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Peg’s Pond
A while back, I got a call from my sister-in-law Peg Johnson, who lives in Portage, Wisconsin. The conversation went something like this: “Say, I was wondering…. I know you build ponds and water...
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Peg’s Pond Part II
Last time I wrote an entry (Peg’s Pond) about building a pond for my sister-in-law Peg. A planting season has gone by, and as you can see by the pictures, the place has changed quite a bit! Peg now has...
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Pond and Water Feature Basics
The interest in having your own water feature has risen dramatically in the past few years. If you are thinking about installing your own pond or water feature, there are some basic principles you...
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Ponds and Water Features: A Backyard Paradise
A few years back, I installed a 11′ x 16′ pond with a waterfall in our back yard, next to our paver patio. It’s something that I’ve enjoyed immensely, and has become the focal point of the yard. Any...
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Award -Winning Perennials, part I
Each year, the Perennial Plant Association picks a perennial plant that it feels has the outstanding qualities to be voted Perennial Plant of the Year. With the global warming, Northfield is on the...
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Award-Winning Perennials Part II
Perennials of the year 2000-2005 2000 Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ This long blooming “pincushion” flower will make a great addition to the front border of your garden. The small but profuse flowers will...
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Patios and Ponds: the perfect combination
A while back we did a project that involved constructing a large clay paver patio and walkway designed by Northfield landscape architect Spencer Jones. This project involved clay pavers, outcropping...
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Replacing an old flagstone wall with retaining wall block
In Minnesota flagstone (or limestone) can be used to make beautiful, naturalistic retaining walls. The only thing is, the wall can break apart if the limestone is not the right kind for building walls....
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Landscaping a small space
Designing and landscaping small spaces is one of my favorite things to do. I tend be be somewhat of a private person myself, so I enjoy creating intimate, private spaces. There is something therapeutic...
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Perennials for old fashioned gardens
Perennials for old fashioned gardens Davidii phlox In Northfield, we do a lot of landscaping around older homes. I remember when I was younger, my Mom and Dad would take me to Grandma’s house. I’ll...
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