The Landscape Contractor magazine JUL.24 DIGITAL EDITION

Crafting Underfoot Experiences

Art in the Landscape

This Week’s Showstoppers

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Crop Shot Gallery

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Polemonium 'Heaven Scent'

Hosta ‘Hadspen Blue’

Geranium sanguineum ‘Max Frei’

Fern, Adiantum pedatum

Photo Credits

ILCA Awards Committee 1, 8-9

Heather Prince & Mark Dwyer 11-14

Meagan Provencher 16-20

iPix Photo Contest 2024 28-37

Midwest Groundcovers 44-47

Tim Hawley 48-55

Brookside Landscapes, Inc. 5 6-57

Nina

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 6. 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.

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ILCA Staff

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

Statewide Director of Development Kellie Schmidt kschmidt@ilca.net

Director of Events AnneMarie Drufke adrufke@ilca.net

Education Manager Melissa Custic mcustic@ilca.net

Office Manager Alycia Nagy anagy@ilca.net

Membership & Marketing Manager Marissa Stubler mstubler@ilca.net

2625 Butterfield Road Ste. 104S Oak Brook, IL 60523 (630) 472-2851 • Fax (630) 472-3150 www.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

Last year, ILCA held its first ever Design Unplugged event. This was a deconstructed panel of designers and LAs with no planned questions or topics. The audience was free to ask them whatever was on their mind and the panelists shot from the hip. The first question posed was, “What new design trends are you seeing this season?” Tony Lobello, designer for Mariani Landscapes joked, without skipping a beat, “Pickleball.”

In reality, this was only half in jest. ILCA has been seeing more pickleball courts popping into the corners of Excellence in Landscape Awards photos. In fact, many award winners spotlight bocce ball and horseshoe pits and tennis or pickleball courts. Most landscape designers and installers have no idea at the time, but they are creating coliseums where blood and sweat will spill. Siblings will argue until one screams, “MOM!” Husbands and wives will passiveaggressively whiz tennis balls past each other’s ears in a desperate attempt to see who still has it. Over-served party guests will close one eye, toss a bocce ball high into the air, only to have it, and them, land in the bushes.

From Where I Stand — Home Game

east coast elite with sweaters tied around their necks and boat shoes on their feet.

Square footage: A proper croquet court should 105’ x 84’ or 8,820sf. It is allowable to play on a half court, but what would the King of England think!

There is not a person alive who has not played a lawn game. Whether the old favorites of croquet, badminton, or bocce or the new mavericks of cornhole, Spikeball, Jarts, giant Jenga, or ladder toss. These games power us through the summer months. We use them to settle scores, create new rivalries, have fun, bond with friends, and show our kids we still gotta little zip left on the ’ol fastball.

The perfect lawn game has some central components. It has to be easy to set up. The rules must be simple to understand. All ages can play. It should require almost no physical or cardiovascular strength. Holding a cold beverage while you play (or at least within arm’s reach) is a prerequisite. Lastly, the best yard games should test a skill that no one knows if they need, have, or want. Does it matter if you are the best person at the party for being able to use a wooden mallet to bop a wooden ball through a metal hoop? Is that going to help us in life or battle one day? No, but it still feels good to smack your buddy’s red croquet ball deep into the vinca.

The idea of using our lawns for sporty leisure is as old as the concept of the refined landscape. So, let’s breakdown some of the most popular backyard games using a more modernized set of criteria. I will provide a brief history of the game, then breakdown:

1. The square footage necessary to play

2. The degree of difficulty - measured between one and four sprained ankles.

3. Can you comfortably win the game against a child?

4. Can Grandma play it?

5. Lastly, can you play the game with a beer in your hand?

Croquet

Let’s start with the bougiest of them all - croquet. The game was likely invented in France in the early 1300s and quickly spread across Europe. It became an extremely popular game among British nobility and morphed into golf when it arrived in Scotland. It is impossible not to feel like an aristocrat when playing croquet. You can almost smell the wig powder when smacking the balls around the lawn with the unmistakable warble of a solid strike. It is probably the first game that comes to mind when you think of the

Degree of difficulty: Low - one sprained ankle

Can you win against a child?: No guarantee. Children are lower to the ground and will absolutely delight at smacking your ball across the street. Also, they cheat.

Can Grandma play?: Yes, but since it’s a fancy game she should be referred to as “Gram” or “The Family Matriarch.” Also, she cheats.

Can you play with a beer in your hand?: I mean, you could? However, a dry gin martini or mimosa would be more fitting for the occasion.

Badminton

Alright, let’s get this out of the way. It is badMINT-on not bad-MITT-on. A bad mitton sounds like a character from a Disney movie who tries to get all the other gloves in trouble. Badminton was invented in the 1850s in India by British expats. It is one of the world’s most popular sports, especially in Asia. Many American high schools have badminton teams unbeknownst to many American high school kids.

Square footage: 20’ x 44’ = or approximately 880sf.

Degree of difficulty: Medium-high - three sprained ankles. It is four sprained ankles if you are the one asked to set up the net.

Can you win against a child?: - Yes, easily. You stand at the net and rain down points like you are swinging Thor’s mighty hammer. Also, the kid will be too busy giggling at the word “shuttlecock.”

Can Grandma play?: No, unless she is one of those nimble grannies who still does Jazzercise. If she does play, make sure she has a will and you know her blood type.

Can you play with a beer in your hand?: Beer can only. A cup of beer will send Miller Lite flying onto you, the grass, and any surrounding children or grandmas.

Bocce Ball

This is one of the world’s oldest games. There are historical artifacts depicting it being played in 5,200 BC. If you go to any senior community, you will see some people playing who look like they may have been playing since 5,200 BC. The US Bocce Federation claims it is one of the world’s three most popular sports along with soccer and golf. The game consists of two teams taking turns to try and hit an object ball called “the pallina.” Bocce has deep Italian roots and “pallina” means “the iridescent heart of an angle” in Italian. I’m just kidding, it means “ball.” The game is played for hours by old Italian men trying to avoid hanging out with their families.

