CRTI: Tools for the Landscape Industry
Practical Plant Evaluation Amsonia
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November 2020
CONTENTS
Excellence In Landscape Awards Project
FOCUS: Trees and the Future
Chicago Region Trees Initiative — Tools for the Landscape Industry
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Emerald Ash Borer— 16 Where are we now, and what’s new? Garden Speak — Practical Plant Evaluations 20 Amsonia, a blue star in the garden Landscapes & Architecture 24 Bungalows and their gardens
New Board Member Profile Tom Klitzkie, Nature’s Perspective Landscaping
Deicer Discussion: A solid and liquid strategy
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EN ESPAÑOL
Barrenador verde-esmeralda del fresno: ¿Dónde estamos y qué sigue? EAB —Where are we now, and what’s new?
10 New Winter Hardy Trees Research brings new opportunities
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New Member Profile 54 Knob Hill Landscape Company Books worth a Look Gardens of the North Shore Hidden Landscape Gems Lincoln Park Zoo Hibiscus Collection
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On the cover... Kane Bros. received a Gold award for this 2019 project. The Landscape Contractor November 2020
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CONTENTS
DEPARTMENTS ILCA Calendar From Where I Stand President’s Message Classified Ads Advertisers Index Photo Credits
ILCA Awards Committee Chicago Region Trees Initiative Dr. Fred Miller Richard Hawke Nina Koziol & Scott Mahafey Tom Klitzkie
1, 8-9 10-15 16-17 20-25 26-33 34
A Note about COVID-19
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Readers of this magazine should not think we are trying to avoid dicussion of the COVID-19 pandemic. That information has been extraordinarily presented with the COVID-19 daily email from Scott Grams and the dedicated COVID-19 ILCA Facebook page. The Landscape Contractor magazine will continue to focus on its normal landscape design/construction/maintenance/ and general business content. We hope this approach provides a brief respite from the stresses of the day.
Calendar
Heather Prince 41-47 Knob Hill Landscape Company 54 Scott Shigley 56 Lincoln Park Zoo 62
NOVEMBER November 5, 2020 Virtual Annual Party BINGO Night! For more information and to register, visit: www.ilca.net/annual-party
The official publication of the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA), The Landscape Contractor is dedicated to educating, advising and informing members of this industry and furthering the goals of the Association. The Landscape Contractor 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.ilca.net Volume 61, Number 11. The Landscape Contractor (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 The Landscape Contractor, 2625 Butterfield Road, Ste 104S, Oak Brook, IL 60523. DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES: Association Publishing Partners, Inc., Ph. (630) 637-8632 Fax (630) 637-8629 email: rmgi@comcast.net CLASSIFIED ADS, CIRCULATION AND SUBSCRIPTION: ILCA (630) 472-2851 Fax (630) 472-3150 PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL OFFICE: Rick Reuland, rmgi@comcast.net, Naperville, IL 60540 Ph. (630) 637-8632 PRODUCT DISCLAIMER: The Illinois Landscape Contractors Association, its Board of Directors, the Magazine Committee, ILCA Staff, The Landscape Contractor and its staff, neither endorse any products nor attest to the validity of any statements made about products
ILCA Staff
Magazine Staff
Executive Director Scott Grams (630) 472-2851 sgrams@ilca.net
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Education Manager AnneMarie Drufke adrufke@ilca.net
Debbie Rauen Advertising Sales (817-501-2403) debbie.landscapecontractor@ yahoo.com
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The Landscape Contractor November 2020
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From Where I Stand — On Monday, October 19, 2020 the ILCA issued a
statement to our database of 13,000 people that iLandscape 2021 would be moving to a virtual experience named iLandscape365 In March, when the world shut down, this seemed like the slimmest of possibilities. Most of us took a deep sigh of relief as the pandemic had narrowly missed the show in 2020. We figured the world was in for a rough six months, but setting aside our personal and political differences would allow for a cohesive and informed public health response. Well, maybe next pandemic. Months ago, the ILCA created an emergency plan for all of our events and educational offerings. iLandscape, our bell cow, loomed in the distance. The seven committees who work on iLandscape led most notably by the Experience and Education Committees began to ask pointed questions. As the weeks peeled off the calendar, the question pivoted from “if” to “when and how.” The good news is that we still had time to utilize ILCA’s most important asset — our organizational structure to prepare for a virtual experience. The Board of Directors gave the express direction that ILCA was not taking the year off. We would find and offer value to our members regardless of format. The day ILCA members wake up with every single one of their problems solved is the day we can rest. Staff, led by AnneMarie Drufke and Marissa Stubler began to research platforms as far back as May. Many of these companies were so overbooked they politely told us to try again next year. The world was in the midst of a virtual revolution and many of these tech companies didn’t have the platforms or technical staff to manage the overwhelming demand. Our committees shifted their mindset and also widened their gaze when it came to their programs. All of a sudden, virtual started to look like an opportunity given the quality of speakers we could add to our programs who could impart their knowledge in their pajamas. The real question came down to the venue. The Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center has been the greatest partner a show can have. They are constantly working with us to make our show better. Hotels and convention centers have been blasted by the pandemic. If anyone doubts a K-shaped recovery is occurring, I will have you speak to our contacts in hotels and banquets. Tradeshows aren’t just being paused in Illinois, they are being paused all over the world. The venue saw the handwriting on the wall and worked with us to move our contract to 2022 with no penalty. We have every intention to roar back in Schaumburg when we can and that party will be legendary. The Chairs of the Experience and Education Committees met with staff in early September to discuss the very real possibility of a virtual event. We were planning the event on two separate tracks, but now it was becoming clear an in-person event was going to be impossible under state guidelines. Not to mention, every single nursery and landscape show in the January and February timeframe was moving to virtual from Northern Green to MANTS to Landscape Ontario. As the Chairs talked, we worried that the iLandscape experience would be lost in an endless world of Zoom boxes. People come to
iLandscape to network, learn, see new products, have some laughs, and see how the show plans to top itself each year. For anyone who attends iLandscape knows that it never stops and very few details are missed. From artists to entertainers to magicians to industry luminaries to drinks to fun to games. There is an experience for everyone happening under one snowy roof. Can that same energy and experience be conveyed in a virtual platform? Instead of one experience, shared by thousands, happening under one roof, can that same experience be shared under thousands of roofs? One third of our audience attends the educational program at iLandscape. The transition to virtual was not only obvious, but presented advantages for that demographic. Even the most diehard educational attendees can still only see 11 classes scattered over 3 days. You know the diehards. They are the ones who bring their own coffee and a massive water jug. They are the first ones in the session rooms. They scurry around the educational kiosk to make the impossible choice on what session to attend next. They follow speakers to their cars and wait in long lines for author autographs. These are our people and we love their commitment to lifelong learning. Now, with a virtual event, these people can have it all. Instead of making the Sophie’s Choice between five competing sessions, they can watch everyone one of them and earn the CEUs. We feel virtual will actually improve the educational program and when iLandscape returns to live events, the ability to watch recorded sessions later is a very attractive feature. This is especially true when work and weather stifle our plans. Another amazing feature of recorded education is one we never think of — subtitles. Recorded content now has the ability to be immediately transcribed into subtitles. Yet here is the best part, these subtitles can be in Spanish. Now, for the first time ever, all of our English sessions will be able to be watched by a primarily Spanish-speaking audience. On top of that, we will also have sessions by native Spanish speakers. The amount of content for our Spanish speaking audience just octupled. The Experience Committee has a more challenging pivot. The tradeshow and all the trimmings was their baby. They need to find a way to deliver what most attendees come for — product and brand awareness coupled with networking. They normally spent months looking at keynotes, bands, entertainers, garden designs, and food and beverage menus. Their job was to create a unique and memorable experience for everyone who walked through the doors. So, when you start something new, it’s normally best to boil everything down to its essence. Then, we see if we can improve upon it in a virtual setting. The Experience Committee broke itself into subcommittees — like it always does — and these will examine daytime, happy hour, evening activities and vendor awareness. They will populate a schedule with the same engaging content and fun that iLandscape attendees have grown to expect. Never underestimate the creativity of the Experience Committee. After all, ten minutes after finally settling on the concept they immediately demanded more money in their budget. The one area that ILCA has always been lacking in is a vehicle for pure product and vendor-specific information. Landscape suppliers make the lives of landscape professionals easier and more profit-
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The Landscape Contractor November 2020
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From Where I Stand —
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able. Whether that is equipment, stone, materials, plants, insurance, or uniforms. The role of landscape suppliers is to solve problems for very busy, loyal, and overstretched professionals. That is why tradeshows are so valuable because they put all these vendors in one, well, actually two rooms. What ILCA has never had is a platform where pure vendor based communication can exist. We have a collection of events, our magazine, email blasts, social media, etc. However, we lack a home for yearlong product awareness that integrates with our current member services. In short, we are just too quiet for most of the year when professionals are desperate for information on new products. For example, when a nursery wants to release its spring catalog or a supplier wants to debut a new machine, they typically send communication to their customer base. The problem is that they only send it to their customer base. They aren’t reaching anyone new. The virtual platform allows our attendees and vendors to have a source to locate and learn about new products 365 days a year. Instead of a contractor having to visit eight websites and three showrooms, they can use the platform to make informed purchasing decisions, learn about new products, and make industry connections. This is why ILCA, the Board of Directors, the seven committees who work on the show, and the entire staff are thrilled to debut iLandscape365. It is a concept designed to outlive Covid-19. It is a virtual marketplace and content library that landscape professionals will have access to all year long. Almost every ILCA educational program has been lost to history. It exists in the moment and then disappears. Our memories fade, course materials and handouts get buried under the rest of our lives. That content now has a permanent home and can be revisited throughout the year. iLandscape still remains the annual event the Midwestern green industry looks forward to, iLandscape365 becomes the neural link between live events. When we came up with the original concept for iLandscape one cold winter back in 2013, we didn’t have anything more than a name, a logo, and a vision. With iLandscape365 we are so much further down the tracks. We have a tremendous committee and staff infrastructure. We have months of battlefield experience in the virtual space. We also have an audience that demands iLandscape is the best. We have an audience that will not settle for “just another virtual event.” That demand lights our fire and drives us. Covid-19 does not signal the death knell for tradeshows. If anything, it has increased the value of face-to-face gatherings. We need and miss them. We are jiu-jitsuing this challenge into an opportunity because we know no other way. We have been told once that our regional tradeshow was dead. Forgive me when I don’t believe that cliché a second time. As the trade show industry hibernates deep in its cave, these virtual events claw towards the light. One day, tradeshows will reawaken with force and power. Until then, it is our duty to continue to link buyers to sellers. It is our responsibility to inform, inspire, and to spark the imagination of this talented industry. No longer are we confined to a handful of weather dependent days at the beginning of February. Now, we have a vehicle that can last the entire year round. In a way, when it comes to iLandscape, I feel like we are just getting started.
Scott Grams Executive Director, ILCA October 26, 2020
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The Landscape Contractor November 2020
President’s Message — I know that it seems cliché to talk about being grateful when the holidays approach, but I beg to differ. Being the kind of person that draws from the insight, intelligence and fortitude of the people around me, I am overwhelmed by the need to give thanks. Some people might think of it as a necessary annual exercise. We get to Thanksgiving, we maybe send a card, we make the phone calls to relatives far away to pay our dues, we carve a turkey and eat too many mashed potatoes. I’ve done it myself. But think about it on a larger level. Gratefulness. I would recommend defining what that means to each and every one of you. For me, it is a roof over my head, a job that feeds my family, an amazing network of friends that support and teach me to be a better person daily, and more importantly improving the lives of those people that contribute to our company daily. What’s yours? Have you ever taken a moment out of your chaotic life to consider what you might be grateful for in your work environment? That’s a tough one. We as American’s, spend on average, 75% of our lives in the proverbial workplace. It’s a steep statistic to embrace. I grew up with the appreciation for the working class and therefore I try and live it daily. When I think about hard work, it brings up very vivid memories of my grandparents. They came here, didn’t speak the language, had limited opportunities, but never complained...ever. My grandmother told me through much prodding when I was older, she shared stories of when she took the train downtown Chicago to work in a seamstress sweatshop for $1 a day. They were awful to her because she was Italian. You’d think I could fill the magazine with the stories, but I couldn’t. She was brief with the horridness, that wasn’t her point. Her point was, persevere, appreciate what you have, your family, your health, and to my grandparents…finally becoming Americans. They had an immense appreciation for the opportunity to be here. Opportunity is what we try to provide, and when we find out that an employee’s child is going to college there is the gratitude. It might sound corny that this is what gives me the greatest joy. But it does. I feel as though I’m paying tribute, a debt so to speak to my grandparents that gave up so much, for our generation to thrive. That’s why I’m grateful. Happy Thanksgiving to all.
