NOV.25 Landscape Illinois - Magazine DIGITAL EDITION
Photo Credits
Awards Committee 1, 8-9, Rick Reuland 18, 22-23, 31-32
Maggie Thomas Harper 24-28
Heather Prince 34-42
Eubanks Environmental 56
Nina Koziol 61
Mark Dwyer 6 2
The official publication of Landscape Illinois, — Landscape Illinois —The Magazine is dedicated to educating, advising and informing members of this industry and furthering the goals of the Association. Landscape Illinois — The Magazine carries news and features relating to landscape contracting, maintenance, design and allied interests. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited material and reserves the right to edit any article or advertisement submitted for publication. Publication reserves right to refuse advertising not in keeping with goals of Association. www. LandscapeIllinois.org.
Volume 66, Number 11. Landscape Illinois — The Magazine (ISSN # 0194-7257, USPS # 476-490) is published monthly for $75.00 per year by: the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association, 2625 Butterfield Road, Ste. 104S, Oak Brook, IL 60523. Periodicals postage paid at Oak Brook, IL and additional mailing offices. Printed in USA.
Postmaster: Send address changes to Landscape Illinois — The Magazine, 2625 Butterfield Road, Ste 104S, Oak Brook, IL 60523. Display Advertising Sales: Association Publishing Partners, Inc., Ph. (630) 637-8632; email: rmgi@comcast.net. Classified ads, Circulation and Subscription: Landscape Illinois (630) 472-2851 Fax (630) 472-3150 Editorial office: Association Publishing Partners, Inc., Naperville, IL
Staff
Executive Director
Scott Grams (630) 472-2851 sgrams@landscapeillinois.org
Statewide Director of Development
Kellie Schmidt kschmidt@landscapeillinois.org
Director of Events
AnneMarie Drufke adrufke@landscapeillinois.org
Education Manager
Melissa Custic mcustic@landscapeillinois.org
Office Manager
Alycia Nagy anagy@landscapeillinois.org
Membership & Marketing Manager
Marissa Stubler mstubler@landscapeillinois.org
Landscape Illinois
2625 Butterfield Road Ste. 104S Oak Brook, IL 60523 (630) 472-2851 • Fax (630) 472-3150 www.landscapeillinois.org
Pruning Workshop Lake in the Hills Public Works Lake in the Hills, IL
November 13, 2025
Annual Party and Member Meeting Joe’s Live Rosemont, IL
December 3, 2025
Irrigation Workshop Northern Illinois University Naperville, IL
December 3, 2025
Weed ID Workshop – Northern Region Northern Illinois University Naperville, IL
December 4, 2025
Weed ID Workshop – Southern Region Collinsville Park District Activity Center Collinsville, IL
A man wrote me and said: ``You can go to live in France, but you cannot become a Frenchman. You can go to live in Germany or Turkey or Japan, but you cannot become a German, a Turk, or a Japanese. But anyone, from any corner of the Earth, can come to live in America and become an American.”
- Former President Ronald Reagan
Operation Midway Blitz began on September 9, 2025. As of this writing, it is still fully underway. The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the operation will arrest illegal immigrants with criminal records. Since that announcement, the scope of the operation has expanded widely to include any unauthorized immigrant in Illinois. The DHS announced the Operation would be conducted in honor of Katie Abraham. Katie was killed in a drunk driving hit-and-run car wreck caused by a criminal, unauthorized immigrant.
To say this is an emotionally charged issue is an understatement. Katie Abraham was a Glenbrook South graduate, water polo player, and a junior at Ohio University. The driver of the other vehicle had a long rap sheet. He was deported in 2016 and found his way back over the border. Once here, he got drunk and climbed behind the wheel of a car. Katie could have been my daughter.
industry using fraudulent credentials. In the cycle of hire and rehire, employers follow the legal framework of the I-9 and move on. That was never a problem, until now.
I am not a good enough writer to unify the hard right and hard left on this issue. The hard right will say, “that’s what I voted for” and substitute cold judgment for practical solutions. The hard left will inject empathy and shrug-off the problematic nature of illegal entry. Instead of arguing, let’s choose a different path. Actually, let’s choose three different paths - one path that one side will like. One path that the other side will like. And finally, one path that neither side will like which is probably the only path forward.
The ICEmen Cometh
The operation that has launched in Katie’s name has been swift and cruel. Federal ICE agents have fanned out across the state. In an age of social media, their methods are routinely captured. These ICE agents are armed and masked. They drive SUVs without license plates. They do not share names or badge numbers. They use a dragnet approach and grab citizens and non-citizens alike and let the facilities sort them out. They use tear gas, pepper spray, and sidearms. Detainees are placed in zip ties and whisked away. It is very possible that in a few weeks, those detained will never see their spouses or children again.
How did we find ourselves in this mess? In our heads, we know that immigrants should follow the law. If they are lucky enough to become naturalized, America offers a promise unmatched in the world. In our hearts, we see families being ripped apart. We see ICE agents acting without accountability. Most of us are now caught in the dark space between what we know in our heads to be just and what we feel in our hearts to be cruel. Is there any way out of this?
The nursery and landscape industry has the unenviable task of being in the eye of the hurricane. Crews are being stopped, workplaces are being visited, employees are being detained. It would have been nice to whistle past the graveyard as Operation Midway Blitz hit some other industry in some other city. That’s not how this is playing out.
The struggle many employers have is that Operation Midway Blitz happened bass-ackward. If ICE shows up the door asking for the illegals to come out, no employer has any idea who they are. All of these employees were hired using the same I-9 verification process that has been in place for over 40 years. No social security mismatch letters were sent out to give employers a heads-up. No I-9 audits preceded the snatch-and-grabs in the streets.
Yet, here we are. No landscape industry employer is going to be shocked to realize undocumented employees are working in this
Path #1 - this all goes away and everything returns to normal. Operation Midway Blitz ends and ICE agents blitz another city. The landscape industry limps toward November and December layoffs. Landscape businesses develop response plans and those are enough to keep federal agents at the gate. ICE, ironically, isn’t up for icy street arrests and heads to warmer pastures in southern cities. Illinois is left to deal with the aftermath. Families have been separated and permanently altered. Employers lose key employees. Political divides are exposed. Feelings are hurt. In the spring, we wait to see if immigration enforcement returns - like Florida braces for hurricanes or California for wildfires. The midterm elections bring political balance and a year of turmoil ends.
Path #2 - this doesn’t stop. Operation Midway Blitz continues on into perpetuity. ICE sets up permanent detention facilities in Illinois. National Guardsmen flock to Illinois to support deportation efforts. The Democrats lose ground in the House. The political appetite is for the Trump Administration to finish what they started. The landscape industry loses 20% of its workforce. H2B and H2A programs do not replace the lost employees. Wages spike as 7,000 employers fight over 5,500 companies worth of employees. What was once a service that was available to the middle class, returns back to the wealthy. The last 30 years of growth in this industry was built on a foundation of sand.
Path #3 - we swallow our pride and partisan talking points and we fix it. If half the country doesn’t want the lawlessness of open borders and the other half doesn’t want federal shock troops run amok, we need a new path. So, where does that path begin? To answer that, we turn again to another conservative President coming off a landslide election that had the Democrats reeling — Ronald Reagan. President Reagan was the last President to pass a comprehensive immigration reform package. That was 41 years ago. In the 4 decades since, the parties have turned immigration into a wedge issue that neither wants to solve. Immigration drives and motivates the base. The anger protestors express in the streets matches the anger Katie Abraham’s family feels searching for answers after the death of their daughter. The head battles the heart, round and round we go.
Ronald Reagan’s Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986 became a landmark compact between the government, citizens, undocumented workers, and employers. It birthed the very same I-9 process that begins each landscape season. Prior
Landscape Illinois — The Magazine November 2025
to IRCA, there were zero federal laws in place for hiring an undocumented immigrant. Prior to 1972, migrant workers ebbed and flowed over the Mexico border depending on harvests and seasonal workflow. This was called circular immigration. When the border was locked down in 1972, migrants stayed because it was too difficult to return home. Migrants turned into immigrants and a crisis was born.
Ronald Reagan wanted to solve a problem. He was surfing a massive wave of popularity winning the electoral college 525-13. Reagan wanted to create a humanitarian path to deal with the growing undocumented population while remaining tough on crime and tightening border security. IRCA offered amnesty to over 3 million people. It passed the House 230-166 and passed the Senate 69-30. The idea that such a contentious piece of legislation could pass by those margins today is as unbelievable as Nancy Pelosi and Donald Trump slowdancing on the White House lawn.
What the IRCA did was simple. For the undocumented population, it allowed anyone who arrived before 1982 to apply for amnesty. It was back-dated by four years to make sure amnesty was only being offered to immigrants who put down roots here and not new arrivals. They had to have a clean criminal record, they had to have worked continuously, and they had to pay a fine and back taxes. They had to be interviewed and submit for medical evaluations. They were only allowed one year to apply. Over 3 million people applied for IRCA amnesty and 2.7 million were approved.
For employers, it created the I-9 process and the first federal rules to verify employment status. It made it illegal to hire someone who could not complete the I-9. It created the H2B and H2A guest worker programs. It created a system of penalties for employers who broke these provisions. It penalized employers who discriminated based on national origin.
IRCA shows the framework exists. It just needs the following updates: Create a new amnesty date, even one that starts five years before the Biden presidency to take into account massive migrant inflows. Increase the caps for guest worker programs. Create a non-seasonal, three-year guest worker visa for other industries facing critical labor shortages. Allow for deported citizens to apply for 5-year work visas if children remain in the United States until the youngest child turns 18. Require digital tracking of documented migrants using geotags. Increase border security at the northern Mexico border and southern Mexico border. Shift priorities away from the Middle East and towards Mexico, Central America, and South America. Require ICE to act as law enforcement agents using warrants rather than a paramilitary force. Allow ICE to act without prejudice when exercising a criminal warrant on an unauthorized citizen. Expose employers to criminal and civil penalties if they continue to knowingly hire undocumented workers. Did I miss anything?
The purpose of laying this out has nothing to do with convincing the government. I don’t expect Landscape Illinois members to copy and paste those suggestions and email them to Congress. The purpose of laying this out is to show us, regardless of our political stripes, that change is possible. That change will only occur with compromise and that compromise comes when we bend our heads and hearts in the same direction. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not possible when it’s already been done.
Ronald Reagan signed IRCA at the foot of the Statue of Liberty. He was flanked by Republicans, Democrats, business owners, labor leaders, and humanitarians. He was the most popular and powerful man in the world at that moment. He did not sign IRCA because it meant his side would win. He signed IRCA because he had a moral imperative to act. Politicians talk a good game about winning, real leaders actually get it done.
