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 6. 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
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Landscape Illinois
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Conferrin’ with the flowers, Consulting with the rain; And my head I’d be a scratchin’ While my thoughts are busy hatchin’ If I only had a brain.
— The Scarecrow, The Wizard
of Oz
On May 13th, the national trade association AmericanHort released their new AIpowered chatbot named Sage. The email read, “We’re excited to introduce Sage…whether you’re looking to boost performance, accelerate growth, or stay ahead of industry trends, Sage is here to provide instant answers, personalized insights, and proactive support—anytime you need it.” That would be the last time Sage was introduced with the 3rd person. Once you arrive on the website, Sage has been fully realized. He/ she/they/it(?) is now speaking in the 1st person. The Sage FAQ asks, “Why is my name Sage?” “What can I do?” “What if you don’t like my response?”
Sage has become self-aware.
Sage manifests itself as a little alien-looking gizmo. He is pretty adorable. He is part robot, part plant, and part Martian. He looks like the aliens from the Toy Story movies minus the 3rd eye.
is a math tutor. The Custom GPT is an expert who has dedicated his entire life to calculus. The tutor may be clueless on history or English or plumbing toilets, but he’s an absolute whiz at math.
I did not think I would be returning to a column on AI so quickly. The last time I wrote about AI was in July 2023. Back then, ChatGPT was just gaining a foothold and early adopters were noodling around with the technology. My advice at the time was for landscape professionals to embrace AI and not let go. AI doesn’t replace the bread-and-butter tasks of a landscape professional. I still stand by that advice. This industry will use AI for the tasks it hates rather than to replace the tasks it loves and make this industry money. Since my column, Landscape Illinois staff has gone from messing around with ChatGPT to using ChatGPT, Peplexitiy, Gemini, Grammerly, and Otter, not to mention all the other AI that goes unnoticed.
If We Only had a Brain
It is clear that Sage is here to serve us - the horticulture industry. Sage has been trained and fed by all the collateral possessed by AmericanHort. To test its ethics, I asked Sage what he knew about plumbing. He asked me some qualifying questions to make sure I wasn’t talking about irrigation for a nursery or landscape. I pressed further that I wanted information on plumbing a toilet in my home. Sage replied, “My resources are focused on horticulture industry topics, including greenhouse and nursery operations, landscape irrigation, and related water management systems. I do not have information specific to residential toilet plumbing or general home plumbing systems.” I appreciate that he recognized his limitations. One thing is for certain, Sage works for us. ChatGPT can handle the toilets.
I attended a national conference in Ottawa, Canada with a speaker from the AI-firm assisting AmericanHort launch Sage. He spoke about the next phase of AI-evolution. He is busy assisting clients build proprietary and customized Generative Pre-trained Transformers or Custom GPTs. Business is booming. It is great that all-accessible GPTs like ChatGPT or Gemini dominate the space, but consumers are now looking for something more boutique. ChatGPT responds to over 1 billion queries...per day. Those 1 billion queries teach then learn then teach again. A font of knowledge is being fed by billions and billions of interactions that fill a never-ending well of information. But, we don’t want to drink from the communal well anymore, we want our own brands of bottled water.
For simplicity, a Custom GPT is different from ChatGPT. Both are AI-powered chatbots. Where they differ is that ChatGPT is a general-purpose language model and Custom GPTs are more tailored to specific prompts and content reservoirs. ChatGPT is broad, a Custom GPT is narrow. In another sense, ChatGPT is the parents helping their kid with his math homework. A Custom GPT
Custom GPTs like Sage are the next step in the evolution of AI. Let’s take a nursery like Home Nursery or Kankakee Nursery. Both of those nurseries are 100-years old. The amount of plant knowledge possessed by these iconic growers would fill warehouses. Yet, warehouses are old school. The real question is whether these nurseries have the knowledge to fill a Custom GPT? Could a nursery use its plant knowledge, catalogs, field reports, and research to create a brain? Of course, this does not have to be a 100-year old nursery, but any organization with enough collateral that may provide answers to an industry’s questions.
Landscape Illinois is nearing its 70-year anniversary. Think of every issue of the magazine, email exchange, reference manual, webinar, and hundreds of recorded educational sessions. Is that enough collateral to create a Custom GPT for an entire statewide industry? Do we have the beginnings of a brain? Landscape Illinois may already have the answer to every Illinois landscape question. The answers float around us like an aura - we just can’t see them. Maybe the answer to a question in 2025 was answered in a magazine article in 1984. It’s up to the brain to make the connection.
The networking that our members offer one another is invaluable. What if we had an additional networker who never sleeps? The education that Landscape Illinois is vital to our members and a cornerstone of our value. What if the teacher had office hours, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week? It may be as simple as dumping all our recorded knowledge into a box and to start asking that box questions.
I used to think the threat AI posed to the workforce was to replace the monotonous, low-skilled jobs that no one wants to do anymore. This would include data research that would make your eyes cross. Customer service reps who answer the same ten questions all day. Copywriting, editing, and summarizing arcane documents or firing off polite email responses. All of that seems easily handled by ChatGPT. Custom GPTs are an entirely different animal. What if the jobs that AI will eventually replace aren’t at the bottom, but at the top?
Billionaires have been in the news a lot lately. Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Jaime Dimon, Warren Buffet, Bill Gates and others seem to have become fixtures in our daily lives. Whether they are blasting rockets into space, buying competitors, testifying before congress, or cleaning house in DC, billionaires just want to be everywhere. The billionaire class seems to have opinions on everything and it’s hard not to turn on social media and see some
billionaire giving a speech, being interviewed, or telling us what they think about the current state of the world.
The one constant since the dawn of time is that, eventually, billionaires die. Then some new captain of industry takes over and we listen to him or her for a while. But what if a billionaire could live forever?
Let’s take Elon Musk for example. Elon Musk already has his own AI named Grok. What if the next step for Elon is to have an AI named Elon? Musk has given countless speeches. He has written papers and reports. He tweets, a lot. He frequently cites the books that influenced him whether about Einstein or Benjamin Franklin or written by Isaac Asimov or William Golding. Elon lives a very public, forward-facing life, which is exactly what a Custom GPT needs to survive. Elon Musk owns six different companies. Elon Musk, like most billionaires, has an ego. What if AI-Elon just takes over after real life Elon is gone? What if real life Elon just wants to take a vacation and turn the reins over to AI-Elon for a week? What if real life Elon concludes no one should ever run his companies except for AI Elon? Is the age of the AI CEO on the horizon? As much as it is nice to cut $18 per hour for a data analyst it’s a better business decision to cut $45 million per year in CEO salary. Will we willingly and knowingly be employed by a box? Before Custom GPTs, this was all science fiction.
Ok, but those are billionaires. What does a small business have in common with the world’s richest man? One word: data. Elon Musk produces data and so does a small business. Every employee talks on the phone, sends emails, speaks in meetings, interacts with clients and each other. This is in addition to strategic plans, financials, BMPs, training manuals, employee handbooks, and other sources of internal business collateral. Those are all data points and those data points are the fuel for a Custom GPT. Custom GPTs don’t cost millions to produce, they cost in the low thousands to produce. The architecture already exists. The box has been built. All the company has to decide is whether or not to fill it, prompt it, and how to use the results.
Make no mistake, I do not think a landscape or nursery business is going to be run by a chatbot CEO anytime soon. I do not expect a chatbot to be elected to the Landscape Illinois Board of Directors. It is still safer to let the next generation, venture capitalists, or employees take over once the owner goes. Sage is not going to be running AmericanHort for the foreseeable future.
With names like “Sage” and “Gemini” we still lean on myth and legend to make sense of these AI companions. Perhaps Custom GPTs will bring the humanity we are missing from the AI revolution. We don’t need Custom GPTs to be omniscient, we need them to be consistent. We need them to make sense of decades of business culture, ideology, and best practices and keep the current human employees and leadership on the path. Custom GPTs should sit patiently in the corner and not at the head of the table. They are not better than us. They are merely the collective consciousness of every single person who has ever worked for us since the dawn of time distilled into one blinking cursor asking: “How can I help you today?” The AI brain will be consistent, trained, tireless, unbiased, and match the historic values of our organizations. Our human brains, for all of our ingenuity, will be fickle, reactionary, stressed, and biased. Moving forward, at some point we will be forced to ask - whose brain do we trust?
