by Tom Marsan
Tom Marsan is the General Manager at Beverly Companies in Chicagoland. A certified snow professional with 20+ years of experience in landscaping and snow removal, he is an active member of Landscape Illinois, the Institute of Real Estate Management, and the Snow and Ice Management Association.
Did you know nearly 70% of a landscape’s visual impact happens outside of peak summer? Most properties are designed for one moment, not year-round performance, and it shows. From early spring color to functional planting strategies, the right approach creates a property that consistently delivers curb appeal, usability, and long-term value.
In Chicagoland, early spring and late fall are where landscapes either stand out or completely disappear. The difference comes down to plant selection and strategy. The best landscapes today aren’t just about looks, they’re built to perform functionally across all seasons.
For a deeper breakdown of these strategies and plant selections, read the full guide here:
Early Spring Plants That Create Instant Curb Appeal
Crocus & Snowdrops – first color of the year, even through snow
Hellebores – shade-tolerant with long bloom time
Red Twig Dogwood – bold winter/early spring color
Serviceberry – early blooms + multi-season interest
Daffodils – reliable, low-maintenance impact
Native Plants That Actually Perform
Little Bluestem – drought-tolerant, strong fall color
Purple Coneflower – durable + pollinator-friendly
Wild Bergamot – fills space naturally
Prairie Dropseed – clean structure + seasonal color
Serviceberry – one of the best multi-season trees
Functional Insect Repelling Plants
Lavender – Strong oils help mask human scent; best near seating areas
Catmint (Nepeta) – Contains nepetalactone, shown to repel mosquitoes
Marigolds – Produce pyrethrum, commonly used in insect repellents
Basil & Rosemary – Release oils when brushed or heated by the sun
Lemongrass (Citronella) – Contains citronella oil; most effective when grouped
Smart Planting Strategies for 2026
Layer plants for depth (trees → shrubs → perennials)
Plan for all 3 seasons, not just summer
Mass plant for stronger visual impact
Match plants to site conditions (right plant, right place)
Design around how the space is actually used
The best landscapes don’t just look good for a few months, they’re built to perform year-round.