04-08-1985 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

mm o Estate gardens are a signifcant and historical feature of the Lake Minnetonka area. o Eddie J. Phelps, a nationally known landscape architect, designed many of the estate gardens in the area and lived in Wayzata. Mr. Phelps was one of the first landscape architects in the Metropolitan area and had a major impact cn the profession'_, growth in the area. 2. Backyrcund of Estate Gardens Btate gardens are an interesting part of the history of the Lake Minnetonka area. Many residents of the area, had elaborate gardens designed for their estates. The gardens both indicated and graced the style of those living around take Minnetonka. An important figure in this fascination with elegant and expansive gardens was Edmund J. Phelps, a local landscape architect known nationwide for his work. Phelps worked in the area from approximately 1925-1950. His work can be found in the Twin Cities, Duluth, Chicago and Washington, D.C., as well as the states of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Tennesa-e. A list of his clients indicate that he worked with some of the more r-ominent citizens in the Lake Minnetonka area. Phelps played a significant role in the development of the profession of landscape architecture, and the Estate Gardens represent a substantial element of his work. The Committee feels that this theme establishes a tribute to Phelps and his work on the "Estate Gardens of Lake Minnetonka." 3. Elements of an Estate Garden The completed garden of an estate incorporated many elements that worked together as a whole to bring about a total design. Elements