Landscape Illinois the Magazine April 2025 DIGITAL EDITION
Photo Credits
ILCA Awards Committee 1, 8-9
Landcape Illinois 10
Heather Prince 22-28, 40-55
ETB Landscapes 5 4-55
Nina Koziol 61 Mark
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 4. 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
Magazine
Staff
Executive Director Scott Grams (630) 472-2851 sgrams@landscapeillinois.org
On the first night of iLandscape, representatives of Landscape Illinois were invited to a private dinner held in honor of Peter Orum. Now, this sounds like the type cloistered event with secret handshakes and passwords, but it’s really just an enjoyable night of fellowship and high level conversation between a diverse array of national and local landscape industry professionals. We talked about tradeshows, membership, volunteers, student engagement, and many other topics that pop up in landscape association board rooms across the country.
Most of the invited attendees attend almost every mid-sized to large tradeshow across the country. Their winters are spent crisscrossing the country going to Elevate, Equip, Cultivate, MANTS and local tradeshows in Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Texas, California, Oregon, and Canada.
Many of the out-of-town guests at the dinner remarked iLandscape was just different. All remarked on the vibe of the event and how it feels fresh and exciting. They love the sensory experience of music, gardens, entertainment, raffles, and the little creative touches the show uses to increase attendee engagement.
“Ice” character at Fire & Ice. I was enthralled at how The Bananas took something as traditional and stuffy as baseball and made it feel brand new. Jesse’s vision and infectious enthusiasm is corny, in a good way.
Each day, Jesse writes down the first ten wacky that pop into his head in a notebook. He said over the course of his career, 99% of those ideas were tossed into the trash, but the remaining 1% became the Savannah Bananas. Some of those ideas are batters stealing first, maximum 2-hour games, no bunts, no walks, no mound visits, and if a fan catches a foul ball in the stands, it’s an out on the field. Every rule is designed to get fans, especially young fans, excited about baseball. Squint, and a banana looks a lot like corn, in a good way.
The Corn Ball
I was seated next to Angela Palmer of Plants Nouveau. I did not know Angela well and enjoyed our conversation during dinner. We talked tradeshows, educational programs, and lacrosse. As we went around the room Angela said our event was just different from the other shows she attends. She said she always enjoys attending our event because, “iLandscape is corny, but in a good way.” After she said it, a few people let out nervous laughs and all eyes turned towards me. I let her words settle in. Finally, a huge smile spread across my face. Finally, somebody gets us.
The term corny is quite new to our American vernacular. It came from the 1930s as urban sprawl smacked into rural America. The origins of the word are exactly what one would expect - related to corn. Music, plays, movies, and vaudeville acts that would delight rustic, countrified, old-fashioned farmers were described as corny. It first started as a compliment. Then, snooty newspaper columnists from big cities began to use the term as a slight against backwoods audiences. Corny became an insult. It’s time to take that word back.
A few weeks after iLandscape I received a press release about Jesse Cole being the keynote speaker at The 2025 Equip Expo in Louisville. As soon as I saw it, I texted my good friend and Equip Show Director Chuck Bowen to congratulate him on the booking. For those who don’t know, Jesse Cole is the founder of The Savannah Bananas minor league baseball team and one of my personal heroes. There is an ESPN Documentary called “Bananaland” about Jesse and the Savannah Bananas. It is a must watch for any dreamer, doer, sports fan, or entrepreneur.
In short, Jesse leveraged everything he had to launch a minor league baseball team that was all about fan entertainment. Hundreds of cities have minor league baseball teams, but none have The Bananas. Jesse is best known for his banana yellow suit and derby hat. He does not sit in the owner’s box. Jesse is the team’s hype man and works the crowd before, during, and after every game. In fact, Jesse’s on field personae was the inspiration for my blue-suited
Jesse’s ultimate dream was for the Savannah Bananas to play in a sold-out Fenway Park in Boston. Most assumed he was nuts. The pursuit of this dream led to some buzz in his hometown of Savannah, Georgia. That buzz led to sold out crowds. In 2024, the Bananas embarked on a minor league stadium tour with a few major league sites thrown in. That tour drew 27 million fans. In 2025, the Bananas will visit 18 major league baseball stadiums and have a wait list of over 3 million people (myself included).
On July 5th, The Savannah Bananas will play in Fenway Park. It will be sold out. Jesse made it to the top of his mountain, all while being corny, in a good way.
We use the word “experience” to describe what we do at iLandscape. It is the namesake of the Experience Committee who organizes and develops the tradeshow portion of the event. Most on the Experience Committee would smile right along with me as Angela described the show. We are corny, in a good way. We go out of our way to be corny, in a good way. We spend months trying to outdo the previous year’s corniness, in a good way. We go about being corny (in a good way) in a systematic and organized fashion. We are deadly serious about our corniness.
iLandscape grew out of the shadow of the MidAm tradeshow in 2014. When the original Experience Committee launched the show under the direction of Chair John Algozzini we had a pretty clear idea of what we didn’t want to be. We didn’t want to be Major League Baseball. We didn’t want to be boring and predictable and take our fans for granted. Bananaball didn’t exist yet, but we wanted to be fun and fresh and silly. That sense of humor has been central to the Experience Committee ever since.
One of the first steps the Experience Committee takes is to break into small subcommittees of 3-4 people to plan the following: raffles, daytime entertainment, the Wednesday night party, the Thursday night party, iPix, layout, and exhibitor relations and hospitality.
These committee members may not wear banana yellow suits, but they aren’t far from Jesse Cole. Their subcommittees, by design, have no rules and complete autonomy as long as they stick within their budget and the general theme of the show. They split off and return to the next meeting with wacky plans to delight attendees and make each other laugh.
