THE BACKYARD ISSUE
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RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE
RIVER + RANCH TEAM
Volume 9: Issue 4 River + Ranch Magazine is a collaborative effort to showcase the creativity and design of the West. The two publishers of Bismarck Magazine decided to embark on a new adventure and create a different magazine focusing on design, art, and western living.
Publishers
Hannah Haynes hannah@bismarck-magazine.com Caroline Crary caroline@bismarck-magazine.com
Layout Editor
Jenna Kluting
Copy Editor
Jennifer Kranz
Contributors
Jennifer Kranz
Cover Image
Melanie Sioux Photography
Advertising
Caroline Crary caroline@bismarck-magazine.com
River + Ranch Magazine Corporation, Copyright 2018 River + Ranch and riverandranchmagazine.com. All rights reserved. This periodical cannot be reproduced without the written permission of River + Ranch Magazine. River + Ranch Magazine will not be held responsible for any errors found in the magazine. Bismarck Magazine Corporation accepts no liability for statements made by advertisers.
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Publisher/Co-Founder
Hannah Haynes
Publisher/Co-Founder
Caroline Crary
Jenna Kluting
Karel Sovak
Jennifer Kranz
Maria Brezny
Writer
Editor
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Director of Communications
At Creative Touch Homes we build for you and your family, livability and luxury. We take the time to listen to your most unique requests. If it is important to you, it is a priority to us.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
12 Backyard Built to Last 22 A Backyard Oasis 32 Life-Changing Landscaping 42 Tailored Outdoor Spaces 52 Raising the Standard 62 Timeless Appeal
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The Backyard Issue These gorgeous backyards are completely customized for relaxing, swimming, gardening, barbeques, and every way these families love to spend their time outdoors.
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LETTER
FROM THE PUBLISHERS There’s something special about summer in North Dakota. After months of snow, cold mornings, and watching the landscape slowly come back to life, summer invites us outdoors in a way few places can appreciate. We gather on patios long after the sun should have set, fire up the grill, listen to kids playing in the yard, and enjoy evenings that remind us why we love calling this place home. That’s exactly what inspired this issue of River + Ranch. Outdoor living has become so much more than adding a patio or planting a few flowers. Today, our backyards are extensions of our homes—spaces designed for entertaining, relaxing, connecting with family, and creating memories that last for years. Whether it’s a custom pool, a thoughtfully designed landscape, an inviting outdoor kitchen, or a beautiful fireplace that stretches the season well into fall, these spaces reflect how we truly want to live. In this issue, we’re excited to showcase some of the incredible professionals helping shape outdoor living across western North Dakota. You’ll step inside the inspiring work of Next 2 Nature, where beautiful landscapes are carefully designed to blend with the natural surroundings. You’ll meet Jason Kerner of Backyard Escapes, whose passion for creating personalized outdoor retreats has transformed countless backyards into destinations with his pools. We also feature Keller Hearth’n Home in Mandan, whose outdoor fireplaces, fire features, and living spaces bring warmth and gathering places to every season. You’ll also find stunning projects from C and C Landscaping and Associated Pools, two companies that continue to raise the standard for luxury outdoor living through exceptional craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and attention to detail. One of our favorite things about working on this magazine is seeing how each project begins with a simple idea—a family wanting to spend more time together outside—and becomes something extraordinary. Behind every landscape, every pool, and every outdoor room are talented local professionals who understand our climate, our lifestyle, and what it takes to build spaces that can be enjoyed for years to come. As you flip through these pages, we hope you’ll find inspiration for your own home, whether you’re dreaming of a complete backyard transformation or simply looking for ideas to make the most of these precious summer months. Here’s to making the most of another unforgettable North Dakota Summer!
River + Ranch Magazine is a publication is a locally produced publication and collaborative effort to showcase the creativity and design of the West. River + Ranch is a home magazine dedicated to highlighting design, art and Western Living. Based in Bismarck, ND, but showcasing everything Westward. You can find River + Ranch Magazine at any local grocery store in Bismarck, Mandan, Minot, Dickinson, Williston, Watford City, Medora and smaller cities in between. Thank you for reading.
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Backyard Built to Last . photos by Melanie Sioux Photography | Story by Jennifer Kranz
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ome home improvements are designed for today while others have become part of a family’s story for decades. For one local couple, their backyard
swimming pool has been just that. Installed in 1993 by Associated Pool Builders, the pool has hosted countless family gatherings, summer celebrations, and quiet evenings at home.
