The Landscape Contractor magazine FEB.24 DIGITAL EDITION by Association Publishing Partners

Translating the New Naturalism to Urban Design

Knob Hill Landscape Creates Magic in Springfield

JAN 31 - FEB 2, 2024

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February 2024

CONTENTS Excellence In Landscape Awards Project

FOCUS: iLandscape Show Guide Translating New Naturalism to Urban Spaces Kelly Norris provides some insight

Replenishing the Artistic Reservoir Members offer personal tips

Babylon Chicago 30 Growing a garage

New Plants... Why? 40 Krystal Flogel explores the need for new plants Gothic Gardens 46 Mark Dwyer takes a dive into a garden trend iLandscape 2024 SHOW GUIDE 57 The Pros at Home 94 A visit in the gardens of Barb Rosborough

Urban Wonderland 100 Knob Hill Landscape creates magic in Springfield AAS Revs Up Perennial Plant Evaluations New plants worthy of a look

112

Celebrate the Season A career affirming essay

122

New Members

126

EN ESPAÑOL

iLandscape Mardi Gras 2024

130

Member Profile High Maintenance Garden Care

134

Before You Go Hawthorns a buffet for birds

146

On the cover... the ultimate landscape contracting photo. It employs: paving, water, fire, stone, wood pergola, trees, shrubs, perennials and grasses The Landscape Contractor February 2024

100 5

CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS ILCA Calendar From Where I Stand President’s Message Classified Ads Advertisers Index

Photo Credits

ILCA Awards Committee Larry Karnes Rick Hitchcock Mark Dwyer Benjamin Vogt Trends

FEBRUARY

4 7 8 136 145

1, 8-9, 18-29 30-39 40-49 94-100 102-109

Nina Koziol Mark Dwyer

112-129 146

The official publication of the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA), The Landscape Contractor is dedicated to educating, advising and informing members of this industry and furthering the goals of the Association. The Landscape Contractor carries news and features relating to landscape contracting, maintenance, design and allied interests. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited material and reserves the right to edit any article or advertisement submitted for publication. Publication reserves right to refuse advertising not in keeping with goals of Association. WWW.ilca.net Volume 65, Number 2. The Landscape Contractor (ISSN # 0194-7257, USPS # 476-490) is published monthly for $75.00 per year by the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association, 2625 Butterfield Road, Ste. 104S, Oak Brook, IL 60523. Periodicals postage paid at Oak Brook, IL and additional mailing offices. Printed in USA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Landscape Contractor, 2625 Butterfield Road, Ste 104S, Oak Brook, IL 60523. DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES: Association Publishing Partners, Inc., Ph. (630) 637-8632 Fax (630) 637-8629 email: rmgi@comcast.net CLASSIFIED ADS, CIRCULATION AND SUBSCRIPTION: ILCA (630) 472-2851 Fax (630) 472-3150 PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL OFFICE: Rick Reuland, rmgi@comcast.net, Naperville, IL 60540 Ph. (630) 637-8632 PRODUCT DISCLAIMER: The Illinois Landscape Contractors Association, its Board of Directors, the Magazine Committee, ILCA Staff, The Landscape Contractor and its staff, neither endorse any products nor attest to the validity of any statements made about products

JAN 31 - FEB 2, 2024

Young Professionals Event February 15, 2024 Dave & Buster’s Rosemont, IL Spring Training for Landscape Professionals February 27, 2024 Stoneleaf Nursery Eureka, IL

MARCH Foremanship & Crew Leader Workshop March 5 & 6, 2024 Northern Illinois University - Naperville Campus Naperville, IL

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The Landscape Contractor February 2024

MAPLE PARK 45W121 Beith Road Maple Park, IL 60151

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“You can live in any city in America, but New Orleans is the only city that lives in you.” — Chris Rowe

he Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA) and Wisconsin Nursery & Landscape Association (WNLA) are proud to present iLandscape 2024: The Illinois + Wisconsin Landscape Show. The show will be held January 31st to February 2nd at The Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center and Hotel, located in Schaumburg, IL. The creative direction for 2024 is Mardi Gras the most famous party in a city famous for parties. iLandscape will transform its aisles of booths, hallways, and gardens into the boisterous French Quarter of New Orleans. Watch iLandscape come alive with music, art, masked revelers, adult beverages, beads, food, and floats all sprinkled with the spicy Cajun flavors of the bayou. Mardi Gras isn’t a place, it is the spirit of the people of New Orleans. A citywide party that welcomes those of all backgrounds as long as they share one common thread - they want to have a good time! iLandscape is no different. It is the annual gathering of landscape professionals looking to be informed, inspired, and entertained for an unforgettable few days. New Orleans is unlike any city in the world. It is one of the few cities that welcome strangers like family. Just the mere mention of beads, poboys, gumbo, King Cake, étouffée, beignets, the Quarter, Preservation Hall, Pat O’Brien’s world famous hurricanes, and, of course, Rue Bourbon pull you back to the sights, sounds, and people of NOLA. If one has never been lucky enough to go, iLandscape 2024 will provide the next best thing. iLandscape has always been like making a gumbo. Once you stir that roux, it doesn’t matter what gets tossed into the pot. If you want some education, tradeshow, music, raffles, games, food, and late nights at the bar, toss it into your bowl and enjoy. If you want the early morning coffee, workshops, networking with friends, the Excellence in Landscape awards, lunch with your coworkers, and some floor demonstrations, give it a stir. It doesn’t matter, it’s all gonna taste good. Zydeco and jazz will provide the soundtrack as we kick off the week with four pre-conference workshops and our annual Excellence in Landscape Awards Night. The larger krewe arrives on Wednesday, January 31st as the trade show doors blow open to over 200 exhibitors packed into two halls. Experts, authors, and speakers will roll through the education program like floats through a parade. Raffle prizes, giveaways, and baubles will be tossed from the stage like strands of shiny beads. The educational program features 50 sessions in English and Spanish. Almost every session will be recorded and offered to educational pass holders after the event on our premium content channel Bloom. Education pass holders no longer have to select just one session to attend out of five. The program will be available as part of the iLandscape video library for learning or CEUs. Think of these as your souvenirs from your trip to Mardi Gras! Yet, N’awlins is most famous for its nights. As the sun sets, the flicker of the gas lamps will bring the streets to life. Trivia, games, music, food, and liquid jubilation...will guide us through evenings. After iLandscape bids you adieu, enjoy the rest of your evening with friends new and old. We invite each and every one of you to be the King and Queen of Mardi Gras at iLandscape 2024. Let’s Geaux! The parade begins on page 57.

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Scott Grams, ILCA Executive Director January 5, 2024

The Landscape Contractor February 2024

President’s Message —

n December, the ILCA held its annual Board-Committee Chair Summit. This luncheon is an opportunity to thank our committee leaders for their volunteer work and for the Board to interact with them in round table and group discussions. This input provides valuable information for the Board’s strategic planning event in February. Each year, a new topic is chosen based on concerns or challenges to the ILCA and its members. Following this event, the ILCA Board begins strategic planning. With the help of past Board member and strategic planning expert, Dean MacMorris as the moderator, we meet for two days to empty our brains, sift through all the information, and organize our most important thoughts into measurable objectives for the year. Strategic planning is important because it makes sure ILCA is focused on what is best for all of our members. Topics of discussion begin with strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats as related to the association and its members. The strategic planning process insures that ILCA can be proactive with relevant challenges and opportunities facing its membership. The plan provides direction and sets priorities for the association so Ashley Marrin that all the staff, committees, and board members can work together toward common goals. The Board is here for you. If any member has information they feel should be discussed at the strategic planning meeting, do not hesitate to contact me or one of my fellow Board members. We are fortunate to have a diverse Board of Directors that help represent our many different membership types. I look forward to seeing you all at iLandscape! Sincererly, Ashley Marrin

President

Ashley Marrin Bret-Mar Landscape Management Group, Inc. (708) 301-2225 ashley@bretmarlandscape.com

Vice-President

Jim Cirrincione Hinsdale Nurseries, Inc. (630) 323-1411 jcirrincione@hinsdalenurseries .com

Secretary-Treasurer

Kim Hartmann Rosborough Partners 847-404-7669 hartmannkim@comcast.net

Immediate Past President

Jeff Kramer Kramer Tree Specialists, Inc, (630) 293-5444 jwkramer@kramertree.com

Directors Adam Bellas Bellas Landscaping (309) 827-5263 adam@bellaslandscaping.com

n diciembre, ILCA celebró su Cumbre anual de Presidentes de Comités de la Junta Directiva. Este almuerzo es una oportunidad de agradecer a los líderes de nuestros comités por su trabajo voluntario y a la Junta por interactuar con ellos en mesas redondas y grupos de discusión. Este aporte proporciona valiosa información para el evento de planificación estratégica en febrero. Cada año, se selecciona un nuevo tema en base a inquietudes o desafíos de ILCA y sus miembros. Después de este evento la Junta Directiva de ILCA comienza la planificación estratégica. Con la ayuda del ex miembro de la Junta Directiva y experto en planificación estratégica, Dean MacMorris como moderador, nos reunimos durante dos días para despejar la mente, escudriñar la información y organizar nuestros pensamientos más importantes para convertirlos en objetivos mensurables para el año. La planificación estratégica es importante porque asegura que ILCA se concentre en lo que es mejor para todos nuestros miembros. Los temas de discusión comienzan con puntos fuertes, puntos débiles, oportunidades y amenazas relacionados con la asociación y sus miembros. El proceso de planificación estratégica asegura que ILCA pueda ser proactiva con los desafíos y las oportunidades que se presentan a su membresía. El plan fija la dirección y establece prioridades para la asociación para que todos los miembros del personal, los comités y la Junta puedan trabajar juntos hacia objetivos comunes. La Junta está a su disposición. Cualquier miembro que tenga información que piense debe ser discutida en la reunión de planificación estratégica, puede contactarme o contactar a otro miembro de la Junta. Somos afortunados de tener una Junta Directiva diversa que ayuda a representar a nuestros muchos diferentes tipos de membresía. ¡Espero con entusiasmo verlos a todos en iLandscape! Atentamente, Ashley Marrin

Ryan Heitman The Fisher Burton Company (847) 566-9200 ryanheitman@fisherburton.com Tom Klitzkie Nature’s Perspective Landscaping (847) 475-7917 tklitzkie@naturesperspective.com Michael Massat The Growing Place Nursery & Flower Farm, Inc. (630) 355-4000 michaelm@thegrowingplace.com Nikki Melin Midwest Groundcovers (847) 742-1790 nmelin@midwestgroundcovers.com Kevin McGowen Kaknes/SiteOne (630) 416-999 kevin@kaknes.com Becky Thomas Spring Grove Nursery, Inc. (815) 448-2097 bthomas@springrovenursery.com Mark Utendorf Emerald Lawn Care, Inc. (847) 392-7097 marku@emeraldlawncare.com

www.ilca.net

The Landscape Contractor February 2024

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The Landscape Contractor February 2024

Focus — Modern Design

Translating New Naturalism to Urban Spaces by Heather Prince

n a breezy summer day, tall prairie grasses wave at passersby, goldfinches zip and zing among the first seedheads, and butterflies dip and weave among the flowers. Layers of matrix plantings create a powerful floral display woven through with thoughtfully placed shrubs and trees. In late fall, the complex textures of dried perennials and grasses create a densely textured tapestry filled with frosty edges and snowcatchers. Is this possible in a small urban site? Certainly, with deep plant knowledge and a willingness to eschew some traditional garden conventions, naturalistic landscapes can enrich and delight urban dwellers. We spoke with Kelly Norris, award-winning author and plantsman, about the unique characteristics of creating and managing New Naturalism landscapes on a small scale in the built environment.

Scaling for Smaller Spaces

Urban sites have their own ecology, it just might not look like a traditional prairie, savannah, or woodland. There are plants,

insects, birds, and animals already there from the cracks in the sidewalk to the slim stretch of parkway to the concrete planters filled with honey locust trees. “We need to dispel the notion that you can’t do naturalistic ecological plantings in small spaces,” said Norris. “I think people often have a preconceived idea of what these landscapes will look like, and then you just cut it down to size. I think we have to step back and think about how the plants are interacting with the place, and their environment. They are part of an ecological fabric, whether we like it, or understand it, or not.” Urban spaces, often wrapped in hardscape and surrounded by buildings, tend to be measured in hundreds of square feet instead of acres as you might find in traditional ecological restoration. Those hell strips, curb cut beds and parking lot planters have considerable edge effects making them prone to environmental disturbance. “The smaller the space gets, the greater the odds that change will occur due to chance alone,” (continued on page 14)

The Landscape Contractor February 2024

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Focus — Modern Design (continued from page 12) commented Norris. “A smaller space often has greater edge surface area compared to its core area.” Norris defines an edge area as about 18 to 24 inches into a bed from the defined hardscape, although this varies with shape. Here is where the tempo changes from high disturbance to the central area of the planting bed that is more likely to receive minimal pressures from human activity. Planting beds in an urban setting can receive many types of disturbance from people walking on plants to unhoused populations using the area, dog waste, trash removal activities, snow removal and salt pressures, to single use festivals, demonstrations, and parades. The edge is a tricky place for plants to live, much less thrive. “Minimizing disturbance is one thing but living with it is usually the more viable prospect,” observed Norris. “Plants perceive persistent disturbance as stress over the long-term, requiring plant choices that can adapt their biomass accordingly.”

Managing Urban Ecological Spaces

Norris founded The Public Horticulture Company to specialize in urban ecological landscape management. One recent project, Cowles Commons in downtown Des Moines, presents a good case study of all the myriad variables at play in urban sites. Norris took over the site after 8 years of conventional site maintenance, high traffic usage, and a significant unhoused population led to a need to revisit and revise the plantings. “We have taken some nominal steps to try to reduce disturbance,” reported Norris. “A small thing like little rope lines that you can see through, but imply a barrier, have helped alleviate compaction from foot traffic.” Revisiting the plant palette, which had included a hedge of mixed switchgrass cultivars, was necessary as it provided a sheltering place to pitch a tent. Thinning the grasses alleviated that disturbance, but there remains a legacy

of a deep seed bank of switchgrass in the beds that requires regular editing when it pops up in random places. The former company’s undynamic maintenance calendar created an ideal environment for tough weed species like burdock, thistle, and nuisance goldenrod that often went unattended between routine maintenance intervals. “We tried to preserve as much drama and theater as possible in the plantings,” said Norris. “And then we choreographed for a continual floral display. Managing the flower show is an important element of the stewardship, whether that’s through additions or editing. The challenge of managing beds with a mow strategy only, which is how a lot of public spaces have to do it because you can’t burn, is that mowing favors grasses in a mixed planting of prairie origins. It’s going to favor the accumulation of grass biomass because grasses have (continued on page 16)

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Focus — Modern Design (continued from page 14) evolved to be browsed. We’re trying to be mindful of preserving enough niche and gaps so that the forbs can continue to have a home, with the opportunity to develop and play out over time.”

plant and how it looks in its little fixture of space as much as we are trying to kind of regulate its participation in the whole system.”

For a naturalistic design to be effective over time, Norris abides by change. These designs are fluid not static. Management needs and inputs will be reduced as the plants knit together and develop, but the first three years are crucial to keep weeds at bay and aggressive species edited. “If you create a design that has enough diversity in it, and then allow it to evolve and change perhaps both in composition and in structure, you’re working with its ecology instead of against,” commented Norris. “What we’re trying to do so often in public spaces, like Cowles Commons, is to really create a more inherently viable ecological model that we can then gesturally intervene within a horticultural fashion. We’re not trying to control one

However, Norris pushes back at creating a list or recipe of plants that survive disturbance or are long blooming. “There are just too many variables from site to site. It’s more about developing plant knowledge for yourself and your employees. Plus, a willingness to try things and being comfortable with some plant failure.” As you design these areas, there are additional issues than the typical site assessments that include sun, soil, and moisture. See the sidebar on page 18, for questions to ask and elements to consider as you build your plant palette. As restoration science has progressed in recent decades, we are discovering more about how these ecologies function over time. Some cherished assumptions about plant communities are being set

Know the Plants, Craft the Experience

The Landscape Contractor February 2024

aside as we begin to navigate the new realities of climate change. Norris has found building plant knowledge to be fundamental for successful naturalistic designs and management. In 2023 he launched the New Naturalism Academy with two 6-week cohorts teaching the basic concepts and practices of this style of planting to both gardeners and professionals. He plans to expand his education offerings in 2024 to a two-part model with an introductory course in winter and a more advanced experience in autumn. “Information, abundant and accessible as it may be, isn’t knowledge. In the Academy, our job is not to dump a lot of information on people. Our job is to help folks build knowledge by empowering and informing the experiences they have in practice.” There are a huge range of educational experiences available through not only professional associations, but state extension services, botanical gardens and arboreta, and community colleges. (continued on page 18)

The Landscape Contractor February 2024

Focus — Modern Design (continued from page 16) The value of nurturing knowledge in yourself and your team bears out as the popularity of naturalistic gardens only grows. Clients can tell when companies are equipped to manage these spaces, and many are willing to pay a premium for that knowledge. Norris has found that each completed project leads to more, from public to commercial, to residential. As tastes change towards ecological designs, having a team of craftspeople with deep plant knowledge and flexible skills creates opportunity. “It’s not just a design style,” commented Norris. “It’s a strategy for how to engage with landscapes that is more resource-conscious and responsive.”

Light: Beyond sunlight, what are other sources of light in the area? Look at the reflective materials around the space including glass, metal, and white surfaces. Norris recommends the Sun Seeker app for tracking how the sun moves seasonally in an area. How is it lighted at night? Will night lighting affect the photoperiodism of your plant choices?

Roots: Since disturbance is a given, how do your plant choices root? Are they grasses that build biomass bulk? Do the perennials spread by rhizomes? Are there succulents with leaves that will root if the stems are stepped on? Are there tubers the rats might eat? Will there be plants with crowns that require peace and quiet to settle for the next five or ten years?

Questions and Thoughts

As you pull together a plant list for a project, these are some elements that Norris feels are important to examine. They will inform your choices and perhaps avoid some plant failures as a project develops.

Heat: In built spaces, heat from pavement is a significant factor, not only for temperature, but dryness. Does the space capture heat in summer or winter? Can you push a zone? Will your plant choices tolerate drought?

Growing Together from the Ground Up!

Traffic: Does your space include a road? There are mandated requirements for height when it comes to vehicular traffic sightlines. Make sure your plant palette has depth in low-growing plants and you know the shape and size of those sightlines.

Place: What is the history of the place? Was it forest, prairie, lakeshore, or hills? Naturalistic design looks back at the history of a place and uses those textures to evoke connectedness.

Soil: Do a soil test in multiple areas. This will help determine where sidewalk salt tends to linger, where the neighborhood dogs like to go, any past waste dumping, and more. Soil testing can give you direction to narrow down the plant list to tolerant choices. Think about species that offer phytoremediation properties as well (continued on page 20)

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Focus — Modern Design (continued from page 18) 7. Edges: Determine at the beginning your ratio of core areas to edges. Plot out where you can have plants that take longer to establish. Keep in mind humans tend to like their edges tidy, so the space reads as a garden. 8.

Time: How long will the planting likely be in place? Is there enough time enough for trees to get established? Will slow-moving grasses like prairie dropseed be given enough time to root in or will faster growing species be ideal?

People: Are people traversing the space? Will they make their own shortcuts? Will they stand in the plantings for photos and selfies? Is it on a parade route? Will it attract special events like weddings? Will office folk eat their lunches here, so you’ll need twice as many trash receptacles and a garbage pickup routine? Will grasses need to be cut down in fall to prevent them from becoming shelter for humans? 10. Animals: If you plant it, they will come. Should there be an interpretation plan for the insects, birds, and critters that will be attracted to the green space? Are there opportunities for animals to build homes and will that cause problems (think red-winged blackbirds divebombing the humans during nesting season)?

The Landscape Contractor February 2024

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Focus — Inspiring Minds

Replenishing the Artistic Reservoir by Nina A. Koziol

Designer’s Block. All too often it creeps up and hampers creativity. Sometimes it’s from doing the same things over and over. And sometimes the feeling can be hard to shake. You could walk away from the project for a bit, but that’s not always possible or practical. Sometimes you just have to make headspace for new ideas. Here’s how some landscape pros rekindle their creativity.

“Inspiration is a funny thing,” says Jeff True, vice

president of operations at Hursthouse, Inc, in Bolingbrook. “When I was starting out in my career, I would go places or look for specific things to serve as inspiration. I was learning, and wanted to know more.” Nowadays, it’s travel. “I do love a great vacation in a beautiful location. We’ve been to Glacier National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and the Dominican Republic, as well as some Midwest spots in the last few years. Each of these locations inspires in both a grand sense of space, as well as some small details that may involve the basic design principles like color, texture, balance, and scale. Public gardens are, of course, always a joy.”

Landscape designer Linda Taylor of Roots 2 Success Landscape Design in Lincolnshire has been in the business for about six years. “As a relatively new designer, I like to be learning and trying new things,” Taylor said. “When I feel the need to be inspired I tend to go to some public gardens or maybe peek at Instagram. But mostly, I flip through some magazines that may spark something and take me in a new direction.” Mental critiques on the fly are helpful as well. “When I’m driving I often look at plantings and think what I would add to make it different, or how could I complement them. What kind of contrasting plant or shrub would look nice? Those kinds of thoughts inspire me (continued on page 24)

The Landscape Contractor February 2024

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Focus — Inspiring Minds (continued from page 22) to find new combinations or solutions for my clients. I also have a great arsenal of books that offer me inspiration if I ever get a designer’s block. Or, I may just go walk in the woods.” For Matt Erickson of Erickson Landscaping in Ottawa, Illinois, it’s reading books about Frank Lloyd Wright and visiting places. “There’s Starved Rock, The Morton Arboretum, or using my imagination and love for geometry. And there’s the trial and error at the drafting table—sketching, erasing, crumpling up paper until getting it just right.” Landscape designer Elaina Blankenhagen of Plandscape in Elburn seeks inspiration from the garden she installed at her parents’ home during the pandemic. At the time, she was taking an online course through the College of DuPage, but felt like she needed something more. “I started a trial garden to learn perennials. And, 90 percent of the plants came from trips every weekend to Midwest Groundcovers’ U-pick yard. I wanted to try one of pretty much every perennial. It’s my own fun experiment to see what combinations I like and what works for clients’ designs.”

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Travel is up there for many green industry pros, like Sara Jenkins-Sutton, CEO of Topiarius in Chicago. “For

inspiration, my top three are Pinterest, interior design magazines — local and national — and travel.” “Travel for sure,” says Kyle Lambert, perennial and rose manager at The Growing Place Garden Center in Aurora. “A highlight is going to the Perennial Plant Association’s annual symposium for the tours and educational seminars.” Day trips to local public gardens also blow away those mental cobwebs. “There are several nice public gardens outside of Chicago, too — in Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan—and there are growers’ web sites where I can check out new introductions and such.” Don’t overlook your industry peers for ideas. “Definitely,” Lambert says. “You can get new ideas either from attending their presentations, or through conversations at events and outings.” “Whenever we travel we always try to go to the local botanical garden and any local parks with streams and waterfalls,” says Landon Kirby, owner of Knob Hill Landscape in Springfield. “We build a lot of projects that contain natural stone and boulders, so we try to mimic Mother Nature as much as possible.” Although Tim Johnson, director of horticulture at the Chicago Botanic Garden, said he doesn’t really have a specific place to go for inspiration, a recent trip to Vietnam included visits to some stunning gardens. But, “Taking classes at the gym (continued on page 26)

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Focus — Inspiring Minds (continued from page 24) is core to my well-being overall—then coming home to listen to some country music along with a dash of reggae. When I am having a hard time coming up with a design, I find I need to move on to other projects and wait a few days for inspiration. It needs to come when it is ready, so to speak—I do know that I cannot force ideas for a project.” Sharron and Kurt Marrin of BretMar Landscaping in New Lenox have two things on their bucket list when they travel. “Fishing and gardens,” Sharon said. “We always combine those two things. I just love going through and seeing plant combinations and the architecture within the garden. Even garden centers in other states like Florida — we enjoy walking through them.” After a long day working on her iPad, cell phone and using a CAD program, Marrin prefers to sit back with another handheld device — a magazine. “I know print is going by the wayside, but I just subscribed to “In Her Garden” [by Stampington].” The publication invites readers to explore the inspiring outdoor spaces of women who share a passion for making things grow. “I’m not doing Pinterest so much, and I do use Houzz, but I just want to sit and curl up with a magazine — I love the glossy photos, but I’m old school.” (continued on page 28)

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Focus — Inspiring Minds (continued from page 26) “Inspiration has primarily been from traveling and taking lots of photos,” says Mark Dwyer, owner of Landscape Prescriptions by MD, in Janesville, Wisconsin. “COVID, of course, curtailed that a bit, but I’ve likely been to 200 botanic gardens and always pick up ideas for plants, combinations, and features. Having a camera in hand is vital of course. I also love visiting trial gardens to see what is coming down the pipeline — like Ball, Raker, MSU, and CSU. My leisure reading is also primarily gardening books and magazines, but there is nothing better than being up close and personal in the setting.” Think Outside the Phlox “I think inspiration can be found anywhere and at any time,” True said. “A website with great imagery. Reading an article about home offices and you see the outside and inside

connection in a photo. An ad for a new grill may show something in the background that is inspirational. For me, it’s about the small things — how a space feels, the experience of a restaurant, as an example. The materials and how they are used together — why something is scaled the way it is. How an inside space is put together—use that same design principle outside.” “Another source of inspiration for me are the people I surround myself with — like-minded, creative, those who are passionate about their crafts,” Kirby explained. “Some of them are peers in our industry, but many others are artists, musicians and song writers. I believe the more creative your circle is the more creative you will be.”

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Growing a Garage— by Heather Prince

Utilizing an Oft-Neglected Space

ooftop gardens come in all shapes and sizes, from grand endeavors atop former factories to ones that might green up the garden shed. One space that is often forgotten when filling our places with plants is the garage. Julia Bunn, owner and chief landscape designer at Spirited Gardener, Inc., has had the privilege of installing and maintaining a lovely garage rooftop garden as part of a client’s larger landscape for more than a decade.

