In summer, which is officially from June 17th to September 21st, no other flowering shrub in the landscape brings as much freshness and appeal as the hydrangea. Available in various flower types, colors, and sizes, this unfussy plant is perfect for a garden with a sunny to part shady spot that is moist and [...]
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 [...]
Drainage issues in the backyard created problems for our clients. A rainstorm would leave the backyard flooded for days, meaning their children couldn’t play outside without getting completely muddy. The soggy backyard, paired with the family’s small deck, didn’t offer much opportunity for the family to enjoy their outdoor space. Our clients wanted a play [...]
If there's one plant that stands out in the spring garden, it's the lilac, with its bold, beautiful flowers and wonderfully fragrant blooms. Lilacs come in a variety of sizes and are easy to care for, which make them a wonderful addition to any spot in your garden with full sun and average soil. We are [...]
Here are some of the noteworthy plants and products for outdoor living that we discovered last month during iLandscape, our annual industry trade show. New Plants: Fiber Optics Buttonbush is a variety of the native shrub with showy globe-shaped flowers. Bears fruit and nectar that supports wildlife. Prefers wet locations. 5-6’ h. Full sun. Summer Ruffle Hibiscus is [...]
Here's a late bloomer that is well worth the wait. Spring and summer fly by, and this seemingly plain shrub looks like it wants to hide in the garden unnoticed. But when summer ends, watch out. Early Amethyst Beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma 'Early Amethyst') is about to take center stage. Why do we love this plant? For one, it's low [...]
Is there an area in your yard that lacks interest? Is there an area in your yard that just won’t grow healthy grass? Is your parkway uninspiring? This spring, instead of spending another year dissatisfied with it, consider filling this space with grass alternatives. By using lesser known groundcovers and ornamental grasses, these spaces can be [...]
The restorative garden at Three Crowns Park. Photo taken May 2015. Since 2012, Nature’s Perspective has been developing a restorative garden and waterfall at Three Crowns Park, a senior community in northwest Evanston that has served its residents for over a century. Origins In the early spring of 2012, Ariel Schrodt, a [...]
IRMCO® Advanced Lubricant Technologies is a manufacturer of oil-free metal forming and tube bending lubricants. The company, founded in 1914 and based in Evanston since 1919, is considered an industry innovator, a steward for the environment and an exemplary neighbor in the West End Industrial District. CEO Jeff Jeffery, the great-grandson of founder William Oats Jeffery, contacted Nature's Perspective [...]
Imagine a Beer Hydrangea bearing frosty mugs of ice cold, frothy beer, ready for Dad to pluck off and enjoy on a hot summer afternoon. This is a re-post from June 2012. Craft beers continue to be introduced and enjoyed by many. We wish all dads of legal drinking age a Happy Father's Day. [...]