Unique, Beautiful Landscaping Growing on Lakeshore Drive
For much of the year, a drive along Lakeshore Drive is repeatedly filled with “oohs” and “aahs.” The blue, glistening water of West Lake Okoboji glimmers through open views, while beautiful homes compete for attention on either side of the road. However, what can be the most breathtaking is the stunning landscaping surrounding these gorgeous properties.
One such home found on the north side of Lakeshore Drive is not your typical landscaping. Nicolette Keough had this vision to transform the original property’s landscaping into a more natural look - one filled with stunning colors that also enable drainage and enhances overall soil health.
Mark Kramer of Kramer Landscapingstarted the transformation of the property in the fall of 2020. The original design he followed came from a landscape architectural firm out of Chicago. There were 21 varieties of grasses filtered amongst the 3,000 plugs, as well as hundreds of different perennials and trees.
“Before we started, the road side was a manicured blue-grass yard. As the entire property was transformed, the bulldozer prepared much of the dirt before we began planting,” Mark explained.
Another key component to the maintenance of the property is Erin Radcliffe of Plantin’ Posies. Before the original house was removed, she took out hostas and moved them to new locations.
She said the yellow sedum that pops up in places comes from that original soil. Once the dirt was ready, Kramer Landscaping began adding a soil matrix mixture into the original soil, which improves the soil’s overall health and increases plant vitality going forward. Along the lakeshore, especially the steep sloop, webbing systems and native plants with deep roots were added to prevent future erosion.
“It took a few years to look complete, as it can often take two to three years for native varieties to get started and acclimated to their location,” Mark said. “We put in a mixture of plants that bloom at different times in the season and to keep the weeds down.”
The seed mixture used throughout the property was filled with native varieties. Several favorites are little blue stem and penstemon. There was a rain garden put in on the south side, and on the north side, a wall was installed that displays beautiful hydrangeas.
“The rain garden takes the water, cleans it and then it’s dissipated into the ground and then less goes into the lake,” he added.
Erin oversees the grounds’ maintenance and puts together beautiful pots for the front and back of the home, whether the big clay pots are filled with flowers or winter greenery. The inground irrigation was put in by Northwest Iowa Sprinkler and irrigates everything on the property, either overhead or by drip.
“This project is different than anything we’ve ever done before and it’s been interesting to see which native plants really establish themselves,” Erin said.
The first year, a one-year cover crop of rye was put in, and her son Wes mowed off the heads, which provided extra protection from the cold for the growing perennials. The next year, the perennials were even bigger. Kramer adds in a few new perennials every year to replace or to fill in areas.
Deer and turkey can be tricky along Lakeshore Drive, and Kramer’s crew wrapped each tree to provide extra protection from nibbles. Trees growing throughout the native plants are Red Bud Oak Trees, Maple, White Birch, Aspens, and around 50 Hydrangea bushes of different sizes. On the lakeside, original trees line the bank.
“One of my favorite times is July when the hydrangeas are in full bloom. The purple penstemon are beautiful in the sun, along with the yellow sedum. The entire property is filled with color and lots of butterflies,” Erin shared. “Most importantly, don’t give up on a project even when weeds seem overwhelming or if plants need to be exchanged, because with effort it will become beautiful.”
In August 2023, plants were planted on the carport roof. Kramer Landscaping put in a whole system, including risers to hold the containers and help with excess moisture. The plants were then put on top of the complex system and helps with cleaning the air.
Weeds like thistles and clover from nearby yards have tried to filter into the landscaping but consistent weeding is helping manage the issue or eliminate it all together. Black hardwood mulch was put down throughout the property in spring 2024, to help with the weeds.
“It has really brought it all together and made it more manageable for weeding,” Erin added. “We don’t use any spray, lots of weed pulling which can be tricky with the number of different types of plants in this project, but if you have questions on whether it’s a weed or a plant, there are plant apps that can help you identify what you are pulling.”
Mark also noted that a winter’s snow cover or how cold it stays can play a role in how perennials come back every year or the type of weeds or bugs you may deal with over a planting season.
“What I’ve learned over the years is it’s important to have patience in a project and be open to ideas,” he shared.
Both Mark and Erin appreciate the ability to help Nicolette and how open she is to suggestions. “She is a wonderful woman to work for, and if plants aren’t working, she will tell you to switch them out,” Erin said.
Mark added, “She is not afraid to try new things and always willing to meet as we make decisions. It has been fun to watch this property transform over the last six years.”
To contact Erin at Plantin’ Posies, call 712-330-3776. Mark of Kramer Landscaping can be reached at 712-330-1647. Both companies can provide a homeowner with different knowledge and tools to help transform a property into a beautiful landscape for years to come.