Summer Showcase

by Nina A. Koziol

(Editor’s Note: Last December, we showcased an inspirational collection of winter containers from some ILCA members. We had great feedback so here’s a look at some summer designs.)

Containers, window boxes and hanging baskets are the icing on the cake for many residential and commercial projects. For those fortunate to have clients who desire seasonal rotations, it’s a tool for flexing your creativity.

“I’ve had repeat customers for several years and I always like to create something that’s a bit different from the previous year,” said Dana Voyles, president of Gardens Done Right in Algonquin. “It’s so much fun because you get to see the design put together and it looks amazing. It’s the creativity that I like—creating something every season, every year.”

Asking clients about their color preferences is key to making them happy. “That’s our first conversation,” says David Hoxie, owner and president of Greenhaven Landscapes in Lake Bluff. “If you don’t hit that right it can turn off a client. We ask if they prefer a more formal and structured look or if they are ok with something informal and asymmetrical for their containers.” in Chicago. “We take into account the color of the building and patio.”

Other clients leave it up to the designer. “My clients almost always defer to us for color choices,” said Anne Roberts, of Anne Roberts Gardens, Inc.

Rotations

Hoxie’s spring container planting generally begins at the end of March—weather permitting. “Summer rotation is after Memorial Day. In most of our pots we’re doing four-season rotation,” he said. “Ninety percent of our clients at least do summer and winter with fall as the third piece. Spring is the least amount of pots because it’s such a short window and we have to tent the containers—bamboo (continued on page 36)

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