Wildly Beautiful Gardens
Gardens that start with a feeling…
… and grow from there.
Some spaces need structure.
Some need softening.
Some just need someone to look at them differently.
Based in Chicagoland, we work with homeowners creating native and ecological gardens using native and climate-adapted plants — layered, intentional spaces that feel connected to place and grow more beautiful over time.
Our team takes on a limited number of projects each season so we can stay hands-on with every space.
Not overly manicured.
Not chaotic either.
Something in between.
My work focuses on creating gardens that feel grounded and alive. Spaces that support pollinators, soften architecture, and change with the seasons.
Sometimes we’re working with a blank slate.
Sometimes we’re editing what’s already there.
Sometimes it’s just about creating cohesion.
The goal is always the same: a garden that feels intentional.
Garden Design + Installation
Every project begins with walking the space and paying attention. Light, soil, structure, how you move through it, how you want it to feel, how you want to live in it.
From there, we develop a long-term vision and implement thoughtfully.
Projects may include:
front yard transformations
foundation planting refreshes
backyard garden design
pollinator-focused plantings
phased garden builds
native plant palettes
curb appeal upgrades
Some gardens happen all at once.
Many evolve over time.
Process
A simple, thoughtful approach.
We walk the space.
Talk about what’s working and what isn’t.
Think about how the garden will move through the seasons.
Then we build from that.
Sometimes in phases.
Sometimes more quickly.
Always with the long view in mind.
Who this garden design approach is for
This tends to be a good fit if you’re drawn to:
layered, natural planting
native and habitat-focused gardens
thoughtful curb appeal
spaces that evolve over time
a collaborative design process
a garden that feels alive
Before + After
Thoughtful planning. Intentional planting. A garden that grows more beautiful each season. Explore recent garden transformations in our portfolio.
Overgrown front yard in Chicago with large shrubs and trees obscuring a historic home facade before landscape renovation
Wide view of Chicago front yard after native garden installation with defined planting beds, lawn area, and restored historic home visibility
Chicago front yard during native garden installation with newly defined planting beds, mulch, and early perennial plantings
Close-up of native grasses and foundation plantings installed along a Chicago home creating structure and movement.
Establishing native front yard garden in Chicago with perennials and grasses beginning to fill in newly shaped beds
Finished Chicago front yard with native garden design framing a historic home with layered plantings and defined beds
Before photo of a small urban front yard in Logan Square Chicago with sparse shrubs and mulch along a fenced foundation bed
Native garden installation in progress in a Logan Square front yard with soil prep, planting flags, and tools in place
Newly planted native garden in a Logan Square urban front yard with young perennials, grasses, and fresh mulch
Establishing native garden in a Logan Square front yard with layered plantings, shrubs, and early seasonal growth
Close up of newly installed native perennials and grasses in a Chicago urban front yard garden in Logan Square
Finished native garden in a Logan Square Chicago front yard with lush layered plantings, grasses, and cohesive design
Oak Park front yard with sparse lawn and minimal planting before native garden installation.
Oak Park front yard transformed with native prairie planting and curved garden bed design.
Oak Park backyard with lawn and sparse planting under mature tree before garden redesign.
Oak Park backyard transformed with layered native shade planting along fence and bird habitat.
Native garden installation in a Chicago parkway with soil preparation underway around a street tree
Chicago residential streetscape showing a newly installed native parkway garden with layered plantings and mulch
Finished Chicago parkway garden with native plants, fresh mulch, and structured planting design around street trees
What Clients Are Saying
“I’ve worked with Julia from Spoke Pockette on multiple occasions. Her work is impressive and is always done with the environment in the forefront of her mind. She comes with so much knowledge that your dreams easily come to reality when you choose to hire her and her team.”
~ Melissa
“I hired Julia and her team to help me manage my large native plant installation throughout the summer and they did a fantastic job. Very knowledgeable, prompt and courteous. Would highly recommend them.”
~ Kris
Investment
Garden projects vary depending on size and scope. Most full design + installation projects begin around $7,000 and include custom design, site preparation, plants, and finishing materials such as mulch.
Many clients choose to build in phases over time.
All projects begin with a paid on-site consultation.
Let’s Work Together
The best gardens aren’t rushed.
They settle in.
They change.
They surprise you.
If you have a space you’ve been thinking about, or something that almost works but not quite, we’d love to take a look.
Our team takes on a limited number of garden design and installation projects each season so we can stay thoughtful and hands-on with every space.
If you’re ready to create a layered, intentional garden using native and climate-adapted plants in the Chicagoland area, we’d love to learn more about how we can help.
Simply fill out the form below and we’ll reach out to schedule our initial consultation to start designing the gardens of your dreams!
Our team takes on a limited number of projects each season so we can stay thoughtful and hands-on with every space. Once you’ve submitted your inquiry form, our team will reach out with next steps to get on our consultation calendar. We are looking forward to creating a wildly beautiful garden for you!
