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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
In early February, our office closed for three days as we attended the annual Illinois Landscape Contractor Association's trade show, iLandscape. Informational sessions and a bustling showroom gave each of us fresh ideas on design, construction, professionalism and more. We want to share with you 6 interesting things we learned at iLandscape. 1) New plants [...]
A sidewalk cleared of snow and ice creates safety and security. We are often asked what products we recommend to melt ice or improve traction on stoops, steps, walkways and driveways. Many of the items on store shelves are composed of chlorides that are harmful to concrete, mortared areas, pets and the [...]
We will be closed for the holidays beginning Thursday, December 21, 2017 through Friday, January 5, 2018. We return to the office on Monday, January 8, 2018. January Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday February Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday Closed Friday Effective Monday, March 6, [...]
Imagine a living classroom with hundreds of perennial varieties laid out from A-Z. It's all here at Perennial Island, located at Midwest Groundcovers in St. Charles, a wholesale nursery that is 45 minutes west of Chicago. Last week, Nature's Perspective colleagues joined other landscaping industry professionals for the ribbon cutting ceremony of this garden, which was two [...]
Last summer, rainy conditions brought about many cases of a fungal infection known as Bur Oak Blight. The fungus survives the winter on infected leaves that remain attached within the tree canopy. During wet springs, the fungi release spores that infect newly forming leaves. By mid- to late-summer, leaf veins turn brown. The discoloration eventually [...]