This Yankton landscape project transformed a steep, blank yard into a stunning poolside retreat with native plants, engineered retaining walls, and uninterrupted views of the Missouri River.
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When our clients came to us, they had a backyard full of potential but faced a significant challenge — an existing slope that made the space feel disconnected and underutilized.
They envisioned a retreat where the entire family could spend time together, with dedicated areas for both relaxation and play.
To maximize the space, we designed a series of intentional levels, turning the slope into an asset rather than a limitation. A boulder wall and natural stone steps support a paver patio, creating a comfortable gathering space for the adults.
Just a few steps down, the backyard opens up to a sports court, giving the kids a place to shoot hoops or play a game of pickleball.
This project balances modern convenience with rustic charm. A sleek aluminum pergola provides shade over the patio while keeping maintenance to a minimum. At the same time, we incorporated Purington pavers — historic bricks once used for roads across the U.S. — to bring a unique, time-worn character to the space.
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When our clients first approached us, their backyard had plenty of potential but was beginning to show its age. The space featured a dated patio and terrace, but it was underutilized and lacked the amenities our clients envisioned.
They wanted to incorporate a pool, a fireplace, and evening-use features — all while maintaining the existing retaining walls and addressing concerns about stray golf balls from the nearby course.
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A large crack in the concrete sidewalk. Tired landscape beds.
“That’s just not our style,” our clients told landscape designer Ron Peterson.
We don’t blame them!
Besides the home’s existing front entrance being unsightly, it was also a tripping hazard. With a growing family and busy schedules, we took on the task of creating an appealing and low-maintenance front yard landscape.
In the design, Ron selected a classy Techo-Bloc paver pattern to create an inviting front walkway that complements the home’s existing character.
Since our clients asked for “low maintenance,” we agreed on a simple plant pallet of boxwoods and hydrangeas to line the walkway and the home’s front facade.
A final touch is the landscape lighting along the walkway, providing ambiance and evening safety.
We weren’t done yet!
Our clients had always wanted a permanent mailbox to complement their home.
“We have installed many masonry mailboxes, but this one had a twist,” Ron says.
The stone veneer used on the house was a special discontinued blend. Ron worked with Hebron Brick and Tile to custom-order a blend that matches the house.
“In the end, the client loved it,” Ron says. “We added a black mailbox to tie it all together and created a simple, contemporary landscape.”
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When landscape designer Michael Blazing first met Bob, he was looking for inspiration for his new outdoor space on the Weller Brothers website. Bob’s goal was clear: he wanted a patio that was accessible, cohesive with his home, and, most importantly, low maintenance.
Bob’s existing outdoor space didn’t suit his mobility needs, nor did it match the style of his home. So, when he came to Michael, he knew he needed a design that would address both of these issues while offering a seamless extension of his living area.
To start, Bob shared some of his favorite Weller Brothers projects — specifically those that featured water elements and natural stone — giving Michael a clear direction for the design. With this insight, Michael crafted a plan that would suit Bob’s needs and preferences.
The first step was designing the patio itself. Michael and the team selected large, tile-sized pavers to create a smooth and stable surface. This choice not only enhanced accessibility but also reduced the risk of issues that could arise with smaller, uneven stones.
To make the space level and usable, we added a short retaining wall with built-in seating. The wall was constructed using the same stone that adorned the exterior of Bob’s home, ensuring the patio felt like a natural extension of the house rather than a separate area.
Once the patio was in place, our team turned their attention to enhancing the space’s functionality. Bob wanted a fire pit that was both easy to use and low maintenance. We opted for a gas fire pit, which allowed him to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a fire without the hassle of chopping wood or cleaning out ashes. The gas firepit became a central feature, adding both elegance and serenity to the space.
While the patio and firepit came together smoothly, the real challenge lay in incorporating a water feature. Bob wanted the peaceful sound of flowing water to be audible from both the patio and the screened porch. Michael knew the water feature needed to be placed near the house to achieve this, but the real challenge was to make it visible and enjoyable from both areas.
After experimenting with several designs, Michael had a solution: two small water features, placed strategically to flow together. One feature would face the house, while the other would face the patio. This clever design ensured the water could be enjoyed from both locations and created a calming, harmonious flow that added ambiance to the entire space.
