Creating a More Beautiful and Sustainable Twin Cities, One Yard and Garden at a Time
We are a Sustainable Landscaping Company that Designs, Installs and Maintains Outdoor Spaces that Thrive in Harmony with Nature
At Open Space Gardens, we believe it’s time for a change in traditional landscaping. For too long we have been busy spreading turfgrass lawns across the landscape, replacing natural ecosystems with over 44 million acres of monoculture lawns–more acreage than all of the National Parks combined. What if we transformed some of those 44 million acres of unhealthy turfgrass back into beautiful, diverse native plant habitats that promote cleaner air and water, and provide critical habitat for birds, bees, butterflies and the other beneficial wildlife that need a home in our neighborhoods?
We’re Open Space Gardens, a team of gardeners, designers, and landscape specialists that want to bring nature back to your outdoor spaces. We create and maintain spaces that are better for people, pollinators, and the planet, emphasizing native plants, sustainable methods, and chemical-free, eco-friendly practices.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy place for your children to play, a beautiful native plant habitat that will attract pollinators, birds and other wildlife, or the opportunity to grow your own food, we can help you craft your landscape into a beautiful space to enjoy! We proudly serve clients in St. Paul, MN and the greater Twin Cities metro area.
Sustainability Isn’t Window Dressing, It’s at the Heart of Everything We Do
At Open Space Gardens, we strive to set the standard for what a sustainable landscaping company should be. A core tenant of our approach is to promote native plants that are adapted to thrive to our region. Native plant communities require less water and have deeper root systems to help draw down and filter stormwater runoff. They also require less inputs like fertilizers and herbicides than traditional turfgrass while also providing critical pollinator and bird-friendly habitat. They have the potential to bring beauty, natural habitat and health to your landscape.
In addition to planting native whenever possible, our sustainable practices include:
- Working by hand and with quiet and efficient electric powered tools (no noisy, gas powered leaf blowers, ever!)
- Creating soil health naturally without synthetic fertilizers - primarily using compost
- Minimizing digging to help keep the soil food web in place
- Building food gardens in multiple forms to fit any space
- Installing lawn alternatives like “bee lawns” for biodiversity
- Avoiding the use of synthetic chemicals like herbicides and insecticides
If you’re looking for a sustainable landscape contractor with the know-how to transform your landscape that also shares your eco-friendly values, we’d love to talk.
Our Story
From our beginning in 2015 when our Founder Maddie Poling turned her passion for sustainable gardening into the business that became Sacred Space Gardens, we are proud to have helped hundreds of clients across Minnesota transform their landscapes into healthy, nature-friendly spaces. In 2024, Maddie handed the reins of the company over to Mark and Sarah McGuire, and we entered our next chapter of growth as Open Space Gardens. Mark, Sarah and Maddie (who remains with us as our Founder) are thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to promote sustainability in the landscaping industry and help you transform your outdoor spaces in ways that create beauty, habitat for wild creatures, and a range of other ecosystem benefits like cleaner air and water for our community.
Meet Our Team
Our team is made up of plant-loving professionals who care deeply about their craft, the planet, and the people we serve. Many hold degrees or experience in horticulture, ecology, and environmental studies, and all are trained in Open Space’s best practices for native plant gardening and low-impact landscape care.
Get the Sustainable Garden Services You’ve Been Searching For
Whether you’re looking for custom garden design, ongoing landscape maintenance, or something in between, we’ll help you take the next right step:
Garden Design
Collaborate with our expert designers to craft a custom plan that reflects your aesthetic, supports biodiversity and native habitat, and reduces long-term maintenance.
Garden Installation
Our experienced team brings your vision to life with high-quality site preparation, precise planting, and quiet e-powered tools.
Chemical-Free Garden Maintenance
Keep your garden thriving with expert ongoing care tailored to the needs of your space, including regular pruning and weeding to maximize plant and soil health.
Seasonal Enhancements
Add seasonal color and variety with rotating planter displays that keep your home or business looking fresh and inviting year-round.
Coaching and Consultations
Need advice or hands-on guidance?
We offer expert insights to help you care for your garden confidently and sustainably.
E-Lawn Care
Lawn care that prioritizes pollinator-friendly lawn plants, healthy soil and quiet electric mowing, delivered without harsh synthetic chemicals or noisy equipment.
Hear From People Who’ve Transformed Their Landscapes With Us
We’ve earned many 5-star reviews across the Twin Cities for a reason: our clients trust us to get it right. They value the way we care for their landscape and for them.
Proudly
Serving St. Paul, MN and the Twin Cities With Thoughtful Landscape Care
Open Space Gardens proudly serves commercial and residential clients who care about the environment and want to bring nature back to their outdoor spaces. We work throughout St. Paul, MN and Minneapolis, MN, and regularly travel to:
- St. Paul, MN
- Minneapolis, MN
- Edina, MN
- St. Louis Park, MN
- Roseville, MN
- Stillwater, MN
- Minnetonka, MN
- Eden Prairie, MN
We’re also growing our presence in surrounding areas. Visit our full Service Area page to learn more.
Grow Your Career With a Team That Cares About the Planet
Looking to do work that makes a real difference? Join one of the Twin Cities’ most respected sustainable landscaping companies. At Open Space Gardens, we offer on-the-job training, meaningful projects, and a mission-first environment. Our team is made up of gardeners, designers, and people who genuinely care about the planet and about each other. Whether you're just starting out or bringing years of experience, you'll have the opportunity to grow your skills, deepen your knowledge of native plants, and build a career that aligns with your values. Explore our open roles and apply today.
Ready to Work With Landscape Contractors Who Share Your Values?
Your garden can be more than a pretty space, it can be a place of purpose. When you work with Open Space Gardens, you’re not just hiring landscape contractors in St. Paul, MN. You’re teaming up with professionals who understand your goals, share your environmental values, and are committed to helping you create a healthier, more beautiful world one yard at a time.
Let’s start with a conversation. Fill out our form to get started, we’ll respond within one business day.
