Waverly Gardens

Themed gardens surround a senior housing development in North Oaks.

North Oaks, Minnesota


Originally called “The Gardens of North Oaks”, this development is all about integrating gardens into the very fabric of this senior housing community. From the very beginning of site planning and conceptual development, the idea of featuring a variety of high quality garden experiences for residents and guests was the goal of the project.

A variety of thematic gardens; Formal English, French, and woodland, are located in the three sided alcoves created by the sprawling building. The strong and varied geometry of the garden layouts is important as they are primarily viewed from above and from inside the resident’s windows. In addition to the formal gardens, much of the site has been naturalized, including a 5 acre restored wetland at the main entrance to the building.

This native wetland provides habitat for wildlife and has an accessible strolling trail that is frequently used by residents. It also captures some of the rainwater run-off from the roof. There are a variety of water features integrated into the gardens. Ranging in size from a naturalized stream bed to a gurgling urn in the French Garden, they bring sound, movement, and focus to each garden setting.