Square footage: 13’ wide x 87’ long = 1,131 sf. The surface can be grass, gravel, or Toscano cigar butts. Degree of difficulty: Low - 1 sprained ankle. Can you win against a child?: - If you are a stickler who will not let the balls hit the wall, kids don’t stand a chance because they will throw it like Nolan Ryan. If you allow for wall play, it’s anyone’s game.

Can Grandma play?: Absolutely. In fact, she will probably dominate. It may take her a few minutes to shamble to the other side, but don’t bet against Grandma in bocce. That is like going into the ocean to fight the shark.

Can you play with a beer in your hand?: Bocce pairs best with a wellstructured Sangiovese or a light and playful Prosceco.

Jarts

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Everybody knows those were banned by the Consumer Products Safety Commission in 1988. I couldn’t possibly help you with that.

*Waits for everyone to leave*

Ok, so you need to head down to the Hammond, Indiana gun show. In the alley out back, ask for my man Killer T. He’s got a whole trunk full of Jarts and can hook you up. You didn’t hear that from me.

Cornhole

It has a fuzzy origin story, but most believe that cabinet-maker Matthias Kuepermann created the game in Bavaria after watching children toss rocks into a groundhog hole. Being German and efficient, he created wooden boards that would mimic the game to make it easier to retrieve the stones without contracting rabies. He then swapped out the stones for bags of corn to make it safer. The game lay dormant for many years until it popped up again in Cincinnati in the early 2000s. The game exploded in popularity and is now played by frat guys, rednecks, tailgaters, and professionals sponsored by Johnsonville Brats. It is played anywhere dudes like to yell, “Woo!” while chugging a beer. It’s a pretty simple game of tossing a bag into a hole in a wooden board and using cancel scoring. It can be agreed that the game would improve overnight if they reintroduced live groundhogs.

Square footage: At least 8’ x 40’ or 320sf.

Degree of difficulty: Medium-low: 2 sprained ankles/stubbed toes. This drops down to 0 if no alcohol is involved.

Can you win against a child?: Oh yeah. The best part of cornhole is that children think it looks easy and love to hold the bags. Watching their puny arms try and toss a bean bag 40’ will be humbling to them. It will allow ample taunting and strutting.

Can Grandma play?: Grandmas struggle unless they are from Bavaria. Most older people did not grow up with cornhole and lack the muscle memory. Also, the toss can sometimes send Grandma lunging forward and a face planting Grandma will ruin any party.

Can you play with a beer in your hand?: Did you just ask me that? It’s like the entire object of the game.

So there we have it. A deep dive into every lawn game a landscape client could ask for this summer of leisure. Whether the game has been around for 20 years or 7 millenia, these backyard games bring us closer together with our friends, families, and neighbors. There is something to be said for the whack of a ball or thud of a bean bag against the backdrop of laughter, cold drinks, fireflies, and grilled meats. Landscape trends come and go, but one constant is the enjoyment we get when we turn our backyards into ballfields. I’ve seen the Ivy at Wrigley Field and the Green Monster at Fenway, but the best stadiums will always be the ones in our own backyards. Just keep Grandma away from the Jarts, I think she’s had one too many White Claws.

Sincerely,

Scott Grams, Executive Director May 15, 2024

President

Ashley Marrin

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

Vice-President

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

Secretary-Treasurer

Kevin McGowen Kaknes/SiteOne (630) 416-999 kevin@kaknes.com

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

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

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

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

President’s Message —

Therewas a time when only the most progressive and innovative companies allowed dogs at work. There were concerns about allergies, uncomfortable employees, cleanliness, professionalism, and distractions. All that has changed.

I’m proud to say that on any given day we have four very well behaved dogs in our office, but it all started with just one. Since we are a family business our greatest concern was what our customers might think. As part of our sales process, customers regularly visit our office to view their landscape design and proposal.

Our first official greeter was Elly May — sweet English Cream Golden Retriever. At the time, she was training to be a therapy dog for hospital visits. We soon learned how much our customers enjoyed a greeting from Elly upon walking into our office. We found it a wonderful way to connect on a whole new level. Many customers would immediately share stories or photos of their own dogs. Elly has made a few special trips to job sites at the request of clients and has acted as a babysitter when clients brought their children to an appointment.

My little dog, Winston, a Dachsund-Corgi mix, now joins me each day providing a little extra lumbar support behind me on my chair. Rhys, a very smart standard poodle belongs to Bailey, our project manager. Rhys takes his position as office security very seriously. My brother Adam also brings his puppy, Charlie, to work each day. He is a silly and energetic Lab/German Shorthaired Pointer.

There are occasionally times of chaos (when clients are not here), but we love every minute of it. The dogs bring such joy to our days. Any concerns we may have had have disappeared. We have customers who stop into our office just to say hello to the dogs and bring them treats or a toy! It’s amazing how our four-legged friends have changed the culture of our work place.

Stay positive!

Ashley Marrin

Huboun tiempo en que únicamente las compañías más progresistas e innovadoras permitían perros en el trabajo. Existían preocupaciones con respecto a alergias, incomodidad laboral, limpieza, profesionalismo y distracciones. Todo eso ha cambiado.

Me enorgullece decir que muchas veces tenemos cuatro perros bien portados en nuestra oficina, pero todo empezó con uno solo. Debido a que somos un negocio familiar nuestra mayor preocupación era lo que podían pensar los clientes. Como parte de nuestro proceso de ventas, los clientes visitan con regularidad nuestra oficina para ver sus diseños y propuestas de paisajismo.

