How to Create a Thriving Landscape Bed from Lawn to Garden

At INNovation STUDIO LANDSCAPE, we’ve perfected the art of landscape bed creation over the past 12 years. While every project is unique, the core principles remain the same. Today, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of transforming a lawn into a flourishing landscape bed—ready for stunning plantings and long-term success.

Step 1: Layout & Marking Your Bed

Before breaking ground, take the time to visualize and mark out your landscape beds. Whether you’re working from a professional plan or free-handing with marking paint, this step allows you to adjust the size, shape, and placement before committing.

Pro Tip: I always tell clients, "This isn’t set in stone—it’s just paint!" If the bed feels too small or too large, adjust it now while it’s easy.

If your design includes key features like trees, shrubs, or hardscape elements, mark their locations as well to ensure proper spacing and balance.

Step 2: Removing Sod – The Smart Way

To prepare the space, you’ll need to remove the existing grass. There are two common methods:

✔️ Sod Cutter (Recommended for Large Areas): Rent or use a sod cutter to efficiently strip away the lawn.
✔️ Manual Removal (Best for Small Areas): Use a high-quality spade shovel for precision. The Wolverine Spade is a personal favorite—it’s durable, versatile, and available in various sizes. I prefer the smaller version for ease of use and control.

Once you’ve cut the sod, flip it over instead of hauling it away—this saves both time and money.

Step 3: Utilizing Sod for Soil Health

Rather than removing the sod, use it to your advantage:
✔️ Flip the sod over and leave a 6”–8” border along the bed’s outer edges.
✔️ Stack layers (2-3 high) in the center of the bed. This technique naturally suppresses grass regrowth and enriches the soil as it decomposes.
✔️ Let heat do the work. If the weather is warm, the sod may die within a few hours. For best results, allow it to sit for a day or two before adding soil.

Step 4: Adding Soil & Compost for a Healthy Foundation

Now it’s time to build rich, fertile soil for your plantings.

🔹 Mix ½ topsoil with ½ mushroom compost or soil amendment.
🔹 Spread 4”–8” of this mixture evenly over the bed to encourage deep root growth.
🔹 Ensure all sod is covered to prevent grass regrowth.

This nutrient-rich base improves drainage, aeration, and overall plant health for a thriving landscape.

Step 5: The Gold Standard – Crisp, Clean Edging

A well-defined edge is one of the most important finishing touches for a landscape bed.

✔️ Dig down 4” along the marked edge to create a clean, crisp boundary.
✔️ Remove excess soil and keep each cut precise and smooth for a professional look.
✔️ Mound the soil slightly within the bed to enhance visual depth and prevent regrowth of grass along the edges.

A properly edged landscape bed elevates curb appeal and makes long-term maintenance easier.

Step 6: Plant & Watch Your Landscape Thrive

With the groundwork complete, it’s time for the best part—planting!

✔️ Follow your design plan to ensure proper plant placement and spacing.
✔️ Mulch around plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and enhance aesthetics.
✔️ Water thoroughly to help roots establish in their new environment.

With proper preparation and care, your landscape bed will flourish for years to come!

Final Thoughts

Creating a landscape bed is more than just digging and planting—it’s about setting a strong foundation for long-term success. At INNovation STUDIO LANDSCAPE, we take pride in transforming ordinary spaces into beautiful, functional landscapes that thrive.

Looking for expert help? Contact us today for custom landscape design and professional installation in the Chicago area!

📞 Call us at 630-800-0501
📧 Email us at design@innstudiollc.com
🌍 Visit us at innlandscape.com

#LandscapeDesign #ChicagoLandscaping #GardenBeds #SustainableLandscaping #Edging #PlantingTips #INNovationSTUDIOLANDSCAPE

You will never be Done with your Landscape till you are Under it...

At INNovation STUDIO LANDSCAPE, we believe that every outdoor space has the potential to be a thriving, beautiful, and functional landscape. Our blog is your go-to resource for expert insights on landscape design, installation, and maintenance—helping you transform your outdoor space into a stunning, sustainable environment.

We bring you the latest trends, techniques, and innovative landscaping strategies to keep your property looking its best. Whether you’re a homeowner, landscape professional, or designer, our goal is to educate, inspire, and provide practical solutions that enhance landscapes across Chicago and beyond.

What You’ll Find on Our Blog

🌿 Expert Landscape Design & Installation Tips – From hardscaping techniques to native plant selections, we share proven strategies to create thriving outdoor spaces.

🌱 Seasonal Landscaping Guides – Learn how to prepare your landscape for Chicago’s changing seasons, from spring clean-ups to winterization tips.

🌎 Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Landscaping Solutions – Discover climate-responsive designs, water conservation techniques, and soil health improvements for a resilient landscape.

🏡 Chicago-Specific Landscape Advice – Get practical insights tailored to Chicagoland’s unique climate, soil, and native plantings.

