The official publication of Landscape Illinois, — Landscape Illinois —The Magazine is dedicated to educating, advising and informing members of this industry and furthering the goals of the Association. Landscape Illinois — The Magazine carries news and features relating to landscape contracting, maintenance, design and allied interests. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited material and reserves the right to edit any article or advertisement submitted for publication. Publication reserves right to refuse advertising not in keeping with goals of Association. www. LandscapeIllinois.org.
Volume 66, Number 5. Landscape Illinois — The Magazine (ISSN # 0194-7257, USPS # 476-490) is published monthly for $75.00 per year by: the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association, 2625 Butterfield Road, Ste. 104S, Oak Brook, IL 60523. Periodicals postage paid at Oak Brook, IL and additional mailing offices. Printed in USA.
Postmaster: Send address changes to Landscape Illinois — The Magazine, 2625 Butterfield Road, Ste 104S, Oak Brook, IL 60523. Display Advertising Sales: Association Publishing Partners, Inc., Ph. (630) 637-8632; email: rmgi@comcast.net. Classified ads, Circulation and Subscription: Landscape Illinois (630) 472-2851 Fax (630) 472-3150 Editorial office: Association Publishing Partners, Inc., Naperville, IL
Staff
Executive Director Scott Grams (630) 472-2851 sgrams@landscapeillinois.org
Statewide Director of Development Kellie Schmidt kschmidt@landscapeillinois.org
Let’s make the most of this beautiful day Since we’re together, we might as well say Would you be mine, could you be mine Won’t you be my neighbor?
— Fred Rogers Theme Song, Mr. Rogers’
Neighborhood
Since I moved to the suburbs 10 years ago, I was only tangentially aware of the social media app Nextdoor. My wife was a member and she would occasionally show me posts about landscaping that I would squint to read as she would hold up her phone. I’d shake my head at the pettiness and go back to ignoring this virtual world.
My wife joined Nextdoor because it felt like the thing to do when you put down roots in a community. For those unaware, Nextdoor is a hyperlocal social networking service for neighborhoods. Instead of Facebook’s “circle of friends” or Twitter’s “who you choose to follow,” Nextdoor creates an online community based on your personal geography. Users of Nextdoor are required to submit real names and addresses and those are verified.
another. Its stock price is comically low at $1.50 a share. In Nextdoor terms, that’s akin to putting a cardboard sign that says “FREE STUFF” next to an old water heater on the curb.
Posts are prolific. This is hardly a dead site. Every day, there are 20-30 posts coming from my community. I don’t recognize many of the posters. They seem to have social media habits of older people with proper punctuation, grammar, blurry photos, strong opinions, and who are absolutely terrified of crime. Posts can turn political, but most of the posts stay central to their original theme which is more than I can say about other social media sites.
There Goes the Neighborhood
Once verified, it drops you into a circle of your neighbors where you can post anything and everything that happens in your community. Nextdoor is the online equivalent of a village board meeting, neighborhood watch, farmer’s market, or the corner table at McDonald’s where old men argue about the high school football team over discounted coffee.
I decided to join Nextdoor this April as an online experiment. I know that landscaping is one of the biggest topics of conversation on Nextdoor in the spring. I was curious to see how this hyperlocal community views and treats landscape professionals. Is this a referral machine that can be harnessed by shrewd companies. Is this an opportunity to mold and shape public discourse about this industry? I was not prepared for what I found out.
Nextdoor has the format of most other social media sites. It has a chronological list of posts running vertically from north to south. Newer posts replace older posts and it does not reorganize posts based on popularity or the number of comments. There could be 75 comments about a robbery in the neighborhood and that post will be quickly supplanted by someone looking to sell a used snowblower.
Nextdoor is a parody of itself. Posts almost always fall into 5 major categories: looking for a service professional, crime, getting rid of junk, lost dogs, and coyote sightings. Those five major categories just rotate hour-by-hour, day-by-day. Every single time you log into Nextdoor it will not take much time to find people posting about suspicious individuals, suspicious lost dogs, suspicious coyotes, or someone looking to hire a a non-suspicious pest control person to get rid of the suspicious coyotes who, suspiciously, may have led to the lost dog.
Nextdoor boasts 46 million active users and over 100 million subscribers. That means 15% of the country is active on Nextdoor. Participation grew 10% last year. Its overall market valuation is $572 million. It is a publicly traded company. It trades under the ironic ticker name KIND - because it wants neighbors to be kind to one
The one remarkable aspect of Nextdoor is that it’s not fake. No one is using the site to try and look more perfect or important than they are. This is not a site to brag about your life or post carefully curated photos. The users view their role as informational due to their lived experiences in these communities. Nextdoor does not seem controlled by influencers, AI, or bots. Most other social media sites are bogged down by a feeling that nothing is authentic anymore. If there is one complaint about Nextdoor is that it’s too authentic.
Landscaping posts fall into three categories. The first is people throwing out a budget number and inquiring to their neighbors who can provide professional landscape services for that number. The numbers I saw would have been low in 1988 let alone 2025. Most people are looking for full-service landscape maintenance for $25-$35 per visit. To the users of Nextdoor’s credit, they often pushback with the harsh reality that the original poster’s budget is too low. In that sense, Nextdoor does provide some market controls. Nextdoor users come back with slightly higher estimates based on service providers they use, but they are still likely south of the basements for many Landscape Illinois members.
The second category is Nextdoor users looking to hire someone. They will lay out the broadest terms of their contract. For example, “I am looking for someone to pull weeds, trim some trees, and install a patio in Clarendon Hills.” Immediately, 25 posts appears from service providers or other users recommending service providers. Mind you, that is a wildly broad contract request that would involve 2 separate crews and maybe 2 separate companies. That does not stop the small landscape companies from DM-ing details or posters saying the original poster should call “their guy so-and-so over at so-and-so landscaping.”
The third category, and the one that provides me the most schadenfreude is the people who clearly hired a terrible landscape company for pennies on the dollar and are shocked when the project goes sideways. Those posts will be, “I hired Chuck in the Truck to install some plants I bought from my local garden center. He took the deposit, then told me he ran out of money and now I have to pay him more to finish the job. Is this normal?” Not knowing any better, the community offers support not comprehending that nothing in that client-contractor exchange was normal. This person didn’t hire a contractor, they hired a guy.
It would be easy to say that Nextdoor does not represent the current marketplace. Most upper-end landscape companies don’t have to deal with a community like The Nextdoorians. However, the longer I was on the platform, and the more cyclical the comments became,
the more I realized Nextdoor represents the marketplace more than anything else. To Nextdoor, landscape services are a commodity and most people think ordering them should be as easy as ordering a pizza. People have busy lives and when the need for landscape services finally pop into their heads, they lean on trusted advisors whether personal or virtual.
The primary advertiser during my week was a fence contractor. Every fifth post was bracketed by an ad. The ad was written to look organic, but it comes with a big tag that says SPONSORED. I can imagine that this advertising works extremely well for this company. It is a commoditized service with dozens of options and every home in the western suburbs has one. They have no qualms advertising on Nextdoor because most homeowners are looking to thin their list of options when replacing something as ubiquitous as a fence.
At the beginning of the week, I thought savvy landscape companies could use Nextdoor to spur referrals and manage their image as a trusted community partner. Midway through the week, I had my doubts. By the end of the week, Nextdoor felt like a trap. Nextdoor is like having a tiger by the tail. It is easy to respond to a dozen leads a day, but many of those leads would go nowhere. Further, as with all social media sites, opinions can change. Nextdoor provides the perfect venue for a steady stream of complaints and it would be best for landscape companies to avoid being in the blast radius.
Most of the time, a landscape-related post had 15-20 replies all from the same types of companies. Most of these were micro-contractors who build their client list with these small jobs. None of them were Landscape Illinois members and many did not have shops, websites, or business addresses. They responded with a phone number or image of a business card with a bulleted list of services.
Spring is the time of year that Nextdoor seems to come to the industry’s front door. Homeowners begin searching for landscape companies to solve their spring problems. Many of them call the Landscape Illinois office and we direct them to our member directory. Some will call our members and ask them to pull weeds or move some bushes. Most of our members give them a polite “no” or try and upsell them into an annual maintenance contract.
My advice to our members is to point these homeowners to Nextdoor. Within hours, they will get help, leads, and interest from the pool of service providers they are seeking. Even a short phone script or email template can be given to a landscape company’s administrative staff or sales team to push these clients towards Nextdoor as a plan B. The client gets a polite referral, the established landscape company performs a helpful brush-off, and Nextdoor fulfills its purpose. One day, that client may outgrow Nextdoor and be in the need for greater landscape services. That is a better outcome than a door slammed in their faces.
My last piece of advice is to do what I did - spend an entire week monitoring Nextdoor. If you want to understand a culture, immerse yourself in it. Small business owners will have a firmer understanding of how the referral machine works and how complaints whip through neighborhoods. Nextdoor provides direct insight into the minds of consumers and communities. You may not like what you see, but you can’t argue its validity and honesty. We live in these communities. We work in these communities. We can’t flinch at what we see. Well, except for the packs of coyotes.