Nuestra primera anfitriona oficial fue Elly May—un dulce Golden Retriever inglesa color crema. En esa época, estaba siendo entrenada como perrita de terapia para visitas a hospitales. Pronto nos dimos cuenta de lo mucho que nuestros clientes disfrutaban de un saludo de Elly al entrar en nuestra oficina. Resultó ser una manera maravillosa de conectar en un nuevo nivel. Muchos clientes inmediatamente compartían historias o fotografías de sus propios perros. Elly ha hecho algunos viajes especiales a sitios de trabajo a petición de clientes (!) y ha actuado como niñera cuando los clientes traen a sus niños a una cita.

Mi perrito, Winston, una mezcla de perro salchicha-galés (corgi), me acompaña todas las mañanas dándome un poco de apoyo lumbar adicional detrás de mi silla. Rhys, un caniche estándar muy inteligente pertenece a Bailey, nuestro gerente de proyectos. Rhys toma muy en serio su trabajo de vigilante en la oficina. Mi hermano Adam también trae a su cachorro, Charlie, a trabajar diariamente. Es un braco alemán de pelo corto divertido y energético. Hay momentos ocasionales de caos (cuando los clientes no están aquí), pero disfrutamos de cada minuto de esas ocasiones. Los perros aportan tanta felicidad a nuestros días. Todas las preocupaciones que teníamos han desaparecido. ¡Hay clientes que vienen a nuestra oficina solo a saludar a los perritos y les traen golosinas o juguetes! Es sorprendente cómo nuestros amigos de cuatro patas han cambiado la cultura de nuestro lugar de trabajo.

Actitud positiva! — Ashley Marrin

Ashley Marrin

Bertog Landscape Co. • Wheeling

French Inspired

ThisFrench inspired residential landscape posed many maintenance challenges. The Green Velvet boxwood hedge and spiral-trimmed arborvitae in the entrance garden, walled garden and at the front foundation are hand clipped several times per season to maintain a formal appearance. Pest issues are treated seasonally following an IPM program. Front walkways, bluestone pool deck, and flagstone and limestone patios are pressure washed. Pavers are reset annually. Turf is core-aerated twice per season following an IPM organic turf care program.

Additional applications of insecticides and fungicides are necessary only when disease and insect pressures dictate. Overstory shade trees and large evergreens are trimmed twice per season using specialized equipment. Frans Fontaine hornbeam, columnar Norway spruce, Armstrong maples and arborvitae hedges are hand pruned to maintain scale and formal habit. The stately appearance of this grand estate reflects an extensive effort to preserve the integrity and beauty of the original landscape architecture.

Focus — Paths and Walkways

Crafting Underfoot Experiences with Paths and Walkways

by Heather Prince

One of the key steps in designing a landscape is determining how people will move from place to place within and without a site. How do people arrive at the property? How do they get to the entrance? The back vegetable garden? A secluded bench? Once you determine a movement map for a site, then it’s time to explore the myriad possibilities of creating experiences in the garden with what’s underfoot.

Restriction and Release

Many times, we want to restrict movement in a landscape. There may be a fence, wall, hedge, or other barrier to delineate spaces. We might use a gate to pierce these barriers and cause people to pause. There might be a grade change that requires steps. By being thoughtful with the elements, you create certain moments in the site experience. Think about your thresholds.

Inevitably, humans are curious creatures, and we want to know what’s on the other side of the gate or fence. Choices in gate materials can reflect the architecture of the home, the style of the gardens, and how you want people to cross that threshold. For example, stacked stone columns provide weight and importance to a threshold. It’s obvious where to go to enter. Add lanterns or lights on top, and people will definitely know where the front gate is locat-

ed. You might choose a smooth concrete path so foot traffic can easily and quickly approach and move through into the garden spaces beyond. This is an important portal, and folks have a destination.

Conversely, a rustic gate in a narrow space causes us to stop. We might add an arbor with flowering vines to give a cottage feel to the space. Brick pavers or flagstone will cause footsteps to slow and linger, enjoying a glimpse of what lies beyond. This entrance is restricting and can immediately cause intrigue because humans are forced to slow down and stop. It’s an opportunity for a vignette planting or a decorative container to signal transition from driveway to private garden rooms.

Comfortable Versus Uncomfortable

How do you want humans to move through the hardscape? When we are uncomfortable, we slow down, pause, and stop. When we’re comfortable, we move swiftly and surely, ignoring where we put our feet. In some cases, a property may require surfaces that are easy to navigate for folks with mobility issues or those who deal with diseases such as Parkinson’s where the brain can stutter and stop when faced with material changes underfoot. Rough and uneven surfaces cause us to slow down. Rustic flagstones may be the perfect choice for a cottage home where the goal

(continued on page 12)

Focus — Paths and Walkways

(continued from page 10)

is to linger in the gardens. We also slow when paths are narrow, so a flagstone footpath allows for a loitering garden experience. Decorative pavers or stamped concrete may make sense for a contemporary home where a lively family bounces between the pool deck and play structures and little feet are less likely to trip. Wider paths also allow us to move swiftly through the landscape.

Crunchy textures also force us to slow down. Gravel from pea-size and up, makes us pay attention to our feet. It also gives an alluring soundscape that might signal a transition from easy entrance to elegant garden. Mulch paths can give us cushion and bounce while we navigate garden beds. The fragrance of wood chips provides another subtle level of interaction in the outdoor spaces.

Materials for Movement

There are myriad opportunities for creating underfoot experiences from ribbons of lawn to mulch paths, from smooth concrete to round river stones. These are some of the materials you might choose to create an interesting garden experience.

