This Chicago North Shore estate in Wilmette is shaped by a thoughtful balance of two complementary landscape styles—an informal, naturalistic perimeter and a refined, formal garden composition surrounding the residence. The pool area serves as a space for family fun and relaxation, softened by layered hedges and vines that create privacy and a sense of enclosure without feeling rigid.

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A vine-covered pergola invites lively conversation, shared meals, and quiet moments of meditation, enhanced by seasonal flowering containers that add color and texture throughout the year. Formal gardens provide evolving seasonal interest through carefully curated flowering displays, while boxwood hedges establish strong architectural structure and clarity. Along the perimeter, plantings are shaped to create depth, transition, and a gentle visual softness that contrasts with the formality near the home.

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Art plays an important role in the landscape, with the Ancillary Globe serving as a focal point that anchors the garden and adds a layer of meaning and visual intrigue. Gravel paths and stone walls reinforce both function and aesthetic continuity, tying the outdoor spaces together.

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The result is an elegant and welcoming landscape that supports family gatherings, entertaining, and everyday enjoyment while maintaining a timeless North Shore character.