President
Donna Vignocchi Zych ILT Vignocchi, Inc. (847) 487-5200 dvignocchi@iltvignocchi.com
Vice-President
Scott McAdam, Jr. McAdam Landscaping, Inc. (708) 771-2299 Scottjr@mcadamlandscape.com
Secretary-Treasurer
Jeff Kramer Kramer Tree Specialists, Inc, (630) 293-5444 jwkramer@kramertree.com
Immediate Past President
Jose Garcia Natural Creations Landscaping, Inc. (815) 724-0991 info@naturalcreationslandscaping.com
Directors
Eric Adams Russo Power Equipment (847) 233-7811 eadams@russopower.com Jim Cirrincione Hinsdale Nurseries, Inc. (630) 323-1411 jcirrincione@hinsdalenurseries .com
Sincerely,
Donna Vignocchi Zych President, Illinois Landscape Contractors Association
Jennifer Fick Wilson Nurseries and Landscape Supply (847) 683-3700 jennf@wilsonnurseries.com Tom Klitzkie Nature’s Perspective Landscaping (847) 475-7917 tklitzkie@naturesperspective.com
Dean MacMorris Night Light, Inc. (630) 627-1111 dean@nightlightinc.net Kevin Manning K & D Enterprise Landscape Management, Inc. (815) 725-0758 kmanning@kdlandscapeinc.com Ashley Marrin Bret-Mar Landscape Management Group, Inc. (708) 301-8160 ashley@bretmarlandscape.com Mark Utendorf Emerald Lawn Care, Inc. (847) 392-7097 marku@emeraldlawncare.com
Sé que parece el cliché para hablar de estar agradecida cuando las vacaciones se acercan, pero no estoy de acuerdo. Siendo el tipo de persona que se inspira en la visión, inteligencia y fortaleza de la gente que me rodea, estoy abrumado por la necesidad de dar gracias a los que me rodean. Algunas personas podrían pensar en ello como un ejercicio anual necesario. Llegamos a Acción de Gracias, tal vez enviamos una tarjeta, hacemos las llamadas a familiares lejos para pagar nuestras cuotas, nos llevamos un pavo y comer mucho puré de papas. Lo he hecho yo misma. Pero piénsalo en un nivel más grande. Agradecimiento. Yo recomendaría definir lo que eso significa para todos y cada uno de ustedes. Para mí, es un techo sobre mi cabeza, un trabajo que alimenta a mi familia, una increíble red de amigos que me apoyan y me enseñan a ser una mejor persona a diario, y lo que es más importante mejorar la vida de aquellas personas que contribuyen a nuestra empresa a diario... ¿Cuál es el tuyo? ¿Alguna vez has tomado un momento de tu caótica vida para considerar lo que podrías estar agradecido en tu entorno de trabajo? Es difícil. Nosotros, como estadounidenses, gastamos en promedio el 75% de nuestras vidas en el lugar de trabajo pervertible. Es una estadística empinada para abrazar. Crecí con el aprecio por la clase trabajadora y por lo tanto trato de vivirla diariamente. Cuando pienso en el trabajo duro, trae recuerdos muy vívidos de mis abuelos. Vinieron aquí, no hablaban el idioma, tenían oportunidades limitadas, pero nunca se quejaron... Nunca. Mi abuela me contó a través de mucha insistencia cuando yo era mayor, ella compartió historias de cuando tomó el tren en el centro de Chicago para trabajar en un taller de costurera por $1 al día. Eran horribles para ella porque era italiana. Pensarías que podría llenar la revista con las historias, pero no pude. Era breve con la horrilidad, ese no era su punto. Su punto era, perseverar, apreciar lo que tienes, tu familia, tu salud, y a mis abuelos... finalmente convertirse en estadounidenses. Tuvieron un inmenso aprecio por la oportunidad de estar aquí. Oportunidad es lo que tratamos de proporcionar, y cuando descubrimos que el hijo de un empleado va a la universidad está la gratitud. Puede sonar cursi que esto es lo que me da la mayor alegría. Pero lo hace. Siento que estoy rindiendo homenaje, una deuda por así decirlo con mis abuelos que dieron tanto para que nuestra generación prospere. Por eso estoy agradecida. Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias a todos. The Landscape Contractor November 2020
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Bertrand Landscape • Monee The Best Backyard
The vision for our backyard project was to create an
outdoor space with the features and atmosphere of a resort for our clients to enjoy with their children, extended family and friends. Their priorities were an attractive and functional patio space for relaxing and entertaining around the pool and hot tub; shaded seating under a pool pavilion which would incorporate an outdoor fireplace; an outdoor kitchen with bar seating; and plantings which would provide additional privacy as well as seasonal color and interest. The porcelain tile patio, which was expanded beyond the original design, has ample space for accessing the pool and hot tub, basking in the sunshine, and playing with the kids. The rafters remain exposed as an architectural detail of the roofed cedar pool pavilion, which is wired for lighting and an outdoor television, while the seating in front of the fireplace invites conversation long into the evening. The brick and stone of the pavilion pillars, fireplace (which has storage areas for firewood), outdoor kitchen, and planter boxes echo the brick and limestone used for the exterior of
the house. The outdoor kitchen includes a 40-inch gas grill for preparing meals for the family, a refrigerator for cold drinks around the pool, a trash door for convenient disposal, and doors to access storage areas below the granite counter tops. Large evergreen trees give screening from the adjoining properties, and colorful annuals in the planter boxes enliven the corners of the patio and can be switched out for winter stems and greenery. Retaining walls built into the fireplace and planter box walls and along one side of the pool addressed the sloping portions of the yard. Drain pipes and careful grading improved the drainage. Irrigation in the planter boxes and in the yard keeps everything green and growing. Path lights and up lights below the trees complete the day-into-night entertaining space. The clients’ indoor living space extends into the backyard and gives them many more options for spending time with their children, hosting get-togethers with their extended family, reconnecting with friends, and enjoying the pleasures of resort life every day.
The Landscape Contractor November 2020
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Focus —Trees and the Future
Chicago Region Trees Initiative:
Tools for the Landscape Industry by Heather Prince
You may have seen their table at an industry
event or listened to one of their presentations, but how can the Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) benefit your operations and bottom line? We talked to Lydia Scott, Director, to find out what programs and initiatives CRTI offers that will assist the landscape industry as we navigate the challenges of the future, balance client desires, and educate our staff. Founded in 2014 as a joint effort between The Morton Arboretum and Openlands, CRTI is a regional collaborative effort to protect and improve the urban forest of the Chicago region. It includes all seven counties surrounding Chicago. Their mission is “to ensure that trees are healthier, more abundant, more diverse, and more equitably distributed to provide needed benefits to all people and communities that live in the Chicago Region.” As part of this effort, CRTI is creating actionable goals for amount of tree canopy cover, diversity of species, and management expertise, among others. To achieve these goals, they have developed inventories and assessments to establish a baseline to which future endeavors can be measured. They have determined what kinds of trees we have, their size, where they are distributed, and that gives us information as we move forward to what areas to target. You can visit the interactive canopy map on the CRTI website (chicagorti.org)
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and check out summaries as well as detailed assessments of Chicago neighborhoods, towns, and villages. One of the key aspects of the work of CRTI is education of homeowners, municipalities, green industry professionals, public land managers, and more. As part of their education efforts, they have developed the Healthy Brochure Series, three printed and online resources to inspire homeowners and help professionals improve the ecology of the urban forest. The first piece is the Healthy Hedges series. “Healthy Hedges is a list of trees and shrubs, both native and non that are good alternatives for folks. We suggest keeping a stack in the truck and have them to hand out to homeowners,” suggested Scott. “We produce printed pieces that educate without having to do a hard sell. It’s an easy way to pass information along that has been vetted by industry associations and institutions.” ILCA along with several nonprofit organizations and industry leaders helped develop these lists. The Healthy Hedges piece provides options for layering native shrubs, trees, grasses, perennials and groundcovers to create a rich privacy screen for four-season interest that feeds an abundance of wildlife. Then there are two Invasive Hedge and Screen Replacement Guides, one listing natives and one non-natives. “Oftentimes, (continued on page 12)
The Landscape Contractor November 2020
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Focus —Trees and the Future (continued from page 10) homeowners will turn to landscapers to ask what to plant, these pieces provide information and color photos to help inform and educate,” reported Scott. The second part of the Healthy Brochure series is the Healthy Home Landscapes piece. “Healthy Home Landscapes provides ways to reduce herbicides and pesticides, care for trees properly, plant natives, control stormwater, and more to be better stewards of your personal property,” said Scott. It gives concrete suggestions and reasons behind the recommended practices. The third piece in the series is nearly ready, called Healthy Habitats which deals with management for larger properties. “Healthy Habitats talks about prescribed fire, invasive plants, and creating canopy gaps for our oaks to regenerate. It’s designed to help homeowners improve their property.” One of the biggest challenges of the Chicago region is diversity of tree species. Invasive European buckthorn is the most abundant species according to the 2010 tree census. “Buckthorn is a huge problem. We are just finishing the 2020 tree census and it will be interesting to see the results and see what has happened to buckthorn.
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Will it have gone down or gone up? In 2010, red oak was the only oak to show up in the top species and it was only two percent. Buckthorn is number one. Ash, box elder, black cherry, and maple
are also in the top positions,” commented Scott. “Getting buckthorn out of our landscape creates winter work for contractors and removes this invasive plant. We can help educate consumers about removal and offer good replacement options for hedges and to create
The Landscape Contractor November 2020
privacy.” Figuring out the best trees to plant can be found via a valuable tool on CRTI’s partner institution, The Morton Arboretum’s website. The Tree Selector tool is an easy online form where you can choose from several options to describe your site, sunlight, soil, and desired characteristics. The selector then provides a list of possible tree species with detailed information about each one. “One of the messages we need to communicate is broader diversity. We ask that people increase tree diversity in their yards and neighborhoods. About 32 percent of our street trees are maple. We don’t want another catastrophic event like Dutch elm disease or emerald ash borer to race through killing trees. The Morton Arboretum tree selector is a good place to get suggestions for trees that do well in our area that are other species than maple,” commented Scott. Sometimes diversity is a tough sell when folks point at the neighbor across the street’s maple and ask for another one. “The key is asking questions of the homeowners about why they like that maple. Is it the fall color? The shape? Once you know that, you can plug it into the tree selector and see (continued on page 14)
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Focus —Trees and the Future (continued from page 12) what other options will have beautiful fall color, like maybe an oak,” suggested Scott. “Oaks are not regenerating in the wild,” stated Scott. “One of our key programs is the Oak Ecosystems Recovery Project. As we lose mature trees, it’s more important than ever to replant oak species in our urban forests.” Oak forests and savannah were once widespread through the region. “83 percent of all oaks here in the 1830s are gone. The old forests are broken into tiny fragments. If we can get neighbors to plant oaks, we can connect the dots between fragments and create wildlife corridors.” Through the OAKtober Oak Awareness Month, land manager summits, brochures, and presentations, CRTI is educating homeowners and professionals about the importance of oaks. You can also check out the Oak Connectivity Map for an interactive view of where past oak forests existed overlaid on today’s oak inventories in the region.
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Consider providing a site history for clients of what existed on their property in
the past. This can be a great way to communicate the importance of oaks or help
The Landscape Contractor November 2020
recreate some elements of past landscapes that resonate today. How do you get a good supply of a diversity of tree species? What nurseries can you turn to for stock? CRTI has a Nursery Tree Inventory that is updated twice a year with what several local nurseries carry. Organized by the common names of trees, there is also an interactive map of participating nurseries. Got a client sold on a less common species of tree? This is a great tool to help locate one. “We’d love landscapers to work with nurseries to get expanded species available. That’s where contract growing comes into play. It is secure income and supply for both installers and growers by reserving numbers of trees for future planting. We’ve been working with nurseries to get contract growing programs up and running. It works really well for municipalities, but it can work for contractors too. It means you can get the tree species you want dedicated for your use in the future. It eases the risk on nurseries and contractors,” recommended Scott.
long run as they are much less likely to fail in storm events, which we are likely to see increase with climate change,” recommended Scott. CRTI can help with educational resources if homeowners are reluctant to see the benefits of the expense. It’s also a way to build in more line items to maintenance contracts that benefits clients and landscapers. With the wealth of resources available through CRTI, it can be an easy way to build relationships with clients by providing education in accessible formats. It can reinforce your maintenance contracts and inform your client presentations with site history and species diversity recommendations. Best of all, “Ask us! We want to help! We’re glad to develop resources and communications pieces. We want to help educate for a more diverse, healthier, and resilient urban forest,” said Scott.