(continued on page 14)

LONGSHADOW

Hand Crafted in Southern Illinois by The Artisans at Classic Garden Ornaments,

Focus — Paths and Walkways

(continued from page 12)

Stone

Here in the Midwest, we have access to many sources of native stone, most of it being types of limestone. From Jens Jensen’s signature stacked limestone to contemporary outcropping, limestone features prominently in our landscapes. You’ll find flagstones for walks and walls, large slabs for steps and statements, and trimmed blocks for easy travel. Bluestone is another commonly used stone for a more polished, sophisticated look with its smooth, dark, blue-toned pieces usually trimmed into regular squares or rectangles. For the Midwest, granite is more likely to be used in boulders or tumbled rocks. Rarely, you’ll find tumbled river stone placed on edge for a tapestry rug effect.

Pavers

There are a variety pavers that incorporate lighting or fountain fixtures. Some of the hottest new pavers are systems that are permeable. Many municipalities are beginning to require or reward the use of permeable pavers as part of keep-

ing stormwater on property. Companies have responded with large portfolios of options that are attractive and eco-friendly.

Concrete

Concrete is incredibly flexible as a paving material and can also be colored or stamped with designs. Concrete is also readily available, easy to manipulate, and can be treated for a contemporary look or rustic feel. If you have a design that demands curving shapes, interlocking patterns, or creative forms, concrete makes for a practical solution.

Porcelain

Porcelain pavers have been gaining traction as they become frost-resistant, durable, and easy to care for. Porcelain provides a sophisticated look and feel that can seamlessly transition from indoors to outside. It is particularly effective for modern pool decks where the client is seeking a surface that mimics tile yet holds up to Midwestern weather. Porcelain pavers are usually in shades of gray and earth tones and are increasingly turning up on home renovation programs.

Focus — The Pros at Home

Meagan Provencher Gives Her Home a Total Makeover

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

When Meagan Provencher and her husband, Ben, moved to St. Charles, Illinois, in 2020, they knew the nearly 100-year-old Dutch Colonial house needed work inside and out. “It’s sited on a double corner lot — 100 by 150 feet — and was a bit of a hot mess when we got our hands on it,” Meagan said. “The yard was overgrown with invasive buckthorn and bishop’s weed.” It had been neglected for a decade or more. And neighbors told her the former owners mowed the lawn only once a month. The only valuable existing woodies were a Japanese maple and a tree lilac.

Meagan, a senior landscape designer with Wasco Nursery & Garden Center, enjoys a challenge as does Ben, a biology teacher. When the pandemic hit, they had some time that year to evaluate everything. “There were old lilacs, poison ivy, tree stumps, and burning bush,” Ben said. “We lost five trees the first year.” To add to their challenges, an enormous box elder fell down in a storm taking the electric lines with it and causing a power outage, a small fire and a flood!

Over the past three years, they’ve removed all the invasive species and continue to transform the property into a pollinator paradise. “There wasn’t a single bird or critter in the yard,” (continued on page 18)

Lawns: Aerate, then apply 1/4"-1/2" Compost and rake into existing soil. Reseed (if needed) and water as usual.

Flowers & Vegetable Gardens: Apply 1"-3" inches of Compost and rototill 6" to 8" into existing soil

Tree and Shrub Planting: Use existing soil from dug hole and mix 1 part Compost to 3 parts native soil

Agriculture/Farm Fields: Spread 3-5 tons per acre in fall or spring, disk into field.

*Not all compost is created equal!

Make sure your purchased compost is tested and nationally certified

Improves soil structure and porosity, creating a better root environment and vigorous root growth

Improving water management by increasing moisture infiltration and permeability

Healthier turf grass with increased use tolerance and decreased maintenance requirement

Supplies and aids in the proliferation of microorganisms and microbes in the soil

Healthier soil reduces the need for application of chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides

Focus — The Pros at Home

(continued from page 16)

Meagan said. “It was silent — and we live three blocks from the Fox River.” That’s all changed. They’ve planted 17 species of trees including a black tupelo, katsura, several magnolias, a bur oak, horse chestnut, redbud, redwood, tulip tree, tri-color beech and many others.

“We’ve added perennials and shrubs and planted a native garden in the desolate corner of our alley that is thriving and already filling in,” Meagan said. Neighbors enjoy watching butterflies and hummingbirds as they stroll by in summer. “I can’t even count the different types of bees, flies and other winged friends that have visited the flowers,” she said. And the couple has counted more than 20 species of birds in and around the property. “It’s never quiet anymore.”

Beginnings

When her parents built their current home in 1986, she was in high school. “I dabbled a bit in their fledgling gardens and when I went to college I had a summer job at a greenhouse.” She promptly changed her major from biology to horticulture in her junior year. “I’ve worked in the green industry ever since.” A landscape designer for 30 years, Meagan also holds several certifications and volunteers on ILCA committees and at many events. She also serves on her city’s tree commission.

Challenges

Meagan credits her parents and grandmother for instilling her love of gardening. “My mom and dad had a huge vegetable garden when I was growing up and I was always helping, picking beans and tomatoes in between swimming and running around my aunt’s farm. I climbed trees, inspected bleeding hearts up close and laid in the grass looking for bumblebees.”

“Along the front sidewalk were 15-foot-tall burning bushes,” Ben said. “The neighbors across the street couldn’t see the house it was so overgrown.” A strip along the driveway became affectionately known as “The Hellscape” due to its poor soil and the reflected heat. “It’s really sandy and we’ve been amending the soil,” Meagan said. “We have raised beds for Ben’s beet collection and I plant zinnias, sunflowers, and cosmos for cutting and for pollinators. I have a hummingbird garden right next to the patio so we can watch them visit the salvia and Seven Son’s tree.” (continued on page 20)

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Focus — The Pros at Home

(continued from page 18)

Shortly after they moved in, they planted a dawn redwood. “I had one at the other house that was maturing nicely and I missed it, but the new one has grown quite well. It could be a stand-alone tree or in a border for a punch of color.” But her real joy is the ‘Rising Sun’ redbud, which was transplanted from their former house. “I have loved that little thing and I’ve even wrestled with plastic in 30 mph winds to cover it when late spring frosts threatened its tiny gold leaves.” The tree grew quickly last summer and is about 10 feet tall. “It’s only three years old and the spring show and the leaves give it some pizazz in the garden. It throws out peach, red and yellow leaves all summer long. It’s definitely a collectors item.”

