The Landscape Contractor magazine JUL.23 DIGITAL EDITION

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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 64, Number 7. 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

ILCA Staff

Executive Director Scott Grams (630) 472-2851 sgrams@ilca.net

Statewide Director of Development Kellie Schmidt kschmidt@ilca.com

Education Manager

AnneMarie Drufke adrufke@ilca.net

Events Manager Terre Houte thoute@ilca.net

Office Manager

Alycia Nagy anagy@ilca.net

Membership & Marketing Manager

Marissa Stubler mstubler@ilca.net

Magazine Staff

Rick Reuland Publisher/Advertising Sales (630) 637-8632 rmgi@comcast.net

Debbie Rauen Advertising Sales (817-501-2403) debbie.landscapecontractor@ yahoo.com v

Meta Levin Feature Writer meta.levin@comcast.net

Nina Koziol Feature Writer n.koziol@att.net

Heather Prince Feature Writer princeht@sbcglobal.net

Patrice Peltier Feature Writer patpeltier@charter.net

Becke Davis EditorialAssistant

In the 1880s, Captain Charles Boycott probably had no idea people would still be using his name daily in 2023. Captain Boycott was an agent of a landlord in Ireland. During an especially rough time for Irish farmers near the turn of the 20th Century, the Irish League wanted a rent reduction of 25%. When Boycott’s boss only agreed to a 10% reduction, the tenants resisted. If Captain Boycott stopped by, they just, for lack of a better term, boycotted him. Then they boycotted Boycott’s fields, crops, and stables. The Irish League convinced Boycott’s employees to quit. In the end, Boycott couldn’t even get his mail delivered.

It was written at the time that, “Boycotting had strengthened the power of the peasants.” The common man now had a new mechanism in place to protest practices he did not agree with. A boycott showed solidarity and unity. Charles Boycott and his landlord did not know how to respond. When they did respond, it did not work. Finally, only after charges of conspiracy from the courts and acts of British Parliament did the boycott come to an end. Like most boycotts, the details are lost to history replaced by only a vague recollection of what occurred.

From Where I Stand — Bombs Away

It seems that product boycotts have become the summer obsession for some consumers. Bud Light kicked off boycott season and that has since spread to Target, Patagonia, Chick-Fil-A, Major League Baseball, Cracker Barrel, and dozens of other brands. If you think hard enough, you can recall hazy memories of boycotts from the past few yearsUnited Airlines, BP, Nike, Amazon, the NFL, Goya Beans, etc.

I’m sure the details of these past boycotts have grown hazy for these companies, too. Yet, if you asked those brands in the throes of the boycott, most would have been losing their minds. They probably called emergency meetings, staved off mutinies from shareholders, hired PR firms, flooded social media, issued statements, and tried a whole bunch of other stuff that totally didn’t work.

A company being boycotted is like a person with the hiccups. At first, they are annoyed they have to deal with this. That immediately gives way to absolute panic that they will have the hiccups for the rest of their lives. Then, the hiccups just go away as mysteriously as they arrived.

This column is going to discuss two sets of hiccups — boycotts and negative reviews known as Review Bombs. Boycotts and bombs, bombs and boycotts.

I am going to spend just a little time on boycotts because most landscape businesses, outside of a few mega-agrichemical companies will never have to deal with one. Landscape companies are too small to matter to the boycottn’ crowd. The closest we have to a boycott is probably No Mow May and that is really just a minor eye-roll for most service providers.

Even 150 years after Captain Boycott, companies are still miserable at dealing with them. Anheuser-Busch will be taught in PR classes for years about how NOT to deal with a consumer boycott. At every turn, Bud Light tripped over themselves with meandering messaging, acts of contrition, self-flagellation, claims of ignorance, playing both sides, bizarre counter messaging, before finally coming to a spot where everyone was either mad, annoyed, or exhausted.

The reason this occurred was because Bud Light assumed the boycott was about Bud Light. Their myopic view was that they must be the star of this show because people are angry at them and blasting shotgun shells through their product. Boycotts are never about brand, just like the first boycott wasn’t about Charles Boycott. Boycotts fall into two classes: instrumental where the goals of the activists are clear or noninstrumental where consumers want change, but are very vague and not even satisfied when they get it. Non-instrumental boycotts like Bud Light have very high emotional intensity. That intensity is further heightened the more the boycott grows. That intensity peaks when a direct hit is scored on the brand in terms of negative press, financial loss, personnel changes, and a cratering of the stock price.

The Bud Light boycott hit on all fronts. It was the perfect non-instrumental boycott. Brands are powerless because the act of the boycott is more important than the product being boycotted. Brands issue bland statements like, “Our product is supposed to unite, not divide.” That is seen either as disingenuous or weak depending on what side you are on.

Eventually all boycotts end in the opposite way in which they start. In the beginning, the loudest, galvanizing forces attract less committed voices. Over time, those less committed to the boycott want to stop driving past Target to get to Meijer or want a $12 case of Bud Light and quiet quit the boycott. The loud, motivated core continues to urge solidarity, but the boycott fades. Boycotts all start with a bang, and end with a whimper.

Speaking of bangs, let’s talk bombs. Negative review bombs on your social media are quite different than boycotts. With a review bomb, it is absolutely, 100%, without fail, no bones about it, about the brand. These are direct assaults with one singular purpose — to wipe the brand off the face of the earth. If a company hunkers down and waits it out like with a boycott, that bunker needs to be pretty deep.

It is almost guaranteed that landscape companies will fall victim to negative reviews. As much as seasoned, hardened small business owners want to admit, negative internet reviews drive them insane. This is partly because landscaping is a referral-based industry with a massive amount of competition. The other reason is that we are all human beings. When we pour our heart and soul into a business is it such a big ask for everyone to like us?

First, to clarify. A review bomb is much different from a legitimate negative review on Google, Yelp, or any other review aggregator. A legitimate review is going to be from an actual customer who had a bad experience and are using a platform to share that bad experience. These reviews should be publicly addressed by the business, head-on, and with a high degree of care and empathy. A business should address the problem, apologize, offer a remedy, explain steps put into place to prevent a repeat incident, and offer a direct line of communication for a follow-up. The negative review will stand, but how the business responds to a legitimate review will illustrate a commitment to customer service. It also helps differentiate between a legitimate review and the most insidious of all online vandalism — the review bomb.

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A review bomb is from an entity who did not interact with the business in the way they claim. These can be from actual people, online avatars, ex-employees, bots, and even competitors. When ILCA posted on Facebook about this to our closed member group, members reached out directly. The stories are gross. Past employees, spouses of rivals, someone going by the name Anon Ymous, made-up profiles using stock images of smiling upper middle-class women, and so on. There were stories of fraudulent “Reputation Management Firms” who helped companies get rid of the negative review the Reputation Managers posted themselves. All of these member stories had three things in common: the reviews were blistering, erroneous, and the review sites will do nothing about them.

Contractors, through no fault of their own, see their overall rating drop in light of these review bombs. When the companies reached out to Google to report the review, they are all told the same thing — the review did not use racism or sexism or profanity and therefore did not violate their terms of service. I guess the fact the reviewer had never used the actual product is immaterial.

Until the review sites change (and they won’t) businesses have to accept that review bombs will occur. It may feel good to do some detective work and fire off a nastygram to Google, but it won’t help. The bomb has been seared into your Google Reviews like a brand onto a bull. Businesses have to remember why the review was posted — to hurt your business by creating doubt in the mind of future customers. It is the job of the business to inject enough doubt of its own to balance the teetertotter.

To be effective, respond to legitimate reviews with legitimate empathy, but go after review bombs with a snarky, internet-appropriate style. Be a little glib, provide the receipts that you have no record of the exchange, demonstrate how you handle legitimate negative reviews, and poke a little fun at them. Use specific information and imply you know the real story. The response is performative. It is not intended to fix the negative review. The review bomber wants to hurt you. You are writing a response for the next customer. It is the job of the business to inject doubt into the exchange to nullify the bomb. You are diffusing the bomb in real time. Cut the red wire!

Boycotts and bombs are by-products of today’s social media age. Everyone wants to be more famous than they are. Everyone wants to be entertained. Everyone wants to feel a little rush of power by making something go boom. Hating the game is not the answer. Maybe the end result is that businesses get so many positive and negative reviews that we all end up with 3.6 stars and nothing means anything. Until that happens, businesses should ditch the rules of engagement they learned in the past. This is war with live ammo. When that grenade falls in your trench, toss it right back.

Boycotts are scary in the moment, but harmless over time. Reviews are harmless in the moment with a cumulative effect over time. Charles Boycott eventually returned to life as a rent collector and lived a happy life. He even came to the United States. He returned to England, where he died at the age of 65. He gave his steamship journey home 2.3 stars –would not go again.

Sincerely,

Scott Grams, Executive Director June 15, 2023

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

Eric Adams Russo Power Equipment (847) 233-7811 eadams@russopower.com

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

Ryan Heitman

The Fisher Burton Company (847) 566-9200 ryanheitman@fisherburton.com

Tom Klitzkie Nature’s Perspective Landscaping (847) 475-7917 tklitzkie@naturesperspective.com

Dean MacMorris Night Light, Inc. (630) 627-1111 dean@nightlightinc.net

Kevin Manning K & D Enterprise Landscape Management, Inc. (815) 725-0758 kmanning@kdlandscapeinc.com

Kevin McGowen Kaknes/SiteOne 31W245 Diehl Road Naperville, IL 60563

Mark Utendorf Emerald Lawn Care, Inc. (847) 392-7097 marku@emeraldlawncare.com

President’s Message —

I am honored to be the next president of the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association. If you told me 10 years ago as a brand new member of the membership committee that I would be President, I would have laughed and said, “No way, who do you think I am?”