Our Wednesday Night Party Committee landed on an Oktoberfest theme. They booked an Oompa Band led by 92-years-young Jimmy and his Bavarians. Steins were hoisted. Pretzels were dunked in
mustard and cheese sauce. The polka was danced. Wednesday was corny, but in a good way.
Our Thursday Night Party subcommittee went a different direction. They booked a Spanish guitar quartet and moved the party to the ballroom. We had international appetizers, flags from over 150 nations, and hats and cardboard cutouts of international landmarks. We reached out to a local improv group to see if they would dress up like explorers and work the room with games and trivia questions. Amelia Earhart, Indiana Jones, Charles Lindbergh, and Carmen San Diego worked the crowd and challenged our knowledge of geography. Soon, the ballroom swelled with over 300 people and extra kegs had to be brought in for reinforcements. Thursday was corny, in a good way.
Our Daytime Entertainment subcommittee is in charge of all the roving musicians, magicians, artists, and entertainers that roam the show each day. It is not strange to catch a juggler out of one eye and a living tree out of the other. Two roaming bag pipers worked the show. A henna artist painted arms while a caricaturist planted himself in the French cafe to draw portraits. We had a juggler spinning pins as he walked the aisles and a magician dazzling attendees with close magic. Attendees scoured the show looking for hidden gnomes. We even had a mime who made us all get over our fear of mimes (mostly). The daytime entertainment was corny, in a good way.
However, nothing is more iLandscape than our daily raffle drawings. When iLandscape launched we knew we needed more than fish bowls filled with business cards. We wanted the raffles to be good enough to keep thousands of people until the end of the day. The raffles are just an example of the pure chaos and corniness that is iLandscape. People stand shoulderto-shoulder in the hopes their name will be called. The daily presenters, plucked from the bravest members of our committee, have a stack of prizes, two mics, and no script. For the next 30 minutes they need to identify 20 winners and entertain 1500 losers. If you know you know; it is part carnival, part revival tent, part stand-up comedy, and part ship mutiny. It is corny in all the right ways.
On Thursday, the largest day of the largest show we have ever held, I stood by the tech table and watched the chaos unfold. Katrina House and Bob Hursthouse worked the crowd from the stage. Jared Stroobants in his German fedora and Gus Beattie in his tiny Odd Job bowler hat managed the mob. Chris Walsh in a leather jacket, bombardier goggles, and a motorcycle helmet served as the spokesmodel for the grand prize Vespa. Our committee may not be ready to die for their art, but they will at least wear funny hats. The crowd roared with laughter, sighed alongside the dad jokes, enviously clapped for the winners, and hoped their name would be next. I watched the corniness unfold on stage and realized just how good we have it.
iLandscape is corny in a good way, maybe the best way, because of the Experience Committee who brings it to life. I feel like Jesse Cole would give us a tip of his yellow cap, from one group of showmen to another. Baseball fans didn’t know it, but they were ready for Bananaball. Tradeshow fans didn’t know it, but they were ready for iLandscape. This year, Jesse will fill Fenway Park and realize his dream. I wonder what our Experience Committee will dream up next. One thing is for sure, corniness (and funny hats) will be along for the ride.
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
Reflecting on recent experiences at iLandscape and at the Past President’s Dinner, the word legacy comes to mind. As we bask in the afterglow of connecting with so many landscape industry friends and colleagues, it makes you stop and reflect on how we got here. The impact and influence of owners, leaders, and mentors is profoundly felt as we look back at our history and look forward to new, exciting possibilities.
Many of my contemporaries are at a point in their careers where they are transitioning roles and looking for ways to give back and still have an influence on the future of our industry. I have been struck by how many people have offered their support, insight, and time to continue to help people in our industry grow and thrive. Their passion and commitment to our industry has not wavered as they have moved out of leadership roles, it has only deepened to find purpose and to share their legacy.
As I reflect on my own legacy, I inherited my love of growing things from my parents and grandparents, all farmers, with a true love of the land. Whether it was growing vegetables, flowers, or trees on our Plato Township family farm or watching my father grow corn, soybeans and alfalfa, I came to appreciate nature, seasonal cycles, and nurturing plants. I inherited my love of learning and education from my mother, a teacher, who nurtures growth of the mind and spirit. My family is filled with teachers (my sister, my daughter, my daughter-in-law) who all embrace how important it is to build someone’s character as well as their knowledge. They teach service and problem solving, as well as academics. This year, I invited them to share the iLandscape experience with me. It gave me the opportunity to share how their influence, their legacy, impacted me and the extent of the reach of the values and purpose they instilled in me.
I encourage you all to pause, reflect and appreciate those people that have influenced your journey. Take the time to tell them, even better show them, how they helped you grow. When someone offers ideas, resources, feedback, take them up on the offer. They are not just giving you a gift, you are giving them the gift of recognizing their value and influence.
Gratefully, Kim
Al reflexionar sobre experiencias recientes en iLandscape y en la Cena del Expresidente, me viene a la mente la palabra legado. Al disfrutar del entusiasmo por conectar con tantos amigos y colegas de la industria del paisajismo, uno se detiene a reflexionar sobre cómo llegamos hasta aquí. El impacto y la influencia de propietarios, líderes y mentores se sienten profundamente al recordar nuestra historia y anticipar nuevas y emocionantes posibilidades.