Becky Thomas Spring Grove Nursery, Inc. (815) 448-2097 bthomas@springrovenursery.com
Mark Utendorf Emerald Lawn Care, Inc. (847) 392-7097 marku@emeraldlawncare.com
Aaron Zych ILT Vignocchi, Inc. (847) 487-5200 azych@iltvignocchi.com
www.landscapeillinois.org
As our landscaping season is going full steam, we need to draw on our willpower, tenacity, strength to persevere, and to succeed. I have a favorite quote that embodies resilience and gives me strength: “A mighty oak does not grow with ease, the stronger the wind, the tougher the tree.” I think of a solitary old oak growing on the banks of a peat bog, facing a stream that emerges from a natural spring on our family farm. This oak is a source of pride, comfort and resilience. We visit it to get grounded, to appreciate its longevity, to celebrate special occasions, and to remember loved ones.
There’s one lesson that stands tall among the rest, there is no greater teacher of grit and resilience than a tree: especially a mighty oak. Trees endure. Through harsh winters, hot summers, storms that uproot the unready — they remain. Their roots reach deep into the earth, anchoring them through winds that would break lesser things. They grow slowly, steadily, not rushing, but never giving up. Even when scarred by weather, pests, or the weight of years, they continue to grow — stronger, wiser, and more enduring.
While landscaping, we experience this first-hand. We work long hours under the sun, in the rain, often moving earth with our hands and willpower. Like trees, we face the elements. Projects don’t always go as planned, and the physical demands are matched only by the mental toughness it takes to keep going, day in and day out. But just like the trees we plant and care for, we dig in, push through, and grow stronger with every season.
It’s no coincidence that trees symbolize life, endurance, and strength. In many ways, they reflect the very soul of our work — quietly powerful, rooted in purpose, always reaching upward no matter what comes. When the busy season is getting the best of you or your team, visit your favorite trees, give them a hug and appreciate all they represent.
Mightily, Kim
Con la temporada de jardinería en pleno apogeo, necesitamos recurrir a nuestra fuerza de voluntad, tenacidad y fortaleza para perseverar y triunfar. Tengo una cita favorita que representa la resiliencia y me inspira: “Un roble imponente no crece con facilidad; cuanto más fuerte es el viento, más resistente es el árbol”. También pienso en un viejo roble solitario que crece a orillas de una turbera, frente a un arroyo que emerge de un manantial natural en nuestra granja familiar. Este roble es fuente de orgullo, consuelo y resiliencia. Lo visitamos para conectar con la tierra, apreciar su longevidad, celebrar ocasiones especiales y recordar a nuestros seres queridos.
Hay una lección que destaca entre las demás: no hay mayor maestro de coraje y resiliencia que un árbol, especialmente un roble imponente. Los árboles perduran. A través de inviernos rigurosos, veranos calurosos y tormentas que desarraigan a los que no están preparados, permanecen. Sus raíces se hunden profundamente en la tierra, anclándolos a pesar de vientos que romperían cosas más pequeñas. Crecen lenta y constantemente, sin prisas, pero sin rendirse jamás. Incluso con las cicatrices del clima, las plagas o el paso de los años, siguen creciendo: más fuertes, más sabios y más resistentes.
Al trabajar en el paisajismo, lo experimentamos en primera persona. Trabajamos largas horas bajo el sol, bajo la lluvia, a menudo removiendo tierra con nuestras manos y nuestra fuerza de voluntad. Como los árboles, nos enfrentamos a los elementos. Los proyectos no siempre salen según lo planeado, y las exigencias físicas solo se comparan con la fortaleza mental que se requiere para seguir adelante, día tras día. Pero al igual que los árboles que plantamos y cuidamos, nos esforzamos, perseveramos y nos fortalecemos con cada estación.
No es casualidad que los árboles simbolicen vida, resistencia y fuerza. En muchos sentidos, reflejan la esencia misma de nuestro trabajo: silenciosos y poderosos, arraigados en un propósito, siempre al alza, pase lo que pase. Cuando la temporada alta te esté afectando a ti o a tu equipo, visita tus árboles favoritos, dales un abrazo y aprecia todo lo que representan.
Con cariño, Kim
Kim Hartmann
Rosborough Partners • Chicago Urban Homestead
This newly built home and garden were designed to be family-friendly and welcoming. It reflected the client’s love of community. Challenges included a high water table that was addressed with additional drainage. Deciduous selections were used to honor the client’s request of a coniferfree plant palette. Strategically placed terraces and garden
vignettes are enjoyed from both inside and outside the home. The design promotes community connection. Neighbors and family gather to enjoy the landscape’s textures and colors. They may play on the verdant lawn or practice basketball in the dedicated play area.
in a Rut?
Arboretum. Walking around and seeing how they’re using plants is inspiring.”
Landon Kirby, owner of Knob Hill Landscape in Springfield, Ill., draws inspiration from traveling from Illinois to Texas. “My wife and I tend to travel to natural areas and parks where we’re looking at stones, forest, boulder outcroppings, and moss. I look to water features, waterfalls, and we’re always trying to mimic Mother Nature. My wife works with me and is part owner, and we’re always talking about projects. You’re on vacation trying to get away from work, but you can’t stop thinking about it.” One of their favorite spots is Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, Ark. “The streams, the waterfalls, the trails, the Japanese maples—it’s just a special place that I haven’t seen anywhere else.”
Kirby also draws inspiration from his peers
(continued on page 12)
A streetscape photo taken by Tony Wasemann in the south of France.
(continued from page 11) and competitors. “You’re exposed to lots of other companies and projects at events. We participate in the National Association of Landscape Professionals’ and Landscape Illinois’ awards—and you see the winners and start following their social media pages and looking at the web sites. Who’s setting the bar in our industry? So naturally you start following them. You’re seeing the newest, best thing— if you’re going to those conferences, you’re seeing what’s trending. You’re getting out of your little bubble.”
Since graduating in 1996, Tony Wasemann, director of the Design Studio at Scott Byron Co. in Lake Bluff, Ill., has made it a point to be a sponge when it comes to learning and creativity. “Just absorb as much as you can. Take in all the experiences, all of what you see, and ask about it. Why is this space special, why was it done this way? It may be somebody that has more experience, a mentor, a professor, a book. Today, it’s experiences gathered outdoors, nature, learning from the masters, paying attention in school. I look at every single job as unique, and I try to find the uniqueness in everything I do. The site, the architec-
ture, the wildlife, the client—all are telling me something.”
More recently, travel has inspired Wasemann. “We visited the south of France. Going to these cities along the French Rivera and seeing how people use the space—seeing these little courtyards—was inspiring. They eat late because it’s so hot. It’s how they built within those arid spaces that make them so fascinating.”
One of Mitchell’s clients told him they loved the Dave Matthews band. “They had a song about a tree [The Dreaming Tree] that they really liked. They wanted to incorporate that idea into the space, so I designed a tree for a gate. We put lighting around it inside the frame and it turned out great. Things like that — client conversations — are a huge part of how your designs go and how you’re inspired.”
Meagan Provencher is the senior landscape designer at Wasco Nursery & Garden Center in St. Charles. “This will be my 31st year in the industry. I’m really lucky in that I work for a really large garden center. If it exists in the plant world and grows in Illinois, we can get it. I’m a plant person—I have to see it, touch it, smell it. I could never design from the internet.”
(continued on page 14)
Mitchell’s stone finial inspired by a lotus flower bud for an Asian-themed garden.
(continued from page 12)
Provencher is inspired by her customers. “At the end of the day, they’re the ones reaching out to us. They want to have a space for their kids or see pollinators. More people than ever want to be part of it and be in their yard. And it’s inspiring them to be outside and when they ask me for plants that attract bees—that’s blowing my mind.”
Kasey Eaves of Vivant Gardening Services in Chicago, seeks inspiration in public gardens. “I have the pleasure of visiting Lurie Garden on a regular basis and I seek out prairie remnants — like Chiwaukee Prairie (southeastern Wisconsin) and the Schulenberg Prairie at the Arboretum. I’ve made it a point to create friendships and to network with other people so I have a place I can go to reawaken creativity.”
Channeling Grief into Art
Senior Landscape Architect
Robert Milani of Bertog Landscape in
in my life — it makes me introspective—losing a loved one—the pain that I go through fuels my creativity. It’s truly one of the points of my journey. I don’t know why that is, but it makes me truly introspective — it’s that emotional rollercoaster. Even Michelangelo and van Gogh — their creativity was fueled by tragedy.”