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“We’ve always worked with Associated Pool Builders,” they said. “The service has always been there.” - The Homeowner
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More than 30 years later, when it came time for a major backyard renovation, there was no question about who the homeowners would call. “We’ve always worked with Associated Pool Builders,” they said. “The service has always been there.” Last year, the company completed a comprehensive renovation that modernized the pool while preserving everything the family loved about it. The project expanded the pool to include a spacious sun shelf, added new fountains and color-changing LED lighting, and incorporated smart automation that allows the owners to control the lights, water features, temperature, and automatic cover from a smartphone.
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To accommodate the larger design, the entire pool was shifted two feet farther from the existing pool house, an adjustment that created room for all the new amenities while keeping the overall flow of the backyard. Perhaps the biggest success of the project was something every homeowner hopes for: timing. The family wanted the pool ready before the Fourth of July, and Associated Pool Builders completed the renovation early enough for them to enjoy the season from the very beginning. While the new features add a contemporary touch, the pool’s construction reflects the durability that has kept it performing for more than three decades. Like many of the company’s residential pools, this pool features galvanized steel walls secured in concrete for long-term stability. During the renovation, the original sand floor was upgraded to a vermiculite-based product called Pool-Krete. Pool-Krete is a smooth, durable surface that provides greater comfort underfoot while helping protect the vinyl liner from wear. Although vinyl liners are typically replaced every 10 to 12 years, proper water chemistry can dramatically extend their lifespan. In more than 30 years of ownership, the homeowners have replaced both the liner and automatic cover only once.
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That long-term performance can be attributed to another hallmark of Associated Pool Builders: service after the installation. Each fall, the company has winterized the pool, continuing a relationship that has spanned more than three decades. By keeping both residential and commercial construction divisions, Associated Pool Builders has experienced employees working year-round and supports an extensive inventory of replacement equipment, allowing repairs to be completed quickly when needed. The renovation also introduced one of today’s most advanced safety features- an automatic cover manufactured by Cover Pools. Certified to strict safety standards, the cover is designed to support the weight of a person and, under certain conditions, even a small vehicle. With local approval, that level of protection can eliminate the need for traditional perimeter fencing, while helping retain heat and reduce maintenance. Surrounding the pool is a backyard designed for gathering. A pavilion with motorized screens extends the outdoor season, while a nearby pool house includes a bathroom, shower and equipment storage.
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A putting green, miniature golf course, fire pit, and lawn games create spaces where family and friends naturally come together. One annual competition has even earned its own tongue-in-cheek name. The “Broken Toe Beer Fest” was born after an enthusiastic game of washers resulted in a memorable injury. The homeowners heat the pool to a comfortable 85 degrees and typically enjoy it from May through October. Young nieces and nephews gravitate to the new sun shelf, while evenings often end with the family simply admiring the water from inside the house. Years ago, the homeowners considered buying a lake house. Instead, they invested in creating the kind of retreat they wanted at home. Today, that decision continues to pay dividends. Their backyard has become more than a place to swim; it’s where holidays are celebrated, generations gather and everyday moments feel like a vacation. And after more than 30 years of working with Associated Pool Builders, it’s also a testament to the lasting value of craftsmanship, service, and relationships that stand the test of time.
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A Backyard Oasis . photos by Melanie Sioux Photography | Story by Jennifer Kranz
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ransforming an established backyard into a resort-style retreat requires more than installing a swimming pool. It takes thoughtful planning, skilled
craftsmanship, and an eye for details that make the finished project look as though it has always belonged in the space.
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“Existing yards can be the hardest,” Kerner says. “You already have landscaping, colors, and design elements in place, so everything we add has to work with what’s there. At the end of this project, we looked at it and thought, ‘This is perfect.’”
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For Jason Kerner, owner and pool superintendent of Backyard Escapes, that seamless integration is one of the most rewarding parts of the job. “Existing yards can be the hardest,” Kerner says. “You already have landscaping, colors, and design elements in place, so everything we add has to work with what’s there. At the end of this project, we looked at it and thought, ‘This is perfect.’”
Combining visions to create your dreams | diversityhomes.com | 701.751.3999 www.riverandranchmagazine.com
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The attention to detail is evident throughout this recently completed backyard transformation. The contour in the new concrete was designed to mirror the contours of the existing patio, creating a natural flow between old and new. Matching concrete color can often be unpredictable, but in this case the finished product blended almost perfectly with the home’s original hardscaping. “It was really nice to go into an existing yard and make it look like we were never even there,” Kerner says. While the finished project appears effortless, the installation required careful coordination behind the scenes. One of the biggest challenges was working around an extensive underground sprinkler system. Pool equipment is typically installed along the same lines as irrigation lines, making excavation a delicate process. Backyard Escape’s crew meticulously preserved the existing sprinkler infrastructure, allowing the irrigation contractor to reconnect the system with minimal disruption once construction was complete.