The new arborvitaes were an experiment. “I wanted to see how fast they grew and if they kept their gold color — they do — and whether the rabbits would leave them alone — they do.” She describes the winter color as turning orange and spring and summer color that is a bright lemon yellow. “It’s a nice color change in my narrow, long border and they’re right next to some ‘Blackhawks’ big bluestem so there’s a nice color contrast in late summer and early fall.

The designs and plant combos are all in her head. “I have not drawn one single inch of the property,” she said. “I tend to garden a bit more loosely than I design and I want my gardens to be more of an experimental lab than formal and neat.” She’s definitely a plant geek who is running out of room. Some of her favorite plants are passalongs. “They came from someone else’s garden and I love plants with stories. It’s so hard to pick favorite plants. I want them all and it’s really tough working for an enormous garden center! I just have to convince my husband we need to cut out more grass.”

Their dog, Murphy, is a constant companion in the garden. “Our garden has become a source of joy for us and we spend every day we can outside. It’s only a few years old, but already it has filled in nicely and is well on its way to being better as it ages.”

By Heather Prince

Statement Sculpture:Designing and Managing

Sculpture in the landscape provides opportunities to explore the exciting dynamics of art and its relationship to the plantings that surround it. You may encounter a client’s prized collection of pieces, a need for a focal point, or a desire to create a special moment of pause in an experience. How do we create these instances of connection between a sculptural statement and the site?

We reached out to both public gardens and private landscape contractor practices for their experiences working with sculpture in the landscape. From permanent collections to rotating exhibits, there were similar design considerations, challenges, and thoughtfulness employed. We encourage you to visit the public sites mentioned as well as ones in your area for inspiration and to experience our tremendous collections of sculpture in the Midwest.

Design Considerations

Whether a commercial, residential, or public space, when

considering a sculpture, our panel agreed it should have meaning, not just be plopped into place. “When incorporating sculpture and art into outdoor living spaces, there is always meaning, functionality, and cohesiveness to consider,” commented Ania Rossi, President, Aniascape Landscape Design and Consulting. “The piece should move the client. Consideration needs to be taken for the purpose, feeling, and use of the outdoor space. If a space is being created to evoke tranquility, the piece needs to emote a corresponding feeling. If it is a modern residence or commercial property, perhaps a bolder piece can be used. While an outdoor living space meant for family living, might need a softer, more inviting and playful piece.”

Tony Gomez-Phillips, the Facility and Landscape Maintenance Horticulturalist at Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center believes, “There should be a relationship, perhaps a discussion that occurs between sculpture and landscape. After all, landscape forms are nature’s sculptures.

Managing Art in the Landscape

Thoughtful aesthetic design can and should harmonize installations to their environments unless the goal is otherwise. The historical or cultural context of the site should also be considered. At Monona Terrace, this is a big driver for the overall display of sculptures as we create a garden that highlights and celebrates Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie Style architecture and the influences of organic forms on his designs. For me it’s an absolute benefit if one is able to tell a story, infer a feeling, or create a mood when designing a landscape for sculpture. I like to remind people that landscape designers are fantastic artists as well!”

Once you have intent, scale and relationships to the space are important. “First and foremost, I am looking at the scale of things, does the overall size and shape fit within either the existing or future surroundings?” said Matt Erickson, Erickson Landscaping, Inc. Gomez-Phillips agreed, “General design considerations include scale and proportion, viewing perspective as it relates to traffic flow, placement, lighting,

the art itself, and how it relates to its surrounding environment.”

When dealing with large-scale installations, Jeff Stevenson, Director & Curator at the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park and Visual Arts Gallery at Governors State University finds, “Sculptures in the landscape benefit from space, and here at the Nate we have a wonderful distance between works for art. Each piece has breathing room, and the landscape doesn’t look cluttered or littered with too much work. Usually, the next piece on the walking path can be seen through site lines across fields or between tree and shrub growth, but the pacing is relaxed.”

Choosing Materials and Plants

Planning for and placing sculpture has its own set of challenges. After determining scale and proportion, how do you fit a piece into a landscape? What sort of finishes and plant pairings are important? Our panel agreed that featuring the (continued on page 24)

Special Feature — Statement Sculpture

(continued from page 23) artwork with minimal distractions was the best goal. By keeping anchoring materials neutral, not only does the piece take center stage, but any plantings are also brought into relationship with the art.

“Our hardscape is minimal. A few sculptures have gravel at their base to frame them and make a sense of space, and a few have concrete bases to enhance the presentation,” commented Stevenson. Scott Mehaffey, Executive Director at the Edith Farnsworth House finds, “Hardscape under and around (and potentially over) a sculpture depends on the size and scale of the piece, where it’s located, and how close you want to bring the viewer. Also consider whether or not the piece needs to be elevated, whether the piece should be isolated or ‘spotlit’, or if it should be integral to the hardscape. Oftentimes, we’re softening hardscape with plantings

to shift the focus towards the sculpture – or even concealing the built elements so the piece communicates more directly with nature and the landscape setting.”

“The creation of the base needs to be not only structurally sound, but complimentary and often understated to not take away from the art” stated Rossi. “Landscaping also needs to be complimentary and can be used as a specific framing feature. From adding wispy grasses, native perennials, or soft hemlock limbs with classical, romantictype statues, to incorporating structural boxwoods and full-bodied shrubs like hydrangea, all the hardscape and landscape elements need to compliment and ground the piece.”

