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 [...]
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 [...]
In collaboration with Evanston design firm Teska and Associates, Nature’s Perspective crafted a solution for a young Wilmette family who desired a beautiful space for themselves and their children, a setting that could be enjoyed by adults and children alike. The existing small deck and the plain concrete patio were functional, but uninviting. The spacious [...]
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 [...]
Looking to get away from the dreariness of winter, with its barren trees and frozen, snow-covered lawns? Chicago has a warm and inviting respite, and it’s called Garfield Park Conservatory. Unlike the North Side's smaller Lincoln Park Conservatory, Garfield Park Conservatory is tremendous, sitting on four and a half acres in the redeveloping West Side [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
With winter in full swing, we hope you enjoy the first of several case studies to bring you inspiration and ideas for your garden. Spring is only a few weeks away! The owners of this charming vintage home, nestled in the heart of Evanston, love nature, gardening and entertaining. As volunteers at the Chicago Botanical [...]