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
Full circle moments, those points in our lives that bring us back to a previous point in life after a period of significant change, bring a newfound perspective. I realize many things in life circle back to where they began, but now are in a different context or have greater meaning. Two recent examples have caused me to reflect and appreciate those circular connections over time.
As we look ahead to Fire & Ice on August 7, I recently discovered an unexpected full circle moment. While I was in the Landscape Illinois office for a recent Board meeting, I came across an old black and white photograph mounted on posterboard that was part of a display about ILCA’s history. The caption read: The First Annual Field Day of the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association was at Tures Brothers Nursery, Plato Center Ill., in 1961. In later years, Hub Tures jokingly, (but rightly) referred to himself as the “Father of Field Day.” I grew up near Plato Center and recognized the house in the picture and the name Tures Brothers. As it turns out, the nursery was less than a mile away from our family farm and the Tures team were the first landscapers I ever had contact with. While I was growing up, they worked on a stacked flagstone wall that still stands around the front of our house, planted and helped maintain our landscape. Little did I know then, I would find my career and association in this industry.
As we are all getting used to using and embodying our new association name Landscape Illinois, another moving full circle moment came from feedback from James Fizzell. Jim reached out to me after my last President’s Message. He pointed out he was the first Executive Secretary of the Chicago Metropolitan Landscapers, Inc. While our new identity as Landscape Illinois represents the broader scope of our industry and our statewide reach, it is humbling to hear from Jim who helped launch our organization over 60 years ago. I am grateful to serve as the first President of Landscape Illinois and to quote Jim “I have been preceded by many wonderful and talented people who make Landscape Illinois what it is today.”
May you all find and appreciate full circle moments,
Warmly, Kim
Los momentos de ciclo completo, esos momentos en nuestras vidas que nos devuelven a un punto anterior tras un período de cambio significativo, nos brindan una nueva perspectiva. Me doy cuenta de que muchas cosas en la vida vuelven a su punto de partida, pero ahora se encuentran en un contexto diferente o tienen un significado mayor. Dos ejemplos recientes me han hecho reflexionar y apreciar esas conexiones circulares a lo largo del tiempo. Al anticipar el Día de Fuego y Hielo del 7 de agosto, descubrí recientemente un momento ines perado que completaba el círculo. Mientras estaba en la oficina de Landscape Illinois para una reunión reciente de la Junta Directiva, me encontré con una vieja fotografía en blanco y negro montada en una cartulina que formaba parte de una exposición sobre la historia de ILCA. El pie de foto decía: El Primer Día de Campo Anual de la Asociación de Contratistas de Paisajismo de Illinois tuvo lugar en el Vivero Tures Brothers, Plato Center, Illinois, en 1961. Años después, Hub Tores, en broma (pero con razón), se refirió a sí mismo como el “Padre del Día de Campo”. Crecí cerca de Plato Center y reconocí la casa de la foto y el nombre Tures Brothers. Resulta que el vivero estaba a menos de una milla de nuestra granja familiar y el equipo de Tures fue el primer paisajista con el que tuve contacto. De niño, trabajaron en un muro de losas apiladas que aún se mantiene en pie alrededor de la fachada de nuestra casa, plantaron y ayudaron a mantener nuestro jardín. Poco sabía entonces que encontraría mi carrera y mi asociación en esta industria.
Mientras nos acostumbramos a usar y representar el nuevo nombre de nuestra asociación, Landscape Illinois, otro momento conmovedor que cerró el círculo surgió gracias a los comentarios de James Fizzell. Jim me contactó después de mi último Mensaje del Presidente. Me comentó que fue el primer Secretario Ejecutivo de Chicago Metropolitan Landscapers, Inc. Si bien nuestra nueva identidad como Landscape Illinois representa el alcance más amplio de nuestra industria y nuestro alcance estatal, es un honor escuchar a Jim, quien ayudó a fundar nuestra organización hace más de 60 años. Agradezco ser el primer presidente de Landscape Illinois y, citando a Jim, “Me han precedido muchas personas maravillosas y talentosas que hacen de Landscape Illinois lo que es hoy”.
Que todos encuentren y aprecien momentos que cierren el círculo.
Afectuosamente, Kim
Kim Hartmann
Nature’s Perspective
Landscaping • Evanston A Gardener’s Oasis
Avid gardening homeowners sought to enhance their outdoor space with structural elements. These included a gazebo, pergola, and vegetable boxes. One neglected corner was revitalized and overgrown front evergreens were replaced. The gazebo was placed in the backyard. The pergola
was relocated to a previously underutilized area in the front. A carefully selected plant palette of deer- and rabbit-resistant species ensures the garden thrives. The result is a transformed outdoor environment. The clients now enjoy peaceful moments under the pergola and fully appreciate their new landscape.
Project Planning: Considerations Should Include Design
by Nina A. Koziol
Do you give away your design work in the hopes of securing the job? Your skills, time and resources are valuable. There’s a cost involved — to you. What other professions give away their work?
“I’m shocked at how many contractors do a free design and leave it with the client,” said Shawn Pawlak, director of sales at Grant & Power Landscaping in West Chicago, IL. “It’s kind of mind blowing to me. As an industry, we have to value our time. There’s a zero percent chance of an architect leaving a house design with a potential client.”
“We charge a design fee and
you can never cover enough of your time,” said Jeff True, vice president of operations at Hursthouse in Bolingbrook, IL.
“Before we start design work, we’ll estimate what the design fees will be, and we’ll have them sign an agreement. That’s for a new client. If we have a client where we did the front yard and two years later they want to do the back yard, we don’t charge them.”
Budget Realities
A site visit allows the designer to evaluate not only the property, but the homeown-
Charges and Project Phasing
ers — and their potential budget. “We’re sharing what we see as problems, opportunities and issues and through that conversation we’re starting to learn about the client, the site, the house, their cars — how well the neighborhood and the property have been kept up,” True explained. “That all helps us put together a picture.” And, while that picture provides clues to a potential budget, it’s often fuzzy.
Before you put pen to paper or fire up the computer, how do you get the client to come clean with a realistic budget? And if they don’t have the budget for everything they want done this year, how do you work with them to phase it in?
There’s no question that many homeowners undervalue landscape design, construction and maintenance. “They don’t know what it costs,” True said. “They haven’t built a lot of landscapes in their lifetime. And, frankly, the pricing changes — maybe the last time they had landscaping done was 15 years ago and that time was very different price-wise than it is now.”
Crystal Ball Budgeting
Just about everyone has had that client with a champagne taste but a beer budget. For Pawlak, it’s a straightforward discussion. “Towards the end of a meeting, I ask if they’ve thought about budget, and usually it’s a somewhat awkward pause. I can’t crawl inside of their bank account or brain, so I try to give people ranges of what things can cost. For example, this feature would be from this to this cost, and I’ll wait for a reaction.”
“The most important thing is to get to know the customer before you start anything,” says Dan Wells, owner of Elan Landscape Design Co. in Libertyville, IL., “Sometimes, all you’re going to get out of someone is the rectangular patio they have in their mind. Others are way open to design suggestions. One way to separate the wheat from the chaff is to make sure the design work you’re doing is done on retainer. My favorite client is one who says we don’t spend
(continued on page 12)
(continued from page 11) a lot of time outside because we don’t like the patio or the landscape. There’s my customer—that’s the person I want to interact with and develop a long-term relationship. We want to get them under retainer and let them know our time is valuable.”
Upselling — Yay or Nay?
According to Forbes magazine, “Every small or midsize business should have upselling as part of the overall sales and marketing strategy.” But how will your clients perceive your sales pitch? “There are things that turn clients off,” True said. “I’m a homeowner as well and have contractors over. The things that turn me off—what seems very clear—is if they care more about the sale than me or the project I’ve asked them to look at. Clients will figure that out—are you here for you or for me?”
“Upselling is like ‘what can I get out of them’ and I don’t approach my business that way,” Wells explained. “It’s not my style to sneak in a $100,000 proposal when they want a
$40,000 patio.”