I am truly grateful for the opportunities that ILCA has offered. As a young professional--and yes I still qualify for the young professional outings for another year--it’s intimidating to join a new industry straight out of college. Of course, my parents, Kurt and Sharon Marrin, immediately took me under their wing. One the best things they did for me was require that I be involved with ILCA. They were certainly one of the very early members and attended ILCA events. My involvement with the Association has helped make me the professional I am today. Serving on the Membership Committee, the Experience Committee, and four years on the board of directors allowed me to make invaluable connections and meet so many fascinating people. I’ve been inspired by so many who, without hesitation, shared their knowledge and advice. I am forever grateful fo the confidence my peers had in electing me as president.

For those of you who don’t know me, I joined the landscape industry in 2011 after graduating from South Dakota State University with a BA in Landscape Architecture and a minor in both business and equine science. My parents graciously asked me to join them in their landscape design build business during a very difficult time for the industry. My brother, Adam, and I are the second generation to continue our family business, and we do not take that responsibility lightly. For those who do know me, it is no secret that I love horses! I competed for my college as a NCAA equestrian athlete. I ride my horse Stella and compete in shows. How do I have time to work in such a demanding and seasonal industry and still find time to go ride my horse every night? One word. Passion. I have passion for riding and competing, and for the landscape industry that fills me with energy, pride, and hunger. Passion to learn and do more.

Over the next 18 months, I promise to continue that passion as we enter into a momentous unification with the Illinois Green Industry Association. The strength and future of our industry in Illinois is brilliant. At this time of year, many of us are just trying to make it through the season, but take the time to reflect on how lucky we are to offer services in high demand--and have a fantastic association supporting us every step of the way. Thank you to all the volunteers who bring passion to every meeting and event. The ILCA is successful because we have extremely dedicated members who put in a lot of hours and hard work on your behalf.

Sincererly,

Ashley Marrin

Es un honor para mí ser el próximo presidente de la Illinois Landscape Contractor’s Association. Si me hubiesen dicho hace 10 años cuando yo era un miembro nuevo del comité de membresía que sería Presidente, me habría reído y dicho, “Imposible, ¿quién creen ustedes que soy?” Agradezco sinceramente la oportunidad que ILCA me ofrece. Como un joven profesional –y sí, todavía califico para las excursiones de jóvenes profesionales por un año más—es intimidante incorporarse a una nueva industria al salir de la universidad. Por supuesto, mis padres, Kurt y Sharon Marrin, inmediatamente me acogieron bajo sus alas. Una de las mejores cosas que hicieron por mí fue aconsejarme que me involucrara con ILCA. Ellos fueron de los primeros miembros y asistían a los eventos de ILCA. Mi involucramiento con la Asociación me ha ayudado a convertirme en el profesional que soy actualmente. Servir en el Comité de Membresía, el Comité de la Experiencia y cuatro años en la junta directive me permitió establecer conexiones invaluables y conocer a tanta gente fascinante. Me han inspirado muchos que, sin vacilar, compartieron sus conocimientos y consejos. Estaré siempre agradecido por la confianza que mis compañeros pusieron en mí al elegirme presidente.

Para quienes no me conocen, me incorporé a la industria paisajista en 2011 después de graduarme de la South Dakota State University con una Licenciatura en Arquitectura Paisajista y una subespecialidad en administración de empresas y ciencias equinas. Mis padres amablemente me pidieron que los acompañara en su empresa de diseño y construcción paisajista durante una época muy difícil para la industria. Mi hermano, Adam, y yo somos la segunda generación que continúa el negocio de la familia y no tomamos esa responsabilidad a la ligera. ¡Para quienes me conocen, no es secreto que amo los caballos! Competí para mi Universidad como atleta ecuestre de la NCAA. Monto mi caballo Stella y compito en espectáculos ecuestres. ¿Cómo tengo tiempo para trabajar en una industria tan exigente y estacional y al mismo tiempo montar mi caballo todas las noches? Una palabra. Pasión. Siento pasión por montar y competir y por la industria paisajista que me llena de energía, orgullo y motivación. Pasión por aprender y más.

En los próximos 18 meses, prometo continuar con esa pasión a medida que entramos en una unificación trascendental con la Illinois Green Industry Association. El futuro de nuestra industria en Illinois es brillante debido a la fuerza de nuestra gente. En esta época del año, muchos de nosotros solo tratamos de pasar la temporada, pero dediquemos tiempo a reflexionar sobre cuán afortunados somos de ofrecer servicios con mucha demanda y tener una fantástica asociación que nos apoya en cada paso del camino. Gracias a todos los voluntarios que aportan pasión a todas las reuniones y eventos. La ILCA tiene éxito porque contamos con miembros extremadamente dedicados que invierten muchas horas trabajando intensamente en beneficio suyo. Atentamente,

Ashley Marrin

For this project, we paired classic styling with exacting proportions for a grand poolside retreat that pays homage to the magnificent presence of the home. We created a bluestone terrace at the rear door and equipped it with a sleek outdoor kitchen, perfect for intimate family dining events. At the other end of the scale spectrum, we crafted a large pool deck with a great deal of space throughout that can easily accommodate large groups. We created a raised terrace and built a lounge space with a per-

gola and outdoor fireplace which together create an intimate ambiance. We created a one-of-a-kind feature hidden below ground....an underground storage basement (under the pergola) to keep all pool floaties, furniture covers, and other outdoor accessories safely stowed away and out of sight. The area behind the outdoor fireplace is a natural conservation easement which we restored using carefully selected native trees and shrubs.

Arrow Land + Structures • Grayslake

Lake Forest Savanna Country Charm

Focus — The Pros at Home

ILCA Visits with Chicago Landscape Designer Clare Johnson

by Nina A. Koziol

When Clare Johnson was in school she took part in a project involving playground design. It was perfect because she was only eight years old. “I went to a progressive school in Mundelein and the project focused on visual-spacial models.” Her design? A merrygo-round. “I built a little model out of toothpicks,” she said with a laugh. “My mom told me it was architecture and later in high school I learned about landscape architecture.”

Those early experiences instilled a love of creating spaces that invite people to enjoy nature. “My dad gardened and we were always outside. As an avid gardener, hiker, and explorer, I feel it’s critical to engage with the outdoors, to connect with it and to protect it. I love to create spaces on my computer screen and see them come to life. It’s rewarding every single time.”

City in a Garden

Johnson started her career in 2011 at the Chicago Botanic Garden where she designed and worked on programming for therapeutic garden spaces. She also worked as director of design for Himsben Design Studio in Chicago, doing residential work in the city, often dealing with very confined spaces. In April she joined Site (Site Design Group, Ltd.,) in Chicago where she is a project manager.

“People want areas to lounge, to dine, a play space for kids, a place to plug in computers. We really created zones without making anything feel too boxed in.” Another challenge was estimating labor costs when machinery couldn’t be brought in.

“We’re often dealing with two to three microclimates per site. We may need to blend areas of full sun to dense shade and everything in between. A site may be taking in water from the neighboring lots.”

And then there are the clients who find the “garden of their dreams” online. “People come to us with beautiful ideas and Pinterest boards. We take the opportunity to educate them so they have some ownership— so they know what plants are going in and why, their benefits, and how big they’ll get.”

(continued on page 12)

Landscape

(continued from page 10)

Patch of Paradise

Those experiences were put to good use when she and her husband Jeffrey purchased a 1906-era house in Chicago’s Albany Park seven years ago. They faced an aging landscape, a detached garage, and a very small, but typical urban back yard. “I enjoyed many of the plant varieties, but they were starting to become overgrown with a fair amount of dieback.

Designing the 600-square-foot space to manage stormwater was critical. “The yard naturally slopes towards the house and we learned fairly quickly that in large rain events, rain was coming into our basement.” She sunk a large rain garden at the natural low point to capture the runoff and create a beautiful, natural environment for pollinators and birds.

She also wanted a more comfortable outdoor space. “The back of my house faces west, creating lots of sun and heat. In peak summer, the deck was too hot to lounge on during the late afternoon and early evening, whereas the yard was shaded by the garage and surrounding trees. I wanted to create a space where we could enjoy the warm days in comfort.” She ditched the lawn, created a patio, shifted the dining space, and transitioned the deck.

Then there was dense, compacted clay. “There was a good amount of excavation that had to be done to give air and levity to the plantings. We went down 8 to 12 inches for the patios

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(continued from page 12) and the plant areas so we could bring in topsoil and compost.” The deck received a skirt and a new stain. Almost everything else is new except for a few woodies.

“My background is therapeutic gardens and Zen gardens and with the Japanese maple on site I wanted to use some architectural evergreens— golden mop cypress and blue juniper. It’s the architecture of certain plant materials that I’m drawn to and the ease of native plant materials for pollinators.” A permeable Techo-bloc product was used for the patio.