Muchos de mis contemporáneos se encuentran en un punto de su carrera en el que están cambiando de rol y buscando maneras de contribuir y seguir influyendo en el futuro de nuestra industria. Me ha impresionado la cantidad de personas que han ofrecido su apoyo, su perspectiva y su tiempo para seguir ayudando a las personas de nuestra industria a crecer y prosperar. Su pasión y compromiso con nuestra industria no han flaqueado al dejar puestos de liderazgo; solo se han profundizado para encontrar un propósito y compartir su legado.
Al reflexionar sobre mi propio legado, heredé el amor por el cultivo de mis padres y abuelos, todos agricultores, con un verdadero amor por la tierra. Ya fuera cultivando verduras, flores o árboles en la granja familiar del municipio de Plato, o viendo a mi padre cultivar maíz, soja y alfalfa, aprendí a apreciar la naturaleza, los ciclos estacionales y el cuidado de las plantas. Heredé el amor por el aprendizaje y la educación de mi madre, maestra, quien fomenta el crecimiento de la mente y el espíritu. Mi familia está llena de maestros (mi hermana, mi hija, mi nuera) que comprenden la importancia de forjar el carácter de las personas, así como sus conocimientos. Enseñan servicio y resolución de problemas, además de temas académicos. Este año, los invité a compartir la experiencia de iLandscape conmigo. Me dio la oportunidad de compartir cómo su influencia, su legado, me impactó y el alcance de los valores y el propósito que me inculcaron. Los animo a todos a detenerse, reflexionar y apreciar a las personas que han influido en su trayectoria. Tómate el tiempo para contarles, o mejor aún, mostrarles, cómo te ayudaron a crecer. Cuando alguien te ofrezca ideas, recursos o comentarios, acéptalos. No solo te están dando un regalo, tú les estás dando el regalo de reconocer su valor e influencia.
Agradecidamente, Kim
Kim Hartmann
Chicago Specialty Gardens, Inc. • Chicago Skyscraper Vista
Collaborating with a Mexico City-based interior design firm, we sought to evoke the wild and colorful foliage of Mexico’s jungles and coasts desired by our mutual Chicago client. Drawing from our deep horticultural knowledge and 30 years’ experience designing and installing rooftop gardens, we curated a palette of boldly colorful shapes, forms and plant features which blaze with scarlets, yellows, deep greens and umbers, all capable of surviving Chicago’s notoriously harsh seasons and weather events.
To soften and scale the expansive penthouse terrace, large sequences of aluminum planters were filled with mixes of trees, shrubs, and perennials, creating distinct conversation areas while preserving Chicago skyline views. Plant textures and colors were specifically selected to complement the exterior furniture and contrast beautifully with the aluminum facade and planters. A dog run and full kitchen add functionality, elevating the client’s experience and bringing daily luxury to the large rooftop terrace.
iLandscape Hits New Heights
International theme draws attendees from five countries
by Nina A. Koziol
The 12th annual iLandscape Show was full of surprises this year. The biggest unveil was a new identity for the state association. Executive Director Scott Grams said, “If you missed our big announcement at iLandscape, the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA) formally changed the name and logo of our organization. We are now Landscape Illinois!”
Check out the new website: landscapeillinois.org to see the new brand, the new look and so much more.
The other big surprise was record attendance. “We had a total of 6,850 attendees for the show,” said Alycia Nagy, Landscape Illinois’ office manager and workforce development coordinator. “There were a total of 35 states and 5 countries represented.” That’s 12 more states and three more countries than participated in last year’s conference.
Going Global
the education programs featuring U.K. and Mediterranean gardens, and how the speakers brought in design and plant ideas you wouldn’t necessarily think about.”
Attendees came to network, to learn, to buy products, and make new friends as well as visit the more than 270 exhibitors and attend some of the 60-plus education sessions. The conference has grown every year,, and there’s now a wait list for exhibitors and several education sessions were filled to capacity. But no worries — you can access them on the Landscape Illinois’ Bloom video library: (https://landscapeillinois.org/bloom/)
February 26–28, 2025
The theme—Gardens of the World—provided plenty of inspiration between the show floor gardens and the education sessions, several of which looked at gardens abroad. It was the 5th iLandscape for Sarah Thompson of McAdam Landscaping, Inc. in Forest Park, IL. “I love the education seminars, the variety of different topics and everything from hardscape to plants and plant communities,” Thompson said. “It’s interesting that there are a lot of people from outside the region at the show. I liked
Landscape Architect Amanda Arnold, owner of PlanIt Landscape Perspectives in Downers Grove, IL, has been attending the winter conference since the Mid-Am days in Chicago. “I like seeing friends, and the education is always fun—learning new ideas, seeing what’s going on, and reconnecting. We are a small community and it’s fun to be together.”
Pre-Show Workshops
Three special pre-show education sessions were offered on Tuesday. Stewart Hepker of Alluvium Landscapes in Barrington, IL, attended Patrick Cullina’s program, ‘Bold, Wild & In Between: Examining Strategic Approaches to Dynamic Landscape Design.’ “I’ve seen his work, and I thought it would be cool to see his process and how it might help my
work. He’s bridging the gap between design, installation and maintenance, and ensuring the long-term quality of planting compositions.” Workshop attendees wrapped up the hands-on portion by creating hand-drawn designs based on Cullina’s design ideas.
Angela Bowman is a landscape designer and educator with Yellowstone Landscape in the greater Chicago area. “I really love this conference and the Impact Conference. All the speakers are tremendous.” She also attended Cullina’s design workshop. “I loved it. It gave me a few hours to dig into the details, and the workshop was really fun — it was excellent.”
