming pools or big water
features. If a client wishes to have
water as a landscape element,
we’ve been steering people toward
pond-less water features. These are
fountains, weirs in walls or sculptures
used with water, where there’s no
8 GRE AT B A C K YA RDS
exposed open water to collect debris
or attract mosquitoes. Instead, the
water disappears through a layer of
stone into a hidden, self-contained
basin below. The water is recirculated
by a pump hidden in the basin.
These pond-less features are easy
to maintain, and unlike a true pond,
they can be turned off when not in
use or when a client goes on vacation.
Smaller water features use less water,
and the pond-less method cuts down
on the amount of evaporation. In
conjunction with this type of water
feature, rainwater harvesting can be
used to supply water. Water can be
collected via rain barrels, but a more
technologically advanced method
uses buried plastic cubes or Aquablox
below ground that act as a reservoir
for collected rainwater. This water can
then be used for the above-mentioned
water features, irrigating plant
materials or even washing cars.
cost-efficient choices
No one wants to plant
expensive materials that
won’t last and require
expensive upkeep. What are some
smart choices for lawns, flowers,
shrubs and trees?
Q:
A: In terms of lawns, we’re
recommending to clients to downsize.
In a large wedge-shaped lot on a
cul-de-sac, for example, we might
recommend that half the backyard
not be seeded as lawn but instead
be turned into a native prairie. This
>> ask the expert
cuts down the use of water, fertilizer
and pesticides. Other alternatives
include low-mow fescue and various
ground covers. If a client wants
flowers, the long-lasting solution is
perennials. Besides coming back year
after year, the perennials we choose
for our designs often have very long
bloom periods. As far as shrubs and
trees, we’re including more natives or
their hybrids in our designs. Natives
require less upkeep because they have
evolved to be tolerant of weather
extremes and soil conditions; they
also attract native wildlife. Using
natives is a great way to help restore
your local eco-system. Natives are
usually grown by local nurseries; so,
you’ll also support the local economy.
perennial favorites
Perennial black-eyed Susans
flank a stone stairway and offer
an extended bloom period.
<
seller’s market A mixture
of flowers, shrubs, ornamental
grasses and evergreens ensures
year-round interest and boosts a
home’s curb appeal.
working with perennials
I’m hearing more about
perennials, which don’t have
to be replaced annually.
What do you recommend?
Q:
Creating curb appeal
Homeowners who are
trying to sell are eager to
create great curb appeal.
What suggestions do you have for
anyone listing their home to do—
without breaking the bank?
Q:
A: Hiring a landscape designer just
on a consulting basis—for a nominal
fee—will go a long way toward
preventing common homeowner
mistakes that can detract from the
overall appeal of the house and
1 0 GRE AT B A C K YA RDS
garden. We recommend starting with
the removal of select overgrown
shrubs and/or trees, and then
replacing these with newer, more
appropriate plant materials. This will
instantly update the front of a home.
Using some evergreens is a safe bet,
because they will look good yearround. Planting a simple bed or two of
long-blooming perennials can also go
a long way toward improving a home’s
appeal. Finally, the quickest and
easiest fix would be planting colorful
annuals in containers.
A: Perennials are often
misunderstood—they’re not just
pretty flowers. We use them
extensively even in front yard
landscapes, which goes against the
typical mix of evergreens against
the foundation and a few specimen
flowering shrubs. With that type of
landscape, your only source of color
would be annuals. Our designs include
a varied mix of hardy, long-blooming
perennials and ornamental grasses.
The grasses add structure and texture
to the landscape, while the perennials
solve the issue of a yearly annual
purchase. Perennials also require
very little maintenance and don’t
require the constant watering that
>> ask the expert
annuals do. We think in terms of plant
compositions where we consider
texture, color, height and overlapping
bloom periods, and we recommend to
our clients that they use a couple of
specimen annual planters.
hardscaping materials
There seems to be a
lot of attention paid to
hardscaping. What are some
new favorite materials and why?
Q:
light it right Uplighting
set by the front door adds a
dramatic glow at night even as it
highlights specimen plantings.
<
set in stone Low garden
walls help define this front yard.
The stone was chosen to match
the existing materials on the
home’s facade.
picking proper lighting
How do you pick lighting
that illuminates and is
energy-wise?
Q:
A: Full-range bluestone, although
not native to Wisconsin, is a great
choice for paved areas because of its
naturally smooth and level surface,
which makes it easy to walk on.
Perhaps more importantly, this surface
is great when used for patios and
terraces, as furniture is less likely to
wobble. A smooth surface also helps
with snow removal, making it a good
choice for a front walkway. Bluestone
is also a great material because it
can be used in traditional landscapes
as well as with more contemporary
designs. We also tend to use Mexican
beach pebbles quite a lot; we like
them as an alternative to wood mulch.
They look great around ornamental
grasses, and they also can be used
around pond-less water features.Their
blue-gray color blends well with most
other materials, too, making them an
1 2 GRE AT B A C K YA RDS
interesting addition to a landscape.
Concrete is still a viable option,
especially where cost is a concern. We
usually shy away from stamped- or
colored-concrete options, however.
Instead, we like to focus on creating
texture in the concrete’s surface,
such as window-paning or broom
finishing. The control joints—which
are a functional necessity—can also
be laid out as a part of the design.
Lately, we’ve been beginning to
consider manmade concrete pavers,
since they are becoming more lifelike when compared with natural
stone materials, and their uniform
thickness allows for easier installation.
Permeable pavers are likely to
become a greater part of what we
do to control storm water in our
area; in addition, they can be used in
conjunctionwithrainwaterharvesting.
A: Landscape lighting should not be
recreatingdaylight.Subtlelightingthat
highlights plant texture and creates
shadow is a successful application
of lighting in a landscape. Specimen
trees should be up-lit, and walks lit
at their key points and where grade
changes occur, such as at steps.
Although many cute light fixtures such
as frogs or lighthouses are available
on the market, the true objective of
landscape lighting is that you see the
effect but not the source. The brands
we specify are solid-brass fixtures with
LED bulbs. LED lighting has a higher
initial cost, but long-term there’s a
huge savings in terms of both the
amount of energy consumption and
the lifetime of the bulbs.
james m.
<
drzewiecki, AIA,
of Ginkgo Leaf Studio
in Milwaukee, WI, has
worked in landscape
design for almost 20
years.