And, the new rain garden corrals much of the excess water as well. “I love to watch the rain garden change throughout the year. Each season brings beautiful textures and colors.

I also love to see all the bees and birds. I spotted my first hummingbird in the garden last year and hope that becomes more regular in the summers to come.”

Although she included natives like ‘Standing Ovation’ serviceberry, switchgrass, prairie dropseed, bee balm and milkweed, other non-natives like Russian sage, phlox and clematis vines offer color, nectar or pollen.

“I absolutely love my rain and pollinator garden. It’s my favorite part of the garden because I let it go wild. I love designating a space to watch nature evolve.”

The foundation planting and parkway received a smaller makeover with bluestone slabs and new plants, but it’s the back patio that is Johnson’s favorite spot. A trio of stone bubbling fountains adds to the relaxing atmosphere.

(continued on page 16)

(continued from page 14)

“We entertain a lot. I have a big farm table I bring out when we’re doing a big dinner.” The project was completed in 2020. “I wanted to create a beautiful, native space of respite in our city environment. It quickly became a safe and beautiful place to gather for family and friends during the peak of the pandemic.”

Inspirations

Johnson admits to being inspired by the beauty of Piet Oudolf’s gardens. “Chicago’s Lurie Garden is still one of my favorite places to visit for native plant inspiration. I am also frequently drawn to the work of Brook Landscape in Brooklyn, New York. I love their use of mixed materials and beautiful, lush planting design in another dense, urban environment. I’d be remiss to not mention my mentor and friend, Benjamin Himschoot of Himsben Design Studio whom I had the pleasure to work with for several years.”

Moving forward

Through most of her career, Johnson’s work encompassed residential and therapeutic settings. “My approach is to create spaces that are unequivocally a reflection of my client’s taste and style. I got to work with some truly eclectic clients who weren’t afraid to do something a little different. I also design with the future in mind, recommending permeable, local, and native materials whenever I can. Overall, I approach each design with a true sense of joy for my clients. I want their landscape to be the reason they spend more time outdoors.” And that’s a good thing.

The Color Purple —

Seductive Purple Foliage for Sophisticated Landscapes

by Heather Prince

We may love the cool blues or sizzling chartreuses, but what sets off these colors in combinations?

Purple. A saturated foil of deep dark wine complements and contrasts with other colors, making them shimmer and pop. From statement trees to seductive shrubs, purple foliage can be found woven through our landscapes. Let’s take a look at some fantastic woody plants for big, bold splashes of rich dark leaves.

Make a Statement with Trees

Specimen trees give us arresting moments in the landscape. These dramatic focal points can literally stop us in our tracks and beckon for close examination. The lacy leaves of a delicate cutleaf Japanese maple can act as a purple curtain over green or gold ground covers. Your eye may skim over it at first, but its charming cascade of elegant leaves begs to be savored and enjoyed. Often, contrasting plants in blue or lime show off a Japanese maple so it doesn’t disappear into the shade. Site these tender plants carefully in part shade and out of winter winds. Japanese maples tend to be slow growing and come in a bevy of sizes and shapes from mounding shrubs to mid-sized trees. Try silvery spotted dead nettle, miniature blue hosta, or Japanese painted fern as a ground cover to highlight their dusky leaves. It’s an instantly cool combination that adds a serene element to the shade garden.

For a sun-loving purple foliage tree, consider Forest Pansy, Merlot, or Ruby Falls redbuds. Redbud thrives in part shade to full sun and tolerates a wide range of soils as long as they don’t have wet feet. Forest Pansy and Merlot cultivars are 15 to 20 feet and provide a large dollop of purple in the landscape that becomes bronze as temperatures heat up in August. Their thin twigs will be filled with the characteristic pink flowers in April. Ruby Falls is a small weeping specimen redbud that’s easily tucked into a small space. Redbud in full leaf is a coarse texture and tends to appear as a solid wall of leaves. Lighten up their heaviness with the movement of grasses like little bluestem cultivars, Indian Steel switchgrass, and blue fescue. They can also pair beautifully with delicate shrubs like basket willow, stephanandra, and Grefsheim spirea. For a zippy combination, try purple-leaved redbuds with gold falsecypress or yellow juniper. The laciness and bright needles

Diervilla Nightglow

Japanese maple and sedum

of the evergreens bring a bounce of energy to the vignette.

Make an even bigger statement with a large shade tree like Riversii beech. This medium-sized shade tree offers a huge punch of purple color all season long, deepening to purple-tinged green in August. Plant them thoughtfully as they do best in moist well-drained soils in full sun. Purple beech can also come in pillar forms for smaller spaces. Dawyck Purple and Rohanii are narrow columnar cultivars that provide purple exclamation points in the garden. There are even a few weeping forms, including Purple Fountains that also stays narrow. Because these are big dramatic specimens, underplant with shrubs to create a harmonious composition. Beech leaves have a medium-coarse texture and tend to tremble in any breeze, giving an impression of movement despite their size. Stiff silvery or golden evergreens can be a good foil for their fluttering foliage. To play off that tendency towards movement, try grasses like Japanese silver grass, Blonde Ambition side oats grama, or switch grass.

If your site’s soils won’t support a beech tree, there are also purple-leaved crabapples. These disease resistant selections love full blazing sun and can be surprisingly drought tolerant once established. Look for Profusion, Royal Raindrops, Purple Prince, and Prairifire, among others.

Blending into a Shrub Display

We have purple foliage options for every layer of the garden, but one of the most impactful choices is shrubs. They can provide an intriguing rhythm in a shrub border or highlight a foundation. Dark and mysterious, purple shrubs can be loose and flowing or tightly sheared, depending on the design demands.

Smokebush flowers

Weigela Electric Love

The Color Purple —

One of our largest showy purple shrubs is smokebush. Older cultivars can top out around 15 feet, although new shorter varieties allow us to incorporate this tough plant from the front of the border to a featured corner. Smokebush’s fluffy pink flowers that look like puffs of smoke are a charming added bonus. Because smokebush leaves are held on a long stem or petiole, they flutter in the briefest of breezes. This gives a lightness to the plant and allows you to use stiffer shrubs and perennials as a foil to its dancing leaves.

Purple-leaved elderberries offer a full sun alternative to Japanese maples with their lacy fine-cut foliage. You get all the delicate texture with a wet-tolerant, fastgrowing, deep wine-purple color. These elderberries bloom pink in large flat clustered flowers. They usually do not bear fruit, so they can be planted along walks and patios with little fear of messiness. Elderberry is a vigorous grower that may need cutting back every few years to keep it in check. Try it with coarse tall perennials like Rudbeckia maxima, Gateway Joe Pye weed, and queen of the prairie for a dynamic combination that will likely hide the neighbors.

Ninebark in bloom

Purple Fountains beech

For four-season fabulousness, try ninebarks. Their purple foliage is spangled in small clusters of pinkish-white flowers in spring, summer brings non-stop richly hued leaves, then reddish-bronze fall color and shreddy bark for winter interest. Happy in full sun to part shade and drought tolerant once established, ninebarks have fast become popular for residential and commercial sites. There is a range of sizes from Little Devil’s 3 to 4 feet up to Diablo’s 8 to 10 feet. Ninebarks naturally have a fountainy arching shape that pairs beautifully with upright grasses like big bluestem cultivars, switchgrass cultivars, and Karl Foerster feather reed grass. Its soft shape can also be dynamic with long-blooming perennials like echinacea, rudbeckia, and calamint.

An heirloom shrub that has been revitalized with new breeding, weigela offers many purple-leaved cultivars that also feature showy white or deep pink tubular

Ruby Falls redbud

The Color Purple —

flowers in May. The shiny, plasticky texture of weigela leaves can almost shimmer in the purple cultivars. They also take shearing well, making them an interesting boxwood alterna tive for small hedges. Check out Electric Love™ and Midnight Wine Shine®, that are tiny one to two-foot varieties perfect to weave into perennial borders. There are 3 to 4-foot cultivars that make outstanding foundation plants including the clas sic Wine & Roses. Weigela’s tubular flowers are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, making them at home in a pol linator garden. Try them with late blooming bulbs and springflowering perennials. They can provide beautiful contrast with dianthus, coral bells, and geums.

For full sun to full shade, Diervilla or bush honeysuckle is a tough, hardy, adaptable shrub that blooms in sulfur yellow clusters in heat of summer. Look for Kodiak® Black for a 3 to 4-foot selection or Firefly™ Nightglow™ for slightly smaller at 2 to 3-feet. These are soft, rounded shrubs whose foliage is most intense in spring before turning deep red in fall. They can be a terrific alternative to burning bush in the shade garden. Pollinators flock to the yellow flowers in July and August. Underplant these with short sedges or weave them through variegated Solomon’s seal with mid-sized ferns for a beautiful, layered effect.

There are many more purple-leaved plants to explore of all shapes and sizes. Readily available from member growers, give some a try this year to add punch and drama to your designs.

Dawyck beech

A. Waldbart & Sons Nursery Dorsey, IL • 618-585-3414

Creekside Gardens Collinsville, IL • 618-344-7054

Proven to perform in our landscapes and yours, this reliable beauty sets buds along the entire stem, not just at the tips. So even if it’s cut back or damaged by cold, the old wood buds still develop into flowers. Plus, it reblooms faster, providing a continuous floral display all season long.

