| Before & After
Project Feature 2008 - Look at the transformation
of a South Elgin suburban home. The client resides in a new home in
a new subdivision; the yard was a complete clean slate with not
much besides sod. |
| Before
and After Project 2010 - The homeowners of this
Lisle property recognized early on that they would need a
professional landscape design build company to make their newly
constructed house and landscaping work together. See the results of
this spectacular transformation. |
| Butterfly
Gardening - A butterfly garden is a welcomed
addition to any yard. It can add interest and beauty to the yard,
help conserve a diminishing butterfly population, and enhance the
pollination of flowers and vegetable plants nearby. |
| The Basics of
Landscaping to Attract Birds - There are a number
of aspects regarding your backyard landscaping that will determine
whether or not birds decide to visit. Learn how to create a home
for these friendly species. |
| The Beauty of
a Shade Garden - If your yard is lacking sunlight
there is no need to worry about having a beautiful garden. There
are many trees, shrubs, and perennials that will thrive under lower
light conditions. The challenge of designing a shade garden is how
to organize the garden in order to create a visually interesting
and cohesive site. |
| The Cicadas are
Coming - We haven't seen them in
overwhelming numbers since 1990, but once again the periodical
cicada is expected to reappear this year. The northern Illinois
brood will be right on their 17-year schedule and will be affecting
our area. |
| Color in the
Garden - Applying color to the landscape relates
closely to the basics of art. Most of us are familiar with the
color wheel and use these principles when designing the interiors
of our homes. |
| Combating
Japanese Beetles in Your Rose Garden - Roses are
among the most beautiful flowers for a garden and landscape, but
unfortunately, roses are also prone to a number of diseases and
pest problems. The successful rose gardener must be on the lookout
for these problems, and combat them at first sign. |
| Composting -
Composting is the process of decomposing plant material for later
use to enrich garden soil, lawn or houseplants. Composting is a
great way to recycle yard and kitchen waste, which makes up a large
portion of our nation's total waste. |
| Creative Winter
Displays - During the cold, bleak months of
December, January, and February when all is gray and dull, why not
create beautiful winter containers to brighten up the entrance of
your home, business or garden. |
| Cut Flower
Gardening - Have you ever wished you could bring
the splendor of your landscape inside your home to brighten up a
centerpiece, a room, or a rainy day? A simple solution would be to
add a "cutting garden" to your landscape plan. |
| Designing Curb
Appeal - Learn about four basic design
techniques that will improve the look of your landscape and create
curb appeal. |
| Divide & Conquer Your
Perennial Garden - A simple maintenance chore
needed in the garden is the division of perennials. Take a look at
your garden, do any of your perennials look crowded and unwell? If
this is the case, dividing may be a benefit. |
Dormant Pruning - Every
gardener knows that you should prune trees and shrubs regularly.
But there are a few questions you should think about before you get
started.
|
| Encouraging Bees: How to
Make a Bee Garden - A bee garden!? You might be
asking yourself why anyone would want a garden to attract bees to
their yards. Learn the benefits of creating a bee garden. |
| Enjoying
Fall! - Fall is the perfect time to embrace the
outdoors with cooler weather, beautiful colors and bountiful
harvest. |
| Fall Garden
Calendar - View our fall garden calendar |
| Fall
Lawn Fertilization - Fall is almost here and
it is the perfect time to care for your lawn. You might be thinking
to yourself, why now? Contrary to most beliefs, the lawn should be
fertilized in all growing seasons, not just spring. By taking the
time to care for your lawn in the fall you will strengthen
your lawn's roots, which will help them thrive the following
spring. |
| Feng Shui the
Landscape Way - Feng Shui is the mystical Asian
art of arranging your surroundings to harness positive energy.