Even world-renowned art museums sometimes need to reconsider their planting plans around their sculpture collections. Patrick Thomas, Grounds Manager at The Art Institute of Chicago offered, “Most of the sculptures we have are

around the garden, not specifically in the plantings. The one exception being Flying Dragon by Alexander Calder. Located in the north perennial garden, a few years ago we had some tall Joe Pye weed restricting the view of the sculpture. We worked with a curator to adjust those and made a plan for future planting to remain on the shorter side at the specific angles that they wanted it to be viewed.”

Occasionally, landscape designers and architects are called upon to create a piece for a client. “A perfect example is the time I had the opportunity to design and install a Frank Lloyd Wrightinspired piece,” commented Erickson. “It was a cantilevered plant stand constructed from a cedar post, 2”x 6” lumber, and a chain anchored into concrete to offset the cantilevered platform. The most enjoyable part though, was the positioning of it. We decided to nestle it in the middle of what I would call an unkempt rose garden, but the client informed (continued on page 26)

Special Feature — Statement Sculpture

(continued from page 24) me it was an ‘experiment garden.’ During the summer months its cantilevered platform delicately floats above the dark green foliage and various bloom colors, giving it a sense of discovery and mystery.”

Mehaffey also believes, “It’s definitely important to consider the seasonal interplay of the piece with the surrounding landscape – especially with deciduous plants when the relative scale and screening both diminish after the leaves drop. Snow and winter skies can completely shift the mood and feeling – and in some cases, the sculpture media or materials recede into the winter landscape.”

Unique Challenges

Sculpture has its own special requirements, particularly in the Midwest with our four seasons of weather. People, plant growth, equipment needs, and wildlife may also play a role in the upkeep and maintenance of a piece.

When anchoring a collection, Rossi recounted, “A specific project had multiple statue pieces from Phillips Collection. The production was of high quality, but the biggest limitation was that the pieces did not have any bases or anchoring mechanisms. This can become a safety issue very quickly with Midwestern winds. I troubleshot this with genius custom metal artist, Timothy J. Hawley. With many collaborated hours in design, and Timothy’s additional hours in fabrication, custom bases were created to assure the stability and longevity of the pieces.”

At the Nate at Governors State University, they are fortunate to have both stand alone sculpture and two major works of land art, where the land itself has been manipulated into artwork. Within the prairie restoration where the pieces are sited, Stevenson has experienced “If the fields are left alone, woody invasive species take over and within a few years the shrubs grow to 6 to 8 feet

easily, blocking views and changing the experience completely. There are areas where we have allowed the growth, but many of the fields are mowed in the winter to take down the woody invasives and allow native species to thrive. Our two major land art / site specific pieces are Marin Puryear’s Bodark Arc and Mary Miss’s Field Rotation. These artworks are the land, and the land is the artwork, so special attention has been paid to them, including winter mowing for both.”

The Edith Farnsworth House does not have a permanent sculpture collection, but pieces are rotated, and installations often will extend for months, if not years. “We are maintaining the intended landscape setting over time and coping with summer crowds that require turf repair and winter wildlife like deer and rabbits that can cause damage,” commented Mehaffey. “We actually wrap a reflective piece during rutting season for fear a buck will see his reflection as a competing male and charge into the

sculpture. We remove the clappers from windchimes to reduce potential damage from winter winds. We also cover pieces on the days we are closed. So, seasonal maintenance considerations should also factor into the selection and siting of pieces.”

Dynamics of Art and Landscape

All of our panel feel strongly that sculpture offers an opportunity for designers and architects to explore the interplay of site and plantings with the artwork. It is a chance to surprise, challenge, connect, and delight people as they experience a site.

“Art and statue pieces are created in all shapes, styles, and sizes. Every site can have pieces incorporated from unique, functional artistic benches and bird baths

to modern, thought-provoking sculptures. It just needs to fit your client and their style. If you start there, you can never go wrong,” commented Rossi.

Mehaffey urges, “Support emerging artists — the gamble may pay off. At one time, Farnsworth had Andy Goldsworthy’s first site-specific commission because our former owner, Lord Peter Palumbo, saw promise in the stones scattered across the gallery floor in London’s West End. Also, give thought to renting or borrowing pieces. Artists often have studio collections that can be leased — especially if the site is relatively prominent and allows the artist’s work to be seen. I also think that architects and landscape architects sometimes limit ourselves to permanent sculpture settings, when really, landscapes and clients are constantly chang-

ing, and smaller sculptures and decorative pieces can be moved around to keep a landscape fresh — much like we use planters.”

“As we steer the plant palette to a native, sustainable, and ecologically driven design, the identity of the garden is taking shape,” reflected Gomez-Phillips.

“That being the relationship between the architect’s principles and nature, sustainability, ecological function, native beauty, and wildness. Sculptures and man-made forms — either smooth, jagged, round, obtuse, or whatever intended shape — contrast in a wonderful way against a backdrop of exuberant living plants that represent and encompass the very forms artists use in their craft.”