After losing his sister and mother to cancer, and then his wife of 25 years, Milani said,
Wheeling, Ill., takes nothing for granted. “Everything can change in a moment. The trauma and pain I’ve gone through
“Channeling that loss back to the design helped me cope with the loss. What I went through made me more of an emotional person— transforming projects by taking an ordinary space and making it exceptional, and leaving a legacy and helping people with their spaces. The pain that I feel and the trauma gets redirected to how I approach design and connect with people. It spreads from me to them and what they want. I start to understand (continued on page 16)
Garvan Woodland Gardens offers inspiration to Landon and Jamie
see clients — they all have problems, family problems, personal problems. and helps me heal. It’s just constant
creates an outlet that helps me grow
Travel, too, has greatly influenced Milani’s artistic endeavors. “Seeing gardens by people who paved the way
something great, something beautiful, something substantial. My projects are one of a kind when I look back on them. Love of nature, love of plants, traveling and seeing things, experiencing new cultures, really rounds out my view of life, and how things can be
Another inspirational photo taken by Tony Wasemann.
Effinger’s Garden Center Belleville, IL • 618-234-4600
Green Glen Nursery Inc
Elwood, IL • 815-723-1140
Cute as a button yet tough as nails, Low Scape Mound®
Aronia has a tiny, mounded habit with loads of white spring flowers and purple-black fruit in summer. This native, dwarf chokeberry will rise to any landscape challenge, thriving almost anywhere, cold climates and hot, wet soils and dry, sun and part shade.
AVAILABLE FROM THESE
Platt Hill Nursery Carpentersville, IL • 847-428-6767
Sandy’s Back Porch Gardens Belleville, IL • 618-235-2004
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR LANDSCAPE PROGRAMS
Stoneleaf Nursery Eureka, IL • 309-261-7008
Woldhuis Farms / Sunrise Greenhouse Grant Park, IL • 815-465-6310
Structures that Define
Nina A. Koziol
How can you make your clients’ gardens more inviting in 2025? How about giving them a little journey with doorways, halls and outdoor rooms? Even the smallest urban garden can benefit from thinking inside the box.
Landscape architects and designers view the garden as an extension of the home. Picture it: The dwelling has main entries, hallways, walls, and ceilings. Similar design elements work in the garden.
“Inspiration starts with the client — it’s what they’re looking for,” said Leo Kelly, president of Kellygreen Design in Palatine, IL. “Next, look at the home, the architecture, and any clues you can pull off of it. The ultimate goal is to make it look like one cohesive design.” Decorative, useful structures can take a project up a few notches, not to mention your bottomline. Let’s explore.
Arbor
Arbors act as doorways. They’ve been around for a long time. In 1828, Webster’s dictionary defined an arbor as a lattice frame covered with vegetation. Back then it could be anything from the forked locust limbs in Thomas Jefferson’s garden to the finished wood used in the arbors attached to fancy cottages during the Civil War.
Today, arbors are generally made from wood, metal, brick, stone, plastic, or a combination of materials. The top may be flat or arched. The structure can be contemporary, formal, or rustic with cross beams in a variety of patterns. Arbors — with or without a gate—are useful in tight, narrow spaces found in urban side yards, or as an entry point that leads onto a meandering path.
(continued from page 19)
Trellis
A trellis is another design element that can support climbing plants, or it can simply stand alone as a decorative feature. Placed against a house, a garage, a fence, or set in a border, a trellis is a multi-purpose vertical element. They can screen a view or delineate a space.
There’s often an opportunity to use at least one trellis in a narrow border. One or more large trellis panels can be used to create free-standing “walls” — an outdoor room — and provide privacy without creating a claustrophobic feeling. Trellis panels can screen a less-than-desirable view by distracting the eye, rather than blocking the view. And, trellises, unlike solid fences, are neighbor-friendly. With custom-made trellises you can pick out elements on the home’s architecture. If the windows have rectangular or square panes, you can repeat those elements in the trellis to tie things together.
Ramada
A ramada is typically a rectangular or square, open structure with a solid roof. Unlike an open-ceiling pergola, a ramada provides some protection from the elements and provides shade. “We’ve built more of these in recent years as families want to entertain or spend time outside grilling or watching a game without worrying about the weather,” says Jim Bartuch of Garden Architecture in Lockport, IL. A ramada may be used over an outdoor kitchen to protect the appliances—and the chef.
Gazebo
Like the ramada, a gazebo has a solid roof. It can be any shape, but gazebos are typically round or octagonal. Some gazebos have screens on the windows and doors, but with glass windows, they can be used practically throughout the year. Add a heater or a fan, and it becomes a multi-season outdoor room for entertaining, cheering on a team, reading a book, or just relaxing.
(continued on page 22)
Trellis by Kellygreen Design, Inc.
(continued from page 20)
Obelisks and Tuteurs
Obelisks and tuteurs are vertical supports with three or four sides. They also serve as a piece of art, simply set in a border as a focal point. Landscape designer Barb Rosborough of Deerfield worked with Kelly to create new wooden tuteurs for the Shakespeare Garden in Evanston. “They add that elegant focal point in the formal beds,” Rosborough said.
Like trellises, tuteurs and obelisks make use of space in a small garden or a large border. They can be made from wood, metal, or resin. Some rustic-type tuteurs are made from branches and twigs. Obelisks have a variety of shapes and sizes, but they typically are rounded at the top. Tuteurs tend to be three- or four-sided, wider at the base than at the top, and pointed.
“Little features like this can bring another dimension to the garden, other-
wise it’s just a big garden bed,” Kelly said. “A lot of our work is primarily a collaboration with another landscape architect or designer. They may have a design in mind, and we can refine and build it as needed.”
Think It Through
All of these elements serve different purposes. Before you dive in, think about how your clients will use the structure. Do they want protection from rain or sun? A secure place to watch football games? Do you need to screen a funky view, such as garbage cans or a dog run? Consider the material and what works best — metal, resin, wood, or stone, or a combination. Take a cue from the home’s architecture and materials. If the trim is all white, a white arbor, gate, pergola or trellis can tie the space together. If the patio furniture is metal, you may want to use metal arbors or pergolas for continuity. Here’s to the journey in your clients’ gardens this year.
Kellygreen Design tuteur at the Evanston Shakespeare Garden
• Designed for Landscape Contractors
• 19-5-8 Fertilizer Lasts Through the Season
• Ideal for all Container Sizes and Hanging Baskets
• Superb Balance of Drainage and Water Retention
• Amendment and Mulch in One
• Fuller, Healthier Plants
• Suppresses Weed Growth
• Requires Less Watering
• Includes Mycorrhizae & Gypsum
• Skip the Rototilling (see website for info)
Out With the Old, In With the Managing New Plant
by Krystal Flogel
What’s new this year? Overheard at every trade show, nursery tour, and customer visit, this question never fails to result in an interesting discussion about new plants. We inevitably talk about our most anticipated new varieties of this season and reflect on those from the previous year: what sold, what didn’t, what went beyond our expectations, and what fell short. Whether you’re a grower, a retailer, or a landscape contractor, I think it’s fair to say that we all get excited when it comes to the topic of new plants. And for good reason – we are in the midst of a prolific period of plant breeding, with hundreds of new varieties introduced each year. But at the same time, many of us find ourselves in something of a new plant paradox, overwhelmed by choices and unable to grow, sell, and plant every new variety that comes down the pipeline.
From a grower’s standpoint, I’ve seen our approach to new plants change relatively significantly over the course of just a few years. We no longer add that new hydrangea, phlox, or daylily into production simply because, well, “it’s new”. This type of decision requires a strategy, just like any other aspect of production. We need to understand how the
plant is different, what makes it better, and, most importantly, why our customers should buy it from us. And over the course of asking ourselves these three questions, and by broadening our conversations to better understand our customers, our perspective surrounding new plants has evolved.
The New Plant Conundrum
When I initially approached this topic, I intended to write about the differences in the ways that retailers and landscape contractors view new branded varieties and how this affects their purchasing habits. But since then, I’ve come to see that there is so much more to the story of new plants. As growers, we have often grappled with the question of how to influence our customers, and, at times, we’ve been frustrated by what we see as their reluctance to try new varieties. To put it bluntly, I think landscape contractors have received some undeserved criticism over the years for what is seen as an unwillingness to change their established plant palettes. But when we take a close look at what drives demand, or lack of it, for new plants, we’ll see that it comes down to far more than the effectiveness of our marketing efforts or the adaptability of our customers.
New: Confusion
For one thing, we all face our own unique challenges when it comes to embracing new plant varieties. From a retail standpoint, space is more and more limited each year as hardgoods buyers, annual buyers, perennial buyers, and woody buyers all compete for precious bench space. This means that garden centers don’t have the luxury of trying every new yellow coneflower or panicle Hydrangea that gets released into the market. There are also the costs associated with adding new plants, like creating new SKUs and UPCs, setting the items up in inventory and accounting software, creating marketing content, and educating staff.
From a landscape contractor’s point of view, reliability is everything. If that exciting new Echinacea isn’t truly hardy and doesn’t come back in the spring, or when the newest “compact” Hydrangea outgrows its space after just a few years, it can have an impact on their reputation. So, it’s understandable if contractors are cautious when it comes to new plants, and why they may be hesitant to stray from the tried and true.