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This project also benefited from close collaboration with Prairie View Landscaping, the company that had originally designed the landscaping. After the pool installation was finished, Prairie View returned to restore construction access areas and complete new features, including a putting green and decorative rock landscaping around the pool. The most remarkable part of the project wasn’t what was built, but how quickly it came together. From the day excavation began until the homeowners hosted their first pool party, just six days had passed. During that time, crews completed excavation, installed the fiberglass pool shell, poured concrete, added fencing and curbing, and prepared the backyard for use. The final landscaping followed shortly afterward, with the family already enjoying the water. “The weather cooperated, and our crews were in full swing,” Kerner says. “Everything lined up.” Because Backyard Escapes often books projects a year or more in advance, much of the design and logistical planning happens during the winter months. Equipment locations, excavation strategies, and construction sequencing are determined long before crews arrive on site. 30 RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE |August - September 2026
While homeowners often personalize projects by adding water features, umbrellas, or decorative concrete finishes during construction, the plan will already be carefully engineered, allowing installation to continue with remarkable consistency. Most Backyard Escape pools are completed in approximately eight working days. Automatic pool covers take a little more time, with installation taking place 10 to 14 days after concrete is poured, allowing the surface to gain sufficient strength before drilling. The company specializes exclusively in fiberglass pools, a choice Kerner believes makes the most sense for North Dakota’s demanding climate. With annual temperature swings exceeding 150 degrees, fiberglass offers exceptional flexibility and durability while requiring less long-term maintenance than other pool types. Its smooth, nonporous surface allows for reduced chemical use, making weekly cleaning easier. Fiberglass also acts as a natural insulator, helping retain heat and lowering operating costs throughout the swimming season. Unlike vinyl liner pools, there are no liners to replace, and resurfacing, should it ever be needed, is typically completed in a single day. Among the company’s most requested pool designs is the Aspen model, recognizable for its expansive tanning ledge. Popular with families, the shallow shelf provides a comfortable place for young children to play, pets to cool off, or adults to lounge just inches beneath the water. Founded in 2014 as Kerner Construction before becoming Backyard Escapes in 2016, the company remains a family operation. Kerner’s son serves as a pool foreman, his wife oversees the retail store, human resources, and accounting, and his brother-in-law manages the service department. For Kerner, success isn’t measured by how many pools are completed each season. It’s measured by the moment construction ends, and the backyard feels as exactly as it should… a place where families can gather, relax, and create memories for years to come. www.riverandranchmagazine.com
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Life-Changing Landscaping . photos by Melanie Sioux Photography | Story by Jennifer Kranz
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reat landscaping does more than improve curb appeal; it solves problems homeowners have lived with for years, whether it’s water collecting against a
foundation, a failing retaining wall, or a steep hillside that’s difficult to maintain. That’s the approach behind C and C Landscaping, where owner Colton Berreth believes every project should combine lasting function with thoughtful design.
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“Associated Pool Builders, Inc. built this pool in 2008. We replaced the original liner this summer, making the pool 18 years old before it needed a new liner, and the new pattern looks great!” - Gabriel Rapelje, Residential Pool Manager Associated Pool Builders, Inc.
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The company’s story began modestly. While still in high school, Berreth started mowing lawns for family, friends, and neighbors. As demand grew, his brother Coy joined him in the evenings and weekends, giving the business its name C and C Landscaping. What started as a side job officially became a business in 2020 and has since grown into a full-service landscape company serving homeowners throughout the region. Today, C and C offers everything from weekly lawn care and fertilization to complete outdoor living projects featuring patios, retaining walls, drainage systems, pools, hot tubs, saunas, and outdoor kitchens. When projects require additional trades, such as deck construction, the company coordinates with trusted local partners so homeowners can work through a single point of contact.
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For Berreth, however, the work often begins with identifying the problem before discussing the solution. One such project took the team to a riverfront property. Years of shoreline erosion had left the beach unstable, while aging riprap had become overgrown with weeds and increasingly difficult to maintain. C and C rebuilt the shoreline using new riprap installed over landscape fabric to improve both durability and appearance. The team also constructed a set of steps leading to the water, creating safer access for the homeowners, and allowing space for a future dock if they choose to add one. To reduce ongoing maintenance, a rock bed replaced a steep grassy slope, eliminating one of the property’s most challenging mowing areas. Another project focused less on appearance and more on protecting a home from water damage.
