Project No.: 2020-7
Situation: New Construction
Residential
Location: Butte, MT

Key Objectives:

• Create an outdoor space for entertaining with firepit
• Define front entrance
• A backyard to play with family
• Low Maintenance

Project Scope:

This project was designed around the concept of entertaining. The owners wanted a backyard that they could play in. While also keeping in mind an area to entertain guests around a firepit.

With these concepts in mind, a huge grass area was created for both children and adults to run in. This blue grass sod leads up to a paver patio that is created for low maintenance, functionality, and design.

Two paver pathways define the entrance to lead both to the front door and garage, creating easy access. Finally, large moss rock were placed to naturalize the landscape, creating a space to set their beer, and blending the landscape into the surrounding mountain ranges.

Project No.: 2018-4
Situation: New Construction
Residential
Location: Butte, MT

Key Objectives:

• Create a usable space that incorporates the large upper deck with the area below
• Low Maintenance
• Use Stone collected from family Ranch
• Make an appealing yard that is an asset to the property

Project Scope:

When a certain material is requested, such as stone, great care must be taken to ensure it is used properly and the rest of the landscape compliments it. This particular stone naturally occurs in vertical layers, so it is key to use it in the same way. Although not perfectly smooth, this stone was suitable to also be used as treads. A beautiful paver patio is used to barbeque and sitting area for guests.

The area soil is composed heavily of decomposed granite not allowing the soil to retain water. Wagner and Co. amended the entire planting area with a large amount of compost to balance the soil. This will allow plants and grass to thrive all while using minimal water and fertilizer.

Large trees and plants that are native to the area of Butte give stunning color and re-naturalize the lot back into the foothills that surround it. A lazy bed line makes this property easy to maintain.

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Project No.: 2017-5
Situation: Re-model
Residential
Location: Butte, MT

Key Objectives:

• Re-create backyard for entertainment
• Simplify maintenance
• Lower water consumption

This project underwent total transformation to create the perfect outdoor experience for the family and guests.

Project Scope:

To begin Wagner & Company removed all existing concrete and vegetation to begin with a clean slate. Moss rock boulders were used to retain the steep hill around a natural stone staircase. Boulders were used to accent areas around the property to naturalize the planting areas.

Belgard Dublin pavers were selected for a large patio area encompassing a wood burning fire pit. A masonry bench matching the stone on the fire pit was installed so seating would always be available. Old concrete walkways also were replaced by matching pavers.

All soils were amended and prepared for planting by rototilling compost into the soil. This process will increase the soils humus and water holding capacity ultimately reducing the overall water consumption of the yard.

By carefully planning the plant bed edge steel edging was installed as a restraint between the sod and Mulch creating a seamless transition that is easy to mow. After planting, old farm implements and a frontier mining cart were used as decorations in the landscape, adding interest and a one-of-a-kind touch.

Project No.: 2016-8
Situation: New construction
Residential
Location: Butte, MT

Key Objectives:

• Create a functional back yard to entertain and for kids to play
• Include a fireplace
• Large Patio
• Construct a screen from the neighbors and the road
• Create an area for a family spa

This multi-phased project utilized careful thought and planning. The owners had a clear vision for their new yard and with input from Wagner & Company these four objectives came to maturity.

Project Scope:

First the yard was stripped of weeds and poor soil. The grade and design was set for a new patio, connecting the deck to a play area. A footing was installed for a stone fireplace complete with wood boxes. Topsoil utilized on the property created a berm for large trees and plants creating a more secluded environment. As the crews installed the patio and the fireplace, the rest of the yards was prepped for sprinkler and sod. Wagner & Company always amends the soil with compost to increase plant health, reduce water usage, and energy costs. A final grade makes a perfect sod bed, allowing surface drainage in the proper places.

Highlights in this project include Belgard Dublin pavers, a natural stone fireplace, large trees, and highest quality bluegrass.

Project No.: 2014-4
Situation: Renovate/Redesign
Residential Project
Location: Butte, Montana

Key Objectives:

1. Fix drainage around house
2. Design living area to include BBQ and Fire pit
3. Redesign front walk way
4. Outdoor lighting to accent

Project Scope:

The owners called Wagner & Co. reluctantly to have their yard evaluated. Having two companies do work in the past had caused many problems.

Runoff water from the nearby road and landscape would come in the basement and garage. Their well had burnt two pumps, caused by the irrigation not properly designed for the size well.

Having accepted the yard would have to be removed and re-graded they asked Wagner & Company to design a plan to incorporate a backyard to use as a gathering place they always wanted. A gas fire pit gives warmth to guests in the cool Montana air. A built-in grill adds an area to cook while entertaining guests. The roman paver patio is a durable, smooth surface to accommodate any gathering and a large berm ornaments the yard and gives privacy from neighbors.

The clients did not find favorable path lighting so Wagner’s custom fabricated lights into stumps around the patio. Large boulders and trees blend the property back into the natural surroundings.

