In the 1880s, native oak trees comprised more than 60 percent of the Chicago region’s tree canopy. Today, that number has dwindled to only 5 percent. Sadly, oak trees are not only struggling in Illinois, but worldwide. About one-third of the world’s oaks are threatened with extinction, due to population growth, climate change and [...]
To ensure that your plants make it through the winter, it is important that they receive adequate moisture now. In autumn, plants repair their roots, grow their tree trunks and develop flowers for a beautiful display next spring. You can sustain the health of your plants by watering well this fall. Trees, shrubs, evergreens [...]
As daytime diminishes and evenings lengthen this fall, your home and garden don't have to be left in the dark. An investment in low-voltage landscape lighting extends the time you spend on your patio or deck, illuminates your home’s best features and surrounding landscaping, improves wayfinding, increases safety and provides security around your property [...]
September is a great time to plan for spring-flowering bulbs in your garden, as they are best installed in late October. Part of the fun in planning spring bulbs is the anticipation through winter and the delight when they finally emerge. Here are tips on planning spring-flowering bulbs in your garden and more about [...]
Our clients, a busy couple who reside in a unique historic home, wished to reclaim their garden, which had become overgrown. They envisioned a private outdoor space with beautiful views for relaxing and dining outdoors, gathering around a fire, raising vegetables and potting flowers. The home was originally built in 1894 as a gardener's [...]
The combination of hot, humid weather and hot dry spells has created the perfect conditions for two prominent lawn problems this summer. Our maintenance crews have reported sightings of both brown patch and sod webworm. In this article, we discuss their symptoms, causes and treatment. Brown Patch Brown patch on tall fescue. Irregular patches [...]
Shrubs showing stress from lack of water. Lack of watering makes plants more susceptible to damage and disease. Watering during the heat of the summer is mission critical to the success of your garden and plantings. The simplest rule of thumb? If your plants are looking dry, water them! Summers in Chicagoland are [...]
With summer in full swing, everything is lush and green outside. How is your garden growing? If it's in need of something that's bolder and more interesting than the ubiquitous hosta or daylily, consider adding a large perennial with presence. These summer beauties stand out not only for their height and their flowers or [...]
Summer vacation is quickly approaching, and for many, it’s already here! We love creating lush landscapes that beckon everyone outside, but we also love helping our clients create outdoor living rooms. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite features of an outdoor living room to inspire you. Fire Feature On a [...]
Spring is here, and our nursery is filling up with blooms and blossoms! Here are some plants that are soon to be in bloom. Ornamental Trees Corneliancherry Dogwood The yellow flowers on Corneliancherry Dogwood (Cornus mas), emerge before the foliage in late March/early April. They bloom in small clusters along the stems making [...]