The Challenge

The Wielands wanted a modern country estate with outdoor spaces and transitions that accommodated their active family and their love for entertaining. As an award-winning furniture and product designer, Mr. Wieland wanted his landscape to reflect an architectural, design-oriented aesthetic. One key consideration was the steeply sloping lawn, which restricted access to the pool. Installation costs, maintenance costs and a proactive care plan were also
important factors.

The Solution

The Paragon team collaborated closely with the Wielands to incorporate unique features and determine the property’s long-term maintenance needs. Outdoor spaces were designed to blend the home with the surrounding natural beauty. The project included a pool area, a fire pit terrace, a small sports field, a 2/3-size football field, a cut flower/kitchen garden, a shaded entry and an entertainment terrace.

After diligent hunting, recycled sandstone curbing was chosen for its ability to both unify and separate each outdoor space. This versatile and low-cost stone worked well in a variety of applications, creating visual interest while keeping costs manageable. Stones were hand-dressed and carefully assembled to create the unique fire pit terrace. Built to accommodate larger groups, the terrace’s two-tiered, amphitheater-style seating gives everyone a cozy seat, without being too close to the heat.

Our Land Design crew improved the space between house and pool by elevating the area, building a stone retaining wall and adding stone steps. In addition to better pool access, the transformation created a small sports field for the kids and their guests. Then came the finishing touches. Instead of sprawling, hard-to-manage beds, plants were grouped together in concentrated sections. The beds were large enough make a beautiful impression, small enough to easily maintain, and strategically positioned frame the spacious grounds.

To manage costs, the entire project stretched over several years, and high-labor elements were completed at a discount during the slower wintertime and summertime months. Communicating regularly with the Wielands, we implemented a comprehensive land care plan. For cost control and entertaining purposes, highly visible areas of the landscape receive more attention and service, while less-visible areas are tended only as needed. Potential problem areas are watched closely to prevent weeds or overgrowth.

The Result

“Design and aesthetics are important to our family. But as we began planning, we didn’t want to put form ahead of function. We wanted our landscape to be a comfortable place to spend time with family, for a long time to come. We were also conscious of the expense. Trent was great at hearing what we wanted and turning it into something real. He was willing to work collaboratively. His solutions were imaginative and unique, and he accomplished it all with our budget in mind. His team was excellent, from top to bottom.”

Blair Wieland, property owner

The Challenge

The Dodens wanted a landscape that framed their new lake home and accented its natural setting. The outdoor space needed to accommodate family, friends and frequent weekend guests. Because the property included a lakefront, a main cottage, a carriage house and a guesthouse, the landscape needed connect the property, creating paths “from anywhere to anywhere.” It was also important that the project matched the Dodens’ aesthetic and the architect’s plans, while aligning with the timeline of up to 30 contractors. Parking and work space were limited, the timeline was short, and steep hills made work conditions dangerous.

The Solution

For nearly two years, we worked closely and continuously with the homeowners, the architect and the builder to complete a stunning landscape. To accommodate gatherings large and small, a series of interconnecting S-shaped curves divide the lakeside landscape into spaces large and small, sunny and shaded, public and private. A tree-shaded fire pit mezzanine provides ample seating and gorgeous lake views day or night.

Throughout the property, the Paragon Land Design team painstakingly installed the stonework to look like a natural element – mimicking the look of natural erosion and creating tiers of elevation across the lakefront. The effect is a manmade geology that seamlessly blends the lake home with its environment, while providing plenty of surfaces to touch, climb, sit on and walk down. As is common with lakefront properties, one of the biggest challenges was building waterfront access that is both functional and attractive. Our Land Design crew put their expertise to work, carving out a delicate, graceful path that curves along the lakeside.

Trees and shrubs were strategically planted to maintain privacy without obstructing the neighbors’ views of the lake. Large, tightly planted swaths of groundcover plants gave the property a natural touch – while controlling weeds, reducing mulch and adding stability to the sandy hills.

The Doden lake property also includes several unique “hidden” features, including a space that doubles as a Wiffle Ball field, a natural amphitheater within the stonework ledges, and a pair of “box seats” formed by the deck and balconies of the main cottage and carriage house. Because steep lakesides can lead to landscape washouts, discrete drains and underground pipes crisscross the property. As rain falls on the landscape, it moves through a system of natural stone and plants, filtering out debris to maintain the lake’s pristine beauty.

The Result

“Paragon Landscape uniquely combined innovation and engineering – bringing together art and science – to create a portrait of outstanding beauty. [Our landscape] is a frame which accents and enhances the elegance of the cottage design, complementing but not overwhelming it. But even more important than the final product was the process. Trent Schrock and his team used their artistic giftedness to help my wife and me create the art we wanted, rather than the art they wanted for us. They also were conscious of cost and transparent in their dealings, offering suggestions and options, never trying to dictate or control. I could not recommend them
more highly.”

Daryle Doden, property owner

The Challenge

With lakefront real estate at a premium, lake properties tend to be narrow and steep. Without any space to comfortably walk or play, small, sloping lawns restrict property owners to either indoor or water activities.

The Solution

Over the past 15 years, Paragon has perfected construction methods that overcome the obstacles of tight access and steep terrain. Our team takes great pleasure in building useful, comfortable spaces out of previously “unusable” ground – with truly beautiful results.

To maximize an owner’s lakefront property investment, the Paragon Land Design team engineers outdoor spaces that encourage all types of activities – while ensuring easy access to all areas of the property. Lakefront landscapes can be reshaped with fire pits, sports fields, shady seating spaces, sun-basking areas, conversation nooks, and quiet spots for getting away when the lake gets busy.

From start to finish and for years to come, no detail is ignored. We typically select plants that bloom during the seasons the lake property will be used. By building customized care plans, our Land Care team can refresh a lakeside landscape in the spring, maintain it throughout the summer, and prepare it for winter as lake season comes to a close.

The Result

“One of the main reasons we purchased this particular cottage on Big Long Lake was the view. However, with the view came challenges to optimize the outdoor living space on top of a hill. We contacted Paragon because they had good reputation for this type of work. They did not disappoint us, even as the original challenges multiplied as we progressed through our project. Paragon was right there with us, providing solutions to all the complications that came up. Their communication, planning, and follow-through were excellent. My wife and I feel that we have the best possible use of our outdoor space – and with the enhanced landscaping our view is even more spectacular.”

Dave Steinhofer, property owner

“We’ve lived many places and worked with landscape companies all over the country. Paragon is hands down the best we’ve come across. What makes Paragon special is its company philosophy and people. These are not just people mowing lawns and pulling weeds. These are artists who are passionate about their jobs and the environments they are creating. They are courteous, dependable and hard working. They have advanced knowledge to manage your property so that it thrives, and they foster people and a culture that values the customer relationships.

When we found our lake property, it was an overgrown steep hill with no access to the lake and no grassy areas to play. We met many people who were capable of building retaining walls and stairs, but no one had the vision of a functioning outdoor living space like Paragon. Trent used his personal knowledge of family and outdoor living to give us something beyond anything we could’ve imagined. He is creative, innovative and thoughtful.

Every every year we receive compliment after compliment about how beautiful our landscaping looks. Trent and Paragon can truly turn the most challenging properties into masterpieces, we are proof.”

Brian and Danielle Cardinal, property owners

In planning the landscaping for our new lake cottage, on a lot that drops two stories from the road to the lake, I could never have envisioned the work of art that would result. Trent really listened to our thoughts, likes and dislikes and incorporated those beautifully in his design. With our drop in elevation, the design had to be functional as well as beautiful. We have really enjoyed spending time in our “garden”.

Joe and Diane Zimmerman