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At this home rain and snowmelt routinely collected near one corner of the house, creating an ongoing drainage concern. C and C designed and installed a drainage swale that redirected runoff safely toward the backyard, resolving the issue before it could threaten the home’s foundation. While addressing the drainage, the homeowners also decided to replace aging black vinyl landscape edging with custom-colored, stamped concrete curbing. The new edging provided a crisp, finished appearance while complementing neighboring homes and requiring virtually no maintenance. Sometimes, however, solving the problem requires heavy equipment. When a retaining wall at another home began to fail after decades of service, the cause extended beyond simple age. A neighboring sprinkler line had come loose, allowing water to wash away supporting soil behind the wall accelerating its collapse. Replacing the wall required far more than decorative landscaping. C and C removed the deteriorated railroad tie wall and installed a new retaining wall using massive 2,200-pound concrete blocks. The new system was structurally tied into a neighboring retaining wall, creating a stable, long-term solution.
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Projects like these reflect values that Berreth believes sets his company apart: communication, reliability, and transparency. From the initial inquiry, homeowners receive prompt scheduling, an on-site consultation, and a clear explanation of both the challenges and the proposed solution. Budgets, timelines, and expectations are discussed early, helping projects move smoothly from planning through construction. That straightforward approach has helped C and C Landscaping grow from a neighborhood lawn mowing business into a company capable of tackling everything from routine maintenance to complex landscape renovations. For Berreth, success isn’t measured simply by how a project looks when it’s finished. It’s knowing the landscape will continue performing long after the equipment leaves the driveway keeping water where it belongs, stabilizing the land, and creating outdoor spaces homeowners can enjoy with confidence for years to come.
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Tailored Outdoor Spaces . photos by Melanie Sioux Photography | Story by Jennifer Kranz
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or many homeowners, the perfect outdoor living space is not built all at once, it is created over time and evolves as families discover new ways to
relax, entertain, and enjoy their homes. That is the philosophy Mike Keller, Owner at Keller Hearth’n Home has instilled. Where every project begins with a conversation and ends with a space tailored to the way each client lives.
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This project had limited yard access combined with existing extravagant landscaping, so our work was cut out for us. Even though the pictures may not show it all, this is one of our only installs to have full view of the Missouri River and a beautiful city on the other side. -Jason Kerner, Owner of Backyard Escapes by Kerner Construction
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Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, Keller Hearth’n Home specializes in custom outdoor environments that combine beauty, functionality, and craftsmanship. From built-in fireplaces and custom grill islands to hot tubs, saunas, fire tables, and outdoor furnishings, each project is designed to complement both the home and the homeowner’s lifestyle. Read ahead to learn about four unique projects all with different products from Keller Hearth’n Home. Bringing the Inside Out One long-time client’s project perfectly illustrates how outdoor spaces can evolve. The homeowner’s relationship with Keller Hearth’n Home began with an indoor fireplace before expanding to an outdoor fireplace that quickly became a favorite gathering spot. Most recently, the space was completed with a custom grill island designed specifically around the family’s cooking style. Instead of a traditional barbecue grill, the island features a professional-grade stainless steel griddle, as well as refrigeration, generous storage, and built-in trash bins maximizing convenience. The island itself was sized to fit the available space without overwhelming the patio. The project showcases Keller Hearth’n Home’s collaborative approach. Local craftsmen fabricated custom concrete countertops, a regional siding company completed the finish work, and the homeowner’s preferred electrician handled the electrical installation. 46 RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE |August - September 2026
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On the Hot (Tub) Seat Thoughtful planning is equally important when installing larger features like hot tubs. When the homeowner envisioned placing a spa directly on his second-story bedroom deck, the team recognized potential structural concerns. Rather than compromising safety or the view, they proposed a different solution. A reinforced concrete pad was installed beneath the deck, allowing the hot tub to sit securely at ground level preserving the elevated deck as an open entertaining space. The homeowner completed his own landscaping and masonry around the installation, creating a seamless backyard retreat that also includes a fire table and freestanding grill. The project shows how careful site planning can transform an initial challenge into an even better long-term solution.