This all starts with us believing that a pathway out of this exists. If we can’t see it, prepare for a long, cold winter. For there is no telling when the ice may thaw.
Becky Thomas Spring Grove Nursery, Inc. (815) 448-2097 bthomas@springrovenursery.com
Mark Utendorf Emerald Lawn Care, Inc. (847) 392-7097 marku@emeraldlawncare.com
Aaron Zych
ILT Vignocchi, Inc. (847) 487-5200 azych@iltvignocchi.com
www.landscapeillinois.org
Cultivating the Next Generation of Landscape Leaders
As we look toward the future of Illinois’ landscape industry, we know our continued success depends on the energy, creativity, and passion of our people. At our recent Impact Conference, I was part of a great roundtable discussion about attracting talent to our industry. We had a cross section of business owners/managers, adjunct professors, workforce developers, human resources managers, and people new to our industry discussing our compelling value proposition. We have a great story to tell about the art, science, and business of cultivating the spaces where we live, work, and play.
So how do we share these experiences with people new to our industry and association? Recently, young professionals gathered at Lurvey Landscape Supply for their Fall event with education, tours and networking. Events like these exemplify the mission of the Young Professionals Committee as they create opportunities for emerging leaders aged 35 and under to engage with peers, exchange ideas, and strengthen their connection to the broader landscape community.
Through our Future Landscape Industry Professionals (FLIP) Committee, we are inspiring the next generation to explore the many rewarding career paths within landscaping and horticulture. From design and maintenance to technology, sustainability, and business management, our industry offers so many diverse opportunities. Our goal is to further educate students, their families, and teachers about careers in Horticulture.
This vision aligns perfectly with the Seed Your Future movement, a nationwide effort to promote horticulture and help people understand the essential role plants play in our everyday lives. As part of our upcoming strategic plan, we will work more closely with Seed Your Future to share resources and opportunities with our Landscape Illinois members.
Meanwhile, our new Owners and Senior Managers Group recently held their inaugural panel and networking event. By sharing best practices and real-world insights, they are creating a peer group of leaders addressing strategic planning, business development, operational efficiency, client management, and employee engagement.
But what about those mid-career? As another part of our upcoming strategic plan, we are building programming and resources for those over 35, but not yet senior managers or owners. This group has their own aspirations, ideas and concerns and are eager to have a platform to share their experiences. As an association, we will work to further target this part of our workforce since they are the future leaders of our industry.
All these groups are not just about networking. We are creating opportunities to build lifelong relationships, foster leadership, and shape the direction of our industry for years to come. Join us as we nurture these connections and invest in our people.
Warmly,
Kim
President, Landscape Illinois
Cultivando la Próxima Generación de Líderes del Paisajismo
Al mirar hacia el futuro de la industria del paisajismo en Illinois, sabemos que nuestro éxito continuo depende de la energía, la creatividad y la pasión de nuestra gente. En nuestra reciente Conferencia de Impacto, participé en una excelente mesa redonda sobre cómo atraer talento a nuestra industria. Contamos con la participación de empresarios/gerentes, profesores adjuntos, desarrolladores de personal, gerentes de recursos humanos y personas nuevas en nuestra industria, quienes debatieron sobre nuestra atractiva propuesta de valor. Tenemos una gran historia que contar sobre el arte, la ciencia y el negocio de cultivar los espacios donde vivimos, trabajamos y nos divertimos.
¿Cómo compartimos estas experiencias con quienes se inician en nuestra industria y asociación? Recientemente, jóvenes profesionales se reunieron en Lurvey Landscape Supply para su evento de otoño, donde ofrecieron formación, visitas guiadas y oportunidades para establecer contactos. Eventos como estos ejemplifican la misión del Comité de Jóvenes Profesionales, ya que crean oportunidades para que líderes emergentes menores de 35 años interactúen con colegas, intercambien ideas y fortalezcan su conexión con la comunidad paisajista en general.
A través de nuestro Comité de Futuros Profesionales de la Industria del Paisaje (FLIP), inspiramos a la próxima generación a explorar las diversas y gratificantes trayectorias profesionales en paisajismo y horticultura. Desde diseño y mantenimiento hasta tecnología, sostenibilidad y gestión empresarial, nuestra industria ofrece una gran diversidad de oportunidades. Nuestro objetivo es seguir educando a los estudiantes, sus familias y profesores sobre las carreras en horticultura.
Esta visión se alinea perfectamente con el movimiento Seed Your Future, una iniciativa nacional para promover la horticultura y ayudar a las personas a comprender el papel esencial que desempeñan las plantas en nuestra vida diaria. Como parte de nuestro próximo plan estratégico, colaboraremos más estrechamente con Seed Your Future para compartir recursos y oportunidades con nuestros miembros de Landscape Illinois. Mientras tanto, nuestro nuevo Grupo de Propietarios y Gerentes Senior celebró recientemente su panel inaugural y evento de networking. Al compartir las mejores prácticas y perspectivas del mundo real, están creando un grupo de líderes que abordan la planificación estratégica, el desarrollo empresarial, la eficiencia operativa, la gestión de clientes y el compromiso de los empleados.
¿Y qué pasa con quienes están a mitad de su carrera? Como parte de nuestro próximo plan estratégico, estamos desarrollando programas y recursos para mayores de 35 años, pero que aún no son gerentes sénior ni propietarios. Este grupo tiene sus propias aspiraciones, ideas e inquietudes, y está deseoso de tener una plataforma para compartir sus experiencias. Como asociación, trabajaremos para conectar con este sector de nuestra fuerza laboral, ya que son los futuros líderes de nuestra industria.
Todos estos grupos no se limitan a establecer contactos. Estamos creando oportunidades para construir relaciones duraderas, fomentar el liderazgo y definir el rumbo de nuestra industria en los próximos años. Únase a nosotros para cultivar estas conexiones e invertir en nuestra gente.
Kim Hartmann, President, Landscape Illinois
Kim Hartmann
Bertog Landscape Co. • Wheeling House & Garden Revitalization
ThisNorth Shore estate’s garden was transformed to complement the home’s newly painted exterior. A garden wall with wrought iron toppers creates a seamless connection between the architecture and landscape. A large, declining maple tree was replaced by a birch grove. Lush beds add texture and seasonal
color. The bluestone terrace and outdoor kitchen provide an inviting space for gatherings. Extensive hardscape changes balance functionality and aesthetics. These are also required to meet code guidelines on impervious surfaces. The result is a cohesive, revitalized space for the new homeowners.
Garden Center Trends — What Was HOT for 2025
By Mandy Komes-Leifheit
Over the past five years, native plants have seen a remarkable surge in demand — up 82% as more consumers look to create landscapes that are not only beautiful, but beneficial to the local environment. This shift is redefining what customers expect from garden centers and what garden centers need to provide in return.
What’s Fueling the Native Plant Boom?
When asked about their top reasons for carrying native plants, Garden Centers repeatedly highlight three key drivers:
1. Customer demand
2. Environmental and ecological benefits
3. Strong landscape performance
Customers are becoming increasingly aware of how native species support pollinators, conserve water, and thrive in local conditions with less maintenance. Once people learn what natives can do for their yards and for the planet, they’re all in.
Who’s Asking for Natives?
Garden center professionals report that Millennials and Gen Z are leading the charge. These younger customers are not only
prioritizing sustainability,̋ but also arriving at garden centers more informed than ever.
They’re doing their own research before even walking through the doors asking about host plants for specific butterfly species, looking for signage about ‘eco-benefits’ and wanting to know what’s truly native to this region, not just the broader Midwest.
That said, interest isn’t limited to younger generations. Many Boomers and Gen X homeowners, especially those transitioning to more manageable, lower-maintenance yards, are also exploring native shrubs, trees and perennials as longterm landscape solutions.
Garden Center Feedback: What Customers Are Saying
Retailers report that their customers are echoing themes of:
• Sustainability
• Desire to support pollinators and birds
• A shift away from purely ornamental gardens
• A growing distrust of invasive or high-maintenance species continued on page 12)
(continued from page 10)
While some shoppers are looking to go “fully native,” many are blending natives with traditional ornamentals, often choosing perennials over annuals and increasingly favoring woody shrubs and native trees.
Are Garden Centers Ready?
The rapid rise in interest has presented both opportunities and challenges. Not all staff feel confident answering detailed questions about native plant habitat, range, or compatibility with specific site conditions.
To bridge the knowledge gap, many garden centers are now offering workshops on native gardening, in-store signage explaining benefits and plant origins and collaborations with local conservation groups.
Will People Pay More for Natives?
Interestingly, garden centers report that price is not the primary barrier, especially when customers understand the long-term ecological and maintenance value. Educated buyers are often willing to pay a premium for natives that are truly local, pesticide-free or grown sustainably.
Still, affordability matters. Some centers are addressing this by offering native plant “starter packs” or bundling native perennials with educational materials to help newcomers ease into eco-conscious gardening.
(continued on page 14)
Naturally aged, Glencoe 34 & Round Base 16, LS 9310 on Washingtion 42 Pedestal Plinth, LS 9284
Design: Ross Garden Design, Jacksonville, Florida
(continued from page 12)
Edible and Medicinal Natives: More Than Just Pretty Plants
Another layer of interest driving native plant demand is the rising awareness of their edible and medicinal properties. From elderberry and echinacea to serviceberry and bee balm and pawpaw, customers are increasingly drawn to plants that offer both ecological and personal health benefits.
This curiosity is especially strong among younger gardeners who are embracing movements around foraging, DIY wellness and regenerative living. These customers are looking to create spaces that nourish both the ecosystem and their own families, turning gardens into habitats, pantries and apothecaries all in one.
The Bottom Line
What was once considered a niche movement is now mainstream. Native plants are changing the market and how garden centers operate. Whether driven by climate concerns, pollinator protection or personal health, the demand is clear: today’s gardeners want plants with purpose.
Garden centers that lean into this trend with knowledge, transparency and meaningful education are not just selling plants. They’re cultivating a movement.
Among the Top Sellers at Retail Garden Centers This Year —
by Nina Koziol
The Growing Place, Naperville
Michael Massat, shared these thoughts, “Tree and shrub sales are up 10-15 % because people did not want to shop or even be outdoors during the cicada-palooza last year.”
• Natives are still making a move—“up-trending”, especially perennials
• Homeowners are asking for narrow woodies a lot. They want to block their neighbors, but not give up yard space
• Hydrangeas continue to be hot, especially FlowerFull.®
Ted’s Greenhouse, Tinley Park
Dan Biernacki said it’s “Pollinator plants. Customers are embracing all the annual salvias, especially for hummingbirds.”