The Brief

The clients are retired librarians in the Ravenswood Manor neighborhood of Chicago with a two-story brick home on a standard city lot. Avid gardeners who are intensely interested in the ecology of their landscape, the couple wanted to transform their typical city yard into a place that welcomed wildlife and provided food for their kitchen. The homeowners initially

reached out to Spirited Gardener because ecological gardening was important to them and they have remained valued clients. “I specialize in eco-functional landscapes,” said Bunn. “I use a majority native plant palette and work with clients to harness the functionality of plants while crafting beautiful spaces that manage stormwater with minimal chemical inputs.” They sought out Bunn after an architect updated their garage, installing a seating area nestled against stepped raised beds and a 20 by 30 section of green roof. “The architect had specified a tray system from LiveRoof,” remembered Bunn. “It was initially all sedum. I created a design with different species and varieties, so it wasn’t a large, static mass. I hired a couple of guys to help me install the system and it really clicked. The client thought it was immediately charming and lovely.” (continued on page 32)

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Babylon Chicago (continued from page 30)

The Challenges

One of the first challenges of the garage rooftop was maintenance after installation. Bunn reported, “Initially, they were hesitant to climb the steps to the roof because they are older, but once she gained some confidence, they’re up there all the time.” The clients soon relished the chance to get out and maintain the space themselves, including climbing up to weed the green roof. They were responsible for watering and there is a water line installed up one corner of the garage that has a convenient hose hook up. “She forgot to empty out the water line in the fall one year, so the pipe froze,” recounted Bunn. “We had to come in and replace it. Other than that, it’s been smooth sailing.” Bunn installed a pair of rain chains that direct the water down off the roof into a planting bed with swamp milkweed and other moisture-loving native plants. Because of the tray system for the green roof, the media is lightweight and requires regular fertilization. “You have to add nutrients,” said Bunn. “There’s no nourishment in that media. I had recommended fish emulsion, but the clients refused to use it because they are vegan. It really got to be a challenge in year two and three as what little organic matter was there was used up by the plants. In the end, we finally found a fertilizer they would agree to, but it led to some plant losses.” (continued on page 34)

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Babylon Chicago (continued from page 32) The clients primarily view the garage from indoors, looking down on it from above in all four seasons. As the sedums grew and filled in, the clients realized that they wanted more from the space. “Once they had a chance to experience it, they began to feel something was missing,” commented Bunn. “I remember she told me she wanted to create a little field up there. So, as some of the sedum failed, we began plugging in more native forbs and grasses. I reached out to Grace Koehler at The Pizzo Group for ideas on plants that could handle the unique conditions of rooftop growing. We’ve definitely had some trial and error to figure out which plants would be successful.” To add a grassy texture in a small amount of growing space, Bunn used Junegrass (Koeleria macrantha) and path rush (Juncus tenuis) for short, (continued on page 36)

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Babylon Chicago (continued from page 34) early season color. Hairy beardtongue (Penstemon hirsutus) offers food for hummingbirds and butterflies with its lavender tubular flowers in June. Starry campion (Silene stellata) provides soft white flowers in mid to late summer. Bunn and Koehler also tried rock pink (Phemeranthus (Talinum) calycinum), a tiny native free seeding annual Midwestern succulent for sprinkles of hot pink flowers. “Unfortunately, she mistook the Penstemon for an invasive plant one year,” recalled Bunn. As with most rooftop gardens, sun and wind are chief challenges for keeping plants alive. The raised bed planters along the deck area were initially meant for vegetable growing. However, they weren’t deep enough to provide the proper soil volume for heavy feeders like tomatoes and peppers. “The veggies also didn’t thrive in the wind,” observed Bunn. “There was a lot of trial and error to figure out what edible plants would survive in the deeper beds in that spot.”

Instead, the clients now grow an abundance of herbs that not only feature in their home cooking, but also support a wide array of pollinators.

The Result

“This green roof is always changing,” said Bunn. “And that’s a large part of its charm.” The native plants are thriving and fit into the clients’ extensive beds of prairie and savannah plants that weave through the landscape at ground level. Galvanized steel raised beds are packed with bountiful vegetables along with smattering of edible annual flowers to attract pollinators and be harvested for colorful salads. On a quiet summer morning, bumblebees buzz through the flowers that sway in the rooftop breezes. You might find the clients relaxing with a cup of coffee at the bistro table, watching the birds and plotting their evening meal with herbs from the garden. Myriad beneficial (continued on page 38)

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Babylon Chicago (continued from page 36) pollinators visit the larkspur flowers and the dill, while birds dart through the neighboring trees. This eco-functional space demonstrates that a beautiful, functional rooftop garden experience is available to anyone with space they can devote to growing plants. It’s a peaceful green and growing oasis in the heart of Chicago.

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Special Feature

New Plants... Why? by Krystal Flogel

Among the most difficult challenges facing growers is anticipating the demand for new plants. Convincing our customers to buy them can be even harder. The introduction of new varieties is something we all look forward to, and Krystal Flogel we’re fortunate to work in this Production Manager industry at such a prolific time Mariani Plants for ornamental plant breeding. While the flood of new plants is remarkable, it can also be overwhelming.

ight now most of us are laser-focused on the year ahead, intent on executing carefully developed plans and strategies that we feel will lead us to success this season. For growers, a big part of that strategy includes building an effective production plan: reviewing customer requests, considering market trends, and analyzing sales histories at a granular level. So much of our success ultimately depends on how well we can predict future demand for plants. Some aspects of this are more difficult than others. We usually start with our “never-out” varieties: our bread and butter plants—if we run out of them, we’re guaranteed to lose sales. Demand for the never-outs is relatively easier to predict than the rest of the production lineup. While the varieties on this list have changed over the years, change usually comes slowly. Our top-selling trees, shrubs, and perennials have remained somewhat consistent over the past five years or so, and we adjust inventory numbers to account for fluctuation in demand. These plants typically aren’t exciting from a

grower’s standpoint; they include Annabelle hydrangea, Karl Foerster grass, and Summer Beauty allium. They drive volume and, while they may not ignite our passion for growing, they keep us in business. Demand for other varieties often varies and we do our best to react based on the information that we have. Maybe we saw more requests for Perovskia ‘Sage Advice’ last year, but was that because customers are demanding it more, or because we sold out of Perovskia ‘Denim ’n Lace’ early? Sales for the Phlox ‘Opening Act’ series were down, but was that due to low demand, or was it because the plants were blooming too late? In situations like these, we have to make a judgement call and adjust production numbers (or timing) accordingly. Other times, our challenge may be the ability to increase production enough to meet growing demand for a plant or category of plants. Demand for pollinator plants and natives has been on an upward trajectory that shows no sign of slowing. We continue to plan for significant increases of things like Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly weed). Part of our responsibility as growers is to evaluate new varieties and determine how they perform, and then pass our unbiased feedback on to our customers. They need to provide more than just novelty; they should offer improved performance for growers, retailers, landscapers, and consumers alike. What good is a plant that performs well in the landscape if we can’t successfully get it to market in a container? By the same token, that new variety of coneflower or lavender that doesn’t require vernalization makes life easier for growers, but it must also deliver something new and unique to homeowners and landscape contractors. The marketing power of branded plants cannot be understated. Plant branding has transformed our industry over (continued on page 42)

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Special Feature Landscape contractors have less flexibility when it comes to trying new plants. They’re often working from a design, and substitutions or changes may require approval, so any extra step that may delay a project is unwelcome. They typically work from a somewhat familiar palette of tried-and-true plants that are proven to succeed in the landscape. If we’re asking them to change that palette, we need to be sure that what we’re offering will perform as well, if not better.

(continued from page 40) the past two decades. The ubiquity of brands like Proven Winners®, Endless Summer®, Ball®, and Knock Out® is a testament to this. Big brands like these have the resources to invest in market research, advertising, and marketing, as well as driving consumer demand for plants on a national level. But, when it comes to influencing purchasing decisions, it’s not always that straightforward. We can’t simply tell our customers to stop buying that old Hydrangea and start buying this new one instead, no matter what color the pot is. To effectively influence our customers when it comes to plant choices, we must understand not only what inspires them to buy new plants, but also what holds them back. Understanding Our Customers is Key Retailers, re-wholesalers, and landscape contractors have different challenges, needs, and expectations when it comes to new plants, and we need to take all into account when we decide what to grow. Retail customers are more likely to be influenced by social media campaigns and marketing promotions and they’re also more prone to impulse buying. Retailers need to be prepared for these opportunities, and they look to us for those unique new plants that can deliver the “wow” factor all season long. This is where name recognition and branding really do matter, when a gorgeous budded or blooming plant in a familiar container can make all the difference.

Plant Hardiness is a Major Factor The latest updates to the USDA Hardiness Zone Map shifted half our country into warmer hardiness zones. But this doesn’t mean that plant hardiness is any less of a concern than it was 30 years ago. The opposite is true. Since the 2023 map was released in November, we’ve heard concerns from growers, academic institutions, and professionals from throughout our industry that the new zone classifications may mislead consumers into planting varieties that aren’t truly hardy in their region. Plant hardiness continues to be a major concern when it comes to new plant introductions as well. Oftentimes, breeders are trialing new varieties in areas like Western Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Florida, which can be significantly warmer than regions in which our finished plants will eventually call home. As growers, we need to be diligent when we evaluate new plants and not just take the marketing at face value. We (continued on page 44)

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Babylon Chicago (continued from page 42) don’t want to promote plants to our customers unless we can be confident that they’ll be successful for our end consumer. Is It Different Enough? No one wants to grow five varieties of a plant that all do the same thing. For one thing, retailers and re-wholesalers have limited bench space. This is something we hear all season long; whether it’s green goods competing with hard goods, annuals competing with perennials, or mums competing with fall shrubs. Adding a new plant also means extra work, like educating staff about it, assigning an SKU, and setting it up in inventory. If we want to sell our customer another purple Salvia, it better offer improved disease resistance, longer flowering, or better reblooming to earn a space on the bench. Availability of New Plants We all know that limiting the inventory of a plant can be used as a tactic to generate hype. But it can also cause frustration and create additional challenges for our customers, especially re-wholesalers and landscape contractors. Earlier is always better when it comes to availability of new plants since it allows sales staff more time to promote them to their clients. We, as growers, should try to have new varieties ready to sell in spring versus summer if possible. Running out of that popular new plant too early in the sea-

son is also a concern for our customers, whether it’s because we or they underestimated the demand for it, or because crop issueswith vendors left them scrambling to find more. If we’re excited about a new plant and really want to push it to our customers, we need to be prepared to have the inventory when they need it. Be Patient, Be Persistent, and Don’t Give Up This process takes time, and some varieties take longer than others to catch on. At times, we may find ourselves on the front end of a trend. Maybe we’ve trialed these new roses, we’re confident that they’re better, and we believe our customers will feel the same way. But, as frustrating as it can be, we can’t give up on them after a season of slow sales because we need to be ready when the market catches up to us. There will always be those situations where we do everything right and the plants just don’t sell. As a grower, this is familiar territory. Over the past few seasons, there have been times when our team has asked: “How do we become influencers?” After thinking about this carefully, and after talking to vendors, competitors, and customers, I’m not convinced that anyone, even some of the most successful influencers in our industry, really has the answer. Until we figure it out, we can still be influential by embracing our role as growers, sharing our passion for great new plants, being honest with our customers and our vendors, and following our instincts.

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New Views in the Landscape

By Mark Dwyer

Gothic Gardens

rowing up in the Chicago suburbs (Villa Park) and attending high school in the 1980s, I remember the various cliques in which students found friends, identity and common cause. I was a nerdy band geek (trombone). The “Goths” always intrigued me with their dark hair, black clothing and heavy make-up. Goths started as a music-based subculture in the United Kingdom back in the early 1980s and continues to exist as a bonified clique 40 years later. While I continue to appreciate their taste in music, I didn’t understand the “somberness” at the time. That darkness now manifests itself in a burgeoning garden style. You may want to have the Gothic garden on your radar as increasing interest and consumer support are merging to make this topic noteworthy and revenue generating. I don’t consider myself trendy in any way (particularly with fashion) but many of the Gothic garden elements have long been part of my landscape design repertoire. I find myself intrigued (but not surprised) by the popularity of Gothic gardens which have become trendier over the last couple of years. The Garden Media Group lists Gothic gardening as one of their seven Garden Trends for 2024 and promotes the tagline of “Delight in the Dark”! Unsurprisingly, other

trends for 2024 revolve around pollinator-friendly landscapes, sustainability and community connection. So, what’s the deal (and appeal) of the Gothic garden!? Obviously, dark-hued plants are integral to this approach although there are many other tips for creating an engaging, yet mysterious garden space with a touch of Victorian charm. Black has been described as the most “mournful” of colors out in the garden. The availability and use of black foliage plants and those with near-black flowers continues to increase. You can observe this in the aggressive breeding and introductions of woodies, perennials and seasonals that are darker (deep maroon to near black) than their predecessors. Also not specifically intended for the Gothic garden connoisseur, they have a broad application across the landscape in offering a richness of deep color which becomes more impactful when combined with textural and colorful partners. Ten years ago, I could list very few black flowering plants but now there are many. Black as a color tends to recede in the landscape so it is best appreciated from up close or in combination with lighter colors that help make that “richness of depth” more conspicuous. (continued on page 48)

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New Views in the Landscape (continued from page 46) One reference to Gothic gardening that I thought appropriate mentions “entwining botanical beauty with foreboding overtones!” Admittedly, I’ve never had a client say, “Hey, I’d really like you to design a Gothic garden for me!”. While I do hope that happens, many of the design tips, garden elements and plants recommended in this topic can be extrapolated in any garden area or portion of a garden to create a unique and engaging experience. I’ve always been a fan of the darkest maroon and black that can be provided by plants and the extreme of this garden style with that color range focus has only increased my appreciation for the value and impact of bold, rich, dark colors. Gothic Garden Theme in Action As Director of Horticulture at Rotary Botanical Gardens (Janesville, WI) for 21 years (1998-2019), I had the pleasure of devising fun color themes in our collective 6,000 square foot entrance garden beds. This was the composition that visitors would see upon entering the parking lot and approaching the visitor’s center. This theme would also be echoed in the terrace garden behind the visitor’s center. We changed the theme up every year with a large focus on installing seasonal plants after the bulb season was finishing. In both 2007 and 2015, we did a Gothic theme with the darkest foliage plants, black flowering plants and a heavy smattering of “blood red” flowers as well. I think it turned out quite well (minimal “somberness”) in terms of engaging our visitors as we had many positive comments on going bold with the display. Although it was never described as “bright and airy”, the range of textures and punctuation of hot red was impactful to be sure! The reliance on such a dark color palette created an overwhelming richness that worked as a theme but also, I believe, exposed visitors to the value of these dark plants in any garden situation. 48

Gothic Garden Design Gothic art and architecture developed from the mid-12th century until the end of the 16th century. The architecture was known for slender, vertical pillars, tall arches and an emphasis on height in open spaces. In creating a garden of mystery and serenity, the use of vertical accents and archways can help define smaller pocket gardens and private garden respites. While the Gothic garden approach is less about replicating elements of the Gothic era, it is certainly about lending age, antiquity and mystery to the landscape. Dark and brooding literature from the Victorian-era (1837-1901) can also lend some inspiration to this process and the first Gothic-focused gardens actually became popular during this era utilizing the elements discussed in this article. Gothic garden configurations tend to stray away from straight edges and formal shapes to a layout with more informality and winding paths that create a sense of suspense and mystery. These paths and openings, while providing “destinational guidance”, also offer that question of “what’s to come!?” These twisting and turning paths draw the visitor to a destination unknown. More wild looking plantings along with the inclusion of elements that lend age (old statuary, well worn benches, etc.) can add to the suspense as well. That touch of medieval charm can be added to the garden independent of specific planting combinations and garden layout. The National Garden Bureau (NGB) has a wonderful reference (https://ngb.org/goth-garden-ideas/) regarding the Gothic garden including some excellent advice on how to maximize “beauty in decay”.

Gothic Garden Plants When I was securing plant material for the Gothic theme at Rotary Botanical Gardens, my first focus was on larger (continued on page 50) The Landscape Contractor February 2024

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New Views in the Landscape (continued from page 48) plants with near-black foliage. While this was a seasonal garden, we did include a wide number of darker woody plants that were later relocated in the fall. The Black Lace® elderberry (Sambucus nigra ‘Eva’) was prominent for black foliage and fine texture. We also used numerous ‘Summer Chocolate’ mimosa trees (Albizia julibrissin, z6) that were grafted on standards. When you consider the wide range of deep maroon foliage woodies available, that color isn’t hard to include in any garden space! The use of a deep maroon, ‘Purple Fountain’ European beech (Fagus sylvatica) does not a Gothic garden make; but it sure would look cool! Check out your local garden centers and nurseries for the amazing array of dark-foliage woodies and perennials. Seasonal plants can certainly be the icing on the cake. It wasn’t hard to find a wide range of coleus and other tropical plants with exceptionally dark foliage. With the anchor of the Gothic composition consisting of dark foliage, we then focused on seasonal, red flowering plants that also featured dark foliage. My personal favorites included ‘China Town’ plume celosia (Celosia plumosa), ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ dahlia and ‘Black Pearl’ ornamental hot peppers (Capsicum annuum) with peppers maturing from glossy black to bright red. A solid textural range was provided with ‘Black Coral’ and ‘Black Magic’ elephant ears (Colocasia esculenta) and dozens of deep maroon grasses (Pennisetum purpureum ‘Vertigo’, annual) added to the scene. We also used hundreds of ‘Black Pearl’ coral bells (Heuchera) along sidewalk edges

and relocated those elsewhere in the garden later that fall. With a bit of sleuthing, it isn’t hard to locate plants with dark foliage and/or dark flowers. In assembling this article, I sifted through many years of photos and found a vast array of Gothic garden candidates. Vining obelisks and culvert pipe planters were all painted a glossy black as well and added interest, punctuation and scale.

Gothic Garden Elements

A visit to local antique stores and secondhand shops might reveal some amazing aged pottery or statuary that will become excellent accent pieces and focal points in the Gothic garden. Placement of a gargoyle, angel or other sculpture in a prime location will draw the eye and encourage travel through the garden. This statuary doesn’t have to be prominent and can be toppled or placed in an isolated location that becomes apparent to the casual observer. A patina of moss on containers or statuary can lend that sense of age. Mossy areas, where possible, can be created and encouraged to also help accentuate this space. Wrought iron elements like gates, arches, outdoor, “cagelike” lanterns and garden art can also add impact and nuance to the space, particularly when exhibiting a bit of rust! Incorporating these elements along paths and throughout the garden will help lend a desired and conspicuous antiquity. While elements of decay can certainly bolster the impact of the Gothic garden, it’s admittedly a tough sell for folks to (continued on page 52)

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The Landscape Contractor February 2024

Stone hardscaping might include irregularly stacked walls, benches, arches or other features that look like they’ve been there for a lengthy amount of time. Dark, reflecting pools and smaller, subtle water features can be of value when integrated into the garden experience. Intentionally placed uplighting may also offer some magic and interest to the space in the darker hours as would fragrant, night blooming plantings. Path can be created with older, repurposed materials that augment the theme. While a Gothic garden isn’t for everyone, there are some lessons to be gleaned from this style regarding a robust appreciation of dark plants in the landscape and the inclusion of fun elements to create mystery and fun. There are numerous plant lists, references and books on this popular topic worthy of further study.

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Schedule at a Glance TUESDAY TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY January 31, 2024 February 1, 2023

February February1,2,2024 2023

THURSDAY THURSDAY

FRIDAY FRIDAY February 2,3,2024 February 2023

Irrigation Workshop Irrigation Contractor Essentials 8:00am-12:00pm

Exhibit Hall Hours 9:00am-4:30pm

Exhibit Hall Hours 9:00am-2:00pm

Workshop

Education Sessions 8:00am-9:15am 9:45am-11:00am 1:30pm-2:45pm

Education Sessions 8:00am-9:15am 9:45am-11:00am 1:00pm-1:50pm 2:10pm-3:00pm

Education Sessions 8:00am-9:15am 9:45am-11:00am 11:30am-12:20pm

Education Unplugged Container War: Annuals & Tropicals 9:45am-10:15am

Education Unplugged Container War: Perennials 9:45am-10:15am

Student Design Competition Awards 10:00am-10:30am

Education Unplugged Gary Lewis 12:15pm-12:45pm

Education Unplugged Container War: Mardi Gras 11:00am-11:30am

Raffles & Giveaways 4:15pm

Raffles & Giveaways 1:00pm

Bingo & Beads 4:30pm-6:30pm Discovery Hall

Gumbo Games 4:30pm-7:00pm Discovery Hall

January January30, 31, 2024 2023

A Blueprint to Your People’s Success. Easy as 1-2-3

8:00am-11:30am Workshop

Valuation: What is a company worth and how can we improve it?

12:00pm-3:30pm Workshop

Landscape Design for Busy Landscape Professionals

12:00pm-3:30pm

ILCA Excellence in Landscape Awards Night 5:00pm-9:00pm

Spanish Language Sessions SPANISH LANGUAGE SESSIONS ARE FREE TO EVERYONE! Wednesday, January 31 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM Spanish Language Session 1 Nirvana A

Thursday, February 1 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM Spanish Language Session 3 Nirvana A

Wednesday, January 31 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM Spanish Language Session 2 Nirvana A

Thursday, February 1 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM Spanish Language Session 4 Nirvana A

Encuentre detalles de la sesión y biografías de los oradores en la aplicación

Be sure to check out the iLandscape bookstore! Many of our speakers will be signing books after their presentation. Speakers with this symbol will be holding book signings after their session. The ilandscape bookstore is located on the second level. Many thanks to the Book Bin for hosting the iLandscape bookstore! Book signings available

NEW! Education Unplugged 30-minute sessions on the Big Easy Stage for tradeshow and education pass holders! Bright lights and brighter minds gather on the Ballroom’s Big Easy Stage. This new education and demonstration space is open to all attendees at iLandscape. Spotlighted speakers from the education program will ditch the formal PowerPoints for short, specific talks. And if that wasn’t enough, the Big Easy Stage will host Container Wars. The region’s top container designers will share their wares over the oohs and ahhs of the crowd. Containers will be demonstrated in three categories: • Amazing Annuals & Tasty Tropicals • Poppin’ Perennials • Mardi Gras Themed—Ready for the Balcony!

Completely free!

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 31, 2024

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2024

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 2, 2024

9:45am-10:15am Annuals & Tropicals Container War

9:45am-10:15am Perennial Container War

11:00am-11:30am Mardi Gras Themed Container War

12:15pm-12:45pm

The entire education program was approved by LA CES for Landscape Architect CEUs.

Education FAQs Please read through these common FAQ’s about CEU’s and education session recordings. Are any of the education sessions eligible for CEU’s? iLandscape offers CEU’s for Landscape Architects, Certified Arborists and Licensed Irrigation Contractors. Any other professional license or designation will need to self-report, following your accrediting bodies procedure. How are CEU’s processed? Landscape Architects: As you exit the session you attended, your badge will be scanned. There will be a designated scanner for Landscape Architects. The scanned records are posted to LA CES 20 days following the end of the event. Certified Arborists: When you register for iLandscape, PLEASE ENSURE YOU ENTER YOUR LICENSE NUMBER. As you exit the session, your badge will be scanned. There will be a designated scanner for Certified Arborists. The scanned records are sent to ISA 20 days following the end of the event. Please note that records without a license number cannot be processed by ISA. How do I access my CEU’s? Landscape Architects: Transcripts for the sessions you attended and scanned on-site will be uploaded to the LA CES website. 1. Visit laces.asla.org 2. Under the “For Professionals” heading, on the left side of the page, scroll to the bottom. 3. Under the section titled “Download Your Course Record”, enter only your last name and first name. Click Search. Certified Arborists: Scanning records that include a valid certification number will be sent to ISA.

Will the sessions be recorded? Most educational sessions held upstairs in Nirvana A, Nirvana BC, Euphoria, Utopia AB and Utopia CD will be recorded. If a speaker requests that we do not record their presentation, it will be notated in the description of their session. Due to the length, in-depth and hands on nature of workshops, they will not be recorded. Additionally, any Education Unplugged session held on the tradeshow floor will not be recorded due to the noise level of the area. How do I access the recorded sessions? Recorded sessions are posted to Bloom. iLandscape Education pass holders will have 30 days after they are posted to watch the sessions. What is Bloom? Bloom is ILCA’s comprehensive video library dedicated to providing education and training for professionals in the landscape industry. With a diverse range of content, Bloom caters to everyone on the landscape team. How do I earn CEU’s for recorded sessions? Landscape Architects: You will need to pass a 10 question quiz with a 70% or higher. Many of these quizzes are still being developed. A follow up email will be sent when all of the quizzes have been activated. A link to this quiz can be found in the description of each session, underneath the recording link. Certified Arborists: Please complete the self-attestation form, which can be found in the description of each session.

Applied for CEUs for Certified Arborists

TUESDAY PRESHOW WORKSHOPS Tuesday, January 30, 2024 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM A Blueprint to Your People’s Success. Easy as 1, 2, 3 Traci Austin, Elevated Talent Consulting Utopia AB WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Anyone involved in the onboarding process. Owners, managers, recruiters, and human resources. As the Great Resignation puts retention at the top of everyone’s to-do list, one thing employers may overlook is the importance of internal career growth. Call it onboarding or inboarding, companies need a comprehensive understanding of what their employees love about their jobs. Companies often unintentionally give preference to external candidates while overlooking internal talent. Investing time and energy in developing tools like career paths that encourage internal growth is one great way to help support talented employees. This 3.5-hour session takes a holistic approach to meet both the needs of the individual as well as the needs of the organization. From an individual perspective, participants will learn what drives needs in a job and work environment. The organization as a whole will examine different talent pathways an employee can take within the company. The end result is the creation of a culture of growth for staff while meeting business results. Finding and keeping the best people is the secret to success…and a lot less stress.

Tuesday, January 30, 2024 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Irrigation Contractor Essentials: 4-Hour Refresher Course Alex Mayfield, JM Irrigation Utopia CD This course is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health for 4 hours of continuing education that is legally required for all registered irrigation contractors in the State of Illinois. Course Approval #: 750-221-C3 Alongside RPZ fundamentals, this four part class covers the essentials for professional irrigation contractors. Join us for (4) round table education sessions which provide hands-on education covering the following topics: •

Wire Tracing – Learn how to trace wires and how to use your wire trackers with a hands on demo.

•

Pump Basics – Learn how to size your lake pumps and booster pumps and basic pump troubleshooting.

•

Decoders and 2 Wire – Learn about IVM controllers and two wire from Rainbird.

•

Wi-Fi Fundamentals – Smart controllers and the new Hydrawise platform from Hunter.

Please visit the Registration Desk to register for these workshops

Tuesday, January 30, 2024 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM Valuation: What is a Company Worth and How Can We Improve It? Alison Hoffman, Harvest Landscape Consulting Utopia AB WHO SHOULD ATTEND: This exclusive workshop is for core decision-makers within a company. These can be owners, senior managers, or those in the line of succession. Attendees are encouraged to attend with key personnel to share strategies and ideas for improving the value of the business whether for immediate sale or long-term profit gains. It is a seller’s market for landscape businesses. Whether next month or next decade, all businesses change hands. How do potential buyers look at landscaping companies and calculate what they are worth? What’s a good way to estimate a value for a company? How can a business create value within a company whether for a potential sale or transition to family, management, or a 3rd party. How does an understanding of what makes a business attractive help a business operate today? This practical workshop will use a combination of hands-on learning, skills building, lecture, and practice to prepare attendees for a better understanding of how businesses are valued. The team of national instructors will evaluate a sample company’s current state, estimate a value for the company and identify steps that could be taken to increase the value and compare the future value. Besides a current valuation using industry-proven methods, this workshop dives deeper. It will help owners and senior managers review the company’s current strategy while providing a road map for higher valuation. It will do a comprehensive review of what a successful business needs in place in order to achieve its goals including: • • • • • • •

People Leadership Financial resources Market potential. Who are your customers? Services and products What is your unique selling (or value) proposition? How does that compare to your competition now? In the future?