“There’s so much to be gleaned from
the perspectives of experienced professionals like Patrick Cullina, doing these public projects on a huge scale,” said Landscape Architect Deirdre Toner of D.T. Design in Old Mill Creek, IL. “Everyone wants lower maintenance, and we want pollinators so how do you translate that? There were a lot of little things he mentioned that reinforced what I do.”
A ‘Strengths-based Performance Workshop’ with Neal Glatt and ‘Dipping Your Toes into 3D Design: Unlocking the Power of Visualization’ with Bailey Hoines and Ashley Marrin of Bret-Mar Landscape drew many attendees on Tuesday as well. Attendees at the 3D Design workshop followed along on their
own laptops and tablets as Hoines and Marrin walked them through the features.
International Delights
Container Wars and other pop-up learning opportunities were popular on the show floors. On Wednesday night, the main exhibit hall was packed for German Fest (including traditional music, beer and lederhosen!) along with impressive raffle prizes. On Thursday, Party Around the World took place in the other exhibit hall. Thanks to many sponsors, raffles continued through Friday just before the show closed. Student Design Competition awards took place on Friday morning. And, the iLandscape show app, hosted on Whova, offered an ongoing virtual job board with many opportunities.
Arborist Deva Vranek of Beary Landscaping has attended the conference since his college days. “It’s just a fun way to see what’s new in the industry, get ideas, see new plant cultivars, and see old friends.”
So mark your calendar. Plans for the 13th annual iLandscape show are already underway. Plan to attend the show in Schaumburg from February 25 to 27, 2026. The theme will be Day at the Races.
Plenty of other great events are coming your way, too:
https://landscapeillinois.org/il-events/
Santa testing the new trucks for next Christmas.
Landscape Illinois — The Magazine
President Kim Hartmann Immediate Past President Ashley Marrin Person of the Year Steve Worth
Awards Night hosts Becca LaBarre and Brian Jordison
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Avondale Industrial City Escape
Awards 2025
Scott Byron & Co., Inc
Craftsmanship
AGS Landscape Company — Bowlscape
Kinsch Design — The Water Works
Bertog Landscape Co. Residential Landscape Construction
Escape
Mariani Landscape
Landscape Maintenance
Great Second Lap
Bertog Landscape Co.
Residential Landscape Construction City Escape
Residential Landscape Construction House & Garden Revitalization
Chicago Specialty Gardens, Inc.
Residential Landscape Construction
Skyscraper Vista
Residential Landscape Construction
Tropical Heat
Chicago Specialty Gardens, Inc.
Bertog Landscape Co.
Commercial Landscape Construction Imperial Towers
Chalet
Residential Landscape Construction Pollinator Paradise
Gold Awards 2025
Special Event
Village of Frankfort Seasonal
Craig Bergmann Landscape Designs
Residential Landscape Construction
Timeless Charm of Rosewood
Hanson Landscape
Residential Landscape Construction
Sloniger Urban Hideaway Landscape
James Martin Associates
Residential Landscape Construction
Linear Splendor
James Martin Associates
Residential Landscape Construction
The Call Residence
JMR Landscaping
Residential Landscape Construction
Inverness Garden
Clarence Davids & Co.
Decade Honors
JMR Landscaping
Residential Landscape Construction
Rooftop Retreat
JMR Landscaping
Residential Landscape Construction
Woodland Retreat
King’s Landscape Design
Residential Landscape Construction
Staycation Renovation
Mariani Landscape
Residential Landscape Construction Window to the World
Mariani Landscape
Residential Landscape Maintenance
Inspired Lakeside Living
Nature’s Perspective Landscaping
Residential Landscape Construction
A Gardener’s Oasis
Gold Awards 2025
Night Light, Inc.
Specialty Element
Modern Marvel
Premier Landscape Contractors, Inc.
Residential Landscape Construction
Luxurious Grandeur
Reflections Water Gardens
Specialty Element
Spa Benefits at Home
Reflections Water Gardens
Specialty Element
Waterfalls of Bolingbrook
Partners
Residential Landscape Construction
Urban Homestead
Partners
Residential Landscape Maintenance An Artist’s Sanctuary
Rosborough
Rosborough
Decade Honors
Gold Awards 2025
Scott Byron & Co. Special Event
The Outside Design Studio
The Pizzo Group Ecological Planting Wheaton Homeowner / Private Estate Project
Woodlawns
Landscape Maintenance
Collection
The Outside Design Studio Residential Landscape Construction Faroese Haven in Hyde Park
Decade Honors
Heritage Honors
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• 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)
A.M. Woodland Outdoor Design
Special Event
Transformative Tailgate
Residential Landscape
Destination: Garden
Commercial Landscape Maintenance
Grande Park
Residential Landscape Construction
Ambience
Residential
Dutch Barn Landscaping
Greenwise Organic Landscaping
Landscape Construction
Backyard Zen
Clarence Davids & Co.
Chalet
Residential Landscape Maintenance
Glencoe Grace
Bruss Landscaping
Construction
SilverAwards 2025
JR’s Landscape Services
Commercial Landscape Construction
Path of Hope – Illinois Cancer Care Foundation Tribute Garden
King’s Landscape Design
Residential Landscape Construction
Burr Ridge Renovation
Knob Hill Landscape Company
Residential Landscape Construction
Backyard Natural Ecosystem
Landworks, Ltd.
Commercial Landscape Construction
James Addington Plaza
Milieu Landscaping
Commercial Landscape Construction
Deerfield Village Hall - Welcoming Waukegan Road
Landscaping
Commercial Landscape Maintenance
Village of Wheeling
Milieu
Heritage Honors
Nature’s Perspective Landscaping
Residential Landscape Construction
Colorful Craftsman
Night Light, Inc.