• ‘Mega Cool’ begonia—16-20 inches tall with extremely large flowers
• Shrubs — a gazillion hydrangeas, anywhere from 1-8 feet tall
• A lot more skinny hedge plants. Narrow junipers and arborvitaes like Sting® (12-18 inches wide and 15-20 feet tall at maturity.) People want a tall hedge that’s narrow.
• Coneflowers — not an uptick, but we consistently sell out
Sunrise Nursery, Grant Park
“Native plants and pollinator plants are on trend!” Ashley Buzan shared without hesitiation.
• Amsonia ‘String Theory’
• Liatris pycnostachya Prairie Blazing Star
• Monarda ‘Leading Lady’
• Stachys ‘Hummelo’ and ‘Summer Crush’
• Vernonia ‘Iron Butterfly’
by Meta Levin
September 10, 2025 was the 17th Turf Education Day (TED), an annual event put together by Landscape Illinois and held at the NIU Conference Center in Naperville.
Once again the Turf Committee assembled an All-Star lineup of speakers, featuring: Dr. Fred Yelverton of North Carolina State University; Brett Gold, American National Sprinkler & Lighting with Kevin Battistoni, Hunter Industries. Ben Baumer provided an intersting session on the turf needs of the Chicago Bears — both at Halas Hall and Soldier
Field. John Langton, Automated Outdoor Solutions, enlightened attendees with an update on mower automation.
Brad Beaver, from The Illinois Department of Agriculture, provided an annual regulatory update.
After lunch, Dr. Derek Settle, Chicago District Golf Association, provided insight as to what’s eating the turf at District courses this season.
Closing out the day, Nikki Hendrickson, Advanced Turf Solutions, discussed the many factors that can affect how well your grub applications work.
Turf Education Day Sponsors—
1st Place — Jason Postma, center, led his team to a first place victory and chance to wear the coveted used blazers.
2nd Place — The Atlas Bobcat crew was camera shy, but did manage to send up Phil Anello.
3rd Place — Homer Industries was on the podium again this year with Josh Doherty, Todd Hahn, Josh Brantner and Jonathan Lestarczyk.
50/50 Winner — Mark Tatara, Premier
Yes! It’s the Jim Bilinski Memorial Hole.
Sponsors—
Hole-in-One ConservFS Techniseal
Beat the Pro Night Light
Wilson Nurseries & Landscape Suppy
Divot Repair Tool Unilock Midwest
50/50 Drawing Alta Equipment Compcany
Golf Carts Premier Service
Patio Pub Sponsor Vermeer Midwest
Golf Ball Launcher Clesens
Refections Water Gardens
Raffle Sunbelt Rentals
Lunch Sponser SFI Topsoil
Bloody Mary/Mimosa Sponsor Amrize
Breakfast Sponsor
The Belden Brick Company
Halfway House Sponsor County Materials
Putting Green West Side Tractor
Cigar Sponsor Platinum-Poolcare
Golf Club Brush
Bartett Tree Experts
Closest to Pin
Cedar Path Nurseries
Eden Valders Stone
Tee/Hole Sponsors:
Alliance Gator
Altorfer Cat
Aqua Designs
Atlas Bobcat
Compeer Financial
JM Irrigation
Mariani Plants
Midwest Compost LLC
Purple Wave
The Midwest Companies
Contest Holes:
Goodmark Nurseries
McCullough Kubota
Reflections Water Gardens
Rochester Concrete Products
Russo Power Equipment
SiteOne Landscape Supply
Stihl
The Pizzo Group
Fall Event
Engaging — Empowering — Inspiring
by Nina A. Koziol
On October 2, 2025, the Women’s Networking Group held their annual fall event at Chandler’s Chophouse in Schaumburg. It was a morning packed with education, laughter and networking. Three speakers presented TED Talks that resonated with many of the 130 registrants. Topics ranged from leadership and fostering community within the industry to workplace diversity and improving one’s professional image.
Kelly Girup, director of sales at Summerfield Trading in Chicago, was the master of ceremonies for the event. “This was my first time having to grab the microphone. It was a lot of fun, and I was happy with the turnout,” Girup said. Girup joined the WNG Committee a year ago. “I joined because I was at the point in my career where I felt like I had something to give back. I was really impressed and grateful that our three speakers had different backgrounds and were at different points in their careers,” she said.
and elevating one’s professional image. Lauren Ogle of Tri-State Cut Stone & Brick in Wilmette spoke about “Building More Than Landscapes: Fostering Community within Industry” while Carrie Hancock, JMR Landscaping, addressed leadership. Tiffany Wohlhart, senior inside sales rep for Midwest Groundcovers, spoke about workplace diversity and authenticity. “With Tiffany being younger and newer to the industry, I was really thankful that she stepped up and volunteered,” Girup said.
This was the third WNG fall event for Meghan Kohlmann, account manager for Midwest Groundcovers in St. Charles. Kohlmann, who is also the chair of the Young Professional’s Committee, said, “I was really interested in the TED Talks in general and with Tiffany speaking, but I took away a lot from all the speakers. The roundtable discussions afterwards flowed nicely and formed great conversations— really impactful.”
The program provided a chance to explore strategies for promoting camaraderie, building strong leadership skills
Interactive roundtables and networking helped attendees deepen connections and share ideas with fellow industry pros. The three speakers, Kohlmann said, created their talks
with no previous presentation experience—something that can be frightening if you’re not used to speaking in front of large groups. All three speakers come from different backgrounds and career histories. “There were similarities— we are women working in a male-dominated industry,” said Girup. “I wasn’t expecting to get parenting advice, especially from someone so much younger than me,” she said with a chuckle” “It was all about being authentic and being true to yourself. That was never really a thought or even a priority in the past.”
Lisa Smith is the horticulturist and wholesale rep for Johnson’s Nursery in Wisconsin. She has attended at least six of the WNG events. She also served as a mentor to one of the speakers. “I always enjoy going for networking, socializing, and it’s convenient as far as the time commitment. I know all the speakers, and Tiffany was one of my mentees years ago. She did a great job and was funny.”
One aspect of Wohlhart’s talk was highlighting uniqueness. “She talked about diversity in the workplace, which was inspirational and motivational,” Kohlmann added. “She said, ‘Don’t edit out your color,’ which is a nice way to highlight your uniqueness, and that sparked conversation in the roundtables.”
For Girup, who has been in the industry for more than 25 years, joining the WNG Committee was a no-brainer. “I wanted to make an impact with younger women, being a role model or a leader. I’m working for a company that supports my time and giving back to the industry as well, and it’s really nice to have that and to be active with the committee.” Girup, a busy landscape pro and a mother of three, closed her retail business over a year ago. “When you’re a business owner, you don’t prioritize industry connections because your time is just so valuable. But once I transitioned to this position, it was important to give back.”
AmericanHort Fly-In
Foreward—
Illinois was honored to have the largest state delegation at AmericanHort’s Impact Washington Fly-in in September.
Joe Hobson of Midwest Trading and Past President of Landscape Illinois captained Team Alpha that included members from Midwest Groundcovers, Midwest Trading Horticultural Supplies, Profile Products LLC, N.G. Heimos Greenhouses Inc, and Spring Grove Nursery, Inc. Executive Director Scott Grams captained Team Bravo with employees from Doty Nurseries, Home Nursery, and Ball Horticulture/Publishing.
Landscape Illinois loves to shine light on the advocacy of our members. Maggie Thomas Harper attended the fly-in with her mom, Board Member Becky Thomas. Maggie wrote this piece based on her experiences as a grower, representative of our statewide industry, and good citizen.
— Scott Grams, Landscape Illinois
Over the years I’ve had the privilege and opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. We’ve taken a few family trips to the Capital, and this was my third time lobbying on the Hill. Each time I go, I’m reminded of why I love (and sometimes hate) politics. Through all of the partisan noise, there’s something to be said about participating in the American experiment first-hand, and I don’t take that for granted.
The AmericanHort Impact Washington Fly-In Summit was an opportunity for us to use our voice in a constructive and productive way. We joined 140 other participants from around the country to attend over 220 meetings with our lawmakers and their staffs on Capitol Hill. Illinois had the largest turnout with almost 20 people in attendance ranging from small family farms to large companies whose businesses spans the globe.
Plan the work
Our first full day started off with issue briefings as a group – why were we here, what were we asking for, and who would we meet with? There were five priority asks of our lawmakers that we had to jam into a dozen 30-minute meetings scattered throughout the visit:
• Labor & Workforce: Support sensible H2A and H2B reforms that expand access, contain costs, and allow experienced agricultural workers to continue contributing legally.
• Farm Bill Reauthorization: Pass a strong Farm Bill with robust funding for Horticulture, Research, Rural Development, and Crop Insurance programs that keep farms like ours viable.
• Research & Development: Continued support for USDA programs that help us grow healthier, stronger trees such
Team Alpha photographed after a productive meeting with Rep. Darin LaHood’s office.
• as the Specialty Crop Block Program and the Horticultural Research
• Tariff Relief: Tariff exemptions for Horticultural products that simply cannot be made or produced in the United States.
• Trade & Transportation: Invest in infrastructure and workforce development for trucking, rail, ports, and waterways to move products efficiently and affordably.
Before the meetings, our group was addressed by Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer. Flanked by her secret service detail, the Secretary spoke about the Department of Labor’s policy initiatives regarding her primary focus on workforce development and apprenticeship across industries. She reiterated the importance of agriculture, horticulture, and our industry and seemed genuine in her enthusiasm to get things done.
She prepped us for our two days on Capitol Hill. Every Hill meeting is its own experience as elected officials and staff stick to their talking points. It requires our group to be nimble, respectful, and practiced in our messaging. This is the only way to get past their overly rehearsed partisan responses.
Work the plan
Our first meeting was with the office of Senator Tammy Duckworth (D), where we had a productive conversation with one of her seasoned staff members. Senator Duckworth’s office agreed with all of our “asks,” and we appreciated the back-andforth we had with her office — particularly about specialty crops in the new Farm Bill.
After Senator Duckworth, we booked it across to the House side of the Capitol to meet with Congressman Mike Bost (R-IL 12). Bost sits on the other side of the aisle so our messaging and tactics had to change. For about 15 minutes, Rep. Bost addressed tangential points about China, communism, and other topics unrelated to why we were there. This is where we lean on our training. It can be intoxicating to talk with an engaged lawmaker even when he is not discussing your issues. Our team steered the Representative back to our issues because we traveled all that way for progress, not partisanship.