🔨 Landscape Maintenance Best Practices – Keep your outdoor space in top shape with our step-by-step guides on mulching, pruning, edging, and more.

💡 Innovative Landscaping Products & Reviews – Stay up to date with the best tools, materials, and technology to improve your landscape efficiently.

A Collaborative Space for Learning & Growth

We’ve spent years understanding the built landscape, refining techniques, and overcoming challenges to develop the best strategies for creating and maintaining exceptional outdoor spaces. Through this blog, we share real-world, experience-backed information that can help you navigate the complexities of landscaping.

💬 Join the Conversation!
Landscaping is always evolving, and we value your insights! Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, seasoned professional, or business owner, we encourage you to share your experiences, ask questions, and contribute to discussions.

🌱 Respectful and Constructive Community
We believe in fostering positive discussions about landscapes, environments, and the people we engage with daily. While constructive criticism is welcome, non-constructive comments will be discarded—just like invasive weeds in a well-maintained garden.

Let’s Get Started!

🌿 Ready to dig in? Stay tuned for our next post, where we introduce Jay Holinger—the creative mind behind INNovation STUDIO LANDSCAPE.

📞 Call us at 630-800-0501
📧 Email us at design@innstudiollc.com
🌍 Visit us at innlandscape.com

📢 Follow us on social media for more landscaping inspiration!

#ChicagoLandscaping #LandscapeDesign #SustainableLandscaping #OutdoorLiving #INNovationSTUDIOLANDSCAPE

Spring Clean-Up, Edging, Trimming & Mulching for Chicago Landscapes

Get Your Landscape Ready for Spring with These Essential Steps

As winter fades and the Chicago area warms up, your landscape needs proper spring maintenance to thrive. A spring clean-up, edging, trimming, and mulching not only refreshes your yard but also improves curb appeal and promotes healthy plant growth.

At INNovation STUDIO LANDSCAPE, we specialize in professional landscape installation and seasonal maintenance to help homeowners and businesses keep their outdoor spaces looking pristine. Whether you're tackling spring yard work yourself or looking for a professional touch, here’s a step-by-step guide to a successful spring clean-up in Chicago.

1. Spring Clean-Up: Clearing the Debris

Chicago winters can leave behind fallen branches, dead leaves, and compacted soil, which can suffocate your landscape if not properly addressed.

Spring Clean-Up Checklist:

✅ Remove Leaves & Debris – Clear leaves, twigs, and winter debris from lawns, planting beds, and patios.
✅ Rake & Aerate the Lawn – Loosen compacted soil to improve water absorption and root growth. You can also Overseed if needed in Mid April.
✅ Cut Back Perennials & Ornamental Grasses – Trim dead stems to allow new growth.
✅ Inspect Plants & Shrubs – Check for winter damage, broken branches, or signs of disease.

INNovation Studio LANDSCAPE Tip: Don’t remove all leaf litter—a thin layer can benefit soil health, protect plants, and help pollinators!

2. Edging: Defining Clean Lines for a Polished Look

Edging your garden beds and lawn enhances your landscape by creating a sharp, defined border that improves aesthetics and prevents mulch from spilling into the grass.

How to Properly Edge Your Landscape:

✅ Mark Your Edges – Use a hose or string to outline where you want crisp edges. you can also spray out the bed line.
✅ Use an Edger or Spade – Cut along the border with a half-moon edger or spade for precision.
✅ Remove Excess Soil – Keep edges clean and sloped slightly away from flower beds.
✅ Maintain Edges Regularly – A quick re-cut every few months keeps the look fresh and grass out of your beds throughout the season.

Best Edging Materials for Chicago Landscapes:
✔️ Natural bed edges (most eco-friendly)
✔️ Stone or brick borders (long-lasting & stylish)

3. Trimming & Pruning: Shaping Plants for Health & Growth

Early spring is the best time to prune shrubs, hedges, and trees before new growth emerges. Proper trimming prevents overgrowth, improves air circulation, and enhances plant shape.

Trimming & Pruning Tips for a Healthy Landscape:

✅ Prune Dead or Damaged Branches – Chicago’s harsh winters can leave branches weak or broken. Remove them for plant health.
✅ Shape Shrubs & Hedges – Trim for aesthetic appeal and balanced growth.
✅ Avoid Heavy Pruning on Spring-Flowering Shrubs – Lilacs, forsythia, and magnolias should be pruned after blooming, not in early spring.
✅ Cut Perennials Back – Remove old stems from hostas, daylilies, and grasses to make way for fresh growth.

Pro Tip: Use sharp, sterilized pruning shears to prevent plant diseases!

4. Mulching: The Finishing Touch for a Healthy Landscape

Mulching is one of the most important steps in a spring landscape refresh. It helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds—making it a key practice for sustainable landscaping in the Chicago Climate.