Now that you’ve secured the trees you and your clients want to plant, how do you plant them correctly? CRTI receives many questions about tree planting and maintenance. “Many times trees coming out of nurseries have buried root flares. People planting trees need to watch for this, remove that extra soil and make sure that the root flare is planted at grade, and the tree is mulched properly – no volcano mulching! It goes a long way towards having a healthy tree for many years,” observed Scott. The CRTI resources can be a good place to send your clients who have questions about tree planting practices as well as for materials to educate and train crews. We’ve learned about tree diversity, chosen some native species to plant, located the trees, and planted them correctly. What’s next? Maintenance. “We recommend that you do a maintenance prune at least every seven years to keep trees healthy and give them good structure. Maintained trees are cheaper in the
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Focus —Trees and the Future
Emerald Ash Borer:
Where Are We Now and
by Heather Prince
In the past decade we’ve grown accustomed to
either cutting down or treating ash trees as emerald ash borer (EAB) has swept through the Midwest, leaving devastation in its path. We’ve learned some important lessons on treatment and management in the process. Dr. Fredric Miller, Professor of Horticulture, Joliet Junior College and Senior ScientistEntomology, The Morton Arboretum gave an update at the Midwest Tree & Shrub Conference and there is good news! Through integrated chemical management, biological controls, and some minor host plant resistance, there is a light at the end of the tunnel in dealing with EAB. Chemical management includes insecticide applications, tree removal, and tree re-planting of a diversity of species. Biological control by exotic and native parasitoids and predators appears to be effective and a fungus that attacks adult beetles is being studied. Of our common species of ash, blue ash (Fraxinus quadrangulata) has demonstrated the most resistance, but EAB will still kill them. There is breeding work being done to develop EAB resistance in ash trees, but that program is several years in the future. Dr. Miller has been studying the effectiveness of EAB management strategies at a large test site in the western suburbs, using Green Valley Forest Preserve and environs to assess the efficacy of both chemical management and that of parasitoids. Presence of EAB was confirmed in 2008 and city-wide treatments were begun in 2009. In the program area, it was decided to start with an annual assessment of ash trees. Healthy trees would be treated with insecticides, rate and product type were determined by the tree’s size. Struggling trees were removed. “We have a 30 percent canopy threshold. If the canopy has more dieback than that, we recommend removing the tree. We also look at structure. Is the tree worth treating or not? Sometimes we recommend removal if it isn’t structurally sound. It’s not worth investing the money in the treatments. In this community, we culled the herd and removed poor treatment targets. They’ve seen a dramatic drop in the trees needing removal in the past couple of years. You get to where you can manage removals without being overwhelmed,” reported Miller. “The goal is not necessarily to save every ash tree, but only those that are worth the investment. A gradual reduction in your ash inventory is much more manageable than getting hit all at once with 16
large number of ash trees that are dead and dying. We have seen that dead ash trees do not really hold together very well and can become a major hazard, so timely tree removal is very important.” Lastly, removed trees were replaced with a diverse set of other species to lessen the chances of devastating losses occurring if another pest, such as Asian longhorned beetle arrives. About 2011 through 2014, the EAB population soared and ashes came down across the Chicago region. “At the beginning there was skepticism about treating trees and inconsistency in recommendations. Once we started getting consistent treatment results, we realized we can indeed protect trees,” commented Miller. Both imidacloprid and emamectin benzoate have proved effective insecticides, enabling trees to survive an EAB infestation. The program area has seen about 80 percent ash tree survival since 2012. “You always have a few patients not respond to treatment. We knew we’d lose a few,” observed Miller. However, treating trees proved much more cost-effective than removal. On average, they found that treatment costs about $30 per tree whereas removal ran about $745 per tree. Keeping trees also had environmental benefits as they absorb storm water, provide cooling shade, create shelter for wildlife, and more.
Preventative treatments
The Landscape Contractor November 2020
What’s Next? Miller’s research has demonstrated a steep reduction in EAB populations due to trees being treated or removed. At this point in his program, the community is considering moving some trees to a longer treatment schedule or taking some off treatment and keeping them monitored. “I’m pretty confident that for the area around and adjoining Green Valley, the EAB population has crashed. We’re going to have to continually monitor. If the parasitoids do a good job, we may see the numbers stay flat, which is what we want. We’ve taken a number of trees off treatment. So far, everything is holding up. There’s a few here and there, but overall it looks good,” reported Miller.
found that Tetrastichus and some Spathis established well and started to spread the first year of release. Within three years, a robust colony had formed and was doing their job of attacking EAB. Within the study areas, the insects are working in concert with treatment of trees to ensure a twopronged strategy to eliminate EAB. The parasitoids have been so successful that they are beginning to take trees off treatment since EAB numbers have been dropped off. “The key is that these predators have become established and are dispersing,” reported Miller. “The polar vortex of 2019 dealt them a blow, but we are seeing a rebound of populations this summer in 2020.” In the study area, numbers of EAB larvae have fallen to a point that statistically, the population has crashed, which means a good chance of them not having enough of a population to recover and re-infest trees. There are a handful of native parasitoids and other non-specific EAB predators doing their part. “We can’t discount woodpecker activity, either,” commented Miller. “Between the insecticides, the parasitoids, and woodpeckers, we’ve really seen EAB knocked down.”
Tetrastichus planipennisi When EAB first hit in Michigan, APHIS went to China, Japan, and Korea, the countries of origin, to see what kind of native predators kept the beetle in control in its native environment. They found three species of parasitoid wasps, gregarious larval ecto-parasitoid (Spathis galinae), gregarious larval endo-parasitoid (Tetrastichus planipennisi) and solitary egg parasitoid (Oobius agrili) that preyed on EAB in its larval and egg stages. Spathis lays its eggs on the outside of EAB larvae, while Tetrastichus lays its eggs within them and Oobius lays eggs on the beetle eggs. These insects were highly vetted before release and are specialists to EAB. They do not predate on other beetle species. Miller’s program
Spathius galinae Going forward as arborists and landscapers explore the possibilities of reducing insecticide treatments on trees, Miller recommends a highly monitored program. “Every (continued on page 18) The Landscape Contractor 17 November 2020
Focus —Trees and the Future (continued from page 17) arborist or landscaper is going to have to go on a case by case basis. Look at the tree’s treatment history. Look at the neighborhood and what trees exist and what’s newly planted nearby. If we bring the EAB population low enough, trees can fight it off. Then we can treat as needed instead of using broad spectrum insecticides,” commented Miller. “We have to get out and see what’s going on and base decisions on that. Take the time to look and examine. We have two ash trees at Joliet Junior College that we’ve been treating. They are the only two left and they look pretty good. With most EAB gone in the area, we may skip a year since all the other ash trees around them are also gone.” However, “If you are in a community that didn’t treat or next door to one, you’re fighting the fire.” Each community is different and has different resource levels. Ash trees on private property are also an important factor as you evaluate a treatment plan.
Are they being treated as well? “You can always put trees back on treatment if need be. It can be a very fluid program. You can go back and forth as needed,” said Miller. “We’re not taking thousands of trees off treatment yet. It’ll be a gradual process.” As EAB populations crash through the area, it will likely not be eliminated completely. “For example, we lost all the European white birch trees to bronze birch borer. It’s still out there floating around, but you don’t see high levels because we stopped planting the host trees. EAB will be out there in low levels. It took six to seven years to see measurable impact. We’ll probably see green ash and white ash able to fight it off as EAB populations lower. We may have to treat, but it will be as needed,” commented Miller. The treatment process is also going better than expected. “We’re there sooner that I thought. We expected about a decade. The community had planned out for the next 20 years, but in eight or
nine, we’re taking trees off treatment.” If EAB treatment is a key component of your bottom line, it may make sense to broaden your list of services for future planning. “You can still do fertilization and pruning, even if EAB treatments aren’t necessary,” said Miller. A common question that pops up with discussion around EAB is its possible feeding on other species in the same plant family as ash. “Fringtree (Chionanthus sp.) is not a primary host. If you’re in a neighborhood treating for EAB or that has no other ash, I wouldn’t worry about it. I don’t expect fringetree to reach levels of popularity like ash and although it might feed on them, it may kill a branch or one trunk, but not the entire tree. We looked at privet, black walnut, elms, also and there’s not much EAB activity. It has been shown to impact common olive in California, which could be an issue,” reported Miller. Miller’s labs examined elms, while Deborah McCullough, professor of forest entomology, and her col-
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The Landscape Contractor November 2020
leagues at Michigan State University tested others. As experts have studied possible ash hybridization to create new trees resistant to EAB, the goal has been to break the life cycle of the insect so they can’t reproduce. Some Asian species of ash have been found where the larvae may feed, but a chemical manufactured by the trees halts their development past a certain point. There may be some damage to the phloem, but not enough to cause tree death. “It’s going to take many years, maybe decades before we can have resistant trees in the trade, but it’s certainly worth considering in the long run,” said Miller. The coordinated efforts of experts, landscapers, and municipalities using multiple approaches has allowed the region to get a grip on controlling this devastating insect pest. However, there is great concern for the urban forest as increasing numbers of maples have been planted to replace ash. What’s coming that might consume maples? “The most common street tree is maples, at about 40 percent of the urban forest. If Asian long horned beetle comes back in, it will have a huge impact. There is an active infestation in Ohio. At least with ALB it’s easy to spot and we know neonics are effective,” observed Miller. As we continue to plant trees, species diversity is of even greater importance as we face the roller coaster of climate change and the potential of new insect pests.
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Amsonia — A Blue Star in the Perennial Garden Garden Speak — Practical Plant Evaluations
by Nina A. Koziol
When it comes to perennials,
Amsonia (bluestar) is a good-looking workhorse that puts on a show from early spring through fall. Grown in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, amsonia’s ornamental merits include great foliage, starlike blue flowers, good fall color, hardiness, and good resistance to disease and pests, including rabbits and deer. Richard Hawke, plant evaluation manager at the Chicago Botanic Garden, has examined their characteristics for more than two decades. His plant evaluations are conducted over a long-term period
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— four years for perennials, six years for shrubs and vines and seven to 10 years for trees. (If you haven’t see the trial gardens, put it on your to-do list.) “We observe and review them over a long period so we can say with fair certainty how the plant performs for us,” Hawke said. When he first evaluated amsonias in the late 1990’s, only a few were available or commonly grown. “They were typically viewed as native plants,” Hawke said. “Fast forward over 20 years and there are many more selections available. It’s more important than
The Landscape Contractor November 2020
ever to see how they differ and which are the best performers. I love the group because of their spring flower show, attractive leaves and habits throughout the summer, and the strong fall color that many have.” Since his 2002 report, Hawke has examined many new amsonia cultivars, including ‘Verdant Venture,’ developed by Jim Ault, director of ornamental plant research at the Chicago Botanic Garden (which should be available in 2022). Hawke recently shared his insights about this illustrious genus.
We don’t see a lot of Amsonia in home gardens. Why should landscapers give them another look? The large plant size (44-50” x 50-54”) of A. tabernaemontana and A. hubrichtii are likely reasons. Many of the newer cultivars have been selected for reduced plant sizes, which are easier to use in smaller landscapes than full-sized amsonias. The shorter selections (typically under 32” tall) that are easier to incorporate in home gardens include ‘Blue Ice’, A. tabernaemontana ‘Fontana’, ‘Short Stop’, ‘Storm Cloud’, ‘First Hit’, and ‘Verdant Venture’.
As far as perennials go, how would you rate Amsonia’s bloom period and fall color? There isn’t anything quite like the floral show of bluestars in spring to early summer. Plants are quite stunning in full bloom. The fall color varies between selections and like all plants is affected by seasonal conditions. Many have good fall color–A. hubrichtii (golden yelloworange), ‘Lemon Drop’ (bright yellow), ‘Butterscotch’ (tawny golden yellow), ‘Fontana,’ ‘Midway to Montana’ and ‘Halfway to Arkansas’ (yellow). Do they have any problems? The only downside is that new stem growth begins before the flowers have passed, so part of the flower show ends up within the plants rather than at the tips, where it started. (Fall chlorosis was noted at times on Arkansas (A. hubrichtii) and fringed bluestars (A. ciliata) during the trial.)
What type of maintenance do you recommend landscapers perform on amsonia? Amsonias are easy-care plants. All that’s needed each year is to cut plants to the base in late fall or early spring. The larger cultivars can be cut back by half after flowering to reduce height, if desired. Deadheading is not required because flowers fall cleanly and new growth covers up the skeletons of the flower heads. What other perennials would you recommend as plant partners? Ornamental grasses such as molinia, little blue stem and big blue stem; wood sage (Salvia nemorosa cultivars), Phlox paniculata, asters, lamb’s ears, Eupatorium, and perennial geraniums. What are your favorite top three amsonia cultivars? Right now, my favorites are Amsonia tabernaemontana ‘Fontana,’ ‘Blue Ice,’ and A. ciliata var. tenuifolia ‘Verdant Venture.’ (continued on page 22)
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Garden Speak — Practical Plant Evaluations (continued from page 21)
Hawke’s Top Trial Performers: ‘Blue Ice’
‘First Hit’
A release from Brent Horvath of Intrinsic Perennial Gardens in Hebron, Ill., this one is part of his “baseball” series of bluestars. Two years into the trial, Hawke said the plant showed great promise. Glossy dark green leaves turn a pleasing yellow in fall on compact 24-inch-tall plants.