A heavy rain began to fall as we sprinted back to the Senate side. We arrived at the office of Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). We were soaking wet. Senator Durbin sits on the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry committee as well as the Senate Judiciary and Appropriation committees and is the Senate Minority Whip. We had an extremely productive meeting with his office and worked on several post-meeting follow-ups.
That evening, we gathered in the House Ag Committee room overlooking the Capitol for a brief reception and a chance to catch our breath. Afterwords, we attended the AmericanHort PlantPAC fundraiser dinner. Congressman Dusty Johnson (R-SD) served as the keynote speaker. He addressed a frustrated audience on a topic that was top of mind – gridlock.
(continued on page 28)
Landscape Illinois meets with Rep. Underwood’s Office
Landscape Illinois meets with Senator Duckworth’s Office
(continued from page 27)
Dusty discussed how social media algorithms continue to divide the people, when in reality we have much more in common than we are led to believe online. He pointed out that he could post something about Mrs. Jones down the street doing something nice for her neighbor and it would get 20 likes.
If he shared something politically inflammatory that would get 5,000 likes. Social media algorithms are not doing us any favors and only further the divide when we really need to be focusing our energy and efforts on those who are doing the dividing. I thought his response was honest and spot on; there is not going to be any one right answer as to how we begin to come together. We have more in common with our real-life neighbors than distant politicians or social media avatars. That will never change.
Day two
The next morning began with more meetings to hear from lawmakers about the key issues. We heard from Trevor White, the Senior Policy Advisor for the House Agriculture Committee, Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), and finally Representative Andrea Salinas (D-OR 6). All three alluded to the potential passage of a Skinny Farm Bill that would be less partisan and more focused on agriculture.
This skinny version would need to pass in the next 3 months, and a shutdown does not help those chances. Because Congress
often lumps legislation together, much of the pro-agriculture and specialty crop provisions we discussed were combined with SNAP benefit (i.e. food stamps) cuts. However, $200 million in SNAP cuts has already happened to pay for parts of the “One Big Beautiful Bill. Both sides of the aisle gave their reasons as to why the other would or would not vote for the Farm Bill, meanwhile everyday Americans who rely on the programs, funding, and provisions are left hanging over political theater. We learned that 51% of the House has never even passed a Farm Bill because they were elected after the last one passed in 2018.
After our morning meetings, we bounced around the House buildings to our various representative’s offices. Over the course of the day we met with staff from Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL 9), Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL 16), Rep. Bill Foster (D- IL 11), and Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL 14).
Getting personal
Rep. Darin LaHood serves our district, and we were looking forward to making contact with his D.C. office. I’ve been in ongoing communication with his district office back home regarding grant funding as well as inviting them to visit our family farm. Becky and I were able to share about being the 6th and 7th generations on our family farm, diversifying the crops we grow, the importance of distinguishing specialty crops, and the ways in
Most of the Landscape Illinois delegation on Capitol Hill
which we hope the Representative can be a resource and advocate for the many specialty growers in his district. This connection allowed Rep. LaHood to truly feel like my representative.
Our final meeting of the day was with Rep. Lauren Underwood’s office; her district encompasses the largest concentration of nurseries in the state of Illinois. Maybe it was because this was our last meeting of the day, or maybe it was because her staffer was the most engaged person we had interacted with, but we came away from this meeting energized and excited about the work Rep. Underwood is doing for specialty growers, farmers, and her constituents. Rep. Underwood recently introduced H.R. 4428 “Strong Farms, Strong Future Act.” This bill would be a great propeller of agroforestry practices, conservation systems, soil management, grazing management, and specialty crops. We loved their enthusiasm about trees and agroforestry, and are excited to hopefully partner with Rep. Underwood’s office in the future!
We’ve been home now for a while, and had some time to reflect on our experiences and conversations during the Fly-In. Were our lawmakers and their staffers receptive to our requests? Will anything we advocated for come to fruition? How can we possibly think that anything could make a difference? There is much to be encouraged — and discouraged by — in Washington. I kept circling back to the insight from Rep. Dusty Johnson — we need to get out of the algorithm and into real life, speak to each other as human beings, and engage with our lawmakers.
What does the future hold?
Our society is hurting, and politics is causing a lot of this pain. People are anxious, scared, and feeling the real-life effects of policies and decisions that those in D.C. make. Folks are waking up to the fact that for too long, a handful of powerful and out-oftouch people have been calling the shots, dividing the people, and creating scapegoats in marginalized groups. In order for change to occur, healing needs to happen, and healing doesn’t happen in a vacuum – it happens in our communities.
The issues we spent time advocating for are rooted in the simple day-to-day work of growing plants and caring for our community. We shared in our meetings that our industry contributes billions annually to the U.S. economy, while providing environmental and community benefits through healthier urban forests, cleaner air and water, and stronger local economies. In a time of political division, it is our hope that trees, plants, and our love of nature unifies us.
The trees that we plant on our farm and with communities are not just for us to selfishly enjoy. They are an act of hope — hope for the future, hope for the betterment of our environment, and hope that these trees will long outlive us to grow and thrive, for generations to come. The nation they will cast their shade upon is up to us.
Maggie Thomas Harper was born into a nursery/farm family in Mazon, IL, Spring Grove Nursery. She has recently agreed to be a Special Correspondent for Landscape Illinois Magazine.
by Nina Koziol
AGrowers Tour 2025
Something Old and Something New
designer usually specs a project’s plants — whether for a patio, a foundation makeover, a border or container — but may not necessarily know how they were grown or appreciate all the hidden, labor-intensive work that went into raising healthy nursery stock. That’s where the Growers Tours come in — behind-the-scenes excursions of nurseries across Illinois.
The Growers Committee created a special tour September 18 to Woldhuis Farms-Sunrise Greenhouse in Grant Park, Illinois, followed by Kankakee Nursery in St. Anne. “The Growers Committee does a great job,” says Kellie Schmidt, Landscape Illinois’ statewide director of development. “One of the most exciting things is that half of the attendees had never been on a growers tour. There was a lot of age diversity and we had many young people attending.”
The sites ranged from southeast to southwest of Chicago, and some attendees drove in from Eureka and Arthur, Illinois, but others came from as far as Turtle Creek and Kenosha, Wisconsin. It was a first time event for Janelle Floerke, business development director for Hartman Landscape in Peotone. She runs the firm’s HOA division. “I came to see what’s coming down the road and to get a better idea of what’s out there.”
Landscape Illinois’ President Kim Hartmann welcomed nearly 110 attendees, saying, “We’re seeing a mix of new attendees and regulars. This tour has grown, and it’s exciting to share knowledge about best practices and technology.”
Woldhuis Farms-Sunrise Greenhouse, Grant Park, IL
In the 1960’s, the Woldhuis family business grew beets and other vegetables for Campbell’s Soup Co. Today, Sunrise
Greenhouse attracts more than 50,000 people each year. Their stock is impressive—more than 15,000 herbs, 164 different varieties of petunias, 100 varieties of coleus, 100 varieties of tomatoes, 90 varieties of hostas, 100,000 hanging baskets and much more, including natives, shrubs, vines, roses and trees. For fall, they offer 250,000 garden mums that go to landscapers, non-profits, and other garden centers, in addition to retail customers. “The transplanting machine is our bread and butter,” said Ashley Buzan, Sunrise’s plant expert who led the tour. “We have four seed machines and a very reliable crew.”
Buzan’s tour provided a behind-the-scenes look at the perennial, tree and shrub departments and the machinery and technology used to operate the eight-acre greenhouses. Attendees got an up-close look at the diverse growing operations that produce high-quality nursery stock, as Buzan walked them through several greenhouses showing the various stages of operation, from seed sorting and sowing to finished products. “We can’t grow enough coneflowers,” she said. And many of their first offerings were gone by Mother’s Day. “We sold all of our fuchsias by then and we’ve never done that before.” But not to worry, they had many more plants coming along from seed and cuttings. In April and May, there are as many as 110 employees, assisting customers, hand-watering in some of the greenhouses, fertilizing, and other intensive hands-on duties.
Kristan McGuigan, regional sales manager of Profile Products in North Aurora was blown away by the colorful perennials during Buzan’s greenhouse tour. “I was so excited to be there and it’s just amazing.” She joined the Association three years ago and quickly took part in events. “This is my third time on a growers tour—we’ve been pretty impressed with Landscape Illinois and their outreach to growers.”
THE STATEWIDE ASSOCIATION FOR LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS
It was a first time tour for Cameron McCauley, who manages the sales yard at Midwest Groundcovers. “I’ve wanted to make it down to Kankakee to see the operation. And Sunrise is a neat place—a lot of pretty plants and a quarter of a million mums! We came here at the right time.”
Kankakee Nursery, St. Anne, IL
Kankakee Nursery is a fourth generation family owned business that celebrated its 100th anniversary this year. They are a 2,500-acre wholesale grower of premium-quality B&B and container-grown trees and evergreens. Although many of their customers are in Illinois, others are as far away as Colorado to Maine as well as Canada. “Some of the acreage is in corn and soybeans, but we do thousands of evergreens and deciduous trees and shrubs a year,” said
The tour provided an in-depth look at their annual in-house propagation of 50,000plus deciduous tree and evergreen liners. Worth also discussed why they transitioned out of shrubs and perennials in 2019 to focus solely on tree and evergreen production. A fascinating field tour included the pot-in-pot growing methods that house their container-grown plants. They’ve also expanded their “root pouch” tree production as an alternative to plastic pots.
“I started attending growing tours five years ago,” Hartmann said. “It’s for those in the business of growing, but also those of us who buy strong, healthy vigorous material. It’s for all facets of our industry. I want the emphasis to stay on the best practices for growing. We have to teach our contracting groups how to do that—for example, using the root bags and
Artful Architecture
by Heather Prince
Why not repurpose plant material to make something extraordinary? Dead hedges are manmade structures crafted with logs, branches, twigs, stems, seedheads, flower stalks, and grasses. A hedge may be made with some or all of those plant materials, depending on the goals for the piece and what is available. These intentional works can be anything from a convenient pile to a large installation.
Dead hedges are one way to combine an ecological landscaping approach with artful reuse of materials to form sculptural garden artifacts. They create space for a bounty of wildlife, especially beneficial insects, and let your creativity play with the myriad possibilities of found materials. We spoke with three public garden professionals about their experiences creating and maintaining dead hedges and the abundant benefits of these evolving structures. Kevin Philip Williams, manager of horticulture at Denver Botanic Gardens; Erin Presley, horticulturist at Olbrich Botanical Gardens; and Leirion Sorensen, horticulture manager at Chanticleer, weighed in on the building and stewarding of
these unique creations. Each of these public gardens has been building dead hedges with an artistic eye to create habitat, but also beautiful garden sculpture.