Category: Flowers 2nd place — Susan Booker

Category: Landscape Contractors in Action Edwards

Category: Landscape Contractors

Category: Flowers First Place— Matt Haber

i Landscape

Second Place — Kathleen

Category: Landscapes & Gardens 2nd place — Aleksandra Bednarz

Contractors in Action First Place — Susan Booker

Category: Landscapes & Gardens First Place — Rob Schwarz

Category: Flowers 2nd place — Susan Booker

Category: Midwest State Parks and Forest Preserves First place — Matt Haber

Category: Pets 2nd place — Mary

Category: Pets First Place —

i Landscape

Category: Pollinator First Place — Kathleen Edwards

Mary Dicarlo

— Kathleen Edwards

Category: Pollinator 2nd place — Heather Lough

Category: Snow 2nd place — Brian Dreher

Category: Snow First Place — Tony Waseman

i Landscape

place — Valerie McCauley

First Place — Susan Booker

Category: Trees 2nd place — Renee Melant

Category: Trees First Place — Matt Ewert

Category: Wildcard 2nd place — Heather

Category: Wildcard First Place

Category: Urban Horticulture 2nd place — Tony Wasemann

Category: Urban Horticulture First Place — Jody Evenson

i Landscape

Heather Lough

Place — Rob Schwarz

Category: Wildlife 2nd place — Kathleen Edwards

Category: Wildlife First Place — Joseph Wulffe

Cómo crear experiencias debajo de los pies con senderos y caminos

por Heather Prince

Uno de los pasos clave en el diseño de un terreno ajardinado es determinar cómo las personas se trasladarán de un lugar a otro dentro y fuera de un sitio. ¿Cómo llega la gente a la propiedad? ¿Cómo llega a la entrada? ¿Al huerto trasero? ¿A un banco de jardín apartado? Una vez que haya determinado un mapa de movimientos para un sitio, es hora de explorar el sinnúmero de posibilidades de crear experiencias en el jardín con lo que está debajo de los pies.

Restricciones y liberación

Muchas veces necesitamos restringir los movimientos en un jardín. Podría haber una cerca, un muro, un seto u otras barreras para delinear los espacios. Podríamos poner una puerta para traspasar esas barreras y hacer que la gente haga una pausa. Podría haber un cambio de desnivel que requiera de escalones. Siendo considerado con los elementos, creas ciertos momentos en la experiencia de los visitantes. Piensa en los umbrales.

Los seres humanos somos criaturas curiosas y queremos saber qué hay al otro lado de la puerta o cerca. Las selecciones de materiales para puertas pueden reflejar la arquitectura de la casa, el estilo de los jardines y cómo deseas que las personas crucen el umbral. Por ejemplo, columnas de piedras apiladas aportan peso e importancia a un umbral. Es evidente adónde dirigirse para entrar. Añadir linternas o luces en la parte superior hará que la gente definitivamente sepa donde se encuentra la puerta principal. Puedes seleccionar un camino liso de hormigón para que las personas puedan acercarse y atravesar los espacios ajardinados con facilidad y rapidez. Este es un portal importante y las personas tienen un destino. En cambio, una puerta rústica en un espacio estrecho hace que nos detengamos. Podemos añadir una pérgola con enre-

dadera floreciente para dar la sensación de cabaña al espacio. Adoquines de ladrillo o losas harán que los caminantes reduzcan la velocidad y se detengan un rato para disfrutar mirando lo que está adelante. Esta entrada es restrictiva e inmediatamente causará intriga porque obliga a las personas a detenerse. Es una oportunidad para plantar viñetas o colocar macetas decorativas para señalizar la transición de la entrada para coches a los jardines interiores.

Cómodo versus incómodo ¿Cómo deseas que las personas avancen por los elementos sólidos de tu jardín? Cuando nos sentimos incómodos, reducimos la velocidad, hacemos una pausa y nos detenemos. Cuando nos sentimos cómodos, avanzamos con rapidez y seguridad, ignorando donde pusimos los pies. En algunos casos, una propiedad podría requerir de superficies fáciles de atravesar para personas con problemas de movilidad o que padecen de enfermedades tales como el mal de Parkinson, que provoca que el cerebro vacile y se detenga al encontrar cambios de materiales debajo de los pies.

Las superficies ásperas y desiguales pueden hacernos reducir la velocidad. Las losas rústicas podrían ser la elección perfecta para una casa de campo en la cual el objetivo es permanecer en los jardines. También caminamos más despacio cuando los senderos son estrechos, por lo que un sendero de losas nos permite merodear por el jardín. Adoquines decorativos u hormigón estampado pueden tener sentido en un hogar contemporáneo en el que una familia animada puede rebotar entre el borde de la piscina y estructuras de juego con menos probabilidades de que pies de niños tropiecen. Senderos más anchos también nos permiten movernos rápidamente por el terreno.

Las texturas crujientes también nos obligan a reducir la

velocidad. Grava, del tamaño de un guisante y más, nos hacen prestar atención a nuestros pies. También nos proveen un paisaje sonoro seductor que podría indicar una transición de una entrada fácil a un jardín elegante. Un camino de mantilla puede darnos una superficie acolchada con rebote mientras recorremos los arriates del jardín. La fragancia de las astillas de madera proporciona otro nivel sutil de interacción en los espacios al aire libre.

Materiales para el movimiento

Hay innumerables oportunidades para crear experiencia debajo de los pies de cintas de césped a caminos de mantilla, de hormigón liso a piedras de río redondas. Estos son algunos de los materiales que pude seleccionar para crear una experiencia interesante en un jardín.

Piedra

Aquí en el Medio Oeste tenemos acceso a muchas fuentes de piedras nativas, siendo la mayoría tipos de caliza. Desde piedras calizas apiladas características de Jens Jensen hasta afloramientos rocosos contemporáneos, la piedra caliza ocupa un lugar destacado en nuestro paisaje. Encontrarás losas para paseos y muros, losas grandes para escalones y características distintivas y bloques recortados para facilitar el paso. La piedra caliza azul es otra piedra de uso común para lograr una apariencia más sofisticada y pulida con sus piezas lisas de tono azul oscuro usualmente recortadas para formar cuadrados o rectángulos regulares. En el Medio Oeste, es más probable que se use granito en cantos rodados o rocas pulidas. Raramente se encuentran piedras de río pulidas en los bordes para lograr un efecto de alfombra/tapiz.