Another challenge that affects all of us, from growers, to retailers, to contractors, is a consequence of the flood of new plant introductions in recent years: simply put, there are a lot of very similar plants on the market, and it can be hard,
at times, to understand how the latest variety is different from all the rest. This can be problematic because we can’t expect a retailer to find the bench space for another Nepeta if it’s not clear how the new variety is different from the five they already carry. By the same token, a landscape contractor isn’t going to start using a new Hydrangea in place of a similar older one unless we can tell them why it’s better.
The Role of Branding
To say that branded plants have transformed our industry over the course of just around three decades is an understatement. When you consider that some of our most widely recognized brands, like Proven Winners®, Knock Out®, and Endless Summer® were just getting started in the mid 1990’s to early 2000’s, the ubiquity of branded plant pots that we see today is rather remarkable. And, while the topic of branded plants can still be fairly polarizing in some circles, I think we’ve seen wider acceptance by “black pot purists” in recent years as it’s become clear that branded plants aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
And when it comes to new plant breeding, it’s no surprise that growers, retailers, and landscape contractors all have different perspectives, at times, regarding branded ver-
sus unbranded plants. Independent Garden Centers in particular tend to benefit from the immense marketing efforts that help create strong brand identity for branded plants. Homeowners who follow gardening influencers on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube are increasingly likely to ask for plants by name at their local IGC. Retailers can also be incentivized to collaborate with plant brands in ways that are designed to draw traffic towards branded plant displays. The Proven Winners® Store-WithinA-Store concept is a great example of this.
On the other hand, it may take more time for landscape contractors to jump on board with new branded plants, in part because of reasons we already discussed. But cost is also a major factor. It’s no secret that branded plants are typically more expensive than their non-branded counterparts. As growers, we incur higher input costs with branded plants due to marketing fees, royalties, propagation limitations, and more expensive pots and labels. We often make slimmer margins on branded plants because we need to raise the wholesale price significantly higher than similar non-branded varieties just to cover our costs, without pricing ourselves out of the market. In the end, if we’re asking a contractor to substitute a familiar non-branded plant with a more expensive alternative, we better have convincing evidence as to why that plant is better.
the plants and work them into our budget and production plans for the following season. By summer, not only are we too busy with production and sales to think about new plants, but we’re typically well into planning production for the following year. Similarly, our customers need time to research new plants, book them on orders, and set up pricing and SKUs. Contractors need to present new plants to design teams, and landscape architects need to work them into their designs.
Where Do We Go From Here?
As Always, Timing Is Everything
When are we learning about new plants, and when are we telling our customers about them? The topic of timing has been the subject of many conversations at Mariani Plants in recent months. When it comes to growers, the earlier the better. Some breeders announce their newest introductions in the fall or winter, one full season prior to their release. This gives us plenty of time to learn about
In spite of the challenges we face when it comes to new plants, there’s no doubt that plant breeders are vital to the forward progress of our industry. Improved varieties offer improved disease resistance, form, and performance in the landscape. New plants keep our customers engaged, invested, and excited, and they do the same for us. But our industry would benefit significantly from improved communication and a clear, common set of goals when it comes to new plant development. Plant breeders should understand and address the needs and challenges faced by their industry partners on the receiving end of the new plant pipeline, as well as be prepared to articulate how new varieties are truly different. Growers play an important role in this process as well. We’re responsible for trialing new plants and communicating our findings with our customers because they rely on us to help them decide which varieties they should invest their resources in. Breeders and growers should also work more closely to ensure that new introductions succeed in production. After all, if a new Sedum does great in a trial bed in the sandy soils of Western Michigan, but it can’t tolerate overhead watering, then we can’t get it into the market. And the significance of timing can’t be ignored. Ultimately, none of us operate in a vacuum, and by increasing our collaboration throughout this entire process, we can focus on the positive aspects of new plants while eliminating the confusion.
Chicagoland area with of 400 acres of quality field-grown nursery stock .
Cedar Path Nurseries has two conveniently located sales yards, Lockport and Barrington, to better serve our clients.
We are the premier shade tree grower in the Chicagoland area with of 400 acres of quality field-grown nursery stock .
Growers & Distributors of Quality Nursery Stock
Cedar Path Nurseries has two conveniently located sales yards, Lockport and Barrington, to better serve our clients.
We are the premier shade tree grower in the Chicagoland area with of 400 acres of quality field-grown nursery stock .
We are the premier shade tree grower in the Chicagoland area with 400 acres of quality field-grown nursery stock. Cedar Path Nurseries is conveniently located in Lockport to serve our clients.
Cedar Path Nurseries carries a full line of B&B trees and shrubs, container shrubs, perennials and groundcovers. Not only are we your onestop -shop, but we are sourcing experts. We look forward to assisting on your next project.
We are the premier shade tree grower in the Chicagoland area with of 400 acres of quality field-grown nursery stock .
Cedar Path Nurseries has two conveniently located sales yards, Lockport and Barrington, to better serve our clients.
Cedar Path Nurseries has two conveniently located sales yards, Lockport and Barrington, to better serve our clients.
Cedar Path Nurseries carries a full line of B&B trees and shrubs, container shrubs, perennials and groundcovers. Not only are we your onestop-shop, but we are sourcing experts. We look forward to assisting on your next project.
Cedar Path Nurseries carries a full line of B&B trees and shrubs, container shrubs, perennials and ground covers. We are, not only your one-stop shop, but we are also sourcing experts. We look forward to assisting on your next project.
Cedar Path Nurseries carries a full line of B&B trees and shrubs, container shrubs, perennials and groundcovers. Not only are we your onestop-shop, but we are sourcing experts. We look forward to assisting on your next project.
Cedar Path Nurseries carries a full line of B&B trees and shrubs, container shrubs, perennials and groundcovers. Not only are we your onestop-shop, but we are sourcing experts. We look forward to assisting on your next project.
Lockport, Illinois
15235 W. Bruce Road, Lockport, IL 60491
15235 W. Bruce Road, Lockport, IL 60491
Office 815.838
Office 815.838
Barrington, Illinois
Barrington, Illinois
190 W. Penny Road, Barrington, IL 60010 Office 847.551.3700 | Fax 847.551.3707
190 W. Penny Road, Barrington, IL 60010 Office 847.551.3700 | Fax 847.551.3707
Barrington, Illinois
Underutilized Plants in the Landscape
By Cameron McCauley
As horticulture professionals we are very observant. Whether in downtown Chicago, a parking lot at Target, or at a nature preserve, we want to know what our industry counterparts are using in their design spaces and why they chose that plant for that place. Sometimes you see a lot of the same combinations repeating themselves. Boxwoods, daylilies, Karl Foerster grasses over and over. These plants are heavily used because they’ve been repeatedly tested and are reliable.
But these tried-and-true plant combinations come at the expense of creativity. As a former landscape designer, I used to find myself stuck in a creative rut, utilizing the same plant combinations repeatedly. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it, right? Our minds go to the same plants because they’ve proven to us that they can deliver results.
Fortunately, at Midwest Groundcovers in St. Charles, there are trial and display gardens designed to educate customers and staff how plants perform in the ground while also inspiring creative solutions. I’d like to share some of my favorite underutilized plants that have proven to be reliable and can help you break free from creative ruts and shake up your landscapes!
Callirhoe involucrata – Also known as Purple Poppy Mallow or Winecup, this is a perennial native to the Midwest that creates a dense mat and plenty of magenta cup-shaped flowers all summer. In a dry, sunny spot, it is a ‘set it and forget it’ type groundcover. Reliable and native!
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides – This Plumbago is a low growing, hardy groundcover that emerges with bright green foliage in late spring. When late summer rolls around, it’s flush with beautiful blue star-shaped flowers. This is an underutilized groundcover for those ‘problem’ areas; we have a beautiful
planting in our “Hellstrip”-type display plants between two driveways in front of the Midwest Groundcovers office.
Origanum laevigatum
‘Herrenhaussen’ – Origanum, or ornamental oregano, is a great option for a sensory garden, where its scent can bring you back to an Italian kitchen. It can tolerate rocky well drained soils and full sun and is very drought tolerant with pink blooms in the summer.
Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’ – This cultivar of Solidago is a fantastic option as a showy late summer bloomer that wows all the way into fall. It won’t spread like other solidago; it grows upright and has yellow flowers that produce a ‘firework’ effect. An excellent use can be seen in the front entrance plantings at Midwest Groundcovers’ St. Charles nursery.
Schizachrium ‘Twilight Zone’ – I’m a big bluestem guy – well, not a ‘big bluestem’ guy but I’m a ‘big’ fan of LITTLE bluestem, and we’ve got lots of neat cultivars that we could call underutilized! This one has silvery-purple iridescent mid-summer color, that continues to change into a beautiful shade of purple as the year continues. These really catch your eye when you see a whole crop out in the nursery. Step into the ‘Twilight Zone’ and add this one to your design palettes.
Sporobolus airoides – Prairie Dropseed’s underappreciated cousin, this is a fantastic ornamental grass with large lacy seed heads that create a pink haze above the foliage. It’ll bloom earlier (June) than Sporobolus heterolepis by a few months, so it provides a texture to gardens earlier than most ornamental grasses. Catch it in our Modern Midwest Matrix Garden!