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A Gathering Place Waterfront properties often present their own design opportunities, as shown by this homeowner’s outdoor living area. Because the home’s pool and entertaining space sit a considerable distance from the kitchen, convenience became the driving force behind the design. Instead of incorporating a built-in grill, Keller Hearth’n Home designed a custom island equipped with dual refrigerators and an integrated ice chest, ensuring drinks and refreshments stay cold and nearby throughout the day. A freestanding grill provides flexibility for cooking, while a builtin outdoor fireplace creates a welcoming focal point tied together with landscaping from a local landscape company, that complements the waterfront setting and encourages guests to gather long after sunset.
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Vacation at Home After a trip to South Dakota Stacy Schwartz decided that a wood burning fire feature was necessary on their new build home’s covered patio. The warmth and versatility provided by the fireplace is second to none and Stacy and her family can enjoy the patio almost year-round. “It can be snowing and we’ll be out here with hoodies on enjoying the fire,” she says. A hot tub, the rock, a Big Green Egg, and a Broil King all came from Keller Hearth’n Home and added the perfect accessories to enjoying life outdoors.
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Make it Your Own Behind every project is an extensive selection of products that can be customized to fit virtually any outdoor lifestyle. Homeowners can choose from built-in fireplaces, fire tables, and fire pits, along with complete outdoor kitchens featuring grills, griddles, refrigeration, ice chests, storage, and waste solutions. Hot tubs and both modular and custom-built saunas, including infrared models, offer opportunities to create year-round wellness retreats, while carefully curated outdoor furniture completes each living space. A key part of Keller Hearth’n Home’s offering comes through its partnership with Outdoor GreatRoom Company, whose premium fire features are prominently displayed in Keller’s showroom. Visitors can experience a significant portion of the product line firsthand, making it easier to envision how individual pieces can come together in a cohesive design. Whether homeowners are starting with a single fireplace or planning an entire outdoor oasis, Keller Hearth’n Home believes the best spaces are those that reflect the people who use them. It is an approach built on collaboration, craftsmanship, and lasting relationships one project at a time.
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Raising the Standard . photos by Melanie Sioux Photography | Story by Jennifer Kranz
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ome of the most innovative landscape designs aren’t immediately visible. In fact, the features homeowners appreciate most are often hidden beneath the
surface. That was the case during a recent backyard renovation in the Misty Waters neighborhood, where Next 2 Nature transformed an already beautiful outdoor living space into a modern retreat by reimagining the existing pool deck.
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This was our first chance at doing a partial renovation on a pool we installed during the Covid years. It was great being able to re imagine the pool with exciting new features and a fresh look. It also gave us a chance to add in new technologies and building practices we are using on our current installs. Jason Kerner Owner Backyard Escapes by Kerner Construction
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“The homeowners weren’t looking to start over,” says Jared Winters, owner of Next 2 Nature. “They wanted to update the space and make it function better for the way they live.” The centerpiece of the renovation is a porcelain paver system installed on adjustable pedestals rather than a traditional concrete base. Instead of building the deck with subtle slopes that direct water toward drains, the pedestal system creates a perfectly level surface while allowing rainwater to drain through the joints between the pavers and into the space below.
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The result is a cleaner look and a more comfortable outdoor environment. Furniture sits level, walking surfaces are free of subtle slopes and tripping hazards, and individual pavers can be lifted whenever irrigation, lighting or other utilities beneath the deck require service. Although it was the company’s first pedestal installation, the benefits quickly became apparent. “We’ve completed several more since then,” Winters says. “Once homeowners understand how the system works, they really appreciate the advantages.” Porcelain was the ideal material for the project because it stays cooler underfoot than many traditional paving materials, offers excellent slip resistance around the pool, resists stains, and never needs to be sealed. Combined with the pedestal system, it provides both durability and minimal maintenance. The cavity beneath the pavers also became the perfect place to conceal irrigation lines, low-voltage lighting and one of the project’s most unique features: an integrated mosquito repellent system installed through the landscape planters. Activated only when needed, the system helps make outdoor gatherings more enjoyable without disrupting the clean design.
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Material selection throughout the landscaping reflects the same thoughtful approach. New York bluestone coping frames the pool, while Corten steel planters and retaining walls introduce warm, natural texture that will patina over time. Granite accents on the fire features add another layer of durability, and the absence of exposed concrete gives the entire backyard a refined, contemporary appearance. The outdoor living space was designed with entertaining in mind. A motorized louvered pergola, installed by Big River Builders, allows the homeowners to enjoy sunshine when they want or close the roof during passing rain showers. Integrated LED lighting, controlled by a smartphone, creates ambiance throughout the property. The backyard also includes multiple destinations for gathering, from the pool deck and hot tub to a wood-burning fire pit overlooking the water. Large sliding doors connect the patio to a four seasons room, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living while extending the home’s usable entertaining space.
