Summer in Chicagoland is the perfect time for lakefront strolls, outdoor concerts, backyard barbecues, and making the most of the warm weather. When you’re ready to slow down between summer adventures, your own backyard can become the perfect place to relax, soak up the sunshine, and enjoy the beauty of your landscape.
In this edition of Nature’s Notes, we’re sharing practical tips for creating a more sustainable garden, including composting and rainwater harvesting. We’ll also spotlight an award-winning lakefront landscape that showcases thoughtful design and environmental stewardship.
Read Nature’s Notes: June 2026 here!
In this newsletter…
NPL’s To Sustainable Gardening Practices
Creating a distinctive outdoor retreat starts with thoughtfully mixing colors, textures, and materials throughout the landscape design. Instead of relying on a uniform appearance, combining elements such as smooth stone, rugged pavers, bluestone, and warm terracotta tones can give a patio greater depth, personality, and visual interest. The careful layering of contrasting hardscape materials helps shape the mood and atmosphere of the entire property, turning an ordinary outdoor space into a vibrant, curated environment full of character and style.
Project Spotlight: Award-Winning Lakefront Property
A once-overgrown, shaded backyard in Wilmette was transformed into a peaceful, low-maintenance retreat designed for relaxation and year-round enjoyment. Surrounded by mature Oak and Mulberry trees, the space originally struggled to support grass and had become difficult to navigate due to overgrown shade plantings. The redesign introduced new patio doors leading to a raised deck with seating, a large koi pond with a waterfall, and a combination of paver and gravel walking paths that wind through lush, shade-loving landscaping. Ornamental trees and colorful plantings were carefully selected to provide seasonal interest while maintaining the garden’s natural character. The finished lawn-free landscape now offers a serene escape that blends beauty, functionality, and sustainability, earning recognition during a local alternative yard tour focused on environmentally-conscious living.
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