About Us

Greg Flakne, CLP, with over thirty-five years of nursery and landscape experience, began his career at age 15 by bagging dirt at Highland Nursery in St. Paul. Realizing he loved the industry but was destined for greater contributions, he studied horticulture and landscape design in college. He was hired by Bachman’s as a Landscape Designer and was one of their top performers for ten years. He was then hired as Landscape Manager to create and operate a new landscape department at Mulligan's Tree Moving Company in Northfield. After five years at Mulligan’s, Greg realized he needed to have full control of the many aspects of his landscaping projects so he opened “Flakne's” in the spring of 1996.

Greg is heralded for his ability to incorporate his clients' ideas and needs with his expertise and knowledge of all aspects of landscaping and horticulture. Flakne’s uses the highest quality materials and experienced and professional landscape and construction crews. From the initial consultation with clients, through the installation of each project, and especially through quality control and final customer satisfaction, Greg is known throughout the Twin Cities for his friendly and professional service.

Flakne is an active member of the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) in which Greg has earned certification as a Certified Landscape Professional (CLP). A Certified Landscape Professional designation is awarded to those in the industry who achieve a level of proficiency in creating and maintaining a high standard of excellence and quality in landscaping. Greg served on the MNLA Certification Committee for over ten years, encouraging others in the landscape industry to earn this title by passing oral and written exams. He has also served on the MNLA Landscape Design Committee and Contractor’s Committee.

One of Greg’s passions and talents is his ability to create dramatic and elegant effects with low voltage landscape lighting. He joined the MNLA Landscape Lighting Task Force in its early stages of development to help promote the artistic values of landscape lighting. The MNLA supports these values and in early 2008 upgraded this task force to “Committee” status. Take a look at the Outdoor Lighting page on this website to view how lighting can increase the value of your landscape and improve safety around your home at night.

Greg and his wife, Patti, have lived in the southwest suburbs for over thirty years. They have two sons.  The oldest is a veteran of the Minnesota Army National Guard and lives with his wife and infant son in Andover. The youngest is currently a student at the University of Minnesota. The Flaknes enjoy camping, fishing, and traveling when they find the time to get away.

Greg Flakne CLP
Telephone: (612) 919-7777

Email: greg@flaknes.com