Wisconsin Family Estate
Private Garden – Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

This 62 acre country estate situated along Wisconsin’s Lake Geneva has been in the family for decades. The owner’s commitment to create a sustainable and native landscape that will stand the test of time drove the design. A masterplan was put in place to celebrate native vegetation and connect and organize the entire site. Short grass prairie and woodland sedge plantings line the borders and creep under the wooded areas while tall grass prairie rolls up with the grade, provided the perfect spot for a fire pit with a view. Vast spaces of open lawn envelop the central dry river bed which is embellished with striking drifts of herbaceous perennials and grasses, emphasizing both form and color – Piet Oudolf inspired plantings. The driveway between the two houses and barn at the north end of the property is re-organized to provide better circulation and to add parking, while softening the landscape with the switch to a compacted gravel drive. A large vegetable garden along with an orchard by the barn add to the notion of growing and cultivating what the land has to offer.