Specialty Element
A Labor of Love
Landscape Contractors, Inc.
Commercial Landscape Construction Club Life
Premier Landscape Contractors, Inc.
Residential Landscape Construction
Naperville Escape
Premier Landscape Contractors, Inc.
Residential Landscape Maintenance
Everywhere You Look, There’s a View!
Premier Outdoor Environments
Residential Landscape Construction
Inviting Escape
Landscape Illinois — The Magazine April 2025
Premier
Decade Honors
SilverAwards 2025
Reveal Design LLC
Residential Landscape Construction
Suburban Serenity Combination of Function and Elegance
Western DuPage Landscaping, Inc.
Residential Landscape Construction
Timeless Beauty
Photo Backdrop
Decade Honors
Decade Honors
Merit Awards 2025
AGS Landscape Company
Commercial Landscape Construction
Dream Deck
AGS Landscape Company
Commercial Landscape Construction
Stay-cation
Balanced Environments
Commercial Landscape Maintenance
Village at Victory Lakes
Beverly Companies
Special Element
Willowbrook Waterscape
Landscaping
Residential Landscape Maintenance
Hidden Haven
Residential Landscape Construction
West Town Woodland and Prairie Pollinator Gardens
Landscape Illinois — The Magazine April 2025
Clarence Davids & Co.
Bruss
Decade Honors
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.
Growers & Distributors of Quality Nursery Stock
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 .
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
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
Barrington, Illinois
15235 W. Bruce Road, Lockport, IL 60491
190 W. Penny Road, Barrington, IL 60010 Office 847.551.3700 | Fax 847.551.3707 SALES@CEDARPATH.NET | WWW.CEDARPATH.NET
Office 815.838- 4900 |Fax 815.838.4999
Barrington, Illinois
190 W. Penny Road, Barrington, IL 60010
190 W. Penny Road, Barrington, IL 60010
Office 847.551.3700 | Fax 847.551.3707
Office 847.551.3700 | Fax 847.551.3707
SALES@CEDARPATH.NET | WWW.CEDARPATH.NET
SALES@CEDARPATH.NET | WWW.CEDARPATH.NET
Merit Awards 2025
Heritage Honors
Nature’s Perspective Landscaping
Residential Landscape Construction
The Ever-Changing Garden
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TODOS JUNTOS MEJOR.
10 R esilient Trees to Mitigate Climate Control
By Heather Prince
At InVigorateU 2025, attendees were treated to an engaging presentation by Andrew Bunting, Vice President of Horticulture at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) on resilient tree choices for urban streets. Through the Tree Tenders program, PHS has planted more than 35,000 trees throughout Philadelphia since 1991 as it works to increase the urban canopy, especially in underserved neighborhoods. Staffed by more than 6,500 volunteers, trees are planted bare root and managed by teams of Tree Checkers during their first year in the ground. This program has provided valuable insights into tree species that survive and thrive in the challenging situations found in urban and suburban sites. Add in the weather extremes of climate change, and the PHS tree program is a proving ground for demonstrated resiliency.
We caught up with Bunting to discuss tree species and cultivars that might be good candidates for Midwestern streets and boulevards. These are the desired traits that PHS looks for when choosing their next batch for planting:
• Urban tough: can they handle air pollution, salt, wind, and more?
• Cold hardy: can they tolerate temperatures a zone or two north of Philadelphia?
• Heat tolerant: will they survive the hotter temperatures created by pavement and the built environment?
• Compaction and/or poor soils: can they tolerate alkaline or acidic soils, rocky, or ones tightly compacted?
• Wet tolerant: if they are planted in poor drainage or flood-prone areas, will they survive?
• Bounce back from damage: if bark or branches are damaged, will the tree bounce back?
• Ease of transplanting: can the tree be easily planted bare root?
With these criteria in mind, Bunting suggested 10 species and cultivars, plus one harder to find bonus variety that have proven their value in the streets of Philadelphia. Let’s take a look at what makes these selections resilient and beautiful additions to any project.
Spring is right around the corner!
Acer rubrum ‘Franksred’ or Red Sunset® Red Maple
Zone: 3 to 9
Size: 40 to 50 feet high; 30 to 40 feet wide
Sun: full sun to part shade
Soil: average to wet
Flower: brilliant red flower clusters in early spring
Foliage: dark glossy green leaves turn scarlet red in fall
Bark: remains a smooth attractive pale grey
Notes: From J. Frank Schmidt breeding, this is a vigorous grower with strong, symmetrical branching. Beloved for its signature fall color, red maples also are wet tolerant. “They can handle some seasonal flooding and soggy soils with ease,” said Bunting. Red Sunset is one of the more clay tolerant selections.
Acer saccharum ‘Green Mountain’ or Green Mountain Sugar Maple
Zone: 4 to 8
Size: 40 to 60 feet high; 25 to 45 feet wide
Sun: full sun to part shade
Soil: average to moist, well-drained
Foliage: deeply cut dark green leathery leaves turn shades of orange to scarlet in fall
Bark: dark brown and roughly corrugated with age
Notes: Sugar maples are staples of the Midwest for their fiery fall color, sturdy habit, and delicious sap. Green Mountain proves to be a tough critter and adaptable. “Its leathery leaves make it exceptionally drought tolerant,” commented Bunting. A fast grower, Green Mountain maintains an even branching pattern and resistance to leaf scorch and leaf hoppers.
