Our clients wanted to reclaim the backyard of their 1928 Tudor Revival home to create a place to relax, enough to entertain large groups from 12 to 30. The backyard was large and promising but had its challenges. Surrounding mature shade trees created deep shade conditions that turned the surface of the existing patio [...]
If you have an area on your property that stays consistently moist, wet or gets flooded, the following plants will do well for you. In addition to offering seasonal interest, they are also beneficial to bees, birds and butterflies. DECIDUOUS SHRUBS Sugar Shack Buttonbush. Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) is a fast-growing, short-lived shrub [...]
Save the date! We invite you to join us on Sunday, March 10th from noon-4 p.m. for a free, family-friendly event which shares information about living sustainably. The Going Green Matters environmental fair will be held at the beautiful and historic Michigan Shores Club in Wilmette. This year's theme, "Waste Not, Want Not" focuses on consuming [...]
Last week, our office staff in the design and maintenance divisions attended the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association’s annual trade show, iLandscape. We were inspired by new products, from landscaping to hardscaping and everything in-between. Here are some of our favorites. Plants Photos courtesy of Midwest Groundcovers. Plant scientists are continuously cultivating improved [...]
We are proud to announce our company earned two Excellence in Landscape Awards in the Residential Landscape Construction category from the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA). The formal ceremony will be held on January 31st, in conjunction with the iLandscape Show at Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center. Silver Award: Restoration With A Destination [...]
Another landscaping season has come to an end. Where did the time go? This slideshow features some of our favorite projects of 2018. Some were installed this year, while others are places we revisited. Juxtaposed with a "before" photo, each dramatic change appears to have happened instantly. These transformations show the result of close [...]
Winter interest in your garden can be achieved in several ways. Planning requires careful consideration of your gardening space and your goals. When plants enter winter dormancy, evergreens generally retain the same form and color, while with deciduous plants, structural and textural characteristics become their main decorative feature. Grouping these structures and textures can [...]
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 [...]