Viburnum dentatum Glitters & Glows® - This variety is new to Midwest Groundcovers’ product line in 2025! Proven Winners® has combined All that Glitters® and All that Glows® in one pot so that it can selfpollinate! A great viburnum selection that has the shiny foliage, ornamental fruit (that the birds absolutely love) and beautiful white flowers in late spring.
Rosa Easy Elegance® My Girl – the Easy Elegance® line of roses tends to be overlooked in a world full of Knock Out®, but these are excellent performers in the trial gardens and plenty of Midwest Groundcovers employees own landscapes. They maintain a compact shape and have stunning blooms that last all season long. You might have also spotted the Easy Elegance roses that we grew for the iLandscape 2025 Rose Garden area; we had a ton of compliments!
Ceanothus americanus – New Jersey Tea is pretty much everything you could ask for in a native shrub. Compact size (3’-4’), beautiful white flowers mid-summer, and it attracts birds and a large number of pollinators. The word is getting out on Ceanothus americanus – it’s a shrub that always dazzles, and we should see it everywhere!
THE OUTSIDE DESIGN STUDIO WINS 2025 JUDGES’
This drone image provides a stunning overview of the spatial challenges of such an irregular sized garden.
(continued from page 33)
“We ended up with a more loose and flowing plan that enabled the spaces to seamlessly connect into one another so that the dining area, grill area, and lounge area can all do double duty,” said Blanding, “Instead of breaking this triangular space into a bunch of smaller awkward bits, it now gives them just enough space to do what they really need to do.”
Planting in Layers
To access the courtyard, you either enter from the atrium or you encounter a gate tucked into the alley, next to the required parking space for the tenant. Trudeau and Blanding deliberately created an entrance experience with fencing, planters, and an arched arbor over the gate. Because the beloved dog, Caz, would run out at every opportunity, Outside Design Studio designed the arbor to have an airlock function with an interior and exterior gate. “It turned out very inviting as we added a tiny bullet light at the apex of the arch,” commented Trudeau. “It sets the scene and also is very practical when leashing the dog or bringing in groceries. There is climbing hydrangea slowly making its way up and over, so eventually it will be a green tunnel.”
The planters soften the entrance experience and also give the homeowners an opportunity to enjoy sunny plants. The clients love color and variety, but the shady conditions limited the palette over most of the site. “This is the only spot with full sun, so we filled it with Allium ‘Summer Beauty,’ Calamintha nepeta subsp. nepeta, Rudbeckia,” commented Trudeau. “In summer, it really punches above its weight, spilling over and looking soft and inviting.”
Once inside the gate, three arching redbuds are thriving to create a ceiling and a woodland effect. Arborvitae line the fence walls for enclosure while Virginia creeper is trained to soften the brick walls. Annabelle hydrangeas and rhododendrons tumble around their feet and are interplanted with Carex ‘Bowles Golden’, Astilbe, Carex ‘Ice
(continued on page 36)
(continued from page 34)
Dance’, ferns, and more. “We always think about designing for winter,” said Blanding. “The Carex look good almost all year and give a grassy look.”
Groupings of round terracotta pots are changed out seasonally for vertical color and texture. “We wanted to do layer on layer on layer and make it feel as rich as possible,” commented Trudeau. “And so, we have these planter groupings of terra cotta pots. And I just absolutely love the moments that those create in the landscape. From creating summer focal points to textural winter displays, they are one of the most dynamic parts of the garden.”
The Annabelle hydrangeas are a favorite of the homeowners. “We wanted something very floriferous and with a very overflowing feeling for the garden,” reported Trudeau. “The client wanted to have flowers she could cut from the garden, and she just loves them. She uses them fresh for bouquets but also cuts the dried flower heads for fall and winter. They make the whole space feel like it’s just so full and lush.”
Challenges and Opportunities
One of the challenges was the site’s triangular shape, and the limited area for circulation and hardscape. Thermal bluestone was chosen for the central path that is heavily trafficked and needs to be cleared of snow in winter. The outdoor grill and kitchen space is sited on a concrete pad, with additional bluestone to create a landing space.
“The clients liked the clean, modern lines of the bluestone as a connecting feature,” commented Trudeau. “We then decided to soften the space with pea gravel for the seating areas. However, that pea gravel is just a dusting of about a half an inch or less over compacted Grade 9 base.
It fits in tightly and it looks great while providing a nice firm footing. We didn’t want a squishy, sloshy feel like you sometimes find with pea gravel.”
“The decision to go with pea gravel for the bulk of the hardscape allowed us to loosen up all of the edges,” observed Blanding. “It allowed us to make better use of the space, because one of the main problems that we were running into was trying to fit a rectangular seating area, or a circular seating area, or even just any kind of a hard-edged
seating area in that space. It was too inefficient. It was creating wasted points and awkward spaces. By using loose, irregular layout, we were able to place those edges wherever they wanted to be. You could take the bed right up to the edge of where a chair might be. And then it also makes it feel much more like a woodland garden, the secret garden that they wanted, because the edges of the gravel can just spill under the plants, almost as a mulch. By blurring all these edges, we’re able to make the space feel much bigger.”
The Results
The clients live in their garden. From moving chairs out for a party to cozying up in the atrium on a crisp winter day, they are constantly in and out of the space. Birds have discovered it as well. “The client is a very creative collector and has added a piece here and there, but my favorite is this bird bath,” recounted Trudeau. “It’s very simple, but it creates a peaceful moment. You never know what to expect when people start adding their touches to the landscape, but all the little pieces have come together, and it really just was this extra layer that finishes it and makes it even more enchanting.”
Plantas subutilizadas en los
Por Cameron McCauley
Como profesionales de la horticultura somos muy observadores. Ya sea en el centro de Chicago, en un lote de estacionamiento en Target o en una reserva natural, deseamos saber qué están utilizando nuestros homólogos en la industria en sus espacios de diseño y por qué escogieron esa planta para ese espacio. Algunas veces vemos muchas de las mismas combinaciones repetidas. Boj común, azucenas, cañas con plumas Karl Foerster una y otra vez. Estas plantas se utilizan mucho porque han sido sometidas a pruebas repetidamente y son confiables.
Pero estas combinaciones de plantas de eficacia comprobada bloquean la creatividad. Como ex diseñador de jardines, con frecuencia me sentía atrapado en una rutina creativa, utilizando repetidamente las mismas combinaciones de plantas. Si no está roto, no lo repares, ¿correcto? Nuestras mentes van a las mismas plantas porque han demostrado dar resultados.
Afortunadamente, en Midwest Groundcovers en St. Charles, hay jardines de pruebas y de exhibición diseñados para educar a los clientes y a los miembros del personal sobre cómo las plantas se comportan en el suelo inspirando al mismo tiempo soluciones creativas. ¡Deseo compartir algunas de mis plantas subutilizadas favoritas que han demostrado ser confiables y poder ayudarle a superar el estancamiento creativo dando un cambio radical a sus jardines!
Callirhoe involucrata –Conocida también como malva de amapola púrpura o copa de vino, es una flor silvestre perenne nativa del Medio Oeste que crea una estera densa durante todo el verano, con muchas flores color magenta en forma de copa. En un lugar seco y soleado es una cubierta vegetal tipo ‘instalar y olvidar’. ¡Confiable y nativa!
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
– Este plumbago es una cubierta vegetal resistente de bajo crecimiento que emerge con follaje verde brillante a finales de la primavera. Cuando llega el final del verano se llena de bellas flores azules en forma de estrella. Esta es una cubierta vegetal subutilizada en áreas ‘problemáticas’; tenemos una hermosa plantación en nuestras plantas de exhibición tipo “franja infernal” entre dos caminos de entrada frente a la oficina de Midwest Groundcovers.
Origanum laevigatum
‘Herrenhaussen’ – Origanum u orégano ornamental es una opción estupenda para un jardín sensorial, donde su aroma puede transportarlo a una cocina italiana. Puede tolerar suelos rocosos bien drenados y pleno sol y es muy tolerante a la sequía con flores rosadas en el verano.
Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’
– Esta variedad de solidago es una opción fantástica como floración llamativa a finales del verano que cautiva hasta el otoño. No se extiende como otras plantas del género solidago; crece verticalmente y tiene flores amarillas que producen un efecto de ‘fuegos artificiales’. Un excelente caso de uso se puede ver en la plantación de la entrada principal del vivero St. Charles de Midwest Groundcovers.
jardines
Mejores Plantas, Mejor Servicio Y Mejor Selección.
Ceanothus americanus – El té de New Jersey es casi todo lo que usted puede pedir para un arbusto nativo. Tamaño compacto (3’4’), bellas flores blancas a mitad del verano y atrae aves y grandes cantidades de polinizadores. Se está corriendo la voz acerca del Ceanothus americanus – ¡es un arbusto que siempre deslumbra y lo veremos por todas partes!