Often times associated with interior home design, learn how to
apply a few simple rules to you outdoor living space as well. |
| Garden Calendar - Fall
2008 - View our fall garden calendar for
2008. |
| Garden Calendar - Spring
2008 - View our spring garden calendar for
2008. |
| Garden Calendar - Spring
2009 - View our spring garden calendar for
2009. |
| Garden Calendar -
Summer - View our summer garden calendar |
| Garden
Structures - There are a wide variety of garden
structures available that can do amazing things to transform a
garden space. The term garden structures can apply to a variety of
forms. Trellis, pergola and arbor are just a few examples. Each
type creates a unique visual element and has a specific purpose in
the landscape. |
| Guide to a Greener
Lawn - One of the most disappointing things that
can happen to a homeowner is to watch their beautiful lawn go from
a deep green to burnt brown crust. Follow these simple steps for
lawn care and maintenance and, chances are, your lawn will be more
lush and green than ever before. |
| How Landscaping Can Help
You Save on Energy Costs - With energy costs
soaring higher than ever, you are probably searching for unique
ways to save money. Believe it or not, your landscaping can make a
difference. |
| Incorporating
Natural Stone - Concrete paving stones and
retaining walls can be a beautiful addition to any home. But if you
would like a more luxurious, distinctive look for your home why not
try incorporating natural stone. Natural stone walks, patios, or
retaining walls can add texture, and interest to your hardscape and
give your home a fresh appearance. |
| Landscape Design Trends -
2006 - What is the latest and greatest in
landscaping? Find out what all the talk is about. |
| More Popular Than Ever -
Natural Gardens - Natural gardens flow with the
environment. Learn how to go with the flow of nature which requires
less effort and increases a garden's chance for success. |
| Outdoor
Lighting - You installed your new landscape and
it looks just beautiful. There is a variety of height, color and
texture and your design provides year-round seasonal interest.
Wouldn't it be great to enjoy it in the evening hours as well? |
| Protecting Your Pets
in the Landscape - Although many pets will not
eat outdoor plants, if they become curious or bored they may be
tempted. Most plants in this area are perfectly safe for pets;
there are however a few plants to look out for if you are a pet
owner. |
| Perk Up Your
Landscape with the Right Theme - When it comes to
landscaping, there is no substitute for proper planning. The right
planning can make all the difference in the world, so before you
start digging up the garden and the front yard be sure to decide
what the finished landscape should look like. |
| The Best Perennials For Fall Color
- It is always important when planning your garden to
create interest in all seasons. Perennials are an essential
addition to all gardens by providing multiple seasons of interest
with their long bloom times, foliage colors and varying textures.
When mixed with shrubs and trees, perennials will add another layer
to the garden. While most perennials bloom in the summer, there are
plenty of perennials that have interesting fall
characteristics. |
| The Season
for Planting Bulbs - Spring flowering bulbs offer
both a reliable and spectacular display of color just when you need
it the most. There are just a few tricks to growing large, healthy,
flowering bulbs. |
| Vegetable
Gardening - Vegetable gardens are not only a
great way to save money; they are fun. Spend time educating
children or enjoy the outdoors in your own sunny getaway. With a
little planning, you will have bountiful fruits worth all of your
hard work in the landscape. |
| Why and How to Create a
Butterfly Garden - Butterfly gardens are a great
way to attract butterflies to your yard. This article describes the
environment you need to create in order for these lovely creatures
to visit your yard. |
| Why is Landscaping So
Important Anyway? - It is only natural for
homeowners to take pride in the appearance of their homes, and it
is just as natural for that care and consideration to extend beyond
the four walls of the home. After all, far more people will see the
exterior of the home on any given day than the interior, so it just
makes sense to create as good an impression as possible. |
| Winter Interest
Garden - The leaves have dropped and the
landscape may be a little drab. The northern climate is wintry,
cold and gray. Rather than leaving the landscape dull and boring,
consider assessing it now and plan for next years winter interest.
Liven up the garden scene with bright colored berries, evergreen
foliage of trees and shrubs, interesting bark and ornamental
grasses. |