How is Chicago Specialty Gardens, Inc. rated?

Chicago Specialty Gardens, Inc. is currently rated 4.9 overall out of 5

What services does Chicago Specialty Gardens, Inc. provide?

Chicago Specialty Gardens, Inc. provides the following services: 3D Rendering, Artificial Living Walls, Custom Fire Pits, Custom Water Features, Deck Design, Design Consultation, Dog Run Construction, Drafting, Drought Tolerant Landscaping, Edible Gardens, Garden Design, Gazebo Design & Construction, Green Roofing, Hardscaping, Landscape Design, Landscape Plans, Living Walls, Organic Gardens, Patio Design, Potted Plants, Project Management, Rooftop Deck Installation, Site Planning, Deck Building, Trellis Construction, Rooftop Gardens of many types, Landscape Construction Drawings, Landscape 3D Renderings, Building Sustainably

Where does Chicago Specialty Gardens, Inc. provide services?

Chicago Specialty Gardens, Inc. provides services in the following areas: Chicago, Evanston, Glenview, Northbrook, Deerfield, Glencoe, Golf, Highland Park, Highwood, Kenilworth, Lake Forest, WIlmette, Winnetka

Chicago Specialty Gardens, Inc.

13 Reviews

Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers

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About Us

Chicago Specialty Gardens (CSG) is an award-winning, full-service urban garden design/build firm headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. We are specialists in the design, construction and installation of urban gardens. Our design approach envisions the transformation of entire spaces, and we employ multi-disciplinary design, project management, construction and maintenance teams to turn our vision into reality. CSG was founded in 1993 and by 1995 the company had grown and was incorporated. In the intervening years much has been learned, and many people deserve credit for bringing CSG to its present incarnation. We have worked hard, had great clients and been fortunate. Our company vision is to be the premier full-service urban garden design/build firm in Chicago, and to operate with integrity and respect toward our employees, clients, suppliers and the natural environment. We employ specialists in numerous disciplines to bring together our creative visions, and we bring both an artistic and functional interpretation to our garden spaces. Chicago is a fantastic city to work in. Our installations of rooftop gardens for the past 25 years, in particular, give us a renewed appreciation for our city’s skyline, our sun and air, our weather, and the infinite possibilities for creating gardens and living spaces above the city. We continually are expanding our knowledge base about rooftops, and CSG can now offer all the services and requirements for a rooftop garden — from structural analysis, to city permit generation, to design, construction, planting and lighting, and finally to the finishing out of the rooftop décor and ongoing maintenance services. For more information, please contact us online or call (773) 697-9897.

Awards

Numerous - please see website.

39 Projects

Tropical Heat

Chicago, IL

Example of a small tuscan deck design in Chicago

Skyscraper Vista

Chicago, IL

Small apartment exterior photo in Chicago

Fulton Market Panorama

Elevated Expectations

Deck - mid-sized contemporary rooftop deck idea in Chicago with a fire pit

Superior Terrace

Chicago, IL

Inspiration for a contemporary rooftop rooftop deck remodel in Chicago with an awning

Urban Lanai

Chicago, IL

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Business Details

Business Name

Chicago Specialty Gardens, Inc.

Phone Number

(773) 697-9897

Website

www.chicagogardens.com

Address

1765 N. Elston Ave, Suite 203
Chicago, IL 60642

Typical Job Cost

$20,000 - $100,000

Followers

470 Followers

Socials

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Services Provided

Landscape Design

Garden Design

Hardscaping

Landscape Plans

Patio Design

Drought Tolerant Landscaping

Site Planning

Custom Fire Pits

Custom Water Features

Gazebo Design & Construction

Design Consultation

Deck Design

3D Rendering

Project Management

Drafting

Organic Gardens

Edible Gardens

Living Walls

Potted Plants

Dog Run Construction

Artificial Living Walls

Rooftop Deck Installation

Green Roofing

Building Sustainably

Deck Building

Landscape 3D Renderings

Landscape Construction Drawings

Rooftop Gardens of many types

Trellis Construction

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Areas Served

Chicago

Evanston

Glenview

Northbrook

Highland Park

Wilmette

Lake Forest

Deerfield

Winnetka

Glencoe

Highwood

Kenilworth

Golf

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Credentials

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Write a Review

13 Reviews for Chicago Specialty Gardens, Inc.

Newest first

Infratech Comfort Heaters

Chicago Speciality Gardens are specialists in the design, construction and installation of urban gardens. Their work takes advantage of and shows appreciation to the Chicago skyline and beautiful weather. We always witness integrity and respect from the CSG team. We highly recommend CSG to anyone who is looking for a serene and functional rooftop space.

April 10, 2019

Ross Kerr

Fantastic team, extremely responsive and top notch end product! We couldn't be happier with the finished product and we plan to do more projects with CSG in the future.

September 27, 2016

jkmaner

Chicago specialty gardens does very professional, high-end work. They replaced an existing rooftop deck with one comprised of composite decking material (at our request), including beautiful planter boxes, a shaded pergola, timed irrigation system, and lighting. We worked closely with Phil (the owner) and Rick ( project manager) throughout the process. They were very professional and a pleasure to work with. The attention to detail is impressive. The deck is absolutely amazing. Our guests' jaws drop when they see it. CSG is more expensive than some other companies but the quality is worth it.

