FSSG is fortunate to have world-renowned designer and plantsman Piet Oudolf and North Lawndale resident and grower Roy Diblik to interpret and design the Sears Sunken Garden. They are best known for their in-depth knowledge of plants, sustainable gardening practices and an ecological approach to public garden maintenance. Piet and Roy worked together on the Lurie Garden in Chicago’s Millennium Park, and the new Oudolf Garden Detroit in Detroit, Michigan. Piet’s public gardens are artistic masterpieces with a cultural, emotional, environmental and economic impact. His gardens draw visitors from near and far and are known to have a green halo effect in the areas fortunate enough to have one.

Oudolf and Diblik recently visited Sears Sunken Garden and attended an informational event, along with North Lawndale community leaders and volunteers. Other attendees also on the design team included Landscape Architect Chris Gent, Architect Odile Compagnon, Annamaria Leon of Homan Grown L3C, and Historic Preservationist Lynette Stuhlmacher of Red Leaf Studio.

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