‘Lemon Drop’
Unlike other bluestars this one is rhizomatous and reaches 20 inches tall. It features deep lavender-blue flowers and the broadest petals of any bluestar. There is some question about the plant’s parentage, with some saying it may be a selection of A. orientalis (aka Rhazya orientalis), a non-native perennial.
‘Butterscotch’
This amsonia has bright, lemon-yellow fall color and a tight, dense habit with soft feathery leaves. Dark lavenderblue flowers open in late spring on plants that reach four feet tall and more than five feet wide.
“Midway to Montana’
Plantsman John Wachter of Elite Growers in Ingleside, Ill., introduced this amsonia. Butterscotch describes the rich, golden-yellow fall color of the threadlike leaves. The plant is beefy—48 inches tall and 64 inches wide within a few years.
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During the evaluation, plants reached 45 inches tall and 72 inches wide, Hawke calls it one of a handful of excellent hybrid bluestars. In late spring, pale blue flowers expand from sky blue buds.
The Landscape Contractor November 2020
Garden Speak — Practical Plant Evaluations ‘Halfway to Arkansas’
‘Storm Cloud’
Flower color is a very pale blue on plants that are 48 inches tall by 70 inches wide. Blooms mid-to-late spring and fall color is yellow. Near-black stems are topped with periwinkle blue flowers on plants that feature broad, dark green leaves. After two years in the trial, the plant habit was vase-shaped to 20 inches tall and 22 inches wide, but is said to become more round and broad with age.
‘Short Stop’
This was the first introduction in Brent Horvath’s Baseball(™) series. Hawke notes that it looks like a compact version of ‘Fontana’ with similarly dark purple stems on a petite plant that maxes out at 24 inches tall and 36 inches wide.
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A. hubrichtii
Pale blue flowers appear in late spring to early summer on plants that eventually reach 44 inches tall by 50 inches wide. Fall color is a golden yello.
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A. illustris Called “shining bluestar,” this amsonia has shiny leathery leaves and abundance of small pale blue flowers that appear for several weeks beginning in late spring.
A. tabernaemontana ‘Fontana’ At 32 inches tall, ‘Fontana’ is shorter than the species but has the broad, vase-shaped habit. Flowers are dark blue and fall color is yellow. Pale blue flowers are produced in late spring to early summer on plants that reach 50 inches tall and 54 inches wide. Fall color is yellow.
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Focus — Landscapes
& Architecture
Bungalows and Their Nina A. Koziol
Bungalow.
Say the word to any Chicagoan and they know what it means. The squatty, solid brick Chicago bungalow is a salt-of-the-earth structure, a no-nonsense architectural mix of Prairie School style and the Arts and Crafts movement. “There are all kinds of bungalows and craftsman cottages and the terms are sometimes used interchangeably,” said landscape architect Scott Mehaffey. “The classic Chicago bungalow is brick, some with clay tile roofs,
some have dormers and some are ‘jumbo’ bungalows.” And, they are found in suburbs and towns well beyond Chicago. Bungalows designed in the Craftsman style may have wood clapboard siding and exposed roof rafters. Others designed in the Prairie style may have wide eaves and stucco cladding. They are typically a story-and-a-half tall with a gently pitched gable or hip roof, a dormer and partial or full front porches. All of them are common in cities, towns and
Gardens rural areas throughout the Midwest. Some bungalows were sold through the catalogs of Sears, Wards, Aladdin and others as prefabricated kits from about 1908 to 1940. The kits included everything needed to build the house: instructions, lumber, nails, flooring, roofing, bathroom fixtures and plumbing. Some prefabricated walls of Sears bungalows came from the factory with wooden window boxes and brackets already attached.
Got Garden?
In garden books and magazines of the 1920s, the bungalow garden was an intimate outdoor room—an extension of the house with seating that provided places to read, eat and socialize. Some porches feature half-pillars that were intended for plant pots. Others had arbors and trellises adorned with climbing roses and clematis as well as irises and (continued on page 28)
Focus — Landscapes
& Architecture (continued from page 27) peonies in planting beds. Some featured pergolas and rand om stepping stones that led through the garden. Today, in urban areas, these homes sit on narrow lots and typically feature a plot of grass in the back that’s edged with a ribbon of sidewalk to the garage and alley and a narrow planting bed along the fence. You know this look: tired evergreens along the front foundations, left to creep up and over the windowsills. Some of these aging shrubs get weekly summer haircuts, painstakingly trimmed into balls, cones, cubes and things that resemble a double helix. But, there’s so much more that can be done with these charming spaces. According to Mehaffey, bungalow gardens today can embrace perennials reminiscent of an Arts and Crafts-era border—tall hardy phlox, peonies, bearded and dwarf iris, lilies, asters, butterfly bush, Joe Pye weed, anemone, lady’s mantle, day lilies, salvia and liatris. Take advantage of window boxes and containers. Some Chicago bungalows have limestone brackets for window boxes. Look at the bungalow’s color and material—whether it is brick, stucco or wood, and let that dictate the color and material of the planters and even the plants. Chicago Bungalow Garden Makeover Tim Lally of Timothy Lally Design in Chicago gave new life to a brick Chicago bungalow. “The couple with two young children were not experienced gardeners, but had a lot of excitement about learning how to garden,” Lally said. “They were open to new ideas and wanted to do things the right way. They appreciated the history of the bungalow’s connection to the landscape and the quality of the handcrafted details in their home. We wanted to extend that level of quality into the landscape.” Lally selected handmade tiles for the pressed limestone window boxes. (Artistic tiles are a key feature in many bungalows—used inside and out.) Another tile is displayed over a custom made arch and gate that matches a detail on the front door. “We wanted to use natural materials as much as possible.” The clients were open to replacing the front lawn with pollinator-attracting perennials, as well as grasses and shrubs. “We used as many native plants as possible, including a serviceberry, which the children loved because of the berries for their cereal.” The clients used the garden as a way to teach their children about nature, and the maintenance of the garden was a family affair. Lally enjoyed working on the project so much that he bought a bungalow two years ago. “It’s a brick bungalow with a plaque stating it is a certified Chicago Bungalow. It’s in Portage Park on a 35-foot-wide lot. There wasn’t much landscape to renovate, mostly lawn.” He removed the lawn in back and installed a bluestone chip patio. “I now have a vegetable garden, herb garden and an area for perennials. In the gangway, I also eliminated the lawn and am planting as many natives as possible. It’s been fun.”
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A Suburban Makeover Landscape architects Mary and Keith Allen bought their Craftsmanstyle wood bungalow in St. Charles in 1987. “It was our starter home,” Mary said. “We were looking for a fixer upper.” They’ve been there ever since and slowly renovated the entire house and landscape. They installed a large pond off their deck along with sweeping beds of perennials, annuals and shrubs in their L-shaped backyard. “I don’t think of it as a bungalow garden,” Mary said. But a bungalow garden it is with coneflowers, irises, coreopsis, alliums, phlox, native grasses, black-eyed Susans, bee balm, day lilies, some old roses and scores of annuals that give it a controlled cottage garden look. An arbor leads through a sweeping shade garden of hostas, sedges, corydalis, pulmonaria and coleus into a sun-filled outdoor room with a large wooden pergola as a destination and an antique tiered fountain that is planted with succulents. They replaced their front landscape with an extensive paver entryway, pots, perennials and a shade tree. “Back in the day it was junipers and yews,” Keith said. In the spirit of bungalow gardens, they have created several seating areas and the garden is viewed from the screened porch and deck. “The outside of our home truly is an extension of our living space,” Mary said. “Even before it was appropriate to socially distance, we had plenty of room to entertain.” Rather than use heirloom shrubs that were popular in the 1920s, such as enormous bridal wreath spirea and mock orange, Mary selects newer varieties for more compact size, longer bloom and disease resistance. “We have a dozen hydrangeas, including panicles, oakleaf and arborescens and we are adding more.” The overall design honors the marriage of house and garden as was popular with these homes. (continued on page 30)
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Focus — Landscapes (contnued from page )29 Foundation Plantings According to Mehaffey, few photos taken before 1940 show extensive foundation plantings. “Maybe a bridal wreath spirea next to the front steps to give a
& Architecture
little separation from the neighbors, and some ostrich ferns in the narrow strip between houses,” he explained. “In the backyard you might find an American Beauty or Three Sisters climbing rose on a trellis, some garden phlox, daisies—maybe some delphiniums if someone was a gardener. Four O-Clocks, zinnias, snapdragons and other old-fashioned annuals, maybe a small vegetable patch alongside the garage and a clothesline.” Hardscape Although bungalows did not have decks when they were first built, many had porches and small patios or paved seat-
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ing areas. “These were sometimes away from the house rather than adjoining it, as we typically think of,” Mehaffey said. “There were arbors and tree-seats made for cozy spots in the garden, and you might have a swing or sandbox or a playhouse for the kiddies. Rustic pole structures, chairs and benches were sometimes made of our local Eastern red cedar—sometimes the bark was peeled, sometimes not. Canvas awnings and sling-back chairs, planter boxes, wind chimes, weathered concrete birdbaths and birdhouses, pebble-mosaic pots, pretty shells and rocks collected at the beach or on family trips—bungalow gardens were more high-touch than high style.”
Resources Chicago Bungalow Assn. https://www. chicagobungalow.org American Bungalow Magazine https:// www.americanbungalow.com Outside the Bungalow: America’s Arts and Crafts Garden, Paul Duchscherer, Penguin Studio, 1999 Grow Some History: All-America Selection Winners: https://all-americaselections.org/grow-some-history-with-aaswinners/
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Focus — Landscapes
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& Architecture
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New ILCA Board Member —
Tom Klitzkie — Nature’s Perspective Landscaping by Meta Levin Tom Klitzkie’s rise to the ILCA Board of Directors is bringing things full circle. In 1984, five years after he and his wife started Nature’s Perspective Landscaping in Evanston, IL, they joined ILCA in part to take advantage of education and more experienced members’ advice. “It’s been invaluable,” says Klitzkie. He remembers early on attending a winter seminar and listening as others talked about their experiences. “Everyone shared information.” Now Klitzkie is among the veteran ILCA members, steeped in more than 40 years of experience and willing and able to not only share information with younger, less knowledgeable members, but also continuing to learn himself. “When I have a question that I can’t figure out, I call ILCA,” he says. “That’s the greatest thing about ILCA; there’s a collegial atmosphere. If we find someone who has been through the same thing, we help each other.” So, when past ILCA president Tom Lupfer nominated him for the board, Klitzkie said he was ready to give back. “I think that I can bring something to the table,” he says. “I have a lot of experience.” Both Klitzkie and his wife, Barbara Schwarz, have degrees in horticulture, he from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and she from Ohio State. They met as interns at the Chicago Botanic Garden when Francis DeVos hinted that they ought to get to know each other. DeVos had known Schwarz for several years, since she became their first high school volunteer. After graduation Kitzkie became the grounds manager for the Bahai Temple in Wilmette. Schwarz was the plant information officer at the Chicago 34
Tom Klitzkie
Botanic Garden. They combined their talents, starting Nature’s Perspective Landscaping, at first working on the weekends and finally deciding to go full time. They have grown the company to 46 full time seasonal employees and a staff of 14 year around designers and support personnel, many of whom have volunteered with ILCA in various capacities. That includes their two sons, Paul, who is the company’s general manager, and Ben, who is the maintenance manager. Schwarz, now the company’s vice president, also served on the ILCA Sustainable Landscaping Committee. In addition to ILCA, Klitzkie is a steward for Perkins Woods in Evanston, IL, a part of the Cook County Forest Preserve District, where he leads other volunteers in various activities, including landscape restoration; eliminating buckthorn and other invasive plants. He also works to help encourage the growth of different flora. “I enjoy doing it,” he says. Klitzkie also is a member of the Evanston Environmental Board, where The Landscape Contractor November 2020
he works on environmental issues. Every weekend, he and his wife work in their backyard, which he considers “having a good time.” In their free time, they enjoy exploring the area, walking around, looking at the interplay of architecture and landscaping. They also enjoy traveling, taking photographs and visiting new places. Now, however, they have two grandchildren living nearby, and that is the focus of their free time. Their son, daughter-in-law and the grandchildren used to live in Key Largo, Florida. Klitzkie is happy to now have them nearby. For now, Klitzkie has no specific goals for his time on the ILCA board. Instead, he plans to listen and learn. He already has gone through the packet of material ILCA Executive Director Scott Grams sent him. “I want to help wherever I can,” he says. “I don’t see any deficiencies.” Klitzkie is following some advice his father gave him. “Later in life he said that he’d rather wear out than rust out,” he says. “It’s truer today than ever.”