Schizachrium ‘Twilight Zone’ – Soy partidario del tallo azul – bueno, no ‘gran partidario del tallo azul’ pero sí ‘gran’ admirador del PEQUEÑO tallo azul. ¡Y contamos con muchas variedades que podríamos considerar subutilizadas! Esta tiene un color plata-violeta iridiscente a mitad del verano que continúa cambiando a medida que el año avanza hasta adquirir un bello tono morado. Esto realmente llama la atención cuando se ve un cultivo completo en el vivero. Ingrese en la ‘Dimensión desconocida’ e incorpore esta variedad en sus paletas de diseño.
Sporobolus airoides – Prima subestimada del pasto alambre de pradera, esta es una fantástica hierba ornamental con grandes cabezas de semilla de encaje que crean una neblina rosada sobre el follaje. Florece unos meses más temprano (junio) que la Sporobolus heterolepis, por lo que aporta una textura a los jardines antes que la mayor parte de las hierbas ornamentales. ¡Véala en nuestro Modern Midwest Matrix Garden!
Mariani Plants se enorgullese en su attencion al cliente. Tenemos expertos ajentes de ventas de habla hispana en nuestras dos localidades, Kenosha Wisconsin y Garden Prairie Illinois. Mariani Plants esta aquí para proveerle mejores plantas, mejor servicio y mejor selección.
Llámenos a Mariani Plants: 866-627-4264 / marianiplants.com
TODOS JUNTOS MEJOR.
Viburnum dentatum Glitters & Glows® - ¡Esta variedad es una nueva línea de productos de Midwest Groundcovers en 2025! ¡Proven Winners® ha combinado todo lo que brilla (Glitters®) y resplandece (Glows®) en una maceta para que pueda autopolinizarse! Una estupenda selección de viburnum que tiene el follaje brillante, la fruta ornamental (que encanta a las aves) y bellas flores blancas al final de la primavera.
Rosa Easy Elegance® My Girl – La línea de rosas Easy Elegance® tiende a ser desapercibida en un mundo lleno de Knock Out®, pero estas rosas tienen un excelente desempeño en los jardines de pruebas y en muchos de los jardines de empleados de Midwest Groundcovers. Mantienen una forma compacta y tienen flores impresionantes que duran toda la temporada. Usted podrá haber notado las rosas Easy Elegance que cultivamos para el área de la rosaleda de iLandscape 2025; ¡recibimos una tonelada de felicitaciones!
No-Mow May ? — Maybe Or
by Nina A. Koziol
In 2022, the Chicago Tribune reported that more Illinois homeowners were buying into the concept of “No Mow May”— a movement that ignited in Great Britain in 2019 and quickly spread to North America. The goal of No Mow May is to leave the “weeds”— clover, dandelions, violets — even creeping Charlie (gasp!) so that bees can feed on their spring flowers.
The Xerces Society (an international nonprofit conservation organization) created an initiative called Bee City USA. It encourages communities to conserve native pollinators by providing pesticide-free habitats filled with native plants and nesting sites. In 2020, residents of Appleton, WI, an affiliate of Bee City USA, began promoting No Mow May and convinced the City Council to suspend the weed ordinance for the month. More than 435 property owners participated and the numbers climbed the following years.
If this sounds contrary to the way most of your clients view their lawns — crisp, clean, deep green and weed-free — it is. If clients can live with taller turf and some “weedy wildflowers” until the end of the month, pollinators might buzz to their buffet. But, if the lawn is spotlessly weed-free and treated with chemicals, “No Mow May” is, well, pointless. Bees and other insects need more than long grass. And, as you know, it’s generally a bad idea for turf.
“I love the concept of giving pollinators some help
and increasing awareness of this important activity, but realistically and practicality, I think not mowing in May will not help that much and will create a labor-some mess of your lawn,” said Tom Tiddens, the Chicago Botanic Garden’s supervisor of plant health care. “It will take most of the month of June to bring it back to norm and then there’s the potential hot, dry weather when you want your lawn at its hardiest.”
While Denise Sandoval of Good-Natured Landscapes in Naperville, IL., loves designing with native plants and reducing the size of a client’s lawn, letting grass grow for four straight weeks is problematic. “If it’s a really wet May, the grass will be really long and it will be hard to cut later. I always encourage people to let their dandelions and their violets grow, which is mowing the lawn a bit higher. But I don’t encourage them not to mow.”
Michele Kruegel, designer
Or Mayhem!
at Twig Landscape Design in Oak Park, Ill., almost always works to reduce the amount of lawn, if possible, in her projects. “Oak Park [municipality] did a big supportive push of No Mow May,” Kruegel said. “It was super fun walking my dog a few years ago and in the [lawn-covered] parkway there were daisies popping up—such a bizarre place in a tiny patch of lawn—daisies! The Village Hall did it last year, and it looks nice until there are weeds.” Rather than do No Mow May, Kruegel says, “Let’s reduce the amount of lawn. If we can, we try to minimize lawn.”
Kasey Eaves, owner of Vivant Garden Services in Chicago, promotes her business as eco-friendly garden help for busy Chicagoans. She recently offered a free class on No Mow May. “We wanted to address it—our clients choose us because we’re ecologically minded. They don’t come to us unless they have a deep care about nature.” Eaves says No Mow May is a good idea, “But the practice in Chicago makes it tricky to do. It’s a recipe for being overwhelmed.” And, the flowering plants that emerge from uncut lawns are rarely native species, and once the lawn is overgrown, Eaves says, “You feel like you can never catch up because May is when our last frost date is and you’re putting in annuals. On top of everything—May is mayhem. When we delay everything until that point, I worry that we lose the joy of the journey.”
Resources:
Bee City USA https://beecityusa.org/no-mow-may/ Xerces Society: www.xerces.org
(continued from page 44)
Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Fernspray Gold’ Zone: 4 to 9
Size: 6 - 8 feet high; 3 - 4 feet wide
Sun: full sun to part shade
Soil: average to moist, well-drained
Discussion: This elegant feathery goldneedled Hinoki cypress deserves to be a specimen in a garden. Its compact size and slow to medium growth mean it needs minimal pruning to stay its lovely self. I’ve chosen it for its reliable golden color and the soft branches that gently taper to a point, earning its ferny cultivar name. In the Midwest, it will benefit from a little wind protection and may handle a tiny bit of extra soil moisture. Chamaecyparis develops its own personality and charm with age. ‘Fernspray Gold’ is originally from Duncan and Davies in New Zealand and is a winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society. Place ‘Fernspray Gold’ where it can light up a part shade corner, anchor a foundation, or use a pair to create an attractive gate. It’s soft enough to be brushed past with pleasure.
Juniperus conferta ‘Blue Pacific’ Zone: 5 - 9
Size: 5 - 6 feet wide; 8 - 12 inches high
Sun: full sun
Soil: average to well-drained; drought tolerant
Discussion: This species of juniper is often known as shore juniper and is native to the coasts of Japan and parts of Russia. A sprawling groundcover, it was selected by Monrovia Nursery in 1972 due to its superior blue color, ground hugging form, and resistance to winter injury. All this means that ‘Blue Pacific’ gives you a dense, quilted effect for tumbling among boulders, over walls, or along drives. Elevate the mailbox garden, as it’s also salt-tolerant. Try it with sedum and short grasses for an enduring winter vignette. Tuck it in a container in the summer for a crisp blue accent that cascades and spills. The large needles almost sparkle, and the blue-grey berries offer charm as well as wildlife snacks.
(continued from page 44)
Picea orientalis ‘Skylands’
Zone: 4 to 7
Size: 10 to 12 feet high, eventually reaching about 30; 5 to 6 feet wide, eventually reaching about 12
Sun: full sun to light shade
Soil: average to well-drained
Discussion: This slow growing spruce is dynamic in every season. Short needles are densely held on slender twigs and emerge electric yellow in spring fading to rich gold as the season progresses. A bit of afternoon shade keeps them vivid. It has a delicacy about its texture, which makes it a stunning focal point against darker evergreens or brick walls. ‘Skylands’ has a very pyramidal upright habit and because it’s a slow mover, can be tucked in tight spaces. Try it with dark green foliage and white flowers in summer for a sophisticated vignette. Introduced by Skylands Botanical Garden in New Jersey in 1979, it also features bright red pollen cones for a dazzling spring show.
Thuja occidentalis ‘Tater Tot’
Zone: 3 to 8
Size: 24 to 36 inches
Sun: full sun to part shade
Soil: average to well-drained
Discussion: Who doesn’t need a roundymoundy cute-as-a-button arb? This little fella grows so slowly and compactly, you’ll never need to prune it. A Proven Winner selection, it keeps its rich green color all year long. Add it as a dollop of color and structure in a mixed border, use it as a low hedge, and consider it as a boxwood replacement. In winter, it’s a bright contrast with fan-like needles that hold up to snow. ‘Tater Tot’ can also be nestled in containers in summer for a formal planting or to add contrast to showy summer flowers.
