At Light Dark Landscape, we believe your yard can be both beautiful and environmentally beneficial. Our sustainable landscaping approach combines thoughtful design with ecological principles to create outdoor spaces that thrive naturally in Minnesota’s climate.
Whether you’re in the heart of Minneapolis, the neighborhoods of St. Paul, or anywhere across the Twin Cities metro, we bring the same commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship to every project.
Every landscape we design features primarily native Minnesota species. From prairie dropseed to wild bergamot, these plants require less water, no chemical fertilizers, and provide essential habitat for local pollinators.
We’ve pioneered innovative approaches to addressing landscape challenges. Our Minnehaha Creek shoreline restoration project stabilized eroding banks using only native plantings and natural materials—no chemicals were needed.
Our fleet of mostly electric equipment reduces emissions and noise pollution. We source materials locally and buy in bulk to minimize packaging waste. Even our plant containers get recycled by local gardeners.
Minneapolis
This historic Minneapolis home required a landscape that respected its classical architecture while incorporating modern sustainability. We recycled existing limestone into retaining walls and introduced native woodland plants that require no supplemental watering once established.
South Minneapolis Backyard Oasis
Transforming a traditional turf lawn into a sustainable sanctuary, this project showcases the beauty of eco-friendly landscaping. The design includes a permeable patio, rain garden, and diverse native plantings that bloom from spring through fall.
Twin Cities Metro
Our restoration team converted five acres of degraded land into a thriving prairie. This project showcases our expertise in large-scale, sustainable landscaping, encompassing the removal of invasive species and the establishment of diverse native plant communities.
Our landscape architects create detailed plans that work with nature, not against it. Every design considers water management, soil health, and habitat creation while meeting your aesthetic goals.
Our experienced crews handle everything from rain garden construction to native prairie installation. We coordinate with trusted partners to address specialized needs, such as solar lighting or rainwater harvesting systems.
Keep your sustainable landscape thriving with our chemical-free maintenance services. We teach you to recognize beneficial plants from invasive ones and provide ongoing care that protects your investment.
From small backyard transformations to multi-acre prairie restorations, we specialize in returning land to its natural state using time-tested, chemical-free methods.
Based in Minneapolis, we create sustainable landscapes throughout the metropolitan area. Our projects span from the shores of Lake Minnetonka to the bluffs of St. Paul, with concentrations in:
No matter where you’re located in the Twin Cities, we bring the same commitment to sustainability and quality craftsmanship.
Native plants adapted to Minnesota’s climate need less water, no fertilizers, and minimal care once established. Our clients typically see a 50-75% reduction in landscape maintenance costs.
Sustainable landscapes are increasingly sought after by homebuyers. Well-designed native gardens and rain gardens can increase property values while reducing stormwater fees.
Every sustainable landscape we create helps filter stormwater, sequester carbon, and provide habitat for declining pollinator populations. Your yard becomes part of the solution.
Unlike traditional lawns, our designs provide four-season interest through careful plant selection. From spring wildflowers to winter seed heads, there’s always something beautiful to see.
Join hundreds of Twin Cities homeowners who’ve discovered the beauty and benefits of sustainable landscaping. Whether you’re starting from scratch or transforming an existing landscape, we’ll create a design that works in harmony with nature—and for you. Our design process begins with understanding your goals and the unique characteristics of your site. We’ll discuss sustainable options that fit your lifestyle and budget.