However, Wells may include other elements—seat walls, built-in BBQs, columns and vertical stonework not included in the original budget. “In a nice project, those vertical elements can be equally expensive as the bluestone patio itself. It’s expensive, but when I show my photographs, they fall in love with the vertical work and they can see the value of those things—you’re practically doubling the project. In almost every patio design, I include hardscape lighting, under-coping lights on the seat walls. I’ll have conceptual elements, and I’ll show them elements with seat walls and the BBQ.” Rather than bombard the client with the $100,000 price, he shows them the potential and they can mull over what to eliminate and what can be phased-in.
“Our number one thing, our primary goal is building trusting relationships,” said Hayden Regina, director of design at Nathan Wright Landscape Design in Chicago. “If phase one is hardscape and we knock it out of the (continued on page 14)
Dan Wells, Elan Design, wows clients with vertical add-ons
(continued from page 12) park, they’re just so much more willing to work with us.”
“Meeting with clients and selling is a delicate balance,” True said. “Every company has their own values and approach, but I’m also there as an individual and I have to be totally comfortable speaking with a client. When I say here’s what we’re going to do, I’m speaking on behalf of Hursthouse and myself. Some homeowners are doing projects all the time and some are just doing projects a few times in their life. Put them at ease and solidify your relationship with them, whether it’s planting a tree or doing a master plan for a new house.”
Phasing it In
“Projects are almost always more expensive than people want them to
be,” Pawlak said. “Say someone wants an $80,000 patio, but they only have a $50,000 budget. I’ll ask them if we can
cut out the grill island or the fire feature — chunky things that are fairly easy to add on later. And, they are often not pro-
viding their last fill-in-the-blank dollars. There’s generally more money available, but they may not want to part with it right now. If you prove you’re worthy, show up on time, be polite — often times people will say let’s just go ahead with the entire project.”
“One of the things we ask is ‘what’s the budget you have to spend this year and is there an actionable project for $20,000,” says Nathan Wright, landscape architect at Nathan Wright Landscape Design in Chicago. “We use an estimating tool for a long-term plan and budget and go through the list with them to see what makes sense to do in year one.”
Often, a client may want everything you’ve shown them. “But because of their budget, they may eliminate some things,” True said. “Then we go back and forth — we’re determining what’s the first deliverable. (continued on page 16)
Outdoor kitchen, fire feature, lighting and seat walls take the project up a notch
(continued from page 14)
It might be conceptual with more budget ranges or a finished design with all the materials specified. We’re presenting at their home typically so if we need to look out their window, we’ll say, ‘this is the view I’m speaking of’ or walk in the backyard.” Providing a client with three options — good, better, best— opens the door to bigger projects, even if they are phased in over a few years. “You’re looking for every opportunity.”
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The Garden Labyrinth
by Mark Dwyer
What do you think of when you hear the word “labyrinth”? As a teenager in the 1980s, I fondly recall the 1986 cinematic classic, Labyrinth, directed by Jim Henson, produced by George Lucas and starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly. Perhaps you harken back to early classwork covering Greek mythology with the reference to the labyrinth that Deadalus constructed to hold the Minotaur (later slain by Theseus). It wasn’t until many years later that I began to appreciate the labyrinth as an immersive and popular garden feature.
With 4,000 years of history and a notable resurgence in interest, the walking labyrinth, featuring distinct patterns and symmetry, is finding an increasingly receptive audience of interested users in both interior and exterior (garden) situations. Labyrinths are being built at hospitals, churches, wellness centers, playgrounds, corporate settings, prisons and even in residential settings. Understanding the historical appeal and design details of the labyrinth might further bolster the interest and opportunity for their incorporation and use in future design projects.
In a nutshell, a labyrinth is an intentional, symmetrical pattern (of which there are many) designed and interpreted with select materials to promote a walking journey that encourages quiet reflection, mindfulness and stress reduction. The beautiful and interesting patterns have existed since ancient times with a worldwide distribution. There has been evidence discovered of labyrinths since 2500 B.C. in India and some labyrinth remnants in southern Europe have been determined to be 3,000-4,000 years old. Further evidence of ancient labyrinths exists across many cultures including Native Americans. The Gothic Chartres Cathedral in France has a popular floor labyrinth that was created in the 13th century and while interior labyrinth patterns may consist of mosaic or tile applications, the variety of labyrinth materials utilized in exterior spaces is both diverse and creative. Designed as a single (unicursal) pathway, the typical labyrinth has one entrance that, after following a path that turns back on itself (circuits), ultimately leads to the labyrinth center. Once the center is reached, the path course is reversed (continued on page 20)
Revival
(continued from page 18) to leave the labyrinth. In essence, when a user reaches the center, they have completed half the length of the journey. It is important to establish that a labyrinth is NOT a maze. While those terms have been used interchangeably in the past, it’s important to explain the contextual difference in their arrangement and intent. Unlike mazes, labyrinths have no dead ends, complex branching, multiple path choices (multicursal) or trick turns. There is no “navigational challenge” to a labyrinth and while the clearly demarcated path route winds back and forth, there is nothing blocking the view of the entire space inhabited by the labyrinth. In any part of the labyrinth, the open view should allow for an appreciation of the observed patterns. The garden maze can (and should) be its own exciting topic!
Circle gets the square
Labyrinths are described as having a certain number of “circuits” which is in reference to the number of pathways (turning back on each other) counting from the center, back out to the entrance path and first loop. A labyrinth is also considered left or right-handed as defined by the first turn when entering. Most of the labyrinths I’ve observed are circular in arrangement although square designs are not uncommon. Notably, path width throughout any labyrinth design
is usually the same dimension over the course of the entire walking journey. Some labyrinths have paths wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, particularly when the circuits are separated by plant material. However, patterned paths on labyrinths that are entirely hardscape materials, allow the route to be followed or straddled by users of variable mobility.
I’ve walked many labyrinths over the years and in fact, have never encountered a labyrinth that I haven’t experienced personally and enjoyed. Now, did I have a spiritual transformation when traversing the labyrinth? I don’t think so. However, I did enjoy following the pattern and found myself relaxing as I focused on the pattern in front of me and ended up in the center before reversing course. Many labyrinth users report a quieting of the mind, slower breathing and an increased sense of balance and well-being as time seems to stretch out with this centering experience. Labyrinth proponents suggest that since you can’t get lost, you have to be “in the moment” when walking the paths and that’s when the mindfulness is maximized.
Over the years, I have incorporated two labyrinths into larger garden designs that continue to be used frequently. Both of these labyrinths are in public garden settings and are inviting in their symmetry and engage the curiosity of visitors. One also doubles as multi-use space for gatherings (continued on page 22)
(continued from page 20) or smaller events independent of supporting the traditional walking journey. Additional signage describes the intent of these labyrinths which again, has long been associated with quieting the mind and increasing centeredness, clarity, peace and inner reflection. Labyrinth proponents indicate a decrease in agitation, anxiety and stress. I can’t attest to statistical data that confirms the meditative value of walking the labyrinth as it relates to calm and focus but many additionally claim a renewed spirituality and positive sense of well-being. As a personal observation, I’ve never seen a child of any age, not interested in exuberantly following the pattern of a labyrinth!
A quick Google search of the topic will reveal an amazing array of labyrinth designs and materials for consideration. There are also businesses dedicated to supporting labyrinth construction by supplying plans and “ready-to-assemble” labyrinth kits for even large installations. Some labyrinths are meant to be temporary and might include mown patterns in turf or patterns scratched in sand, for instance. These ephemeral labyrinths are intentionally left to fade away. I’ve even seen temporary labyrinths defined by pumpkins, branches or candles. Large, fold-out labyrinth patterns on immense drop cloths (roll, stow and go) can be used for those “pop up” labyrinth situations. Other constructed labyrinths of rock and stone have lasted millennia and their distinct patterns and elements of symmetry have stood the test of time. The majority of outdoor labyrinths that I’ve encountered are made with colorful brick pavers where the path circuits and center are indicated in one color and everything else is a separate color. There is no shortage of labyrinth designs and material ideas available for those with an interest.