Tuesday, January 30, 2024 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM Landscape Design for Busy Landscape Professionals Grant Dawson, Chalet Utopia CD WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Landscape Professionals, Garden Center/Retail Sales Landscape Designers and landscape architects. Join instructors from the North Shore landscape company Chalet for this immersive, hands-on 3.5-hour workshop. This workshop is tailored for landscape contractors that need to create quick engaging designs to present to clients. Using Realtime Landscape Pro software as the example, attendees will discover the power of this design tool, from basic setup to crafting stunning landscape visualizations. Learn site measurement essentials, types of photos needed, and how to create realistic custom renderings that will wow your clients. Note: This workshop will focus on one specific software – Realtime Landscape Pro. The instructors receive no financial subsidy or incentive for this workshop. They are users, not sellers of Realtime Landscape Pro and want to share lessons from how they have successfully integrated the technology in their design-sales and enhancement processes. Specific workshop sections will include: 1. Overview of the program – What it can and cannot do 2. Site measurement, photos and documentation requirements for the best results – Gather the intel so the tech works for you. 3. Create a design in the system – Use the digital tools to bring the design to life. 4. Set expectations with clients and use the technology to its full advantages 5. Time to play! Use what you learned and dive into the tech.

WEDNESDAY EDUCATION SESSIONS Wednesday 8:00 AM - 9:15 AM

Euphoria

Nirvana BC

Traci Austin, Elevated Talent Consulting

Getting Beyond the Bloom

Irvin Etienne, Indianapolis Museum of Art We all have a strong tendency to select plants for our gardens based on their flower power. And there is nothing wrong with that, but it becomes so limiting of the possibilities available to us. With most plants the flowering time is very short, maybe only a couple weeks, a month or two with the best. That same plant’s foliage on the other hand can be on display for six months or longer. Why don’t we choose more plants based on their foliage power? Plants with gorgeous foliage range from the most tender tropicals to the hardiest perennials and woodies. Colors range from brightest yellow to darkest black, plus all the variegated options. You just may forget all about the flowers. We’ll be getting beyond the bloom.

Forget stale recruiting formulas. This session shatters your assumptions and reveals the real secret to attracting top talent: your own employees. We’ll dive deep into what truly makes your company a place people crave. Through strategic questioning, you’ll unlock the hidden gems of your culture, crafting a compelling story that resonates with the right candidates. But this isn’t just about fluffy platitudes. We’ll also tackle the inevitable black eyes – the stumbles and missteps that tarnish your employer brand. Learn to recover with grace, turning challenges into opportunities to build trust and loyalty. By the end, you’ll walk away with a customized interrogation kit for your staff and a draft of your employee value proposition, a beacon that attracts the brightest stars. Ready to ditch the old playbook and write your own recruiting success story? Join us and let’s reimagine talent acquisition from the inside out.

Nirvana A

9:45 AM -11:00 AM

Karen Chapman, Le jardinet

Utopia CD

Offer your deer-challenged clients more than just a sympathetic nod and generic plant lists. Those don’t translate to the billowing borders or Instagram-worthy landscapes homeowners envision. What they need from you, the professional, are tried and true strategies and design tricks that will enable them to have the garden of their dreams without resorting to tall fences or constant spraying. Karen will share 8 key design steps that professionals can employ in their workflow and illustrate how those principles can be put into practice whether designing privacy screening, floral tapestries, focal points, foliage-first displays, woodland borders, a critter-resistant vegetable garden or drought-tolerant combinations for hot, sunny gardens. Learn how to sell your specialist knowledge - and set your clients expectations. Please note: the speaker has requested that their session NOT be recorded.

Bryan Mours, Mours Enterprises, LLC; Cris Poggi, Aspire

8 Key Steps to Designing a Deer-Resistant Garden

Utopia AB

Local Heritage Trees

Kris Bachtell, The Morton Arboretum There is a great story linked to every tree - at least, there should be! Learn from a tree guy with over 40 years of experience of observing and working with cool trees some really interesting incites to regionally important trees. Some of these wonderful specimens are still with us, while others have moved on. Learn who these trees are, where they are, and gain some knowledge how we can protect these jewels into the future.

Are you Bitching or Pitching? Creating an Employee Value Proposition

How to Understand Workflow in Technology Technology provides a means of creating good workflow through the use of solid business processes. If people do not perform their needed tasks then the workflow breaksdown and good data cannot be produced for business analysis. This presentation will help to explain the importantance of good workflow through technology and how everyone at the company plays an important part in the successful movement of data and information so that the company can make the proper changes that drive greater success.

Utopia AB

The Green Industry Economic Outlook for 2024 Charlie Hall, Texas A&M University

The audience will have a better feel for the future economic environment during the rest of the year. Also, the forecast for input cost increases will provide valuable information for negotiating with vendors. Audience members will also be able to make more informed strategic decisions regarding their business going forward into 2024. Applied for CEUs for Certified Arborists Book Signings available

App-solutely packed! Find updated session descriptions, schedule changes and speaker bios in the iLandscape app!

WEDNESDAY EDUCATION SESSIONS Nirvana A

Unleashing the Power of ChatGPT: How Landscape Pros Can Save Time and Money Corey Halstead, Halstead Media

By harnessing the power of ChatGPT, you can revolutionize your landscaping business by improving customer interactions, automating office tasks, enhancing marketing efforts, and optimizing communication. Join Industry veteran, Corey Halstead, as he helps to unlock the full potential of this exciting technology in the landscape industry!

Nirvana BC

Conquering the Hellstrip!

Daniel Gerdes, Yellowstone Landscape The notorious hellstrip challenges the most skillful landscapers with an environment of drought, pollution, pet and people traffic and the occasional errant public utility crew. In this fun and insightful seminar, we will look at a variety of design approaches and tough plants that can conquer the hellstrip once and for all.

Euphoria Advancements in Tree Injection Research and Technology Richard Hauer, CN Utility Services As we hit the 20th anniversary of the emerald ash borer (EAB) discovery in North America, what have we learned? What do the next 20 years hold for ash trees? Join us for an interdisciplinary journey using lessons learned with EAB management. See how science has led to effective treatments based on tree size and health as reliable predictors for preventing tree loss. Next, we will explore an ash tree retention and replacement study using tree canopy as a currency to evaluate a no net loss of tree canopy over a 20-year-time period. We will explore EAB decision-making by using sustainability constructs. What do we know about tree treatments to prevent ash loss? Finally, we will look at practical findings from field studies with tree and soil injection to help you make short- to long-term decisions with ash tree populations.

1:30 PM -2:45 PM Nirvana BC Inspiring Gardens: The Story of Adrian Bloom’s “Give Away Gardens” Adrian Bloom, Bressingham Gardens This talk shows how nurseryman and gardener Adrian Bloom attempted to inspire more people into gardening through an ‘instant garden creation’ of mostly suburban front gardens in the UK and USA. These gardens were typically ‘average’ and undeveloped and were given away free to those nominated and chosen by local horticulturalists and Garden Centres. All were designed - usually on the spot - by Adrian using some of the design principles he had found from creating his own six acre garden Foggy Bottom, one of The Bressingham Gardens. Adrian will share his experiences, his ideas and selection of plants in his entertaining lecture.

Euphoria

How to Capitalize on the New Nature Movement Carol Pasternak, The Monarch Crusader

Carol will present an overview of the ever expanding interest in butterflies and native plant gardening. The audience will leave feeling inspired to enter this market niche because it is profitable, purposeful, and, fun! She will include promotion and networking ideas, and recommend quick ways to bring the landscapers knowledge up to speed. Audience participation and idea sharing keep everyone engaged and entertained.

Utopia AB Traffic Stopping Color Daniel Gerdes, Yellowstone Landscape A fun and colorful run through of 20 years of seasonal color in the wilds of downtown Chicago! We’ll talk about what works, what doesn’t, pleasing the ever fickle customer, and the latest and greatest plant combinations to stop traffic and people in their tracks.

Applied for CEUs for Certified Arborists Book Signings available

App-solutely packed! Find updated session descriptions, schedule changes and speaker bios in the iLandscape app!

WEDNESDAY EDUCATION SESSIONS

THURSDAY EDUCATION SESSIONS

1:30 PM -2:45 PM

Thursday 8:00 AM - 9:15 AM

Nirvana A From Green Thumbs to Geek Thumbs: Demystifying Landscape Design Software! Joe Salemi, Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association

Utopia CD

Are you ready to revolutionize your landscape design game with cutting-edge technology? Come with Joe on this journey as we dive into the wonderful world of landscape design software. Whether you’re a seasoned landscape designer or a curious novice, this session is for you. Joe is going to look at the great options available on the market today and how they can help you generate more revenue. Discover the power of digital creativity as he takes you through the power that landscape design software brings with it. Worried about technical complexities? Fear not! He will demystify the process and show you how to wield this digital magic like a pro. Prepare to be inspired and empowered as you explore the world of landscape design with ease and confidence. It’s time to transform your landscape design processes and embrace the tools available to you now. See you there!

Utopia CD

The Landscape Contractor Series: The Pros at Home The Gardens of Jerry Adelmann and Cliff Miller

Nina Koziol, The Landscape Contractor, Jerry Adelmann, Openlands, P. Cliff Miller, PCM Landscape Artistry, Inc. The Pros at Home is a series of articles in The Landscape Contractor magazine that provides a behind-the-scenes look at how members of the green industry landscape their own property. Join us for an intimate look at Jerry Adelmann’s historic house and garden in Lockport and Cliff Miller’s home in Lake Forest.

Foggy Bottom — A Garden to Share Adrian Bloom, Bressingham Gardens This is the title of Adrian Bloom’s new book, and the subtitle is the author’s message, “An Inspirational Guide to Understanding Plants and Gardens.” The session is based on Adrian’s experience in creating his own spectacular six acre garden, which is called Foggy Bottom (there’s an interesting story to that too). From an empty meadow in 1966 to its present maturity there have been challenges galore, and still are... How to use certain plants , perennials, grasses and shrubs, how to create stunning combinations and seasonal interest. Adrian Bloom wants to share Foggy Bottom Garden, his lifetime’s creation with the audience, an opportunity not to be missed.

Nirvana A

Planning and Planting for the Future Chad Rigsby, Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories We will revisit the basics of selecting and planting trees and shrubs, but will focus on plant selection in the context of climate change. What species should we be selecting? For what time scale are we planning? How do we select plants for an uncertain future?

Nirvana BC

Beyond Selling: Using 3D for Landscape Analysis Eric Gilbey, Vectorworks

Though 3D modeled landscapes are becoming more common in design workflows, there is still a hesitancy to involve modeling unless a client is paying for this service. There is a key benefit to incorporating 3D in your landscape design, beyond selling, and that is analysis. In this session, you’ll learn how to leverage the power of solar, terrain, building, and landscape feature modeling to better analyze site conditions, advise clients, and validate design choices. The good news is that by integrating 3D with 2D design workflows, there is less of a disruption in getting to a sellable, yet better performing, solution for your clients.

Euphoria

Hybrid Base Installation Tyler Walsh, Techo-Bloc

Applied for CEUs for Certified Arborists Book Signings available

Hybrid base construction for interlocking concrete pavement, concrete paving slab and plank stone installation projects is extremely popular because, when done right, it will save time during the build and reduce the potential for callbacks. That said, there are a few pitfalls to avoid to ensure success. This presentation will cover the do’s and dont’s of hybrid base pavements, as well as helpful construction tips and how-tos to help you gain the edge you’re looking for with building your hardscape business.

App-solutely packed! Find updated session descriptions, schedule changes and speaker bios in the iLandscape app!

THURSDAY EDUCATION SESSIONS Utopia AB

Principles of Persuasion, How to Increase Your Level of Influence Jeff Joutras, Step Forward Into Growth Leadership

Lets face it, everyone is trying to influence somebody, everyday. In this presentation, attendees will learn the principles of influence, principles backed by research. Principles that are scientific, ethical and applicable. Oftentimes, increasing your level of influence comes down to minor changes that won’t cost you anything or will only require a small investment. Learn how to move more people in your direction to achieve a favorable result. This will include examples for sales and marketing professionals and even managers who want to improve their level of influence with clients and staff. Understand the psychology of persuasion and create a specific action plan to improve your results!

9:45 AM - 11:00 AM Utopia CD

The Landscape Contractor Series— Secret Gardens in the City: A Case Study of Norweta Condominiums

Heather Prince, The Landscape Contractor; Hana Ishikawa, site design group; Mark Jirik, site design group; Kevin Crist, Intrinsic Landscaping The Norweta community of condominium and apartment residences is focused on the connections between outdoor green space and family-friendly design being central to contemporary urban living. Intersections between plants and people are artfully woven through the built space with three elevated courtyards, a pool, and a rooftop garden. In a conversation with site design group’s Hana Ishikawa, AIA, ASLA, Design Principal and Mark Jirik, PLA, ASLA, LEED AP, ISA Certified Arborist, Director of Horticulture, plus Kevin Crist, Director of Construction for Intrinsic Landscaping, Inc., we’ll explore the thoughtful plant and material choices that have created a green oasis, while also touching back to the aesthetics of our unique Midwestern landscapes. Discover how this dynamic project was developed and installed including its singular challenges.

Nirvana A Liquid Labor: Innovative Solutions to Manage Landscape Maintenance Cory McCurry, Rainbow Ecoscience

This presentation will cover key aspects that impact labor in your landscape maintenance business. In this fast-paced world of constant demand for production and less labor to perform that work it is critical to use product technologies to your advantage over competitors in the green industry, which allows your business to adapt and innovate. Unfortunately, 71% of green industry companies indicate that skilled labor is becoming scarcer, compromising companies’ abilities to grow. Utilizing tools like tree, shrub and turf plant growth regulators (PGR’s) and safer non glyphosate herbicides and including innovative protocols for plant and vegetation management are imperative for the financial success of every business. PGR’s provide several other benefits for your business-like retention of our clients and employees, improved plant health, and development of drought tolerance in our landscape plant material.

Euphoria

Natural Stone vs. Manmade Materials: Exterior Applications Daniel Wood, Lurvey Landscape Supply

Natural stone has been the premier building material of choice throughout history, thanks to its durability and timeless aesthetic. Inherently beautiful and versatile, it’s no wonder that manmade materials aim to replicate its attributes, appearance and ultimately its desirability. This course will compare the versatility, performance characteristics, and green building considerations for both natural stone and manmade materials. Understanding these key points will prepare you with knowledge for design concepts, applications and how to educate the consumer. Styles change from season to season, but mother nature creates unique designs in natural stone that are historically innovative and always on trend.

Utopia AB

A Bountiful Year: Six Seasons of Beauty from Brandywine Cottage David Culp, Cavano’s Perennials

Based on his most recent book of the same name, this talk digs deeper into David Culp’s celebrated garden Brandywine Cottage, featuring a focus for each month, including recipes, a garden to-do list, flower arrangements and practical information. Favorite mail order sources, gardening for biodiversity and wildlife habitat, the creation of the meadow at Brandywine Cottage, recommended plants for dry places, and even favorite weeds will also be discussed. This lecture and book are about lifestyle, and blurring the lines of indoor and outdoor living.

Applied for CEUs for Certified Arborists Book Signings available

App-solutely packed! Find updated session descriptions, schedule changes and speaker bios in the iLandscape app!

THURSDAY EDUCATION SESSIONS 9:45 AM - 11:00 AM

Euphoria

Nirvana BC

Ken Love, Northern Sales & Marketing

How to Spot Red Flag Performance Indicators and What to Do About Them Joel Korte, New Growth Strategies

Whether you’re looking to position your landscape contracting company for acquisition or want to stay independent, key performance indicators (KPIs) and specifically red flags, are factors that will affect your company value and its appeal to clients. Learn to spot and manage “leading” indicators before they become deal-breaker “red flags” for clients and investors. We’ll unveil powerful tools and techniques to track, tweak, and turn around negative trends. Plus, discover immediate action steps to boost your business into an acquisition magnet, whether you crave independence or a lucrative buyout. Don’t let red flags dim your future – invest in this session and watch your landscape contract business blossom into a thriving reality.

1:00 PM - 1:50 PM Utopia CD

Outdoor fire features have evolved from your basic wood burning fire pit in the backyard. Current trends are showing gas fire features as one of the top asks by consumers looking to create a unique outdoor living space to enjoy with family and friends. This seminar will focus on introducing the different types of ignitions, utility requirements and options of gas fire features. As well as understanding the ins-and-outs of designing a space for a gas fire feature that is not only beautiful to look at but functional, as well. The presentation takes you through the process from beginning to end. Using a multi-point check list providing you with all aspects to consider for your landscape design.

Nirvana BC

D & I are Critically Important to Landscapes as Well Kris Bachtell, The Morton Arboretum

This talk will cover the latest on the situation with several invasive and destructive pests in our region, such as spotted lanternfly, boxtree moth, and beech leaf disease. Management of these various pests will also be discussed.

The world’s climate is changing rapidly and new pests and diseases continue to be recognized as a threat. Strong tree Diversity and the Inclusion of new tree selections is our best protection to help avoid catastrophic losses and to build healthier tree dominated communities. From a veteran horticulturist, learn how low tree diversity impacted landscapes in the past and modern strategies to grow healthier trees for a greener future.

Utopia AB

2:10 PM - 3:00 PM

Illinois and Wisconsin Invasive Pest Update Chad Rigsby, Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories

Expanding the Landscape Environment: A Look at Green Roofs Karen Midden, Southern Illinois University

The multifaceted values of green roofs complement and support the goals and purposes of ground level landscapes in the built and natural environments. The practice of green roofs in North America is relatively new as compared to the traditional landscape industry yet continues to expand nationwide given the aesthetic, environmental, social and numerous other benefits of green roof systems. As you may imagine, gazing out a high-rise window looking down onto adjacent buildings, it’s much more interesting and pleasing to see plants and outdoor spaces compared to a standard roof. Along with the improved aesthetics and increased accessible outdoor spaces, that roof serves other roles such as managing stormwater runoff, reducing urban heat and noise pollution, increasing building insulation and the lifespan of the roof, supporting wildlife habitat and urban agriculture. This presentation will provide a discussion of the multifaceted benefits of green roofs, different types and basic construction of green roofs as well as the creative opportunities in the landscape industry.

Introduction and Design of Gas Fire Features

Euphoria

Innovation in the Natural Stone Industry including Sustainability, Technology, and Design Trends Daniel Wood, Lurvey Landscape supply

This course will look at sustainability initiatives in the natural stone industry including the Natural Stone Sustainability Standard and Industry Wide Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) . It will also highlight the latest technologies available and the creative options that they are providing for the market. Finally, we will review case studies for award-winning projects that highlight the innovative use of natural stone materials and a survey of current trends that architects and designers are seeking.

Applied for CEUs for Certified Arborists

App-solutely packed! Find updated session descriptions, schedule changes and speaker bios in the iLandscape app!

THURSDAY EDUCATION SESSIONS Nirvana BC

Utopia AB

Neal Glatt, Grow the Bench

The Wilder Side: Essential Strategies for the Design, Creation, and Maintenance of Dynamic Landscapes

Realize Your Selling Potential It takes successful personal selling in order to rapidly grow a profitable business, yet most people who sell never realize their full potential. Most salespeople aren’t limited by their selling ability as much as they are limited by the lack of sales structure and process. In this session, Neal Glatt will provide a template that will help you get to the next level of sales success. Discover the mindset shift separating average sellers from champions, and unlock the secret weapon of a documented sales process – the key to scaling without breaking a sweat. Craft a laser-focused target market plan that attracts your ideal customers and seals the deal. Leave equipped to dominate your field, whether you’re chasing a solo win or building a sales empire.

Patrick Cullina, Patrick Cullina Design + Consulting This presentation will review dynamic landscape plant selection, design and maintenance strategies and a range of established public, private, and institutional projects while discussing the substantial environmental and economic benefits these landscapes provide to communities, clients, contractors and growers.

Nirvana A

Soil Oxygen: The Real Limiting Factor

Utopia CD

Wei Zhang, Zynnovation LLC

Cultivating Native Plants: Understanding the Need for Improved Characteristics

Confused why trees struggle in compacted soil, love sidewalks, and hate volcano mulching? It’s all about soil oxygen, the invisible hero of healthy landscapes! This session unveils the secrets of soil oxygen, from its impact on root growth to saving drowning plants. Learn live (when possible) why proper care isn’t just about water, but also the hidden air beneath your feet. Attend this session to breathe life into your landscape!

Todd Jacobson, The Morton Arboretum; Shannon McEnerney, Midwest Groundcovers; Dennis Rohr, Hinsdale Nurseries; Roger Purcell, Roger Purcell Hort Sales, LLC; Becky Thomas, Spring Grove Nursery Have you ever wondered why certain species are selected for research and adaptation to become a cultivar? When is it appropriate to select a cultivar for a space instead of a native? With so much emphasis on diversifying the plant palette, where do cultivars fit? Natives are a critical part of the landscape and we want to use them when possible, but breeders have spent years developing adaptations to straight species to help them thrive in tough conditions. In this session, we’ll demystify the terminology, explain the rationale behind why certain plants are chosen, provide understanding of the plant development process, and offer examples of great plants that should be in your consideration set.

Applied for CEUs for Certified Arborists Book Signings available

App-solutely packed! Find updated session descriptions, schedule changes and speaker bios in the iLandscape app!

FRIDAY EDUCATION SESSIONS Friday 8:00 AM - 9:15 AM Euphoria

Parterre Gardens

Anna Timmerman, LSU AgCenter - Greater New Orleans Area This presentation covers the history and basic design principles of traditional French parterre gardens and how this formalized style spread globally and has adapted over time. Also included will be examples of historical properties and contemporary homes in South Louisiana featuring parterres, illustrating a Creole version of French formal gardening that remains relevant and loved today.

Utopia AB

Horticultural Accuracy in the Age of Influencers Derek Haynes, The Chocolate Botanist

Attendees will learn the potential pitfalls of social media, including, but not limited to, presenting facts online, cultivating their community, being their best selves online, and the dreaded and invasive viral lies that are in the plant communities online. This session will also address confronting nonfactual yet viral information, and the possible outcomes thereafter. Social media is an easy, and free way to promote a business, topic, or movement. Attendees will learn how to navigate social media and will discover how to use the platforms to their benefit.

Utopia CD

The Complete Talk on Ground Covers: Plants That Reduce Maintenance, Control Erosion, Improve the Environment, and Beautify the Landscape Gary Lewis, Phoenix Perennials & Specialty Plants Ltd.

Ground covers are widely thought of as utilitarian, but these plants also offer a diverse range of beautiful and intriguing options. They can unify a landscape, knit together plantings and hardscape, and add extra layers of beauty. As a replacement for lawns, they can reduce our use of water, fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, carbon-based fuels, and help transform a yard into a diverse landscape and food for native insects, birds, and other wildlife. This is a companion talk for professional audiences to Gary’s encyclopedia The Complete Book of Ground Covers published by Timber Press in fall 2022. As an added bonus, Gary will illustrate all these benefits and uses of ground covers with beautiful photos taken from his travels!

Nirvana BC

See the Landscape Through the Eyes of an Ecologist Jack Pizzo, Pizzo & Associates

Ever wonder about the landscape that used to be here? What is making the holes in that leaf? Why are my plants alive or dead? Why are there so many butterflies or birds there but not here? Nature is organized and is like the game of Jeopardy. The answer is there and you have to formulate the question. Come learn how to understand ecology and how it relates to horticulture and landscape architecture.

Nirvana A

How to Use Artificial Intelligence to Your Advantage Valerie Smith, Sod Solutions

Communication as we know it is rapidly changing...and artificial intelligence is playing a huge role in these changes. With tools like ChatGPT, Bard.IO, Perplexity.AI, Otter. AI, and Dall.e, it’s no secret that artificial intelligence is quickly revolutionizing how humans work, create, and communicate. Discover and demo some of the various artificial intelligence tools available for communication strategies including natural language processing, chatbots, and AI-powered voice assistants. Learn about the many ways we can take tools such as these and apply them to common communication practices in the Green Industry today. Use artificial intelligence’s targeted outreach to better reach relevant audiences for your products and services like landscaping needs or client preferences, create customized programs for water conservation and soil enhancement, level up your customer service team with chatbots, and more.

9:45 AM - 11:00 AM Nirvana BC

Natural Disaster: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Managing Naturalistic Landscapes David McKinney, Iowa Arboretum & Gardens More than ever, commercial properties and new developments are asking for landscapes to be more naturalistic and even totally native. These landscapes require different care and strategies than the lawns and gardens of the past. Listen as David talks about his experiences and lessons learned from managing naturalistic landscapes in commercial settings along with how they can be rewarding and save labor over time.

Applied for CEUs for Certified Arborists Book Signings available

App-solutely packed! Find updated session descriptions, schedule changes and speaker bios in the iLandscape app!

FRIDAY EDUCATION SESSIONS Nirvana A

Thistles, Skyscrapers, and Other Unusual Perennials

Utopia CD

Homer Trecartin, Twixwood Nursery

Neal Glatt, Grow the Bench

An introduction to some new and unusual perennials that can be used in the landscape. Homer will cover plant characteristics, growth habits, and care needs, as well as our experiences growing them at the nursery. Most of the plants would be varieties coming out of Europe and favored by Piet Oudolf style gardens. Some examples of the plants would include Eryngium, Echinops, Thalictrum, Saponaria, Dodecatheon, etc. Eryngium and Echinops are thistles. There are several kinds of Thalictrum we will cover, but one of them (‘Elin’) can get 9’ tall. We’ll cover as many as possible in the time allotted making sure to cover the details of how they grow and where they can be used.

Forget solo sales sprints, unlock the 258% sales boost powerhouse of team selling! Neal Glatt, master of multi-million dollar exterior service contracts, reveals his secrets in this session. Learn how to skyrocket close rates, profits, and customer satisfaction by building a winning sales team. No more guessing games – discover when, why, and how to leverage team selling the right way. Identify the perfect situations, assemble the dream team, and prepare for success. Leave with a clear roadmap to transform your sales force into a deal-closing machine. Ready to dominate your market? Join Neal and unleash the power of teamwork!

Euphoria

Protecting Yourself from Slip and Fall Lawsuits in your Snow Business Michael Anderson, Snow & Ice Pros, Inc.

As Indiana’s first Certified Snow Professional, Mr. Anderson started shoveling neighbors’ driveways when he was 6 years old and has worked as an expert witness for attorneys on slip and fall cases on snow and ice since 2011. A former member of the ILCA in the ‘80s and 90’s, he now runs a “snow-only” business in Hammond, Indiana. In this session, you will learn the essentials of avoiding liability from a slip and fall lawsuit and how to minimize the damages if you are served with a lawsuit. It all starts with communicating expectations and negotiating the snow contract when the sun is shining and it’s 70 degrees outside. It continues through the proper training of you and your employees, how to best set up your routes, acquiring the proper anti-icing and deicing materials, operations, retention of the proper documentation, and what to do if you are sued. This class is a “must attend’ if you are supplementing your summer income with snow and ice services.