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10/7/20 1:22 PM
Barrenador verde-esmeralda del fresno: Por Heather Prince
¿Dónde estamos y qué
En la última década nos hemos acostumbrado a cortar o
tratar fresnos mientras el barrenador verde-esmeralda del fresno (EAB, por sus siglas en inglés) arrasa por el Medio Oeste, dejando devastación a su paso. En el proceso, hemos aprendido algunas lecciones importantes sobre tratamiento y control. El Dr. Fredric Miller, Profesor de Horticultura en el Joliet Junior College y CientíficoEntomólogo Sénior del Arboreto Morton dio una actualización en la Conferencia sobre Árboles y Arbustos del Medio Oeste… ¡y hay buenas noticias! Mediante el control químico integrado, los controles biológicos y alguna resistencia menor de plantas hospedantes, hay una luz al final del túnel en el control del EAB. El control químico incluye aplicaciones de insecticidas, remoción de árboles y replantación de árboles de una diversidad de especies. El control biológico por parasitoides y depredadores exóticos y nativos parece ser eficaz y se estudia un hongo que ataca escarabajos adultos. De nuestras Preventative treatments especies comunes de fresnos, el fresno azul (Fraxinus quadrangulata) ha demostrado ser el más resistente, pero el EAB lo puede aniquilar. Se está realizando trabajo de cría para desarrollar resistencia al EAB en los fresnos, pero ese programa está varios años en el futuro. El Dr. Miller ha estado estudiando la eficacia de las estrategias de control del EAB en un centro de pruebas grande en los suburbios del oeste, utilizando la Reserva Forestal del Valle Verde y sus alrededores para evaluar la eficacia tanto del control químico como de los parasitoides. En 2008 se confirmó la presencia del EAB y en 2009 se iniciaron tratamientos por toda la ciudad. En el área del programa, se decidió comenzar con una evaluación anual de los fresnos. Los árboles sanos serían tratados con insecticidas, la clasificación y el tipo de producto se determinaron por el tamaño del árbol. Los árboles problemáticos fueron removidos. “Contamos con un 30 por cientos de umbral de dosel. Si el dosel tiene un porcentaje de secamiento descendente más elevado, The Landscape 36 November
recomendamos remover el árbol. También vemos la estructura. ¿Vale o no la pena tratar el árbol? Algunas veces recomendamos la remoción del árbol, si no está estructuralmente sano. No vale la pena invertir dinero en los tratamientos. En esta comunidad, sacrificamos la manada y removimos los objetivos de tratamiento deficientes. En los últimos dos años, se ha visto una caída considerable en el número de árboles que necesitan ser removidos. Se llega al punto en el que se controlan las remociones sin abrumarse”, informó Miller. “La meta no es necesariamente salvar todos los fresnos, sino únicamente aquellos respecto a los cuales vale la pena la inversión. Una reducción gradual en su inventario de fresnos es mucho más gestionable que ser impactado de una sola vez con un gran número de fresnos muertos o a punto de morir. Hemos visto que los fresnos muertos realmente no se mantienen unidos bien y se pueden convertir en un gran peligro, por lo que la remoción oportuna de árboles es muy importante”. Por último, se reemplazaron los árboles removidos por un conjunto diverso de otras especies para reducir las posibilidades de pérdidas por devastación si apareciese otra plaga, como el escarabajo asiático de cuernos largos. Alrededor de 2011 hasta 2014, la población del EAB aumentó y los fresnos disminuyeron por la región de Chicago. “Al comienzo hubo escepticismo sobre el tratamiento de árboles e inconsistencia en las recomendaciones. Una vez que comenzamos a obtener resultados consistentes de los tratamientos, nos dimos cuenta que podemos realmente proteger los árboles”, comentó Miller. Tanto el imidacloprid y el benzoato de emamectina demostraron ser insecticidas eficaces, permitiendo a los árboles sobrevivir una infestación del EAB. Desde 2021, el área del programa ha experimentado alrededor de un 80 por ciento de sobrevivencia de fresnos. “Siempre hay unos cuantos pacientes que no responden al tratamiento. Sabíamos que perderíamos unos cuantos”, observó Miller. No obstante, tratar los árboles resultó mucho Contractor 2020
Mejores Plantas, Mejor Servicio Y Mejor Selección.
más económico que removerlos. En promedio, encontraron que el tratamiento cuesta alrededor de $30 por árbol, mientras que la remoción cuesta alrededor de $745 por árbol. Conservar los árboles produjo también beneficios ambientales debido a que absorben las aguas pluviales, proporcionan sombra refrescante, crean refugios para la fauna y más. Las investigaciones de Miller han demostrado una marcada reducción en las poblaciones del EAB debido a que los árboles están siendo tratados o removidos. En esta etapa de su programa, la comunidad está pensando en pasar algunos árboles a un programa de tratamiento más prolongado o descontinuar el tratamiento de otros y mantenerlos monitoreados. “Estoy bastante seguro de que en el área alrededor y junto al Valle Verde, la población del EAB ha descendido. Tendremos que seguir monitoreando continuamente. Si los parasitoides hacen un buen trabajo, las cifras podrían permanecer planas, que es lo que deseamos. Hemos descontinuado el tratamiento de varios árboles. Hasta hora,
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TODOS JUNTOS MEJOR. todo está dando resultados. Hay unos cuantos problemas aquí y allá, pero en conjunto todo luce bien”, informó Miller. Cuando el EAB impactó primero en Michigan, el APHIS (Servicio de inspección sanitaria de plantas y animales) fue a China, Japón y Corea, los países de origen, para ver qué clase de depredadores nativos mantuvieron a los escarabajos bajo control en su entorno nativo. Encontraron tres especies de avispas
parasitoides, ectoparasitoide larval gregario (Spathis galinae), endoparasitoide larval gregario (Tetrastichus planipennisi) y parasitoide solitario de huevo (Oobius agrili) que atacan el EAB en sus estadios larval y de huevo. Spathis pone sus huevos en la parte exterior de las larvas del EAB, mientras que el Tetrastichus pone sus huevos dentro de ellos y Oobius pone huevos en los huevos del escarabajo. Estos insectos (continúa en la página 18)
Spathius galinae Tetrastichus planipennisi
Spathius galinae The Landscape Contractor November 2020
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(Viene de la página 17) fueron examinados minuciosamente antes de ser liberados y son específicos del EAB. No preceden a otras especies de escarabajos. El programa de Miller encontró que Tetrastichus y algunos Spathis se establecieron bien y comenzaron a esparcirse el primer año de su liberación. En el término de tres años, se había formado una colonia robusta que estaba haciendo bien su trabajo de atacar al EAB. Dentro de las áreas del estudio, los insectos están trabajando en concierto con el tratamiento de árboles para asegurar una estrategia de dos puntas para eliminar el EAB. Los parasitoides han tenido tanto éxito que están comenzando a retirar árboles del tratamiento debido a que los números del EAB han descendido. “La clave es que estos depredadores se han establecido y se están dispersando”, informó Miller. “El vórtice polar de 2019 les dio un golpe, pero este verano de 2020 estamos viendo un rebote de poblaciones en 2020”. En el área del estudio, los números de larvas de EAB han descendido a un punto en el cual estadísticamente, la población se ha derrumbado, lo que representa una buena posibilidad de que no alcance una población lo suficientemente grande como para recuperarse y re-infestar los árboles. Están haciendo su parte un puñado de parasitoides nativos y otros depredadores no específicos del EAB. “Tampoco podemos descontar la actividad del pájaro carpintero”, comentó Miller. “Entre los insecticidas, los parasitoides y pájaros carpinteros, hemos realmente visto al EAB derribado”. Avanzando mientras los arboricultores y paisajistas exploran las posibilidades de reducir los tratamientos de árboles con insecticidas, Miller recomienda un programa altamente monitoreado. “Todos los arboricultores o paisajistas tendrán que proceder caso por caso. Ver el historial de tratamiento del árbol. Ver el vecindario y qué árboles existen y qué se ha plantado recientemente en los alrededores. Si reducimos la población del EAB a un nivel lo suficientemente bajo, los árboles pueden combatirlo. Entonces podemos tratar árboles según sea necesario en lugar de utilizar insecticidas de amplio espectro”, comentó Miller. “Tenemos que salir y ver lo que está sucediendo y tomar decisiones en base a eso. Dedicar tiempo a ver y examinar. En Joliet Junior College hemos estado tratando dos fresnos. Son los únicos que quedan y lucen muy bien. Habiendo desaparecido del área gran parte del EAB, podríamos saltarnos un año debido a que todos los otros fresnos alrededor de estos dos han desaparecido también”. No obstante, “Si usted está en una comunidad que no realizó tratamientos o cerca de una, usted está combatiendo el fuego”. Cada comunidad es diferente y tiene diferentes niveles de recursos. Los fresnos en propiedad privada son también un factor importante al evaluar un plan de tratamiento. ¿Están siendo tratados también? “Usted siempre puede poner de nuevo en tratamiento los árboles si fuese necesario. Puede 38
ser un programa muy fluido. Usted puede retroceder y avanzar, según sea necesario”, aseguró Miller. “Todavía no estamos retirando millares de árboles del tratamiento. Será un proceso gradual”. Si bien las poblaciones de EAB disminuyen en el área, probablemente no será eliminado completamente. “Por ejemplo, perdimos todos los abedules blancos europeos debido al barrenador bronceado del abedul. Sigue ahí flotando, pero no se ven altos niveles porque dejamos de plantar los árboles hospedantes. Habrá bajos niveles de EAB. Tomó de seis a siete años ver un impacto mensurable. Probablemente veremos fresnos verdes y fresnos blancos capaces de combatir el EAB, a medida que la población de éste se reduce. Podríamos tener que aplicar tratamiento, pero será cuando sea necesario”, comentó Miller. El proceso de tratamiento también está funcionando mejor que lo esperado. “Llegamos a este punto antes de lo que yo esperaba. Esperábamos que eso ocurriera en aproximadamente una década. La comunidad ha planificado para los próximos 20 años, pero en ocho o nueve, estaremos retirando árboles del tratamiento”. Si el tratamiento del EAB es un componente clave de su balance final, podría tener sentido ampliar su lista de servicios para futuras planificaciones. “Podrá realizar fertilizaciones y poda, aunque los tratamientos del EAB no sean necesarios”, dijo Miller. Una pregunta frecuente que surge en las discusiones sobre el EAB es si es posible alimentarse de otras especies en la misma familia de plantas del fresno. “El laurel de nieve (Chionanthus sp.) no es un hospedante primario. Si usted se encuentra en un vecindario aplicando tratamiento para EAB o que no tiene ningún otro fresno, yo no me preocuparía por eso. No espero que los laureles de nieve alcancen los niveles de popularidad del fresno y aunque se pueda alimentar de ellos, podrían matar una rama o un tronco, pero no todo el árbol’. Examinamos también ligustros, nogales negros y olmos, y no hay mucha actividad del EAB. Se ha demostrado que impactan el olivo común de California, lo que podría ser un problema”, informó Miller. Los laboratorios de Miller examinaron olmos, mientras Deborah McCullough, profesora de entomología forestal y su
The Landscape Contractor November 2020
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Focus —Trees and the Future
10 New Cold-Hardy Trees by Heather Prince
On the sweeping plains of North
Dakota,Dr. Todd West and his predecessor, Dr. Dale E. Herman, have been quietly breeding and selecting trees, shrubs, and evergreens to withstand harsh winter conditions, drought, and high pH. Beginning in 1971, North Dakota State University has supported an active program of woody plant introductions and research. Since 1986, 59 introductions have been made and more are in the wings. “The program started in 1954, but people don’t necessarily know much about it. We’ve been sort of this little hidden program for quite a long time,” observed West, who took over in 2011.