In my community, there are hardscape, walking labyrinths at two area hospitals that are quite popular. The hospital setting labyrinths (pavers) are often used by staff and visitors in a heal-
ing garden setting. The labyrinth also helps encourage a personal “time out” or intentional exercise by users to include patients. Two businesses in my area that promote wellness also offer small labyrinths that are open for public use. One
of these features a turf path with lots of perennials between the paths. I’ve also observed a planted labyrinth in a residential setting that is tastefully designed and maintained. If you’re interested in finding labyrinths near you, check out the Worldwide Labyrinth Locator (https://labyrinthlocator.org/) which is managed by the Labyrinth Society (https://labyrinthsociety.org/) which offers many other great references and information regarding labyrinth history and use.
When you consider that exterior labyrinths have a primary focus on the path pattern itself and materials that allow maximum accessibility, the availability of plantable space can be very limited. However, I’ve seen larger labyrinths that, while accommodating the desired path width, have enough space between the circuits to feature plant materials or simply turf. The addition of plants, of course, necessitates additional maintenance considerations like watering and weeding but can add another dimension of interest. I’ve heard of lavender labyrinths which must be divine to traverse and enjoy that amazing scent!
A valid question regarding constructing a labyrinth is, of course, “If I build it, will they come!?” The labyrinth is not a New Age fad or recent trend. This ancient phenomenon has a long history and again, doesn’t reflect any particular religion or culture. The labyrinth is experiencing a revival and is finding broad appeal from people of all backgrounds and walks of life. Some venues (potential clients) might be considering adding this feature or might appreciate the recommendation. Garden settings of all sorts may have additional potential to incorporate and include this feature and while some of the perceived benefits associated with experiencing a labyrinth (“labyrinth effects”) may seem anecdotal, the labyrinth exists to be used and will undoubtably become a “magnet of interest” in the landscape.
• 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)
Category: Macro Photography Second Place— Rob Schwarz
Category: Wildcard Second Place
Category: Wildcard First Place
Category: Macro Photography First Place— Heather Lough
i Landscape
2025
The i llinois + wisconsin Landscape Show
— Vallari Talapatra
Category: Pets and Wildlife Second Place — Kevin Barnes
Place — Harrison Lupfer
Category: Pets and Wildlife First Place — Ashley Harsanyi
Category: Action Shots 2nd place — Leslie Bryant
Category: Action Shots First place — Savannah Towne
Category: The Seasons 2nd place — Ron Daye
Category: The Seasons First
i Landscape
The i llinois + wisconsin Landscape Show
2025
Category: Around the World First Place — Matt Haber
Place — Savannah Towne
Category: Around the World 2nd place — Tom Lupfer
Category: Native Garden 2nd place — Mary
Category: Native Garden First Place — Vallari iPix 2025 GRAND PRIZE WINNER
Category: Japanese Gardens 2nd place — Vallari Talapatra
Category: Japanese Gardens First Place — Matt Ewert
i Landscape
2025
The i llinois + wisconsin Landscape Show
Category: First Impressions 2nd place —
Mary DiCarlo
Vallari Talapatra
Mark Jirik
Category: First Impressions First Place — Anne Taylor
Category: Water Features 2nd place — Harrison Lupfer
Category: Water Features First Place — Matt Adas
Category: Gathering Spaces 2nd place — Carolina Irani
Category: Gathering Spaces First Place — Matt Haber
i Landscape
Category: Xeriscape 2nd place — Todd Wenger
Category: Xeriscape First Place — Matt Ewert
BERTOG LANDSCAPE WINS
2025 PROFESSIONALS’ CHOICE AWARD —
A Contemporary City Escape
by Heather Prince
Enjoying a bird’s eye view of Millennium Park, a lovely contemporary terrace garden is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Chicago. Perched 23 stories up, this dynam ic reimaging of the space by the team at Bertog Landscape Company won the prestigious Professionals’ Choice Award at the 2025 iLandscape show. We spoke with Robert Milani, Senior Landscape Architect about the intriguing project.
Reinventing with a View
installation to my clients purchasing the space, it had never been touched. It had started to decline. Plants were dying. The space looked very tired.”
“It was the apartment of the original owner that developed the building,” reported Milani. “He designed and installed a quintessential Japanese garden, with very large granite boulders, Japanese stone steppers, wood pergola, decorative gravel, and carved wood planters. From the original
The new clients had purchased the penthouse property in part because of the outdoor space. “They’re both avid art collectors,” said Milani. “They love the outdoors. They fell in love with the space because this building only has two terraces, and theirs is the largest and most beautiful. The views are breathtaking.”
The clients wanted a fresh new look, one that was more contemporary and could be used to entertain their family as well as be a quiet respite. “The existing gardens - they just didn’t fit their needs,” said Milani. “They wanted to change the overall look of the space, but they did like some of the elements. I created a plan that featured a mix of four-season plants.” The clients (continued on page 36)
(continued from page 32)
wanted multi-season interest with a pastel palette of long-blooming flowers that would carry from spring through fall.
“She was very specific about what she didn’t want,” remembered Milani. “She didn’t want anything that attracted bees. We had to pick perennials that were hardy and low maintenance. She was specific about not using any synthetic chemicals or fertilizers. She wanted a landscape that showed a lot of movement, but she didn’t like ornamental grasses. I suggested using autumn moor grass (Sesleria autumnalis) and sedges that were shorter and more structured. She loved the idea, and we combined them with Allium, Nepeta, and Salvia among others. It has worked really, really well.”
With a neighbor to the west, yet unbroken views to the east, some screening was required to ensure privacy. Milani chose Cupressina Norway spruce for their tight habit, dark evergreen needles, and durability. “They stay nice and narrow, and they’re virtually indestructible. They’ve held up very well
to the high winds off Lake Michigan.”
Between the two hedge elements is a privacy fence that is softened by low planter boxes. To provide vertical interest, three white lattice panels feature clematis. In between the panels are three espaliered burning bushes for a dash of fiery fall color.
Challenges and Opportunities
“Initially, I was very nervous about how this installation was going to go,” reported Milani. “The demolition alone was difficult. The poor guys had to take sledgehammers and powered hammers to break apart some existing large boulders from the Japanese garden. Then they had to haul it down in wheelbarrows via the single freight elevator on a very tight schedule. But, once we got past the demo, started assembling the garden space, and the plants began to go in, I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. Once the garden started to take shape, my clients were just overwhelmed. They could see the dramatic difference between this very stereotypical Japanese garden to this fresh, con-
temporary space.”
To bring a more relaxed feel to the terrace, the team re-used several elements but updated their style. The planter boxes were given new fronts of AZEK recycled decking material in a modern grey tone. Incredibly durable, they hold up to the blazing sun of the rooftop and take paint or stain beautifully. The calming color was echoed in thermal bluestone pavers for the patio areas. Milani chose it for its smooth texture and consistent color. The existing pergola was refinished and features an ipe wood deck for its indestructible nature and to follow City of Chicago fire codes. Sculpture and fountains were added to reflect the new owners’ tastes.
The finishing touch was bringing the new landscape to life via lighting. “We did an extensive array of landscape lighting for the new garden spaces,” commented Milani. “We added a pair of pendant light fixtures within the pergola itself as well as strategic uplighting to highlight the trees and shrubs.”
(continued on page 38)
(continued from page 36)
As with most rooftop gardens, wind and sun are the biggest challenges. “We recently put down leaf mulch and we just got a call that the winds have picked it up,” commented Milani. “It’s blowing everywhere and clogging the roof drains, so we’re going to have to rethink that.” Weight was also always an issue. “We had to be very careful with the soil. The soils had to be engineered to be lightweight, but also have enough organic material to support the plants. Once that organic matter breaks down, the level of the soil inside those planters collapses. So, we’re constantly adding more material every year.”
Urban Respite
This city escape has delighted the owners, who frequently are found lounging in the chaises or grilling on a summer evening. “They love the seasonality of the space, and when they go outside, the garden spaces are constantly changing,” commented Milani. Bertog handles the monthly maintenance contract and keeps the plantings healthy and happy, tweaking the plant mix as needed.