Goodmark Nursery Wonder Lake, IL • 815-653-9293

Hoerr Nursery Peoria, IL • 309-453-9013

Rolling Hills Nursery Prairie View, IL • 847-634-3200

Turk’s Greenhouse Grayslake, IL • 847-546-1569

Tantalizing structures and flowering

by Nina A. Koziol

There’s often a dilemma facing designers and contractors when working in tight spaces. How can you make your design stand out when a backyard is 25 feet by 40 feet at most? Structure! Trellises, arbors, pergolas, tuteurs or obelisks — all function to add height. The icing on the cake — a flowering vine.

Leo Kelly, president of Kellygreen Design, Inc. in Palatine, has created custom structures for more than 40 years. “Everything we do is to fulfill someone’s dream. The best structures are those that take cues off the residence whether it’s a Victorian home, a ranch house or something new and sprawling.” His firm has created everything from trellises, obelisks, arbors, furniture and decks to custom fences and planters, driveway gates, and high-end pergolas covering outdoor kitchens, patios and pool decks.

“There are so many opportunities out there,” Kelly said. “You’re often limited by narrow planting beds between a house or garage and a sidewalk. That’s where a trellis makes sense.” When you can’t plant a shrub in a three-foot-wide border, a flowering vine on a trellis brings color up near eye level. An obelisk placed in a narrow border creates a focal point and an interesting support for smaller annual vines like cypress vine with its tubular red, pink or white flowers.

When it comes to annual vines, horticulturist Greg Stack of Ted’s Greenhouse in Tinley Park has his favorites. “I like Mina lobata, cardinal climber, moon flower, Thunbergia (black-eyed Susan vine), the ever popular morning glory, scarlet runner bean, hyacinth bean, gourds of all kinds, and butterfly pea.”

For clients who want something more permanent, there are plenty of perennial vines. “There’s clematis, climbing hydrangea, hardy kiwi, Japanese honeysuckle, Autumn Revolution bittersweet (Celastrus scandens ‘Bailumn’) because it is self fruitful, as well as hops, and climbing roses.”

For Matt Dingledein, outside sales manager for Midwest

“Gardens are getting smaller—they’re not getting shorter,” says plantsman Tony Avent, owner of Plant Delights Nursery in Raleigh, N.C.

“There’s a time and a place for short plants, but we need height!”

Clematis and honeysuckle entwined on a pergola

flowering climbers for your projects

Summer-blooming Clematis,

Annual Hyacinth Bean

Annual Painted Lady Runner Bean,

At the Corner of (Holly)Wood and Vine —

Groundcovers, it’s clematis. “I can’t seem to get enough Clematis terniflora

Of course it’s beautiful in flower, but the dried seed heads and foliage offer a very unique texture in the winter garden. I love the plant’s form. We do our best to train it onto a plane where it can twine freely.”

Trellis panels work well especially in small gardens where space is limited. “When I was growing up, every house had an inexpensive white fan-shaped trellis,” said Hans Hansen, plant breeder extraordinaire at Walter’s Gardens in Zeeland, Michigan. “I tend to enjoy the common things in other people’s gardens, but I like climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala

subsp. petiolaris). I like the bark and the flowers and it’s underutilized.”

There are natives, like Lonicera reticulata (grape honeysuckle), that Hansen admires. “The flowers are not significant but it looks like silver-dollar eucalyptus.” While flowering vines are eye catching, Hansen has trained a weeping larch along the rail of his deck. “Weeping cedars can be trained too, but they’re just barely hardy here.”

Marya Padour, head gardener at Camp Rosemary in Lake Forest, combines honeysuckle and clematis vines together at the bases of a long pergola. Careful pruning opens up the plants and

allows air to circulate and encourages flowering.

Pruning clematis, however, can be very confusing and it’s determined by when the plant blooms. Clematis in Group 1 are spring-blooming vines that flower on old growth. Group 2 are repeat blooming vines that flower in late spring or early summer and sporadically on new and old growth. Group 3 are summer and fall-flowering vines that flower on new growth.

But what if you don’t know the cultivar on the site and it’s a tangled mess of live and dried stems? The leafy spring growth from the buds indicates a vine

Wisteria scrambles up this custom wood and wire

Native Virginia creeper twirls around a KellyGreen Design custom paneltrellis

At the Corner of (Holly)Wood and Vine —

is alive. You can simply cut out the dead wood, working from top to bottom of each vine until you find a live bud or growth. Continue pruning all the vines until each is either pruned back to new growth or to the ground if the shoot is dead.

Vines aren’t the only thing that need annual care. Regular maintenance extends the life of wood structures. “Maintenance is the most important thing — I think about how the piece can be maintained either by us, the client or another professional,” Kelly said. “I tend to take vines off every year or

two—taking the trellis panel off the wall—cleaning it up and putting it back. My wife Kimberly is tremendous at pruning things and she likes to see the structure so she selectively prunes. Most people let the vine go and it’s now a tree and it deteriorates the product faster and shortens the life of it as well.”

On your next site visit, analyze the client’s space and consider adding some interesting vertical structures. Stand-alone trellis panels are practical when you want to screen a view. An arbor creates an entry point. And a pergola? Let’s just call it Dreamy Hollywood.

A KellyGreen Design tuteur creates a focal point while the arbor becomes a doorway into the garden

Babylon Chicago —

Fulton Market Panorama: A Room with a View

by Heather Prince

The Brief

Editor’s Preface:

Babylon Chicago begins an interesting series of stories about elevated gardens, sometimes far from the pedestrian eye. The roots of this series go back to the 2022 Design Tour in Chicago. There, I had an interesting conversation with a long-time ILCA member about the challenges he had getting specimen trees to a hidden roof deck on a 40+ story roof garden. Almost 12 months to the date of that conversation, I am pleased to introduce this feature series. RR

InChicago,

there are a wealth of intriguing garden spaces that dwell above the pavement, from rooftops, to terraces, balconies, and more. In the heart of the bustling Fulton Market District, a hip and modern rooftop retreat provides endless views of the Chicago cityscape while also creating an intimate getaway for a busy couple. The terrace is thoughtfully designed to make the most of every square foot while seeming effortless in style. We talked with Gwyneth Owen Webber, Designer & Director of Horticultural Services at Chicago Specialty Gardens about this beautiful project.

The clients chose a condominium in a new luxury brick building that has an industrial edge and loft feel fitting for the manufacturing history of the neighborhood. Their unit is on the top floor and features one of the four open terraces. They are a young urban couple that love entertaining, but also treasure a quiet cup of morning coffee. “They wanted that California-type lifestyle of blending indoor and outdoor living,” commented Webber. “Part of that desire for effortless transition is being able to easily control the outdoor features. The garden elements are part of their home automation system, so they can operate everything with the touch of a button or (continued on page 34)

Focus — Babylon Chicago

Focus — Babylon Chicago

(continued from page 30) with the app on their phones. The firepit, the lights, even the umbrella are all programmed.”

The clients also wanted to maximize sight lines to the stunning city views. “The north side of the terrace is across from McDonald’s Hamburger University, so the clients wanted some implied screening for privacy,” reported Webber. “We also specified a low sectional in our collaboration with James Thomas Interiors, so when you’re seated, it feels like you’re tucked away.”

Although the clients specified a modern to mid-century aesthetic for the furnishings, the wife loves English gardens. Chicago Specialty Gardens had to get creative in their plant choices that would reflect the romanticism of the English style and stand up to being 8 floors up in Chicago winds. “We chose hardy roses, magnolia, and sweet autumn clematis among others,” commented Webber.

The Challenges

Chicago Specialty Gardens was fortunate to work with the clients from the beginning so that water and electricity could be incorporated into the build out of the condo. “It was a really fun challenge to make sure that we had the electrical service we needed for the fire feature, the kitchen space, the lighting, and the umbrella,” said Webber. “We had to really think about the layout to maximize every square foot and ensure that the systems would function, even in winter.”

Because the terrace is on the top floor, the team had to also plan for the window washer system. The davit bases for the system are permanently installed and Webber had to work around them. She chose ORE Designs to fabricate custom containers for the whole terrace, but particularly to accommodate the anchors. “The containers fit over the davits. They have hidden locking casters, so when you need access, you pop open a front panel,

unlock the wheels, and move the planters out of the way,” reported Webber. “There’s also a quick connect for the drip irrigation and lighting systems at the bottom, so you can easily disconnect and reconnect.” The containers not only had to accommodate the window washing mounts, but also blend seamlessly into the design. “ORE was wonderful to work with on these planters. They are a high-grade aluminum so fit in well to the industrial feel of the space. We also had them made extra deep so we could accommodate woody plants like roses and trees.”

Furniture choices were kept low with clean lines to take advantage of every view. The building has strict regulations, so a pergola to provide shade wasn’t allowed. “The umbrella is cantilevered over the dining table and is considered a garden décor element versus a full structure,” observed Webber. “Plus, the clients travel a lot, so it’s easy to fold

up and keep tidy when they’re away.” A custom gas-powered fire feature is controlled with the tap of a button to provide a flickering blaze in seconds.