Carpinus caroliniana or Ironwood, American Hornbeam Zone: 3 to 9
Size: 20 to 30 feet high and wide
Sun: full sun to full shade
Soil: average to wet
Foliage: small mid-green leaves turn shades of yellow, orange, and red in fall
Fruit: chandelier-like papery seed pods often turn shades of orange before drying and shattering
Bark: smooth grey muscle-like bark
Notes: Ironwood is proving itself a flexible, urban-tolerant small tree.
“It has beautiful bark,” observed Bunting, “and there are more and more cultivars available that are narrower in form, especially from Mike Yanny at JN Plant Selections.” While the bark may be eye-catching, ironwood really shines in fall with flame-like autumn shades.
Cercis canadensis ‘Appalachian Red’ or Appalachian Red Redbud Zone: 4 to 9
Size: 15 to 25 feet high and wide
Sun: full sun to part shade
Soil: average to moist, well-drained
Foliage: large, heart-shaped dark blue-green leaves turn clear yellow in fall
Flower: exceptional deep dark pink flowers bloom along stems before leaves appear
Bark: grey-brown bark becomes reddish and fissured with age
Notes: “Appalachian Red is one of the newer cultivars of redbud and has a tighter habit than the species,” commented Bunting. The flowers are a fiery hot pink, significantly darker and showier than the species. Redbud has proven to be remarkably urban tolerant and even can process a number of common industrial contaminants.
www.wilsonnurseries.com
Cladrastis kentukea or Yellowwood Zone: 4 to 8
Size: 30 to 40 feet high and wide Sun: full sun
Soil: average to drought tolerant Foliage: large, pinnately compound leaves turn yellow in fall Flower: wisteria-like white fragrant flowers in 10 to 15 inch-long drooping panicles in May every other year or so
Bark: smooth grey elephant-hide bark
Notes: One of our native trees, yellowwood is proving to be surprisingly urban tolerant. “It has interesting bark, good fall color, and when it blooms, it’s stunning,” reported Bunting. The rounded to vase shape allows it to fit into the streetscape and it has demonstrated good tolerance to compaction.
For
Gymnocladus dioicus ‘Espresso-JFS’ or Espresso™ Kentucky Coffee Tree
Zone: 4 to 8
Size: 40 to 50 feet high; 30 to 35 feet wide
Sun: full sun
Soil: average to drought tolerant and wet tolerant
Notes: Kentucky coffee tree is one tough critter, even if it looks like a coat rack in its youth. Espresso is from J. Frank Schmidt and not only is narrower in habit, but seedless. “It is super hardy,” observed Bunting, “with great bark and wet tolerance.” A vigorous grower, the tropical-like ferny foliage offers beautiful cooling.
Plantanus x acerifolia ‘Morton Circle’ or Exclamation!™ London
Plane Tree
Zone: 4 to 8
Size: 50 to 60 feet high; 40 to 50 feet wide
Sun: full sun
Soil: average, also drought tolerant and wet tolerant
Foliage: light green palmate leaves with minimal fall color
Fruit: 1-inch ball-like seeds that shatter; less fruit production than species
Bark: mottled peeling bark in shades of olive, tan, and brown
Notes: Exclamation has become a popular street tree for its tough durability and outstanding bark. “It has a tighter pyramidal shape that allows it to fit into the streetscape,” said Bunting. A fast grower, it has an organized branching habit and minimal fruit.
Over 15,000 trees, 35,000 shrubs, 100,000 perennials, and 500 varieties at our 650-acre farm.
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Ulmus americana ‘Princeton’ or Princeton
American Elm Zone: 3 to 9
Size: 50 to 70 feet high, 25 to 40 feet wide
Sun: full sun
Soil: average, adaptable to wet or dry
Foliage: mid-green leaves turn clear yellow in fall
Bark: pale grey becomes vertical plates with age
Notes: One of the top elms for disease resistance, Princeton was developed in 1922 by Princeton Nurseries. “It has a tighter habit, making it a good fit for streetscapes,” commented Bunting. Fastgrowing and tolerant of difficult soils, this cultivar benefits from a strict pruning protocol to maintain its shape.
Prunus sargentii or Sargent’s Cherry Zone: 4 to 7
Size: 20 to 30 feet high and wide
Sun: full sun to part shade
Soil: average to moist well-drained, adaptable
Foliage: mid-green leaves turn shades of orange in fall
Flower: beautiful clusters of pink flowers in April
Bark: shiny, reddish-brown heavy lenticled bark
Notes: Sargent’s cherry is vaseshaped and charms with its profuse flower display each spring. “It just takes anything you throw at it,” commented Bunting. “Wellshaped, drought and wet tolerant, and bouncing back from damage, Sargent’s cherry is an all-around terrific street tree.”
Quercus bicolor or Swamp White Oak Zone: 3 to 8
Size: 50 to 60 feet high and wide
Sun: full sun
Soil: average to wet
Foliage: large dark green lobed leaves with a whitish underside are marcescent
Bark: rough and peeling when young, becoming corrugated
Notes: Swamp white oak is a fast grower with a pyramidal shape until it reaches middle age. It tends to hold its leaves through winter. “Swamp white oak handles a myriad of conditions,” said Bunting. “It really is one of the toughest.” Thriving in moist to wet soils, it also tolerates clay and drought while supporting a huge array of wildlife.
Ajob with a friend’s landscape company set Joe Herald on the path to his career and owning his own landscape contractor business. “I fell in love with working outside,” he says.
Herald, president and founder of Joe Joe’s Lawn Care in Bloomington, IL, moved from the friend’s business to work as a member of the Great Plains Laborers Union. While there, he had the opportunity to help install a natural playground at Colene Hoose Elementary School. The work included creating rolling hills in what once was a flat field, building structures, planting native trees and grasses, as well as other native plants.