One of Milani’s favorite vignettes is the fountain feature near the pergola. “The whole corner is very special because of the relationship between the pergola, the fountain, the backdrop of the spruces, and all the perennials. The detail in the different textures of the plants with the mood being set by the bubbling water, it’s a really beautiful moment.”
One of the lessons Milani learned with this challenging project was to carefully evaluate a mature landscape and be creative when adapting the space to new uses. “I think that before you destroy an existing garden, you should look at the existing materials and plants to decide what has value. Some of the things we kept made a big difference within the refreshed garden space. They had these Japanese granite steppers that were randomly placed, and we put them together as a walkway to define a secondary path within the garden space. It sets that space off really, really nicely and it celebrates the former garden in a very subtle way. It provides a little bit of remembrance of that Japanese garden within this very high-end contemporary terrace.”
Keystone Plants: Nature’s Backbone
by Shannon McEnerney
One of the great accomplishments surrounding the turn of the 20th century was the creation of the United States National Parks Systems. Covering more than 85 million acres, the system is comprised of 433 areas throughout all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories. But while our National Parks are vital, thinking on a smaller, more local scale is far more important to the success of our ecosystems.
According to Professor of Entomology and author Doug Tallamy “Our National Parks, no matter how grand in scale, are too small and separated from one another to preserve (native) species to the levels needed.” So with this idea, Homegrown National Park® was co-founded by Tallamy and Michelle Alfandari, with the mission to regenerate biodiversity because all humans need healthy, productive ecosystems to survive. It is a call to action to add native plants and remove invasive ones everywhere that we live, work, learn, pray and play.
Native plants – species that naturally occur within a specific ecosystem – are crucial for the health and productivity of that ecosystem. Taking that a step further, we can hone in on Keystone Plants – plants that support the most species by producing the food that fuels insects, and form the backbone
of our local ecosystems. Even the most diverse garden will have gaps in its food web without at least one keystone species.
To help target the best Keystone plants for each area, the system of ecological regions, or ecoregions, is used. Ecoregions group areas based on similarities in their ecosystems, such as weather, seasonality, wildlife and soil – characteristics that may be similar in various locations, regardless of political boundaries like state lines.
Level I Ecoregions are the most broad – for example, 8.0 – Eastern Temperate Forests, encompasses most of the eastern United States. Similarities of this region include four well defined seasons, with hot summer and cold winters, and precipitation relatively equally distributed year round. The next step is Level II, which is what the Keystone Plant recommendations are based on. While specific species may vary from one Level II ecoregion to another, there is often overlap of a genus among the ecoregions.
Illinois is made up of three different Level II ecoregions: 8.1 – Mixed Wood Plains, 8.2 - Central USA Plains, and 8.3 – Southeastern USA Plains. Here is a more in depth look at three of the flowering genera that encompass many of the Keystone Plants in these areas.
Rudbeckia: While the showy flower heads of Black-Eyed Susan attract numerous insects for its pollen and nectar, it is also an important caterpillar host for many butterflies and moths. Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida grows to 2-3’ and is well suited to typical sunny garden conditions. Rudbeckia hirta handles the same conditions, but is slightly shorter. It grows as a biennial or short-lived perennial, but can spread around the garden if left to re-seed. Rudbeckia triloba is also a biennial / short lived perennial, but can grow up to 5’ and forms a fuller plant with smaller, yet plentiful flowers.
(continued on page 42)
Rudbeckia triloba
(continued from page 40)
Goldenrod: This grouping will give you the most bang for your buck, as Goldenrod is a food source for the caterpillars of over 100 different species of butterflies and moths! In addition, they provide late season pollen and nectar for many other pollinators. While sharing the same common name, these plants have been split into several different genera in recent years – but all share yellow composite flowers clustered together in various forms. Euthamia graminifolia (Grass-leaved Goldenrod) has narrow, pointed foliage and flat to rounded flower heads. Conversely, Solidago nemoralis (Old-field Goldenrod) has a narrow, wand-shaped flower that tends to nod. While both of those species prefer full sun, Solidago caesia (Blue-stemmed Goldenrod) is better suited to some shade, as it more often occurs in upland woodlands where deciduous trees are dominant. Its flowers are gracefully arching clusters, and this species is generally less aggressive than other varieties may be.
Symphyotrichum: While all of the other species discussed are yellowing flower plants, we finally get some yellow flowering plants with the Asters! S. ericoides (Heath Aster) is white flowering, and a bit shorter in stature, growing to about 2’. It likes full sun and drier conditions, and will spread to form colonies. S. lateriflorum (Side-flowering Aster) is also white flowering and colony forming, but prefers more moisture and shade, as it is often found in woodland settings. Lastly, S. novaeangliae is the largest of this trio, growing to about 4’ and showcasing purple flowers. It likes full sun but can handle a bit of shade, and does best in average to moist soil conditions. Asters are late season hosts to a wide range of insects, including both short and long tongues bees, flies, wasps, butterflies, skippers, and moths.
Homegrown National Park® separates their Keystone Plant Guides by Flowering Plants and Tree & Shrubs. So while flowering plants were the focus of this article, it is important to combine both into your landscapes! For more information on Keystone plants for your specific ecoregion, please visit Homegrown National Park® at https:// homegrownnationalpark.org/keystone-plant-guides/
The Women’s Networking Group (WNG) launched their mentorship program in 2022, with both a summer and winter session. After 3 years, they learned that the program is more successful during the Fall/Winter months. With that being said, the new and improved mentorship program will run from September 15th-March 15th. The new program encourages participants to meet in any fashion that works best for them, whether it be in person, virtual, or a combination of both. It also allows for participants to meet up at the Landscape Illinois Annual Party in November and the iLandscape Show in February.
WNG Mentorship Program Mission Statement
Facilitate a mentoring program that connects the Women members of Landscape Illinois with positive partnerships that will build meaningful relationships within our industry and develop women leaders exponentially.
Mentoring is a special partnership between two individuals based on a commitment to the mentoring process, common goals, trust, and respect. Both the mentor and the mentee give and grow in the mentoring process. Each session is different depending on the goals set by the mentee and a mentor’s pathway towards helping to achieve those goals.
The success of the program is dependent on the desire of experienced women to share their knowledge to those willing to invest in the development of their career.
Visit landscapeillinois.org/wng-mentorship-program for more information!
The deadline to apply to be a mentor or mentee is August 15th.
Plantas Clave: Columna vertebral de la naturaleza
Por Shannon McEnerney
Uno de los grandes logros relacionados con el fin del siglo XX fue la creación del Sistema de Parques Nacionales de Estados Unidos. Con una extensión de más de 85 millones de acres, el sistema se compone de 433 áreas por todos los 50 estados, el Distrito de Columbia y cuatro territorios de EE. UU. Pero si bien nuestros Parques Nacionales son vitales, pensar en una escala más pequeña y local, es mucho más importante para el éxito de nuestros ecosistemas.
Según el Profesor de Etimología y escritor Doug Tallamy “Nuestros Parques Nacionales, no importa lo grande que sean, son demasiado pequeños y separados entre sí para conservar las especies (nativas) en los niveles que se necesita hacerlo”. Entonces, con esta idea, Tallamy y Michelle Alfandari cofundaron de Homegrown National Park®, con la misión de regenerar la biodiversidad porque todos los seres humanos necesitamos ecosistemas saludables y productivos para sobrevivir. Es un llamado a la acción para añadir plantas nativas y eliminar las invasoras en todas partes donde vivimos, trabajamos, aprendemos, oramos y jugamos.
Plantas nativas – especies presentes de forma natural dentro de un ecosistema específico – son cruciales para la salud y productividad de ese ecosistema. Dando un paso
más, podemos centrarnos en las Plantas Clave – plantas que apoyan el mayor número de especies produciendo los alimentos que estimulan a los insectos y forman la columna vertebral de nuestros ecosistemas locales. Incluso los jardines más diversos tendrán brechas en su red alimentaria si no tienen al menos una especie clave.
Para ayudar a elegir como objetivo las mejores Plantas Clave para cada área, se utiliza el sistema de regiones ecológicas o ecorregiones. Las ecorregiones agrupan áreas en base a similitudes en sus ecosistemas, tales como clima, estacionalidad, vida silvestre y suelo – características que pueden ser similares en diferentes lugares, independientemente de las fronteras políticas, tales como las fronteras estatales.
