Wildly Beautiful Gardens

Gardens that start with a feeling…

Small Chicago backyard with native plants, layered ecological design by Spoke Pockette.

… 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.

Layered native planting along historic Chicago home foundation with curved garden bed and grasses.
Native Garden Designer holding basket of flowers in garden path.
Children playing in clover lawn and natural pollinator-friendly yard.
Gardens designed for both habitat and everyday living. Backyard with native planting, patio seating, and family play area.
Oak Park backyard transformed with layered native shade planting along fence and bird habitat (with landing bird!)

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.

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.

Chicago garden design and installation showing native plant layout before planting by Spoke Pockette.
Chicago native plant garden pathway showing thoughtful ecological design process by Spoke Pockette.

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.

What Clients Are Saying

Thoughtful plantings and simple paths create spaces that feel natural and welcoming.

“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

Most full garden design + installation projects begin around $7,000, depending on size and scope.

Many clients choose to build in phases, starting with one area and expanding over time.

All projects begin with a paid on-site consultation.