The two main goals of NDSU’s woody plant program are to evaluate unreleased or released cultivars from the nursery trade to determine if they can be utilized in the Northern Great Plains and to increase diversity through selecting and/or breeding new woody plants that will be suitable to their challenging climate. Cold hardiness and drought tolerance become even more important as effects of climate change continue to alter weather patterns. Plus, “We know we need to have increased diversity because of all the disease and insect problems constantly knocking on our door,” West says. Among their test sites, the one in Langdon is closest to the Canadian border. “We are working with the commercial nurseries to put material there so they can say ‘yes, it is zone 3 or no, it is only a zone 4”. We do a lot of those comparisons,” commented West. “The big issue there besides climate is moose. They come in and eat the young trees.” The program uses the 47th latitude to locate plants across the globe for possible trials. At their primary arboretum test site in Absaraka, ND, the average last frost date is May 10 and average first frost date is September 25, giving them about 140 growing days. Winters typically can reach -40F and the soil pH is exceptionally alkaline at 8 to 8.2. This makes it an excellent site for testing the durability of woody plants. The program has evaluated more than 200 genera, and 3,000 species and cultivars of trees and shrubs. There have been more than 9,500 accessions obtained, evaluated, and developed since planting began in 1974. It is the largest woody ornamental plant collection in North Dakota
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and the Northern Great Plains with a total of 80 acres. The research arboretum at the core of the property is 35 acres. This section is laid out alphabetically by genera, beginning with Abies and ending in Zelkova. “We have an annual Zelkova that we plant so we can say we have an arboretum that goes A to Z,” observed West. The areas outside the central core are research locations portioned out for trial work. “We participate with the USDA and many commercial partners,” commented West. “We plant all the different cultivars in rows so you can see the differences, how they perform, and when they color because some color earlier than others.” The NDSU woody plants program is breeding elms, lilac, magnolia, and maple along with a handful of others. In addition to obtaining germplasm from commercial operations, the USDA, and international sources, the program also looks for potential selections by simple observation. “We’re looking at selections by landscape observation, as we’re out driving around, looking for something different,” mentioned West. They are looking for established mature seedling origin trees in landscapes in the northern great plains that stand out. “We’re always looking for those ornamental plant qualities, minimal fruiting, fall color, and adaptability to conditions like pH or drought” Being involved in woody plant breeding requires taking the long view. “The number one question I get is ‘how long does it take to release a tree?’ Our trees have gone through 20 to 30 years of evaluation before we’re ready to take that next step,” cautioned West. “I do a lot of tissue culture, whether it’s for propagation to get materials to test out, or we’re also doing a lot of mutagenic breeding working with things like chromosome doubling so that we work towards making sterile cultivars, and looking for mutations for dwarfing or other characteristics.” Although the NDSU program is looking forward to releasing more trees and shrubs in the near future, there are several selections already available in nurseries and from growers that offer unique landscape solutions while being exceptionally durable. Here are ten offerings to add to your plant palettes that will thrive in challenging conditions.
The Landscape Contractor November 2020
Northern Spotlight® Korean maple Acer pseudosieboldianum ‘KorDak’
Height: 10 to 14 feet Width: 8 to 10 feet Zone: 3 to 4 Sun: full sun to part shade Habit: May be multi-stemmed with an open, layered structure Features: Summer foliage is resistant to leaf scorch and windburn. It has the potential to fill the void of a winter hardy Japanese maple. Leaves dry and hold all winter, dropping at bud break in spring, giving it the possibility of being used for screening. “It has survived -45F winter without any problems,” remarked West. “As one of the most reliable Korean maples on the market, we use this as our Japanese maple substitute.”
Prairie Horizon® Manchurian alder Alnus hirsuta ‘Harbin’
Height: 30 to 35 feet Width: 20 to 25 feet Zone: 3 Sun: full sun to part shade Habit: loosely rounded to oval Features: It is the most drought tolerant of the alders in the NDSU trials. Purple catkins and brown cones add to winter interest. “It’s a selection of a native to China. We can’t grow beech, and this has beech-like bark. We’ve been using it a lot in boulevards throughout North and South Dakota and it gets a golden fall color,” commented West.
The Landscape Contractor November 2020
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Focus —Trees and the Future Prairie Dream® paper birch Betula papyrifera ‘Varen’
Height: 45 to 50 feet Width: 35 to 40 feet Zone: 2b Sun: full sun to part shade Habit: pyramidal to upright-oval Features: More adaptable and stress tolerant than the species, Prairie Dream® features dark green foliage and golden fall color. “Prairie Dream® paper birch I just adore because it has the whitest of all the barks, but it also has a high level of bronze birch borer resistance. This has been growing now for 40 years in our collection and has had no issues with bronze birch borer. Just beautiful,” commented West.
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The Landscape Contractor November 2020
Northern Herald® eastern redbud Cercis canadensis ‘Pink Trim’ Height: 15 to 20 feet Width: 20 to 25 feet Zone: 4a to 4b Sun: full sun to part shade Habit: rounded vase to spreading Features: With reduced seed set, this selection has a dense, rounded habit and a profusion of the beloved spring flowers. “This is one we’ve been working with breeding with our other germplasm that has been shown to be hardier. One thing I like about Northern Herald® redbud is that it has a much thicker, darker green leaf than our other seed source,” commented West.
Northern Acclaim® thornless honeylocust Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis ‘Harve’ Height:40 to 50 feet Width: 30 to 35 feet Zone: 3b Sun: full sun Habit: pyramidal to upright Features: “Northern Acclaim® honeylocust is by far the hardiest of all of the honeylocust cultivars and performs extremely well,” enthused West. Seedless and drought tolerant, it is also more upright in habit and handles urban conditions.
The Landscape Contractor November 2020
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Focus —Trees and the Future
Spring Welcome® magnolia Magnolia x loebneri ‘Ruth’) Zone: 3 Sun: full sun Habit: dense oval to rounded shrub Features: Flowers are pink in bud and open to a clean white. “It came out in 2018 from J. Frank Schmidt. It’s a nice, reliable magnolia, a shrub to small tree form, depending on how you train it. It has reliable bud hardiness all the way to the tips. It’s a standard Loebneri with the white tepals,” observed West.
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Royal Splendor® Norway spruce Picea abies ‘Noel’ Height: 35 to 45 feet Width: 20 to 25 feet Zone: 3 Sun: full sun to very light shade Habit: tightly pyramidal Features: A bright green Norway spruce, it does not have the pendulous branchlets typical of the species creating a dense pyramidal habit. “It has shown to be extremely resistant to all needle cast diseases. No issues whatsoever. It has upright branching so stays very clean with shorter needles than we typically see of Norway, and shorter cones,” said West.
Prairie Statesman® Swiss stone pine Pinus cembra ‘Herman’ Height: 25 to 30 feet Width: 10 to 15 feet Zone: 2b Sun: full sun Habit: columnar to narrowly pyramidal Features: This soft five-needle pine maintains its dense habit with age and stays narrow and upright making it ideal for screening. It has increased drought and hardiness as well as resistant to most pests and diseases. “I’m a big fan of Swiss stone pine. It is one of the slowest growing pines out there. Beautiful form with upright sweeping growth,” observed West.
The Landscape Contractor November 2020
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Focus —Trees and the Future Prairie Stature® oak Quercus x bimundorum ‘Midwest’ Height: 40 to 50 feet Width: 25 to 30 feet Zone: 3 Sun: full sun Habit: dense, pyramidal Features: A relatively fast grower, averaging about 14 inches per year, Prairie Stature® holds its leaves for winter interest. “Prairie Stature® oak came out of a partnership with the USDA. This is a cross between Q. robur and Q. alba. Excellent red fall color and no pH issues,” commented West.
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The Landscape Contractor November 2020
Prairie Expedition® American elm Ulmus americana ‘Lewis & Clark’ Height: 50 to 60 feet Width: 35 to 40 feet Zone: 2b to 3 Sun: full sun Habit: vase to spreading umbrella Features: Adaptable, hardy, and tough, this selection of American elm is ideal for parkways and as a shade tree. “This is an American elm with a high tolerance to Dutch Elm disease. It walls it off. This one can deal with it. It’s been selected and tested and has done very well. Beautiful dark foliage,” observed West.
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630-510-6050 47
Just in Time for Thanksgiving
GRATITUDE for Challenging People By Dr. Maria Church, CSP, CPC
It is easy to be grateful for all the good things in our life — the promotion, reaching and surpassing your goals, a killer interview, or helping your team member overcome a challenge. This is good stuff and easy to be grateful for. However, being grateful for challenging colleagues or customers too, can also be a blessing. How about starting a super-challenge in the spirit of a challenging person? Find what you may be grateful for with a challenging colleague or customer! Yup, find the gratitude in challenging people. Why are they challenging? What is it about them that drives us crazy? The answers to these questions may put you straight in front of those things about yourself that you’d rather not see. Challenging people are a mirror to aspects about ourselves that may not be popular. Challenging co-workers or clients, whether it is with situations, tasks, or people, are the hidden blessings that propel us to grow as individuals and as leaders. To support you in this extended challenge, just remember GRATITUDE:
Giving
Give someone the benefit of the doubt when they challenge your patience. Try giving that person some grace. You really don’t know what is
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happening in their lives that may be influencing their challenging behavior. Everyone goes through highs and lows. Many people hope that when it is their turn to experience a low and they are not exhibiting the best behavior, a co-worker will give them the benefit of the doubt.
Receiving
Position yourself to receive what the challenging co-worker of customer may have to say with openness and without judgment. This action may be awkward at first as walls go up when criticism or complaints occur. Receiving complaints can actually be positive, as that person giving the complaint believes that you can do something about it — they have faith in you! If they didn’t, they would say nothing.
Abundance
Choosing an abundance mindset over a scarcity one affords you the opportunity for many different outcomes. Looking at the challenging colleague and trying to find a solution can sometimes be exhausting because you may not see options. With a scarcity mindset, the options are typically either/or. With an abundance mindset, the possibilities are
The Landscape Contractor November 2020
endless, energizing solutions instead of an exhausting experience.
Thankfulness Being thankful for the challenging customer or teammate may be the last thing on your mind. However, this challenging person may just be the growth you need or want as a leader. They don’t call it growing pains for nothing! When growth happens as a leader and individual, it shows up as experience and wisdom. Growth must be continuous to be effective at leading and in life.
Intention
Leading and living with intention is the needed edge to be effective. So often, leaders are responding and reacting to challenging people without intention. Those exchanges can have miserable and highly stressful outcomes. When you approach the challenging person with a specific intention, your thought (intention) influences your behavior. If your intention is to come to resolution in this exchange, then your behavior will match. (continued on page 50)
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Just in Time for Thanksgiving Together
(continued from page 48)
So much has been said over the decades of how much more is accomplished together than alone. When dealing with a challenging person, remember that they are connected to you — not on an island on their own. Find the connection that can break through the barrier of separateness. Do you share a love of art? Horses? Leadership books? This commonality can be something personal that connects you both. Bring that connection to the forefront to dismantle the challenging situation.
Unconditionally No conditions, without strings, no quidpro-quo when breaking through the challenge barrier — nada. If you want true connection, unconditional presence without judgment will help you connect with one another. If you accept your colleagues for who they are, you will find their challenging aspects diminish in size. Think about a team with different skills, competencies, and personalities. Each has their own challenging aspects but are valued for their unique contributions.
Directed Just as being intentional, a direct focus on the challenging individual enhances your presence and the way you show up. When you direct your attention, body language, and energy towards the challenging person, it will be noticed and appreciated. This tells the other person that they are valuable and important enough to be given your full attention.
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Everyone Everyone is challenging at times. When challenging people come into your life, there is a lesson and an opportunity for you. The choice is yours in what you want to do with that opportunity. Challenging people are a blessing and a curse. It really is all about your perception of that individual or circumstance. Your ability to expand your perception could be one of your greatest skills as a leader and as a human. How will you step or seize on your opportunity?
Following the GRATITUDE steps will make your organizational culture and customer experiences much more pleasant. With an office environment steeped in gratitude, you will find a more productive and happy workplace and a great ROI in your GRATITUDE investment. When you are in a state of GRATITUDE, even with challenging co-workers and customers, you will give and receive care and abundance. You will become thankful for the intentional way you choose to live your life at work. This awareness could bring you together to unconditionally direct your attention and gratitude to everyone. Bottom line – the choice is yours. Choose well.
About the Author: Dr. Maria Church, CSP, CPC, is a speaker, consultant, and executive coach. As CEO of Dr. Maria Church International, including Government and Corporate divisions, and Leadership Development University, she specializes in organizational culture, change agility, and leadership development with over 25 years working for Fortune 500, local government, non-profit, and academia. Her 10th Anniversary Edition of Love-Based Leadership will be released in December 2020. She may be reached at www.DrMariaChurch.com.
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For immediate attention CALL Debbie at 817-501-2403 or email — debbie.landscapecontractor@yahoo.com The Landscape Contractor November 2020
51
New Members CONTRACTORS Blue Grass Landwork Jose Jasso PO BOX 861 Mundelein, IL 60060 Email: info@bluegrasslandworks.com C+I Services LLC Christian Schloegel 212 Middaugh Rd Clarendon Hills, IL 60514 Email: cmtschloegel1@gmail.com Phone: 630-247-8737 Elite Facility Professionals Inc. Lester Ogrodny 245 Rocbaar Dr. Romeoville, IL 60446 Email: lester@elitefacilitypros.com Phone: 888-888-8064 elitefacilitypros.com We offer full project management, painting, carpet cleaning, carpet installation, general repairs, furniture moving, rental services (chairs/tables/dehumidifiers/air movers/ac units), window washing, waste removal, landscaping, snow plowing, and more.