Las ecorregiones de Nivel I son las más amplias – por ejemplo, 8.0 – Bosques templados del este abarca la mayor parte del este de Estados Unidos. Entre las similitudes de esta región se encuentran cuatro estaciones bien definidas, con veranos calurosos e inviernos fríos y las precipitaciones relativamente distribuidas equitativamente durante todo el año. El siguiente paso es el Nivel II, que es el nivel en que se basan las recomendaciones de la Planta Clave. Si bien especies específicas pueden variar de una ecorregión de Nivel II a otra, con frecuencia puede haber superposición de un género entre las ecorregiones.
Illinois se compone de tres ecorregiones de Nivel II: 8.1 – Llanuras de bosques mixtos, 8.2 - Llanuras centrales de EE. UU., y 8.3 – Llanuras del sureste de EE. UU. Esta es una mirada más a fondo a tres de los géneros de plantas con flores que abarcan muchas de las Plantas Clave en est zonas.
Rudbeckia: Si bien las llamativas inflorescencias de la Margarita amarilla (Susan de ojos negros) atrae a numerosos insectos por su polen y néctar, también es un importante hospedante de la oruga para muchas mariposas y polillas. Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida alcanza una altura de 2-3’ y es muy adecuada para las condiciones en un jardín soleado típico. Rudbeckia hirta se adapta a las mismas condiciones, pero es un poco más pequeña. Crece como una planta perenne bienal o efímera, pero puede esparcirse por el jardín si se deja que se dispersen y germinen sus semillas. Rudbeckia triloba
Rudbeckia triloba
naturaleza
es también una planta perenne bienal o efímera, pero puede crecer hasta 5’ y formar una planta más robusta con flores más pequeñas, pero abundantes. Vara de oro (Goldenrod): ¡Esta agrupación le dará el máximo rendimiento por su dinero, debido a que Vara de oro es una fuente de alimentación para orugas de más de 100 especies diferentes de mariposas y polillas! Además, proporcionan polen y néctar de finales de temporada para muchos otros polinizadores. Compartiendo el mismo nombre común, en años recientes, estas plantas han sido divididas en varios géneros diferentes – pero todas comparten flores compuestas amarillas agrupadas juntas de varias formas. Euthamia graminifolia (vara de oro de hojas herbáceas) tiene follaje estrecho y puntiagudo e inflorescencias de planas a redondeadas. En cambio, Solidago nemoralis (vara de oro de los campos viejos) tiene flores estrechas en forma de varita que tienden a inclinarse. Si bien ambas especies prefieren pleno sol, Solidago caesia (vara de oro tallo azul) se adapta mejor a cierta sombra, como ocurre con frecuencia en los bosques de tierras altas donde dominan los árboles de hoja caduca. Sus inflorescencias son racimos que se arquean con cierta gracia y esta especie generalmente es menos agresiva de lo que pueden ser otras variedades.
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.
Solidago nemoralis Euthamia graminifolia
Solidago caesia
Symphyotrichum: ¡Si bien todas las otras especies descritas son plantas de flores amarillentas, finalmente obtenemos algunos colores diferentes con los ásteres! S. ericoides (áster de brezo) tiene flores blancas y es un poco más baja de estatura, crece hasta aproximadamente 2’. Prefiere el pleno sol y condiciones más secas y se esparce para formar colonias. S. lateriflorum (áster blanco del bosque) también tiene flores blancas y forma colonias, pero prefiere más humedad y sombra y con frecuencia se encuentra en entornos boscosos. Por último, S. novae-angliae (áster de Nueva Inglaterra) es el más grande del trio, crece hasta aproximadamente 4’ y tiene flores moradas. Prefiere pleno sol y puede adaptarse a un poco de sombra y rinde más en condiciones de suelo entre promedio y húmedas. Las ásteres son plantas hospedantes de finales de temporada a una amplia gama de insectos, incluyendo abejas tanto de lengua corta como de lengua larga, moscas, avispas, mariposas, hespéridos y polillas.
Homegrown National Park® separa sus Guías de Plantas Clave en plantas con flores y árboles y arbustos. ¡Y si bien las plantas con flores fueron el centro de este artículo, es importante combinar ambas en sus jardines! Para más información sobre Plantas Clave para su ecorregión específica, visite Homegrown National Park® en https://homegrownnationalpark.org/keystone-plant-guides/
Symphyotrichum ericoides
Symphyotrichum lateriflorum
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
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• Programa de Seguros
• Trabajadores Temporarios
• Subasta de Herramientas de jardinería
Problem Solving Native Shrubs: For Bees and Butterflies
By Heather Prince
Ashrubbery! Often a solution to homeowners and commercial sites, a line or grouping of shrubs are structure, screening, and more. Native shrubs can offer additional benefits for clients interested in cultivating landscapes for wildlife. In this three-part series, we’ll look at species for pollinators, birds, and autumn splendor. Take a wander through these species chosen for their attractiveness to pollinators. Because these plants are frequently used as larval hosts as well as sources for nectar, expect some holes in the foliage. As you pull together plant lists, take a look at these hard-working
Ceanothus americanus or New Jersey tea
One of our smallest deciduous native shrubs, they only reach about 3 feet by 3 feet. Its compact rounded habit means it fits deftly into mixed perennial designs. The fragrant white flower clusters bloom May into June, bridging the spring/ summer flower gap. Their deceptively delicate texture allows the blossoms to weave into perennial vignettes that were traditionally used as a mild soap. The flowers will attract myriad pollinators while the shiny green leaves will be enjoyed by a long list of moth and butterfly caterpillars. The foliage has been traditionally brewed into a healthful tea. New Jersey tea does best in drier, rocky, or gravelly sites where it will have good drainage in full sun.
native shrubs to add layers of diversity, fall color, and food for our animal compatriots.
For the Bees and Butterflies
What can be more charming than a garden filled with bees and butterflies? When crafting pollinator gardens, most designers go to the perennial palette for nectar plants or long-blooming annuals. However, many of our shrubs serve as larval hosts for a diverse range of Lepidoptera. Of course, they have flowers for nectar, too, but consider these six selections when building mixed hedges, lush borders, or subtle specimens.
Cephalanthus occidentalis or Buttonbush
Buttonbush thrives with wet feet. If you’re designing for a pond, creek, or rain garden, it will cheerfully dwell in the wet spot of the yard with at least a half day of sun. There are a few cultivars selected for a more compact size and shape, and they’ll still do the important job of supporting pollinators. The golf-ball flowers in June into July will be swarming with small pollinators before they become reddish seeds sought after by birds. This long-blooming shrub makes an excellent option for clients interested in diverse pollinating insects as it is usually always active with a wide array of insects. Expect nibbling from buttonbush sphinx moths as well.
An edge-of-the-woodland shrub, spicebush can be an interesting replacement for viburnum suffering from viburnum leaf beetle. Topping out around 8 feet, this loose-limbed shrub blooms with starry soft yellow lightly fragrant flower clusters towards the end of March in time for newly awakened bees. It is a welcome sight after a long Midwestern winter, so plant where it can be viewed from windows. If you plant more than one, bright red berries will be enjoyed by birds before the foliage turns brilliant gold in the fall. It gets its common name from the fact that all the plant parts emit a spicy fragrance when bruised. Spicebush is also the larval host for two showy moths – tulip tree beauty and promethea as well as the darkly beautiful spicebush swallowtail butterfly.
Sumac is a shrub that grows big, suckers to make itself new friends, and rewards us with spectacular fall color. Weave its pinnately compound foliage through a mixed hedge or prune it artfully into a dramatic specimen. The large leaves are a clean green with a whitish underside, making it ornamental when wind-tossed. Smooth sumac reaches 10 to 12 feet and can hang out in the background before lighting up the landscape in a blaze of orange-red autumn color. Fluffy greenish flowers become rich red clusters of fruit late in the season enjoyed by wildlife. Expect a bevy of moths to dine on the foliage as well as spring/summer azure and red-banded hairstreak butterflies.
