The Challenge

The Martins wanted a highly maintained lawn and a landscape that always looked top-notch. After trying several other landscaping companies, the Martins were looking for a landscaping company that offered a high level of service and attention to detail.

The Solution

Our team worked closely with the Martins to develop a full Land Care plan, a specialized lawn program, and a bed maintenance schedule. Paragon frequently communicates with the Martins to tweak each service as needed – keeping the air clear, the service crisp and the curb appeal exactly to their specifications.

The Result

“Paragon has taken care of my yard fertilization and landscaping maintenance for over 10 years. I am extremely picky about the appearance of both. They have always gone the extra mile when providing their services. Simply put – I am very pleased with their work and can highly recommend them to potential customers.”

Craig Martin, property owner

The Challenge

The Murphys had a large property near Cedar Creek. Because their yard is situated in a heavily wooded area, it was important to keep the natural surroundings from turning the yard into an unruly mess of nuts, leaves, native insects and pests.

The Solution

The Paragon Land Care team planted large swaths of naturalizing plants – like prairie dropseed and ostrich ferns – to help the Murphy’s landscape blend with its natural surroundings. To keep the yard tidy and prevent wooded overgrowth, Paragon provides expert care and extra attention on a regular basis.

The Result

“Paragon is a very professional company with knowledgeable and courteous people. The landscaping that they designed for my property is beautiful. They have taken care of my property for almost four years and the work that they do is excellent.”

Mark Murphy, property owner

The Challenge

The Dousts lawn desperately needed a little TLC. The property was also difficult to keep up, particularly because of an overwhelming amount of annual flowers.

The Solution

What was once an eyesore became the best lawn in the neighborhood. To give the lawn a fresh start, the crew used Paragon’s unique lawn renovation process to kill the existing grass, reseed with specialized grass seed, and create a tailored fertilization program. Our Land Care team worked closely with the Dousts to replant annual flowers and create a convenient care schedule. Paragon crews handle planting and more complex services, and the Dousts regularly communicate with their Paragon representative to take care of the rest.

The Result

“Paragon has been very easy to work with and exceptionally professional in every respect. After 15 years, our lawn was a mess and needed the TLC it received from Paragon crews. They work closely with us through the seasons to make sure our goals are being accomplished. We have always appreciated the exceptional service.”

Joe Doust, property owner

The Problem

When we first met to walk the new backyard, the Crawfords had 5 kids under 6 years old. Their family was exploding with inquisitive energy. They had a new home with a pool in the backyard, but it lay open to the common area behind their lot. The void open spaces weren’t inspiring, and the steep hill down to the pond was dangerous for kids.

The family entertained a lot, so they desired a wide list of play spaces for kids as well as great hangout spaces for adults. All was to be incorporated with beautiful seasonal color and flowers.

In addition to the complications of so many spaces in a small area, the subdivision added a complication by restricting the height of any fences or landscape plantings so views of the pond wouldn’t be blocked for neighbors.

The Solution

We designed the landscape all the way to the edges to take full advantage of every inch of the backyard. We ordered a survey, so we knew exactly where the edges of the property lay. Then we planned a graceful metal fence around the entire backyard and side yards, and laid out spaces, starting with a swingset on the axis of the pool. The swingset can double as a trellis, and can be made into a porch-swing pergola in the future. We offset the oversized posts due to the sloping edge of the property. This offset also allowed us to make room for the firepit, roller-blade path, and bicycle “off-road” pathway.

The trike and roller blade path sweeps around the perimeter of the property. A play lawn with an inground trampoline are encased inside the path, and the slender space between the path and the fence is filled with flowers and lush plantings. The path is banked for turns and corners, and connects the play spaces, which include the swing area, a boulder amphitheater fire pit, a big under-deck sandbox, and an extended back edge of the pool deck where kids can safely pass adults chatting by the pool. Two “off-road” spurs sweep up the otherwise unused sides of the property. The firepit doubles as a boulder-scramble climbing area for kids.

No space was wasted. Even the blank space under a second small deck was made into a tidy storage area with a sliding barn door painted to match the house, as if it had been planned that way from the beginning.Finally, all was wrapped with fencing that is sophisticated while also providing a safer boundary. The colors and fragrances of the plantings are designed to spark youthful imaginations and interweave with the memories they create in their childhood backyard. Landscape lights extend the backyard’s usefulness and beauty deep into the night and for kids to play outdoors at all times of the year. Irrigation and a professional maintenance plan keep it tidy and lovely so this busy family can focus on playing and enjoying their backyard.