Winning More Deals with Team Selling

11:30 AM - 12:20 PM Utopia CD

The Evening Garden — Designs that Inspire

Heather Prince, The Landscape Contractor; Nina Koziol, The Landscape Contractor; Bob Hursthouse, Hursthouse Fireflies, crickets, the sound of gently cascading water, flames dancing in a fire pit, marshmallows, brews and great conversation. That’s what many homeowners cherish but may not verbalize when discussing projects. As night falls, we become much more attuned to our surroundings. Creating a home landscape that can be enjoyed beyond dusk is a selling point when talking to clients. Evening is the time when fragrant white blossoms and shimmering silver foliage become the stars of the garden. Discover how you can take your design skills up a notch by including key features —plants, fire, water and lighting that can create exquisite settings.

Utopia AB

Growing Healthy Trees in the Built Environment - A Review of Expert Remediation Techniques & Engineering Solutions Michelle Catania, The Morton Arboretum

The green industry plays an essential role in shaping our urban forest canopy. As you look around the urban and suburban landscape, you cannot help but notice mature trees are struggling. Newly installed trees have high failure rates and will not replace these forest elders. From cultural practices to pressures from development, these landscapes are not ready to support healthy, long-lived trees. This built environment is engineered to support infrastructure. Undisturbed, healthy soils are uncommon in this environment. Overcoming the difficulties of growing healthy trees in compacted, urban soils is a challenge without appropriate site preparation. This talk will aim at providing science-based and peer-reviewed recommendations to ensure healthy urban trees persist and thrive in the built environment.

Applied for CEUs for Certified Arborists Book Signings available

FRIDAY EDUCATION SESSIONS 11:30 AM - 12:20 PM

Utopia AB

Nirvana A

Trent Ford, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Art of Synthetic Turf Installation David Kocourek, GreenSpace Turf

Dive into the flourishing world of artificial turf landscaping, a rapidly expanding trend in both residential and commercial settings. Immerse yourself in the art of installation, guided by industry masters. Learn from a former synthetic turf patent attorney, now proprietor of one of the Midwest’s leading field turf companies, and glean essential knowledge from other industry leaders. Delve into the benefits of artificial turf, exploring its environmental advantages, aesthetic appeal, and safety improvements by eliminating harmful chemicals. Discover how it fends off pesky weeds and pests, conserves precious resources, and alleviates costly maintenance burdens. Witness its ability to reduce ground and air pollution, and appreciate its versatility in tackling pet-heavy areas, mud bogs, and even stubborn patches where natural grass struggles. Ultimately, learn to craft landscapes that exude a natural charm and bolster the overall aesthetic appeal of your property, unlocking the many advantages that artificial turf has to offer.

Nirvana BC

Kicking the Hornet’s Nest: An Up-Close Look at an Unpopular Insect David McKinney, Iowa Arboretum & Gardens

Many gardeners and landscapers view wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets as a dangerous, aggressive, and frightening antagonist to the beauty and function of their landscape. In this talk, David sheds insight into the vast ecologically important services wasps carry out in gardens; from pollination to pest control. He will also give tips and tricks for how to encourage wasps to be a friend in the garden while keeping them from areas they may pose a threat.

Management Challenges and Solutions in a Changing Climate Climate change in the Midwest has created or worsened many challenges in horticulture and landscape design including shifting hardiness zones, increasing insect and disease pressure, and more exposure to extreme heat and humidity. Many of the changes we’ve seen recently are projected to continue or intensify in the future. However, sustainable landscape design is one of the most effective means of adaptation. And with an increasing reliance on nature-based solutions, a healthy green industry is critical for climate resilience in the Midwest. We’ll discuss climate change and the unique landscape management problems it’s created. We’ll also highlight solutions to help successfully develop and manage landscapes and nature-based solutions now and into our uncertain future.

Euphoria

Above- & Under-ground Partners: That’s What Is Missing In Urban Environment Wei Zhang, Zynnovation LLC

Imagine a forest where young trees thrive under the loving care of elders, protected from harsh weather and nurtured by unseen underground allies. Now picture a city: stripped soil, compacted earth, floods of chemicals. Can trees survive, much less flourish, in this concrete jungle? This talk explores the vital partnerships urban trees lack and how we can restore them. From fostering beneficial microbes to replenishing organic matter, we’ll delve into the secrets of a thriving urban forest. Discover how by reconnecting trees with their missing helpers, we can create greener, healthier cities for all. Applied for CEUs for Certified Arborists Book Signings available

App-solutely packed! Find updated session descriptions, schedule changes and speaker bios in the iLandscape app!

If you didn’t see everything you wanted — Here’s another opportunity

guide to locations

D I S C O V E R Y H A L L

PLEASE NOTE — the iLandscape Trade Show is in two halls Discovery and Innovation INNOVATION HALL

REGISTRATION

• The iLandscape Trade Show is located on the first floor in both Discovery and Innovation Halls • The ILCA and WNLA booth is located in Discovery Hall Booth 1619 • The Big Easy Stage is in Innovation Hall • The Crawdad Stage is in Discovery Hall

SECOND FLOOR • Educational classes are located on the SECOND FLOOR • Excellence in Landscape Awards Night will be held in the Utopia Ballroom upstairs • Educational classes are conducted in: — Euphoria — Nirvana A, BC — Utopia AB, CD

Awards Night is in the UTOPIA BALLROOM

Nirvana Threshold

• Spanish language education are held in Nirvana A • All Workshops are held upstairs in Utopia AB + CD • The book store and signings are in the Nirvana Threshold — Check on site signage and App

Premier Sponsor Wednesday Night Party

Convention Center Doors

Raffle Sponsor

Education

Lanyards

Promotional Bags

Aisle Decals

Beer Tasting

Food Vouchers

Hotel Card Folders

Bathroom Mirror Clings

Beverage Cup

Wednesday Raffle Sponsor

WiFi Sponsor

Thursday Raffle Sponsor

Info Kiosk Sponsor

Exhibitor Keg Parties and Hot Cocoa

Sponsors as of January 3, 2024.

iLandscape at-a-glance thursday

wednesday Registration Hours

7:00am – 4:30pm

Registration Hours

7:00am – 4:30pm

Exhibit Hall Hours

9:00am – 4:30pm

Exhibit Hall Hours

9:00am – 4:30pm

Educational Sessions Upper Level

8:00am – 9:15am 9:45am – 11:00am 1:30pm – 2:45pm

Educational Sessions 8:00am – 9:15am 9:45am – 11:00am 1:00pm – 1:50pm 2:10pm – 3:00pm

Spanish Language Education Spanish Language Education 11:15am-12:15pm Nirvana 11:15am-12:15pm Nirvana 12:15pm-1:15pm 12:15pm-1:15pm

EN ESPAÑOL

Raffles & Giveaways Discovery Hall

EN ESPAÑOL 4:15pm

Raffles & Giveaways Discovery Hall

4:15pm

Featuring Gator Raffle!

Bingo & Beads 4:30pm-6:30pm Discovery Hall Beer, non-alcoholic beverages and food provided

Gumbo Games 4:30pm-7:00pm Discovery Hall Beer, non-alcoholic beverages and food provided

friday

Dining Options

Registration Hours

7:00am – 2:00pm

Exhibit Hall Hours

9:00am – 2:00pm

Educational Sessions

8:00am – 9:15am 9:45am – 11:00am 11:30am – 12:20pm

Student Design Competition Awards

10:00am-10:30am

Raffles & Giveaways Discovery Hall

1:00pm

At the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel There are dining options to fit any taste, budget, and timeframe. All menus and hours are subject to change. RENdezvous Café & Winter Garden (Hotel Lobby) Cuisine: Coffee and Quick Eats Before or after a busy day of meetings at the Schaumburg Convention Center, treat yourself to Starbucks® hot and iced beverages, fast casual food, and a selection of beer and wine in the café. Mon-Fri 6:30am-4:00pm Cost: $ Style: Carryout concessions Gather (Hotel Lobby Bar) Cuisine: American Unwind with colleagues or socialize with friends over delicious meals and creative cocktails at this stylish hotel bar and restaurant. Mon-Thu: 4:30pm-12:00am; Fri: 4:30pm-1:00am Cost: $$ Style: Sit-down/Bar Burritos in Bowls Pop-Ups Cuisine: Your choice of Chicken Tinga or Pork Carnitas with assorted toppings such as black beans and rice, fresh veggies, and salsas. Wed-Fri Opens at 10:30am Cost: $$ Style: Carryout concessions Jambalaya Café: (Innovation Hall) Wed-Fri opens at 11:00am -New Orleans themed food, limited seating, carryout concession Discovery Hall Concession Stands (Discovery Hall) Cuisine: The walk-up concession stands will offer hot dogs, pizza, chicken fingers, burgers, salads, wraps, pretzels, cheese curds and more. Located in the rear of Discovery Hall Wed-Fri Opens at 10:30am Cost: $ Style: Carryout concessions Lobby Breakfast Kiosk (Convention Center Lobby near the escalator) Cuisine: Start your day with assorted breakfast items including the chef’s selection breakfast sandwich, fresh fruit, yogurt, croissants and muffins, bagels and danishes. Beverages include coffee, soft drinks, energy drinks, juice, and more. Wed-Fri

Opens at 7:00am Style: Carryout concessions

945

Petitti Family of Farms

Cherokee Manufacturing

935

Halquist Stone

1037

938

InOut Perfect Labs Turf

936

1035

1701

Harrell's

1700 AISLE 1702

1704

DeWitt Northern Stantec Company Family Native Farms Plant Kankakee Nursery Nursery Company 1603 1601

1600

J.Frank-Schmidt &-Son-Co

Spring Grove Nursery

Kaneville Tree Farms

1501

928

1602

Hinsdale Nurseries

Doty Nurseries

1503

1505

821

Rochester Concrete Products

Assured- Northland Partners Farms

John Holmlund Nursery

917

818

Green Soils Management

Arborjet/ Ecologel

F.E.C.

915

Warming Buechel Trends Stone

913

814

Lite the 812Nite

811

Acorn Farms

911

Turtle Permaloc Creek Corporation Nursery

909

EXITS

Onarga Nursery Company

808

806

905

914

Four Star Greenhouse

910

SavATree

Colorblends Wholesale Flowerbulbs

Home Nursery 1301

1305

1309

A.Block Marketing

1009

1201

1st-Choice Equipment

Oly-Ola Edgings

906

1425

Co &

Ar P Equ

1319

1321

1209

Ditch Witch Midwest 1219

W Nu

Nativ

1225

1200 AISLE

Keystone Hatcheries 1007

Fabriscape

Knapheide Truck Equipment Center 1311

1300

Lurvey-Supplying Landscapes

Bartlett Tree Experts

908

1417

1300 AISLE

1011

Red-Flint Rock-& Stone

1409

McKay Nursery Company

1005

St.Aubin Nursery

1101

1202

Alert Distributing

1103

1208

Fox Ridge Nursery

1210

1212

1214

CAST Johnson's McGinty Lighting Nursery Bros.

Eden-Valders The-Tree Stone1109 Connection 1113

Wilso

THE MASK GARDEN

Lands

1117

F.E.C.

F.S. F.E.C. SUPPORT ESTIBULE 4

TELE

ELEC

JAN.

F.S.

SUPPORT STIBULE 3

UP 1\ x 1-0

LINE@T .00 STORAGE

F.S.

UPPORT F.E.C. TIBULE 2

TELE

ELEC

JAN.

F.S.

Exhibit Hours - Wednesday 9:00am-4:30pm - Thursday 9:00am-4:30pm - Friday 9:00am-2pm STORAGE

EXIT

F.E.C.

1100 AISLE

SUPPORT ESTIBULE 1

F.E.

F.E.C. UP 1\ x 1-0 LINE@T .00

FHV/FEC

Techo-Bloc

Spring Meadow Nursery

912

1405

Midwest Trading 1400 AISLE

1015

Walters Gardens

904

1403

1404

Compeer Sheridan Financial Nurseries

SEK-Surebond 804

1401

DPM,Inc/ Dutchman Industries 1017

916

1502

Hortica Sentry Insurance Group

United Capital Greenhouse Stoneworks Systems

Cedar-Path Nurseries

Sure-Loc Aluminum-Edging/ Wolverine-Tools

Landscape-Material & Firewood-Sales

810

STAIR K (#10)

1509

Xylem Rock

Carlin-Sales ProGreen-Plus

Longshadow

816

918

Twixwoo Nurser

1619

Dayton-Bag &-Burlap

920

817

Midwest Groundcovers

Green-Glen Nursery

820

Turfmaker Corp

U.S. Arbor Products

Ball-Seed Company

McCann Industries

Grand Arbor Supply

F.S.

1609

ILCA/WNLA Membership FLOAT GARDEN

Bailey Nurseries

1500

F.E.C.

GAS

Unilock

1500 AISLE

825

Forrest Keeling Nursery 819

1713

1703

1600 AISLE

Atlas Bobcat

929

StoneWall Retaining PlantRight Walls/ Trench'nEdge 927 828Edgers

Alta-Equipment Company

FHV/FEC

Midwest STIHL

Brickworks Supply Centers

933

Woody Warehouse Nursery 931

830

F.S.

1041

Leaves Inspired Tree Nursery 1039

Vectorworks, Inc.

834

GAS

1043

1000 AISLE

838

900 AISLE

800 AISLE

Fond-du-Lac-Stone & Natural-Stone-Veneers

Great Lakes Landscape Supply 937

CRAWDAD STAGE

1805

1800 AISLE

Reading Rock

942

Sester Farms

Morris Trailer Sales

835

F.E.C.

941

Tri-State Cut-Stone &-Brick 939

1801

Emergent Safety Supply

Burris Equipment

Stone Universe

837

946

Walker Mid-America

846

Vermeer Midwest

Metal Pless

Homer Industries

Greenleaf Nursery Company

THE-RIGHT-PLACE, WRONG-TIME GARDEN

947

842

Better Bilt Products

Ariens and Gravely

Klyn Nurseries

Reinders

Mulch-Mate Dawson-Mfg

F.S.

F.H.V. F.E.C.

1900 AISLE

843

F.E.C. GAS

F.S.

F.E.C. F.S.

EXITS

F.S. F.E.C.

F.H.V. F.E.C.

Discovery Hall Floorplan as of 1/3/24

GAS

Rademann

Rainbow Stone-& Ecoscience Landscape

2228

1500 AISLE

Alta Falls Distributing 2016

1337

2012

KO-Supply Company 1235

Diga-Talk+

2113

2109

Conserv Hortech, FS Inc. 1135 1139

King Nursery 2212

2213

2207

Fairview

2006

2106

Inc. 2105

Nurseries 2205

DeVroomen Garden 2104 Products

Goodmark Nurseries 2004

CATERING MANAGER CLOS.

F.S. ET ER

CATERING MANAGER

LINE@T .00 UP 1\ x 1-0

WOMEN

CONVENTION CTR. MGR.

CLOS. CONVENTION CTR. MGR.

EXIT

JAN.

F.S.

F.E.C.

1100 AISLE

FHV/FEC

SPRAY BOOTH

PAINT STOR.

TOOL STOR.

F.E.C.

12:00

F.S.

Intrinsic Perennial Gardens

Arrowhead Evergreen Ornamentals

F.E.C.

Thursday

F.E.C.

Midwest Salt #2

Wednesday-Thursday Beer Tasting: Kaknes Landscape Supply

2211

2108

Midwest Salt #1

GAS

Sunset Pools &-Spas

Plants JULIE, Nouveau

CARPENTRY SHOP

F.E.C.

2216

2215

2112

United Oregon Pride Label Nurseries &-SATO 2008 2107

STORAGE

1125

Bobbex

2010

1200 AISLE

on-Nurseries & scape-Supply

2116

1231

INISTRATION ENTRY

1227

Kaknes Landscape Supply

1336

2115

Wednesday

12:00

2217

Clesen Wholesale

Pizzo ve-Plant-Nursery

Feece Oil Co.

FHV/FEC

Willoway urseries

1334 Kuenzi-Turf & Nursery

2118

ET ER

1326

Hugh-Davis PBI Hort Associates Gordon

2117

Mariani Plants

1300 AISLE

Blue Grass Farms of Indiana

Braun Nursery

INNOVATION HALL

Thursday Morning Hot Cocoa Goodmark Nurseries 9:00am STAIR R (#14)

1335

2018

Environmental Design

Alta Equipment #2 Lafarge Holcim Kramer Tree Specialists Vermeer Midwest Belgard Unilock Midwest Unilock Midwest

F.E.

Altorfer Cat

2219

The Mulch Center

Pine-Hall Brick Company

12' below dotted line)

Lincoln Nurseries

MEN

1325

2120

2020

(Ceiling height approx.

Nursery Supplies

rlington Power uipment

Phoenix Irrigation Supply

T 'D

1400 AISLE

2122

Dutchman Tree Farms

1439

1435

Whole Earth Compost

Aspire Software

1431

1427

2124

Monroe Truck Equipment

Richey Nursery Company

Casey Equipment Company

Grasshopper Company

Elegance by NT-Trading

Kramer ontree-Sprayer Tree &-Equipment Specialists

2224 1538

Curv-Rite Aluminum Edging Triple Crown Products

CORR.

1530 Encore 1526 Ivanhoe Landscape Nursery Lighting

1:00 2:00 2:00 2:30 3:00 F.E.C. 3:30 4:00 F.S.

ELECT. STOR.

2028

Thursday

GAS

ASST. DIR. OF ENGINEERING

2229

Advanced Turf 2128 Solutions

DIRECTOR ENGINEERING

2130

Knapheide Russo Power Equipment The Pizzo Group Alta Equipment Company #1 Unilock Midwest Unilock Midwest

LOCKED STORAGE

2129

12:00 2:00 2:00 F.E.C. 3:00 3:00 3:30

M - E WORKSHOP

Belden Natural Brick Repellents

Jireh Stone Sales

Wednesday

FILES / PLAN FILES CORRIDOR

2132

Cherry Springs Nursery

2234

DISCOVERY HALL

RECEPTION

Surefoot Hardscape Products 2131

Central-Turf-& Irrigation-Supply

1537

Stanley Outdoor Group

Keg Parties

CORRIDOR

2030

2138

EXITS

Rental Max 1531

1525

Holcim Fox-River Stone 1535

Halloran Mowerworks

Illinois Arborist Association 2133

SCP Distributors

Techniseal

m,-Ltd. ks,Etc.

Fiore 1634 Nursery & Landscape Supply

SiteOne Landscape Supply

1600 AISLE

2135

GAS

2241

CORRIDOR

2000 AISLE

2034

2139

Omega-II Fence Systems

F.E.C.

Robotics

2142

2141

Friday 9:00am-2pm

ELEC. REPAIR

Cassidy-Tire &-Service 1635

2038

2242

F.S.

F.E.C.

1629

Chi Turf2137

Sable Marco

Bad Boy Paradise Mowers

2144

ELEC

1625

John Deere

Hunter Industries/ FX-Luminaire

Alliance Designer Products

od ry Belgard

RWC Insurance Group

2040

1739

1700 AISLE

Lemke Stone

2042

New Growth Designs

LINE@T .00 UP 1\ x 1-0

1729

Davey Tree Expert Co.

Thursday 9:00am-4:30pm

2146

Chicago-Gas-Lines

Russo-Power Equipment

Ewing-Irrigation-& Landscape-Supply

1800 AISLE

2145

F.E.C.

2046

1837

Wednesday 9:00am-4:30pm

SOUTH SERVICE VESTIBULE 1

AA Stone IMPEX

Husqvarna

2147 Armintrout's West Michigan Farms

SOUTH SERVICE ALLEY

1833

2048

2200 AISLE

High Toro/MTI Echo Distributing Format Incorporated 1829

EXITS

Michigan 1934 West Shore Nursery

2100 AISLE

1932

Aquascape

Exhibit Hours SOUTH SERVICE VESTIBULE 2

F.S.

F.S. F.E.C.

1900 AISLE

FHV/FEC

Chicago-Region Tree-Initiative Morton Arboretum

137

Engine

134 Midwest

Tropicals Envu-Turf

132 & Ornamentals Team 136

229 233

Engine Organic Stuifbergen

134

Solutions

Envu-Turf 138 & Ornamentals 136

Flower Bulb Export 237

224

Bowling 142 Nursery

242

Smart Outdoor Living

DN 1\ x 0-4 LINE@T .00 DN 1\ x 0-4 LINE@T .00 DN 1\ x 0-4 LINE@T .00

FHV/FEC

ELEC. ROOM

Exhibit Hours -

Wednesday 9:00am-4:30pm Thursday 9:00am-4:30pm Friday 9:00am-2:00pm

430

423

FHV / FEC

National Nursery Products

Superior

Plant Wholesale Peddler Landscape

Mulch Supply431 DYNA Magic 330 429

430

332

Ken-Burns Dirt Separators 434

Superior

Plant Wholesale Peddler Landscape

Supply431

Alpha Professional Tools

Purple Wave Auction

Alpha Professional Tools

342

Masterblend International

Ken-Burns 436 Dirt Separators 434

433

Purple Wave 334 Auction

PANEL STORAGE

National Nursery Products

Mulch DYNA Magic 330 429

334

PANEL STORAGE

Kress Commercial

Rock Bottom Jonathan Green Stone 326 Supply 425

332

CLOSET

PANEL STORAGE

AV AV

SERVICE CORRIDOR vestibule

ELEC. ROOM

420

422

324

342

ELEC. ROOM

JJ Kane Auctions 422

Hoffie Nursery

Masterblend International

436

433

441

ELEC. ROOM

DN 1\ x 0-4 LINE@T .00

FHV/FEC FHV/FEC

242

Smart Outdoor Living

Hoffie Nursery

Rock Bottom Jonathan Green Stone 326 Supply 425

233

Bowling Export 138 237 142 Nursery

Edge

Kress Co. 418 Commercial

318

224

Organic Stuifbergen Flower Solutions Bulb

420

423

AmericanHort

UP 1\ x 1-0 LINE@T .00

C.C. GEN MANA

Traqnology North America

F.E.C.

133

130

229

JJ Kane Auctions Keen

F.E.C.

137

132 Riverfarm Nursery Team

AmericanHort

324

Edge

418 Co.

318

MS MS International International

F.E.C.

133

Midwest Tropicals

223

414

PANEL STORAGE

124

Open Air Living Open Air Living

441

• Green Box indicates Magazine Advertiser

• Logo indicates ILCA Member Firm

PANEL STORAGE

Evergreen Nursery TreeDiaper Co.

130

131

221

Craiger Custom Design Keen

413

CORR. STORAGE PANEL STORAGE PANEL CORR.

122

414

405 Chadwick's Surfaces International

PANEL STORAGE

Co. in-lite 223 Outdoor GreenSpace Turf Lighting

124

Instone 314

Craiger Custom Design

413

A/V

122 221 Christiansen Seed Farms Evergreen Company 120 219 Nursery TreeDiaper

314 Lubrication Solutions 312

The Big Easy Stage

A/V DATA

in-lite Outdoor GreenSpace Turf Lighting Allendan

214

406

Instone

214

LINE@T .00 UP 1\ x 1-0

DATA

Allendan Christiansen Seed Farms Company 120 219

Riverfarm Nursery Arborwear

211

405

Chadwick's 308 Surfaces PetroChoice International

ELEC. ROOM

123

211

PetroChoice Lubrication Solutions 312

ELEC. ROOM

112

209

406

308

Oakville Oakville Stone Stone

114 Crum-Halsted Insurance

Krukowski Stone Company

PANEL STORAGE

W.E. 108 Radtke

Miniloaders.com Miniloaders.com

EXIT EXIT

EXIT

Poul's Nursery

EXIT

PANEL STORAGE

ELEC. ROOM ELEC. ROOM

ENTRANCE ENTRANCE

BALLROOM PRE-FUNCTION NORTH

112

207

Peerless Fence 306

206

F.E.C.

ENTRANCE ENTRANCE

119

Chicago-Region Tree-Initiative Morton Arboretum

SEMA

Crum-Halsted Insurance

E High PSI W Ltd. E High I PSI W Ltd. I

LINE@T .00 UP 1\ x 1-0

119

Oscar Wilson Poul's Engines Nursery & 123 Parts

131

SEMA

McHutchison

W.E. Radtke

Oscar Wilson Engines & Parts

209

Polycor Polycor Probst Probst

BR-9

UP UP1\1\x x1-0 1-0 LINE@T LINE@T.00 .00 BR-8 BR-9

UP UP1\1\x x1-0 1-0 LINE@T LINE@T.00 .00 BR-8

2017 EXHIBITORS

VEST.

108

114

Arborwear

McHutchison

Wisconsin Brickworks 207 Supply Dept-of Centers Agriculture Krukowski 106 205 Stone Company

Fence

306

206

LINE@T .00 UP 1\ x 1-0

BALLROOM PRE-FUNCTION NORTH

111

Agriculture

106

Coastal Peerless Source

LINE@T .00 DN 2 x 2-5

VEST.

Central Tree

302

201 Supply Centers 205

F.E.C.

VEST.

Precise Fleet Tracking111 Solutions 109

102Dept-of

F.E.C.

VEST.

107

Central Tree

F.E.C.

VEST.

F.E.C.

Fleet 105 Tracking Solutions 109 Meadowood Enterprises

NYP Air-Pot USA Corp 202 301

VOODOO JAMBALAYA VOODOO LOOZIANA JAMBALAYA LOOZIANA GARDEN GARDEN GARDEN CAFECAFE GARDEN

107

Decker's Precise Nursery

Tillmann

Midwest Wholesale Wisconsin Brickworks Growers Salt

Power Power Planter-Inc Planter-Inc

Meadowood Enterprises

Coastal 302 Source

Bad-Boy Bad-Boy Mowers Mowers

105

F.E.C.

VEST.