Over 15,000 trees, 35,000 shrubs, 100,000 perennials, and 500 varieties at our 650-acre farm.
7200 S. Madison · Willowbrook, IL 60527
630-323-1411
Over 11 acres of holding yard in two convenient locations. For sale updates and availabilities, sign up for our email newsletter.
Rock Farm 2353 Creek Road · Plano, IL 60545 630-552-8314 Main Office & Sales Yard
Lindera benzoin or Spicebush
Rhus glabra or Smooth Sumac
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.
We are the premier shade tree grower in the Chicagoland area with of 400 acres of quality field-grown nursery stock .
Path Nurseries
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.
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.
Barrington, Illinois
We have a handful of roses native to Illinois, and while they bloom once in June, they will continue to reward with showy hips and excellent fall color. From 3-foot pasture rose to 12-foot climbing wild rose, in general, these easy-going shrubs prefer average soils and full sun. Bright pink single flowers will be busy with bees, including a specialist, before turning into ornamental orange to red rose hips for fall garden vignettes. Many species of moths use native roses as larval hosts, so expect some ragged leaves here and there. Plant these roses in cottage gardens, mixed borders, or scrambling up a trellis. Their cheerful flowers are edible and can be added to summer salads or be made into potpourri.
One of two native spireas, meadowsweet prefers full sun and moist to wet soils. It has a loose, arching habit, small rounded lanceolate leaves, and will sucker a bit in the right conditions. Showy clusters of white flowers appear in July to the delight of myriad small pollinators. A long list of moth species uses it as a larval host including Isabella tiger moth whose charismatic wooly bear caterpillar is a beloved garden visitor. Weave this easy-going shrub into hedges that receive irrigation or dot it through an old-fashioned perennial border. Fall color is golden to apricot and blends easily with grasses, asters, coneflower, and goldenrods.
Rosa spp. or Roses
Spiraea alba or Meadowsweet
Meyer Enterprises
Geoff Meyer
1000 Rand Road, Ste. 111
Wauconda, IL 60084 (847) 514-2316
by Meta L. Levin
Geoff Meyer was all of 14 years old the first time he drove a truck with a snowplow on the front end. A neighbor had two trucks and a small snow and ice business. Meyer and one of the neighbor’s sons worked as salters and shovelers for the company.
Meyer asked if he could sit in the seat of the truck with his neighbor, who finally agreed. Although he had a little experience driving his mother’s car on private property, he had never been at the helm of a truck. The neighbor took him to the parking lot of an industrial warehouse and taught Meyer to plow.
It wasn’t long before he was plowing parking lots at the warehouse, a bank and an apartment complex. He kept going.
A custom home builder from 1986 through 2009, he decided to diversify and move more into property management and maintenance. Now Meyer Enterprises offers snow and ice
control, lawn maintenance, hardscape design/build and building decks.
When he moved into the landscape industry he remembers reasoning that “it’s always guaranteed that it’s going to rain and the grass and trees are going to grow,” he says. “It’s also going to snow. It’s just a question of how much.”
So, in 2009, after the great recession, he decided to start over. “I started from scratch,” Meyer says. “Everything was by word of mouth.” Gradually Meyer Enterprises grew.
Initially in 2009 he had one or two employees. After a year or so, he hired a few more and now has seven full-time employees and twelve part-time, some of whom are the sons of his long-time workers.
Family is important to Meyer. He has three sons of his own, who are involved in the business. “I want our guys to enjoy their
families,” he says. “I tell them they can work hard Monday through Friday, so that they can play on the weekends.”
Part of his growth is the attitude that he instills in his employees. “I try my hardest to make my customers happy,” he says. “My guys know that I want them to go above and beyond.”
That means noticing the little things, like picking up food wrappers or cigarette butts. “I tell them to leave the site cleaner than they found it.” He also insists that his employees greet each customer, even if the client doesn’t say hello first.
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Ideal Candidate:
· Owns a brick-and-mortar facility capable of hosting a small turf display.
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Impress your Client
Present a polished, professional Design to your client and win the job!
I have a few more openings for Landscape Companies that want an edge in the market. I can enable you to do that by providing a well-thoughtout, polished Design, in both 2D & 3D, with video. The Design will not only be focused on the Design parameters but also set up for ease of estimation and production.
Call/email with inquiries 815-543-1659 /designsbydawn69@gmail.com
Project Manager at Semper Fi Land Services
WHO WE ARE
Semper Fi Land Services and Preservation is a veteran-owned, mission-driven contractor with over two decades of experience delivering highperformance landscape construction, ecological restoration, and infrastructure support to federal, state, county, municipal, and private sector clients. YOUR ROLE
We’re looking for a skilled leader to oversee impactful restoration and infrastructure initiatives as a Project Manager. You’ll guide a talented field team, work with respected agencies, and help bring wild landscapes and utility corridors to life. This is a leadership opportunity for someone who wants to grow, own their work, and make a visible difference. You can anticipate spending 60% of your time at our office and 40% out in the field - this position has no direct reports, and will report to the Director of Operations.
WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING
- Manage $10M-$15M in active work annually across multiple projects
- Lead and/or collaborate on pre-, mid- and postconstruction planning, cost estimating, value engineering, and procurement
- Coordinate with clients including federal, state, county and local municipalities and renewable energy firms
- Ensure all work complies with SWPPP, federal/ state/local environmental regulations, and safety standards
- Manage contracts, submittals, RFIs, change orders, and pay applications
- Supervise site teams: superintendents, foremen, field staff, and subcontractors
- Interface with engineers, biologists, environmental monitors, and agency reps
- Drive schedule performance and cost control using project management software
- Prepare reports, maintain accurate documentation, and participate in audits and site inspections
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
- Extensive and demonstrated experience in construction project management, including ecological, civil, or infrastructure-related landscape work
- Proven track record with public sector projects
- Proficiency in Procore, MS Project, Bluebeam, Aspire or similar tools
- Strong knowledge of construction law, environmental compliance, and agency procedures
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
WHAT YOU’LL GET
- Base salary: $85,000 - $110,000
- Performance-based annual bonus potential
- Vehicle allowance or company truck, Simple IRA (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees), health/dental/vision, PTO INTERESTED IN APPLYING?
We value equity and are actively working to create a workplace where everyone feels respected and empowered. We especially welcome applications from individuals whose lived experiences and identities are underrepresented in our sector. Apply now or share this opportunity with your network
- we’re excited to connect with people who care about the land, the work, and doing things the right way!
How to Apply:
HELP WANTED
Enhancement Manager
Enhancement Management:
• Ensure all services are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality standards.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors, and other consultants.
• Supervise contractors and outside laborers working on projects.
• Review contracts and performance specifications to ensure compliance.
• Lead and direct the Enhancement Team, including Foremen, Leads, and Crews.
• Promote company culture, safety, and integrity.
• Ensure effective scheduling and coordination of crew activities, work priorities, and material staging.
• Monitor labor and budget to ensure profitability and operational efficiency.
• Maintain paperwork flow, including DVIRs, invoices, incidents, and dailies.
• Conduct regular job inspections and maintain project quality.
• Winter Services Management:
• Oversee snow removal and deicing operations for properties, ensuring compliance with contractual specifications.
• Manage winter crew routes, schedules, and resources efficiently.
• Customer Service:
• Maintain strong customer relationships and provide prompt, professional responses to inquiries and issues.
• Serve as a key point of contact for customers alongside the Account Manager.
• Attend meetings with property managers, board members, and homeowners as needed.
• Ensure crews maintain professionalism and respect for private property.
• Communication:
• Facilitate communication between property managers, internal teams, and customers.
• Document and communicate project needs, problems, and solutions to management.
• Quality Control:
• Inspect completed jobs to ensure highquality work and compliance with client specifications.
Estimating, Budgeting, and Billing:
• Prepare estimates for landscape enhancements and manage cost reports.
• Track labor, material, and subcontractor costs to ensure projects stay within budget.
• Investigate and resolve any budget variances, ensuring projects are completed within financial parameters.
• Oversee job billing and ensure accurate job costing.
Employee Management:
• Supervise up to 12 employees, assigning tasks and ensuring proper training and development.
