Since traveling to Japan several times the Girdkes were inspired by the simplistic and textural qualities of the Japanese landscape.  They hoped to bring this feel to their 1960's California Modern home.  They wanted to incorporate plants that could survive the MN winter, but that would have the look and feel of plants of the more temperate climates in Japan.  Plants like Japanese Forest Grass, Black Lace Elderberry, sumac and heuchera are hardy options.

The courtyard was redesigned to include natural stone, minimal pallet plantings with an emphasis on color and texture verses flowers and a focus on creating bird habitat through a dry creek bed and carved stone bird bath.

The Girdke's wanted a choesive design throughout the front and backyard landscapes and  to better emphasize the somewhat akward entrance to their home. A new planting bed with taller and more colorful grasses helps to direct visitors to the entrance. Japanese blood grass, Karl Foester and dwarf sculptural evergreens refresh the front landscape and evoke both the 60s mod and Japanese feel.