FHV/FEC

Decker's Nursery

NYP Air-Pot USA Corp 202 301

DN 2 x 2-5 LINE@T .00

102

Tillmann Wholesale Growers 201

LINE@T .00 DN 2 x 2-5

FHV/FEC FHV/FEC

Midwest Salt

DN 2 x 2-5 LINE@T .00

FHV/FEC

EXHIBITORS

Innovation Hall

1st Choice Equipment Jeff Patterson 1555 Atlantic Drive West Chicago, IL 60185 Phone: 630.510.6050 Email: info@1stchoiceequipment.com https://www.1stchoiceequipment.com

Booth #1209

A Block Marketing, Inc Ron Jesselson 855 E Golf Rd St1133 Arlington Hts., IL 60005 Phone: 847.437.7088 Email: sales@ablockmarketing.com

Booth #1201

Altorfer Cat Delanie Strohecker 1030 E Main St East Dundee, IL 60118 Phone: 800.333.593 https://altorfer.com

Booth #1337

AmericanHort Mary Beth Cowardin 2130 Stella Ct Columbus, OH 43221 Phone: 614.487.1117 Email: hello@americanhort.org https://www.americanhort.org

Booth #324

A.A Stone Impex Booth #2046 Neeraj Bhadouria 3311 Sandy Ridge Rd Colfax, NC 27235 Phone: 336.609.1113 Email: sales@aastoneimpex.com https://www.aastoneimpex.com

Aquascape, Inc. Courtney Allen 901 Aqualand Way St. Charles, IL 60174 Phone: 630.659.2000 Email: emails@aquascapeinc.com https://www.aquascapeinc.com

Booth #1932

Acorn Farms, Inc. John DeHaven 7679 Worthington Rd Galena, OH 43021 Phone: 614.891.9348 Email: johnd@acornfarms.com https://www.acornfarms.com

Booth #911

Arborjet/Ecologel Rob Baughman 99 Blueberry Hill Rd. Woburn, MA 1801 Email: Robbaughman@arborjet.com https://www.arborjet.com

Booth #816

Advanced Turf Solutions Emery Brough 282 Messner Dr Wheeling, IL 60090 Phone: 614.905.8383 Email: gpavlovcic@advancedturf.com https://www.advancedturf.com

Booth #2128

Arborwear Nate Debick 16490 Chillicothe Rd Chagrin Falls, OH 44023 Phone: 440.637.5726 Email: ndebick@arborwear.com https://www.arborwear.com

Booth #131

Air-Pot USA Chris Irving 3695 Claussen Acres Lane NE Salem, OR 97303 Phone: 503.931.2898 Email: chris@air-pot.com http://www.air-pot.com

Booth #301

Ariens & Gravely Carol Dilger 655 West Ryan St Brillion, WI Phone: 812.357.5561 Email: cdilger@ariensco.com https://www.gravely.com

Booth #946

Alert Distributing Inc. Jim Schroeder 16873 Fish Point Road SE Prior Lake, MN 55372 Phone: 952.224.4070 Email: jschroeder@alertdistributing.com https://www.alertdistributing.com

Booth #1103

Arlington Power Equipment Carlos Nava 20175 N Rand Rd Palatine, IL 60074 Phone: 847.241.1530 Email: sales@arlingtonpower.com https://www.arlingtonpower.com

Booth #1325

Allendan Seed Company Teresa Frome 1966 175th Lane Winterset, IA 50273 Phone: 515.462.1241 Email: allendan@allendanseed.com https://www.allendanseed.com

Booth #219

Armintrout’s West Michigan Farms Zachary Armintrout 1156 Lincoln Rd Allegan, MI 49010 Phone: 269.673.6627 Email: info@armintrouts.com https://armintrouts.com

Booth #2145

Alliance Gator Robert Cadieux 1800 Berlier Suite 200 Laval, Phone: 450.624.1611 Email: robert@alliancegator.com https://www.alliancegator.com

Booth #2034

Arrowhead Ornamentals Gail Coleman PO Box 157 Hubbard, OR 97032 Phone: 503.651.2040 Email: sales@arrowheadornamentals.com https://www.arrowheadornamentals.com

Booth #2106

Alpha Professional Tools Mindy Wessel 16 Park Dr. Ste 9 Franklin, NJ 7419 Phone: 201.337.3343 Email: https://www.alpha-tools.com

Booth #441

Aspire Software Megan Broeckling 390 S woods Mill Rd Ste 200 Chesterfield, MO 63017 Phone: 314.402.2641 Email: marcom@youraspire.com https://www.youraspire.com

Booth #2207

Alta Equipment Company Shea Spence 420 Nolen Dr South Elgin, IL 60177 Phone: 888.291.9386 Email: shea.spence@altg.com https://www.altaequipment.com

Booth #1703

AssuredPartners Steve Sturtecky 4350 Weaver Parkway Warrenville, IL 60555 Phone: 847.745.1780 Email: steve.sturtecky@assuredpartners.com https://assuredpartners.com/warrenville

Booth #818

Alta Falls Distributing Ben Geffre 2165 Daniels St Suite 1 Long Lake, MN 55356 Phone: 952.476.2582 Email: ben@altafalls.com https://www.altafalls.com

Booth #2016

Atlas Bobcat Matt Sobacki 1160 McCabe Ave Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 Phone: 847.678.3633 Email: llurigio@atlasbobcat.com https://www.atlasbobcat.com

Booth #928

Bad Boy Mowers (D) Don Cook 102 Industrial Dr Batesville, AR 72501 Phone: 217.412.2238 Email: don.cook@badboymowers.com https://www.badboymowers.com

Booth #2241 & Booth #406

Bailey Nurseries Kellie Baker 1325 Bailey Road St. Paul, MN 55119 Phone: 800.829.8898 Email: plants@baileynursery.com https://www.baileynurseries.com

Booth #1425

Ball Seed Company Emily Greene 622 Town Road West Chicago, IL 60185 Phone: 630.231.3600 Email: egreene@ballhort.com http://www.ballseed.com

Booth #1405

Bartlett Tree Experts Jill Bondi 1901 N. Roselle Road, Suite 800 Schaumburg, IL 60195 Phone: 847.592.7088 https://www.bartlett.com

Booth #1009

Belden Brick Company Jim Piteo 700 W. Tuscarawas Avenue Canton, Ohio 44701 Phone: 330.456.0031 Email: jim.piteo@beldenbrick.com https://www.beldenbrick.com

Booth #2130

Belgard Ross Thomas 1455 Leighton Tower Rd Mundelein, IL 60060 Phone: 847.949.3600 Email: nfb.custservice@oldcastle.com

Booth #1629

Better Bilt Products, Inc. Chris Wojciezek 900 S. Kay Ave Addison, IL 60101 Phone: 630.589.3112 Email: sales@bbponline.com https://www.bbponline.com

Booth #835

Blu Petroleum Chris Young 21402 W Il Rt 60 Mundelein, IL 60060 Phone: 847.566.5536 Email: support@blupetroleum.com https://www.blupetroleum.com

Brickworks Supply Center - Illinois Brick (D) Booth #1037 & Booth #205 Mike Hoffman 8995 W 95th St Palos Hills, IL 60465 Phone: 708.237.9055 Email: info@brickworkssupply.com https://www.brickworkssupply.com Buechel Stone Corp Gina Waitkus W3639 Co. Hwy.H Chilton, WI 53014 Phone: 800.236.4473 https://buechelstone.com

Booth #913

Burris Equipment Chris May 2216 N. Green Bay Road Waukegan, IL 60087 Phone: 847.693.2608 www.burrisequipment.com

Booth #1701

Capital Stoneworks Booth #1403 Jim Larson 180 Shepard Ave. Wheeling, IL 60090 Phone: 847.873.0298 Email: jim@capitalstoneworks.com https://www.capitalstoneworks.com Carlin/ProGreen Plus Nick Noskowiak 8170 N. Granville Woods Road Milwaukee, WI 53223 Phone: 800.657.0745 Email: info@carlinsales.com https://www.carlinsales.com

Booth #1225

Casey Equipment Co., Inc. James Cox 1603 E Algonquin Road Arlington Heights, IL 60005 Phone: 847.437.8686 Email: jim.cox@caseyequipment.com https://www.caseyequipment.com

Booth #1435

Cassidy Tire & Service

Booth #1739

Booth #1

Yvonne Kolton 200 S Church St Addison, IL 60101 Phone: 630.620.2300 Email: ykolton@cassidytire.com https://www.cassidytire.com

Booth #1210

Blue Grass Farms of Indiana Kevin McCart 1915 West 53rd Street Anderson, IN 46013 Phone: 675.649.1012 Email: kmccart@bluegrassfarms.net https://www.bluegrassfarms.net

Booth #2012

CAST Lighting LLC Greg Schramer 1120A Goffle Rd. Hawthorne, NJ 7506 Phone: 973.423.2303 Email: communications@cast-lighting.com https://cast-lighting.com

Booth #1101

Bobbex Inc Greg Ecsedy 102 Great Hill Rd Naugatuck, CT 6770 Phone: 800.792.4449 Email: info@bobbex.com https://www.bobbex.com

Booth #2113

Cedar Path Nurseries Tom Kadolph 15235 W Bruce Rd Lockport, IL 60491 Phone: 815.838.4900 Email: info@cedarpath.net

Booth #111

Bowling Nursery Kevin Bowling 2814 Todds Point Rd Simpsonville, KY 40067 Phone: 502.266.9299 Email: bowlingnursery@gmail.com

Booth #142

Central Tree Matt Damico 14N705 US-20 Pingree Grove, IL 60140 Phone: 847.989.9048 Email: Office@CentralTree.net https://centraltree.net

Booth #2028

Braun Nursery Inc Paull Hopping P.O. Box 160 Mount Hope, Ontario CAN Phone: 905.961.1228 Email: paullh@braungroup.com

Booth #2115

Central Turf and Irrigation Supply Maxwell Paulsen 960 NORTH RIDGE AVE LOMBARD, IL 60148 Phone: 630.495.5500 Email: lombard@centraltis.com https://www.centralirrigationsupply.com Chadwick’s Surfaces International Hugo Flores 28190 N Ballard Dr Lake Forest, IL 60045 Phone: 847.680.3222 Email: info@chadwickssurfaces.net https://www.chadwickssurfaces.net

Booth #413

Cherokee Manufacturing Matt Gunderman 150 Bridgepoint Dr So. St. Paum, MN Phone: 651.451.6568 Email: mattgunderman@cherokeemfg.com

Booth #935

Cherry Springs Nursery, Inc. Michael Lorance PO Box 8155 McMinnville, TN 37111 Phone: 931.939.5062

Booth #2129

Chicago Gas Lines Vickie Novak 1118 W Marion Road Arlington Heights, IL 60636 Phone: 847.414.7876 Email: vickie@chicagogaslines.com https://www.chicagogaslines.com

Booth #2234

ChiTurf Rhett Downing 4042 S. Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60653 Phone: 630.805.3800 Email: info@chiturf.com https://www.chiturf.com

Crum Halsted Insurance Jim Bilinski 2350 Bethany Rd Sycamore, IL 60178 Phone: 630.443.7300 Email: jbilinski@crumhalsted.com https://www.crumhalsted.com

Booth #112

Curv-Rite Aluminum Edging John Mindling 3603 North Main St Wayland, MI 49348 Phone: 269.792.0044 Email: john@curv-rite.com https://www.curv-rite.com

Booth #1538

D Booth #1319

Booth #2137

Dayton Bag & Burlap Terry Candella PO Box 436 Union, IL 60180 Phone: 815.923.1234 Email: tcandella@daybag.com https://daybag.com

Booth #105

Christiansen Farms Saul Gallardo 12151 W. Wilmington Road Peotone, IL 60468 Phone: 708.259.7355 Email: saul@christiansenfarms.org https://www.christiansenfarms.org

Booth #120

Decker’s Nursery Adam Brown 6239 Rager Road Groveport, OH 43125 Phone: 614.836.2130 Email: abrown@deckersnursery.com https://www.deckersnursery.com

Booth #2104

Clesen Wholesale Lisa Hollen 316 Florence Ave Evanston, IL 6022 Phone: 847.869.2257 Email: sales@clesen.com https://www.clesen.com

Booth #2108

DeVroomen Garden Products Nickolas Shields 3850 Clearview Court Gurnee, IL 60031 Phone: 847.395.9911 Email: info@devroomen.com https://www.devroomen.com

Booth #1702

Coastal Source Jon Bowman 1270 Glen Avenue Moorestown, NJ 8057 Phone: 800.719.1996 Email: info@coastalsource.com https://https://coastalsource.com/

Booth #302

DeWitt Company Janet Miller 905 S Kings Hwy Sikeston, MO 63901 Phone: 573.472.0048 Email: info@dewittcompany.com https://www.dewittcompany.com

Booth #2010

Colorblends Hanneke Hollander 747 Barnum Avenue Bridgeport, CT 6608 Phone: 888.847.8637 Email: sales@colorblends.com https://www.colorblends.com

Booth #1404

Diga-Talk+ Martin Savino 710 W Jefferson St Joliet, IL 60435 Phone: 815.740.1780 Email: marty@abeep.com https://www.digatalkplus.com

Booth #1219

Compeer Financial Mark Ringhouse 1350 Prairie Drive Sycamore, IL 60178 Phone: 815.354.2775 Email: mark.ringhouse@compeer.com https://www.compeer.com

Booth #916

Ditch Witch Midwest Jeff Patterson 1555 Atlantic Drive West Chicago, IL 60185 Phone: 630.665.5600 Email: info@ditchwitchmidwest.com https://www.ditchwitchmidwest.com

Booth #1505

ConservFS Cary Featherstone 1110 McConnell Road Woodstock, IL 60098 Phone: 815.334.5924 Email: cfeatherstone@conservfs.com https://www.conservfs.com

Booth #1139

Doty Nurseries Ryan Doty 45w121 Beith Road Maple Park, IL 60151 Phone: 630.365.9063 Email: sales@dotynurseries.com https://dotynurseries.com

Contree Sprayer and Equipment Dave VonBehren W9898 Jackson Rd Beaver Dam, WI 53916 Phone: 920.356.0121 Email: davev@contree.com https://www.contree.com

Booth #1427

Craiger Custom Design Eric Hagen 2510 Il Rte 176 Unit D Crystal Lake, IL 60014 Phone: 815.479.9660 Email: eric@craigercustomdesign.com https://www.craigercustomdesign.com

Booth #414

DPM Inc. Brad Williams PO Box 36 Davenport, NE 68335 Phone: 402.364.2186 Email: sales@nurseryjaws.com https://www.nrseryjaws.com

at dotynu rseries.com to receiv e our

email newslet ter

dotynurseries.com Shade TreeS • OrnamenTalS • evergreenS • ShrubS Ryan Doty sales@dotynurseries.com

P 630 365 9063

F 630 365 9081 Booth #1017

Dutchman Tree Farms, LLC Andrew Powell 9689 W Walker Rd Manton, MI 49663 Phone: 231.839.7901 Email: ales@dutchmantreefarms.com https://www.dutchmantreefarms.com

Booth #2219

Dyna Sandra Cianfarani 37 Creditstone Road Concord, Ontario 0 Phone: 905.761.3309 Email: mail@dyna.ca https://www.dyna.ca

Booth #429

45W121 Beith Road Maple Park, IL 60151

E ECHO Incorporated Tim Bartelt 400 Oakwood Rd Lake Zurich, IL 60047 Phone: 847.550.2141 Email: marketing@echo-usa.com https://www.echo-usa.com

Booth #1833

Eden Valders Stone Angelina Triscari-Piwani W4520 Lime Road Eden, WI 53019 Phone: 920.979.5035 Email: angelina@evstone.net https://evstone.net

Booth #1109

Elegance by NT Trading Ezra Bicioglu 220 Goffle Road Hawthorne, NJ 7506 Phone: 917.963.7370 Email: Eb@eleganceus.com https://www.eleganceus.com

Booth #2216

Emergent Safety Supply Ben Voitl 1055 Kingsland Drive Batavia, IL 60510 Phone: 630.406.9666 Email: bvoitl@emergentsafety.com https://www.emergentsafety.com

Booth #1043

Encore Landscape Lighting Ken & Laurel Rutkowski 2277 Elliott Dr Troy, MI 48083 Phone: 248.299.1919 Email: encorelandscapelighting@hotmail.com https://www.encorelandscapelighting.com

Booth #1526

Environmental Design, Inc. Ellen Lewis 23544 Coons Road Tomball, TX 77375 Phone: 281.376.4260 Email: ellenlewis@treemover.com https://www.treemover.com

Booth #2118

Envu Turf and Ornamentals Bob Froelich 5565 Hardwell Dr Hilliard, OH 43026 Phone: 614.969.9040 Email: bob.froelich@envu.com https://www.us.envu.com

Booth #136

Evergreen Nursery Company Inc. Vickey Vanderhoof 5027 County Road TT Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 Phone: 920.743.4464 Email: vickey@evergreennurseryco.com https://evergreennurseryco.com

Booth #124

EWI Bret Lowman 7415 Empire Central Dr Houston, TX 77242 Phone: 940.782.8779 Email: blowman@ewipower.com https://www.ewipower.com

Booth #405

Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply Lynn Carter 318 Arrowhead Dr Gilberts, IL 60136 Phone: 847.551.0023 Email: lcarter@ewingirrigation.com https://www.ewingirritation.com

Booth #2042

Booth #2205

Feece Oil Craig Olsby 517 Twin Rail Drive Minooka, IL 60447 Phone: 888.879.1911 Email: craig@feeceoil.com https://feeceoil.com

Booth #1231

Fiore Nursery and Landscape Supply Cara Furlong 20433 W. IL Route 22 Lake Zurich, IL 60047 Phone: 847.913.1414 Email: payables@cjfiore.com https://www.cjfiore.com

Booth #1634

Fond du Lac Natural Stone Brett King PO Box 347 Fond du Lac, WI 54936 Phone: 920.923.2800 Email: reneeb@nsvi.com https://www.nsvi.com

Booth #837

Forrest Keeling Nursery Cynthia Rubendall 88 Forrest Keeling Lane Elsberry, MO 63343 Phone: 573.898.8551 Email: info@fknursery.com https://www.forrestkeeling.com

Booth #819

Four Star Greenhouse Debbie Pearson 1015 Indian Trail Rd Carleton, MI 48117 Phone: 734.654.6420 https://www.pwfourstar.com

Booth #912

Fox Ridge Nursery Inc. Kevin Backus 23513 Streit Rd Harvard, IL 60033 Phone: 815.943.1111 Email: kevin@foxridgenursery.com https://www.foxridgenursery.com

Booth #1208

F Fabriscape, Inc. Jim Manola 6410 W. 74th Street, Unit D Bedford Park, IL 60638 Phone: 708.728.7180 Email: info@fabriscape.com https://www.fabriscape.com

Fairview Evergreen Nurseries, Inc. TC Phillips 7463 West Ridge Road Fairview, PA 16415 Phone: 800.458.2234 Email: tcphillips@fairviewevergreen.com https://www.fairviewevergreen.com

Booth #906

Goodmark Nurseries Melissa Acevedo 8920 Howe Road Wonder Lake, Illinois 60097 Phone: 815.653.9293 Email: info@goodmarknurseries.com https://www.goodmarknurseries.com

Booth #2004

Grand Arbor Supply Brian Barnard PO Box 151455 Grand Rapids, MI 49515 Phone: 800.423.3789 Email: bbarnard@grandarborsupply.com https://www.grandarborsupply.com

Booth #821

Grasshopper Co. Connie Estep PO Box 637 Moundridge, KS 67107 Phone: 620.345.8621 Email: show@grasshoppermower.com https://www.grasshoppermower.com

Booth #2124

Great Lakes Landscape Supply Jon Bull 15200 Cedar Springs Ave. Cedar Springs, MI 49319 Phone: 616.696.5665 Email: jonbull@greatlakeslandscapesupply.com https://www.greatlakeslandscapesupply.com

Booth #937

Green Glen Nursery, Inc Amanda Levins 24900 S Cherry Hill Rd Elwood, IL 60421 Phone: 815.723.1140 Email: greenglennurseryinc.@yahoo.com https://greenglennurseryinc.com

Booth #1309

Holcim Fox River Stone Jim Slattery 1300 State Rte 31 South Elgin, IL 60177 Phone: 224.213.4287 Email: Jim.Slattery@Holcim.com https://www.foxriverstone.com

Booth #1535

Green Soils Management LLC Kila Harwick 1100 Brandt Drive Hoffman Estates, IL 60192 Phone: 847.636.7508 Email: kharwick@greensoilsmanagement.com https://www.greensoilsmanagement.com

Booth #915

Home Nursery Hilliary Metzger 5800 Nursery Road Albers, IL 62215 Phone: 618.365.1209 Email: sales@homenursery.com https://www.homenursery.com

Booth #1305

Greenleaf Nursery Company Casey Rufener 28406 Highway 82 Park Hill, OK 74451 Phone: 918.457.2221 Email: greenleaf@greenleafnursery.com https://www.greenleafnursery.com

Booth #945

Homer Industries Josh Doherty 13920 South Archer Avenue Lockport, IL 60441 Phone: 815.838.0863 https://www.homerindustries.com

Booth #1321

Booth #221

Hortech Jon Eberly 14109 Cleveland St Nuncia, MI 49448 Phone: 616.935.1963 Email: sales@hortech.com https://www.hortech.com

Booth #1135

GreenSpace Turf David Kocourek 10138 S Bode St Unit E Plainfield, IL 60585 Phone: 262.455.0650 Email: dk@greenspace-turf.com https://www.greenspace-turf.com

Hortica, A Brand of Sentry Insurance Group Cathy James 1 Horticultural Lane Edwardsville, IL 62025 Phone: 800.851.7740 Email: sales@hortica.com https://www.hortica.com

Booth #1502

Hugh Davis Horticultural Associates Inc. Hugh Davis 720 N Lake Shore Dr Tower Lakes, IL 60010 Phone: 847.942.5680 Email: hdavis@hdhort.com

Booth #2116

Booth #2038

Booth #2146

H Halloran Mower Works Jill Halloran 2159 N Rand Rd Palatine, IL 60074 Phone: 847.705.1984 Email: sales@halloranpower.com https://www.halloranpower.com

Booth #1537

Halquist Stone Jeff Brown N51W23563 Lisbon Rd Sussex, WI 53095 Phone: 262.246.9000 Email: info@halquiststone.com https://www.halquiststone.com

Booth #830

Harrells Michael Hall 711 Sherwood Dr Madison, OH 44057 Phone: 740.644.9020 Email: mhall@harrells.com https://www.harrells.com

Booth #929

Hunter Industries Chris Molloy 1940 Diamond St San Marcos, Ca 92078 Phone: 630.689.7770 https://www.hunterindustries.com

High Format Christian Kirby 05481 US 31 S Charlevoix, MI 49720 Phone: 231.547.6595 Email: christian@highformat.com

Booth #1829

Husqvarna Brian Spencer 9335 Hales Corner Parkway #500 Charlotte, NC 28269 Phone: 704.517.0295 Email: brian.spencer@husqvarnagroup.com https://www.husqvarna.Com

High PSI, Ltd. Terry Quandt 75 N. Brandon Drive Glendale Hts., IL 60139 Phone: 630.893.0777 Email: terry@highpsi.com https://www.highpsi.co

Booth #308

Hinsdale Nurseries

Booth #1600

JR Tecza 7200 S. Madison St Willowbrook, IL 60527 Phone: 630.323.1411 Email: info@hinsdalenurseries.com https://hinsdalenurseries.com

Hoffie Nursery Allyson Hoffmeyer 17102 Marengo Rd PO Box 426 Union, IL 60180 Phone: 815.923.2518 Email: sales@hoffienursery.com https://www.hoffienursery.com

Booth #423

Illinois Arborist Association April Toney PO Box 860 Antioch, IL 60002 Phone: 877.617.8887 Email: april@illinoisarborist.org https://www.illinoisarborist.org

Booth #2133

in-lite Outdoor Lighting Michelle Vilera 1195 Gainsborough Rd London, Ontario, CA N6H5L5 Phone: 833.204.8619 Email: info@in-lite.com https://www.in-sider.com

Booth #122

InOut Labs Tim Thoelecke 64449 Dempster St Morton Grove, IL 60053 Phone: 847.657.7900 Email: tim@inoutlabs.com https://www.inoutlabs.com

Booth #936

Instone Kristin Moore 5141 W 122nd St Alsip, IL 60803 Phone: 708.371.0660 Email: k.moore@instoneco.com https://www.instoneco.com

Booth #314

Intrinsic Perennial Gardens, Inc. Brent Horvath 10702 Seaman Rd Hebron, IL 60034 Phone: 815.648.2788

Booth #2211

Ivanhoe Nursery Maria Marquez 22149 West Il Rt 60 Mundelein, IL 60060 Phone: 847.566.8001

Booth #1530

J J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co. Booth #1602 Jeff Lafrenz P O Box 189 Boring, OR 97009 Phone: 503.663.4128 Email: talk-to-us@jfschmidt.com htps://www.jfschmidt.com Jireh Brick & Stone, LLC Jason Demler PO Box 110 Dale, WI 54931 Phone: 920.574.6448 Email: jason@jirehbrickandstone.com https://jirehbrickandstone.com

Booth #2228

JJ Kane Auctions Dan Tomasek 14354 Dearborn Ave South Beloit, IL 61080 Phone: 312.459.6627 Email: dan.tomasek@jjkane.com https://www.jjkane.com

Booth #420

John Deere Booth #1635 Mikayla Busby 10789 S Ridgeview Rd. Olathe, KS 66061 Phone: 913.310.8100 https://www.deere.com John Holmlund Nursery Booth #918 Angie Holmlund 29285 SE Highway 212 Boring, OR 97009 Phone: 503.663.6650 Email: angieh@jhnsy.com https://www.jhnsy.com Johnson’s Nursery Booth #1212 Rob Dummert W180 N6275 Marcy Rd Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 Phone: 262.252.4988 Email: info@jniplants.com https://jniplants.com Jonathan Green Booth #425 Marlena Decher PO Box 326 Farmingdale, NJ 7727 Phone: 732.938.7007 https://www.jonathangreen.com

JULIE, Inc. Barb Owen 3275 Executive Drive Joliet, IL 60431 Phone: 815.741.5000 Email: info@illinois1call.com https://www.juliebeforeyoudig.com

Booth #2105

K Kaknes Landscape Supply Kevin McGowen 31W545 Diehl Road Naperville, IL 60563 Phone: 630.416.9999 Email: kevin@kaknes.com https://www.kaknes.com

Booth #1336

Kaneville Tree Farms, Inc. Paul Guzzetta PO Box 167 Kaneville, IL 60144 Phone: 630.557.2793 Email: paul@ktfinc.com https://www.kanevilletreefarms.com

Booth #1503

Kankakee Nursery Co. Pete Worth PO Box 288 Aroma Park, IL 60910 Phone: 815.937.9358 Email: sales@kankakeenursery..com https://www.kankakeenursery.com

Booth #1603

Keen Edge Company Bill Burke II 8615 Ogden Ave Lyons, IL 60534 Phone: 800.589.4145 Email: sales@keenedgeco.com https://www.keenedgeco.com

Booth #418

Ken Burns Dirt Separators Michael Green 297 S. Northwest Highway, Unit 2 Park Ridge, IL 60068 Phone: 312.502.1536 Email: jmichaelgreen@gmail.com https://www.kenburnsinc.com

Booth #434

Keystone Hatcheries LLC Mike Robinson 11409 keystone road Richmond, IL 60071 Phone: 815.678.2537 Email: info@keystonehatcheries.com https://www.keystonehatcheriesllc.com

Booth #1007

King Nursery Jim King 6128 E. Sandwich Road Big Rock, IL 60511 Phone: 630.554.1171 Email: kingnursery34@gmail.com

Booth #2212

Klyn Nurseries Micheal Scott 3322 South Ridge Road Perry, OH 44081 Phone: 800.860.8104 Email: mscott@klynnurseries.com https://www.klynnurseries.com

Booth #947

Knapheide Truck Equipment Center Darla Heberlein 2600 W. Route 120 McHenry, IL 60051 Phone: 815.385.5970 https://www.knapheide.com/stores

