CREATING YOUR DREAM GARDEN
Bringing Your Vision to Life
Grow Your Vision
Our world is not perfect, and there is charm and grace to be found in all imperfections. What if you are just too overwhelmed to see it? Need a getaway?
Maybe your sanctuary can be as close as stepping out your back door....
ABOUT URBAN FOREST AND GARDEN
Urban Forest Illinois and Garden in Lake Forest, Illinois, was founded by Eileen Urban Kolasa — a garden professional known to the locals as “Bunny.” After retiring from a career in Healthcare Risk Management in 2023, Bunny turned her lifelong passion for gardening into a purpose-driven practice.
Raised in the city of Chicago in a third generation retail flower business and shaped by summers spent on Wisconsin farms, she has always been deeply connected to what grows, thrives and survives. Gardening has never been work for her — it’s a way of life.
With over 25 years of trial and error learning in growing her own vegetables, fruits, herbs, and perennials across Northern Illinois and Mid-Eastern Wisconsin, Bunny combines practical knowledge with thoughtful design. In addition to all that hands on experience, she was formally educated through the University of Illinois Master Gardener program in 2019-2020. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was inspired by the historical Victory Garden movement, food security concerns, and growing safe, nutrient-dense food while improving outdoor spaces, supporting our environment, and lessening chemical and pesticide exposure.
Urban Forest and Garden exists to help people reconnect with nature, find comfort in the process, and create outdoor spaces that truly reflect how they live and nourish their mind and body.
COACHING & EDUCATION
WHY A GARDEN COACH?
If you want a garden that truly works for your space—but feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start—a Garden Coach can help. Think of it as having a designer, teacher, and guide all in one, helping you create an outdoor space that brings beauty, purpose, and inspiration.
HOW IT WORKS
We start with a conversation, followed by a one-hour on-site consultation at your home. You’ll receive clear guidance, practical recommendations, and a written summary you can use to move forward—whether you DIY, work with a landscaper, or continue with coaching support.
Services we offer:
-
On-site* yard and garden consultations
-
Garden coaching and education
-
Plant vs. weed identification and care
-
Vegetable, herb, and perennial gardening
-
Organic gardening
-
Native gardening
-
Collaboration with landscapers
-
Garden content planning and installations
-
Custom designed raised bed gardens
-
Composting education, including vermiculture
-
Safe garden pest management
-
Pollinator attraction and care
-
Environmental assessment including soil, light, neighboring roots and drainage
-
Hourly, weekly, monthly or seasonal options**
-
Written report and recommendations to follow any consultation
Every project is designed to work with your space, your interests and abilities, and the natural rhythms of your environment.
*Area of Service restricted to within 30 mile radius of Lake Forest, Illinois. Additional time and mileage charges will apply for longer distances.
**Venmo or Zelle accepted
Philosophy
Our philosophy is to create spaces that not only look beautiful but serve a meaningful purpose in enhancing your lifestyle, and extending your haven.
We support improving environmental impact and encourage sustainable practices and innovation. Our design approach is client-centric to deliver exceptional garden solutions to imperfect gardening situations.
.
GALLERY
Explore a collection of gardens, growing spaces, and outdoor moments that reflect care, creativity, and connection with nature.
READY TO GROW
SOMETHING MEANINGFUL?
Whether you’re starting fresh or refining an existing space, Urban Forest and Garden is here to help bring your vision to life.
Get in Touch
70 Barnswallow Road
Lake Forest, Illinois 60045
847-722-5424
urbanforestandgarden.com
