When these homeowners wanted to make an impression from the street, Corten weathering steel became the signature element – bold retaining walls that frame the property with that distinctive rust patina. The design brings unexpected California vibes to a Minnesota front yard, trading traditional foundation plantings for flowing ornamental grasses and soft, layered perennials that move with the breeze. Spiky yuccas punctuate the composition alongside feathery maiden grass and chartreuse euphorbias that glow against the warm rust of the Corten. Multi-stem birch trees provide vertical structure while maintaining the light, airy quality that keeps the space from feeling heavy despite the substantial steel walls.

Concrete walkways wind through the plantings with restraint, providing access without overwhelming the design with hardscape. The Corten steel develops its protective rust layer over time, growing richer and more textured with each passing season – a material that improves with age rather than requiring maintenance to stay looking new. The result is a front yard that stops people in their tracks, proving that curb appeal doesn't require symmetrical shrubs and mulch beds. This landscape makes a statement through material boldness and soft, naturalistic plantings – a combination that channels the relaxed, modern aesthetic of California wine country while remaining perfectly suited to four-season Midwest living.