Built-In Benefits
“The most basic benefit is habitat,” commented Williams. “You’re keeping material that many invertebrates have already nested in, and you’re letting these animals emerge and continue their life cycle. All sorts of animals use those cracks, crevices and holes, both in the structure you’re building and in the plant material itself. Plus, many creatures use it to nest in, to burrow into and, in some cases, to eat or to chew or break apart or to build in other places. Many of the grasses and the fibers are taken and used by birds. I think habitat and homes are the first major benefits that you have by incorporating these structures and keeping this material on your site.”
Presley finds, “The primary reason most people think about installing a dead hedge for ecological benefit is for insect sheltering but also overwintering. There are many
with Dead Hedges
insects that overwinter as larvae, egg cases, or even adults that are sheltering in brush piles or on twigs. You’ll commonly find them under the inner cambium layer of peeling bark that’s starting to decompose, where they can sneak in and take cover,” Presley said.
Sorensen stressed creating a diverse array of habitats on properties to welcome the broadest array of life. “We know that diversity supports diversity and that, in turn, supports resiliency. So, diversity in habitat is one of the three main practices of diversity, the other two being species diversity and genetic diversity. For many insects, dead wood – dying, decaying wood – is really important to their life cycles. It can be as specific as if the dead wood is standing upright or if it’s laying down, or if the fallen tree is oriented to the north or the south. Those are attractive to all types of different things for different reasons,” Sorenson explains.
By adding new and different layers of habitat, you are building resilient relationships for species that control pests, feed birds and wildlife, and help plants thrive with minimal inputs. In turn, keeping plant material on site keeps it out of
landfills, saves on hauling and garbage fees and reduces the need for expensive chipping. “One of the huge benefits is that we get to reuse a lot of the material that normally tends to go into the waste stream,” reported Williams.
Opportunity for Art
Now that you’ve sold the client on the benefits of a dead hedge, how do we make them artful? As gardeners and horticulturists working with plants, our connection with them doesn’t end once flowers fade. The intentionality of a built object--be it old stumps, woven branches or placed stems--gives the opportunity for creating something new and intriguing. It can also be a problem-solver.
“I think of it as problem solving in your landscape,” commented Presley. “We have used a dead hedge to hide a utility box. We might install dead hedges in newly developing areas to test out a new layout for a path. We’ll line the edges of the path and start to create a dead hedge to lead people through. It’s a semi-permanent way to work in the landscape (continued on page 36)
(continued from page 35)
if you have something you want to try but not necessarily have it be a hardscape feature that you’re tied to forever.
“Creating a dead hedge can be a great way to be able to define spaces,” Presley explained. “Working at a public garden, I’ve created little dead hedges as barriers where people are cutting through because it’s a more natural way to say, ‘stop going here’ than having a plastic cone or an actual fence.”
Plus, here in the Midwest, winter is a long season. “Gardens can be a bit quieter-looking in the winter, so dead hedge-type features or other woody debris that’s arranged artfully, gives you something to look at other than a blank, empty bed,” Presley said.
Intentionality shines through when you add a touch of order to what might normally be just a brush pile. “When you line it up, when you stack it, when you make it neat, it doesn’t take much to put a person-stamp on it,” said Sorensen. “It’s building it in a way that makes it seem intentional. It’s easily read by anyone. Regardless of if they understand what the reasoning for it is, they understand that at least it is purposeful, and that makes it more palatable for a lot of humans.”
Williams believes, “Any way that you approach it, whether you’re binding it into a shape or letting it find its own natural shape as you lay it, finding your own sort of pattern and repetition rhythm will definitely create an intentionality of the material, even if it’s a non-standard material.”
Construction Basics
While in many ways a dead hedge is straightforward to build, these horticulturists have learned some tricks along the way. At Denver Botanic Garden, Williams is using different sizes and shapes of bent rebar to form wickets as a framework. “The framework can vary. Several times I’ve used bent rebar to make a really big croquet wicket form. I look at the landlines, at the garden edging, the pathways throughout the space, and decide on what type of line I want to draw. I think about what type of rise and elevation undulations would really fit that space and continue the story of the garden. I’ll use the different size wickets to allow me to have those forms, the twist, the turns, the sort of weaving in and out,” Williams said.
Presley and the team at Olbrich stack branches horizontally, often in zigzags, starting broader at the base and gradually narrowing at the top. They use cut branches and rebar as vertical posts to keep the fences from tumbling as the bottom wood slowly crumbles. “On top of each rebar post, we add a little birch wood slice that has a hole drilled into it. It almost looks like a marshmallow on the end of a roasting stick. It cues people that this is art, and this is function, and this is biology, all melded together. The more that you can invest in some of those extra steps in the beginning to create a tidy framework and have an intentional design, really helps further on as your piles get bigger and helps you to keep following your original design intent.”
(continued on page 38)
(continued from page 36)
Materials to Avoid
While most dead or drying plant material can be used in dead hedges, our experts agreed that it is best to shy away from a few types. Dried foliage that had fungus or mildew during the growing season is not recommended as the pathogen usually stays with the material to spread the following year. Invasive plants that have a tendency to root quickly and easily may be problematic. Dried flowers and seedheads can be very striking in a hedge composition but consider if you want that plant to pop up in that area as seeds fall.
Presley finds placement important because dead hedges can shelter unwanted critters as well as desired species. “We’ve had issues with some of our dead hedges in years when we have really intense rodent pressure in the garden. Voles and (continued on page 40)
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(continued from page 38)
mice take advantage of the shelter provided by them. Keep that in mind if you’re creating dead hedges in your yard, to maybe keep them a little bit further away from your home proper, if that’s something of concern to you.”
Moments to Cultivate
All three institutions have seen tremendous interest from visitors and guests. “People do comment that they see them as art, and they really think they’re beautiful,” said Williams. “We’ve had very, very positive reactions throughout the garden spaces.”
“We’ve gotten so many questions, and they have sparked a lot of conversations,” commented Sorensen. “Over and over again in my career I’ve seen that you can flip that light switch on for somebody, especially a gardener, to gardening with empathy. I think that it is surprising how a pile of sticks could lead a gardener to question and reevaluate and reimagine
(continued on page 42)
(continued from page 40) everything that’s possible in their own landscape just by shifting their practices a little bit. It creates more curiosity and really gets people thinking.”
Keeping dead wood gives the landscape a sense of age and permanence. “You’re creating memories and layers of history,” said Presley. “It’s very comforting to look at an old stump and remember when it was a tree, and it adds such a nice visual patina. It’s really important to remember how all of these plants tried so hard during their lifetimes to work for us and provide shade and capture moisture and provide beauty. We should be able to, once they’re dead, also find ways to continue to honor them and recognize their contribution by keeping them close and putting them in a position where we’re able to remember their contributions in their death as well as in their life.”
Chicagoland area with of 400 acres of quality field-grown nursery stock .
Cedar Path Nurseries has two conveniently located sales yards, Lockport and Barrington, to better serve our clients.
We are the premier shade tree grower in the Chicagoland area with of 400 acres of quality field-grown nursery stock .
Cedar Path Nurseries has two conveniently located sales yards, Lockport and Barrington, to better serve our clients.
We are the premier shade tree grower in the Chicagoland area with 400 acres of quality field-grown nursery stock. Cedar Path Nurseries is conveniently located in Lockport to serve our clients.
Cedar Path Nurseries carries a full line of B&B trees and shrubs, container shrubs, perennials and groundcovers. Not only are we your onestop -shop, but we are sourcing experts. We look forward to assisting on your next project.
We are the premier shade tree grower in the Chicagoland area with of 400 acres of quality field-grown nursery stock
Cedar Path Nurseries has two conveniently located sales yards, Lockport and Barrington, to better serve our clients.
We are the premier shade tree grower in the Chicagoland area with of 400 acres of quality field-grown nursery stock Cedar Path Nurseries has two conveniently located sales yards, Lockport and Barrington, to better serve our clients.
Cedar Path Nurseries carries a full line of B&B trees and shrubs, container shrubs, perennials and groundcovers. Not only are we your onestop-shop, but we are sourcing experts. We look forward to assisting on your next project.
Cedar Path Nurseries carries a full line of B&B trees and shrubs, container shrubs, perennials and ground covers. We are, not only your one-stop shop, but we are also sourcing experts. We look forward to assisting on your next project.
Cedar Path Nurseries carries a full line of B&B trees and shrubs, container shrubs, perennials and groundcovers. Not only are we your onestop-shop, but we are sourcing experts. We look forward to assisting on your next project.
Cedar Path Nurseries carries a full line of B&B trees and shrubs, container shrubs, perennials and groundcovers. Not only are we your onestop-shop, but we are sourcing experts. We look forward to assisting on your next project.
Lockport, Illinois
15235 W. Bruce Road, Lockport, IL 60491 Office 815.838
15235 W. Bruce Road, Lockport, IL 60491 Office 815.838
Barrington, Illinois
Barrington, Illinois
Barrington, Illinois
190 W. Penny Road, Barrington, IL 60010 Office 847.551.3700 | Fax 847.551.3707
190 W. Penny Road, Barrington, IL 60010
Office 847.551.3700 | Fax 847.551.3707
SALES@CEDARPATH.NET | WWW.CEDARPATH.NET
How Soil Health Can Impact
by Alex Straughn
Soil health is the foundation of every successful landscape project. It influences water retention, nutrient cycling, and plant resilience. Contractors who prioritize soil structure and biology through practices such as decompaction, organic matter incorporation and regular testing can deliver higher client satisfaction and project value over time.
By adopting a soil health management system rooted in the four principles of minimal disturbance, continuous living cover, plant diversity and nutrient optimization, landscape professionals can achieve measurable ROI within five to ten years, often recouping up to 50% of initial soil remediation costs through reduced irrigation and input expenses.
Integrating routine soil testing and tailored amendments enables contractors to make data-driven decisions, aligning site conditions with design intent, and ensuring long-term site success for clients and the environment alike.
Lessons from Oakwood Estates
When Oakwood Estates, a 25-acre corporate campus in suburban Denver, experienced persistent turf failure and severe runoff issues, the general contractor feared costly rework and unhappy tenants. After excavating the failing lawn areas, the contractor discovered a two-inch compacted clay layer just below the topsoil. Rather than simply re-sodding, they brought in a soil health specialist who recommended aeration, the incorporation of high-quality organic compost and the planting of diverse cover crops over an off-season period.
Within eighteen months, Oakwood’s turf established robust
root systems, requiring 30% less irrigation and virtually eliminating erosion during spring storms. The contractor not only avoided a six-figure rework bill but also earned a long-term maintenance contract, demonstrating how proactive soil health investments pay dividends in project value and client trust.