Poplar Grove, IL 21283 IL Route 76 Poplar Grove, IL 61065 Clinton, WI 11228 East County Road X Clinton, WI 53525
Lorem Salem, WI 7530 288th Avenue Salem, WI 53168
1-262-537-3326
ipsum
wholesale@breezyhillnursery.com
Envisioning Green Steven Johns 8550 Forest Boulevard Caseyville, IL 62232 Email: steven@envisioninggreen.com Phone: 618-307-6677 www.envisioninggreen.com Envisioning Green is a local family owned landscape construction and maintenance company. We service the Greater St. Louis area, providing hardscape construction, landscape design/install, lighting, water features and unmatched maintenance services including commercial snow management. F. Espinoza Landscaping Inc. Fidel Espinoza 12 E Crystal Lake Ave Crystal Lake, IL 60014 Email: fespinozalandscaping@yahoo.com Phone: 815-477-8915 Lavin Companies Kevin Lavin PO BOX 1296 Arlington Heights, IL 60006 Email: klavin@nwstcorp.com
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The Landscape Contractor November 2020
Middletown Landscape Co. Joel McDonald 204 E State St Mahomet, IL 61853 Email: middletownlandscapeco@outlook.com Phone: 217-417-2049 INDIVIDUALS
Debbie O’Connor 798 Medford Dr. Carol Stream, IL 60188 Email: debkevo@comcast.net Phone: 630-532-4871 Designs by Dina LLC Dina Fowler 612 Stearn Dr. Genoa, IL 60135 Email: dina.fowler88@gmail.com Phone: 815-784-6322 Hunter Vajgert Maple Park, IL 60151 Email: hvajgert23@gmail.com Phone: 630-880-8817 HDVdesigns.com Custom 3D and 2D landscape designs. Modern Garden Catie Trudeau Chicago, IL 60647 Email: moderngardenchicago@gmail.com Phone: 773-580-5452 moderngardenchicago.com Landscape Design Firm specializing in modern and high end landscapes. Re-Ecology LTD & Semiramis Studio Alexia Paul 3228 W. Warner Avenue Chicago, IL 60618 Email: here2help@re-ecology.com Phone: 312-569-0866 www.re-ecology.com Alexia Paul is a licensed Landscape Architect providing the following: Landscape Architecture Design Services, Design, Lands Management Services, Stewardship Services. Re-Ecology LTD supports contractors by providing design services they may not have in-house. Re-Ecology LTD can design with native plants in an award-winning manner! Our designs were recognized by ILCA with a GOLD in Ecological Plantings.
Successful suppliers know— industry leaders read this magazine.
is the Midwest’s premier monthly magazine for the landscape, nursery and green industry.
• Sales and marketing statistics show that the single best way to reach buyers is through highly-targeted specialty magazines • This award-winning magazine is frequently hailed as the best magazine of its kind. Put your message in this flattering environment. • The Landscape Contractor has an affordable advertising program for every budget. Professionls’ Choice Award Goes to Chalet
Day In — Night Out
FEB.19_TLC WORKING BODY.indd 1
1/11/19 8:11 AM
Judges’Award Goes to Kane Brothers
For immediate attention CALL Debbie at
817-501-2403 or email —
debbie.landscapecontractor@yahoo.com The Landscape Contractor November 2020
53
New Member Profile Snapshot
Knob Hill Landscape Company Springfield, IL 62707 (217) 314-9435 www.knobhilllandscape.com
by Meta Levin
Like many landscape contractors, Landon Kirby
started his professional life in a desk job and found it was not for him. Kirby grew up on a farm, then earned an agricultural business degree from Illinois State University. This led to a job with the United States Department of Agriculture as a county director and risk management specialist. Most of the work was indoors, at a desk and, he says, “uninspiring.” So when a family friend suggested that Kirby join his landscape business, he jumped at the chance, taking over the lawn and turf responsibilities. He threw himself into it, growing that side of the business and gravitating toward landscapes. From his farm background, Kirby realized that, he “knew a lot about soils, fertilizer and growing certain plants.” He also liked building and construction. Eventually, that led to starting his own business, Knob Hill Landscape Company in Springfield, IL, which he quickly grew from a one-person operation to now 14 employees, including a salesman, project manager and design manager, Bill Standish. Standish, who has been with Knob Hill Landscape for six of its 10 years, is “dedicated to his job and treats the business as if it was his own,” says Kirby. “His design work is unique and he’s got a great eye.” Next year, Standish will become part owner. Knob Hill’s new office manager is Kirby’s wife, Jamie. Prior to that she was a budget analyst for the USDA. His employees provide service that is “second to none,” says Kirby. “We stand behind our jobs and that rubs off on my guys. They take every job personally.” His employees all show up dressed neat and clean and are trained to introduce themselves to the customers and be respectful. Kirby has them clean up the area after they finish the day’s work. The business leans toward construction work, such as stonework, fire pits, paver patios, landscape lighting, grill stations, seated walls, retaining walls, stonework and water features. They also do landscaping to complement the construction.
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“We are seeing an increase in requests for outdoor living spaces,” says Kirby. “We did see some of that prior to the pandemic.” Currently, however, clients seem to be moving away from more muted earth tones and asking for stronger, richer colors with more defined designs. For instance, they want dark black, deep brown, reds and teals. They also are asking for lower maintenance plants, such as evergreens, in more shaped and neat designs. Kirby is proud of the work they do. “We pay great attention to detail and warranty our hardscapes for as long as the customer lives in the home,” he says. “I see every job at some point. That’s the only way to maintain quality.” Attracted to ILCA through a copy of The Landscape Contractor magazine he saw in a distributors’ office, he has found it valuable for its educational offerings and opportunities to network. It is, he says, a good resource for training his employees, as well as for the information provided through regular emails. “Being a part of this association gives us a certain amount of credibility,” he says. Now that he has grown Knob Hill Landscape to the point where he is focused mostly on running the business, he believes that he has time to become active, which he already has done through the local Chamber of Commerce. Kirby grew up in a small town outside of Springfield, where he still lives. He is attached to his community and believes in giving back. To that end, Knob Hill donated design services and most of the labor to revitalize the local Veteran Memorial Park; gives $500 to the WFMB Teacher of the Month; donates $2,000 in landscaping annually to the Illinois State Fair junior livestock show, where his niece and nephew show livestock; gave design services and time to help the Pleasant Plains High School horticulture class design and install landscaping and provided a patio and grill station to the Greenview Fire Department. Owning Knob Hill Landscape has been great for Kirby. “I found what I absolutely love to do.”
The Landscape Contractor November 2020
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New Books —
Gardens of the North Shore of Chicago by Heather Prince Gardens of the North Shore of Chicago Benjamin F. Lenhardt, Jr. photography Scott Shigley The Monacelli Press, hardcover, $65
Benjamin Lenhardt celebrates the private gar-
dens of the North Shore suburbs of Chicago in this new glossy large-format book. He examines classic estates, contemporary gardens, country properties and naturalistic landscaping in this exclusive look behind gates and walls. Scott Shigley brings them to life in vivid color photographs that showcase myriad landscape ideas and garden trends. From historic properties to new builds, Lenhardt tours 26 private homes, each with its own unique personality. This is an idea book. If you’re looking to expand your landscape vocabulary and provide examples for clients, this might have a place on your shelf. Lenhardt explores formality in the classic gardens section. These homes reflect European style and marry Old World elegance with Midwestern plant choices that can be shaped into formal hedges and topiaries. Garden rooms are framed in trees with carefully chosen garden ornaments, some historic to the home. Enjoy bountiful mixed perennial borders, sculpted boxwood and specimen trees. In the Harris Garden, Charles Stick uses bluestone paving to unite the garden rooms separated by clipped tall yew hedges and low sheared boxwood. The owners treasured English-style gardens and beds are filled with heirloom flowers like delphiniums and peonies. In Highland Park an Arthur Heun designed Georgian home from 1930 is graced with layers of shaped boxwoods from Scott Byron to reflect a French influence. In Winnetka, find a spring garden that celebrates tulips with sweeps of spring color under a honey locust allée. Explore ideas for focal points on long and short axes with artfully placed benches and garden sculpture. Discover a formal vegetable garden in Lake Forest on the grounds of a Howard Van Doren Shaw country home from 1911. Garden rooms designed by Ferruccio Vitale in 1927 have been given new life with mixed borders of bulbs and perennials held in place by sheared boxwood. Take a peek at the white garden at Camp Rosemary for inspiration for evening gardens. 56
The contemporary gardens showcase modern homes and the elegance of restrained design that frames the house in the landscape, but also responds to the families’ desires. Doug Hoerr utilizes flowing land forms and layers of green in Winnetka to soften strong contemporary architecture. Crab Tree Farm showcases bold streamlined hedges that brings elements of traditional maze gardens to this century. Curving stacked stone walls sinuously wrap through a unique Winnetka property. The country gardens section walks you through the formal gardens of Mettawa Manor and tours its wilder meadows and prairie. Craig Bergmann designed lush pocket gardens for a Winnetka property scattered with garden art collected from the homeowners’ travels. Bergmann’s own property is also highlighted with its eclectic mix of formal and naturalistic layers. The book drifts farther north into Wisconsin to explore the gardens of Kelton House Farm featuring colonial-style gardens bursting with heirloom plants and herbs. There are more than a thousand varieties that date to the eighteenth century or earlier. The book crescendos in the naturalistic gardens section that highlights Mary Ann’s garden filled with thoughtfully placed Asian sculpture under massive oaks and maples. Bright flowers play off the stonework as native plants soften and hush the landscape. In Glencoe we tour a Japanese maple collection wrapped around pools of lawn and sheltering an oriental pavilion. Lenhardt and Shigley have created a love letter to this world of private retreats. If you’re looking for inspiration for estate clients or homeowners looking for a balance of formality and color, consider adding this to your collection. This is also a compilation of historical spaces and gives us a glimpse of gardens otherwise only enjoyed by families and friends.
The Landscape Contractor November 2020
Classified Ads HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
Landscape Account Manager
Commercial Account Sales – Snow & Land
Director of Business Development
Enhancing lives through beautiful landscapes requires a unique passion for a special career. James Martin Associates, Inc. is looking for someone who is ready to dig in, cultivate, and grow the love of enhancing the natural beauty of our clients’ property. Working with our team of professionals in landscaping and snow services, you will live out your passion while building your client list, loyalty and satisfaction. What you will be doing... Account management, client retention, enhancement sales, new contract sales, business development, production layout and overview, along with winter responsibilities for our snow operations team. This opportunity might be right for you if: You consider yourself an expert on landscape maintenance standards, and have a strong knowledge of plant material and installation standards. Excellence is #1 and you are proud to communicate the benefits of our superior services to existing clients and to convince new clients how we can improve their “point of view”. You are energized for success and want to earn it by following your passion, commitment to your goals and conviction that James Martin Associates, Inc. is the place where you will realize the best opportunity to achieve and grow your career. Preferred Experience and Education • Degree in, or equivalent and demonstrated knowledge of landscape management or horticulture. • 5 years’ experience with landscape maintenance • Excellent verbal and writing skills • Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office programs Please send resumes to: b.mcelroy@jamesmartinassociates.com
Department: Western DuPage Landscape Services Reports to: General Manager Experience / Education: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well with minimal supervision. Must possess an intermediate level of horticultural knowledge plus 2 - 4 years of green industry experience in sales, primarily serving commercial maintenance and snow customers. Purpose: Engage new commercial maintenance and snow accounts. Principle Duties: • Prospect for commercial maintenance and snow clients: • Prepare land and snow proposals • Present land and snow proposals • Maintain relationship with key contacts. • Have regular, planned contact with prospects and key clients. • Attend client meetings and functions. • Respond to all customer quote requests in a timely manner. • Work with general manager on maintenance sales and snow opportunities as you develop them. • Prepare all appropriate paperwork to ensure proper documentation and effective handoff to supervisors. • Quality control during snow removal operations. Key Skills to Fulfill Job Requirements: • Prospecting • Sales • Knowledge of landscape maintenance best practices • Knowledge of commercial snow and ice control • Superior customer service • Must work well with the services team • Excellent time management • Excellent communication both written & verbal • Computer skills - MS office professional and LMN a plus Please send resumes to: resumes@wdlinc.com
The Landscape Contractor November 2020
Purpose: To expand and grow our client base by attracting new customers and increasing the spending of existing customers. Maintain and expand corporate image of excellence through sales of quality products and services, servicing the customers’ needs and providing open lines of communication to our clients. Provide input and collaborate with all sales team members and mentoring of new members as required. New sales generation. Qualifications: 1. Minimum five years experience in sales. 2. Two-years experience in field landscape maintenance procedures or equivalent. 3. Two-years experience in field construction procedures or equivalent. 4. Degree in horticulture related field or extensive horticulture training. Please email resume to GKruckenberg@ BalancedEnvironmentsInc.com Landscape Architect/Designer + Sales Bruss Landscaping of Wheaton is looking to add another talented landscape professional to our team as we continue to grow. We are an award winning firm that has been providing high quality design/build services to DuPage and eastern Kane counties since 1952. If you are skilled in residential design and sales, have a proven sales record, are self-motivated and focused on exceptional customer service and quality we would like to meet you. Requirements: - A 4-year degree in Landscape Design and/ or Architecture - A minimum of 3 years professional work experience with proven sales history - Strong plant and construction knowledge - Driver’s license and good driving record - Professional appearance and demeanor - Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite - Proficiency in Dynascape Ideal candidates will be detail orientated, logical thinking, conscientious, professional and most importantly, maintain a high level of honesty and integrity. Bruss is a relaxed work environment, although seasonally hectic, with competitive salary and commission plus a strong benefit package including vehicle, insurance, 401k, generous vacation allowance and reduced winter hours. Contact Eric Bruss, ebruss@brusslandscaping.com, (630) 665-1600.
