designing landscapes with meaning: when memories shape the outdoors

today i was reminded, once again, why i’m so passionate about landscape design. during a landscape design presentation with a client, she asked if we could add a gingko tree to her plan. not because it was trendy or eye-catching, but because it reminded her of her wedding day at the arboretum. those are the moments that stop me in my tracks—in the best way. of course i said yes.

for me, great landscape design and construction is never just about plants, patios, or hardscape details. it’s about creating outdoor spaces that feel deeply personal. whether i’m working on a landscape design in naperville, aurora, plainfield, batavia, geneva, wheaton, downers grove, lisle, or elsewhere in the western suburbs of chicago, my goal is always the same: design a space that feels like home. when a client brings a personal story into the design, it adds a layer of meaning that no catalog plant list ever could.

adding a memory-filled element like a gingko tree gives comfort to the homeowner and intention to the entire outdoor space. it turns a backyard into a place of reflection, celebration, and connection. from patios and walkways to garden beds and trees, every detail has the opportunity to support how you want to feel when you step outside. that’s something we talk about often during our landscape design process—how the space will be lived in, not just how it will look.

these personal touches also mean a lot to our team during landscape installation. knowing we’re building something that will hold anniversaries, family gatherings, quiet mornings, and future milestones makes the work incredibly rewarding. it’s one thing to install a beautiful landscape; it’s another to know that it will be woven into someone’s life story.

if you’re considering landscape design or landscape construction in the western suburbs of chicago, i encourage you to think beyond function and curb appeal. think about the memories, the moments, and the meaning you want your outdoor space to hold. those are the designs that truly last.