Planting
Layered beds that peak in turn, chosen for your soil and your sun. Most are native to the Midwest, or close to it.
Beds, borders, meadowsAsk about plantingPlants first. Then everything that holds them.
Most gardens need a little of each. We design them together, so the stone, the water, and the planting look like they were always one idea.
Stone
Patios, paths, and walls in bluestone, limestone, and reclaimed brick, set on bases deep enough for an Illinois frost.
Patios, steps, wallsAsk about stone
Fire and cooking
A place to linger after dark, from a simple stone fire ring to a covered outdoor kitchen.
Fire rings, kitchens, pergolasAsk about fire and cooking
Water
Still pools and small ponds, or a dry creek that also solves a drainage problem you have been ignoring.
Ponds, rills, dry creeksAsk about waterAfter planting
A garden isn't finished the day we leave.
First-year care
Weekly watering checks and replacements on anything that doesn't take.
Seasonal edits
Twice a year, Marta walks the garden and moves whatever wants moving.
Winter structure
Cutting back only what needs it, so birds and frost have something to work with.