September 17, 2016

dave1971

I contacted CSG in 2014 to design my private rooftop deck. They came up with a great design and executed it very well. Great to work with!

September 5, 2016

Gaye Hill

I first engaged Chicago Specialty Gardens in 2007, but they have continued maintaining and improving my terrace ever since. They designed a rooftop garden space, with pavers, planters, irrigation, lighting and beautiful furniture. They worked with me, my building manager and condo board to design a space that followed the building rules and satisfied my needs. Since then, they have expanded my tree collection and refreshed the cushions on my furniture. They plant my seasonal planters every year, and maintain them with great attention to detail. They arrange care for my trees as well. My terrace is a true outdoor living space, thanks to them-- they are quick to respond to problems, make great suggestions for improvement, and are reasonable in price. I could not enjoy such great outdoor living without them.

August 29, 2016

Van Inwegen Digital Arts

Phil and I have worked on a number of projects together and created some stunning images of his work. He is a hard working man, has a warm soul, and an eye for design and plant selection that makes each project a joy to experience. I would love to add ten more “Phils” to my client list. His projects are a dream to photograph, and the man…well…he’s simply the best!

September 19, 2015

Jason Galles

Phil and company are a very talented team that place high priority on quality design and implementation. I say this from a standpoint of having the pleasure of sharing conversation with Phil at many industry conventions and educational seminars over the years. He puts emphasis on continued education to keep his company on the cutting edge of industry innovation and improvement that help them push the limits on project quality each time around. One of the top fresh, professional, and hip design/build firms in Chicago.

July 13, 2015

buccaneer400

We've hired Chicago Specialty Gardens for landscaping and lighting work three times over the last 9 years. Great concepts and design, excellent work. Really impressed with how much owner Phil Cleland is hands on with the tough, dirty jobs.

August 30, 2014

kararowley

This was a high-rise project and we hired CSG to design and complete our 7th floor community deck. We could not have been more impressed with the design that Phil and his team put together. They have been extremely professional and been there for us every step of this process. CSG's work has been amazing and the project has come in right at budget and on time. We are very thankful for all the hard work and thought that has gone into our deck and we could not be happier with the level of service we have received from CSG. We highly recommend them! Thank you CSG for making our space an incredible retreat!

April 26, 2014

Corey Folske

Sean and Phil at Specialty Gardens turned an average Chicago Garage Rooftop into our own Special Oasis. The project evolved over a little less than a year as they set up 3 Phases of production to fit our budget. The finished product is a Cabana, Daybed and much much more of the highest quality. We are up there every chance we get. Many thanks Sean and Phil as always. Corey

October 15, 2012

vmsheldon

I served as chairman of the committee responsible for improving the pool deck in my high rise condominium building. In that capacity I got multiple bids and selected Chicago Specialty Gardens not only based on price but on their willingness to work with me through committee and board presentations, consultations with structural engineers etc. in order to get the project done. In this capacity they provided a design overall with recommended plantings, irrigation and lighting and custom built cabanas and planters. Phil and his staff were unfailingly patient in dealing with the process in my building. Their work is beautiful and of a very high quality and in fact we have an ongoing relationship for maintenance in the spring and fall of each year. I would recommend Chicago Specialty Gardens without reservation.

October 3, 2012

car3611

I write this letter in recommendation Chicago Specialty Gardens Inc. as a landscape contractor. I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Phil Cleland on our annual planting of our terrace for the past five years. I can recommend him highly and without reservation. Throughout the course of the years, Mr. Cleland was a consummate professional. He was accurate in his initial assessment of the scale and cost of our project. He was absolutely clear in his record keeping and time log. Our job was done with care and precision. He is a gifted artist and our 600 sf terrace is a true extension of our home. He designed all aspects that include, (18) planter boxes, (4) large trees, custom sofa bench and dining area. Our terrace won the 2008 garden of the year and has been featured in Chicago Magazine as a show piece. We look forward to our annual planting every year! Best regards Mr. & Mrs. Robin Rosenberg

September 26, 2012Last modified:September 27, 2012

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7 Ideabooks

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48 Comments

Commented: Love the mechanical pergola. Is it waterproof? Who makes it?Solisysteme Bioclimatic pergola. Thanks!

April 10, 2019

Commented: what are the cabinets made of?Sorry for the late reply! The material is clear cedar.

February 26, 2019

Commented: Fence heightIt's just about 8'.

November 6, 2016

Commented: Topiary treeSure, that is a "Miss Kim" lilac on a single standard trunk.

November 6, 2016

Commented: marble 2x2'sThanks for your question. These pavers have some texture to them so there is not a huge amount of slip to them, but some surely.

January 25, 2016

Commented: Love the table! I want to know more!I'm afraid the table was purchased by our client, I don't know the manufacturer!

November 19, 2015

Chicago Specialty Gardens, Inc.