We’ve had a warm May so far in Chicagoland! An especially rainy April has helped to jumpstart Chicagoland’s blooming season, phasing out shy buds and grey skies for cloudless days and a rainbow of colors. May’s Nature’s Notes features guidelines for hardscape pavers, a favorite among customers looking to complement summer colors. This month’s project showcase is a unique alternative garden that takes advantage of greenery for a sustainable landscape.
Read Nature’s Notes: May 2026 here!
In this newsletter…
Functional Foundations: How Stone and Pavers Create Unique Spaces
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: An Alternative Yard
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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