10 Garden Ideas for your Chicago Area Home
Whether you live in the city or suburbs, we can provide unique and eye-catching garden ideas to make your home stand out. The good news is that many of these ideas are also simple to implement. These simple, do-it-yourself projects can help you transform your yard into a functional space.
1. Plant a vegetable garden
One of the biggest joys of gardening is putting food on the table. If you are growing a vegetable garden, be sure to choose plants that are suitable for the Chicago area, like lettuce, peppers, and cilantro. They can withstand our long, cold springs and hot, dry summers.
2. Add some height to your backyard with trees
Adding trees to your backyard can provide shade, beautiful blooms, and great fall colors. If you are unsure of which trees to plant, consult an arborist to determine which ones would be best for your location and the amount of sunlight your backyard gets.
3. Use containers and planting beds
If you have a small backyard, consider using containers to add depth and texture. They are a great way to keep your vegetables fresh until they are ready for harvest. You can buy containers in all shapes and sizes, as well as seeds and planting kits.
4. Add color and contrast with edging
Creating borders in your garden can make it look more defined, and give you the opportunity to include some of your favorite flowers or other plant specimens. There are a variety of materials you can use to create edging, including stones, wood, metal and plastic.
5. Add a rain garden
Having a rain garden is a good way to ensure your garden gets supplemental water when you need it most. You can plant a variety of plants in a depression in your yard, and water them with your roof drainage water during times of heavy rainfall.
6. Grow native plants
Using native plants in your garden is an easy way to save time, and money and reduce environmental impacts. They are also a great way to attract pollinators and wildlife.
7. Create a natural-looking front yard
Your front yard is your entry point to your home, and you want it to be a reflection of you and your personality. Whether you have a large, traditional front yard or a small, cottage-style porch, a few easy landscape ideas can turn it into a beautiful and welcoming space.
8. Build a DIY backyard oasis
Aside from adding a pool or fire pit, another way to turn your backyard into an oasis is to create a garden. Vegetable gardens can be a great addition to your landscaping as they can bring color and provide you with a healthy supply of fruits, veggies, and herbs.
9. Design a garden from nature
A quality Chicago landscape design incorporates elements from the natural world, such as trees, shrubs and flowering plants, to give your home a sense of place. The best way to design a garden is to create a plan on paper. This will give you a clear idea of how to best utilize your yard, and it will also guide you when making selections for your plant beds.