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Winters says projects like this have become increasingly common throughout North Dakota. As homeowners spend more time at home, outdoor living spaces have become an extension of the house rather than simply the backyard. “Our summers are short,” he says. “People want spaces that let them enjoy every minute they’re outside.” That philosophy shapes every project Next 2 Nature undertakes. Rather than following trends, the company focuses on finding the right products and construction methods for each property. Longstanding relationships with manufacturers across the country also give the team direct access to technical expertise and innovative materials that aren’t yet commonplace in the region. The Misty Waters renovation is a perfect example of that approach. While visitors notice the beautiful porcelain decking, elegant planters and inviting gathering spaces, the project’s greatest success lies in the engineering hidden below. It’s a reminder that exceptional outdoor living isn’t just about what homeowners see, it’s about creating a space that performs well for years to come.
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Timeless Appeal with story: Jennifer Kranz | photos: Melanie Sioux Photography
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ome of the most memorable outdoor spaces are not defined by a single feature; they’re defined by the materials that bring everything together. Natural stone has a way of grounding a landscape, adding texture and character that only improves with time. That philosophy guided a recent luxury landscape project completed by Integrity Landscaping and Pools using natural stone supplied by Coldspring Stoneyard. Rather than relying on manufactured materials, the Coldspring crew sourced from quarries across Montana, Wisconsin, and Minnesota to create a backyard that feels as though it has always belonged to the property. On this project the homeowners offered only one request: create something exceptional. So, with that creative freedom, owner Brandon Bailey and project manager Cameron Cook designed an outdoor environment where every element, from retaining walls to boulders and decorative stone, work together as one cohesive piece. “We were able to let the materials drive the design,” says Wade Wessling, regional sales
manager for Coldspring. “When you have the right stone for the setting, everything else starts to fall into place.” Matching the home’s distinctive Corten steel exterior became the starting point. Warm brown and gray stone quarried in northwestern Montana echoed the weathered tones of the steel, while deep black stone from northern Wisconsin introduced contrast and definition throughout the landscape. Each piece of Wisconsin stone was precision cut to either 7½- or 15-inch heights, allowing retaining walls and landscape features to stack with remarkable consistency. The modular dimensions simplified installation while producing crisp, clean lines that still preserved the natural character of the stone. The carefully selected materials became the framework for an outdoor retreat filled with spaces to gather and unwind. A custom pool anchors the backyard, complete with twelve therapy jets and colorchanging LED lighting. An outdoor shower,
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WADE WESSLING & BRANDON BAILEY
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fire pit, and secluded sitting area known as “The Perch” create quiet destinations throughout the landscape. An in-ground trampoline with integrated lighting adds an unexpected recreational feature, while artificial turf provides a dedicated space for practicing golf without adding maintenance. Even the ground surfaces contribute to the overall design. Crushed black granite from Cold Spring, Minnesota was used to define pathways and planting areas, reinforcing the contemporary aesthetic while providing contrast against the larger stone elements. The scale of the project was significant. Between natural boulders, retaining wall stone and decorative aggregates, the installation required 10 to 12 semi-truck loads of material. Yet despite its size, the finished landscaping feels balanced rather than overwhelming, a testament to careful planning and thoughtful material selection. For Bailey, the project also demonstrated the value of collaboration. Close coordination between the design team and Coldspring Stone Yard ensured every stone arrived with the proper dimensions and specifications. That level of precision allowed construction to move efficiently while giving the designers confidence that each material would perform exactly as intended.
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W H E R E YO U R N E X T C H A P T E R B E G I N S M ORTG AG E | R E F I NANC E | H O ME EQ U IT Y LOAN
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Today, Coldspring supplies an extensive range of natural stone products for large and small projects, while Integrity Landscaping and Pools has expanded its services to include everything from custom landscapes and pools to gas and wood-burning fire features. Together, the companies help homeowners create outdoor environments that blend beauty with lasting performance. In an era when outdoor living continues to evolve, this project offers a reminder that great design begins with timeless materials. Unlike products that come and go with changing trends, natural stone carries a sense of permanence that only grows richer with age. Long after the lights dim, the fire burns low, and another summer season ends, the stone remains, connecting the home to the landscape and ensuring the space feels as lasting as the memories created there.
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68 RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE |August - September 2026