At Cedars of Edina, the grounds are more than beautiful scenery, they are a carefully layered ecosystem of flowering perennials, mature trees, evergreens, water features, and wildlife habitat that change with every season. A stroll through the property reveals color, texture, fragrance, and movement everywhere you look, creating a peaceful environment that feels both cultivated and wonderfully natural.
Lilacs and Early Summer Blooms
Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) and Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) - Lilac blooms and catmint with fragrant blooms and foliage that attract pollinators
One of the standout sights this season is the blooming lilac, with clusters of soft lavender and pink flowers filling the air with fragrance. These classic flowering shrubs thrive in Minnesota’s climate and bring a timeless charm to the landscape. Their blooms attract pollinators while adding bursts of color along pathways and garden edges.
Nearby, catmint and other flowering perennials create soft layers of silver-green foliage and delicate purple blossoms. These hardy plants are beloved not only for their long blooming season, but also for their ability to attract bees and butterflies throughout the warmer months.
Climbing Vines and Natural Texture
Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) - A vigorous climbing vine known for brilliant red fall color.
Throughout the property, climbing vines wind their way up fences, pergolas, and tree trunks, adding vertical texture and a sense of age and character to the gardens. Virginia creeper, visible climbing along wooden surfaces, provides vibrant green foliage in spring and summer before turning brilliant shades of red in autumn.
The Pond Ecosystem
Aquatic Grasses with Mallard Duck and Painted Turtle - Wetland plants provide natural pond filtration and a habitat for wildlife
The pond area serves as one of the most peaceful gathering spaces at Cedars of Edina. Tall aquatic reeds rise from the water’s edge, creating habitat for birds, turtles, and beneficial insects while naturally filtering the water. Turtles can sometimes be seen basking on sunlit rocks, while ducks quietly explore the shoreline nearby. Decorative heron sculptures blend seamlessly into the environment, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere without distracting from the natural beauty of the setting.
The pond surface, dotted with floating aquatic vegetation, reflects the surrounding trees and sky, creating a calming retreat for residents and visitors alike.
Mature Trees and Evergreen Beauty
Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) and Evergreen Conifers - Blue-green evergreen trees adding year-round structure and color.
Cedars of Edina is fortunate to feature an impressive canopy of mature trees that provides shade, privacy, and year-round visual interest. Elegant birch trees with their bright white bark add contrast and movement to the landscape, especially when their leaves shimmer in the breeze. Japanese maples contribute rich burgundy tones and sculptural branching, creating dramatic focal points along walking paths.
Towering evergreens, including spruce and cedar varieties, anchor the property with deep green and blue-green color throughout every season. Even in winter, these trees maintain structure and beauty across the grounds.
Designed for Quiet Exploration
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) with Mixed Woodland Plantings - Ornamental trees prized for rich burgundy foliage and graceful branching.
Winding pathways throughout the property invite residents to slow down and enjoy the changing scenery. Carefully layered plantings combine evergreen shrubs, flowering perennials, ornamental grasses, and mature trees to create gardens that feel immersive and peaceful.
The landscape at Cedars of Edina was designed not only to be visually beautiful, but also to create spaces for reflection, conversation, and connection with nature.
A Living Landscape in Every Season
What makes Cedars of Edina truly special is the way the landscape evolves throughout the year. Spring brings fresh blossoms and bright new growth. Summer fills the gardens with color and wildlife activity. Autumn transforms the trees into shades of gold, crimson, and amber. Winter highlights the sculptural beauty of evergreens and bare branches against the snow.
Every season offers residents something new to discover, making the grounds at Cedars of Edina an experience, not just a backdrop.
Paper Birch Trees (Betula papyrifera) - Recognizable by their white bark and delicate green foliage.
