A garden in Riverwoods, Illinois, has been transformed into a serene woodland retreat that evokes the Italian countryside. Source: homesandgardens.com.
Design Inspired by Italian Countryside
The property, now spanning 24,000 square feet, blends natural woodland elements with intentional design features.
After more than 30 years of gardening, the owners of the property began envisioning a home where every window frames a view of greenery.
Expansion of the Land
The couple purchased a neighboring property and integrated it into their existing landscape.
This expansion created a seamless transition between the two parcels, forming a larger outdoor sanctuary.
Collaborative Design Process
The garden was designed in partnership with The Outside Design Studio, a Chicago-based landscape architecture firm.
Interior architect En Masse Architecture & Design contributed to the overall aesthetic and functional layout.
The design team layered the homeowners’ vision of an Italian countryside with practical elements like a vegetable garden and a working greenhouse.
Key Design Features
- A looping driveway that flows into a natural path through the new grounds.
- Integration of native plants and trees to match the existing woodland environment.
- A greenhouse designed for both function and visual appeal, supporting year-round gardening.
- A vegetable garden that serves both culinary and educational purposes.
The design respects the natural contours of the land, avoiding artificial structures that would disrupt the woodland feel.
Homeowners’ Vision
The couple’s long-term commitment to gardening is evident in the level of detail and care in the landscape.
They sought not just beauty, but a living, working environment that reflects their personal values and lifestyle.
The garden is not a copy of a distant place, but a thoughtful adaptation of Italian rural aesthetics to a Midwestern setting.
It demonstrates how design can honor tradition while responding to local conditions and practical needs.
For those interested in garden design, the full range of ideas is available at Homes and Gardens Garden Ideas.
Learn more about The Outside Design Studio at their website.
Explore the work of En Masse Architecture & Design at designenmasse.com.
Sources & further reading
Featured image: Yellow black-eyed susan and other fall flowers with black conservatory to the rear. Via original publisher. Image source