The clients, while being a modern couple, love the romantic softness of an English garden. This provided the Chicago Specialty Gardens team with an interesting challenge. “How do you choose plants that can handle the crazy winds and exposure of a Chicago rooftop and still be beautiful and luxurious? It was a good challenge to stretch ourselves as horticulturists,” said Webber. The orientation to the east helps protect the terrace a bit from the punishing northwest winter winds. “We chose Drift shrub roses in cream and pink. Boxwood for evergreen elements and winter interest. Sweet autumn clematis is woven through the short trellises for privacy because it’s just tough as nails. We also

managed to tuck in a small magnolia and a Japanese maple in the most protected corner and they’re doing quite well.” A bank of panicle hydrangeas fills the space between the terrace and the neighbors, allowing for a soft traditional flower, plus screening and durability.

The custom container design is part of the maintenance package and include perennials, annuals, grasses, and foliage plants. “We handle the maintenance for this client, which includes seasonal change outs for the containers,” commented Webber. “It’s fun and interesting to me because as long as the plantings are full and lush, we can pick the plants. It lets us play with textures and colors. I usually thread a pop of blue through the plantings. We also do winter arrangements in the containers, so the garden is always fresh and green, no matter the season.”

The Result

This terrace invites you outdoors to experience all the best aspects of Chicago from the sweet summer days to the bustling nightlife. With amenities available at the touch of a button, the clients can entertain on a whim or cuddle up for a cozy night at home. The roses, vines, and perennials offer traditional fragrance and flowers to this sophisticated rooftop space. It’s easy to linger and enjoy outdoor living. “The clients let us play with plants and that’s really something special,” commented Webber. “The clients adore this space, and it gave us the opportunity to do some creative solutions and build something truly beautiful.”

Winning the Talent War i Landscape

by Meta L. Levin

It was no surprise to attendees at Neal Glatt’s iLandscape 2023 presentation when he told them, “Hiring workers continues to get harder and harder.” What may have been surprising was some of Glatt’s suggestions for solving the problem.

Glatt, managing partner of GrowtheBench.com, took a packed room through “Winning the Talent War” during iLandscape 2023, covering a variety of topics, including what attracts job applicants (it may not be what you think), untapped talent pools, screening job applicants, communication and a variety of other related topics.

At the time of Glatt’s presentation, there were 10.5 million open jobs in the United States with six million unemployed people. “The lowest ever recorded,” says Glatt. That there were more open jobs than people to fill them was a painful reality to landscape contractors. “Competition for workers is fierce.”

Understanding motivation will help in successfully recruiting and keeping employees, as would targeting untapped talent pools, says Glatt.

While many people believe that factors such as job security, salary, fringe benefits, work conditions, good pay, insurance and vacations increase satisfaction and removing them will make a worker dissatisfied, they are not necessarily the kinds of aspects of the job that will attract employees and make them happy. “Job satisfaction is the bare minimum,” says Glatt.

Instead, he says, look at factors that increase motivation. Think about the way you advertise your company and the work that it does to potential customers. Bring that same approach to recruiting workers. Tell them about the challenging and meaningful work, recognition, responsibility, decision making, sense of importance and personal growth. “Motivational factors help a job posting,” he says. “They are wildly different.”

For instance, you may extol the beauty you can bring to a prospective customer’s property and how much they will appreciate it. Why not recruit a potential employee by giving them the opportunity to bring joy to others through this work?

When candidates look at a job posting, they are attracted by how they perceive whether they fit in an organization and the job, how employees are treated, the prestige of the organization, development opportunities, the image of the organization and challenging work. “Sell people on what makes the place great,” says Glatt.

Do you focus on sustainability or diversity? “Discuss your mission and vision,” he says. For example, include such things as your corporate social responsibility initiatives, like charity, what you do to help the environment and your community, as well as your work toward diversity and inclusion.

Talk about it in exciting terms, using words that mean something to your target audience. As an example, he points (continued on page 38)

Understanding motivation will help in successfully recruiting and keeping employees.

Focus — Business Minute

(continued from page 36)

to a recent Domino’s Pizza commercial featuring a young woman who started out as an employee, but now owns her own Domino’s franchise. “Promotions can happen quickly if you work hard,” the ad quotes her as saying, “Apply today and maybe someday you’ll also own a Domino’s.”

The ad goes on to say that 95 percent of the company’s franchise owners started out as delivery drivers or store employees. It is recruiting potential employees, not by listing the requirements for the job, but by touting the growth potential.

Advertise your job opening in a place with high visibility to the audience you intend to reach. For instance, “Indeed is more appropriate for managers,” says Glatt. “LinkedIn is more aimed at management.” Facebook and Craigslist might be better for laborers.

But there are other ways to get the word out. In addition to job posting sites, Glatt suggests asking your current employees for referrals, placing notices on social media and your company’s website careers page, as well as offline recruiting.

Online job postings should follow good advertising practices, but it’s worth experimenting with different job titles for the same job. Try posting the job openings in different areas and zip codes. Check regularly for relevancy and effectiveness.

Moreover, Glatt believes that it’s important and valuable to seek out new employees from untapped talent pools, such as those with disadvantaged backgrounds who are uneducated or inexperienced. Look at people with disabilities, but whose disabilities would not prevent them from performing the jobs for which you have openings.

It goes without saying that immigrants, especially those from South and Central America, are commonly hired by landscape contractors as laborers.

Have you ever, however, asks Glatt, considered hiring people who have been incarcerated? Or the long term unemployed? Veterans? Or even retirees?

“When it comes to hiring, there is little thought given to the various talent pools from which we can recruit,” says Glatt. As an example, he points to a report from The

Prison Policy Institute, showing that more than 60 percent of people released from prison are jobless. “If a company could specifically target this group to recruit and train, they would have a tremendous and reliable source of labor.”

Targeting the long term unemployed, those who have been incarcerated, those with disabilities and others may mean that managers might have to make some adjustments to “properly engage and retain these workers,” says Glatt. Employers might have to alter hiring practices. “Job training programs may have to be revamped and expanded to include more hard and soft skills.” And Glatt notes, in some cases companies might need to provide transportation to and from jobsites.

Despite this, Glatt is optimistic. “We have this incredible gift in the green industry where these accommodations can be made,” he says. He believes that since customers rarely interact with front-line employees, appearance and professionalism “are not issues.” He also notes that, because the work is done outside, “there usually are no sensitive or secure facility requirements for which a clean background check would be required. We can leverage this fact to help individuals who desperately need a second chance in life to thrive while allowing our companies to grow.”

As usual, however, you must be careful when screening potential employees, no matter their backgrounds. Of course, ask if they can work legally in the United States. Check ability to travel to the job and their willingness to commute. Are they physically able to do the work?

When are they available to start and can they work the hours that you need them? Moreover, are they willing to learn?

Make it easy for potential employees to apply for the jobs you have open. Clearly provide the company and contact names, contact information, address, relevant experience/education and whether you are willing to train. “Use a mobile phone,” says Glatt. In fact, he recommends communicating with text messages. “Ninety-nine percent are read and 97 percent are read within 15 minutes.”

These days most people have cell phones, so text messages are easily available. There is the potential for a quick turn around and it is the preferred method of communication for many – especially young people. Furthermore, they are perceived as low pressure and you can automate them.

(continued on page 40)

Make it easy for potential employees to apply for the jobs you have open.

Focus — Business Minute

(continued from page 38)

Glatt emphasizes the importance of good communication from the recruitment process through the screening conversation, interview and throughout onboarding. “The quality and speed of frequent communication are part of the keys to success” in recruiting and retaining new employees, he says.

Once they are onboard, employee engagement is key to success. This measures the extent to which employees are involved in, enthusiastic about and committed to their work. “Workplace engagement really matters,” says Glatt.

Now “work must have meaning for

today’s workers,” he says. In the case of landscape contractors and their employees, they must see and understand that their work enhances the lives of their customers. “For Baby Boomers and Gen X, mission and purpose are 100 percent families and communities.”

They are also looking for opportunities. “Development requests are cries for help,” says Glatt. “They want opportunities to get to the next level.” Performance reviews don’t work. Providing someone in the organization who can coach or mentor employees does, he says. It requires that the coach provides meaningful feedback.

The Landscape & Snow Expo

August 3, 2023

Glatt pushes for a “strength-based approach.” What will happen, he says, “when we think about what is right with people rather than fixating on what is wrong? It’s the leader’s job to help people find and use their strengths every day.”

Jobs no longer are just jobs, they are our lives, he says. Therefore, people are asking, “does the organization give me a chance to do what I do best every day?”

Do you want to change the world? Build better workplaces, says Glatt.

www.clesen.com

Seductive Purple Foliage for Sophisticated Landscapes

por Heather Prince

Podrán encantarnos los azules sobrios o los verdes amarillentos encendidos, pero ¿qué realza estos colores cuando se combinan? Morado. Una lámina saturada de colores vino cardenalicio profundo combina y contrasta con otros colores, haciéndolos brillar y sobresalir. Desde árboles de realce hasta seductores arbustos, el follaje morado se puede encontrar entretejido en nuestros jardines. Echemos una mirada a algunas plantas leñosas para encontrar grandes y atrevidas salpicaduras de ricas hojas oscuras.