(continued on page 50)
Tsuga canadensis ‘Moon Frost’
Zone: 4 to 7
Size: 2 to 4 feet
Sun: part shade to full shade
Soil: average to moist well-drained
Discussion: Hemlocks provide an intriguing texture in the shade. Their short needles and attractive little cones give us delicate notes among the bigger, beefier textures of boxwood and yew. Newer among the dwarf shrub hemlocks is ‘Moon Frost’. The new needles emerge white and fade to a creamy green, but what makes is extra special is in winter, they take on a pink blush. Place this specimen where it can be a focal point on a winter evening or a spring morning. Slow growing, it will eventually be a bit of a lacy haystack in form.
Tony Lobello Shares Plant Alternatives
by Nina A. Koziol
You’re all set with a design and the client has signed off. But what if your favorite go-to plant isn’t available? There have been plant shortages in the past four years and it’s been something of a headache for some landscapers. Not to worry—there are almost always alternatives. Tony Lobello, design principal with Mariani in Lake Bluff, IL, has his favorites, but when they’re not available he has a back-up plan.
“There are shortages in perennials especially and I wish
Calamintha nepeta ‘Montrose White’
It’s not likely that ‘Montrose White’ calamint—a popular, workhorse perennial—would be sold out, but it could happen. That’s because it’s a pollinator magnet, and is reliably deer- and rabbit-resistant with its mint-scented foliage. And, unlike many perennials that only bloom for a few weeks, this one goes on and on. It blooms from summer to mid-October in Midwest Groundcovers’ display gardens in St. Charles, IL. But what if you can’t find it? “That’s a tough one,” Lobello says. “Nothing really blooms like calamint, but for conditions and longevity of bloom and size, I would substitute catmint.”
I knew why more than ever,” Lobello laments. “It could be a liner shortage or the sheer demand and they can’t keep up. However, there are three plants for every solution or situation. Sometimes the substitution depends on the client’s preference, but I also consider the site’s conditions—sunny or shady, wet or dry. It’s good to have a fall-back list if what you want is not available.” Here are some of Tony’s favorite plants and those waiting in the wings.
Both calamint and catmint take a lot of abuse—dry, hot, nasty conditions, Lobello says. “Catmint and calamint are interchangeable to me. In the world of Nepeta you could use Junior Walker (Nepeta x faassenii Junior Walker™) since it’s about the same size.” This is a compact selection with finely textured, aromatic, foliage — a sterile dwarf form of ‘Walker’s Low’ catmint.
Nepeta x faassenii Junior Walker™
Kalimeris incisa ‘Blue Star’ Drift® Roses
When it comes to ground-cover type roses, “It’s all Drift Roses® now, but it used to be Carefree Wonder and you can’t find some of these older roses. Rugosa roses, too, are a good substitute for some of them.” Flowers on Drift Roses go beyond the typical Knock Out roses, offering shades of apricot, coral, pink, peach, red, white, and yellow, and some varieties are fragrant.
For
Northbrook - Bolingbrook - Lake Barrington - Chicago
spokesperson training, content creation, website copywriting and editing, reputation management, events promotion and a long list of other services.
A public speaker on marketing sustainable businesses, she presents at industry events, serves on the Seed Your Future advisory council and is a past president of the Publicity Club of Chicago.
In 2024 she finally joined ILCA. “I’ve always been a member in my heart,” she says. “I joined to further show my support of the industry.”
Markgraf loves to spend time in her garden and does her own landscape design, learning, she says, by standing next to the “best of the best” in the industry. “I can look at a blank landscape and see what needs to be done in my mind,” Markgraf says. “I’m passionate about my garden.”
It is a joy she tries to share with others. “Whether we make a sale or not, it behooves us to educate the consumer about why we do what we do and why being outside matters,” Markgraf says.
True to her communication nature, Markgraf believes that the green industry does not talk enough about “what we do. Nobody knows what we do unless we talk about it,” she says.
And there are many ways to do that. “Traditional media is not dead,” she says. In addition, she believes there are “huge, untapped opportunities” in live streaming and other outlets. She recommends allowing a staff member who loves photography to take pictures and video of your work, then share them on YouTube or other social media. “Consider making relationships with influencers.”
She also sees changes and opportunities in the green industry’s future. “We used to talk about the outside,” she says. “We have to do more to also bring the outside in.” She also wants to encourage people to grow their own food and to see landscape designers integrate that into their landscapes.
“With high grocery prices, people are going to want to grow their own.”She recommends encouraging customers to try do-it-yourself gardening. “Customers will turn to us when they need help,” she says. “Meet them where they are with education.”
The mother of two children and the grandmother of two, including a six-year-old who, “knows his plants almost better than I do,” Markgraf is happily married, working on a novel and loves what she does.
Capitalize on the Surge in Artificial Grass Demand and Increase Your Profits!
Are you a landscaper or hardscaper ready to elevate your business and boost your revenue? Partner with All Things Turf, the premier name in artificial turf with over 20 years of unparalleled installation experience. We Are Seeking a Distributor/Partner in Chicagoland!
Proven Expertise: Leverage our two decades of industry know-how and support to grow your business.
Exclusive Territory: Be the go-to provider of artificial grass in the Chicagoland area.
Ideal Candidate:
· Owns a brick-and-mortar facility capable of hosting a small turf display.
· Owns an established landscape or hardscape business
· Committed to excellence and customer satisfaction.
Maximize Your Business Potential:
Contact Doug today to explore this lucrative opportunity and become a key player in the artificial grass revolution!
Don’t miss out – Take the first step towards a prosperous future!
Salary Range: Owner/Operator listing How to Apply: Email Doug Steeves at doug@allthingsturf.com
Landscape Design Salesperson
Come work with us as our new design salesperson. Rustic Road Landscaping is an established firm serving the southeast region of Wisconsin for close to 50 years and we believe it to be a “Unique Opportunity” for the person fortunate enough to obtain this position.
What’s in it for you?
Join a group of dedicated craftspeople who love and take pride in what they do and are very detail-oriented. Our core people average about 20 years of experience and strive to provide the best in plant materials coupled with innovative design.
· Your compensation and benefits will be
above market.
· We have recently built/remodeled our office, which will allow you to design your own private work environment.
· You and your family can expect to be treated with the utmost respect.
Our property is located on approximately 320 acres of which 90% is permanently protected from future development. 2 natural lakes and surrounding woods and farmland will surround your daily environment. The “Big City” of Milwaukee is a mere 30-minute drive from our location offering great dining, art, sports, and music opportunities. The city of Lake Geneva is also a beautiful 20-minute drive and has much to offer in the way of boating, dining, and entertainment. What are we looking for?
A full-time design salesperson with a minimum of 3 – 5 years experience in selling and designing landscapes. You can expect a variety of sizes as well as complexity of projects. We would like to hire someone who prefers to be part of a business that offers long-term advancement potential. We absolutely love plants and trees as well as the natural world and are seeking someone who feels as strongly as we do.
Salary Range: $60,000 and up – vacation/ benefits included.
Next steps
If this sounds like the opportunity that you have been looking for, please send your resume and cover letter to:
Scott EricksonScott@rusticroadlandscaping.com
Gas Line Technician
We are seeking an Individual with a strong understanding of gas line installations using Iron pipe, Polyethylene pipe, and corrugated stainless steel tubing and common installation tools that are used in this process. This individual should also have some experience in diagnosing issues related to Natural gas flow, pressure, and appliance problems. We are open to individuals with years of experience as well as individuals with basic construction and utilities knowledge. This job requires good customer service skills and critical thinking skills.
Responsibilities
Assist in the installation, maintenance, and repair of gas lines and related systems associated with fireplaces, fire pits, BBQs, outdoor kitchens, etc.
HELP WANTED
Diagnose, troubleshoot, repair, and perform maintenance on equipment according to standard procedures in an efficient manner
Locate and repair gas leaks efficiently and safely
Collaborate with team members to ensure projects are completed on time and within safety standards
Ability and knowledge to use all tools of the trade safely and proficiently
Ensure job site cleanliness and safety at all times
Strong attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality craftsmanship
Ability to lift heavy materials and work in varying weather conditions
Service on grills: General Safety Inspection, Diagnosis, Performance Clean, Part Service & Replacement, Ignition Systems, Burner Replacement, Loose Wires, Grate Replacement, Grill Tutorial, Gas Conversions, Preventative Maintenance
Service on fireplaces: We do NOT work on chimneys. gas line connections, venting systems, and fireplace construction techniques, gas conversions, General Safety Inspection, Diagnosis, Performance Clean, Ignition Systems, Burner Replacement, Pilot Systems, Repair Gas Leaks Anywhere Within the Fireplace or Outside of It
Basic understanding of AC and DC electrical systems and small transformers is a plus.
Requirements
Applicant must have a good work ethic and be willing to work overtime as needed
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently
Strong listening and communication skills
Friendly and personable; able to communicate with Customers and respond to customer concerns
Energetic personality
Well-organized and able to work independently
ability to handle changes in responsibilities from day to day
Company Description: Bryn Mawr Country Club 6600 N. Crawford Avenue Lincolnwood, IL 60712
Course Description: 18-hole private country club with a full membership; celebrated our Centennial in 2019. Bryn Mawr is a William Langford design with an appropriate budget (1.8 million operating) to meet the high membership expectations. We have a devoted, veteran maintenance staff in place. With direction from architect Jim Nagle; complete bunker renovation, new short game area, and forward tee project completed in 2013. Irrigation well and flood-detention projects completed in 2015. New USGA practice green/1st tee complex and additional new bunkers added in 2018. New Pro Shop and Tennis Center (tennis, paddle, and pickle) completed in 2023. 2025 and near-term projects include initial implementation of robotic rough mowing, a master drainage plan and clubhouse area landscaping. Nagle Design Works updated our master plan in the fall of 2022; largescale work being considered for 2026-2028. Additional amenities currently include: practice tee & short game area, swimming pool & large outdoor dining venue.
