Sometimes we are really tested as landscape designers and horticulturists. One common challenge that we encounter is getting plants to grow in parkways, especially in urban neighborhoods. Large, mature street trees, often with shallow roots and a dense canopy such as Norway Maples, rob a site of sun, moisture and nutrients. Even with these less [...]
We are all relieved to witness the demise of winter, but saddened to discover the toll it's taken on our gardens. If you have lost a plant or two, now is a great time to think about replacing it. To continue an earlier post, here are more plants we recommend that will bring you years [...]
Here at Nature's Perspective, we love plants so much that we could live by the famous quote of Nelson Henderson: "The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit". Spring will come and bring your garden back to life once again. With that in mind, we share [...]
A few more weeks of ice and snow are in the forecast, as we slowly head towards spring. We share a modified re-post from December 2010 on clearing icy surfaces outside your home. We are often asked what products we recommend to melt ice or improve traction on stoops, steps, walkways and drives. Many of the items [...]
As autumn nears, it's a good time to think spring. Spring-flowering bulbs can only be planted during the fall. Daffodils are the mainstay of the bulb garden and are reliable performers, while showy Tulips should be replenished each year to keep their impact strong. There are many other spring-flowering bulbs that are not as well [...]
Each year there are countless plant varieties that are introduced to the green industry. They all look wonderful in catalogs, but we choose carefully. After a year or two on trial in our garden, we let everyone have a chance to enjoy them at home. Here are some of the recent additions to our nursery. The [...]
Last year, we encountered a widespread, extremely destructive disease called Impatiens Downy Mildew, affecting Impatiens walleriana (common impatiens). It is an aggressive and easily spread disease that causes the plant to lose its leaves and eventually die. Some of you may have encountered this at your property last summer. Downy mildew is not easy to detect [...]
Our clients purchased this charming 1920’s Dutch colonial house with plans of making it their own. The existing landscape consisted of a traditional front lawn with overgrown shrubs and a scattering of perennials. Our clients wanted to simplify the maintenance, add curb appeal and create a garden for all to enjoy. After remodeling the home's [...]
Say goodbye to the dreariness of winter, by installing a fantastic plant (or two!) that will bring plenty of inspiration and interest in your winter garden. Paperbark Maple, Acer griseum, is a low-growing, small deciduous tree with scarlet red fall color and striking cinnamon-colored bark that exfoliates.15-20’h x 10’w. Full sun-part shade. Kousa Dogwood, Cornus [...]
Nature’s Perspective recently completed construction of a restorative water garden 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 this year, Ariel Schrodt, a new resident of Three Crowns Park, had a vision of creating a memorial garden for his [...]