A new larger front walk uses pavers to break-up the plain concrete. Natural bark gives the landscape an “earth” tone to set off all elements used.

Project No.: 2014-10
Situation: Remodel
Residential
Location: Butte, Montana

Key Objectives:

• Remove old and decaying wall
• Redesign stairs
• Redesign landscape with low maintenance and an area for relaxation
• Repair drainage and improve site to comply with annual water restrictions

Project Scope:

The old wall was removed, due to the age, it was bulging and hanging over the sidewalk, nearly falling over. The new wall design features a much taller structure to achieve appropriate grade. The stair case was moved at the owner’s request and framed in between large moss rock boulders. Native plants and path lighting provides year round color and safety. The wall is tiered to allow for planting to soften the height of the wall. All planted areas are amended for maximum soil health and water retention. Butte, Montana imposes annual water restrictions making it necessary for the project to use a minimum amount of water without being affected.

A small water feature was added to provide serenity and drown the noise of passing traffic. A premium blend of Kentucky blue grass was installed to offer an area for the family pets and cool the area in the heat of the summer.

Wagner and Co. re-purposed many plants from the existing project and added an efficient watering system to keep maintenance low.

A “period correct” fence lines the top of the wall, adding safety to guests and pets while remaining attractive to the landscape.

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Project No.: 2013-7
Situation: New Commercial Building
Commercial Project
Location: Butte, Montana

Key Objectives:

This newly constructed commercial building was built on a very steep grade with undulating terrain. The property owner wanted an aesthetically pleasing, functional storm water system for the location. This design would alleviate any possible water or soil erosion problems in the future.

Critical issues that we addressed during our design phase of the project:

• Adequate grading and barrier construction for the soil.
• Window wells to maximize natural light into the bottom level of the space.
• Storm water utilization was designed to irrigate a large Maple tree and shrubbery.
• Soil was amended using compost to add nutrients and micro-biology to the soil.
• Irrigation system was installed to maximize water usage.

Project Scope:

After adequate grading, we constructed a block wall with moss rock accent to develop a solid foundation from which to develop a functional landscape. By using formulated window wells, we were able to maintain the natural light for the basement offices.

We installed a water cistern to manage the storm water runoff, while adding a beautiful Maple tree to act as an absorption system for any additional overflow.

Trees and shrubs were placed around the entire property to manage sunlight, shade, and accent the building. An efficient irrigation system was added to keep the investment properly watered and maintained.

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Project No.: 2014-11
Situation: Commercial Upgrade
Commercial Property
Location: Butte, Montana

Key Objectives:

The owners and management team of KXLF studios wanted to update and make a visual statement about the image of the TV station for the town of Butte. After a number of planning meetings and discussions, we formalized a plan that would truly make this commercial property “pop,” and enhance the curb appeal.

Project Scope:

This project was not only an upgrade to the landscape, but added a new “customized front fence” to draw attention to the location. The project unfolded as follows:

• We removed the old and outdated landscape – ground cover and bedding.
• For cooling and wind protection, we retained the large 30 foot trees located on the property.
• All the soil was amended with compost materials to increase the micro-biology and better retain water – reducing the water usage and conserving natural resources.
• We installed a more effective and efficient low-flow water drip system for all the new plants and shrubs.
• A cool-season Kentucky Bluegrass was selected for the site to add cooling features to the site and reduce water consumption.
• We worked with outside suppliers to have the cast-iron lights refitted to utilize new LED technology, while keeping the integrity of the old style street lighting that were originally built at the Anaconda Foundry over 100-years-ago.
• A concrete curb was placed around the property to provide a base for the newly produced custom fencing. This steel fencing was custom-made and designed to blend into the historical building and provide a secondary barrier around the studio.
• We added new planting beds to complement the existing areas, and planted new flowers, shrubs and trees for a new look.

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Project No.: 2008-10-1
Situation: Remodel Project
Residence: Primary Property
Location: Butte, Montana

Key Objectives:

These homeowners were presented with a full-home landscape makeover as a present from their son. After doing a site visit, and discussing the owner’s needs, we discovered the current landscape was dysfunctional, high maintenance, and low in curb appeal.

We also uncovered several challenges in the scope of the project, including;

• Overhead power lines
• Steep grade – causing soil erosion and slides
• Tight alleyway with limited zoning access
• Small compact yard
• Old retaining walls and steps that were deteriorating – a dangerous situation

We were able to exceed the owner’s expectations with our innovative ideas that blended their split-level yard, including; adding natural stone and moss rock for new steps and retaining walls,matching the mortar on the two existing patios, and providing much-needed shade for the patio.

Project Scope:

Wagner & Co. recommended the following:

• Using moss rock boulders and natural stone we constructed new steps, retaining walls and blended them to patch the owner’s gardens and split level yard.
• A large maple tree was placed in the yard to cast shade over the upper patio for late afternoon cooling and enjoyment.
• We mortared over the upper patio to match the newer lower patio.

Project from start-to-finish took 45 days.

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