Booth #1311

KO Supply Company, Inc. Tim Kehoe 1500 Foundry Street, Unit 1 Saint Charles, IL 60174 Phone: 630.768.7227 Email: tim@kosupplycompany.com https://www.kosupplycompany.com

Booth #1235

Kramer Tree Specialists Alan Seal 300 Charles Court West Chicago, IL 60185 Phone: 630.293.5444 Email: aseal@kramertree.com https://www.kramertree.com

Booth #1431

Kress Commercial Seth Lipkin 929 Jay St Charlotte, NC 28208 Phone: 980.867.9346 “Brand X” Email: seth.lipkin@kress.com bare root https://www.kress.com/en-us/

Booth #422

Krukowski Stone Co. Inc. Joanie Krukowski-Whitt 162445 County Road C Mosinee, WI 54455 Phone: 715.693.6300 Email: joniew@krukowskistone.com https://www.krukowskistone.com

Booth #133

Swamp White Oak (1 year after transplant)

M Mariani Plants Mike Mennenoh 7865 Garden Prairie Rd Garden Prairie, IL 61038 Phone: 847.774.6829 Email: mmennenoh@marianiplants.com https://www.marianiplants.com

Booth #2112

Masterblend International Scott Kuebel 4673 Weitz Rd Morris, IL 60480 10" In-Ground Phone: 815.416.1460 Fabric Bag Email: skuebel@masterblend.com https://www.masterblend.com

Booth #436

Kuenzi Turf and Nursery Booth #1334 Amanda Hernandez 6475 State St Which root system would you want in yourMcCann spadeIndustries dug ball? Salem, OR 97317 Eric Schoenfeld Phone: 503.585.8337 543 S. Rohlwing Road Email: rick@kuenziturfnursery.com Addison, IL 60101 https://www.kuenziturfnursery.com Phone: 630.627.0000 Kuenzi_halfpage.indd 1 11/5/13 7:31 PM Email: sales@mccannonline.com https://www.mccannonline.com

Booth #820

800-285-8337

Landscape Material & Firewood Sales, Inc Ryan Cooper 27w250 St. Charles Rd. West Chicago, IL 60185 Phone: 630.807.9221 Email: ryan@lmfsinc.com https://LMFSinc.com

Booth #905

McGinty Bros., Inc. Sarah Van Nevel 3744 E Cuba Rd Long Grove, IL 60047 Phone: 847.438.5161 Email: sarah@mcgintybros.com https://mcgintybros.com

Booth #1214

Leaves Inspired Tree Nursery Jared Stroobants W3848 Quinney Rd. Chilton, WI 53014 Phone: 920.522.2765 Email: jared@leavesinspired.com https://www.leavesinspired.com

Booth #1039

McHutchison Avery Steinlage 40 Shuman Blvd Ste 120 Naperville, IL 60563 Phone: 800.943.2230 Email: asteinlage@mchutchison.com https://mchutchison.com

Booth #207

Lemke Stone Abby Leister 21575 W Good Hope Rd Lannon, WI 53046 Phone: 262.502.1579 Email: service@lemkestone.com https://www.lemkestone.com

Booth #2040

McKay Nursery Company Dave Warning 750 S Monroe St Waterloo, WI 53594 Phone: 800.236.4242 Email: wholesale@mckaynursery.com https://www.mckaynursery.com

Booth #1202

Lincoln Nurseries Amanda DeWit 0-142 Lincoln Street Grand Rapids, MI 49534 Phone: 616.453.2351 Email: amanda@lincolnnurseries.com https://www.lincolnnurseries.com

Booth #2018

Meadowood Enterprises Jen Gerger 7099 Middle Ridge Rd Madison, OH 44057 Phone: 440.251.2421 Email: shrubs.trees@gmail.com https://www.meadowoodenterprises.com

Booth #107

Lite the Nite Kristie Fijal 650 E Algonquin Rd Ste. 206 Schaumburg, IL 60173 Phone: 847.496.5276 Email: info@litethenite.com https://www.litethenite.com

Booth #812

Metal Pless Kathleen Howard 1683 BLVD des sucreries Plessisville, QC G6L1W4 Phone: 819.362.2221 Email: info@metalpless.com https://www.metalpless.com

Booth #1801

LONGSHADOW Planters & Garden Ornaments Booth #811 Kailee Burgin 83 Longshadow Lane Pomona, IL 62975 Phone: 618.893.4831 Email: kailee@longshadow.com https://www.longshadow.com

Michigan West Shore Nursery Rick Van Dorp III 201 W. Washington Ave. Ste 270 Zeeland, MI 49464 Phone:800.253.2552 Email: rick@michiganwestshore.com

Booth #1934

Midwest Groundcovers Maggie Balistreri PO Box 748 St. Charles, IL 60174 Phone: 847.742.1790 https://www.midwestgroundcovers.com

Booth #1509

Midwest Salt Amanda Foster 1300 W. Washington Street West Chicago, IL 60185 Phone: 630.513.7575 Email: sales@midwestsalt.net https://midwestsalt.com

Booth #102

Lurvey Supplying Landscapes Jason Castaneda 2550 E. Dempster St. Des Plaines, IL 60016 Phone: 847.391.0980 Email: info@lurveys.com https://www.lurvey.com

Booth #1300

Midwest Stihl Sheila Elsey 301 Commerce Parkway Cottage Grove, WI 53527 Phone: 608.839.2212 Email: sheila.elsey@stihl.us https://www.stihlusa.com

Booth #825

Natural Repellents, LLC Debra DiGiovnna PO Box 251 Denville, NJ 7834 Phone: 973.277.3904 Email: mwilson1123@optonline.net https://www.tickkillz.com

Booth #2229

Midwest Trading Jamie Heflin PO Box 398 Maple Park, IL 60151 Phone: 630.365.1990 https://midwest-trading.com

Booth #1409

Booth #2144

Midwest Tropicals Dave Biggus 747 N Church Rd, G11 ELMHURST, IL 60126 Phone: 630.451.0101 Email: info@myfoliage.com https://www.myfoliage.com

Booth #132

New Growth Designs Douglas Orians 225 Martin Street Greenville, NC 27835 Phone: 252.752.6195 Email: douglas@newgrowthdesigns.com https://www.newgrowthdesigns.com

Booth #1704

Miniloaders. com Chris Sleurink 801 East 2nd St. Hereford, TX 79045 Phone: 806.283.0620 Email: info@miniloaders.com https://www.miniloaders.com

Booth #211

Northern Family Farms Danny Stetzer W10757 Jeffrey Rd Merrillan, WI 54754 Phone: 800.826.7094 Email: sales@northernfamilyfarms.com https://www.northernfamilyfarms.com

Booth #917

Monroe Truck Equipment Rosie Katzenberger 1051 W. 7th Street Monroe, WI 53566 Phone: 800.356.8134 Email: Rosie.Katzenberger@aebi-schmidt.com https://www.monroetruck.com

Booth #2020

Northland Farms LLC. Brian Boyink 11161 120th Ave West Olive, MI 49460 Phone: 616.638.0786 Email: bboyink@northlandfarmsllc.com https://www.northlandfarmsllc.com Nursery Supplies Heather Cannon 1415 Orchard Drive Chambersburg, PA 17201 Phone: 800.523.8972 Email: hcannon@nurserysupplies.com https://www.nurserysupplies.com

Booth #1335

NYP Corp Michael Zagorski 805 East Grand St Elizabeth, NJ 7201 Phone: 800.524.1052 Email: sales@nyp-corp.com https://www.nyp-corp.com

Booth #202

Morris Trailer Sales Booth #838 Ruth Bunzel 1805 Ashley Rd Bldg B Morris, Il 60450 Phone: 815.941.2800 Email: sueboat@msn.com/rbmorristrailer@gmail. com https://www.morristrailer.com MSI Timothy Triggs 1441 Jarvis Ave Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 Phone: 847.212.9344 Email: tim.triggs@msisurfaces.com https://msisurfaces.com

Booth #334

Mulch Magic Ken Kayser 8535 Arizona Trail Willow Springs, IL 60480 Phone: 708.600.9245 Email: mulchmagicinc@gmail.com https://www.mulchmagicinc.com

Booth #330

Mulch Mate/Dawson MFG (D-1) Craig Carlson 899 Airport Park Rd #E Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061 Phone: 888.776.8524 Email: craig@mulchmateusa.com https://www.mulchmateusa.com

Booth #843

Mulch Mate/Dawson MFG (D-2) Craig Carlson 899 Airport Park Rd #E Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061 Phone: 888.776.8524 Email: craig@mulchmateusa.com https://www.mulchmateusa.com

Booth #846

N National Nursery Products Brian Aaron 3650 Golfview Dr Williamston, MI 48895 Phone: 309.258.1630 Email: beatreeman2@gmail.com https://nnpinc.net

Booth #430

O Oakville Stone Kevin Alves 960 Kamato Rd Mississagua, ON L4W2R6 Phone: 905.270.1110 Email: info@oakvillestone.com https://www.oakvillestone.com

Booth #433

Oly-Ola Edgings, Inc. Aymie Clayton 124 E Saint Charles Rd Villa Park, IL 60181 Phone: 630.833.3033 Email: edgings@olyola.com https://www.olyola.com

Booth #1005

Omega II Fence Systems Chris Hill 11 W College Dr. Unit B Arlington Heights, IL 60004 Phone: 847.577.8900 Email: chris.hill@projectonesales.com https://www.omegafence.com

Booth #2135

Onarga Nursery Company Lindsey Ishmiel 608 N OAK ST Onarga, Illinois 60955 Phone: 815.268.7244

Booth #808

Open Air Lving Sean Kelley 2900 W Carroll Ave Chicago, IL 60612 Phone: 630.388.8372 Email: info@openairliving.us https://www.openairliving.us

Booth #318

Oregon Pride Nurseries, Inc Jackie Wisenburger 5380 SE Booth Bend Rd McMinnville, OR 97128 Phone: 503.472.9147 Email: sales@oregonpridenurseries.com https://oregonpridenurseries.com

Booth #2107

Plantpeddler, Inc. Stacy Bryant 530 2nd Ave SW Cresco, IA 52136 Phone: 800.827.1654 Email: info@plantpeddler.com https://www.plantpeddler.com

Booth #332

Organic Solutions Inc. Karissa Ackerman 27881 W. Sullivan Lake Road Ingleside, IL 60041 Phone: 847.366.8869 www.organicsolutionsinc.net

Booth #138

PlantRight Solutions Tim Bostian 9999 Bedford Ave N. Kansas City, MO 64116 Phone: 913.522.9681 Email: beth@dcaoutdoor.com https://www.plantright.com

Booth #927

Plants Nouveau/ Chicagoland Grows Plant Collection Angela Palmer PO Box 40125 Mobile, AL 36640 Phone: 410.858.0577 Email: angela@plantsnouveau.com https://www.plantsnouveau.com

Booth #2006

Oscar Wilson Booth #119 Ross Gnotke 826 Lone Star Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 Phone: 636.439.7178 https://www.oscar-wilson.com Email: rgnotke@oscar-wilson.com

P Paradise Robotics Kathy Moseler 2 Regan Blvd Barrington, IL 60010 Phone: 847.960.8520 Email: info@paradiserobotics.com https://www.paradiserobotics.com

Booth #2142

Polycor Oscar Rosales 76 Rue Saint-Paul Quebec, QC 0 Phone: 812.320.5913 Email: oscar.rosales@polycor.com https://www.polycor.com

Booth #229

PBI Gordon Patrick Bastron 22701 W 68th Terrace Shawnee, KS 66226 Phone: 608.513.115 Email: pbastron@pbigordon.com https://www.pbigordonturf.com

Booth #2215

Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery Alan Kjeldbjerg 3754 W Indian Creek Rd Long Grove, IL 60047 Phone: 847.949.6667 Email: info@pouls.com https://www.poulsnursery.com

Booth #123

Peerless Fence Jonah Nink 1300 West Roosevelt Rd West Chicago, IL 60185 Phone: 800.543.6511 Email: info@peerlessfence.com https://www.peerlessfence.com

Booth #306

Power Planter Inc. Johnny Powers 931 N 1600 E Rd Loda, IL 60948 Phone: 217.379.2614 Email: johnny@powerplanters.com https://www.powerplanter.com

Booth #108

Perfect Turf Janet Trujillo 5540 Meadowbrook Ct Rolling Meadows, IL Phone: 888.796.8873 https://www.perfectturf.com

Booth #1035

Booth #109

Permaloc Marc Cohen 13505 Barry Street Holland, MI 46424 Phone: 949.872.8896 Email: sales@permaloc.com https://www.permaloc.com

Booth #810

Precise Fleet Tracking Solutions Michael Drelicharz 1617 E Cedar Lane Mount Prospect, IL 60056 Phone: 847.865.6008 Email: michael@precisefleettracking.com https://www.precisefleettracking.com Probst Gary Andres 8626 Hollander Drive Franksville, WI 53126 Email: sales@probst-handling.com https://www.probst.com

Booth #233

Petitti Family of Farms Bret Ritter 4654 Davis Rd Perry, OH 44081 Phone: 440.361.7924 Email: info@petittifarms.com https://www.petittifamilyfarms.com

Booth #834

Purple Wave Auctions Wes Arnold 825 Levee Dr., Manhattan, KS 66502 Phone: 866.608.9283 Email: wes.arnold@purplewave.com

Booth #342

PetroChoice Debra Brown 739 N Main St Elgin, IL 60123 Phone: 847.878.0483 Email: rcrowe@petrochoice.com https://www.petrochoice.com

Booth #312

Phoenix Irrigation Tom Kazmer 101 Eastern Ave Bensenville, IL 60106 Phone: 847.290.0698 Email: tomk@phoenixirrigationsupply.com https://www.phoenizirrigationsupply.com

Booth #2120

Pine Hall Brick Company Ed Brewer 2701 Shorefair Drive Winston-Salem, NC 27105 Phone: 800.952.7425 Email: info@pinehallbrick.com https://www.pinehallbrick.com

Booth #2117

R Rademann Stone & Landscape Co., Inc. Reid Johnston W5551 County Road B Fond du Lac, WI 54937 Phone: 920.922.7612 Email: reid@rademann.com https://www.rademann.com

Booth #2147

Rainbow Ecoscience Lee Fredericks 11571 K Tel Drive Minnetonka, MN 54343 Phone: 312.485.9260 Email: lfredericks@rainbowecoscience.com https://www.rainbowecoscience.com

Booth #2048

Reading Rock, Inc. Carolyn Nutter 4600 Devitt Drive Cincinnati, OH 45246 Phone: 513.874.2345 Email: info@readingrock.com https://www.readingrock.com

Booth #1041

Red Flint Rock & Stone Tom Ayres 1 American Blvd. Eau Claire, WI 54701 Phone: 715.855.7600 Email: tom.ayres@redflint.com https://www.redflintrockandstone.com

Booth #910

Reinders Sam Adams W227 N6225 Sussez Rd Sussex, WI 53089 Phone: 262.786.3300 Email: customerservice@reinders.com https://www.reinders.com

Booth #942

RentalMax Jessica Homan 124 N Schmale Rd Carol Stream, IL 60188 Phone: 630.221.1133 Email: sales@rentalmax.com https://www.rentalmax.com

Booth #1531

Richey Nursery Company Mark Richey 6184 Quarterline Rd Spring Lake, MI 49456 Phone: 231.798.4079 Email: info@richeynursery.com https://www.shrubliners.com

Booth #2109

Riverfarm Ben Cecil 2901 North Buckeye Lane Goshen, Kentucky 40026 Phone: 502.228.5408 Email: Ben_cecil@riverfarm.com https://www.riverfarm.com

Booth #130

Rochester Concrete Products Kevin Mensink 325 Alliance Pl Rochester, MN 55906 Phone: 651.346.9778 Email: kevin.mensink@glsindustries.net https://www.rochestercp.com

Booth #920

Rock Bottom Stone Supply Justin Ward G-4057 S Dort Hwy Burton, MI 48529 Phone: 810.742.7235 Email: justing@rbstonesupply.com https://www.rbstonesupply.com

Booth #326

Russo Power Equipment Dan Fiorentino 9525 W. Irving Park Schiller Park, IL 60176 Phone: 847.678.9525 Email: events@russopower.com https://www.russopower.com

Booth #1729

RWC Insurance Eddie Olszta 7239 West Laraway Rd Frankfort, IL 60423 Phone: 815.469.6585

Booth #2139

Sable Marco Christopher Carbonneau Chemin de la peche Pont Rouge, QUE G3H1C3 Phone: 418.563.0268

Booth #2242

SatQuote - Sod Solutions Beth Broucqsault PO Box 460 Mount Pleasant, SC 29465 Phone: 843.670.5088 Email: beth@sodsolutions.com https://www.satquote.com

Booth #4

SavATree Barb Burns 3520 Commercial Avenue Northbrook, IL 60062 Phone: 847.729.1963 https://www.savatree.com

Booth #908

SCP Robert Jones 3557 Butterfield Rd Aurora, IL 60506 Phone: 630.528.8109 Email: j530@scppool.com https://www.nptpool.com

Booth #2138

SEK-Surebond Lynn Walsh 3925 Stern Ave St. Charles, IL 60174 Phone: 800.932.3323 Email: info@sek.us.com https://www.sek.us.com

Booth #804

Sester Farms Eric Lekberg 33205 SE Oxbow Dr Gresham, OR 97080 Phone: 503.663.4844 Email: sales@sesterfarms.com https://www.sesterfarms.com

Booth #938

Sheridan Nurseries Christina Buck 12302 Tenth line Georgetown, Ontario 0 Phone: 647.622.1115 Email: cbuck@sheridannurseries.com https://www.sheridanwholesale.com

Booth #1015

SiteOne Landscape Supply Drew Tedford 300 Colonial Pkwy Ste 600 Roswell, GA 30076 Phone: 630.488.7650 Email: dtedford@siteone.com https://www.siteone.com

Booth #2030

Smart Outdoor Living Jason Brown 413 N Villa Ave Villa Park, IL 60181 Phone: 630.478.9572 Email: Hello@smartoutdoorliving.com https://www.smartoutdoorliving.com

Booth #242

Spring Grove Nursery, Inc. Becky Thomas 106 E Spring Rd Mazon, IL 60444 Phone: 815.448.2097 Email: bthomas@sgntrees.com https://www.springgrovenursery.com

Booth #1501

Spring Meadow Nursery Sandy Harmon 12601 120th Ave Grand Haven, MI 49417 Phone: 616.414.7378 Email: sandy@springmeadownursery.com http://www.springmeadownursery.com

Booth #1011

St. Aubin Nursery Todd Sullivan 35445 Irene Rd Kirkland, IL 60146 Phone: 815.522.3535 Email: info@staubin.com http://www.staubin.com

Booth #904

Stantec Native Plant Nursery Jason Fritz 128 Sunset Drive Walkerton, IN 46574 Phone: 574.586.2412 Email: nurserysales@stantec.com https://stantec.com/nursery

Booth #1601

Stone Universe Inc. Rashi Aggarwal 2333 Grant Ave San Lorenzo, CA 94580 Phone: 510.512.0375 Email: rashi@suistone.com https://www.suistone.com

Booth #842

StoneWall Retaining Walls/ Trench’N edge trencher Patrick Dean 8028 Hill Trl N Lake Elmo, MN 55042 Phone: 651.399.3992 Email: ped@selecticd.com https://www.selecticd.com

Booth #828

Stuifbergen Flower Bulb Netherlands Jack Haasnoot 1645 SE Decker St Lees Summit, MO 64081 Phone: 800.875.0840 Email: usa@stuifbergenexport.com https://www.stuifbergenexport.com

Booth #237

Sunset Pools & Spas Bettina Hulseberg 1675 Hicks Road Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 Phone: 847.285.3220 www.sunsetpools-spas.com

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Superior Wholesale Nursery Farm Moe Kasham 14124 Bagley St West Olive, MI 49460 Phone: 734.368.4929

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The Pizzo Group Jack Pizzo Jr. 10729 Pine Road Leland, IL 60531 Phone: 815.826.0425 Email: jack.pizzo@pizzogroup.com https://www.pizzogroup.com

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Team Engine Dara Dolinsky 4845 Pearl East Cir Boulder, CO 80301 Phone: 720.730.6314 Email: dara.dolinsky@teamengine.io https://www.teamengine.io

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Tri-State Cut Stone & Brick Steve Maltese 10333 Vans Drive Frankfort Il, IL 60423 Phone: 815.641.1364 Email: smaltese@stone-brick.com https://www.stone-brick.com

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The Davey Tree Expert Mandy McCauley 1200 N Lombard Lombard, IL 60148 Phone: 630.422.1870 Email: mandy.mccauley@davey.com https://www.davey.com

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Triple Crown Products Laurie Quernemoen 102 West Boxhom Drive Mukwonago, WI 53149 Phone: 262.534.7878 Email: laurie@triplecrownproducts.com https://www.triplecrownproducts.com

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The Morton Arboretum/ Chicago Region Trees Initiative Melissa Custic 4100 Illinois Rt 53 Lisle, IL 60532 Phone: 630.719.5646

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Turfmaker Judy Allen 4931 Grisham Dr Rowlett, TX 75088 Phone: 972.463.2575 Email: sales@turfmaker.com https://www.turfmaker.com Turtle Creek Nursery LLC Rachelle Lurvey Eifert N5480 Johnson Road Delavan, WI 53115 Phone: 262.214.2058 Email: sales@turtlecreekwholesale.com https://www.turtlecreekwholesale.com

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Twixwood Nursery Robbie Shannahan 2759 E Shawnee Road, P.O. Box 247 Berrien Springs, MI 49103 Phone: 269.471.7408 Email: info@twixwood.com https://www.twixwood.com

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Whole Earth Compost, LLC Booth #2122 Denise Macias 2000 E. 122nd St. Chicago, IL 60633 Phone: 312.288.9842 Email: dispatch@jlwtrucking.co https://www.wecarecompost.com/wecare-products/locations/chicago-il WI Dept. of Agriculture Elizabeth Meils 2811 Agriculture Dr. Madison, WI 53718 Phone: 608.516.7617 Email: datcpnursery@wi.gov https://www.datcp.wi.gov

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United Greenhouse Systems, Inc. Justin Bilhorn PO Box 249 Edgerton, WI 53534 Phone: 800.433.6834 Email: info@unitedgreenhouse.com https://www.unitedgreenhouse.com

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Willoway Nurseries Danny Gouge 4534 Center Road Avon, OH 44011 Phone: 866.934.4435 x2229 Email: dgouge@wwninc.com https://www.willowaynurseries.com

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United Label & Sato Neil Kurz 12900 Berea Rd Cleveland, OH 44111 Phone: 800.726.5153 Email: nkurz@unitedlabel.com https://www.unitedlabel.com

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Wilson Nurseries & Landscape Supply Jennifer Fick 1555 N. US Highway 12 Volo, IL 60041 Phone: 847.683.3700 Email: jennf@wilsonnurseries.com https://www.wilsonnurseries.com Woody Warehouse Tiffany Stewart 3339 W 850 N Lizton, IN 46149 Phone: 317.994.5487 Email: sales@woodywarehouse.com https://www.woodywarehouse.com

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Focus — The Pros at Home

A Visit in the Gardens of Barbara Rosborough Editor’s Note: This is another in a series of articles that feature the home landscapes of green industry professionals—ILCA members, plant breeders, nursery owners, public garden staff and educators. After all, who wouldn’t like a little peek at what peers are doing around their own homes? by Nina A. Koziol

erene. Peaceful. Restful. Even zen-like. That’s the feeling when you step into Barb Rosborough’s garden in Deerfield, Illinois. It’s also elegant, stylish and unassuming. Just like Barb. A past president of ILCA and the Mid-Am Trade Show, and a member of several committees over the years, she’s been called an industry sweetheart and a tireless worker by many of her peers.

A licensed landscape architect with a degree in ornamental horticulture from the University of Illinois, she says, “I like to think of myself as a garden designer.” Barb was fortunate to take curriculum in both ornamental horticulture and landscape architecture. She enjoyed the program and people in both departments. “This combination prepared me well for designbuild.” As a founding member of Rosborough Partners, a company she worked with for 28 years before starting a new business, Fennel to Fountains, she has designed countless residential gardens in the Chicago area. She is currently meeting with her village to develop a community garden. (continued on page 96)

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The Pros at Home — (continued from page 94) “I get a lot of inspiration from touring gardens,” she said. This past fall she visited the Cotswolds in England. “Hidcote is impressive, probably one of my favorites that we visited in the UK. I preferred it to Sissinghurst. But there are many gardens in the Chicago area and through the Garden Conservancy tours from Wisconsin to Maryland and California that have been inspirational for my work through the years, as well.”

In the Genes

Rosborough grew up in Hinsdale, Illinois. “I loved working at Amling’s garden center during high school.” Her mother still has a garden there with peonies, nearing 100 years old, from her grandparents who gardened around their bungalow in Berwyn. After graduating college, she worked for Synnestvedt Landscape Company for nearly seven years. “I started joining committees at that time. I loved both Ralph junior and senior. Ralph, Jr. would have me take his dad on jobs and I’d just follow him around and take notes. I learned an enormous amount!”

The Designer at Home

Rosborough has lived in her charming home since 1992. “We had a little deck and I created a big vegetable garden. With the kids came a sandbox and a golf green for my son.” And later, a badminton court appeared. Her daughter, Jackie, is

an architect in Vancouver, Canada, and her son, Danny, is a structural engineer in Georgia. “Being their mom was my greatest joy! Both have made gardens a part of their life. I designed my son’s garden after visiting garden centers near Atlanta and doing research on the plants.” Her own garden has evolved over the years. “This teeny little garden has been so many things and there are plants for all seasons.” In late December, she looked out the window and spotted the black chokeberries. “It’s Iroquois Beauty and it looks fabulous. That’s a wonderful plant—great fall color, great flowering, great fruiting. And, I can’t wait for the spring bulbs to appear and when my lilacs bloom.” In front, there’s a formal grass panel surrounded by catmint, hostas, clematis and many annuals. A zig-zag paver path leads to the front entry past delightful burgundy shutters and window boxes filled with plants that change with the seasons. Bottlebrush buckeye and hydrangeas create a screen near the entry and containers filled with colorful tropicals greet visitors. She loves Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa) for its color and texture. In back, there are drifts of Halcyon hostas and lady’s mantle with accents of coleus. A sleek patio with comfy furniture and a heater for cool fall evenings is a delightful gathering spot for friends and provides quiet solitude for reading when she’s not busy during summer. A small, elegant vegetable garden features rustic tuteurs, (continued on page 98)

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The Pros at Home — (continued from page 96) rows of leaf lettuce and pepper plants with an assortment of several herbs. “Monticello has one of the best vegetable gardens in the world,” she says of Thomas Jefferson’s home in Virginia. “Gardening is art. I really enjoy working in my garden—to weed or plant—I like the solace.” And while her own edible garden is small, it provides what she needs in the kitchen. “I love to cook and to use things from my garden. The perfect life would be: garden, cook, do art, read and hike.” Writing is also on that bucket list and she’s working on a natureoriented children’s book. “We see fewer people going into the industry and I want to address this,” she said with a sigh. “Even when my kids were little I was thinking about it.”

