Chicago Specialty Gardens, Inc.

03/16/2026

🌿 Big news for our team at Chicago Specialty Gardens, our work is featured on the cover of the March 2026 issue of Landscape Illinois Magazine.

For this penthouse rooftop in Chicago, we collaborated with a Mexico City–based interior design firm to capture the bold colors and textures of Mexico’s jungles and coastal landscapes—while ensuring the planting palette could withstand Chicago’s challenging rooftop conditions.

Using sequences of aluminum planters filled with trees, shrubs, and perennials, we created layered garden spaces that soften the terrace, frame skyline views, and define outdoor living areas. A dog run and full outdoor kitchen bring everyday functionality to the space, turning the rooftop into a vibrant extension of the home.

Proud of our team and grateful to our collaborators and clients for trusting us with such an exciting project. 🌱

02/18/2026

We specialize in rooftop design! Check out a project we did in the West Loop in 2025!

Garden in the Sky:

So often city gardens are constricted by neighboring buildings, trees, utility lines and other structures. Our clients in Chicago’s Greektown neighborhood opted to open up their rooftop garden to unobstructed views of the sky, clouds, weather patterns and the nighttime glow from several iconic buildings nearby. Separate rooms for dining and relaxed entertainment are buffered and softened by seasonal planter boxes and more mature trees and shrubs. A buddha art piece presides over a quiet corner of the garden, while the generous sun and rain which the garden is subject to ensures robust plant growth and color.

02/11/2026

Another project to add to our growing Portfolio!

Rowhouse Gem:

Our clients and their kids are the fortunate occupants of this classic rowhouse on Chicago’s North side. Set on a quiet, leafy street, the home stands should-to-shoulder with similar but slightly different homes of this style. Classical dentil work is a highlight of this style, with uniform rows of small wooden block “teeth” running along the cornice of the front porch.

01/28/2026

Check out our project!

Skyscraper Vista:
Our West Town client envisioned a lush, versatile retreat atop their exposed penthouse roof. To bring this vision to life, we expanded the terrace’s square footage by 50%, reusing and matching existing fencing panels to seamlessly extend the railing and unify the space. An aluminum pergola with motorized Corradi USA shade fabric provides essential shade and privacy, while an outdoor kitchen by Urban Bonfire offers grilling, refrigeration, storage, and counter space.

01/21/2026

We are constantly adding to our portfolio! Check out some of our photographed projects!

Tropical Heat:
Collaborating with a Mexico City-based interior design firm, we sought to evoke the wild and colorful foliage of Mexico’s jungles and coasts desired by our mutual Chicago client. Drawing from our deep horticultural knowledge and 30 years’ experience designing and installing rooftop gardens, we curated a palette of boldly colorful shapes, forms and plant features which blaze with scarlets, yellows, deep greens and umbers, all capable of surviving Chicago’s notoriously harsh seasons and weather events.

03/22/2025

Spring is here and we’re ready to bloom!

Our team at Chicago Specialty Gardens is gearing up for a season of beautiful transformations. Exciting projects and stunning seasonal arrangements are on the way – let’s make your outdoor space shine this spring!

07/29/2024

Small Steps, Big Impact! Discover our new sustainable practices for eco-friendly landscaping!

07/25/2024

A few of of team members represented CSG at the Sheffield Garden Walk last weekend. If you saw us (and got a free succulent) say hi below!

07/22/2024