Introduction

The landscape and gardens of the Glensheen Mansion were an essential part of the estate. They were carefully planned out as a core element rather than an afterthought. Chester and Clara Congdon viewed the land around the home as just as important as the architecture of the es,n choosing the site for Glensheen, they selected a shoreline along Lake Superior that emphasizes the natural beauty of Duluth while also providing privacy. Their goal was to create a home that worked in harmony with the land and the lake. 

The Congdons hired some of Minnesota's most respected designers to ensure the landscape and architecture complemented each other. The goal was to create cohesion between natural space and structure, not just ways to make it look visually appealing. The visitor's eye was intended to be drawn toward Lake Superior through the gardens, lawns, and paths. This created a gradual transition from structural design to the natural shoreline, creating balance. 

The design of Glensheen's grounds was led by Charles W. Leavitt, who closely worked with Chester to make the layout of the land and select the plants incorporated. Plant lists were revised multiple times due to trees and plants being unable to survive the harsh winters along the lake. Leavitt had gathered a vast list of vegetation, including trees, perennials, and annuals, many of which were grown and taken care of in Glensheen's greenhouses. 

The conditions of the grounds relied heavily on care and labor. While Leavitt and the Congdons established the vision for Glensheen's landscape, the Wyness family gardeners were the ones responsible for the daily work of maintaining the grounds. They took care of the gardens and performed a wide range of tasks to keep the estate running. The Wyness family played a vital role in sustaining the landscape of Glensheen.