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Classified Ads HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
Diesel Mechanic Careers
The candidate must clearly understand the intricacies involved with high-end residential landscape design and implementation including the design process, plan interpretation, client relationship-building and customer service. Ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously is imperative.
Pizzo Nursery - Inside Sales Representative
Diesel mechanic positions available, flexible schedule, full time with full benefits including health/dental/vision, 401k, paid time off and holidays. Work in a dynamic environment on diesel vehicles and equipment and carry out service calls on site when necessary. Experienced mechanics are preferred, but we will train entry level candidates. We will also support the acquisition of your CDL Class A and help grow your career as a mechanic. You will work on a variety of vehicles and equipment used in the tree care industry. Come join a great team of professionals in an awesome work environment! Email resume to rscott@kramertree.com Project Manager - Red Spade Environments Red Spade Environments, a landscape design-build consultancy and division of the The Lakota Group, Inc. is looking to fill a project manager within our expanding team of professionals. We are a unique, lateral thinking, creative solution-based organization seeking candidates with similar traits. All individuals are encouraged to think as entrepreneurs and are acknowledged for their impact on our company growth and positive community brand. Our environments create long-lasting value for our clients in the City of Chicago and North Shore Suburbs. Our brand-reach continues to expand based upon our reputation for detail and client service. We are seeking positive individuals who will help play a meaningful role in making a difference in: Project Management Landscape Design Computer drafting and field support Project Manager The Project Manager will support our Director of Field Services and play a key role in managing our rapidly growing portfolio of high-end residential landscape clients. This role will require focused oversight and contractor coordination of both small and largescale outdoor environments. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in landscape architecture, horticulture or a related field as well as have 3-5 years of progressive experience in residential or commercial landscape construction and design services.
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Additional requirements: • Demonstrated knowledge of construction techniques, methods and materials including plant specification • Ability to read, interpret and understand all construction documentation • Assist team with site visits, proposal writing, cost estimation and billing • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and graphically • Self -motivated, reliable and able to work independently or within a team environment • Possess a leadership acumen and entrepreneurial spirit • Required proficiencies in Microsoft Office, Excel. Desired proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe Suite and SketchUp software This is an ideal opportunity for the right candidate with strong computer design skills and a willingness to grow to advance their career in the field of landscape design. Red Spade Environments is unique standout design-build firm in the Chicago/North Shore communities. Our focus is quality, not quantity and building long-lasting relationships. We offer a competitive salary and full benefits package and provide flexibility to help our employees manage a healthy and balanced lifestyle. All openings are available in our downtown Winnetka office immediately adjacent to Metra and PACE public transportation stations. Occasional integration with our Chicago office may also be required. Company vehicles are available at our office to meet work local travel requirements. Red Spade Environments is an equal Opportunity Employer. Come Grow with Us. If interested in making a change and being a part of a growing company with over 27 years of experience, please forward resume and work examples to: ATTN: Human Resource Director, Project Manager Application jobs.redspadeenvironments@gmail.com www.redspadeenvironments.com Www.thelakotagroup.com
The Landscape Contractor November 2020
Pizzo Native Plant Nursery is seeking candidates to join our team as an inside sales representative. The position will assist the Pizzo Nursery team in our mission to “build ecologically balanced communities through education, promotion, cultivation and trade of top-quality native plants”. The Pizzo Nursery sales team takes pride in delivering exceptional customer service and product. The role of inside sales rep is to support the sales manager in all sales activities including; answering the main phone, entering quotes and converting to orders, scheduling delivery and pick up times with customers, invoicing and assisting with accounts payable. The position also involves attending tradeshows and other industry events to help build stronger relationships and develop new ones. We are looking for someone with some sales experience and a desire to sell native plants to all wholesale markets. We are continuing to expand as a nursery and there is great growth potential with this position as well as a competitive salary and strong benefit package. A passion for plants and helping people is a must. Call or Email Kyle at 815-826-0495 or kyleb@pizzonursery.com Landscape Designer - Red Spade Environments Red Spade Environments, a landscape design-build consultancy and division of the The Lakota Group, Inc. is looking to fill a landscape designer position within our expanding team of professionals. We are a unique, lateral thinking, creative solutionbased organization seeking candidates with similar traits. All individuals are encouraged to think as entrepreneurs and are acknowledged for their impact on our company growth and positive community brand. Our environments create long-lasting value for our clients in the City of Chicago and North Shore Suburbs. Our brand-reach continues to expand based upon our reputation for detail and client service. We are seeking positive individuals who will help play a meaningful role in making a difference in: Project Management Landscape Design Computer drafting and field support Landscape Designer
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
The Landscape Designer will support our Principal Landscape Architect and project management team in development of necessary working and design documents for both sales and construction of our high-end residential landscape clients. The ideal candidate will possess 1-3 years of residential landscape design experience and a desire to continue their career advancement. While not required for this position, a degree in landscape architecture or horticulture is preferred, with the goal of obtaining licensure. The candidate must be a self-starter. Creativity and a good attitude are essential requirements to attend client meetings and presentations. Additional requirements: • Required proficiencies in Microsoft office and Excel. Desired proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe Suites and Sketchup Software. • Demonstrate clear understanding of residential landscape design process and materials. • Ability to read, interpret and understand all construction documentation. • Possess strong hand-design graphic skills and sketching. • Demonstrate clear understanding of local building and zoning regulations and permit process. • Assist team with site visits, client design presentations, proposal writing and cost estimating. • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and graphically. • Self-motivated, reliable and able to work independently or within a team environment.
HELP WANTED
This is an ideal opportunity for the right candidate with strong computer design skills and the desire to grow to advance their career in the field of landscape design. Red Spade Environments is unique standout design-build firm in the Chicago/North Shore communities. Our focus is quality, not quantity and building long-lasting relationships. We offer a competitive salary and full benefits package and provide flexibility to help our employees manage a healthy and balanced lifestyle. All openings are available in our downtown Winnetka office immediately adjacent to Metra and PACE public transportation stations. Occasional integration with our Chicago office may also be required. Company vehicles are available at our office to meet work local travel requirements.
CLASSIFIED ADS
CLOSING DATES & RATES December 2020 issue ads: Nov 15, 2020 January 2021 issue ads: Dec 15, 2020 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
Red Spade Environments is an equal Opportunity Employer. Come Grow with Us. If interested in making a change and being a part of a growing company with over 27 years of experience, please forward resume and work examples to: ATTN: Human Resource Director, Landscape Designer Application jobs.redspadeenvironments@gmail.com Www.redspadeenvironments.com Www.thelakotagroup.com
PLEASE NOTE: “HELP WANTED” AD SALES ARE LIMITED TO ILCA MEMBER COMPANIES Submit your ads online at ilca.net or call Alycia Nagy (630) 472-2851
OPEN POSITIONS: Account Manager Bookkeeper
lidlandscapes.com | (303) 440-7833
jamesmartinassociates.com | (847) 634-1660
The Landscape Contractor November 2020
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Reach more buyers and MAKE MORE SALES!
Classified Ads HELP WANTED Landscape Architect/Designer KBI is looking for a landscape architect/project manager with three to five years of work experience to join our team. We are seeking creative candidates who thrive in a collaborative studio setting with the ability to lead projects through all phases. Position Responsibilities: Client communication, design development, material specification and procurement, project coordination, and project financial performance for multiple projects. Candidates we are we looking for: Passion for great work. Excellent communicator with strong organizational and task management skills. Excellent design skills including research, development, management of plans, proficiency with planting design, best horticulture practices, and budgeting. Minimum 5 years experience practicing Landscape Design/Architecture & PM. Excellent in the Adobe Suite, Auto CAD and or Vectorworks, Sketch-up and Microsoft Suite. Great attitude and ability to work with a team. What can offer: Passion for great work A pleasant + professional work environment Competitive salary Health insurance
Successful suppliers know— industry leaders read this magazine.
The Landscape Contractor is the Midwest’s premier monthly magazine for the landscape, nursery and garden center business. • Sales and marketing statistics show that the single best way to reach buyers is through highly-targeted specialty magazines. • This award-winning magazine is frequently hailed as the best magazine of its kind. Put your message in this flattering environment. • The Landscape Contractor has an affordable advertising program for every budget.
Give your sales program a jump start! For immediate attention CALL Debbie at 817-501-2403 or email — debbie.landscapecontractor@yahoo.com
60
The Landscape Contractor November 2020
401k (with company match) retirement plan Paid holidays and time off Continuing development support A great team of talented people to work with Resume, Portfolio, required salary range and available start date. Job Type: Full-time. Current open position. Email resume to: careers@kanebros.com
FOR SALE Business for Sale Located in the South Suburbs for over 30 years, multi-million dollar landscape maintenance & construction company is for sale. Instant satellite office that could be added to your brand this season. Fully staffed with long-time field employees, office staff, mechanics and managers. Located near source of labor, with room to expand. 75% maintenance, 15% install, 10% snow/salt. Owner will consider carrying some financing & aid in the transition. Email retirementplan2021@gmail.com for more information.
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817-501-2403
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• Members & Advertisers who supply goods and services • Members who sponsor ILCA programs and events
Where will you find them? • ILCA Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide • The Landscape Contractor magazine advertising • The Landscape Contractor magazine reports of events with sponsor acknowledgments • www.ilca.net member lists – Finding a Landscape Contractor & Suppliers to the Trade
The Landscape Contractor November 2020
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Hidden Gems Worth Visiting
Lincoln Park Zoo Perennial Hibiscus Collection
by Heather Prince
Although we visit our zoos to see the animals,
have you ever stopped and studied the plants? Since 2010, Lincoln Park Zoo has revised, revamped, and updated its landscape plantings as well as labeled and recorded all the plants in their collections. As part of the process, they have the first and only accredited collection of hardy perennial hibiscus. “There are 75 hybrid cultivars derived from four native species of perennial hibiscus in the collection,” reported Abby Lorenz, Manager of Plant Records and Horticulture Programs. “We have the first and only perennial hibiscus collection accredited by the American Public Garden Association Plant Collections Network in the U.S. A lot of the accredited collections are woody plant focused, with some herbaceous perennial collections, so it’s exciting to be expanding the ornamental perennial programs. The accreditation process involved a site visit to
62
Lincoln Park Zoo 2400 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL Hours: visit lpzoo.org for hours Admission: free
view our collection, plus compiling documentation, having a plan for the collection, and demonstrating institutional support,” commented Katrina Chipman, Director of Horticulture. Hibiscus plantings are spread throughout the property, although colors and themes are kept within easy eyesight to invite comparison. “We started keeping plant records around 2010. There is a large planting of ‘Pink Clouds’, planted in 2014 near the center of the zoo that guests were flocking to for photos because they are so eye-catching,” observed Lorenz. “The hibiscus plants are now located all over the zoo grounds and are all labeled,” said Lorenz. As planting plans evolved, adding more perennial hibiscus was attractive not only because of their show-stopping beauty, but also because they are animal friendly. “All plants have to be vet approved, considering the many animals we have in our care,” commented Chipman. “There are also plants we grow for the animals, like mulberry, where we cut and provide branches for food and enrichment.” Animal friendly and spectacularly colorful, perennial hibiscus are also reliable performers. “They are hardy, and we anticipate them being hardy for a long time even with climate change,” reported Chipman. “We leave the seeds and stems of hibiscus and other perennials up all winter as part of our vision of creating environments where wildlife can thrive. Perennials in winter are beautiful and add so much to the landscape.” The horticulture team has plans to develop a map of the collection, similar to the interactive tree map already in place which can be found on the zoo website. In the meantime, Chipman and Lorenz were hard-pressed to pick a favorite cultivar, but on their list is ‘Stardust’, ‘Airbrush Effect’, and ‘Strawberry Swirl’. “One of my favorite spots for red hibiscus is by the rhino exhibit. We have eight different cultivars and it’s a rain garden, so visitors can see how they can function in the landscape,” said Lorenz. If you’re looking for a great way to experience the myriad cultivars of perennial hibiscus, make sure to visit the Lincoln Park Zoo in late summer and enjoy the show!
The Landscape Contractor November 2020
Three Generations and Still Growing
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