Key practices for contractors
Healthy soil functions as a living ecosystem, balancing physical structure, chemical fertility and biological activity. Well-structured soil with adequate pore space enhances water infiltration and retention. This can greatly reduce irrigation needs and stormwater management challenges.
Optimal pH and nutrient availability support plant vigor and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers, translating into lower input costs and fewer nutrient-leaching concerns. A diverse community of microorganisms drives nutrient cycling, disease suppression and soil aggregation. These are key factors in establishing resilient landscapes capable of withstanding drought, compaction and invasive species pressures.
1. Soil testing and baseline assessment
Contractors should begin every project by conducting some form of a soil test. This can include texture analysis, organic matter content, pH and bulk density measurements. Standardized testing protocols like those outlined by the Natural Resources Conservation Service provide actionable data to (continued on page 46)
Site Success
(continued from page 44) tailor amendments and compaction remediation strategies.
2. Minimizing disturbance and decompaction
Maintaining existing soil structures where possible limits disruption of soil life. In compacted areas, deep-tine aeration or sub-soiling breaks the “hardpan,” improving root penetration and water movement. Such mechanical treatments often pay for themselves through reduced irrigation and maintenance costs within two growing seasons.
3. Incorporating organic matter
Adding compost or other stabilized organic materials increases soil aggregate stability and water-holding capacity. Organic matter serves as a slow-release nutrient reservoir, enhancing plant uptake and microbial activity. Studies have shown that a 1% increase in soil organic matter can improve water retention by up to 25%, translating to significant irrigation savings on large sites.
4. Continuous living cover and diversity
Planting cover crops or green manures during off-seasons maintains living roots in the soil, feeding microbes and protecting against erosion. Introducing a mix of legumes,
grasses, and broadleaf species enhances nutrient cycling and reduces pest pressures, creating a self-sustaining soil environment.
5. Nutrient management and bio stimulants
Based on soil test results, contractors can apply targeted nutrient amendments to correct deficiencies. Some examples of this include precise N-P-K blends or micronutrient supplements. The strategic use of bio stimulants (e.g., mycorrhizal inoculants) further bolsters root health and improves nutrient uptake efficiency.
Delivering long-term value and ROI
Investing in soil health is a long-term strategy that yields both direct and indirect financial benefits. Direct savings arise from reduced irrigation, fertilizer and pesticide costs. Indirect gains include fewer call-backs, higher client satisfaction and the ability to command premium service fees for performance-guar-
anteed installations. Quantitative analyses of soil health practices in agricultural contexts report ROI ranging from 7% to 345% over several years, suggesting similar opportunities exist in high-value commercial and residential landscapes when appropriately managed.
Monitoring, maintenance, and communication
Contractors should establish ongoing monitoring programs, including periodic soil testing and performance metrics (e.g., volumetric water content, turf density). Transparent reporting to clients demonstrates the value of soil health measures and facilitates proactive adjustments. Educating maintenance crews on (continued on page 48)
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(continued from page 47) soil biology and plant-soil interactions ensures that best practices like avoiding over-tilling and respecting moisture thresholds are upheld throughout the lifecycle of the landscape.
Conclusion
For landscape contractors, soil health is not an optional add-on but a core component of site success. By embracing soil testing, minimal disturbance, organic amendments, living covers and precise nutrient management, contractors can elevate project performance, reduce lifecycle costs and strengthen client relationships.
The initial investment in soil health translates into resilient, aesthetically pleasing landscapes that stand the test of time. Investing in soil health makes every site a showcase of sustainable value and professional excellence. In short, the dirt you use as a foundation makes a difference.
Alex Straughn is the General Manager at SFI Topsoil. He has been supplying pulverized topsoil to the Chicago area for over two decades. SFI Topsoil is an active member of Landscape Illinois, and an exhibitor at iLandscape.
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• Outc roppi ng s a nd Bou lder s
• Conc rete & C l ay Paver s
• Reta i n i ng Wa l l s
• Pond s a nd Low Voltage L i g ht i ng
• Seed s & Fer t i l i zer s
• Mu lc h & Decorat ive Stone
• L i mes tone Sil l s & Cou nter Tops
• Blues tone - Nom i na l & Di men siona l
• Bu i ldi ng Stone
• Mason r y P roduc t s
Cómo la salud del suelopuede Éxito del Sitio de Impacto
porAlex Straughn
La salud del suelo es la base de cada proyecto paisajístico exitoso. Influye en la retención de agua, el ciclo de nutrientes y la resiliencia de las plantas. Los contratistas que priorizan la estructura y la biología del suelo mediante
prácticas como la descompactación, la incorporación de materia orgánica y las pruebas regulares pueden ofrecer una mayor satisfacción del cliente y un mayor valor del proyecto con el tiempo.
suelopuede Impacto
Al adoptar un sistema de gestión de la salud del suelo basado en los cuatro principios de mínima alteración, cobertura viva continua, diversidad de plantas y optimización de nutrientes, los profesionales del paisaje pueden lograr un retorno de inversión medible en un plazo de cinco a diez años, recuperando a menudo hasta el 50% de los costos iniciales de remediación del suelo mediante la reducción de los gastos de riego e insumos.
La integración de pruebas de suelo de rutina y enmiendas personalizadas permite a los contratistas tomar decisiones basadas en datos, alineando las condiciones del sitio con la intención del diseño y asegurando el éxito a largo plazo del sitio tanto para los clientes como para el medio ambiente.
Lecciones de Oakwood Estates
Cuando Oakwood Estates, un campus corporativo de 25 acres en los suburbios de Denver, experimentó fallas persistentes en el césped y problemas graves de escorrentía, el contratista general temía un costoso retrabajo e inquilinos descontentos. Después de excavar las áreas de césped deterioradas, el contratista descubrió una capa de arcilla compactada de dos pulgadas justo debajo de la capa superior del suelo. En lugar de simplemente reponer el césped, trajeron a un especialista en salud del suelo que recomendó la aireación, la incorporación de compost orgánico de alta calidad y la plantación de cultivos de cobertura diversos durante un período de temporada baja. En un plazo de dieciocho meses, el césped de Oakwood estableció sistemas de raíces robustos, requiriendo un 30% menos de riego y prácticamente eliminando la erosión durante las tormentas de primavera. El contratista no solo evitó una factura de re-trabajo de seis cifras, sino que también obtuvo un contrato de mantenimiento a largo plazo,
Mejores Plantas, Mejor Servicio Y Mejor Selección.
Mariani Plants se enorgullese en su attencion al cliente. Tenemos expertos ajentes de ventas de habla hispana en nuestras dos localidades, Kenosha Wisconsin y Garden Prairie Illinois. Mariani Plants esta aquí para proveerle mejores plantas, mejor servicio y mejor selección.
Llámenos a Mariani Plants: 866-627-4264 / marianiplants.com
TODOS JUNTOS MEJOR.
demostrando cómo las inversiones proactivas en la salud del suelo rinden dividendos en el valor del proyecto y la confianza del cliente.
Prácticas clave para contratistas
El suelo saludable funciona como un ecosistema vivo, equilibrando la estructura física, la fertilidad química y la actividad biológica. El suelo bien estructurado con un espacio de poros adecuado mejora la infiltración y retención de agua. Esto puede reducir en gran medida las necesidades de riego y los desafíos de gestión de aguas pluviales. El pH óptimo y la disponibilidad de nutrientes apoyan el vigor de las plantas y reducen la dependencia de fertilizantes sintéticos, traduciéndose en menores costos de insumos y menos preocupaciones por la lixiviación de nutrientes. Una comunidad diversa de microorganismos impulsa el ciclo de nutrientes, la supresión de enfermedades y la agregación del suelo. Estos son factores clave para establecer paisajes resilientes capaces de soportar la sequía, la compactación y las presiones de las especies invasoras.
1. Pruebas de suelo y evaluación de referencia
Los contratistas deben comenzar cada proyecto realizando algún tipo de prueba de suelo. Esto puede incluir el análisis de la textura, el contenido de materia
orgánica, las mediciones de pH y la densidad aparente. Los protocolos de pruebas estandarizadas como los descritos por el Servicio de Conservación de Recursos Naturales proporcionan datos procesables para adaptar enmiendas y estrategias de remediación de compactación.
2. Minimizando la perturbación y la descompactación
Mantener las estructuras de suelo existentes cuando sea posible limita la alteración de la vida del suelo. En áreas compactadas, la aireación profunda con púas o el subsolado rompen la “capa dura”, mejorando la penetración de las raíces y el movimiento del agua. Dichos tratamientos mecánicos a menudo se amortizan por sí mismos a través de la reducción de los costos de riego y mantenimiento en dos temporadas de cultivo.
3. Incorporación de materia orgánica
Agregar compost u otros materiales orgánicos estabilizados aumenta la estabilidad de los agregados del suelo y la capacidad de retención de agua. La materia orgánica sirve como un reservorio de nutrientes de liberación lenta, mejorando la absorción de las plantas y la actividad microbiana. Los estudios han demostrado que un aumento del 1% en la materia orgánica del suelo puede mejorar la retención de agua hasta en un 25%, lo que se traduce en ahorros significativos de riego en grandes áreas.
4. Cobertura vegetal continua y diversidad
Plantar cultivos de cobertura o abonos verdes durante las temporadas bajas mantiene raíces vivas en el suelo, alimentando a los microbios y protegiendo contra la erosión. Introducir una mezcla de legumbres, pastos y especies de hoja ancha mejora el ciclo de nutrientes y reduce la presión de las plagas, creando un ambiente de suelo autosuficiente.
5. Gestión de nutrientes y bioestimulantes
Basado en los resultados de las pruebas de suelo, los contratistas pueden aplicar enmiendas de nutrientes específicas para corregir deficiencias. Algunos ejemplos de esto incluyen mezclas precisas de N-P-K o suplementos de micronutrientes. El uso estratégico de bioestimulantes (por ejemplo, inoculantes micorrízicos) fortalece aún más la salud de las raíces y mejora la eficiencia de absorción de nutrientes.
Entregar valor a largo plazo y retorno de la inversión
Invertir en la salud del suelo es una estrategia a largo plazo que genera beneficios financieros tanto directos como indirectos. Los ahorros directos surgen de la reducción de los costos de riego, fertilización y pesticidas. Las ganancias indirectas incluyen menos devoluciones de llamadas, mayor satisfacción del cliente y la capacidad de exigir tarifas de servicio premium para instalaciones con garantía de rendimiento. Análisis cuantitativos de prácticas de salud del suelo en contextos agrícolas informan un ROI que va del 7% al 345% durante varios años, lo que sugiere que existen oportunidades similares en paisajes comerciales y residenciales de alto valor cuando se gestionan adecuadamente.