It gave him an opportunity to see how landscape design work by the team at Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds was translated throughout the park, not to mention to work alongside skilled and experienced landscapers.
“Their mission is to get kids out in nature,” he says. That resonated with him, because he, too, loves the outdoors, fre-
quently kayaking on local lakes, camping, hiking and playing golf.
He worked on the project for eight months before transitioning to his first job as owner of his own company. “I knew I wanted to do my own thing,” he says. “I decided I had gained enough knowledge and experience to where I could do it independently.”
That first job wasn’t easy. He was clearing snow, but with only a shovel, no snowblower or other equipment. That spring, his first lawn customer was a man he refers to as an “older gentleman,” who loaned Herald his push mower to mow his lawn, which was a good thing, because Herald did not have any type of mower of his own.
He quickly bought his own push mower. Within a month, he began offering spring cleanup and transitioned to a riding mower, followed by a utility trailer to haul around his rapidly growing collection of equipment.
Many of his jobs come through the Nextdoor app, responding
to posts asking for recommendations for lawn care. Others, through word of mouth, one customer recommending him to another. As that happened, he added services. Now Joe Joe’s Lawn Care offers residential and commercial lawn maintenance, seasonal clean ups, fertilizer and other treatments, hardscaping, mulch installation, rock installation, trimming and pruning, planting, sodding and seeding, dethatching, aeration and landscape lighting. He still offers snow removal in the winter.
While he has, on occasion, used independent contractors for some projects, he admits that for this coming season he will have to hire some full-time help. He still loves working outdoors. “I never approach any job like a chore,” Herald says. “I take the time to treat it more like an art project and try to put in extra time and effort. That leads to a happier customer.”
Last January he found his way to Landscape Illinois, in an effort to become more engaged in the industry. “I am looking forward to going to conferences, networking, making friends with people on all sides of the green industry.” Already, he met a wholesale supplier who saved him money on some supplies.
In February, he attended the InVigorateU conference, where he was delighted to find himself sitting at a table with some people who owned a nursery. Based on that experience, he has registered for another conference.
Herald is looking forward to the coming season. “It is all about building long term relationships,” he says. “I try to treat my customers well, so that I can keep them.”
email: nurserysales@stantec.com
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Landscape Account Manager
Tired of working for the BIG company where you are just a small fish in a BIG pond?
Tired of promises not kept. Or are you with a small company going nowhere?
My name is Geno Neri the owner of Neri Landscape in Batavia, Il and I have a problem and maybe you can help. You see, I love landscaping; creating, and maintaining beautiful places is my passion. I started mowing lawns when I was a kid and grew my company to where it is today. We have been in business for over 25 years! We provide innovative maintenance techniques for people and communities who appreciate great landscapes.
Oh, my problem, because we continue to grow, I need another great account manager for my company. I’m looking for a mature person who is accountable and has a great attitude. I’m looking for a ‘people-person’ to add to our can do it positive culture.
If you are familiar with Chicagoland landscaping, love to do yard work or speak some Spanish would be a great plus, but by no means a requirement. You will need to live within 30-40 minutes from Batavia, Il; the closer the better and be willing to undergo a basic background check.
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.
So, if you want to work in a small pond and be a BIG fish send me your resume and then let’s talk. You can help solve my problem and perhaps I can help you solve yours.
How to Apply: For more information about my company go to NeriLandscape.com, or call my cell phone (630)338-3557, Email: Geno@ Nerilandscape.com
Experienced Landscape Designer/Architect Kemora Landscapes is a dynamic residential design and build landscaping company located on the north side of Chicago. We are seeking an experienced landscape designer/architect with an interest in urban design to join our team.
Responsibilities include but not limited to: meeting with new clients to discuss their landscaping needs, drafting designs and estimating projects, coordinating projects on site with our crews and communicating with clients to ensure that their project is carried out in the manner you discussed.
Qualifications include but not limited to: minimum of 3 years of landscape design or landscape sales experience, familiarity with local plants and hardscape materials, outstanding organizational and time management skills and the ability to work in a fast paced environment.
The position includes paid holidays and vacation, an employer matched retirement plan, a commission structure for goals met and a competitive salary.
Salary Range: $50,000-$70,000 Depending on Experience
How to apply: Email Colleen Mulhern - cmulhern@kemoralandscapes.com
HELP WANTED
Now Hiring - Landscaping Acct Manager (Aurora, IL)
An established commercial landscaping, snow removal & construction company based out of Aurora, IL is looking for a full-time, yearround Landscaping Account Manager to join our successful company & assist with the management of landscaping.
Duties include:
• Managing crews & working closely with the foremen
• Meeting with customers & field staff on a regular basis
• Communicating with office staff & owner regularly
• Conducting weekly safety meetings with staff
• Managing & scheduling materials & deliveries to job sites
• Ensuring staff maintains equipment & company property used for jobs
• Resolving conflicts with customers & subordinate staff should they arise
• Facilitating a walk through at completion of installation jobs
• Completing proposals & ensuring accurate billing
• Recommending products and services to existing and potential customers.
• Managing a snow removal district during the winter months
Qualifications:
• Knowledge of landscape material & operations
• Ability to perform under pressure & maintain service levels
• Ability to manage multiple job duties simultaneously
• Excellent written & communication skills
• Knowledge of safety procedures & regulations
• Work out of our Aurora, IL office
• Knowledge of hardscapes a plus
• Pesticide Operator License a plus
• Valid drivers’ license with a clean MVR driving record required
Compensation & Benefits:
• Salary of $55k - $75k/year, weekly pay on Fridays!