How to Apply Mulch Like a Pro:

✅ Choose the Right Mulch – Opt for Premium Hardwood Mulch, or compost to enrich soil health and Reduce WEEDS!
✅ Apply a 2-3 Inch Layer – Too little mulch won’t retain moisture, while too much can suffocate plant roots.
✅ Keep Mulch Away from Stems & Trunks – Avoid piling mulch against trees and plants to prevent rot and pest issues.
✅ Refresh Mulch Mid-Season – Optional - Replenish faded mulch in summer to maintain a fresh look.

Best Mulching Materials for Chicago Landscapes:
✔️ Shredded Premium Hardwood Mulch (Most popular, eco-friendly)
✔️ Pine Bark Mulch (Great for acid-loving plants like azaleas)
✔️ Compost Mulch (Improves soil fertility)

Why Hire a Professional for Spring Landscape Maintenance?

While DIY spring clean-ups can be rewarding, hiring INNovation Studio LANDSCAPE ensures the best results without the heavy lifting.

At INNovation STUDIO LANDSCAPE, we specialize in landscape installation and maintenance, using eco-friendly techniques to enhance your property’s curb appeal and long-term health. Our expert team ensures:

🌿 Precision in edging & trimming
🌿 Proper pruning for plant longevity
🌿 Sustainable mulching for soil health
🌿 A hassle-free, beautifully maintained landscape

Ready to give your yard a professional spring refresh? Contact INNovation STUDIO LANDSCAPE today for a consultation and let us help you create a thriving, well-maintained outdoor space!

📞 Call us at 630-800-0501
📧 Email us at design@innstudiollc.com
🌍 Visit innlandscape.com

There is Both Joy and Pain in Landscaping, but My Story Began with PAIN!

Let’s take a break to get back to where it all began, which was a literal BREAK. While playing soccer in high school in early summer, there was a throw-in, and I collided with a kid. When I got up, I knew something wasn’t right with my leg, and so I started walking over to the bench and then I heard it… POP… then pure pain, and I knew my leg broke. Well, there goes my career in soccer…

After breaking my leg, I didn’t shed a tear after the pain went away that I couldn’t do play soccer. I turned breaking my leg into an opportunity. I will always be thankful for having the best mom that pushes me into creating, building, and making my dreams come to reality. I hope you can find someone who can give you the motivation to becoming the best person you can be and let them give you both criticism and advice. We will discuss this mentorship and education down the road some more. Mom said to me “Jay you have always wanted to build a pond and now that you don’t have soccer you should do it” that was true, but soccer had taken my summers and time away from me to concentrate on only that.

So on that encouragement, I kicked off my first landscape project with a broken leg, spray paint, shovel in hand, and my dad's strength and good legs wheelbarrowing my soil away. It was an amazing experience, I got to create something that brought so many different passions that I didn’t know that I had together. I am always evolving those passions and skills because you should always be learning what you are passionate about so you can bring the best product or skill to the customer.

That project defined my passion for Landscape Architecture.

I feel like this is a good point to interject to say my name is Jay Holinger. I am hopeful that I will be able to make a connection to you through my writings, videos, email, or once this crazy covid business is sorted out in person! If you wish to reach out please find my contact info HERE.

I attended Iowa State University and got my Bachelor's of Landscape Architecture in 2013. I will definitely do a blog post on why Iowa State is one of the absolute best schools for Landscape Architecture. Before attending ISU, In 2008 I received a scholarship from the Geneva Garden Club and there I met my first client. We still are in touch to this day because it is relationships that you need to build in the landscape industry, not just the landscape. I started INNovation STUDIO or INN Studio LLC for short in 2013. If you are interested in how to create a passion or service head over there! Also, we have other services and products besides Landscape services available in the Chicago Land Area.

Back to the PAIN...

I did work for many landscape companies and each there were different painful experiences that eventually lead me to go out on my own. I did enjoy the people and learned a lot from them and worked on some amazing projects! So with that pain, I did gain some wonderful contacts, clients, and design knowledge. This is not to say that you have to go out on your own if you enjoy what you are doing or looking for information to get your garden or landscape looking amazing. There are many that love to work on their garden and there will be info on this blog for you for sure!

Let's get to the Nitty-Gritty Landscape Info

My tagline for INNovation STUDIO LANDSCAPE “It is all about the PLACE” As landscape architects and designers we are always looking at spaces… like I sometimes catch myself looking at an empty alley and thinking what an amazing opportunity to change that into a vibrant place for people to enjoy! There is always potential whether it is a small space such as a backyard landscape or a large area of land. Now how this change happens is up for discussion and what purposes, people, site amenities, plantings, and activities going on there is what changes that space into a PLACE!

A PLACE-first philosophy ensures the results are exceptional and the landscape will continue to evolve so that your place truly lasts. The place, to make it special and not a cookie-cutter design you have to bring expertise and imagination to every project.

Kick it into high gear on PLACE details in the next blog post.