Monitoreo, mantenimiento y comunicación
Los contratistas deben establecer programas de monitoreo continuo, incluyendo pruebas periódicas del suelo y métricas de rendimiento (por ejemplo, contenido volumétrico de agua, densidad del césped). La presentación transparente de informes a los clientes demuestra el valor de las medidas de salud del suelo y facilita ajustes proactivos. Educar a los equipos de mantenimiento sobre la biología del suelo y las interacciones planta-suelo garantiza que se respeten las mejores prácticas, como evitar el exceso de labranza y respetar los umbrales de humedad, a lo largo del ciclo de vida del paisaje.
Conclusión
Para los contratistas de paisajismo, la salud del suelo no es un complemento opcional, sino un componente central del éxito del sitio. Al adoptar pruebas de suelo, mínima alteración, enmiendas orgánicas, coberturas vivas y gestión precisa de nutrientes, los contratistas pueden elevar el rendimiento del proyecto, reducir los costos del ciclo de vida y fortalecer las relaciones con los clientes.
La inversión inicial en la salud del suelo se traduce en paisajes resilientes y estéticamente agradables que superan la prueba del tiempo. Invertir en la salud del suelo convierte cada sitio en un escaparate de valor sostenible y excelencia profesional. En resumen, la tierra que utilizas como base marca la diferencia.
Alex Straughn es el Gerente General en SFI
Topsoil. Ha estado suministrando tierra vegetal pulverizada al área de Chicago durante más de dos décadas. SFI Topsoil es un miembro activo de Landscape Illinois y un expositor en
Rock & Stone Knowledge
by Daniel Wood
What is natural stone?
Natural stones are those which have been harvested from their in-situ position in the earth, then cut and machined into final products without alteration to the natural fabric of the material.
Embodied Carbon and Natural Stone
Using healthier building materials with minimal amounts of processing will reduce the embodied carbon of building projects. Natural stone is a single ingredient, all-natural material with zero VOCs. Since Mother Nature does most of the manufacturing, its embodied energy is inherently low. Also, natural stones are fully recyclable throughout their life cycle. Natural stone can be recycled by being repurposed, reused or crushed into smaller aggregates for use in various construction and landscaping projects. This process diverts valuable materials from landfills, reduces the demand for newly quarried stone and saves significant energy compared to sourcing new raw materials. Large, undamaged pieces can be salvaged for new projects, while smaller or damaged stone is often broken down to be used in applications like road construction, patios or as decorative landscaping fill.
Natural Stone Pavers
• Main processes: Quarrying, cutting, surface finishing and transport.
• Embodied Energy:
o ~0.79–1.20 MJ/kg (per BRE and other LCA sources).
o Per m² (30–50 mm thick): ~100–150 MJ/m².
• Key reason: Very low manufacturing energy. Most energy is in quarrying, sawing and transportation. No firing or chemical transformation needed.
• Notes: Local sourcing significantly reduces embodied energy; they are green and sustainable!
Man-made landscape pavers are durable, prefabricated units used for outdoor surfaces like patios, walkways and driveways. These engineered materials may offer greater uniformity and design flexibility than natural stone, and their characteristics vary depending on their composition. However, they have a higher embodied energy in their production.
Concrete pavers
These are manufactured paving stones made from a mixture of cement, sand, aggregates (such as gravel), water and color pigments.
• Manufacturing: The mixture is poured into molds, vibrated to increase its density, and then cured to achieve extreme durability. This process makes them stronger than standard poured concrete. Cement production (very energy intensive), mixing with aggregates, molding and curing.
• Design and uses: They are highly versatile and available in numerous colors, shapes and sizes, with some styles mimicking brick or natural stone. They are widely used for driveways, pool decks, patios and walkways.
• Cost and maintenance: First generation concrete pavers can be more affordable than clay pavers, with newer technologies being more expensive than clay pavers. They can be easily replaced individually if damaged, but newer replacement material may not match the older faded material. Lastly, they may require periodic sealing to maintain their color and prevent staining. Some of the newer technologies may prevent this but cost more.
• Cement is the source of about 8% of the world’s car-
bon dioxide (CO2) emissions, according to think tank Chatham House. If the cement industry were a country, it would be the third largest emitter in the worldbehind China and the US. Embodied Energy:
o ~1.1–1.7 MJ/kg (can be higher with high cement content).
o Per m² (50–80 mm thick): ~150–250 MJ/m².
• Key reason: Cement accounts for ~80–90% of the energy/carbon footprint of concrete.
• Notes: Use of supplementary cementitious materials (fly ash, slag) can lower embodied energy.
Clay pavers
Often called brick pavers, these are made from natural clay or shale that is shaped and then fired in a high-temperature kiln.
• Manufacturing: The kiln-firing process creates a very hard, durable and colorfast paver. The color is inherent throughout the entire paver, so it won’t fade over time. Clay extraction, forming and firing at ~1,000°C.
• Design and uses: They are available in a range of earthy tones like reds, browns and beiges, providing a classic, timeless look. They are suitable for high-traffic areas such as driveways, patios and walkways.
• Cost and maintenance: Clay pavers may be more expensive than first generation concrete pavers but can be less expensive than newer concrete paver technologies. They require less maintenance, as they resist fading and don’t need to be sealed. They will continue to look as good as the day that they were installed over their life cycle.
• Embodied Energy:
o ~2.5–3.5 MJ/kg.
o Per m² (40–60 mm thick): ~250–400 MJ/m².
• Key reason: The firing stage is extremely energy intensive.
Porcelain Pavers
These are a man-made tile made from a mixture of highly refined clay, sand and other minerals.
• Manufacturing: The mixture is fired at extremely high
temperatures (>2200ºF), which creates a dense, non-porous and incredibly strong material. High-quality clays, feldspar, silica; pressed and fired at ~1,200–1,400°C for long durations.
• Design and uses: Advanced digital printing allows porcelain pavers to faithfully replicate the appearance of natural stone, wood, or concrete. They are very versatile and can be used for patios, walkways, pool decks, and even rooftop terraces due to their lighter weight.
• Cost and maintenance: Porcelain pavers are typically the most expensive of the man-made options. However, they are virtually non-porous, making them resistant to stains, mold and moss, so they require minimal maintenance and do not need to be sealed.
• Since they essentially have no absorption, moisture must surface drain or evaporate off of them. In the winter in freeze/thaw regions, this can create slippery surfaces where the moisture has pooled and frozen.
• Embodied Energy:
o ~4.0–5.5 MJ/kg (sometimes higher for dense porcelain).
o Per m² (20 mm thick typical): ~200–300 MJ/m².
• Key reason: Ultra-high firing temperature, longer kiln times and additional glazing/polishing steps.
• Notes: Although thin, the firing makes porcelain the highest embodied energy per kg.
Takeaways for Design
• Natural stone generally has the lowest embodied energy because it’s largely “ready-made” by geology; only cutting and finishing are needed.
• Concrete is higher due to cement but still lower than fired products.
• Clay and porcelain are the highest because of energy-intensive firing.
• Transportation distance can shift these values — e.g., imported stone can approach concrete’s embodied energy if shipped far.
Daniel Wood is a natural stone and material consultant for Lurvey Landscape Supply. He is also Education Committee Chair for the Natural Stone Institute as well as a Past President of NSI.
Dan is a featured speaker at iLandscape 2026.
Eubanks Environmental
David Eubanks Round Lake, IL 60073
847-456-5604
www.eubanksenvironmental.com
by Meta L. Levin
For 30 years, David Eubanks, founder and owner of Eubanks Environmental, has been an environmentalist, ecologist and native plant designer.
In 1997 he started his own consulting firm to focus on ecological restoration, native landscape design and shoreline erosion control using bioengineered plant solutions.
“I struck gold with my first client, the Chicago Botanic Garden,” he says. For three years, Eubanks
worked on lagoon shoreline restoration, using native plants as a bioengineered solution.
Eventually, he sold his consulting business, which became Tallgrass Restoration. But, he wasn’t through yet.
He re-invented his business. Now Eubanks Environmental, is a boutique firm, doing residential, municipal and commercial design, installation and maintenance, still single mindedly concentrating on the environment and native plants. He works with prairie, woodland and wetland species and has a staff of seven
or eight people in season. “They are wonderful landscapers,” he says. He also has an on-call family of stonemasons.
Initially, he did all the work, hiring crews from other landscape companies when needed. By 1998, he realized he needed his own and hired three people, who he trained to do the work the way he wanted it done. “Most other landscape companies don’t understand native plants,” he says.
He also contracts with John O’Lear, a landscape architect, recently retired from the Will County Forest Preserve District. O’Lear has a background in erosion control and shade and sun plantings. “He is integral to the work I do,” says Eubanks, designing formal gardens around homes and plant beds. “He knows his stuff.”
Eubanks seeks to increase his clients’ connection to nature with every project. His services include landscape planning, plant selection and hardscape design with sustainability and environmental stewardship, as well as incorporating eco-friendly principles in mind every step of the way.
Based on the request of many of his clients, Eubanks has added hardscaping to his offerings, still with ecology in mind. He has installed permiable driveways, patios, fire pits and the like.
While some of his clients want to do their own upkeep, most have found that, at least initially, it is not easy. “It’s a misnomer to refer to prairie installations as maintenance free,” says Eubanks. “It takes three to four years before native plants repell weeds.”
He is proud that he remains available to his clients for questions and consultation. “I never leave a client behind,” he says.
Not all of his installations are 100 percent native plants. Planting them on large estates can get expensive, so many clients ask that he inegrate seeded natural areas with more conventional plants.
In practice, he does a lot of perimeter planting for his residential clients. “I love native shrubs,” he says. “A lot are beautiful and can screen property.”
In addition, Eubanks Enviromental will provide prescriptive burn services to keep invasive small woody plants from growing.
Eubanks crafted a masters level program in environmental planning at DePaul University, completing his coursework with mentors in the field through the School of New Learning, but life got in the way before finishing his final paper. He did, however, learn what he needed to start and run his own business.
Now, more and more traditional landscape contractors are dabbling in native plants. “I’m hoping to see more now that it is becoming more of a trend.”
From DePaul, he went to the Openlands, as well as working on conservation policy and connecting greenways for the Cook County Forest Preserve District.
In 1997, he decided to start his own business. “I never looked back,” he says.
Now, among other things, he works with Lake Forest Openlands, Hainesville, Green Oaks, Ryerson Woods and others. In each place, there were unexpected good results. In Ryerson Woods, for example, where he worked on a volunteer basis, as soon as he installed St. Johns Wort, the bees showed up. With another installation, Scarlett Tanengers arrived.