Job Description: Assistant Superintendent
Our Assistant will work closely with the Director of Grounds & Greens and our Senior Assistant Superintendent. We also employ two part-time, retired Turfgrass Professionals who can offer much industry expertise. Additionally, four previous Assistants in the last 7 years have secured Superintendent positions. Our Assistant will help develop, plan, lead, and execute our agronomic maintenance plans. Primary duties include, but not limited to:
• Lending your talent and ideas to the betterment of the operation
• Assist with the scheduling, training, and supervision of our maintenance team
• Assessing the need for and applying pesticides and fertilizers
• Equipment operation
• Assist with membership communications and coordination of activities with other departments on the property
• Irrigation System Operation
• Various purchasing responsibilities
• Coordinate Safety Program
• Assist with our Audubon Program; we are a Certified Audubon Property
Our management team are highly visible and well-respected leaders at our club. You’ll be afforded the opportunity to excel
in your areas of giftedness and learn and improve in any areas that you feel are necessary.
Minimum Requirements: Ambitious commitment to a career as a Golf Course Superintendent is paramount. 2 seasons of internships and/or 2 years/seasons of golf course care experience. 2 or 4-year degree/ certificate in turf-care related field or working toward the same. The candidate should be a highly motivated individual with great attention to detail and thoroughness. Strong verbal communication skills are a must; to be successful, our management style requires regular and direct two-way communication. We are looking for a candidate with the willingness to lead, take on responsibility, and learn from mistakes. You will need to possess or obtain a state pesticide license. Excellent computer skills and Spanish speaking skills are a plus.
Salary: $62,000-72,000.
Benefits: Health, Dental, and Life insurance, paid vacation, up to thirteen (13) paid sick/ personal days and holidays, year-end bonus, outing pay, professional dues and continuing education, volunteer opportunities, uniform allowance, meals, and golf privileges. In-season schedule is 12 days on, 2 days off with one 3-day holiday weekend (Memorial Day or July 4th weekend). The off-season schedule is 36 hours/week. Pre-arranged vacation time in-season is encouraged. Lincolnwood is a quiet suburb directly north of the city of Chicago. However, big-city culture, sports, entertainment, and Lake Michigan are at our doorstep and offer you a robust metropolitan area experience.
How to Apply: Please send a Cover Letter/
Resume to: Brian A. Bossert, CGCS briancgcs@aol.com
- Please include professional references Position Available: Immediately and until filled.
Application Deadline: May 1st or until filled.
Landscape Designer-Salesperson
Join our well-established design-build and maintenance company. For over 45 years, Nature’s Perspective Landscaping has been designing functional and creative landscape solutions for clients spanning Chicago’s northern suburbs and Chicago’s north side. This position is responsible for generating and selling custom landscape designs for new and existing clients. The role requires superior design abilities and strong organizational and computer skills. The ability to provide
landscaping solutions from extensive horticulture and construction knowledge, and will involve significant client interaction, as well as oversee projects from concept to completion.
Salary Range: $60,000 -$65,000 base salary + additional commission
How to Apply: Visit us at www.naturesperspective.com for more information about our company.
Landscape Designer-Salesperson
Join our well-established design-build and maintenance company. For over 45 years, Nature’s Perspective Landscaping has been designing functional and creative landscape solutions for clients spanning Chicago’s northern suburbs and Chicago’s north side. This position is responsible for generating and selling custom landscape designs for new and existing clients. The role requires superior design abilities and strong organizational and computer skills. The ability to provide landscaping solutions from extensive horticulture and construction knowledge, and will involve significant client interaction, as well as oversee projects from concept to completion.
Salary Range: $60,000 -$65,000 base salary + additional commission
How to Apply: Visit us at www.naturesperspective.com for more information about our company.
Sealed Bids Due by April 23, 2025 | Auction on May 9, 2025 (Minority Business Enterprise –Disadvantaged Business Enterprise)
Don’t miss this opportunity to acquire a wellestablished landscaping and erosion control business with municipal, commercial, and state contracts and with large, reputable general contractors throughout the Midwest.
Matthew Brash of Newpoint Advisors Corporation, in his capacity as court-appointed Receiver (limited), is offering for sale the assets or membership interests of a Chicagoland-based landscaping and erosion control subcontractor. This company specializes in erosion control, hardscaping, and soft-scaping services for commercial, municipal, and industrial clients throughout the Midwest.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Industry & Services: A well-established landscaping subcontractor providing erosion control, hardscaping, and soft-scaping services for major commercial and industrial projects throughout Illinois.
Starting in the July.25 issue
Will begin a NEW monthly section —
This multi-feature section will be written for Growers, about Growers, and frequently by Growers.
We have a limited number of special advertising opportunities for Growers. Call Rick Reuland for details — 630-637-8632.
MBE/DBE Designation: Operates as a certified Minority Business Enterprise –Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (“MBE-DBE”). Active Contracts: Over 80 active contracts with an expected remaining value of approximately $6.5 million (as of March 2025).
Equipment Fleet: Includes 10 skid steers, 5 dump trucks, 5 tractors, 4 pickup trucks, 1 hydro-seeder, and 1 woodchipper. An itemized list is available upon request.
Workforce: 8 full-time employees, scaling up to 40+ employees during peak season.
2024 Financial Highlights (Unaudited): Generated $4.66 million in sales
Management Transition: Management willing to remain involved for up to 12 months post-sale to ensure a smooth transition.
Financial Notes
QuickBooks financials have not been reliably updated since 2022; however, the Receiver maintains a weekly cash flow model tracking collections and disbursements (with history dating back to March 2021).
Detailed information and data room access can be provided upon execution of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
SALE PROCESS & TIMELINE
Stalking Horse Deadline: April 11, 2025
Bid Submission Deadline: April 23, 2025 (sealed bids due)
Proof of Funds: All bidders must submit proof of financial capability with their bids
Auction Date: May 9, 2025 (if multiple qualified bids are received)
Deposit Requirement: A $150,000 deposit is required for participation Court Approval: Sale is subject to final court approval
This is a Receiver’s Sale, and the membership interests or assets will be sold “as-is, where-is” with no representations or warranties.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Receiver: Matthew Brash, Newpoint Advisors Corporation
For NDAs & Additional Information
Scott Caruthers – scaruthers@newpointadvisors. us and 720-530-5459
Disclaimer
While the above information is believed to be accurate, prospective purchasers should conduct their own due diligence and independently verify all details. This offering is subject to prior sale, change, or withdrawalwithout notice.
Editor’s Note: Over time, we run across a mountain of fun, innovative, and generally creative ideas. They don’t always fit with The Magazine content, but we do collect them for some future use. This brings us to Inspiration Alley, a place where we display pure creativity. It’s up to you to judge the merit of each offering. So use it, lose it or be inspired to try something different
Thinking Outside the Phlox
By Nina A. Koziol
There are clients who are sophisticated—they want everything right, tight and crisp. Straight lines, clipped hedges, formality. And then there are clients who prefer a little whimsy—artsy garden elements, perhaps something unconventional, even odd. And that’s ok. The customer’s always right.
No Horsing Around
Starting in the July.25 issue
Resume to: Brian A. Bossert, CGCS
briancgcs@aol.com
- Please include professional references Position Available: Immediately and until filled.
Application Deadline: May 1st or until filled.
Landscape Designer-Salesperson
Will begin a NEW monthly section called
Join our well-established design-build and maintenance company. For over 45 years, Nature’s Perspective Landscaping has been designing functional and creative landscape solutions for clients spanning Chicago’s northern suburbs and Chicago’s north side. This position is responsible for generating and selling custom landscape designs for new and existing clients. The role requires superior design abilities and strong organizational and computer skills. The ability to provide landscaping solutions from extensive horticulture and construction knowledge, and will involve significant client interaction, as well as oversee projects from concept to completion.
Salary Range: $60,000 -$65,000 base salary + additional commission
How to Apply: Visit us at www.naturesperspective.com for more information about our company.
CLASSIFIED ADS CLOSING DATES & RATES
May 2025 issue ads: April 14, 2025 June 2025 issue ads: May 14, 2025
PLEASE NOTE: “HELP WANTED” AD SALES ARE LIMITED TO ILCA MEMBER COMPANIES
Magazine Cost is $5 per line
Minimum charge $50 Website Cost is $12 per line
Minimum charge $120 (About 6 words/line)
Submit your ads online at LandscapeIllinois.org or Call Alycia Nagy (630) 472-2851
