Backyard City Party

Description of original landscape

The yard was typical Minneapolis city lot, with a fence that surrounded green lawn space and a plain concrete walkway that connected the garage with the back door service entrance. Your best view from inside windows was a telephone pole that starred at you when you looked out to the back yard, neighbors looking in like a bird sitting on a tree branch. No trees existed on site or bushes to soften the fence or the home.

Owner’s vision and goals

Owners wanted a spa where they could relax after working all day, and have privacy from the neighbors looking down into the space. Yet an area where they could entertain large gatherings for the annual October fest party, and an area where people would love to hang out in the neighborhood and are one. Play area for children and barbeque kitchen counter space with seating for guests.

TriDesigns assessment

We approached this design as an all in one space where many things could happen in a very tight space yet feel very comfortable and larger then the space would allow. Privacy was a key issue blocking unwanted views into the space, and views looking out of the space had to be enhanced and give some shade to the desired areas. Pavers could give the space a feeling of separate seating entertainment areas yet the look would make it feel as one large space with the pattern that was picked out.

TriDesigns solution

We designed a fence extension with arbor pieces that would block out views from the neighbors looking down into the space, and yet tie into the look of the fence that existed on site. The spa was tucked I a corner with easy access into the home on those cold winter nights. And a bar kitchen barbeque area with a roof was designed along the fence to give a tropical felling, like you are sitting at a bar in Mexico having a cold beer with your partner, and a brick patio space would tie the spa area and bar as one uniform entertainment space. With plantings of flowers and trees and evergreens that would give seasonal interest throughout the entire season, we added some vines to soften the fence in certain areas. With a porch that is glassed in for seasonal warmth from the chilly springs and falls that we have in Minnesota. We look forward to creating a unique outdoor kitchen for your entertainment needs with family and friends like we did for the “Newcome Family”

Homeowner Testimonial

"Tom Dahlmeir has worked with us on two occasions.  The first project was a backyard landscape for our home in southwest Minneapolis. We have limited room but wanted a big result and that’s what we got.  We met with Tom to discuss what we were thinking and the look we wanted to achieve.  He listened carefully and created a beautiful design that we now refer to as serenity in the city.  Anyone can plant a tree or flower, but it takes a professional’s eye to design a yard that flows and fits into the space allotted. 

The second project was a simple design for our front yard and, as expected, he delivered again in style. If you want to see what your small backyard could look like you are welcome to visit our home anytime."

- Mike and Marie N., Minneapolis, MN