Pollinator Garden and Landscape Installation Project in Northfield

One of the most rewarding parts of this project is being able to showcase not only the installation process, but also what the garden looked like one year later. The before, during, and after photos — along with images taken after a full growing season — demonstrate how thoughtfully designed landscapes continue to improve as plants mature and fill in over time.

Project Goals

• Create a pollinator-friendly landscape for the entire family.
• Provide habitat for butterflies, bees, and beneficial insects.
• Incorporate seasonal color, texture, and movement throughout the garden.
• Design a landscape that becomes more beautiful as it matures.
• Protect planting areas with improved water management.

Pollinator Garden Design and Plant Installation

The homeowners wanted more than a traditional planting bed. They envisioned a living landscape where their children could enjoy watching butterflies and pollinators throughout the growing season.

Dozens of pollinator-friendly plant varieties were selected to provide continuous blooms and attract different species throughout the season.

Plantings included Butterfly Weed, Ice Ballet Butterfly Weed, Joe Pye Weed, Monarda, Liatris, Purple Coneflower, Black-Eyed Susan, Salvia, Yarrow, Obedient Plant, Ornamental Allium, Little Bluestem, Switchgrass, and Karl Foerster Grass.

Existing Boxwoods, Viburnums, and Azaleas were incorporated into the design to provide structure and year-round interest.

Seasonal Color and Habitat Value

One of the unique aspects of a pollinator garden is that it constantly changes throughout the year.

Different plants emerge, bloom, and mature at different times, creating layers of color, texture, movement, and habitat.

As the landscape matures, it becomes more than a planting bed. It becomes a living environment that supports pollinators while creating a space the family can enjoy together.

Underground Drainage Improvements

The project also included underground downspout improvements designed to move roof water away from key planting areas and help protect the long-term health of the garden.

Proper drainage helps preserve plant health and supports the continued development of the landscape.

Why Pollinator Gardens Matter

• Successful pollinator gardens require careful planning.
• Bloom timing matters.
• Plant spacing matters.
• Mature size matters.
• Color combinations matter.
• Habitat value matters.

Every element must work together to create a landscape that remains attractive and functional throughout the growing season.

Project Highlights

• Pollinator garden design and installation.
• Butterfly and bee-friendly plant selections.
• Perennial and ornamental grass installation.
• Seasonal color and habitat creation.
• Incorporation of existing shrubs and foundation plants.
• Underground downspout improvements.
• Long-term landscape planning.
• One-year garden maturity photos.

As you go through the photos, you will see the installation process as well as images taken one year later, highlighting how the garden continued to develop and mature over time.

The result is a carefully designed pollinator habitat in Northfield, IL that provides beauty, attracts butterflies and beneficial insects, and creates an outdoor space the family can enjoy together for years to come.

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Please call 847.698.6868 or Contact Us

Tommy Pollina Landscape Company – serving Chicagoland since 1982.