Landscaping reviews in Chicago, Illinois

The staff here are the only reason this doesn't get a worse review. They're always helpful, knowledgeable, and remember me when I come back. The people at the paint desk remembered a project I bought paint for months ago and asked how it went. Otherwise, the store is rather messy and shabby for a Home Depot. Their garden section is pretty great in the spring and summer though.

The Home Depot is ready for the fall season. They have different kinds of pumpkin in the garden area a lot of color, sizes and shapes

New louvres in pergula

We have used CSG for over twenty years . Phil and his staff have been trusted professionals to us.

They are the BEST! Very knowledgeable and on the cutting edge or design! And great attention to detail and follow-though!! They help create the most serene gardens and wonderful outdoor rooms. I would highly recommend them!!

The entire team at Chicago Specialty Gardens is fantastic! We are so happy with the design and implementation of our rooftop - they listened and created a beautiful deck for us to enjoy!

Everyone there is a class act. High quality, attention to detail. Highly recommend.

We used Chicago Specialty Gardens for our back deck. They were creative, responsive, professional and timely. As far as communication, they were very approachable and very accessible. We would definitely recommend them (we already have!)

Chicago Specialty Gardens did a fabulous job on my 4th floor terrace. See attached pictures!

It has been such a pleasure collaborating with CSG on client projects. I am always amazed at how they are able to transform an outdoor space into a beautiful urban oasis. CSG's team and your attention to detail are exceptional.

I have used Chicago Specialty Gardens for the installation of large potted plants on our terrace over the years and for decorating over the holidays. They are always respectful, courteous and responsive. I find I can email them with questions and they will reply within a reasonable timeframe with answers. I would recommend to others.

We’ve worked with Chicago Specialty Gardens multiple times over the past 20 years to design & implement upgrades to our townhome front, side and back yards including our large slate patio. The most recent major upgrade was completed in spring of 2021. The CSG design team worked closely with us in all aspects of our major upgrade which included an enlarged slate back patio, new pathways, total garden plantings design & accent lighting. The entire project went smoothly, on time & within budget. The design team offered alternatives and advice on all aspects of this major project. The working relationships with everyone were professional and interactive. Their professional advice was very helpful in making appropriate decisions. The resulting project has drawn the attention of many of our neighbors as the word spread in our townhome complex about how beautiful our yard is! We have many drop-in visitors who want to see what we’ve done! The accent lighting throughout the garden at night creates a magical space to enjoy.

Since 2007, CSG has provided excellent, design, installation and support services. Our 3,000 sf roof-top garden constantly receives rave reviews from our visitors. CSG created a beautiful design and implemented all of the elements including a pergola, water feature, fence, decking, nine large wooden planters and an automated watering system. CSG continues to give us excellent annual support in all of the elements which contiue to look as great as the day they were initially installed. Bravo!!

Review for Chicago Specialty Gardens - A 20-Year Journey of Excellence

I have had the immense pleasure of working with Chicago Specialty Gardens, a boutique landscape design company, for the past two decades, and it has been an extraordinary journey of excellence. From the very first moment I engaged their services, I knew I had found something truly special. Their commitment to crafting captivating and unique outdoor spaces is unparalleled, and their dedication to maintaining them has kept me coming back year after year.

Over these twenty years, Chicago Specialty has consistently demonstrated their expertise and passion for their craft. Their landscape designs have transformed my property into a breathtaking oasis that never fails to impress guests and family alike. Each project they undertake is handled with meticulous attention to detail, and their ability to seamlessly blend creativity with functionality is remarkable.

What sets Chicago Specialty apart from others is their personalized approach to every project. Phil and his team took the time to understand my preferences, vision, and lifestyle, resulting in designs that truly reflected my desires. The team's willingness to collaborate and adapt their ideas based on my input made me feel like a valued partner throughout the entire process.

Furthermore, the maintenance services offered by Chicago Specialty have been nothing short of outstanding. Their skilled team (Phil, Roger, Jaclyn) consistently keep my outdoor spaces in great condition. Whether it's regular lawn care, pruning, or seasonal planting, their attention to detail is always evident. My garden has remained a picturesque masterpiece all year round, thanks to their unwavering commitment to its upkeep.

Not only are they highly professional and skilled, but the entire team at Chicago Specialty Gardens exudes warmth and genuine care for their clients. Over the years, they have become like an extended family, and this personal touch only adds to the joy of working with them.

In summary, my 20-year relationship with Phil and Chicago Specialty Gardens has been nothing short of exceptional. Their passion, creativity, and commitment to excellence have made every interaction a delightful experience. I wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone in need of landscape design and maintenance. With Chicago Specialty Gardens, you can rest assured that your outdoor space will be transformed into a work of art, and you'll gain a team dedicated to ensuring your garden thrives for years to come.

Six years ago, Chicago Specialty Gardens did a complete re-do of our terrace, and we have been with them ever since. Our site was not an easy one: we are on the 43rd floor of a hi-rise condo with crazy wind conditions and building restrictions that precluded any attachments to walls. CSG built out a gorgeous terrace for us, complete with a specially engineered, free-standing, Ipe screen. Our designer had two talents often not found paired together — creativity and flexibility; she made many modifications along the way to suit our needs, and I can say that the design phase was a pure joy. Our plant material is limited in this environment. No rose gardens possible for us but we have a combination of perennials and changing annuals in our planters that thrive in these difficult conditions. Our look can change whenever we choose — some years we like the design so much that we keep it from year to year, and at other times, CSG will offer us tempting alternatives. So kudos for their horticultural expertise.

