bringing a well-loved garden back to life after construction

yesterday we were out in western springs measuring a property that’s currently in the middle of a home addition, and like a lot of projects at this stage… the yard is pretty torn up right now. unfortunately, that included parts of her original garden too, which is always tough to see—especially when you can tell how much time, care, and love has gone into it over the years. as a landscape designer working throughout naperville, aurora, plainfield, batavia, geneva, glen ellyn, wheaton, downers grove, lisle, and the western suburbs of chicago, i see this moment a lot—that in-between phase where everything feels a little messy and uncertain.

we spent time taking detailed measurements, taking pictures, and shooting grades so i can properly plan the landscape design and make sure everything flows the way it should. grading and drainage are such an important part of any landscape construction project, especially in the western suburbs of chicago where subtle elevation changes can have a big impact. we’re also mapping out where retaining walls will be needed so the space feels intentional and stable long-term, not just put back together quickly.

what really stands out to me about this project is how much she truly loves her garden. she’s been gardening for years and has collected some really beautiful specimen plantings along the way. so this isn’t just about installing something new—it’s about honoring what was there, preserving what we can, and thoughtfully rebuilding around it. that’s always the goal with my landscape design work in areas like aurora, geneva, and wheaton—creating outdoor spaces that feel personal, not cookie-cutter.

as we move into the installation phase, we’ll be adding natural walkways to guide movement through the space, layering in new plantings to complement what remains, and creating a soft, green lawn area for her dogs to run and play. it’s about balancing structure and softness—hardscape and planting design—so the space feels both functional and inviting.

these are the kinds of projects i love most. the ones where things start out a little chaotic, but with the right planning and care, they come back together into something even more beautiful than before. if you’re in naperville, plainfield, downers grove, or anywhere in the western suburbs of chicago and facing a similar situation after construction, just know—there’s always a way to bring it back to life in a way that feels even better than it did before.