Our philosopy on designing gardens with native plants

In creating our gardens, we take our cues from the beautiful things and places we have seen in the natural world.

The location - the earth - tells us what goes where. The conditions, such as the amount of sun or shade, the type of soil, the amount of moisture an area will get and retain all dictate what types of plants will be happy, will thrive and will coexist there.

The native plants we use - the wildflowers, grasses, sedges, ferns, shrubs, and trees - will all belong together there, as they have since ancient times. Otherwise there will be a sense of disharmony, discordance, and uneasiness.

Now, having said all that, how do we create a sacred place for you? The answer is, we really don't!!!

The sacredness can only come from the relationship that develops between you and the place, unless it was sanctified previously. Perhaps it is the place where you buried your pet or plan to dedicate in honor or memory of someone that you hold dear.

What we can create for you is a place where harmony, place, ease, calm, beauty, and life will abound; where you can focus, think, meditate, remember, relax, play or worship, being one with your surroundings.

The placing of favorite artifacts of your own choice from the natural world, such as old gnarled logs or rocks and stones can draw you in and hold your attention.

You can have the garden blessed or dedicated thus affirming its specialness. We create a place for you, which, upon entering, takes and holds you by its unique attraction and sanctuary. The rest is up to you.

Click here to see an example of a sacred garden sanctuary.

Art's garden in Cicero started as a typical, grass-covered yard. The garden is in full sun. Bird feeders and water abound. Wildflowers include: (from left) Goldenrod, Trumpet Vine and Purple Coneflowers.

This shade garden was laid out around a large oak tree. The rich soil supports wildflowers, grasses and sedges. The native plants are seperated by interconnected, mulched paths which define the beds. Flowers include Woodland Phlox and Wild Goldenglow.

This garden is situated on the north side of a Riverside bungalow. It contains a beautiful shade-tolerant assortment of native plants including: (from back to front) Calico Aster, Giant Purple Hyssop and Sweet Black Eyed Susans.

A quiet, shady garden can become a sanctuary with the addition of personal features.

Click here to see more photos of this Oak Park garden.