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Chicago Landscaping: Consider THESE Types of Gardens

Chicago Landscaping: Don’t Just Get “A Garden”! Get a Garden That You LOVE!

So, you know you want to refine or create some gardens in your outdoor areas, but I bet you may not have realized just how many types and styles of gardens you could choose from as you complete your Chicago landscaping plan!

While I have to admit that I’m partial to pollinator gardens because I’m passionate about providing habitats for bees, it makes sense for you to spend some time thinking about just what kinds of gardens you want to incorporate around your own living space.

Read on to learn about some interesting types and styles to choose from, even if you are just landscaping small areas.

So Many Garden Styles to Choose From!

First things first, so let’s look at the difference between a garden style and a garden type. “Style” is more about the feel of the garden and “type” is more specific. For example, if you tend toward – let’s say – a Cottage style garden, the type of cottage garden you want is a subset of that style. Your cottage garden “type” may be a herb garden, a perennial flower garden, a spring garden, a mixed garden or even a medicinal garden.

So let’s consider some garden styles for a moment. You can start plotting out the perfect garden by identifying your favorite styles and then do some research on what types of plants or plant groupings you could use in that style.

“Voila la difference” in Style

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Notice the wispy casualness of the Cottage-style Garden.
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Formal gardens have a stiff symmetry to their design.

Styles You Might Consider

Even though Chicago landscaping requires us to consider our zone before going too overboard with a style that might be hard to maintain, consider this list of general styles and note any that appeal to your design taste and the architecture of your home.

  • Asian
  • Casual
  • Cottage
  • English/European
  • Fantasy
  • Futuristic
  • Formal
  • Funky/Artistic
  • Meadow/Mountain
  • Meditation/Serentiy Garden
  • Organic/Sustainable
  • Southwestern
  • Swiss
  • Subtropical & Tropical
  • Woodland
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A woodland garden easily works in Chicago landscaping plans.

Types of Gardens to Consider in Your Chicago Landscaping Plans

Now we’ll consider the types of gardens you’d like to incorporate in your outdoor spaces.

  • Annual Gardens
  • Bee & Butterfly Gardens
  • Food Gardens
  • Herb Gardens
  • Medicinal Gardens
  • Perennial Gardens
  • Privacy Gardens
  • Rose Gardens
  • Seasonal Gardens (Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter)
  • Shade Gardens
  • Sun Gardens
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Perennial gardens ensure that your gardening dollars see a return. They come back every year and plants can usually be divided after a year or two – giving you double the plantings in a short while.

Match Your Garden Style to Its Type, Then Add Your Color Preferences

Clearly there is no exact formula to follow in creating your ideal garden (except that you should definitely match your plantings to our zone, unless you want to and have the space to bring more tropical plantings inside during the late fall, winter and early spring). Figure out your general style and then match that with plants fall into the type of garden you want. It’s a much better approach to helping you create gardens that will bring you pleasure in your landscaping adventures.


Creating your outdoor space takes some time, patience, vision and creativity, whether you are landscaping a whole yard or just landscaping small areas. When you’re ready to move ahead, our team is highly experienced in all facets of landscape design. We’ll be happy to talk with you in person or over the phone to discuss how we can help you with your planning and outdoor overhaul. Feel free to call us or contact us online to get started with a discussion about your Chicago landscaping ideas and needs.

About The Author

Anne Roberts
Anne Roberts
Chicago Landscaper, Master Gardener, Green Roof Specialist & Degreed Horticulturist at Anne Roberts Gardens

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