Eubanks is enthusiastic about the future of his company. “We are small, but mighty,” he says.
RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT/DESIGNER
CB Conlin Landscapes Inc. is a full-service residential landscape design and construction firm located in Naperville, Illinois. We are seeking a talented and experienced Landscape Architect/ Designer to add to our collaborative team environment.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, landscape design, or related field
- Minimum 2+ years of experience within the residential landscape design and construction field
- Experience with AutoCAD and/or 3D modeling computer programs
- Reliable and professional self-starter with good presentation and writing skills
Responsibilities:
You will be responsible for designing, presenting, booking, and planning fine exterior spaces for discerning clients throughout the Chicagoland area with the assistance of our Design and Construction Team.
Benefits:
We offer an excellent salary + commission, health, dental, and retirement benefits.
· 401(k)
· 401(k) matching
· Dental insurance
· Flexible schedule
· Health insurance
· Paid time off
· Retirement plan
Job Type: Full-time
Schedule: Monday to Friday. Weekends as needed
Experience:
AutoCAD: 1 year (Preferred)
How to apply: Please email resumes to Slucchetti@cbconlin.com or contact us at 630-416-8998 for more information.
Salary Range: Pay: $60,000.00$120,000.00 per year
Horticulture Lab Assistant I (FT), CFRN13271HORT
Horticulture Lab Assistant I (FT), CFRN13271HORT
The College of DuPage is a comprehensive community college located 27 miles west of downtown Chicago, vitally connected to our local area for over 50 years. We prepare students for a lifelong passion for learning on our 273-acre campus which is home to nine associate degrees and a wide variety of professional and technical certificates. Many of these credentials prepare students to seamlessly articulate into the baccalaureate programs of our higher education partner institutions.
College of DuPage is committed to student success and values an inclusive and welcoming community environment. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workforce. Our connection to the larger metropolitan area is essential to our success and provides a wealth of diverse cultural and recreational opportunities.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities: Provide lab setup and technical support to faculty and staff while supporting instructional activities in both classroom and outdoor lab environments. Engage with faculty, staff, students, and the community to share horticultural services, information, and resources. Supervise students when participating in lab activities.
· Maintain and oversee daily care of Horticulture laboratory spaces, including outdoor labs, greenhouses, and classrooms ensuring all areas are clean, organized, and functioning to support academics, events and activities.
· Prepare and assist with classroom lab setup as directed by faculty and staff.
· Perform cultural care practices for crops, including planting, pruning, watering, fertilizing, and monitoring for pests and diseases to ensure healthy plant growth.
· Train and coordinate, student workers and volunteers, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and in a timely manner.
· Support community outreach, events, volunteer recruitment, tours, and publicity while maintaining strong connections with local organizations, media, and industry.
· Implement pest and disease control strategies to ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and College of DuPage Hazardous Materials guidelines and policies.
· Uphold safety standards while keeping the environment clean, organized, and free of hazards. Ensure proper safety guidance for students, volunteers, student workers, and lab visitors.
· Provide enhanced learning experience and additional instructional support for students as they practice work-based learning in a controlled environment.
· Maintain accurate records and oversee the harvesting of produce from the sustainable urban agriculture farm, hi-tunnel, and greenhouse, coordinating distribution efforts with the Fuel Pantry Liaison.
· Support Greenhouse Manager and Lab Coordinator in planning, preparing, and coordinating the departmental plant sales.
· Manage and maintain inventory of equipment and supplies, ensuring adequate inventory levels are available to meet program needs.
· Support Horticulture Club activities and departmental community service activities to foster student engagement and community outreach.
· Operate and maintain equipment such as dingos, skid steer, tillers, forklift, and mowers to ensure they remain in safe and reliable working condition.
· Provide support to the Greenhouse Manager, Lab Coordinator, and Program Chair as needed, contributing to the successful operations of the horticulture program.
· Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications: Education
High School diploma required.
Associate’s degree in Horticulture or related field preferred.
Experience:
Minimum of two years working in the horticultural/agriculture industry preferred or equivalent combination of experience and education required. Licenses and Certifications:
· Illinois Pesticide Operators License within 180 Days required.
· COD Training
· Particulate mask training
· Mobile elevated work platform safety training curriculum
· Forklift operator training
· Annual PCI training
· Driver Safety
· Hazardous Communications GHS training
· Oxygen Compressed Gas Cylinders Curriculum
· Annual Compliance Trainin
Working Conditions:
· Hours may vary. Weekend and evening work may be required.
· May require heavy lifting up to 50 lbs.
· Use of ladders.
· On your feet 80% of the day.
· Working outside in the heat and cold.
· Communication, computer, and phone skills are necessary.
· Must pass physical exam at college expense.
· Will have to support labs and recruiting at off-campus facilities
Hiring Range: Starting pay begins at $20.14/hr. based on experience.
Competitive starting pay is dependent on education and experience. College of DuPage also offers a generous benefits plan which includes paid time off, tuition discounts for employees and dependents, medical, dental, vision, effective the first day of employment, and retirement benefits in a collaborative and friendly environment.
College of DuPage is an equal opportunity employer. The College of DuPage is committed to recruiting and retaining high-performing talent to our institution, continuing our tradition of excellence. We encourage all people across the broad spectrum of those communities we serve to explore and apply for positions at COD for which they believe they are qualified.
College of DuPage does not discriminate against individuals in employment opportunities, programs, and/or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, veterans’ status, marital status, disability, military status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or on any other basis protected by law. How to Apply: Visit:
Route Delivery Driver-Class A ROUTE DRIVER-Joliet, IL
If you are looking for a unique Route Driver position, then continue reading to learn more about Carlin Horticultural Supplies and this position.
• You want to use your knowledge and skills and find a career position.
• You highly desire Work-Life Balance.
• You want to be home almost every night.
• You want to drive daytime hours, operating a Class A tractor with trailers equipped with a rail gate –electric pallet jack.
• You want a hassle-free day with a truck maintained and supported through a full-service program.
• You have outstanding customer service skills.
• You are detail-focused and value a collaborative team environment. Carlin Horticultural Supplies is currently seeking a Route Driver to join our team at our Joliet, IL location at 3454 Mound Road, Joliet, IL 60436
Essential Job Responsibilities for Route Driver
• Present a friendly, courteous, and positive attitude while representing Carlin Horticultural Supplies to our internal and external customers.
• Driving, unloading, and demonstrating exceptional customer service.
• Ability to travel locally daily and manage some overnight travel.
• The driver maintains required DOT electronic logs, manages delivery paperwork and must be available for warehouse duties as assigned by the branch manager.
What We Offer Our Route Driver
• Work-Life Balance!
• The warehouse hours of operation are 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.
• Competitive benefits package includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Bonus program, Paid holidays, Paid Time Off (PTO), and 401k.
• Opportunities to grow and advance within the company. Participation in company-wide performance incentive Education and Critical Skills/ Experience
• Class A CDL, hazmat endorsement and an excellent driving record required – hazmat endorsement can be acquired after you’re hired.
• Special Skills: use of powered material handling equipment (forklift, power jack, etc.)
• Lifting 50 pounds.
• Work Schedule: You will be required to meet customer and company performance expectations.
• Must have a valid CDL Class A driver’s license.
• Prior driving and delivery experience desired.
How to apply: If interested, please send a cover letter and resume to: Bill Koehn, bkoehn@carlinsales.com, Michelle Vari, mvari@carlinsales.com
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
The Evening Garden
By Nina A. Koziol
The garden at night is a very different animal. At dusk, those vibrant flowers in red, orange, blue and purple fade from view. White and pale yellow blossoms and silver foliage become the stars. As the sun sets, the garden is transformed into something.
Bowles’ — Golden Sedge
by Mark Dwyer
Sedges (Carex sp.) continue to become more popular and available with each passing year, and rightly so! Their wide adaptability, textural contributions and combination potential is seemingly limitless, and I find myself on a continual and exciting learning curve to become acquainted with more of these treasures. This wasn’t always my experience with sedges as I flash back 35 years ago and think about my initial use of sedges in the landscape.
Of course, back then, the availability of sedges was severely limited, and ornamental grasses were just heading into more pronounced appreciation and popularity. One sedge that I used often those many decades ago was the Bowles’ golden tufted sedge (Carex elata ‘Aurea’). Sometimes referred to as Carex elata ‘Bowles’ Golden’, this dense, clump-forming selection offers superior color and texture, and I’ve never stopped recommending its use in the landscape.
This semi-evergreen sedge exhibits bright yellow spring growth and in matu-
rity, reaches almost 30 inches tall and wide. Interestingly, if you look closer at the foliage, individual leaf blades are thinly margined in green. Listed as hardy in Zones 5-8, I’ve also had consistent success in Zone 4 garden situations. The key to placing this colorful sedge is providing wet soils and avoiding any situations where the soil will dry out. This sedge is not drought tolerant. However, it will tolerate full sun in damp conditions and is equally happy in part shade. In deeper shade it “reads” as a dull chartreuse and tends to be a bit floppy so do give it some sunlight!
Native to a wide area of Europe, northern Africa and temperate Asia, this sedge species is typically found in marshes, fens, wet woodlands and even shallow water margins where it can tolerate 2-3 inches of standing water. This golden form was found by famous British horticulturist, E.A. Bowles and has been a popular garden plant for many decades, perhaps heralding the future popularity of sedges in our gardens. The very early
spring flowers are of brief interest but the emerging foliage gains size quickly and transitions to a dramatic, golden “fountain” in the mid-height range that absolutely attracts attention. There are other golden sedges (i.e. ‘Everillo’) worthy of attention, but they are all shorter and in that 12-15 inches range.
In terms of placement within a design framework (and considering the need for moisture), I would use Bowles’ golden sedge in partly shaded locations as a repeated element to offer that textural “punch” of bright gold that combines well with hostas, ferns and other companion perennials. In groupings, it is equally impactful and is commonly used for erosion control efforts. With no significant insect or disease problems, this plant is also deer and rabbit resistant. With such a long and successful track record, coupled with consistent availability, the Bowles’ golden sedge (Carex elata ‘Aurea’) deserves continued consideration and impactful incorporation into the landscape.
SUBTLE, REFINED SURFACE TEXTURE
Bristol Valley ™
Random Bundle & Large Rectangle
With its subtle texture and clean edges, Bristol Valley delivers the timeless appeal of natural stone in a refined, modern style. Enduracolor™ technology ensures rich, long-lasting color, while factory-sealed EasyClean™ protection provides built-in stain resistance for added durability and easier maintenance.