• Health, dental & vision insurance
• Company vehicle
• Company provided cell phone & laptop
• Paid vacation & time off
Contact me to apply!
Allan Gonzalez, Hiring Manager at RB Enterprises 630-816-3826 or agonzalez@rbenterprisesweb.com
HELP WANTED
Customer Service Professional
Elite Growers is a fun, dedicated group of people who enjoy populating the world with beautiful well-grown plants. We focus on quality in every aspect of what we do. From the plants we grow to the service we provide, we strive to always be Elite.
This is generally an office position, so obviously, the right person should have a diverse set of computer skills and be comfortable providing customer service and selling cool plants on either the phone, via email, or even over fax (yikes).
This is not always an office position, so you’ll also need to be able to walk around a production nursery, occasionally pick up plants, This position involves everything from order entry and fulfillment to inventory management which means you’ll need a high level of organization, outstanding problem-solving skills, and the ability to juggle a bunch of tasks at the same time.
This is a full-time, year-round opportunity with a generous compensation and benefits package.
If this all sounds intriguing and you think you have what it takes to be our right person, send us a resume, a cover letter, or anything that gets our attention and makes us say, WOW, we need this person working at Elite Growers.
Salary range: $52K - $65K
Adrian Martinez
Customer Service Manager
Adrian@elitegrowers.com
HELP WANTED
Culture and Quality Champion
As a Culture and Quality Champion at ILT Vignocchi for our Hispanic workforce, you will play a key role in fostering a positive, inclusive work environment while upholding the highest standards of quality across our landscape projects. With a focus on our core values of heart, artistry, tenacity, and always doing the right thing, you will act as a bridge between management and the workforce, ensuring alignment with our mission to fulfill the dreams of our employees and clients by designing, building, and maintaining lasting landscapes.
Your responsibilities will include supporting employee engagement, promoting cultural understanding, and ensuring consistent communication to maintain a motivated and productive team. You will also oversee quality control, ensuring that our high standards of artistry and integrity are met in every project, helping to create a workplace where both employees and clients thrive
Salary Range: $55k-$70k
How to apply: Email andy@iltvignocchi.com
HELP WANTED
Commercial Account Manager
Join our team as a Commercial Account Manager with a company that has been a trusted leader in landscape design and maintenance for over 55 years. Rooted in our core values of heart, artistry, tenacity, and always doing the right thing, you will build and nurture client relationships, ensuring their visions come to life. With a mission to fulfill the dreams of both our clients and employees by designing, building, and maintaining lasting landscapes, you will manage accounts with a commitment to excellence and integrity.
Salary Range: $60k-$70k
How to apply: Email kblock@iltvignocchi.com
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
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.
The Power of Three
By Nina A. Koziol
Designers, photographers and artists have their rules. And one of them is the Rule of Thirds, which requires grouping three elements to create a more visually appealing scene. Placing this triumvirate off-center creates tension, energy, and interest in a composition. It encourages the viewer’s gaze to move within the landscape, exploring its depths and nuances.
Trio of Fountains
Trio of Evergreens
Trio of Pots
Prairie Royalty – Silene regia
By Mark Dwyer
Icontinue to be excited about the wide range of native plants that are becoming more common in our design vernacular. The availability of native selections of woody plants and herbaceous options is truly amazing and exciting. With continued debate about “Nativars” and the “native versus non-native” discussions, I think we’re all on board with having more native options to consider, include and evaluate in our prairies, contrived meadows, plant combinations and the landscape in general. I’ve been using the royal catchfly (Silene regia) for many years for a statuesque “pop!” of red flowers in the landscape and while rare in its original range (including the Midwest), this nectar-rich species (hardy to USDA zone 4-9), is spectacular in compositions as solitary elements or in groupings. Uncommonly found in prairies, savannas, barrens and open woodlands, this fire-tolerant species is finding broader use and appreciation in our landscapes in myriad applications. I’m happy to see this plant becoming more common in the trade and I’m a huge fan of having more red in the landscape.
Royal catchfly, from the pinks family (Caryophyllaceae), is admittedly, slow to establish but mature specimens will emerge from a basal rosette of foliage and extend on a tight clump of multiple, downy stems to 3-4’ in height. The narrow, lanceolate foliage is also covered with fine, downy hairs and the plant form is quite narrow and erect (18”–24” in width). Its height combines nicely with native grasses and other “supportive” neighbors. Grown best in full sun in medi-
um, loamy soil, avoid poorly drained or soggy locations and royal catchfly also resents too much shade (= floppy). Excellent drainage is ideal, and sandy or gravelly soils are favored for this drought tolerant species.
Silene regia is one of few red-blooming prairie plants native to the Midwest and is also on a short list of those pollinated by hummingbirds. Also called “prairie fire”, royal catchfly features five-petaled, tubular, bright scarlet blooms (2” diameter). The narrow petals are slightly toothed and flowers feature conspicuous, extended stamens. The common name “catchfly” is due to the sticky hairs on the calyx and stems. The impactful flowering period is typically July and August and ruby-throated hummingbirds are not shy about visiting. Black swallowtails are also a very frequent visitor looking for a “nectar fix”!
This herbaceous perennial has very few insect and disease problems and is both rabbit and deer resistant (occasional browsing has been observed). Seeds, the most common form of propagation, need an open surface for germination. Similar in appearance, the notable fire pink (Silene virginica) blooms earlier than royal catchfly but features the same red flowers, albeit a shorter habit of 24”. As our personal palette of native plant options increases, the appreciation and acceptance of new candidates is rewarding and fun. Including the “dash of red” from well placed Silene regia will add that “royal touch” to any planting.
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