The result was a beautiful and functional outdoor retreat that exceeded Bob’s expectations. Not only did the design enhance the home’s overall aesthetic, but the low-maintenance features were a huge win for Bob. Thanks to regularly scheduled maintenance visits from our team, Bob doesn’t have to worry about upkeep.
The final result transformed what was once just a house with a patio into a beautiful, functional home with an outdoor living space that Bob can enjoy for years to come — without the worry of constant lawn maintenance. It’s the perfect balance of accessibility, style, and functionality.
At Weller Brothers, we turn visions into realities while ensuring your experience is as enjoyable as your completed project. Are you ready to bring your vision to life? Let our landscape design team in Sioux Falls, SD, Rochester, MN or Des Moines, IA help you.
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Every backyard tells a story, and for this recent project, that story began with potential hidden beneath outdated elements.
We began by tackling privacy. The clients wanted more screening from their neighbors, so we designed a custom wood storage structure that doubles as a visual barrier. By placing it strategically near the fire pit, we created a functional and visually pleasing element that seamlessly integrates into the space.
For the patio, we selected sleek Techo-Bloc slab pavers to achieve the modern look our clients wanted. Their clean lines and contemporary style complemented the home’s existing stone veneer and brick exterior, creating a cohesive, polished feel.
One of the bigger challenges— and opportunities — was the sloped lawn beyond the patio. To maximize usable space, we designed a block retaining wall to flatten the yard, transforming it into the perfect area for yard games.
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When landscape designer Michael Blazing first met Missy and George at their new home, their outdoor space was nothing but an 8′ x 10′ concrete pad.
“It was definitely an afterthought to their beautiful home,” Michael says.
But our clients wanted more for their home. They had a vision of a functional and attractive patio that complimented the size of their home and utilized the space as fully as possible.
“They knew the style they had in mind,” Michael says, “and felt that Weller Brothers was most likely to create that vision. So we got to work!”
Typically, our landscape designers create a design and work with our clients through revisions as needed. But not this time! Missy and George had no revisions to Michael’s initial design, which allowed our team to break ground quickly.
This backyard patio design includes
“My favorite thing?” asks George. “That’s an easy one – the grill. It opens up a lot of opportunities for us to entertain.”
While George is firing up the grill, you’ll find Missy admiring the view.
“I love the block and the materials,” she says, “and how the clean lines go so well with our home. I love it visually from out here and from inside the home.”
Michael adds that they also had some fun with the paver design to provide some interest in the firepit space.
“Overall, the design was kept pretty simple and clean, incorporating matching colors,” Michael says. “I also suggested landscape lighting for this project, which helps bring life to the space in the evening.”
“It’s just something that’s invaluable,” Missy says. “We’ll enjoy it for years; it’s good for resale. It was above and beyond what we could have asked for.”
George and Missy specifically noted the quality communication they received from the Weller Brothers team.
“They answered any questions we had throughout the process. They completed it right on schedule and kept us informed throughout the entire project.”
Michael also enjoyed designing this outdoor living space, particularly matching their home’s style with the vision for functionality. He says that his favorite part is the gas fire feature.
“It’s a pretty unique design specific to this project,” Michael says. “Missy and George weren’t sure about that feature at first, but they have expressed how much they have used it due to the ease of use.”
Would you like a more functional and attractive backyard?
Whether you want to grill for the family, tend to a raised garden, or share laughs around the fire pit, we can help – just like we did for George and Missy.
Schedule your landscape design consultation today in Sioux Falls, Rochester, or Des Moines.
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We are excited to announce the 2025 Weller Brothers Win the Day Award nominees!
This award is the Weller Brothers version of an “Employee of the Year” award and was first introduced in 2024.
The Win the Day award is a great achievement for a Weller Brothers team member and is awarded to an individual who exemplifies our Roots daily:
For the 2025 award, seven outstanding team members were nominated by their peers.
The Weller Brothers executive leadership team will select and announce two winners in early 2025 at our team holiday party.
Congratulations!
Each individual was nominated by a Weller Brothers teammate. Meet them below, along with thoughts from CEO Cole Weller.
