YOUR

IN CHICAGO

PLANNING

OUTDOOR SPACE

DREAM

Outdoor living is becoming more and more popular, and for good reason. Being outside is relaxing, healthy, and with the right design, versatile and comfortable. A little early planning  will go a long way.

Here are a few tips to ensure you get  the most out of your new outdoor space!

1

IDENTIFY  YOUR NEEDS

Do you entertain? How will your guests move into and through your new space? Identify bad views to be screened and good views to be enhanced. What feeling do you want to evoke? Relaxing? Party time? Family time? Formal? Natural? How often will you use your new space at night? Study your views from the inside of your home out.  How can you enhance these views?

Are there water drainage issues?  Are there severe slopes? Is it open and hot during the day? Is it too shady for plants to grow? How about those deer? You will find that working your needs and wants into your existing conditions will present both challenges and opportunities. The deer may limit your plant selection but that “unusable slope” can become a beautiful water feature!

2

UNDERSTAND YOUR EXISTING CONDITIONS

3

SIT BACK  AND ENJOY

Once you create the perfect space  you and your family will begin to use it for everything. Morning coffee, peaceful escape, family dinner, end of the day happy hour, weekend social, grandpa’s birthday party or my favorite: an outdoor  No Electronics Day!

American Gardens can help  you with your landscaping needs.  Your landscape is a collaborative, creative process that begins by discussing the central goals of  your project. We assess and address the challenges and opportunities  your property presents and use our  team of architects, designers and horticulturalists to create a design that reflects your tastes and your lifestyle.