Realce sus terrenos ajardinados con árboles

Los árboles estelares nos proporcionan momentos deslumbrantes en terrenos ajardinados. Estos dramáticos puntos focales pueden literalmente detenernos en nuestro camino y atraernos para que los examinemos más detenidamente. Las hojas de encaje de un delicado arce japonés pueden actuar como una cortina morada sobre plantas tapizantes verdes o doradas. Usted podrá mirarlas por encima primero, pero su encantadora cascada de hojas elegantes lo tentará a disfrutarlas y saborearlas. Con frecuencias, plantas contrastantes en azul o lima destacan un arce japonés para que no desaparezca en la sombra. Coloque estas plantas tiernas cuidadosamente en lugares con sombra parcial y fuera de los vientos del invierno. Los arces japoneses tienden a crecer lentamente y vienen en una variedad de tamaños y formas, desde arbustos amontonados hasta árboles de tamaño mediano. Pruebe Ortigas muertas manchadas de hojas plateadas, mini hostas azules o helechos pintados japoneses como cubierta de suelo para destacar sus hojas oscuras. Es una combinación instantáneamente atractiva que añade un elemento de serenidad al jardín de sombra.

Para un árbol heliófilo de follaje morado, piense en el árbol de amor americano, el merlot o en árboles de Judas (redbuds) ‘Ruby Falls’. Los árboles de Judas prosperan en lugares con sombra parcial o a pleno sol y toleran una amplia gama de suelos, con tal de que no tengan pies mojados. Las variedades del árbol de amor americano y el merlot alcanzan de 15 a 20 pies y proporcionan una porción grande de morado en el terreno ajardinado que adquiere un tono bronce a medida

Diervilla Nightglow

Japanese maple and sedum

que la temperatura se calienta en agosto. Sus ramitas finas se llenarán de las flores rosadas características en abril. Ruby Falls es un espécimen pequeño y llorón del árbol de Judas que se puede meter con facilidad en un espacio pequeño. El árbol de Judas de hoja completa tiene una textura áspera y tiende a aparecer como un muro sólido de hojas. Aligere la sensación de peso con el movimiento de hierbas, tales como variedades de la yerba barbuda, el pasto varilla Acero Indio y la festuca azul. También se pueden emparejar bellamente con arbustos delicados como cesta de sauce, stephanandra y espirea Grefsheim. Para una combinación animada, pruebe árboles de Judas de hojas moradas con falsos cipreses dorados o junípero amarillo. La textura de encaje y agujas brillantes de las plantas de hojas perennes aportan un rebote de energía a la viñeta. Ejerza un impacto aún mayor con un árbol de sombra grande como el haya Riversii. Este árbol de sombra de tamaño mediano ejerce un gran impacto morado durante toda la temporada, adquiriendo un matiz verde morado en agosto. Plántelo con atención porque funciona mejor en suelos bien drenados a pleno sol. El haya morada pueden también presentarse en formas de pilar para espacios más pequeños. Dawyck morado y Rohanii son variedades columnares estrechas que proporcionan signos de exclamación morados en el jardín. Hay incluso algunas formas lloronas, incluyendo Fuentes moradas que también permanecen estrechas. Debido a que son especímenes grandes y dramáticos, plántelas bajo cubierta vegetal con arbustos para crear una composición armónica. Las hojas de haya tienen una textura de media a gruesa y tienden a temblar con cualquier brisa, dando una impresión de movimiento

Mejores Plantas, Mejor Servicio Y Mejor Selección.

Mariani Plants se enorgullese en su attencion al cliente. Tenemos expertos ajentes de ventas de habla hispana en nuestras dos localidades, Kenosha Wisconsin y Garden Prairie Illinois. Mariani Plants esta aquí para proveerle mejores plantas, mejor servicio y mejor selección.

Llámenos a Mariani Plants: 866-627-4264 / marianiplants.com

TODOS JUNTOS MEJOR.

Weigela Electric Love

a pesar de su tamaño. Plantas de hojas perennes rígidas plateadas o doradas pueden ser un buen florete para su follaje ondeante. Para contrarrestar esa tendencia hacia el movimiento, pruebe hierbas como la hierba plateada japonesa, pasto banderita Ambición Rubia o pasto varilla. Si el suelo de su terreno no puede soportar un árbol haya, también está el manzano silvestre de hoja morada. Estas selecciones resistentes a las enfermedades, prefieren el sol abrazador y pueden ser sorprendentemente tolerantes a las sequías una vez establecidas. Busque las variedades Profusion, Royal Raindrops, Purple Prince y Fuego de la pradera entre otras.

Mezclándose en un despliegue de arbustos

Contamos con opciones de follaje morado para cada capa del jardín, pero una de las opciones más impactantes son los arbustos. Pueden aportar un ritmo fascinante en un borde de arbustos o destacar una base. Oscuros y misteriosos, los arbustos morados pueden ser sueltos y fluyentes o cortados ajustadamente, dependiendo de las demandas del diseño.

Uno de nuestros arbustos morados más grandes y vistosos es el arbusto de humo. Las variedades más antiguas pueden alcanzar hasta 15 pies, aunque nuevas variedades más pequeñas nos permiten incorporar esta planta resistente del frente del borde a un rincón destacado. Las flores rosadas esponjosas del arbusto de humo que parecen bocanadas de humo constituyen una encantadora adición. Debido a que las hojas del arbusto de humo se sostienen en un tallo o pecíolo largo, aletean con las brisas más breves. Esto da a la planta cierta ligereza y le per-

Purple Fountains beech

mite usar arbustos más rígidos y plantas perennes como contrapunto a sus hojas danzantes.

Las bayas de saúco de hojas moradas ofrecen una alternativa de pleno sol al arce japonés con su follaje de encaje de hojas finas. Usted obtiene toda la delicada textura con un color vino morado oscuro, de rápido crecimiento y tolerante a la humedad. Estas bayas de saúco al florecer adquieren un color rosado en grandes hojas planas agrupadas. Usualmente no dan frutos, por lo que se pueden plantar a lo largo de senderos y patios sin miedo a que ensucien el suelo. Las bayas de saúco crecen vigorosamente y podrían necesitar poda cada pocos años para controlar su crecimiento. Pruébelas con plantas perennes gruesas y altas como la equinácea gigante (Rudbeckia maxima), la eupatoria púrpura (Gateway Joe Pye weed) y reina de la pradera para obtener una com-

Ruby Falls redbud

binación dinámica que probablemente ocultará a los vecinos. Para fabulosidad las cuatro estaciones, pruebe los arbustos ninebarks. Su follaje morado se salpica de pequeños racimos de flores blanco rosáceas en primavera, el verano trae hojas ricamente matizadas, luego color bronce rojizo en el otoño y corteza deshebrada para interés en el invierno. Los ninebarks crecen bien a pleno sol y en ambientes parcialmente sombreados, son tolerantes a la sequía una vez establecidos y se han popularizado rápidamente para sitios residenciales y comerciales. Hay un rango de tamaños de la Little Devil, que alcanza de 3 a 4 pies, hasta la Diablo, de 8 a 10 pies. Los ninebarks tienen una forma arqueada que combina bellamente con pastos verticales como variedades del andropogón (bluestem) y del pasto varilla y la hierba de caña de pluma Karl Foerster. Su forma suave también puede lograr un efecto dinámico con plantas perennes de larga floración como equinácea, rudbeckia y calaminta (toronjil). Un arbusto criollo que ha sido revitalizado con un nuevo cultivo, weigela, ofrece muchas variedades de hojas moradas que tienen también flores tubulares de color blanco vistoso y rosado oscuro en mayo. La textura plasticosa brillante de las hojas de weigela puede incluso brillar en las variedades moradas. También son aptos para el cizallamiento, lo que los convierte en una alternativa interesante a la madera de boj para setos pequeños. Verifique Electric Love™ y Midnight Wine Shine®, que son variedades pequeñas de uno o dos pies, perfectas para entretejerse en bordes perennes. Hay variedades de 3 o 4 pies estupendas para plantas perimetrales incluyendo la clásica Vino y Rosas. Las flores tubulares de la weigela atraen a mariposas y ruiseñores, lo que las hace adecuadas para jardines de polinizadores. Pruébelas con bulbos de floración tardía y plantas perennes que florecen en primavera. Pueden proporcionar bellos contrastes con dianthus, campanas de coral y el geum o Planta de San Benito. Para pleno sol y plena sombra, Diervilla o arbusto de madreselva es un arbusto robusto, resistente y adaptable que florece en racimos de amarillo azufre en el calor del verano. Busque Kodiak® Black para una selección de 3 o 4 pies o Firefly™ Nightglow™ para una opción ligeramente más pequeña de 2 o 3 pies. Estos son arbustos suaves, redondos cuyo follaje es más intenso en la primavera antes de adquirir un tono rojo profundo en el otoño. Pueden ser una excelente alternativa a la zarza ardiente en jardines de sombra. Los polinizadores acuden en bandadas a sus flores amarillas en julio y agosto. Plántelos bajo cubierta vegetal con juncias cortas o entretéjelas a través del sello de Salomón jaspeado con helechos de tamaño mediano para lograr un hermoso efecto en capas.

Hay muchas más plantas de hojas moradas para explorar de todas las formas y tamaños. Ampliamente disponibles de miembros cultivadores, pruebe algunas especies este año para añadir fuerza y dramatismo a sus diseños.