From Clients to Friends

She’s developed many close relationships with her clients. “I have countless favorite projects. One client in Winnetka was an avid gardener. We’d rake off our footprints when we were finished.” Another long-time client is now in her nineties. “I start-

ed working for her when she was in her fifties. I spent a day planting bulbs with her last year.” In addition to having clients in Evanston, Barb is a member of the Garden Club of Evanston. “A great honor has been to be able to chair the Shakespeare Garden on Northwestern University’s campus for our club.” If she could give advice to other owners in the landscape industry, she’d tell them, “Treat your people well. When it is time to move to your next chapter, you will miss them terribly. And learn Spanish. I regret not becoming fluent in Spanish.” When she’s not volunteering, she has little desire to sit in front of the television. Instead, “I love to read!” If you visited, you might find “Gentleman from Moscow,” “The Boys in the Boat,” and “Lessons in Chemistry” on a table. She served on ILCA’s board from 1992 to 2001 and was ILCA’s Person of the Year in 2009. Reflecting on her years in the green industry, Barb said, “I have had the best career— you get to be outside, you get to be with plants. Everybody in this whole industry is so wonderful.” And so is she.

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Special Feature

Urban Wonderland Knob Hill Landscape Company Creates Magic in Downtown Springfield by Nina A. Koziol

n a busy downtown street in Springfield, Illinois, is a not-so-hidden landscape gem filled with waterfalls, birds, dragonflies, colorful koi fish, curious school children, adults relaxing, and plenty to see and enjoy. It’s a stunning and expansive makeover of a concrete fountain from the 1970’s that had seen better days. Not yet a year old, this new natural watery ecosystem graces the corporate headquarters of Horace Mann, a financial and insurance services company. The firm chose Knob Hill Landscape Company in Springfield to replace the fountain with a

“fountainscape,” but in the end, settled on a completely different design. “They asked for other ideas and when we presented an ecosystems pond design, they fell in love with it,” said Landon Kirby, Knob Hill’s owner and CEO. The end result is a wonderful 200-foot by 60-foot sprawling water feature with three waterfalls and more than 1,100 perennials, trees, shrubs and aquatic plants. There are 650 tons of mossy sandstone boulders, a main pond, shallow water intake bay and pre-filter, an oversized wetland serving as an aquatic planting bed, and multiple layers of river rock. Because the (continued on page 102)

PROJECT BEFORE 100

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Special Feature (continued from page 100) corporate campus faces the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the convention center, other government agencies, offices, and many restaurants, the new landscape is enjoyed by countless visitors. “The main use is for the company’s employees, but it’s open to the public,” Kirby said. “It’s like a public park in downtown Springfield. You can walk right into it and not be near the building’s main entrance.” And, unlike the old fountain, the new nature-inspired landscape attracts many birds and beneficial insects to this busy urban area. "This project is unique because the entire ecosystem is self-contained and self-sustained,” said Josh Shelton, facilities manager at Horace Mann. “No chemicals are used, and the patio is made of permeable blocks with layers of rock underneath to naturally filter all rainwater and any runoff from our grounds. It utilizes a 40,000-gallon natural filtration system to keep the water crystal clear and safe for animals.” (continued on page 104)

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Before and after photos taken from a similar perspective

The Landscape Contractor February 2024

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Special Feature (continued from page 102) At three feet deep, the shallow water also features many species of aquatic plants that mimic marshy areas. A berm surrounds the patio and blocks the view of traffic. “It’s really a peaceful setting,” Kirby said. “We finished in May and I saw many people taking prom and graduation photos there.”

Challenges

The Horace Mann campus covers nearly a two-block area in the middle of downtown. “It’s very busy with state offices and the hospital,” Kirby said. “We had to (continued on page 106)

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Special Feature (continued from page 104) block off the streets every day and unload the boulders.” The project used tons of river rock and 35 semi-loads of boulders. The crew began with a tear-out of the existing fountain on November 7, 2022. The contract delivery was for May, 2023. “We were laying sod on April 24th, so it was roughly five months, and it was still pretty cold most of the winter. Normally, we don’t do a big installation like that in winter, but we were taking deliveries almost every single day.” Kirby recalls the construction site as a muddy mess. “We had to clean it every day. They only blocked off three parking meters for our trucks, so we were parking a block away. There were a lot of logistical challenges.” (continued on page 108)

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The Landscape Contractor February 2024

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Special Feature (continued from page 106 A Horace Mann landscape facility team takes care of the fish while Knob Hill takes care of the rest of the ecosystem. “There are plants that will do well and some that don’t,” Kirby explained. “Sometimes it’s a matter of certain species of water plants—there may be too much wind or they need more shallow water or deeper water. As the root systems grow, they need to be moved to help filtration.”

Eco-friendly and Educational

The wetland employs elements of healthy ecosystems such as natural filters to oxygenate the water, eliminating the need for chemicals. “There are thousands of school trips coming to the museum and I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity for people coming downtown. We’re doing education stations,” Kirby said. And that will be fun for children of all ages. “Kids can see some of the koi fish in the pond. It’s manmade but we built it to mimic nature.”

Opportunities

The new water wonderland has drawn attention to Kirby’s firm, which typically does about 95 percent residential projects. “This was our biggest commercial project. We were already well known in town for residential work.” During the installation, Knob Hills’ trucks and a trailer on site with the company logo garnered attention. “I’ve definitely seen an increase in commercial inquiries,” Kirby said. Visitors have posted many compliments about the site’s beauty on Facebook and Instagram. “Landon also does an awesome job that showed the progress of the project through social media,” explained Kellie Schmidt, ILCA’s statewide director of development. And, Kirby was thrilled with a recent award from The National Association of Landscape Professionals. The organization bestowed the project with a Gold Award for Commercial Design and Build Projects over one million dollars. Kirby and his wife attended the awards ceremony in (continued on page 110) 108

The Landscape Contractor February 2024

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Special Feature (continued from page 108) Dallas. “It was really exciting to hear,” he said. Kirby has given many tours at the site. “When you are building something that sizable and focused on it, you have your head down. You have to take a step back and take it all in. It didn’t hit me until I saw all the reactions and I’ve had time to reflect on that.”

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Kirby and his team treated the design and installation as a once-in-a-lifetime project. “People were amazed that we could do that downtown and it looks so natural, like it’s been there for years. I knew it was an awesome project to build this giant ecosystem, but I didn’t expect the reaction and I’m really proud of that.”

The Landscape Contractor February 2024

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Plants for Special Situations —

All-America Selections Revs Up Perennial Plant Evaluations by Nina A. Koziol

lant breeders are busy people. In 2021, more than 1250 plant patents were issued in this country. Many, but not all, of these plants will make it to market. But how do you know which ones will be worthy workhorses for your projects? That’s where plant evaluations are helpful. The All-America Selections (AAS) group has trialed annuals, vegetables, and herbs since 1933. But in 2015, AAS began evaluating perennials in earnest at 24 trial sites across the U.S. and Canada. “We wanted a more all-encompassing trial program for more types of plants,” explained Diane Blazek, executive director of All-America Selections and the National Garden Bureau in Downers Grove, Ill. (AAS is an independent non-profit organization that tests new plant varieties.) “We had previously allowed perennials in the trial, but it was only a one-season, first-year flowering trial.” An example is Coreopsis ‘Early Sunrise’, which received an AAS award in 1989 for its profuse flowering. “After working out the details in collaboration with the Perennial Plant Association, we launched the three-winter trial

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to test for survivability, but also for overall garden performance,” Blazek said. “This is key for landscapers who want to know which new varieties will perform well over the long term. Our judges are horticulture experts and evaluate all the entries on garden performance, consumer appeal, number of flowers, and many other traits that breeders claim are unique.” The first winners from those trials were announced in 2019. Current entries are being evaluated by the experienced AAS judges according to strict AAS guidelines. The perennial trial program has been well received. “Home gardeners, growers, retailers and landscapers love that we’ve expanded our program, and breeders are very happy to be able to brag about their robust perennial breeding programs.” AAS will continue evaluating new perennials. “We are keeping constant with 24 trial sites all over North America to really prove the garden performance in all [regions]. We accept perennials that are propagated from seed, vegetative cuttings, tissue culture and bare root.” Here’s a look at current and past perennial winners— (continued on page 114)

The Landscape Contractor February 2024

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Plants for Special Situations — (continued from page 112) Echinacea x hybrida Artisan™ Collection Yellow Ombre (2023) Artisan Yellow Ombre coneflower is a great plant with dazzling color all season long and the Artisan series offers several other colors. This winner, with an intense golden yellow flower, is a real gem. Judges were impressed with the uniform growth habit, rich flowers, and multibranched plants that produce a prolific number of blooms. Full sun; 16-28 inches

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Plants for Special Situations — Leucanthemum Sweet Daisy™ Birdy (2021) This beautiful Shasta daisy has robust, long-lasting blooms. In the 3-year AAS Trials, it demonstrated excellent cold and heat tolerance and maintained a tidy, sturdy habit. The blossoms provide food for many kinds of pollinators. Full sun;18 to 24 inches tall and wide.

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Plants for Special Situations — Rudbeckia ‘American Goldrush’ (2020) This gorgeous black-eyed Susan has probably appeared in some of your projects already. Bright golden-yellow flowers with dark centers and arching petals make it a great addition to a sun-loving border. It’s a compact, domed-shaped plant with narrow hairy foliage that resists Septoria leaf spot. Nonstop bloom from July to September, with some color up until frost, this cultivar is shorter in height compared to existing varieties. Full sun; 18 inches to 2 feet tall and wide.

Echinacea Sombrero® Baja Burgundy (2020) Who doesn’t love a coneflower, especially in sunny sites where deep violet-red blossoms steal the show? Plants were trialed over three tough winters and the AAS Judges were impressed by this coneflower’s hardiness, sturdy branching, and floriferous habit. Birds and pollinators flock to this deer-resistant beauty making it a dual-purpose plant. Full to part sun; 18 to 22 inches tall and 22 to 24 inches wide.

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The Landscape Contractor February 2024

Echinacea ‘Cheyenne Spirit’ (2013) This stunning coneflower produces a bounty of blossoms from rich purple, pink, red and orange to lighter yellows, creams, and white. ‘Cheyenne Spirit’ is not a water hog and it offers a wide range of uses from the perennial border, in a mass landscape planting, in a butterfly garden, or as a cut flower. And, it resists toppling even with strong winds and rain. Full sun; 12 to 30 inches tall and 12 to 24 inches wide.

Penstemon barbatus Twizzle Purple (2017) Vibrant purple flowers present a new color among penstemons. Twizzle Purple was evaluated as a first-year flowering perennial by judges who were impressed with the upright habit and superb flowering. A North American native cultivar, it blooms profusely with many tubular flowers on long slender stalks. Full sun; dryish soil; 23 to 35 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide.

The Landscape Contractor February 2024

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Salvia nemerosa ‘Blue By You’ (2023) This meadow sage produces rich blue flowers that appear up to two weeks earlier than similar perennial salvias. Excellent winter hardiness and heat tolerance, ‘Blue by You’ has repeat blooms from late spring through fall when deadheaded. While it attracts hummingbirds, bees and butterflies, pesky deer and rabbits avoid it. Full sun; 20 to 22 inches tall and 18 to 22 inches wide.

Andropogon g ‘Blackhawks’ PP#27,949

Aster x ‘ Thunderdome’ PPAF

Schizachyrium scoparium ‘ Little Red Fox’ PPAF

Geranium maculatum ‘Huggy Bear’ PPAF

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Celebrate the Season — A Career Affirming Essay

by Trevor Smith

hen are you aware of the seasons? Is it when you find yourself shaking off the chill as you jump in the car in the morning? Or maybe the warmth of the spring sun on your face as you step out to run errands? For many of us the climate-controlled car to home lifestyle we live in limits our awareness of the season in terms of only the weather. For gardeners and lovers of the natural world, the season is experienced more often through the unique gifts each changing season brings. The newly fallen snow resting atop a branch or perennial left to stand; the crocus in bloom and the shoots pushing through the soil... this is how we experience winter and spring. One of my favorite realizations about the natural world are the once in a lifetime moments. This epiphany changed my life dramatically so please permit me a moment of poetic romanticism. Recently in my classes I have been using the example of a leaf I came across at first frost. That leaf, a small red maple, was the only one of its kind; just like a snowflake no two leaves are alike. Trees produce billions of leaves each year so many in fact that in the tiniest yet measurable fraction of a percentage it affects the rate at which the earth spins. When the leaves drop in the northern hemisphere in autumn the sheer weight, now closer to the surface causes the earth to spin faster. But I digress… back to my leaf nestled in the grass encased in frost. A frost of ice crystals that will never form the same way again. As I stood 122

in the chill of pre-dawn I studied every intricacy knowing that this moment was mine alone and would never be repeated again. This same uniqueness holds true every time you see a leaf fall in autumn you are likely the only one to see that one of a kind leaf fall to earth in its once in a lifetime journey. Now to design with this reverence is to set the stage for moments like this. To design and plant so that many of these unique seasonal moments are front and center and don’t slip by unnoticed. Plant like no one is watching. To play on the famous saying, I say this with the full intent of the phrase. To dance like no one is watching implies letting go of inhibition, feeling the music, and moving in celebration of life without caring how one may look. To plant like no one is watching is to celebrate the Earth, the landscape, the plants and rocks, and our connection to them. Allow the season to flow through you like music and express without regard to the “rules.” This concept is what I teach my students in my Regenerative Design course. Plant like no one is watching. In designing a landscape, I begin with the winter and work my way back through the seasons. I begin with static elements like stone, the bones of the Earth. In a snowy landscape, even a simple mounded form can serve as wonderful sculpture, so I start there and consider its role as a vignette and in the overall vista. Consider the evergreens, beyond the obvious color in an otherwise stark landscape; how do they play backdrop to snow (continued on page 124)

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(continued from page 122) tufted slender forms in the foreground? The skeletal shapes of the woody plants. How do those forms relate to each other and to the design as a whole? Do the structures stand alone or lead your eye from one to the next? What will those structures look like on a canvas of snow? Did I include the finer details like seed pods and exfoliating bark for the close observer? The winter landscape needs to present both through the window of a toasty home and for the nature observer venturing out to survey the landscape once the snow subsides. When placing trees and shrubs, I next consider their fall color. Do I want a pocket of red, or do I want to add a splash of yellow? What will slanting rays of the morning or evening sun look like coming through this tree or shrub? Have I provided any berries for the birds? Here again I consider the evergreen as a backdrop. Will that dark green accentuate the color or form of a finer leaved plant? Will it provide a resting place for the eye amidst natures grand finale? When designing perennials, I consider seed heads and stalks of plants past bloom like rudbeckia, echinacea, penstemon, and grasses. How do these add contrast and interest? These are seeds for birds, and the stalks are winter cover for my pollinators. Do I have late-season blooms for migrating insects and those preparing to hibernate? Summer gardens always look beautiful, even poorly designed ones. In summer, I focus on the static pieces of the landscape, the stones, and evergreens. I like to mask stone either entirely or partially, taking it from view so that when it returns in late autumn and winter, it will be discovered all over again and appreciated. The evergreens I use provide contrast and backdrop to the flowers and leaves of the perennials, changing their appearance from that of autumn and winter. Here too amidst the carnival of color that is the summer garden the evergreen gives respite for the eye. The garden in spring is the most appreciated. Eyes starved for color scan the landscape searching for signs that winter’s veil has finally lifted. Through bulbs and ephemerals, I look to get life and color in the landscape as early as the warming spring sun will allow. I am conscious of all the overwintering pollinators awakening from winter slumber ravenous. I also provide early blooms for pollen and nectar, providing a healthy start for the new generation within the garden. These early players set the stage for the more robust characters to take the lead as spring progresses. Again, I like to create vignettes in the spring garden creating moments and snapshots for the eager observer investigating the garden’s progress. Between the vignettes I plant in mass; spring’s blooms are so delicate and fleeting they will often go unnoticed from afar should weather or schedule not permit time to linger in the garden. As garden creators, be a part of nature. Allow yourselves to get swept up in the song of the season. Through your choices and actions, create gardens and landscapes that speak to the essence of each season, both in beauty and in bounty, providing for the larger ecosystem. Then with winter’s quiet upon you; sit and reflect on all that was and allow the joy of being a part of it all to keep you warm until spring arrives once again.

New Members — Contractor and Garden Center Members Alluvium Landscapes Brandon Losey Barrington, IL 60010 Email: brandon@alluvium.land Phone: 224-422-4510 alluvium.land

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Freelance Landscape Designers Amliv Land Designs Vilma Papaleka 760 W Lincoln Ln, Des Plaines, IL 60018 Email: amlivlanddesigns@gmail.com Phone: 773-206-0662 amlivlandesigns.com Designs Plus Bill Troyer 14 Knollcrest Ct, Normal, IL 61761 Email: bill@designspluslandscaping.com Phone: 309-287-3855 Government or Not-for-profit Member Glenview Park District Tim Beckmann 1930 Prairie St, Glenview, IL 60025 Email: tim.beckmann@glenviewparks.org Phone: 224-521-2254 https://glenviewparks.org/

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iLandscape Mardi Gras 2024

by Meta L. Levin

n cualquier idioma que escoja, los asistentes a iLandscape se lo pasarán en grande durante la ILandscape 2024 con tema de Mardi Gras, del 31 de enero al 2 de febrero de 2024 en el Centro de Convenciones de Schaumburg. Esferas, máscaras, un cementerio vudú, comidas y, por supuesto, estará disponible lo último en equipos, plantas y materiales, así como ofertas educativas de algunos de los líderes de la industria. “La gente piensa que iLandscape es una gran fiesta antes de que empiece la temporada”, dice Scott Grams, director ejecutivo de ILCA. “El año pasado tuvimos un ambiente de fiesta y la gente respondió a eso. Por consiguiente, este año el comité está trayendo la atmósfera de New Orleans a Schaumburg”. Como corresponde a una industria que se gana la vida embelleciendo los entornos al aire libre, el comité de ILandscape llevará los colores y los jardines de Mardi Gras adentro. Al caminar por la exposición, lo saludará una gran máscara (un buen lugar para tomar fotografías) y plantas en la sala principal de exposiciones, además del cementerio vudú en el salón de baile. Bob Hursthouse y su equipo realizaron los diseños, Topiarius les da vida. Los stands de ILCA y WLCA tendrán la apariencia de un dragón flotador inflable gigante, del tipo que se ve durante el desfile del Mardi Gras. El decorado no solo incluye jardines, sino también una calle principal, parecida al famoso French Quarter de Nueva Orleans. En el salón de baile, el jardín/cementerio vudú incluirá lápidas y un árbol muerto cubierto de cuentas. Y si tiene hambre, podrá comer en el Jambalaya café o sentarse para relajarse en el Louisiana Garden. “Todo estará decorado al estilo del Mardi Gras”, afirma Hursthouse, cuya esposa es de Baton Rouge, LA, lo que significa que han estado en el verdadero evento. “Esto ha sido un concepto verdaderamente divertido”, asegura Dan Sines, diseñador paisajista senior de Topiarius. Sines y su equipo han estado inmerso en los colores y la alegría de los diseños del Mardi Gras – muchos dorados, verdes y morados. También habrá muchas oportunidades para aprender y divertirse.

registrados en Illinois, será impartido por Alex Mayfield de JM Irrigation. Esta clase dividida en cuatro partes incluirá fundamentos de RPZ, rastreo de cables, conceptos básicos de las bombas, descodificadores y fundamentos de 2 hilos y Wi-Fi. Planificación del camino del talento – Cómo encontrar, desarrollar y conserva los mejores talentos. Traci Austin de Elevated Talent Consulting trabajará con los asistentes para ayudarles a invertir tiempo y energía para desarrollar herramientas como trayectorias profesionales para estimular el crecimiento interno y ayudar a conservar empleados. Austin trabajará con los participantes sobre cómo satisfacer las necesidades de los empleados, así como los de la organización. Valuación: ¿Cuál es el valor de una compañía y cómo podemos mejorarlo? Diseñado para los responsables principales de la toma de decisiones en una compañía, será impartido por Alison Hoffman de Harvest the Green Partners, Inc. Los asistentes compartirán estrategias e ideas prácticas para mejorar el valor del negocio tanto para las ventas como para las ganancias a largo plazo. Hoffman ayudará a los dueños de negocios a repasar lo que un negocio exitoso necesita para alcanzar sus metas, incluyendo, gente, liderazgo, recursos financieros, potencial de mercado, quiénes son sus clientes, productos y servicios, su propuesta única de ventas, comparación de su organización con sus competidores y los procesos y sistemas de su negocio. Diseño paisajista para profesionales del paisajismo ocupados. Este taller está dirigido a profesionales del paisajismo, centros de jardines/ventas minoristas, diseñadores paisajistas y arquitectos paisajistas y será impartido por Grant Dawson de Chalet’s Design Studio. Este taller práctico inmersivo está dirigido a contratistas paisajistas que necesitan crear rápidamente diseños para presentar a clientes e incluirá software Realtime Landscape Pro. Los instructores – todos de Chalet – llevarán a los participantes a través de los elementos esenciales de la medición de sitios, tipos de fotografías que se necesitan y cómo crear representaciones realistas. Se dará a los asistentes oportunidades prácticas de usar el software.

Edúquese Talleres pre-feria Inicie su educación en iLandscape un día antes, el martes, 30 de enero, con una zambullida profunda en cualquiera de los cuatros temas de los talleres pre-feria. El precio de tres de estos talleres, Planificación del camino del talento, Valuación: ¿Cuál es el valor de una compañía y cómo podemos mejorarlo? Y Diseño paisajista para profesionales del paisajismo ocupados incluye un pase para educación general para el resto de la feria. Elementos esenciales para el contratista de riego: Curso de repaso de 4 horas. Aprobado por el Departamento de Salud para cuatro horas de educación continua, requerido para todos los contratistas de riego

Educación “unplugged” Educación abierta (“unplugged”) estará disponible en el salón de baile para todos los portadores de pases para la feria e incluirá “Guerras de contenedores”, tres desafíos de macetas y contenedores con tres o cuatro diseñadores en cada categoría. El miércoles se concentrará en plantas anuales y tropicales; el jueves serán las plantas perennes y el viernes será el Mardi Gras. Los diseñadores hablarán sobre sus macetas y contenedores y los miembros del público podrán votar por sus favoritos. Las competiciones de miércoles y jueves serán de 9:45 a.m. a 10:45 a.m. y la del viernes, de 11:00 a.m. a 11:30 a.m.

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David Culp, vicepresidente de ventas y mercadotecnia de Cavano’s Perennials ocupará el escenario el miércoles, de 12:15 p.m. a 12:45 p.m. El jueves, Gary Lewis de Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants, Ltd., hablará sobre coberturas del suelo de 12:15 p.m. a 12:45 p.m. Educación en español También habrá cuatro sesiones gratis en español dirigidas a líderes de equipos y más. Las sesiones uno y dos comenzarán el miércoles a la 1:15 a.m. y a las 12:15 p.m., en Nirvana A, mientras que las sesiones tres y cuatro se realizarán a las 11 a.m. y al mediodía del jueves. Pases para educación Mike Blackwell, presidente del Comité Educativo, espera con entusiasmo la oportunidad de escuchar y hablar con varios oradores durante la iLandscape 2024. “Tenemos una mezcla realmente estupenda este año, lo que anima a la gente”, dijo. Para Blackwell, eso incluye a Adrian Bloom, cuyo nuevo libro, Fondo brumoso – Un jardín para compartir, acaba de salir al mercado. Bloom dirige el negocio familiar, Bloom Nurseries, en Bressingham, RU, y hablará dos veces durante la iLandscape, “Plantas de regalo”, 1:30 p.m. el

miércoles, 31 de enero, y “Fondo brumoso”, 8 a.m. el jueves, 1 de febrero. Blackwell también señala otros oradores sobresalientes, incluyendo a David Culp, cuyo nuevo libro, Un Año abundante: Seis estaciones de belleza de Brandywine Cottage, será la base de su presentación en iLandscape. Blackwell está particularmente interesado, porque creció cerca de Brandywine Cottage y está familiarizado con el trabajo de Culp. “El libro amplía la paleta de plantas y la estación de plantar”, dice. Culp hablará a las 9:45 a.m., el jueves, 1 de febrero y a las 12:15 p.m., el miércoles, 31 de enero, como parte de Educación abierta. Los temas de otros oradores cubrirán toda la gama desde negocios a horticultura, elementos sólidos de paisajismo y tecnología. Vamos de fiesta ¿Qué sería iLandscape sin la fiesta? Más que eso, ¿qué es Mardi Gras sino una gran fiesta? Premios a la Excelencia en Paisajismo

La celebración este año arrancará de 5 p.m. a 9 p.m., el martes, 30 de enero de 2024 con el Programa anual de Premios a la Excelencia en Paisajismo, que presenta lo más granado entre los mejores proyectos en la industria. Los asistentes honrarán a la

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Para que crezca su negocio, unase a...

