Best Backyard Oasis

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Voting Category: Best Backyard Oasis

Public voting was held from July 11-16. Voting is now closed.

View the top 10 submissions for our 8th Annual Bungalow Garden Contest below.

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Douglas Boldt, Belmont Cragin

Circles within circles within arcs and curves, our backyard oasis reclaims a bit of nature within Chicago's rigid street grid. Inspired by fractals, the Geometry of Nature; as conceived by IBM mathematician Benoit Mandelbrot, who coined the term "fractal" in 1977, I attempted to mimic the ever repeating but always unique patterns of nature.

My wife Lorrie, our cat Graycie and I share our little secret garden, which features a stone masonry gate, planters, borders and the sound of water cascading down from our "Catgolyle" fountainhead to the water plant pond below.

Douglas Boldt, Belmont Cragin

Douglas Boldt, Belmont Cragin

Douglas Boldt, Belmont Cragin

Douglas Boldt, Belmont Cragin

Douglas Boldt, Belmont Cragin

Douglas Boldt, Belmont Cragin

Douglas Boldt, Belmont Cragin

Craig Coit, West Ridge

Built in fountain that came with the 1926 Grotto option. The piping was in the garage. The backyard oasis is very peaceful

Craig Coit, West Ridge

Craig Coit, West Ridge

Craig Coit, West Ridge

Craig Coit, West Ridge

Craig Coit, West Ridge

Craig Coit, West Ridge

Mary Connolly, Rogers Park

My backyard garden is truly special because it features a diverse array of vibrant flowers and plants that fosters a thriving ecosystem, attracting beneficial insects and wildlife including butterflies and hummingbirds, and creating a lively and enchanting ecosystem. The dappled sunlight filtering through the tree canopy creates a magical ambiance, highlighting the delicate beauty of ferns, hostas, and other shade-tolerant flora. This serene, verdant space offers a refreshing escape from the heat and a peaceful haven for relaxation.