From naturalistic planting schemes to outdoor living rooms that blur the line between inside and out — here's what Chicago's most discerning homeowners are requesting this season.
The North Shore landscape market has shifted significantly over the past two years. Clients who once wanted formal, symmetrical gardens are now requesting spaces that feel curated but organic — as if nature itself designed them with a little help.
The Rise of the Naturalistic Garden
The biggest shift we're seeing is toward naturalistic planting design. This doesn't mean wild or unkempt — it means thoughtful layering of native and adapted plants that move with the wind, attract pollinators, and look stunning from spring through late fall. Think ornamental grasses, prairie-inspired perennial mixes, and specimen trees positioned for seasonal drama.
Outdoor Living as a Primary Space
The pandemic permanently changed how North Shore homeowners think about their outdoor space. It's no longer a backdrop — it's a primary living room. We're building outdoor kitchens with full appliance packages, covered pergola structures with heating and lighting, and fire features that extend the season well into November.
Material Trends: Natural Stone Dominates
Limestone, bluestone, and quartzite are commanding the premium end of the hardscape market. Clients are moving away from manufactured pavers toward natural stone with irregular edges and variation — materials that look better as they age, not worse.
Lighting as Architecture
Landscape lighting has evolved from functional to architectural. We're designing lighting plans that treat the garden as a stage — uplighting specimen trees, grazing textured walls, and using path lighting as a design element rather than an afterthought.
