Gardening Tips That Turn Your Sanctuary Into a Selling Point
Chicago is known as “City in a Garden” because of its motto, Urbs in Horto (city in a garden). The motto speaks to the city’s many parks, gardens, and green spaces, which were a prominent feature of Chicago long before she became a major city.
No matter the size, there is something transformative about stepping outside to take in the sweet smell of the many scented plants and flowers to be found throughout the city. I have three small outdoor spaces, and each provides fun, joy, and relaxation.
My front yard, with two towering trees, several containers planted with flowers, synthetic grass for the doggies, and 2 Adirondack chairs (with cup holders!), is where we relax with the dogs and chat with the neighbors as they walk to and fro. My backyard is the size of a postage stamp, but a lush oasis just off the kitchen. The upper deck is pure heaven with an old grapevine that drapes the back of the house with more character than any curtain, and feeds the orioles, grosbeaks, and robins that visit the second the grapes turn a hint of purple.
The back garden has gone through a few evolutions to become a true sanctuary. It’s where I have my morning coffee, host friends for cocktails, or snip herbs for whatever we are cooking. That grapevine? It’s over 50 years old and still bursting with grapes every summer—we have to fight the birds for these tasty morsels.
These little patches of green in the middle of the city bring joy to my daily life. And as a realtor, I’ve seen time and again how much that same feeling matters to buyers.
Why Gardens Matter to Buyers
Outdoor space—even the smallest corner—can transform how people feel in their home. Gardens offer beauty and sensory delight; the act of gardening is known to reduce stress and elevate mood. A beautiful garden can nourish the body, calm the mind, and connect us with nature.
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Smart Garden Ideas That Add Value and Joy
Thinking of transforming your yard, balcony, or patio? Here are smart, charming additions that create year-round appeal and increase perceived value:
• Bird feeder & bird bath – Invite nature in and add seasonal movement
• Bug hotel – Support pollinators, and eco-conscious buyers will notice
• Herb box or vertical planter – Adds both utility and charm
• Outdoor lighting – String lights, solar lanterns, or sconces to set the mood
• Grilling station – Even a compact one makes the yard feel “ready to use”
• Cozy seating – weatherproof comfy cushions
• Outdoor heater (electric or gas) – Extend your garden’s use into colder months
• Fragrant plant corner – Think lavender, jasmine, or mint near seating areas
• Discreet outdoor speakers – Add ambiance with music or nature sounds
• Storage bench or deck box – Keep the space tidy and functional
Secret Tip from a Seasoned Realtor: Start Planning Now for a Winter-Ready Garden
Spring is the perfect time to think ahead. While you’re planting herbs and summer blooms, don’t forget to include a few elements that will keep your garden visually appealing even in the dead of winter.
Add structure and evergreen life with boxwood, juniper, or holly—all well-suited for Chicago winters. Include perennials like coneflowers, sedum, and alliums, which leave behind beautiful dried seed heads and stems that look like natural sculptures dusted in snow. Those dried “blooms” on a stick? That’s your winter garden art—courtesy of nature.
And beyond plants: think stone paths in rich tones, weatherproof pots, or a garden sculpture or two that will hold their own when everything else is dormant. Even something as simple as a vibrant bird feeder or colorful gravel can add contrast and charm when the landscape goes quiet.
Buyers don’t stop house hunting in winter. A garden that still feels thoughtful and alive—even when the leaves are long gone—can make your home feel warm before anyone even steps inside.
The People Behind the Beauty
Thank goodness for my talented pros who helped create beauty from a wood and concrete mess, and saved me from many mistakes, like planting lilac shrubs in shaded areas and worse. Over the years, some truly talented professionals have helped me shape my little patches of garden—designers who understand Chicago’s mercurial weather, landscapers with a love for native plants, and craftspeople who know how to make even the smallest corner feel special.
If you’re thinking of reimagining your own outdoor space, I’d be happy to point you in the right direction.
Just request your complimentary copy of Debra’s Little Black Book, and you’ll get access to my trusted network—the same amazing people who helped make my Lincoln Park garden shine.
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A great outdoor space doesn’t have to be big. It just needs to feel like home. Whether you want to fall a little more in love with where you live, or you’re prepping your house for sale, your garden might just become your favorite room in the ‘house’.
Thinking about how to turn your garden into both a personal sanctuary and a selling point? I’d love to help you explore what’s possible for your space—let’s talk!
