Natural Sanctuary

pink flowers

Natural Sanctuary

Kentucky Landscapers Turn Backyard Into A Thriving Ecosystem

Project Details:

Project value: Approx. $400,000 | Build time: 5 months (2 months for front phases, 3 months for back phases) | Size of project: 2 acres

There are countless benefits to planting native species. One of the big selling points, though, is that they create a natural ecosystem where wildlife can thrive. Native plant species were the key factor in a Kentucky project that transformed an unruly eight-acre field into a bustling prairie. It is now a certified wildlife habitat with national recognition.

Inside Out Landscaping Design redeveloped the property near Frankfort, Kentucky about a decade ago, for a couple who relocated from Fairbanks, Alaska. The couple asked for an outdoor oasis, filled with animals, insects, blooming flowers, and bubbling water features. Andrea Wilson Mueller and her team completed the project in several phases, taking roughly five months. In the first phase, they built natural stone walls to outline the lawn area. Then they developed the front and back landscapes, installed a native pollinator garden, and planted more than 80 native and evergreen trees. A deer fence also went up, and many bed islands were placed to improve aesthetics around the home’s entryway and electrical boxes. They ripped out invasive species creeping throughout the woodline and replaced them with natives.

The team developed an outdoor living space during phase two. They installed an outdoor kitchen with granite countertops, a fishpond, natural limestone fireplace, and paved stone walkways. Andrea even designed a unique water feature that meshed into a wall.

Water Feature Installed Into Well

The expansive patio morphs into the field, providing a beautiful view and connection to the visiting wildlife.

The team dedicated the next phase to laying more vegetation, placing more than 100 native tree whips and 6,000 prairie grasses, groundcovers, and perennials throughout the property.

Stone Fireplace and Patio

The final phase shifted gears from planting to paving, as hardscapers laid a circular driveway, several walkways, and a stepping stone path. Inside Out continues to maintain the property, and the team loves seeing animals and insects visit the home.

“Every time I go to the prairie, there’s multiple butterflies, moths, beneficial wasps, bees and so many other insects,” said Andrea Mueller. “It’s really neat to watch it grow and fill.”

The Front garden Before

Andrea and her team say they love clients who value sustainability, natives and wildlife, so the homeowners were ideal. They were fairly removed from the process, though, as they were moving across the continent. They had to trust the team and give them support and creative freedom to design what fit the property and goals. The architects developed the majority of the ideas on their own, including the water feature and circle driveway.

Circle Driveway (After)

Every time I go to the prairie, there's multiple butterflies, moths, beneficial wasps, bees and so many other insects. It's really neat to watch it grow and fill

Beginning of Prairie

“As long as a client is communicating their goals clearly, then they can trust me and know that I’m going to do what’s best for them.“

One of the biggest challenges Andrea faced in this project was the grades. She says measuring and responding to grades is always tough, but her team never had to compact a patio as much as this one. She says they typically use stone to fill in uneven spaces, but they used clay this time. Andrea also had the task of designing the wall water feature. It was unlike anything she had built before, and the idea sparked as she brainstormed ways to fit a water feature into the design.

The Back Garden Before

“It actually ended up being way cooler than the original design. At first, the water was just kind of like part of the pond and the wall was separate. Later we realized that wouldn’t work, so this idea was just an effort to correct the initial plan.”

A project this size, with this many phases, took a large crew. Inside Out Landscaping Design have skilled landscaping, hardscaping, and maintenance specialists on staff, who each played their own key role in the build. Andrea and her husband have led the team since launching the company in 2007. The two met as teenagers when he began working for Andrea’s father’s landscaping company. It certainly is a family business.

About 80% of Inside Out’s projects focus on residential properties, but the prairie sanctuary is one of its biggest builds. This work will continue to pay off for years to come, as the ecosystem it helped create continues to blossom and thrive.

During Construction

Partners & Suppliers

Lighting

Vista Lighting

www.vistapro.com

Copper Moon lighting installation

Red Oak Outdoor Lighting

www.redoakoutdoorlighting.com

Deck posts and underdecking

Basinger Construction

Custom kitchen cabinets

RF Cabinetry

www.rfhomeco.com

Railings

Maynard Studios

www.maynardstudios.com

Paving for front walkway/back patio

Techo-Bloc

www.techo-bloc.com