The Result

The result is a protected garden, loaded with play spaces and entertainment areas that capture every inch for this active family to play and build memories.

“I used paragon for an extensive landscaping job on our new home. They did an amazing job from start to finish. Due to the extensive nature of the job it took many weeks and each night the crew left our yard impeccable…walks blown off, tools packed up and away. I am very impressed with their attention to detail. We have also used them the last 2 years to maintain the landscaping and they do a beautiful job. I am very glad we chose them, I just couldn’t imagine anyone could to them!”

Dr. Sheri Crawford, DMD

“This is the most fun I’ve had as a designer in a long time. The Crawford family is loaded with energy and fun. My “inner 5-year-old” was unleashed. Plus, It’s easy to design when you know your team can deliver even the most complicated projects. And it’s satisfying to design when you know the spaces will be well-used by the clients. What a delight all around!”

Trent Schrock

The Problem

The landscape around the Ruckman Oral office was a run-of-the-mill commercial landscape. Dr. Ruckman desired a unique, colorful, eye-catching landscape, focusing attention on his office signs and building entry. He especially requested flowering trees around the property and beautiful views through the windows in the rooms where clients are served.

The Solution

We designed a mix of long-term White Oaks to build structure and frame views of the office from the main approaches, then splashed a wide mix of flowering trees in the remaining lawn spaces, placing each for best presentation and long-term beauty.

The main business signs announcing the Ruckman Oral office were accented by powerful stonework displays, and framed with oak trees, to capture attention from a distance. In keeping with Paragon’s style and the client’s desire for color, we planted a lush mix of flowering plants among the boulders and around the main sign.

The view from the client windows was more difficult since the ground was barren and fell away to an unsightly drainage swale. Our first step was to build up this area with eye-stopping ledgestone walls and loads of soil to raise the grade. Then we lavished this area with spring, summer, fall, and winter color by planting tall narrow specimen trees that will grow into a vertical tapestry of seasonal color. Beneath these, large groupings of groundcovers and flowering plants provide season-long flowers and year-round color.

As a bonus, we polished up the unfinished employee patio area Ruckman’s had made for their employees. Flower pots are the “icing on the cake” of a finished landscape. They bring softness, color, and life to hard patio areas. We added five in the patio, and their popularity spread. In the end, we added flower pots to the employee patio, the main entrance, and the surgery exit.

We also noticed that staff walked across the grass to the employee patio entrance rather than entering through the main door, so we installed a Paragon stone pathway to make a beautiful secondary access. Lighting is one of the best investments one can make in a landscape. Good lighting will extend the return on investment of one’s landscape from both inside and outside views. So, Christmas lighting and decorations were added inside and out. Vibrant displays extend enjoyment through the holidays and deep into the winter.

The Result

“We absolutely love our new landscape and the way it has completely transformed the look and feel of our property. The design is both beautiful and functional, and everything flows together in a way that feels natural and inviting. What surprised us most was how much better everything turned out than we even imagined—the plant selections, layout, and overall attention to detail truly exceeded our expectations.”

“The new landscape has changed how we use and enjoy our outdoor space. Working with Paragon was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The team was professional, communicative, and clearly passionate about their work. They listened to our ideas, offered thoughtful suggestions, and delivered exactly what they promised. The quality of craftsmanship and care they put into every detail really shows. We couldn’t be happier with the results and would highly recommend Paragon to anyone looking to enhance their outdoor space.”

Dr. Phil N, Ruckman III, DDS

“Phil and the staff at Ruckmans are highly professional and efficient. I loved working on this project with such a friendly and appreciative client and staff, and although I think it already looks amazing, I look forward to watching this design fill out and grow in beauty over the coming years.”

Trent Schrock

The Problem

The Snyders had a dated landscape needing cohesion, and a blank backyard with no
outdoor destinations. Their goal was a landscape update with rugged outdoor living
destinations include a fireplace and dining table for entertaining family, and for the
regular events they host with their friends.
 
The landscape needed to be useful and easy to access from all directions. It also
needed to be beautiful from all inside views, while inviting the Snyders out-of-doors into
their spacious countryside setting.
 

The Solution

Starting with the Snyder’s love of living outdoors, we built a lovely garden with stone
walls, flower-strewn pathways, and a hand-crafted stone table made by our stone
artists. The crown jewel of this landscape is the hobbit-like custom stone fireplace,
which stands as a pleasant invitation to rest and let the hours slip by while enjoying a
real-wood fire. Trees and tall shrubs form "living walls" that enclose the living space and
make it private without cramping garden-goers or crowding in upon their relaxation.
 
