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Laura & Steve Hanson Minnetonka, Minnesota

The Hanson Garden has evolved over the past 35 years, starting with a basic Bachman’s (local
garden center) landscape design around the house to what it is today. The only plants still here from
that original design is H. ‘August Moon’. This shade garden reflects a tranquil atmosphere, with
personal touches and a harmony that charms you at every turn.

As you leave the cul-de-sac area and walk down into the yard, there are hostas and shade
perennials with a seating area to enjoy the view. Walking past the house, you can enjoy the hostas,
astilbe, lilies, ligularia, pulmonaria, and thalictrum flanking the flagstone path to the backyard. Once
through the fence, the back yard opens with periwinkle to the west and a dry woodland stream
bordered by ferns and perennials. Meandering through the backyard, follow any path to view their
eclectic garden art, shade perennials such as Jack-in-the-pulpit’s, ferns, Solomon’s
Seal, aruncus, actaea, Culver’s root, and epimedium, to name a few.

Sit at any bench to take in the scenery. You might see some of the wildlife that live in this garden.
The back of the yard is in the process of being transformed to a native plant area. As you leave the
back gardens, more hostas, and woods line the walk back to the front where the side garden has
newly-planted perennials. Every part of this garden is a work in progress. Gardening in shade poses
challenges. There are many spots waiting for just the right plant!

DAVID TEAGER KATHIE SISSON

Whimsical shovel crow art.

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