September 23, 2026
What Goes Into a Retaining Wall Estimate?
Separate the wall itself from design, access, drainage and the work around it.
Read the guideIdeas for life outside
Landscape Design Journal
Thoughtful layouts, clearer project decisions and practical guidance for your Minnesota outdoor space.
In focus · Shade & gathering
Planning a Pergola for a Minnesota Backyard
Compare coverage, products, care, the supporting surface and design responsibilities.
Read the pergola guideFresh perspectives
Make the next decision clearer
September 16, 2026
What Goes Into a Pergola Estimate?
Compare structure choices, supporting work and the limits of a kit-only price.
Read the guideSeptember 9, 2026
Plan the Handoff for Your New Outdoor Space
Keep product details, operating guidance and the final walkthrough organized.
Read the guideExplore the library
Find a guide for your project
Open a topic to browse the full collection.
Plan the projectSite visits, priorities, proposals and phases.10 guides
Handle Changes to an Outdoor Living Proposal
Record a requested change, its connected work and the revised scope before it proceeds.
Lay Out Your Backyard Around Daily Life
Try furniture layouts and everyday walking routes before deciding where features belong.
Prepare for a Backyard Site Visit
Gather useful photos, rain observations, access information and available records.
Build an Outdoor Living Priority List
Sort the wish list by everyday value, necessary work and future options.
Check the Connections in Your Backyard Plan
Follow doors, paths and utility connections through the whole outdoor plan.
Connecting Your Excelsior Outdoor Living Spaces
Coordinate the patio, deck, doors, water movement and future additions.
Read an Outdoor Living Estimate Line by Line
Match the drawing to the work, products, exclusions and restoration in the proposal.
How to Phase an Excelsior Outdoor Living Project With Less Rework
Give each phase a useful endpoint while preserving the connections for later work.
Planning an Excelsior Outdoor Living Space: 8 Questions to Ask First
Prepare your priorities and site questions for the first design conversation.
Spring Backyard Renovation Checklist for Minnesota Homeowners (2026)
Review the yard after winter and organize the changes you want to discuss.
Patios and everyday livingLayout, finishes, hosting and the connections to your home.9 guides
From Price to Drainage: Planning an Excelsior Patio
Compare the proposed patio scope, site conditions and water movement.
Arrange a Patio for Quiet Evenings and Occasional Guests
Give your most-used seat a good setting and leave room for occasional company.
Prepare Your Home for a Patio Project
Plan access, protected features, communication and the return to everyday use.
Summer Outdoor Entertaining: How to Design Your Backyard for Hosting in Minnesota
Connect dining, shade, fire and evening lighting around the way you host.
Deck or Patio: Start With the Door and the Yard
Compare the door level, yard, routes and complete scope of each option.
Choose a Patio Palette That Belongs With Your Home
Choose a field, border and pattern alongside the finishes already on the house.
Make Room for Outdoor Dining on Your Excelsior Patio
Start with your dining table and the serving route from the kitchen.
What Changes the Cost of a Minnesota Patio?
Understand the access, removal, connections and finish choices behind an estimate.
Outdoor Living Ideas for Minnesota Backyards
Explore ways to gather, cook, relax and spend more time in the backyard.
Walls and fire featuresShape the space around the feature you want to add.2 guides
Plan the Space Around Your Fire Feature
Consider equipment operation, seating, walking routes and placement together.
Planning a Retaining Wall for Your Property
Describe the purpose, site conditions and design needs of a proposed wall.
Your yard, your next step
Bring your ideas to Landscape Charlie
Share the spaces you want to improve and the questions that matter most to you.