The front concrete walkway was replaced with more stone, which was fashioned in a
natural-edged walkway, and our stone artists added a hand-crafted stone bench as a
destination and focal point at the patio by the entry. The entry side of the house is
shady, so groundcovers and shade plants soften hard stone surfaces.
 
Many of our stone projects are quite dressy. This project utilizes a relaxed and rugged
style of our stonework, softened by hardy flowering plants and groundcovers, to provide
the Snyders with an everyday rustic outdoor experience. Our aim was to give them a
Northern Michigan vacation vibe without the travel.

The Result

Working with Trent at Paragon Landscaping was truly transformative. Our 1972 home rests in a beautifully mature natural setting, yet the spaces surrounding it felt unfinished and disconnected. From our very first meeting, Trent listened thoughtfully to our ideas and dreams, then translated them into a design that far surpassed anything we could have imagined.

Today, every window frames a living work of art. From the first blooms of spring through the rich tones of fall, there is always something unfolding — a new color, texture, or focal point revealing itself in perfect rhythm. The handcrafted stone elements lend a timeless, almost storybook quality, making the landscape feel both rooted and extraordinary. We revel in this space daily. Whether it’s a quiet cup of coffee on a Saturday morning, a lively family barbecue, or decorating our rustic outdoor fireplace at Christmas and admiring it during a frigid & snowy winter, the landscape invites us to live fully within it… from indoors or out.  The lighting design was a breathtaking surprise, casting a warm, elegant glow that transforms the property into something magical after dusk.

What makes it even more remarkable is how seamlessly Paragon executed such a comprehensive project. At no point did our lives feel turned upside down. Every detail was handled with care and excellence. We continue to marvel at how beautifully our vision came to life — and how much joy it brings us every single day.

David & Tammy Snyder

The Problem

The Starr property was loaded with promise from the beginning, since their cul-de-sac lot widens into a private and spacious backyard surrounded by natural areas. But the invitation this space should offer was stifled by a tired and disused landscape, deer ravaged plants, and ragged-edged growth actively invading their backyard. To make matters worse, the front edge of the forest surrounding them was comprised of hosts of black walnuts. Though walnut wood may be valuable once the trees have grown, they’re a messy tree in cultivated gardens, and they “don’t play well with others.” They release growth-inhibiting chemicals that suppress the growth of any desireable plants around them. In addition to these issues, the backyard was low and poorly drained, often holding water, and sloping in a way that discouraged outdoor play. The Starrs love being outdoors. They also entertain a lot, especially hosting two large company events in their backyard. Unfortunately, all access to the backyard was either through the house or down a slippery sloping lawn.

The Solution

We began by removing as many of the walnut trees as we could without opening unsightly views, then improving the drainage and adding loads of topsoil to raise the back lawn and landscape. Rich compost was used to form the landscape borders, which were planted with a wide variety of flowering trees, shrubs, and the best and hardiest perennials with the intention that something would always be in bloom. A long stone staircase and walk was carefully built into the sloping hill, winding it’s way through a newly installed geology of upright weathered limestone outcroppings. More outcroppings were placed as accents in the landscape border to carry the motif throughout.

Our plantings provide a foreground, mid-ground, and deep mid-ground border of color and cultivated foliage, but then hand off the views to trees meadow, and stream of the surrounding natural areas.

Landscape lighting helps to tie it all together, extending enjoyment of this property deep into the night and throughout the seasons. It also provides safety for the family and guests who travel up and down the stone pathway or walk the fairway-like lawn the flows between the house landscape and the border plantings.

The Result

“In each season, spring, summer, and fall, there is always something new and beautiful to enjoy in our landscape. In addition to the flow of the design, we were pleased and surprised by the ‘apparent age’ of the plantings. Almost immediately, it looked like it had been there for years because it came in so well. The Paragon team is attentive and always focused on the details. Because of all this, our landscape has changed us. We now take breaks during the afternoon and weekend and spend it outside and enjoy it. Everything is so beautiful and manicured so well, we think we’re at a resort.”

Dan Starr

We call this backyard “The State Park,” because it was so unique and refreshing work on, walk through, and service. The stone trails remind us of some of our favorite hikes. Even more importantly, our staff loves working on projects they know will be used and appreciated, and we know this lovely winding beauty will pulse with life, both in their big work parties and their small family gatherings.

Paragon Staff