Landscape Yard Manager
“Watching you work tirelessly to improve our landscape operations – often creating more work for yourself, knowing that your work makes others’ jobs easier – is a demonstration of who we are at Weller Brothers. We couldn’t do it without you!”
Account Manager
“You really are an ass-kicker. Your attention to detail is second-to-none, and your passion for taking care of your clients is the Gold Standard for our whole account management team.”
Arborist
“You are a master of your craft. Thank you for joining the Weller Brothers team. You have been an integral part of building our tree removal team.”
Utility Specialist
“You lead by example and your willingness to step up and do whatever it takes – inside or outside of your job description – is the Weller Brothers Way.”
Landscape Foreman
“Watching you grow in your role and dial in your landscape quality has been awesome to watch. You are going to continue to do great things!”
Lawn Maintenance Foreman
“I’ve said it before and I will say it again. You’re just a good dude. Leading by example, taking challenges in stride, stepping up when asked, and often without being asked. You’re a great asset to our team and an example to those around you.”
Landscape Operations Manager
“You are a great leader! You pour yourself into those on your team for the betterment of them, the landscape division, and the whole organization, and it is awesome to watch.”
Stay tuned to find out who wins! We’ll announce the two winners in January 2025.
Chief Operating Officer
We are proud to announce that Weller Brothers Chief Operating Officer, Jill Holt, has been awarded the Business Achievement Award at the 2024 EMBEs Tribute to Women in Sioux Falls.
For more than 50 years, the annual EMBEs has honored individuals who exemplify EmBe’s mission and have made outstanding contributions to the Sioux Falls community. This is such an inspiring event that celebrates the leadership and success of women in Sioux Falls.
This impressive recognition highlights Jill’s exceptional leadership, innovation, and success throughout her entire career and during her time at Weller Brothers.
Jill began at Weller Brothers as Controller and then became CFO. Her primary focus was in finance, but her fingerprints are on almost all workflow processes, from admin to operations. The infrastructure she built as CFO provided Weller Brothers data to make better decisions and ultimately grow revenue nearly 10x since she started in 2017.
Beyond her financial expertise, Jill is a true champion of company culture. She fosters a supportive and inclusive environment, encouraging open communication and collaboration among team members. Her genuine care for the well-being of her colleagues is evident in her willingness to go the extra mile, whether it’s offering advice or simply lending an ear.
Jill’s commitment to empowering women in a male-dominated industry is equally inspiring. She has actively worked to create opportunities for female leaders within Weller Brothers, establishing the “Women of Weller” group to foster connections, support, and professional development. Her efforts have contributed to a significant increase in the number of women in leadership roles at the company.
Jill’s achievements are a testament to her exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication. We are honored to have her on our team and congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.
As winter approaches, we face a new challenge: keeping plants safe from hungry animals looking for food. This can be a difficult season for animals with the snow and frigid temperatures.
Whether it is deer, rabbits, squirrels, or even domestic pets, the colder months can bring a host of critters eager to nibble on your garden.
Here’s a guide to how Weller Brothers can help you protect your plants from animal intruders in Sioux Falls, SD, Rochester, MN, and Des Moines, IA.
Different animals have varying habits and preferences when it comes to foraging. Below are the three most common types of furry friends that damage your Midwest vegetation.
At Weller Brothers, we suggest utilizing physical barriers to dissuade animals from finding dinner within your landscaping. The fall season, before snowfall, is the best time to install the physical barriers. You can remove the barriers once the snow begins to melt and your regular spring yard maintenance begins.
That depends on what plant material you need to protect and from which animals. For example:
Before the cold winter months hit, it is important to properly clean your yard. Fall cleanup removes leaves from your yard, makes space for new growth in the spring, and rids your yard of dangerous pests and diseases.
Leaf clutter and debris in the fall can be dangerous because they block vital nutrients to your lawn and attract many pests such as spiders, snakes, and rodents seeking shelter in the debris. A detailed fall cleanup will remove these pests from your yard and keep you and your lawn safe.
Protecting your plants from animals during winter requires a combination of strategies.
Our Weller Brothers team understands the specific threats in our area and can implement effective deterrents so you can enjoy a thriving landscape when spring arrives In Sioux Falls, SD, Rochester, MN, and Des Moines, IA.