From owner, right through to designer, and to those who manage our annual maintenance, the entire team is simply without parallel. They are respectful of the building rules, (which makes our lives so much easier); are ever so careful carrying materials through our unit to the terrace; work their magic with great team coordination; and leave us to the complete and effortless enjoyment of our space. And on top, they are unfailingly responsive, friendly and considerate.

I have been meaning to write a review for Chicago Specialty Gardens, but the day-to-day often interrupts good intentions until today, when I realized procrastination was no longer an option. A few days ago, I noticed our new puppy was chewing on the wires for our lighting system. I sent an e-mail explaining the situation and within a day CSG appeared and fixed the problem. This is not an example of a one-off; it is the norm for this company. They back up their work, and when you need them, they are at the door and ready with a solution.

I might add that CSG also designed and constructed our building’s dog run. The space is beyond wonderful — it is filled with greenery; it is a peaceful respite for dog and human; and provides both privacy and opportunities for canine/people interaction. I actually look forward to taking my dog to the run.

All in, we are so grateful to be working with this great company.

From start to finish we have had a terrific experience with the team at Chicago Specialty Garden. They were patient with us as we waited for other work to be completed on our end and worked to get all ends of the project ready to execute on their end. They followed through with updates on any delays. They were timely with completion and the end result is spectacular. We just had our wrap up meeting and I was handed a binder and thumb drive of all instructions, warranties and contacts. In my 15 years of working with professional landscape companies, I have never received something like this and am grateful to have it all in one place. Thank you to all who help make our project a success.

Just a warning to those who are considering this company. I would not recommend at all. We did an entire gut rehab on the interior and now used CSG and another company for the exterior. Of all the companies/vendors/GCs we have worked with for this multi year project, CSG has been the one that is the least professional and also makes the most mistakes. It started in the beginning- I had told them I hired them because they do a really good in-take. And then at the next meeting they delivered us a design without doing an in-take! Then there were many mistakes along the way that they called "typos" such as giving us an invoice for $7,569 when the estimate showed $5,126 as an example. When we asked why there was a difference they said the estimate was a typo. We are ok with mistakes here and there but this company above all others has made the most. And it has cost us. They removed an outdoor sink during a demolition and then quoted us six figures to replace it citing that there was no existing plumbing for a sink that was already there and operational for years. They even demolished all the plumbing to the poolhouse. They really don't seem to know what they are doing. We had stone for the outdoor kitchen backsplash sitting on our driveway for months before they came one day and then (texted us) that they didn't order enough. Same with the pergola- not the right size and had been sitting in our garage for weeks. Most GCs are there on the day of delivery or soon thereafter to receive the pallet and check it. Not these guys. They never came until it was time to install (months later) and if they had we would not be so thoroughly disappointed that our project is a month+ behind schedule. A call into the owner of this company also resulted in... nothing. I am not surprised anymore. Please give it another thought before you use CSG.

I have been working with Chicago Specialty Gardens for almost 10 years now and can say nothing but good things. They are always responsive and respectful of my time and have beautiful, creative landscaping ideas. I have used them for every space of my home, both inside and out and will continue to be a customer of theirs for the next 10 years!

We’re very happy our choice to work with CSG to build out our patio area. Their office, construction, and design teams are all great. The job itself went smoothly and faster than originally planned. We recommend them highly!

CSG has been a key partner in our outdoor lives since 1997! When we lived in a single family home in Ravenswood, CSG beautified our front and back yards with structures, walkways, a garden and plantings appropriate to the style of the home (vintage) and with respect to sun/shade areas.

Now, we are in a condo with fabulous 4th floor decks. CSG made those gorgeous, too and far more livable by adding a retractable awning and a self-flushing doggie relief area that saves us countless trips down/up 4 flights of stairs with our 3 pups. Especially appreciated late at night and early in the morning.

The team is creative, responsive and collaborative. We've had so many compliments on their designs and work. Highly recommended!

The custom terrace in our condo, which was originally designed by Chicago Specialty Gardens, has been a source of enjoyment for us over the past 17 years. We collaborated with their team for seasonal maintenance and the arrangement of summer and fall plantings in our 12 window boxes.

However, in 2018, our building underwent significant renovations which required the demolition of our terrace. In light of this, we consulted with Phil and his design team from Chicago Specialty Gardens to create a more contemporary space that would include a kitchen, given that my husband is a chef. Additionally, we sought to ensure easy access to the terrace in case of any future issues with our building. The team exceeded our expectations by designing a truly incredible space. I have attached before and after images for you to see. The living area spans approximately 600 + square feet, complete with a kitchen equipped with a GRILL, sink and counters, as well as a dining room and a living space. We also have a Tucci umbrella to provide shade from the sun.

Following the harsh Chicago winters each year, we eagerly anticipate the installation of our annual plantings by the Chicago Specialty Gardens team. Their service has been exceptional, and we couldn't be more pleased with our terrace. In fact, they have become like family to us.