• Manage performance and provide feedback to improve crew efficiency.
• Approve timecards and ensure timely completion of necessary paperwork.
• Work with HR for personnel decisions, including hiring, training, and disciplinary actions.
Safety:
• Model and enforce safety practices, ensuring compliance with all safety protocols.
• Conduct safety training sessions and weekly meetings with crew members.
• Ensure the use of proper PPE and compliance with safety regulations.
Salary Range: $70,000 - $90,000 How to Apply:
Landscape Account Manager
Tired of promises not kept? Are you looking for something more?
My name is Geno Neri, and I have a passion for creating and maintaining beautiful places.
I am proud of the company we have built over 25 years!
I am looking for a people person with a positive attitude, who is accountable, very organized and can be creative to add to our can do it positive culture
Duties of the position-
• Meet with clients to solve issues of landscape
• Organize daily, two maintenance teams of four people
• Relay the client’s needs to the maintenance teams
• Ensure work is completed to “Neri” standards
• Continue and improve positive culture with your crews
• Create and maintain beautiful places for people to enjoy
Being familiar with Chicagoland landscape and speaking Spanish would be a great plus, but not a requirement.
You will need to live within 30 minutes of Batavia, undergo a background check, and have a valid driver’s license. This is an In-Person position, 5 days a week.
What are the benefits of this position?
It’s full time with an annual salary. Don’t worry, I’m going to pay you better than my competition so you’re happy, so you can make our clients happy, so I can be happy.
And there’s more… you get medical insurance, paid major holidays, mobile phone, laptop computer, vacation and most importantly respect.
I can’t wait to meet you!!
Salary Range: 70,000-85,000
For more information, please visit our website at www.NeriLandscape.com or email me at Geno@ NeriLandscape.com
Now Hiring- Account Managers (Multiple Markets)
Join the Sebert Family – A Purpose-Driven Landscape Company
Help Shape a Sustainable Future, One Landscape at a Time
Are you ready to be part of a company that is changing the future of landscaping? At Sebert, we are not just about doing great work—we are here to fundamentally change the industry for the better, building a brighter, greener future for the next generation. We believe in innovation, sustainability, and making a positive impact through the work we do every day.
We are looking for an Account Manager who is passionate about environmental stewardship, sustainability, and creating lasting relationships with clients. If you are someone who sees their work as
more than just a job and wants to be part of something bigger, we want to hear from you.
What You’ll Do
Lead with Purpose: Manage and nurture strong client relationships while fostering long-term business connections. Create networking opportunities that help build these connections and grow the business.
Drive Innovation: Identify and develop opportunities for site enhancements, staying ahead of industry trends and sustainable practices.
Collaborate & Communicate: Work closely with production supervisors, field staff, and your branch team to ensure client satisfaction and quality. Communicate client concerns, site notes, or requests promptly to ensure smooth operations.
Impact the Future: Use your horticultural knowledge and passion for sustainability to ensure every project reflects our commitment to environmental integrity.
Make a Difference: Meet key performance metrics related to client retention, enhancement sales, and new business growth. Understand client needs and take action to ensure satisfaction.
Why Sebert?
Be part of a team that values purpose over profit and is actively shaping the future of landscaping. Work in a company that prioritizes sustainability, community, and innovation in every project. Join a collaborative, supportive team that values your growth and development.
Enjoy the outdoors while helping to create beautiful, sustainable landscapes that will last for generations.
What We’re Looking For
Passion for sustainability and creating lasting, positive change through landscaping.
Strong client management experience—looking for someone who excels at sales and building relationships.
Solid horticultural knowledge with a deep understanding of sustainable landscaping practices. Must have a valid local driver’s license and a clean driving record.
Ready to be a part of something bigger? We are committed to finding individuals who want not just a job but a purpose. If you are excited about the opportunity to help us lead the way toward a greener, more sustainable future, we want to talk to you.
Salary Range: $50,000-$65,000 Base Plus Incentives
How to Apply: Email Resume Directly to JFeinberg@sebert.com
Horticulturalist
The Wilmette Park District offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with life
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.
insurance (basic and voluntary), a pension plan (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund), 457 Defined contribution plan and Section 125 Flexible Spending Account in addition to paid holidays and vacation time, facility discounts, & usage benefits.
Salary Range: $61,448.00-$82,953.00
Apply online at:
Contact information –Carol Heafey cheafey@wilpark.org 847-256-9692
Benefit Summary link:
SUMMARY: Under the administrative direction of the Parks Foreperson, the Horticulturalist shall oversee the Districts natural areas such as planting beds, trees and natural areas. Performs the physical planting and maintenance of these areas and supervise part-time and seasonal staff to achieve the department’s standards and goals. []\
CLASSIFIED ADS CLOSING DATES & RATES
July 2025 issue ads: June 13, 2023 AUG. 2025 issue ads: Aug 14, 2023
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 ilca.net or Call Alycia Nagy (630) 472-2851
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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
Take a Hike
By Nina A. Koziol
How do your clients use their gardens? “One of the things I like to build into landscapes are little walkways that go through the garden,” says Dan Wells, Elan Landscape Design in Libertyville. “You get them into the garden — and use it and interact with it. You start getting people into that idea and the sky’s the limit.”
‘Carnival’ Hedge Maple— A Quest Revived
by Mark Dwyer
My plant failures become even more profound when I run across the perfectly grown specimen of something I’ve struggled with in the past. Regardless for the reasons (hardiness, poor siting, tough winters, etc.) Instead of excuses that I might offer for those “learning lessons,” my faith in Mother Nature is renewed when I run across the perfect specimen of one of my failed quests. Such is the story of a variegated hedge maple (Acer campestre) called ‘Carnival’.
Hedge maples are native to much of continental Europe, Britain, southwest Asia and north Africa but are not uncommonly utilized as landscape specimens domestically. The strongly variegated seedling found in the Netherlands and introduced in 1989 would become ‘Carnival’ and the beginning of an obsession for me. Slow growing and densely branched starting low on the trunk, the three or five lobed leaves show a blush of pink on strongly variegated, emerging foliage that later transitions to a clear white. The thick-margined white variega-
tion surrounds small, interior splotches or patterns of green with most leaves featuring 50%-75% white variegation. Some leaves are entirely white. Leaf petioles are bright magenta which is a small, but noteworthy feature. Hardy to Zone 5, this hedge maple will ultimately reach 15’ height and width over many years.
While the variegation is quite scorch resistant in full sun, it’s recommended to place ‘Carnival’ in some degree of dappled shade and in a protected location from winter winds. In warmer climates, more shade is recommended to maintain the integrity of the foliage. The effect of the foliage, even on smaller specimens, is literally a “glowing” contribution, particularly in shadier areas. At Rotary Botanical Gardens (Janesville, WI), I tried five specimens of ‘Carnival’ over the course of 20 years (different locations) in our fern & moss garden (dappled sunlight) and while they all settled in for a couple years, ultimately all were lost and I assumed that ‘Carnival’ was simply too persnickety for southern Wisconsin.
Last summer, I was visiting the teaching garden at the Dane County Extension Office in Madison, WI (highly recommended!). The garden itself is amazing with lots of diverse plantings and labels. I hadn’t been to that garden in many years and was impressed. As I rounded the corner to the north side of the building I was gobsmacked. I immediately noticed a large (12’x12’?) ‘Carnival’ hedge maple nestled right along the building. I spent at least 30 minutes inspecting and photographing this amazing specimen which was in part shade and was sheltered near the building. On occasion, ‘Carnival’, while mostly stable in regards to the variegation, will send out a green-leaved branchlet which should be removed. Branchlets with all white leaves frequently “self-shed” or can be removed as well. This specimen was “textbook” in appearance and really illuminated the space nicely. The old adage of “right plant, right place” was confirmed with this amazing specimen which has inspired me to perhaps, resume my original quest.
TRANSFORMING RELATIONSHIPS, INTO PARTNERSHIPS
Our dedicated team of local Territory Managers are only a phone call away, providing contractors with expert support to make their projects a success.
From on-site assistance to joint sales calls with clients, and even product samples delivered directly to you, no ask is too big or too small.