Persona del Año, conferirán el Premio Excelencia en Paisajismo a los ganadores, otorgarán el premio al Proveedor Distinguido, concederán el Premio de Reconocimiento Especial y anunciarán a los ganadores de becas 2023-2024. Sin mencionar que develarán el Premio Platino de los Jueces, otorgado al mejor proyecto entre todos los participantes, escogido por los jueces. Concurso de fotografías iPix

Servicios y Beneficios • Certificaciones • Seminarios • Talleres de Trabajo • Publicaciones • Capacitación • Videos • Eventos • Programa de Seguros • Trabajadores Temporarios • Subasta de Herramientas de jardinería

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¿Tiene bueno ojo para la fotografía? Participe en el Concurso de Fotografías iPix 2024. Hay 12 categorías principales: Flores y plantas; Contratistas de paisajismo en acción; Paisajes y jardines; Parques estatales del Medio Oeste y reservas forestales; Mascotas; Polinizadores; Nieve; Sostenibilidad; Árboles; Horticultura urbana; Fauna y vida silvestre. El concurso está abierto a todos los asistentes, expositores o patrocinadores de iLandscape y no es necesario ser miembro de ILCA para participar. Habrá premios en efectivo: $100 primer premio y $50 segundo premio en cada categoría, así como un gran premio de $500. Se anunciará al ganador del gran premio a las 4 p.m. del jueves, 1 de febrero. Todos los ganadores y subcampeones serán mostrados en iLandscape. Apúrese. El 5 de enero de 2024 es la fecha límite para inscribirse. Rifas

Sí, habrá rifas y premios en abundancia. Gane un John Deere Gator o tarjetas de regalo de línea aérea. Quizá pueda atrapar una tarjeta de regalo Kohler Spa o incluso algún premio en efectivo. El miércoles, una experiencia con los Blackhawk desde palco para 12 encabezará los premios de la rifa, además de una variedad de tarjetas de regalo. Debe estar presente para ganar. Juegos y comida

Caliente sus pulmones para gritar, ¡“Bingo!” durante Bingo y Esferas, de 4:30 p.m. a 6:30 p.m., el miércoles, 31 de enero en el escenario principal. Habrá juegos, cerveza y bebidas no alcohólicas, así como muchas oportunidades para divertirse y establecer contactos. ¿Qué es Mardi Gras sin un poco de gumbo? Alístese para más juegos, premios y establecer contactos durante los Juegos Gumbo de 4:30 p.m. a 7 p.m., el jueves 1 de febrero en el salón principal. Habrá bolsas, armas de Nerf, un concurso de diseño de máscara y más, además de cerveza y comida. Entretenimiento

Habrá una atmósfera cajún en todo. Y por “todo”, el Comité de Experiencia quiere decir, el decorado, la oportunidad de ver hacia el futuro con

una vidente, pinta-caritas, un escultor en hielo, un concurso para decorar su propia máscara de Mardi Gras (sí, con premios), esferas y más juegos. El comité está trabajando con el Centro de Convenciones de Schaumburg para incluir comida temática de Louisiana. “Queremos mantenerla divertida, liviana y diferente”, dice Tina Scanlon-Turner, presidente del Comité de Experiencia. Hay incluso oportunidades para que los expositores participen de la diversión. Pueden decorar e ingresar sus stands en cualquiera de 10 diferentes categorías, de las cuales, por supuesto, Mardi Gras es una. Los ganadores obtendrán certificados y premios en metálico. “Pienso que el grupo aceptará esto”, dijo. Salones de exhibiciones El comité y los asistentes pensarán que iLandscape es un evento maravilloso, pero también lo pensarán los expositores. “Vendimos todo en agosto y tenemos una larga lista de espera”, dice Terre Houte, quien se encuentra en su último año como gerente de eventos de ILCA. Hay 257 compañías en 521 stands (algunas compañías ocupan más de un stand). El año pasado hubo 518 stands. Muchos, si no la mayoría de los expositores han participado en la feria durante muchos años. “La mayoría dijo que fue una buena experiencia para ellos”, dice Houte. “La gente clama por entrar”. Incluso los patrocinadores están ansiosos por participar. Al mes de noviembre, el 80 por ciento de los patrocinios se habían vendido, la mayoría son patrocinadores que regresan. Los patrocinios de iLandscape están disponibles solo para los que tienen stands de exhibición en uno de los salones. “Pienso que la gente quedará impresionada”, asegura Grams.

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New Member Profile Snapshot

High Maintenance Garden Care 209 N Pokanoka St. Shabbona, IL 60550 (815) 766-1536

by Meta L. Levin

egan Johnston in part owes her career and her business, High Maintenance Garden Care, to ILCA. It began when she was studying floral design at Kishwaukee Community College and found the requirements included a class in perennials, during which she had to draw a landscape plan. “I found I liked it,” she says. Through a college program she entered another design in an ILCA student competition, placed, received her award at the Awards Banquet during iLandscape, then attended the career fair where her resume found its way to Scott McAdam at McAdam Landscaping. “I had a job before I graduated,” she says. Her work at Kishwaukee concentrated on landscape design, plant identification and tree maintenance. “I’m a real plant nerd.” She worked for McAdam for two years and still considers them — father and son — as mentors, calling often when she has questions about her own business. Eventually, however, the one hour and 20 minute commute from her home in Shabbona, IL to McAdam in Chicago’s western suburbs took

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its toll and she took a job with a small, local company, where she did everything from office work, to sales and purchasing. Family ties, as well as her partner, Tim, who is a commercial supervisor for a local garage door company, made her reluctant to move away from her hometown. She began doing some landscape design side jobs. Then customers asked if she could install her designs. In 2018, her good friend, Heather Galbreath contracted breast cancer. Although Galbreath is doing well, for a while she could not work in her previous job as a vereternary technician. The two looked at Johnston’s side jobs and decided to go into business together, starting High Maintenance Garden Care. “Our first job was in July 2020 on the hottest day of the year,” says Johnston. “We did yard clean up and installed one ton of river rock.” By April 2022 they were in business full time. She approached Galbreath about joining forces to start the landscape business. Much of their marketing comes through word of mouth, as well as Facebook.

The Landscape Contractor February 2024

Many of their customers are attracted by the fact that High Maintenance Garden Care is an all women company, says Johnston. One, “Grandma Barb,” refers to them as “her girls” and invites them to come onto her porch and greet her cat when they arrive at her property. Another regular customer invites them to her porch when they finish their work to review what they have done. Johnston’s employees enjoy these kinds of interactions and, says Johnston, the customers tend to trust them. “We get to know our customers and try to put something unique to them in each landscape,” she says. For instance, she incorporated rocks a couple had brought back from their vacations, into their design. In another they installed plants with a variation on the family’s childrens’ names. Typically, Johnston has between four to seven employees during the season, many of whom are young mothers. Ellen Becker works part time during the summer. Johnston met her through the gym where both work out. Becker “has a can-do attitude,” says Johnston. She loves and is knowledgeable about native plants. In fact, “she has a prairie in her yard.” Johnston and Lindsay Fultz have been best friends since they were 11 years old. She has worked for High Maintenance Garden Care for the last two seasons. “She is always on time and happy,” says Johnston. It was Fultz who suggested that the crew have a daily dance party. “Usually we do that in the van on the way to a job.” A self described “big fan” of ILCA, Johnston originally joined as a student. It’s no surprise that the McAdams, both former ILCA presidents, encouraged her to become a member. Until last year, she was an individual member, but finally joined as a company. “I want to get more involved,” she says. Johnston still does freelance design work for other contractors. She is proud of her willingness to learn new products and plants, as well as the relationships she has developed with her customers. “We’re friends,” she says. “They know we are trying to benefit their lives.”

Growing for your success.

Thinking of Spring? Order now for all your tree, shrub, and perennial material for 2024. *See us at booth #2004 iLandscape

(815) 653-9293 8920 Howe Road Wonder Lake, IL www.goodmarknurseries.com

The Landscape Contractor February 2024

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Classified Ads HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Turn-Key Landscape Facility For Lease - Hampshire, IL Furnished Office, Shop, and 3 Acres of Lighted Yard Area For Lease. Suitable for Landscape Contractors with all the Amenities at this Turn-Key Facility. Contact Adam Neisendorf for detailed information. Email: aneisendorf@ploteproperties.com or Phone: (847) 428-1000 ext. 228

You have a degree in Landscape Architecture or Horticulture with an emphasis on Landscape Design. You are creative, motivated, and visionary! You have a passion for making clients’ dreams come true. You enjoy working with a small group of talented professionals dedicated to the design, installation, and management of beautiful outdoor spaces. The role: This position will include developing design solutions and graphic presentations along with making sales presentations to clients. The right candidate will bring strong skills in landscape design as well as technical computer skills. The individual will be involved with client communication, project installation oversight, and providing expertise to clients and the production team. This is a full-time, salaried position. Health and retirement benefits are available as well as employee discounts, paid holidays, and paid vacation. How to apply: Please send a resume to jobs@stuberlanddesign.com or Call Lauren at 309-208-4777 with any questions.

• Ideal candidates should be detail-oriented, logical thinking, conscientious, professional, and maintain a high level of honesty and integrity. How to apply: email resume and portfolio to stephanie@atouchofgreen.net

Account Manager: Flexible hours, a friendly team, and exciting work! An Account Manager at CPHort aims to provide our clients with outstanding service and support while establishing longterm relationships. The desired candidate will have proven estimating and farming sales skills while developing and overseeing a diverse portfolio of clients. You must have strong interpersonal skills to work with internal partners within the Sales, Project Management, and Production teams, collaborating to ensure every client project’s timely and outstanding delivery. You must be able to meet with decision-makers and help them solve their problems in a consultative manner. You should be goal-oriented and work well without supervision, achieving sales goals by tracking, identifying, and adding qualified opportunities to the sales pipeline. Outstanding communication and experience with CRMs, creating work orders, and Google Workspace are highly desirable. You must have previous earnings of at least $90,000. How to apply: Visit our online Assessment (https://eval.objectivemanagement.com/XVJ74PD) and follow that up with an email to Be-A-Star@CPHort.com with a copy of your resume. Landscape Architect/Designer Who we are: Stuber Land Design, Inc. has been designing, building, and managing exceptional outdoor spaces for nearly 30 years. We are fortunate to work in the small-town environment of Tremont while providing unmatched vision and quality work that competes with large urban markets. Please take a look at our website at www. stuberlanddesign.com to see more! Who you are:

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LANDSCAPE DESIGNER/ ARCHITECT HIRING FOR LANDSCAPE DESIGNER/ ARCHITECT We are looking to add a talented landscape design and sales professional to our team as we continue to expand. We are seeking creative candidates who thrive in a collaborative studio setting with the ability to lead projects through all phases including client contact, design, cost estimating, sales, and project management. Minimum requirements: • A 4-year degree in Landscape Architecture or 3-5 years of Landscape Design experience in the field. • A minimum of 3 years (preferred) professional work experience with a proven sales history. • Strong plant and construction knowledge. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. • Proficiency in UVision or other 3D design programs. Will train UVision program if needed. • Working knowledge of construction detailing and implementation.

The Landscape Contractor February 2024

Director of the Chicago Region Trees Initiative Job Opportunity The Morton Arboretum is a worldrenowned tree-focused botanical garden located just outside of Chicago in Lisle, Illinois. The Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) is the Arboretum’s flagship urban and community forestry program, designed to energize and catalyze tree advocacy, build community capacity, and improve the health, diversity, and equitable distribution of the urban forest in the Chicago region and across the state of Illinois. The Director of the Chicago Region Trees Initiative will lead all activities of the CRTI program, including the administration of $23 million in federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act to improve the tree canopy in disadvantaged communities throughout Illinois. This is an exciting opportunity for a confident and innovative leader to oversee this pivotal time, bringing together diverse stakeholders to create a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together. How to apply:

(Classified ads continued on page 138)

Our people

are the

bottom line

SEE OUR CURRENT OPENINGS

Classified Ads HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Education Manager The Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA), a suburban Chicago (Oak Brook) non-profit professional trade association seeks an experienced Education Manager. This position functions as the organization’s educational events, programs, and distance learning manager. The position coordinates educational opportunities and resources and supports the committees that develop those deliverables. Duties include, but are not limited to: site selection, hotel and vendor negotiations and contracting, preparing and managing program budgets, determining audiovisual, set-up, and food &amp; beverage requirements, committee management, and providing on-site management of programs including supervision and coordination of vendors and staff. All events are held within the state. The Education Manager will be the primary manager (and motivator) of the event program committees for content development. Requirements Must have a proven track record of managing meetings and events with attendance from 50-2,000 (the largest conference has about 2,000 attendees). At least six years of direct educational event management experience is required. Must be wellpoised and project-driven and have proven success working with volunteer member committees. Possess proven budget and

fiscal abilities; interpersonal communication and organizational skills, and a team orientation. Excellent project management skills are required. The candidate should possess strong writing skills. Limited travel. Spanish language candidates will be offered special consideration. The ideal candidate will support and actively build an office culture dedicated to superior service that exceeds member and attendee expectations. Education: Bachelor’s degree required. Our small office (6 staff members) offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, IRA SIMPLE plan with company match, up to two remote days per week, and a business casual dress code and atmosphere. The salary range is between $80-$90,000. For more information about the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA) and our programs, visit www.ilca.net.

as well as subcontractors. The position would be responsible for daily communication with our design team, purchaser, and installation crews to ensure the work is completed properly and efficiently. The ability to read and understand site plans and construction details as well as a thorough knowledge of hardscape/softscape materials and proper installation methods is required. Microsoft Office and Excel knowledge is a plus. We offer excellent salary, health, and retirement benefits.

Email resume to: Scott Grams, Executive Director, sgrams@ilca.net. Construction Manager, Project Foreman, Project Installers EXPERIENCED CONSTRUCTION MANAGER CB Conlin Landscapes Inc. is seeking an experienced Construction Manager who can effectively schedule, organize, coordinate, and oversee our in-house residential hardscape and landscape installation crews

Call Abbey for more information at (847) 287-7962 Or visit jamesmartinassociates.com/careers 138

The Landscape Contractor February 2024

Please forward resumes to slucchetti@ cbconlin.com or call (630) 416-8998 for more information. PROJECT FOREMAN CB Conlin Landscapes Inc. is seeking an experienced Project Foreman who can effectively lead a team of 3-4 hardscape installers. The ability to understand site plans and construction details as well as knowledge of hardscape materials such as pavers, clay brick, and natural stone is a must. Must have a valid Driver’s License, CDL is a plus. We offer very competitive hourly pay along with health and retirement benefits. Please email resumes to slucchetti@cbconlin.com or call (630) 416-8998 for more information. (Classified ads continued on page 140)

jamesmartinassociates.com | (847) 634-1660

www.craigbergmann.com

Considering a change?

GROW with us. Craig Bergmann Landscape Design is currently hiring to fill the following positions:

Landscape Designers (Senior and Mid-Level), Project Manager, Lead Gardeners, Skilled Landscape Foreman & Laborers, Human Resources (Bilingual), and Nursery Administration Please submit your resume to info@craigbergmann.com or call 847-251-8355.

Classified Ads HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

PROJECT INSTALLERS CB Conlin Landscapes Inc. is seeking experienced hardscape and softscape installers. Valid Driver’s License and CDL are a plus. We offer very competitive hourly pay, health and retirement benefits, and opportunities for advancement. Please email resumes to slucchetti@cbconlin.com or call (630) 416-8998 for more information.

and lots of paid time off. For the full job description please visit our website, www.lupferlandscaping.com.

Landscape Construction Project Manager This position is responsible for supervising landscape construction projects to accommodate client needs and expectations. Job duties include managing high-end residential landscaping projects, coordinating with sales and production teams, and overseeing construction crews. Responsibilities include planning and coordinating all aspects of landscape construction, ultimately ensuring customer satisfaction by delivering projects according to the design plan and within budgeted man hours. How to apply: https://www.doeringlandscape.com/join-doering-landscape-team/

Operations Manager - Top Pay, Great Work Environment! If you’re looking for an employer who is driven by quality instead of investors who are driven by margins, look to Lupfer Landscaping when considering your next career move.Lupfer Landscaping is a boutique, owner-operated company in the western suburbs of Chicago. We offer one of the highest salaries for experience in the industry, a dynamic family-friendly work environment with an emphasis on work/ life balance, health insurance coverage,

How to apply: Please submit your resume to gretchen@lupferlandscaping.com

Turf, Tree, & Shrub Technician Full-Time Join Poul’s Landscaping in Long Grove, IL! Now hiring a Full-Time Turf, Tree, and Shrub Technician for our Plant Health Care Division. Responsibilities include lawn, tree, and shrub care applications, pest and disease identification, and client communication. Training provided. Required: Valid driver’s license and Pesticide Operator’s License. Earn $2025/hour, plus benefits like paid holidays, personal time off, bonuses, and educational opportunities. Take your career to new (Classified ads continued on page 142) heights – apply today! Learn more at www.pouls.com. How to apply: Email your resume to info@pouls.com

SINCE 1917

CULTIVATE your career

NOW HIRING | LEARN MORE | 140

The Landscape Contractor February 2024

Classified Ads HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Turf, Tree, & Shrub Technician - FullTime Join Poul’s Landscaping in Long Grove, IL! Now hiring a Full-Time Turf, Tree, and Shrub Technician for our Plant Health Care Division. Responsibilities include lawn, tree, and shrub care applications, pest and disease identification, and client communication. Training provided. Required: Valid driver’s license and Pesticide Operator’s License. Earn $2025/hour, plus benefits like paid holidays, personal time off, bonuses, and educational opportunities. Take your career to new heights – apply today! Learn more at www.pouls.com. How to apply: Email your resume to info@pouls.com

Landscape Designer Are you a skilled landscape designer passionate about creating outdoor spaces that captivate and inspire? Join Poul’s Landscaping and Nursery, Inc., based in Long Grove, IL, and become a vital part of our thriving team as we gear up for the upcoming season. At Poul’s, we recognize that our strength lies in the individuals who make up our team. We prioritize the well-being of our employees by fostering a healthy work/life balance, ensuring that you not only excel in your role but also have ample time to spend with your loved ones. As an experienced landscape designer, your talent will contribute to our continued growth and success. Poul’s is committed to providing competitive compensation packages, comprehensive health insurance, a 401(k) plan, and various other benefits to support your professional and personal development. For specific position requirements and a detailed overview of our benefits, please visit our website at www.pouls.com. Ready to take the next steps? Send your resume to andrew@pouls.com. Financial Officer - Green Industry This position manages and grows the loan and lease portfolio in the green industry through counseling and servicing existing clients while pursuing new loan sales development opportunities with prospective clients. Builds strong client relationships and provides innovative and workable alternatives to solve problems clients face in the nursery, greenhouse, and other green industry operations. Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience; Experience in agribusiness/ green industry or similar experience in agriculture credit or closely related field; knowledge of nursery and greenhouse production methods, garden center products, and green industry business management/ finance. How to apply: https://www.compeer.com/ careers

Landscape Designer Full Time Job description: Our award-winning Landscape Department is growing and we would like to add YOU to our amazing team! Requirements: B.S. in Horticulture or 2-year Associate’s Degree in Horticulture. Two to five years of experience with a design/build firm. Excellent knowledge of local plant materials (trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals). Knowledge of hardscape elements and skills in quoting. Proficient in Microsoft Suite including Word and Excel. Knowledge of Dynascape Design Program and Uvision Program is a plus.

Excellent communication skills with both clients and crews. Skilled in project management. Spanish speaking is a plus. How to apply: Email Resume to Grace@ countrysideflowershop.com Landscape Designer/Architect/Sales Doering Landscape Company is seeking a highly motivated, career-oriented person with a passion for innovative design. This position has the responsibility to develop, organize and execute landscape design solutions for presentations and sales to clients. This process involves meeting with clients, identifying plant materials, creating estimates and proposals, which lead to the purchase of landscape construction services. The position also is responsible for coordinating and supervising construction services and subcontractors. How to apply: https://www.doeringlandscape.com/join-doering-landscape-team/

(Classified ads continued on page 144)

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The Landscape Contractor February 2024

WE’RE HIRING! If you’re looking for an employer who is driven by quality instead of an investor who is driven by a margin, look to Lupfer Landscaping when considering your next career move.

OPEN POSITIONS INCLUDE: n

OPERATIONS MANAGER

LANDSCAPE DESIGNER

Lupfer Landscaping is a boutique, owner-operated company that’s been proudly serving high-end residential clients and small commercial accounts in the western suburbs of Chicago for more than 30 years. We offer one of the highest salaries for experience in the industry, a dynamic family-friendly work environment with an emphasis on work/life balance, health insurance coverage, and lots of paid time-off. To learn more and apply today, visit https://lupferlandscaping.com/about or scan the QR code:

LupferLandscaping.com

Inspiration Alley Editor’s Note: Over time, we run across a mountain of fun, innovative, and generally creative ideas. They don’t always fit with the magazine content, but we do collect them for some future use. This brings us to Inspiration Alley, a place where we display pure creativity. It’s up to you to judge the merit of each offering. So use it, lose it or be inspired to try something different.

Small Wonders By Nina A. Koziol

They’re coming. Not today, but soon. The first flowering bulbs and they’re tiny, too. Snowdrops. Tete-a-Tete daffodils. Bloodroot, trout lily, crocus and others that offer color before hostas and ferns emerge. Your clients will notice. Now’s the time to have them sign on for fall bulb planting.

Snowdrops

Mini daffodils

HELP WANTED Landscape Account Manager Tired of working for the BIG company where you are just a small fish in a BIG pond? Tired of promises not kept. Or, are you with a small company going nowhere? My name is Geno Neri the owner of Neri Landscape! You see I love landscaping, We have been in business for over 25 years! My problem, because we continue to grow, I need another great account manager for my company. I’m looking for a mature person who is working as an account manager now. I’m looking for a “people person” to add to our, can do it, positive culture. Someone with a great attitude, I can trust with my clients. What are the benefits of this position? It’s full-time with an annual salary. Don’t worry, I’m going to pay you better than my competition so you’re happy, so you can make our clients happy so I can be happy. And there’s more. You get, medical insurance, major holidays paid, a mobile phone, a laptop computer, vacation, and most importantly, respect. So, if you want to work in a small pond and be a BIG fish send me your resume, and then let’s talk. You can help solve my problem and perhaps I can help you solve yours. For more information about my company go to the Neri Landscape website or email/call my cell phone at Geno@nerilandscape.com / (630)338-3557 Job Type: Full-time, Salary: $65,000.00 $95,000.00 per year Benefits: 401(k) matching, Health insurance, Paid time off Bonus opportunities, Commission pay, Work Location: Batavia IL How to apply: Please email your resume to Geno@ Nerilandscape.com

Hyacinths

Crocus

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Classified Ads

The Landscape Contractor February 2024

Advertisers 1st Choice Equipment..........................................44

Fox Ridge Nursery .............................................18

Pine Hall Brick ...................................................124

A Block Marketing............................................. 17

Goodmark Nurseries ...........................................135

Premier Service ..................................................137

Ag Tech Technologies Solutions .................110

Green Glen Nursery ...........................................147

W&E Radtke, Inc. .............................................111

Alta Equipment .................................................127

Greenspace Turf ...................................................42

Reflections water, light, stone .............................35

Arlington Power Equipment ................................43

Harrell’s ..............................................................128

RentalMax ..........................................................107

Arthur Clesen, Inc. .............................................114

Hinsdale Nurseries, Inc. .......................................14

Rocks Etc............................................................133

Bailey Nurseries ..................................................41

Homer Industries, Inc. .............................................37

Russo Power Equipment ....................................103

Bartlett Tree Experts .......................................111

Husqvarna ..............................................................9

SAT Quote .........................................................101

Belden Brick Co. ...............................................126

IFSCC......................................................121

Site One Landscape Supply .................................99

Blue Grass Farms .................................................56

Intrinsic Perennial Gardens ..................................120

Spring Meadow Nursery.......................................25

Bowling Nursery ..................................................98

Ivanhoe Nursery ..................................................129

Stantec Native Plant Nursery .............................118

Capital Stoneworks ............................................116

JKS Ventures........................................................128

Star Roses and Plants .....................................23, 53

Cassidy Tire ..........................................................45

James Martin Associates.....................................138

Straughan Farm Inc. ............................................47

Cedar Path Nurseries ............................................33

Kankakee Nursery ..............................................125

The Mulch Center ................................................27

Chalet .................................................................140

Kuenzi Turf & Nursery ........................................34

The Tree Connection ...........................................39

Chi Turf ...............................................................105

Lafarge Fox River Stone ......................................49

Turtle Creek Nursery ...........................................20

Clesen Wholesale ................................................117

Longshadow Planters ...........................................15

Unilock ...............................................................148

Conserv FS ..........................................................109

Lupfer Landscpaing ............................................143

Vermeer Midwest .................................................51

Craig Bergmann Landscape Design..................139

Lurvey Landscape Supply ..................................2-3

Wheaton Mulch ..................................................133

Crum-Halsted.....................................................115

Mariani Plants ........................................................7

Wilson Nurseries and Landscape Supply ............55

Dauer Mfg. .........................................................54

Mariani Plants En Espanol..................................131

Xylem Ltd. ........................................................133

Dayton Bag & Burlap .........................................115

McCann Industries ................................................31

Yellowstone Landscape .....................................141

Deerpath Nurseries ...........................................119

McGinty Bros. ...................................................131

DeVroomen Garden Products .............................95

Midwest Groundcovers ..........................................4

DeWitt ..................................................................97

Midwest Trading ..................................................13

Doty Nurseries LLC ..............................................6

Midwest Tropicals ..............................................113

Earth Planter .......................................................123

Northern Family Farms ......................................117

Eden Stone ...........................................................29

North Shore Truck & Equipment..........................21

Emergent Safety Supply ......................................133

Perfect Turf ..........................................................52

Environmental Design Inc. ................................123

Petitti Family of Farms ........................................93

The Landscape Contractor February 2024

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Before You Go —

Hawthorns — A Buffet for Birds by Mark Dwyer

t’s becoming more common for our landscape clients to request plant material to support wildlife and that universally includes birds. With $4 billion spent domestically on bird seed, there are certainly some plant selections we can offer to help support over-wintering birds with persistent and nutritious fruits. While a wide range of crabapples (Malus sp.) certainly come to mind, I feel that hawthorns (Crataegus sp.) are given short shrift in the green industry and are underrepresented in our landscapes. A wide range of native, hardy and adaptable hawthorns fit the bill as reliable, small to medium size trees with the benefits of beautiful, early spring flowers (nectar-rich) and copious amounts of colorful fruits (pomes or “haws”) in late summer that typically persist into the leaner winter months where they sweeten with age. Some species and selections have decent fall color or ornamental bark but the primary features are undoubtably the flowers and fruits. Aside from the ornamental contributions and addition of form and scale to the landscape, hawthorns provide a significant ecological benefit to our resident wildlife communities. Hawthorns, with their dense branching and those with thorns, are attractive sheltering and nesting sites for birds as well. I’m a huge fan of three particular hawthorns that are at the top of the list for my “bird supporting” clients. The ‘Winter King’ green hawthorn (Crataegus viridis) is a personal favorite with a profusion of white, spring blooms and lots of larger, red-orange fruits. Fall color can be a scarlet-purple and the

Crataegus phaenopyrum ‘Lustre’

146

bark gets interesting with age. This medium tree (30’x30’) is also largely spineless and thrives in a wide range of locations. In early to mid-winter, this tree is a bird magnet. The ‘Lustre’ Washington hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum) is a bit more pyramidal in youth but has similar features while reaching 25’ in both height and width. The selection ‘Vaughn’ is a hybrid of Crataegus crusgalli x C. phaenopyrum. Reaching 20’ tall and wide in time, it features fragrant clusters of white flowers in the spring and prolific red fruits that persist into winter. Both ‘Lustre’ and ‘Vaughn’ do have thorns which should be a consideration when placing them near walkways or mowing routes. However, that thorniness makes them excellent for wildlife sheltering. This member of the Rosaceae family is not without some challenges and considerations. Thorniness aside, I find that aggressive and repeated thinning of younger specimens allows for better air circulation and reduced congestion that becomes increasingly more challenging to address later in life. I’m very “robust” with late winter thinning on all hawthorns and have the scars to prove it. Don’t be shy. Cedar hawthorn rust, fireblight, apple scab and other ailments are not uncommon on hawthorns and the foliage can look far from pristine late in the season. However, their hardiness, vigor and durability make them a solid selection, along with their immense value of providing lingering fruits that sweeten after a few frosts and provide food for a needy winter bird population as well as other wildlife.

Crataegus viridis ‘Winter King’

The Landscape Contractor February 2024

Crataegus phaenopyrum ‘Lustre’

Seminars

NEW PRODUCT INNOVATION

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F I N D A F R E E S E M I N A R N E A R YO U 8:00 AM REGISTRATION // EVENT 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

WHEATON, IL Tues. Feb. 27 & Wed. Feb. 28, 2024 DuPage County Fairgrounds

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