Ground Covers: A Solution for Every Site

By Carrington Misener

Groundcovers play a multifaceted role in enhancing the landscape. They not only prevent weed growth and add seasonal blooming beauty but also contribute to soil erosion control, slope stabilization, and can even serve as alternatives to lawns. They are perfect for planting along borders or filling in empty spaces within an established garden bed.

Groundcovers have been a fundamental part of landscapes for centuries, offering versatility with options suitable for various growing conditions. Whether it’s sun or shade, pathways or arid areas, there’s a groundcover solution for every situation. Here are some proven varieties based on landscape scenarios you may encounter:

Best Walkable Ground Cover

(keep in mind, most plants can’t endure a lot of walking, so light foot traffic is best):

Isotoma fluviatilis – Blue Star Creeper –

This short groundcover grows well in full to part shade with average soil conditions. It is well suited to plant among pavers and gets coated in beautiful blue flowers late spring into summer.

Sagina subulata – Scotch Moss – another perfect plant to interplant among stone pavers. It has the same light and soil requirements of Isotoma.

Drought Tolerant Ground Cover that Beats the Heat:

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides –Plumbago – can withstand very hot and dry conditions. Its deep blue flowers in late summer and deep red fall color make it one of the most attractive groundcovers.

Thymus praecox – Creeping Thyme – not only is this groundcover walkable, it is also perfect for dry locations. There are many varieties to choose from, based on flower and foliage color preferences. ‘Purple Carpet’ and ‘Doone Valley’ are landscaper favorites.

(continued on page 50)

Special Feature — Midwest Plant Talk

(continued from page 48)

Salt Tolerant Gound Covers for Medians & Borders:

Delosperma ‘Psfave’ -

Lavender Ice Ice Plant – not only does this plant look somewhat tropical with its sedum like foliage, it produces purple blooms all summer long. It likes it dry and can handle areas that get salt.

Veronica ‘Waterperry Blue’

– A groundcover for full sun, this plant will form a dense carpet that gets blue flowers in spring and summer, with a bonus bloom in the fall. Great for border plantings.

Dry Shade:

Carex pensylvanica – Common Oak Sedge – Also a great lawn substitute, this Carex performs very well in dry shade areas once established. Can be mowed down to 2”.

Iris cristata – Dwarf Crested Iris – an underutilized native plant. Mini purple Iris flowers come on early in the spring and the mini Iris foliage persists all season, even getting rich gold fall color.

Designing a landscape often poses challenges, particularly in creating a plan. Proper plant spacing is fundamental for a successful garden. There’s no universal answer when it comes to plant spacing as it depends on your specific landscape goals. Generally, if you desire a garden that fills out more quickly, closer plant spacing is recommended. However, for a long-term vision, leaving more distance between each plant allows for future additions. As a starting point, a good aim is to plant groundcovers approximately 8-12 inches apart at the centers, allowing them to naturally fill in over time.

Remember, groundcovers serve a purpose beyond weed control. They can significantly transform your landscape, particularly along bed borders, giving it a more natural appearance. Don’t hesitate to introduce variety to your design by exploring groundcover options beyond the traditional choices. For planting inspiration, consider visiting the Midwest Groundcovers Hocus Pocus Groundcovers display garden in St. Charles or explore the ‘Our Gardens’ section on midwestgroundcovers.com.

Diseases + Pests —

Pest of the Month: Japanese Beetle

Disease of the Month: Poison Hemlock

by Heather Prince

Pest of the Month: Japanese Beetle

This pesky critter is usually cause for deep alarm by clients as the adult beetles emerge and begin to skeletonize leaves of many desirable plants. Adult beetles are metallic green with copper wing covers and a row of white spots just below the wing covers. Adults are typically active for about six weeks beginning in July. Mated females will burrow into well-watered turf and lay eggs that hatch into white grubs. The grubs will feed on turf grass roots, sometimes causing dieback in the fall. Adults skeletonize leaves and will also eat flowers such as roses and hibiscus. The adults visit a new host plant about every three days and can fly between ¾ and 1 ½ miles to forage. The good news is that Japanese beetles will rarely kill a plant. The damage is unsightly, but there are several strategies to reduce beetle populations.

Treatment:

Once Japanese beetle larvae hatch from eggs in late July to early August, they need 11 inches of water

through the fall before burrowing deeper into the soil for the winter. They tunnel downward when turf grass root zone temperatures drops to 60˚F. Thus, a summer into fall drought will impact populations. This also means that turf allowed to go dormant will be undesirable for beetles. Larvae overwinter in the top 11 inches of soil, so a deep, cold winter will also impact populations. Adults may be killed by carbaryl, cyfluthrin, permethrin, and other pyrethroid insecticidal sprays that will provide about two weeks of protection per application. Prized specimen trees such as lindens and cherries may be treated with a systemic insecticide containing imidacloprid applied as a drench in June. Be careful of the timing with lindens to avoid their flowering season as many pollinators, especially bees, forage on the flowers. You may also handpick beetles or knock them into a container of soapy water. Best results occur if more adults are killed in the first two weeks of emergence. Japanese beetle traps attract males via pheromones. Research has shown that traps attract more beetles to the area and actually increase damage.

Disease of the Month: Poison Hemlock

Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) is an exotic invasive herbaceous biennial that is widespread in disturbed areas in Illinois and often turns up in client properties. All parts of the plant are highly poisonous and if ingested can be fatal. Poisoning may occur via smoke when plants are burned, sap contact on cuts, or contact rashes and burns. It’s also highly poisonous to livestock.

First year plants are large rosettes. Second year plants are 4 to 10 feet tall with finely dissected leaves, clusters of lacy white flowers, and thick green waxy stems with purple spots and streaks. After seed formation, plants will turn brown and die back. Think Queen Anne’s lace on steroids.

Additional resources:

University of Illinois Extension Service

https://web.extension.illinois.edu/state/ horticulture/index.php

217-333-0519

Treatment:

Herbicides are most effective at the rosette or bolting stage. Recommended herbicides include: 2,4-D, dicamba+2,4-D, glyphosate, and triclopyr. Dress in long sleeves and long pants when handling and do not burn.

The Morton Arboretum http://www.mortonarb.org/Plant Clinic: http://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/ tree-and-plant-advice/ 630-719-2424

Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Information Service: https://www.chicagobotanic.org/ plantinfoservice

847-835-0972

Japanese Beetle

Tri-State Cut Stone & Brick Company

Wilmette,

(847) 745-8571

www.stone-brick.com

by Meta L. Levin

In 2004 Gary Murino’s family bought an Indiana cut limestone fabrication business located in Frankfort, IL and, in 2019 they acquired Wilmette, IL based Skokie Valley Materials. In between, they brought on a brick line.

The combined businesses, now known as Tri-State Cut Stone & Brick Company, operate out of two locations: Wilmette, IL and Frankfort, IL, and provide brick, building stone, stone fabrication, accessories and landscape materials, including concrete, clay and natural pavers, as well as porcelain tile and wall systems.

Skokie Valley already had a long history — more than 90 years — and a good reputation when the family bought it. In fact, it was known for selling hardscape supplies, brick and limestone to the landscape industry.

Since then, Tri-State Cut Stone & Brick has kept and brought on new expertise in many related fields.

Hardscape Sales Specialist Lauren Ogle owned her own

small landscape contracting business when she pulled her truck into Tri-State Cut Stone & Brick’s yard one Saturday morning. She wasn’t looking for a job, but as she and Murino talked, he identified her as a possible salesperson. “I knew she had the ability to sell by her communication skills,” he says.

When he asked if she was interested in a sales job, she suggested that she try it out for a short time. It worked. “She has the ability to understand a customer’s needs without forcing them and is willing to jump in and do whatever is necessary,” says Murino. “She appreciates when someone doesn’t know to ask a question and brings it up.”

Ogle also has worked to “bring the youth mindset into this business,” she says. That includes a social media presence.

Joel Vande Kamp is known as the GM. “He’s my right-hand man,” says Murino. “He works side by side with me.” With more than 30 years of experience, Murino considers him the “most knowledgeable masonry person in the Chicago area. He’s a good teacher, too.”

Vande Kamp’s two sons now work for the company, as well. “We are a small, family-owned business, not a large corporation,” says Murino.

Although Murino considers the business small, he estimates that Tri-State Cut Stone & Brick Company is “probably the largest fabricator in the Chicago area. We get involved in everything from large commercial to residential projects.”

Their reputation is such that contractors often will ask for help in designing facades. In fact, says Murino, Vande Kamp has won awards for his brick designs.

Murino was attracted to ILCA, because it is “the largest landscape contractors association in America,” he says. Stephen Maltese, Tri-State’s hardscape division manager, had won awards when working for another company and has been involved in ILCA for several years. He has more than 40 years of masonry experience.

Since the company joined ILCA, Ogle dove right in, becoming a part of the Women’s Networking Group’s mentor-mentee program and hoping to become a mentor in her own right soon. “It brings a whole lot of joy to my life,” she says.

Murino grew up in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood, Hinsdale and Lincoln Park. He studied business at John Carroll University before joining the family business. He is married and has four children. “The kids see me work hard, but I enjoy my work,” he says.

