winter sunshine, fresh snow, and dreaming up better outdoor living spaces

today is one of those bright, sunny winter days where the light bounces off every snowy surface, and the cold hits you the second you step outside. the snow that fell a few days ago is still tucked over everything here in the western suburbs of chicago, and honestly, it’s kind of magical. as a landscape designer who spends most of her days in naperville, aurora, plainfield, batavia, geneva, wheaton, downers grove, and lisle, i love how snow tells a story about a yard. it outlines every curve, highlights natural stone, and shows off the structure of a well-built outdoor space in a way summer never can.

snow has this funny way of revealing both the strengths and the gaps in a landscape. when i walk through a yard this time of year, i notice all the little things—how a line of evergreens adds winter interest, how a patio looks more inviting when it has defined edges, or how a garden bed still feels alive even when everything is asleep. if you’re looking at your own yard thinking it feels a little flat in winter, you’re definitely not alone. this is usually the moment homeowners realize they’d love more four-season design features, like evergreen trees, beautiful stone pathways, warm lighting, or even a cozy fire pit that makes outdoor living in naperville or aurora feel welcoming all year long.

winter is also one of the best times to plan your next project. i know it feels counterintuitive—cold weather doesn’t exactly scream “let’s talk hardscapes!”—but it’s actually the perfect window to start dreaming. design work, permitting, planning, and material selection all take time, and starting in winter means your project is ready to roll when spring hits the western suburbs of chicago. whether it’s a new patio, an outdoor kitchen, drainage improvements, or a full landscape redesign in places like batavia, geneva, wheaton, downers grove, or lisle, winter gives us room to slow down, get creative, and build something that feels completely custom to your space.

so while the snow is sticking around and our boots are crunching through the yard, this season is still full of possibility. i’m already booking landscape design and construction projects for spring, and i’d love to help you create an outdoor living space that feels grounded, functional, and beautiful in every season—yes, even on these cold, sparkling winter mornings.