Professional Garden Design in Minnesota

Garden Design That Thrives in Minnesota Conditions

☎ (612) 214-1955 Free Estimates

Great gardens do not happen by accident--especially in Minnesota. Three Timbers creates custom garden designs for homeowners across Chanhassen, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Excelsior, Waconia, Chaska, Mound, and Victoria, using plants and layouts proven to thrive in USDA zones 4b through 5a.

We design gardens that look intentional from day one and get better every year. Whether you want foundation beds that boost curb appeal, a pollinator garden that supports local ecology, or a complete landscape renovation with layered perennials and ornamental trees, our team builds planting plans rooted in local soil and climate knowledge.

What You Need to Know About Garden Design

Site Assessment

Every garden design starts with understanding what your site offers and what it demands. We evaluate sun exposure throughout the day, soil type and drainage, existing trees and root zones, microclimates created by buildings and fences, and how you want to use and experience the space. A garden bed on the south side of your house has completely different conditions than one under a mature oak on the north side. We design for your specific conditions, not generic plant lists.

Plant Selection

We select plants proven to perform in the Twin Cities climate--native perennials, cold-hardy shrubs, ornamental grasses, and specimen trees that handle our winters and summers. Our designs consider bloom sequence (so something is always in flower from May through October), mature size (so plants do not outgrow their space in three years), and maintenance level. We use Minnesota native species where possible for their resilience and ecological value, supplemented with reliable cultivars that add color and structure.

Pricing

Garden design pricing depends on the scope of the project--a single foundation bed refresh costs less than a full property planting plan. Costs include the design itself, plant material, soil amendments, mulch, edging, and installation labor. Larger plants and specimen trees add to the investment but deliver immediate visual impact. We provide detailed estimates with plant quantities and sizes specified so you know exactly what you are getting.

Installation

Proper planting technique matters as much as plant selection. We amend soil with compost to improve structure and drainage in Minnesota clay, dig planting holes to the correct depth and width, and set root flares at grade--not buried. Every plant gets the right amount of space to reach its mature size. We install root barriers where needed, lay drip irrigation when specified, and finish beds with 3 inches of shredded hardwood mulch for moisture retention and weed suppression. Edging defines bed lines with clean, lasting borders.

Ready for a Garden That Works in Minnesota?

Designed to Grow, Built to Last

We design gardens with a three-year vision--knowing how plants will fill in, which will spread, and where the garden will peak at maturity. That long-term thinking is what separates a professional garden from a weekend planting project. Our crew handles the physical work with care, protecting existing landscape features, keeping your property clean, and planting everything with the precision that gives your garden the best start possible.

Garden Design Projects

What Our Clients Say

Google Reviews

★★★★★ 4.9 (100 reviews)

Wade Thoelen

1 month ago

★★★★★

The crew was amazing from start to finish. They ensured that I was well informed about each step of the project and made certain that I was satisfied with every detail. I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. An incredible team with outstanding work ethic and dedication to the job. 10/10

Katie Hawkes

3 months ago

★★★★★

They were easy to schedule with, great communicators, and made my yard look great when I needed river rock put in to replace mulch. Definitely recommend!

Wylie Carhartt

4 months ago

★★★★★

The crew at Three Timbers was great! We needed to buy a lot of plants, shrubs and trees for a remodel and they were professional, efficient, and knowledgeable. They were also affordable compared to what we were able to find at the nurseries, and their plants were in great condition. We were very pleased with our experience and plan to use them again in the future.

Todd Erickson

4 months ago

★★★★★

I finally decided I was done taking days every fall to rake my yard and clean up the garden. I contacted Three Timbers, got a quick quote, asked some questions, received quick replies and booked them. This week they came, worked hard and cleaned up my yard - far better than I would have. I've also contracted with them for spring clean up and am glad I did. Highly recommended.

Ha Truong

5 months ago

★★★★★

Three Timbers was highly recommended by my sister. We are very happy with the service provided by Three Timbers! The team is great to work with and very responsive to all questions. They are very professional and provided clear communication. They installed French drainages to my backyard. They cleaned up all the debris and very well organized when they were laying the sod. Very outstanding job! Thank you so much!

Brandon Wishnow

6 months ago

★★★★★

Three Timbers did a phenomenal job from the initial consult & design all the way through to the finish line. The crew was professional and pleasant throughout. Bryan did an especially good job hearing our preferences and communicating options at each step. Thanks SO much!

Peggy Murphy

9 months ago

★★★★★

Three Timbers performed above and beyond our expectations! On time, professional, pleasant, beautiful plants and mulch, and flawless cleanup at project's end. I would not hesitate to recommend them.

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Garden Styles We Design

Foundation Plantings

The beds along your home set the tone for your entire property. We design foundation gardens with layered shrubs, perennials, and ornamental grasses that frame the house, soften hard edges, and provide year-round interest--including winter structure from evergreens and ornamental bark.

Perennial Gardens

Layered perennial beds designed for continuous bloom from spring through fall. We sequence coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, daylilies, sedums, and ornamental grasses so color shifts through the seasons. Low-maintenance once established and increasingly beautiful each year as plants mature and fill in.

Native and Pollinator Gardens

Designed with Minnesota native species that support bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Prairie dropseed, wild bergamot, liatris, and milkweed create a naturalistic landscape that is ecologically valuable and increasingly popular with homeowners who want beauty with purpose. Native gardens are exceptionally low-maintenance once established.

Shade Gardens

Many Twin Cities properties have mature trees that create deep shade--a challenge for most plants but an opportunity for a beautiful shade garden. We use hostas, ferns, astilbe, coral bells, and native woodland species to create lush, textured beds under tree canopies. These gardens thrive in conditions where sun-loving plants struggle.

Other Popular Services

Landscape Installation

Garden design is one piece of a complete landscape plan. Let us handle the full installation--grading, planting, hardscape, and finishing--as one coordinated project.

Lawn Care

A healthy lawn frames your garden beds. Our lawn care programs keep turf thick and green so your entire landscape looks its best year-round.

Patios & Pergolas

Sit back and enjoy the outdoors from a beautiful patio installed by Three Timbers. We offer a variety of quality materials, styles, and custom designs to build the patio of your dreams.

Artificial Turf

Enjoy a pristine lawn all year round with low-maintenance artificial turf. Whether you’re looking for a small patch for your city yard or a luxury putting green to make your neighbors jealous, our team can make it happen.

Mulch Install

Bring new life to your garden beds our premium mulch installation service. With a variety of colors and materials to offer, we have everything to suit your landscaping needs.

Plant Install

Spice up your yard with our professional plant installation service! From beautiful flowers to massive trees, Three Timbers is here to take the hassle out of planting.

Working with Your Budget

Regardless of the size of your retaining wall project, our team of local professionals is here to provide expert installation services to Chanhassen, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Excelsior, Waconia, Chaska, Mound, Victoria, and the surrounding southwest metro communities. Whether you need a small garden border wall or a large-scale engineered retaining system, the Three Timbers team has the experience and equipment to deliver lasting results to schedule your free consultation.

Low Budget

Block walls are the cheapest option due to their low material cost and ease of installation.

Small to Mid Budget

Wood timber retaining walls are slightly more expensive than blocks but have a straightforward installation that helps meet lower budgets.

Mid to Large Budget

Boulder walls require a team of experts, costly materials, and heavy equipment. These installations are intense, but offer long-lasting durability.

Large Budget

Dry stacked stone retaining walls have the highest material and labor costs. While these are the most expensive, they look absolutely stunning and are highly recommended for homeowners looking for a decorative statement piece to bring the landscape together.

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