Classified Ads

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

Account Manager/Business Development

Beary Landscape offers industry-leading service to an expansive roster of clients. Our reputation for quality, artistry, and consistency can be found in all we do. As an Account Manager, you’ll serve as the primary contact for your customers. Your goal is to develop long-term, loyal relationships and provide toptier landscaping services efficiently. This position will be based in our Aurora location.

Qualification you will need:

• Crystal clear communication

• Positive and professional attitude

• Passion for serving your customers

• Problem-solving skills

• Proficiency in current technology and computer applications (e.g., smartphone, tablet, Microsoft Office)

• Minimum 5 years of sales experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a horticultural-related field

• 2 or 4-year degree in a business-related field - Preferred

• Valid driver’s license and a safe driving record

Please apply online at bearylandscaping.com

Landscape Construction Foreman Needed We- are looking for a reliable Construction Foremen to supervise our contracted projects, take proper care of equipment, provide onsite training to Crew members, ensure safety protocols are followed, and time management.

Our Construction Crews do a wide verity of jobs from mulching, installing paver patios, retention walls, new construction installs and rejuvenation projects, just to name a few. They also help support Maintenance Crews when needed. It’s something new almost every day!

Requirements:

• Experience a must.

• Bilingul

• Able to read Blueprints.

• Valid CDL

• Duties:

• Lead and support Crew.

• Operate various machines.

• Clean and maintain tools and Truck/ trailer.

• Able to follow instructions.

• Polite and friendly with customers.

• Teamwork a must.

• Be on time, dressed ready to go at start time.

• Compensation: $30 per hour. js@buroakgroupinc.com

Landscape Construction Project Manager

Landscape Construction Project Manager will help the Vice President oversee various construction projects by meeting with clients/ engineers, assessing/measuring jobsites, assisting with bids, setting crews up on jobsites, coordinating materials for jobs, and other duties as assigned.

Email resume to taylor@mcgintybros.com

CLASSIFIED ADS

CLOSING DATES & RATES

August 2023 issue ads: July 12, 2023

September 2023 issue ads: Aug 14, 2023

PLEASE NOTE:

“HELP WANTED” AD SALES ARE LIMITED TO ILCA MEMBER COMPANIES

Magazine Cost is $5 per line

Minimum charge $50

Website Cost is $12 per line

Minimum charge $120 (About 6 words/line)

Submit your ads online at ilca.net or Call Alycia Nagy (630) 472-2851

Classified Ads

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

Landscape Sales / Design

Hoerr Nursery, an award-winning landscape design-build-maintain company in Peoria, with nursery and garden center, is seeking a landscape salesperson/ designer.

Position Summary:

Meet with potential landscape clients, assess and discuss their needs, make suggestions of creative landscape design solutions. Take accurate field measurements, create a design to present to the client using AutoCAD based software. Complete the sale of the landscape project, oversee the installation of it and address any ongoing client needs.

Job Skills and Personal Characteristics: Self-directed & organized, able to handle client scheduling and complete presentations on time.

A great deal of integrity, superb customer service, exceptional communication skills.

Good knowledge of landscaping, especially plant materials and hardscape construction, experience with CAD software.

Willingness to occasionally get his/her hands dirty in the actual installation of the landscaping work.

Requirements: 1-3 years experience in landscape sales/ design

Degree in horticulture or landscape architecture preferred

Sales experience preferred

Benefits: Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, 401(k), Employee discount.

Email jjhoerr@hoerrnursery.com or visit online at https://www.hoerrnursery.com/ to apply.

SALES MANAGER B2B

DeVroomen Bulb Inc. is a leading provider of flower bulbs and perennials serving customers in the United States and Canada. Our mission is to help our customers achieve their business goals while promoting sustainable and responsible practices.

Position Summary:

Our company has an opening for an experienced and highly motivated Sales Manager-B2B to help us expand our reach and grow our business in the horticultural industry. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing corporate buying groups, developing, and executing sales strategies including online, and driving product development initiatives. This role will also involve representing our company at trade shows and other industry events and organizations.

Qualifications:

• Education in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.

• 5+ years of experience in B2B sales, preferably in the horticultural industry.

• Strong track record of achieving sales targets and driving revenue growth.

• Flexibility to travel domestically and internationally as required.

If you are a results-driven Sales Manager with a passion for the horticultural industry, we want to hear from you!

For complete job description, job requirements, and to apply please visit:

Landscape Architect/Designer (Entry Level or Experienced)

COME JOIN OUR TEAM!

Brookside is seeking motivated individuals have a passion for the outdoors and the Green Industry. This position would collaborate with sales and construction teams to see high-end outdoor living and landscape projects through from concept to completion. We have the opportunity to work on some of the most prominent properties in our market.

At Brookside our mission is ENHANCING LIVES. Those of our team and clients alike.

See what rural living has to offer closer to the native prairies and woodlands that make our state unique! We are located in the small town of Eureka, just a short drive to the Peoria and Bloomington/Normal metro areas, and serve a broad swath of central Illinois.

- Bachelors in Landscape Architecture or Horticulture is preferred. Any level of work experience will be considered.

- Passion for creating outdoor spaces and willingness to learn and adapt to working as a team is REQUIRED!

To apply: kurt@brooksidelandscapes.com

(309) 573-9837

PLEASE NOTE:

“HELP WANTED” AD SALES ARE LIMITED TO ILCA MEMBER COMPANIES

Submit your ads online at ilca.net or call Alycia Nagy

(630) 472-2851

Classified Ads

Landscape Designer/Architect (Hybrid or Remote)

About Green Grass:

Green Grass is the leading residential design build firm primarily servicing the highly attractive west suburban market of Chicago. Since 1995, the Company’s mission has been focused on delivering amazing outcomes for clients by transforming their outdoor spaces.

Our winning formula is predicated on providing expert service to our clients and creating an environment that’s supportive, collaborative and promotes individual growth for our team.

We are currently looking to add an experienced Landscape Architect/Designer (Hybrid or remote)

www.greengrasslandscape.com/jointheteam

August 2023 issue ads: July 12, 2023

September 2023 issue ads: Aug 14, 2023

PLEASE NOTE:

“HELP WANTED” AD SALES ARE LIMITED TO ILCA MEMBER COMPANIES

Magazine Cost is $5 per line

Minimum charge $50

Website Cost is $12 per line

Minimum charge $120 (About 6 words/line)

Submit your ads online at ilca.net or Call Alycia Nagy (630) 472-2851

Advertisers

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.

Milkweed for Monarchs

By Nina A. Koziol

Milkweed. Forget the weed part. A female monarch butterfly will only lay its eggs on native milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) No milkweeds, no monarchs. There are 24 milkweed species in Illinois. And there are a few well-behaved, attractive cultivars for sunny sites. Monarchs. Long may they reign.

Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed)

Asclepias incarnata ‘Ice Ballet’

Asclepias incarnata ‘Cinderella’

Male Monarch on Tropical Milkweed

Moss Gardening — A Low-Maintenance Option for Shade

by Mark Dwyer

Most folks have that shady patch in their yard where the grass struggles but moss is abundant. Before you dismiss or eradicate moss, consider its potential in the landscape and if you haven’t noticed mosses before, now is the time that they can really be appreciated properly in the landscape and garden.

Mosses evolved over 390 million years ago and there are over 15,000 varieties worldwide. Mosses have been used for thousands of years in Japanese gardens for the effects of adding serenity and timeless beauty. Public moss gardens exist throughout the United States although some of the best can be found in the Pacific Northwest. Residential use of moss in the landscape continues to garner more interest over the last couple of decades.

Once established, mosses can be a wonderful component of your shady areas. These tiny plants don’t produce flowers and don’t have actual roots that draw up any nutrients or water. They adhere to surfaces with rhizoids and water and nutrients are passed between cells. Mosses have chlorophyll and photosynthesize regardless of the temperature (hence their green color even in winter). Mosses carry no diseases and despite popular belief, are not parasites on other plants.

Establishing mosses is the most important step in moss gardening. Observe mosses where they are currently growing on your property or in other settings to get an idea of their preferred habitats. The majority of mosses prefer minimal direct sunlight and will grow in

a wide range of soil types. As they have no true roots, mosses will grow on logs, rocks and even on concrete or clay planters. The ideal moss planting time is in spring or fall. Transplanting patches of moss is the most popular and effective method of establishment. Collecting moss samples immediately after rain will increase your success as they are easier to loosen and have maximum moisture content. It is important to stress that moss should never be collected from public areas, natural areas, state forests, etc. as they are an important part of those ecosystems. Never take more than a small, 3” by 3” piece from each square foot of moss. Lightly loosen these patches, retaining some soil underneath and keep them damp. Collecting in this “patchwork” fashion will allow the remaining moss to fill back in promptly.

These “moss patches” can then be firmly pressed into place in the desired location. Mist moss patches twice daily for three weeks and keep moss damp over the growing season. These patches will double in size within a year. Keep your moss garden free of fallen leaves and debris and limit foot traffic to stepping stones or paths. Moss is not resilient to repeated foot traffic or disturbance.

What mosses don’t achieve in height and floral display in your landscape they make up in beauty, durability and are low-maintenance once established. Mosses are finally being recognized as a wonderful component of the home landscape and their potential is just starting to become realized.

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