Elm Grove Elegance Revitaliized

2026 WLCA Award-Winning Project

When these Elm Grove, Wisconsin clients purchased their property, the landscape had been overtaken by years of neglect. Overgrown plantings, invasive perennials, and unmanaged trees obscured the home from view, while failing patios and settling walls limited both safety and usability. The goal was to strip the site back and reestablish a clear, functional landscape that would highlight the architecture.

The project began with extensive clearing, removing invasive and overgrown material to restore visibility and open sightlines to the home. With a clean foundation in place, the landscape was restructured to include expanded lawn areas and simplified planting beds that frame the house without overwhelming it.

Several hardscape areas—including the front entry, back patio, and driveway inlay—were fully reconstructed with a more refined and cohesive aesthetic. Subtle patterning, including herringbone and crosshatch inlays, adds structure and visual interest, while salvaged clay pavers were repurposed as edging to bring continuity to the design. A gas fire pit was incorporated into the back patio to create a comfortable outdoor gathering space.

The result is a landscape that feels open, intentional, and balanced—restoring both function and visual clarity while allowing the home to take center stage.