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Adoquines

Hay innumerables opciones de adoquines en el mercado en todos los tamaños y colores incluyendo los que incorporan aparatos de iluminación o accesorios de fuentes. Algunos de los nuevos adoquines más populares son sistemas permeables. Muchas municipalidades están comenzando a exigir o premiar el uso de adoquines permeables como una manera de mantener las aguas pluviales en la propiedad. Las compañías han respondido con grandes carteras de opciones que son atractivas y ecoamigables.

Hormigón

El hormigón es increíblemente flexible como material de pavimentación y puede ser coloreado o estampado con diseños. El hormigón es también fácil de obtener, manipular y puede ser tratado para lograr una apariencia contemporánea o textura rústica. Si tiene un diseño que requiera de formas curvas, patrones entrelazados o formas creativas, el hormigón constituye una solución práctica.

Porcelana

Los adoquines de porcelana han estado ganando terreno a medida que se vuelven resistentes a las heladas, más duraderos y fáciles de cuidar. La porcelana ofrece una apariencia sofisticada que puede transitar fluidamente entre interiores y exteriores. Es especialmente adecuada para bordes de piscinas modernas en los que el cliente desea una superficie que se asemeje a las baldosas pero que al mismo tiempo se adapte al clima del Medio Oeste. Los adoquines de porcelana vienen usualmente en matices de gris y tonos tierra y aparecen cada vez más en programas de renovación de casas.

Turf Update— Bees, Pesticides & Politics

by Meta L. Levin

You want to be on the right side of this issue, says Dr. Daniel Potter, who recently retired after 44 years as a professor of entomology at the University of Kentucky. By “this issue,” he means honeybees, the poster child for insect pollinators in the United States and elsewhere around the world. And by “you,” he means landscape contractors and other green industry professionals.

That’s who he addressed during his presentation, “Bees, Pesticides & Politics,” during the 2023 Turf Education Day. Considered an international authority on the ecology and management of insects impacting turf and woody landscape plants, he is a fellow of the Entomological Society of America and has done extensive research on the effects of pesticides on bees and other insects.

To illustrate what can happen and the effects it can have not only on bees, but on green industry professionals, as well, he described an Oregon incident and its aftermath. An Oregon shopping center called in some professionals to spray their Linden trees for aphids, because their droppings were getting on customers’ cars.

The crews used a neonicotinoid-based pesticide, failing to take into account that the tree was in bloom. They showed up early in the morning, before the stores were open, and sprayed away, with predictable results. By the time customers arrived, they were greeted by thousands of dead and dying honeybees.

Out came the cell phones and within a short time the sad sight went viral. Representatives from the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Office of Endangered Species conservation biologists showed up. The city netted dozens of mature Linden trees to protect bees and other pollinators until the residue wore off.

Angry citizens showed up at city council meetings, some even dressed as bees, demanding justice for the bees. The state suspended the use of neonicotinoids, as did other locations nationally. The use of an entire class of pesticides was suspended or restricted.

“And it all was the result of a label violation,” says Potter. The label did, indeed, prohibit the use of the pesticide on flowering trees. That information, however, was in tiny print. Such exclusions now are required to be in larger type and more obvious.

“This is both a challenge and an opportunity for the green industry,” says Potter.

Honeybees are well known for pollinating plants for good reasons. “A lot of things we like to eat are pollinated by bees,” says Potter. Although they are best known, they are not native to North America. There are, however, 4,000 species of native bees.

Honeybees, however, lend themselves to commercialization. As a matter of fact, renting their bees out for pollination is how most beekeepers make their money. And, says Potter, while pesticides contribute to problems with honeybees, they are not the main cause of hive collapse and other honeybee problems. In 2019 US beekeepers lost more than 40 percent of their colonies over the winter.

In China, honeybees are so endangered, in part because of over spraying by pesticides that are harmful to them, that growers have resorted to hiring families with small children to hand-pollinate the trees, says Potter. The children are light weight and nimble.

The California almond industry alone requires 1.4 million honeybee colonies to pollinate the trees, mostly provided by professional beekeepers who transport their hives in large, air-conditioned trucks.

And in urban areas? Honeybees pollinate ornamental plants and backyard gardens that many people rely on for their produce.

So, what is the cause of honeybee problems? “Public perception is that it is only neonicotinoids,” says Potter. “Most neonicotinoids are used on field crops. Turf and landscapes account for very little of its use.” They are, however, the “low hanging fruit.” The public sees landscape contractors and others spraying, or their neighbor buys something at the garden center, not paying attention to warnings on the labels, and, poof, dead bees. “Urban pest control is not the main reason why the bee population is declining, but that doesn’t mean that our insecticides are harmless to bees.”

Neonicotinoids and pyrethroids can kill bees outright or impair colony function, says Potter. In fact, even at low dosages, neonicotinoids can make bees act as if they are intoxicated or stoned.

Knowledge is the best way to combat your customers’ perceptions. Potter ticked off six major reasons that honeybee populations are declining throughout the world:

1. Varroa mite – these not only attack individual bees, but they also carry bee diseases that spread quickly through hives.

2. To increase production, beekeepers replace honey in a hive with high fructose corn syrup. Real honey, like human breast milk for human babies, boosts baby bees’ immune system. High fructose corn syrup makes bees more vulnerable

3. Travel stress – Crowded together in trucks place stress on the bees. That also provides a breeding ground for the mites, not to mention an easy way to spread diseases

4. Habitat loss – 70 percent of native bees are ground nesters. They will find cavities and build nests in them, then forage locally. As land is cleared and built up, there is less and less space for this

5. Agricultural monocultures – like humans, bees need a variety of pollen from a variety of sources. They don’t get that if they are pollinating the same crops repeatedly

6. One stressor increases bees’ vulnerability to others, i.e., parasites, insecticides, overcrowding, etc.

So, arm yourself with facts. There may be an acceptable threshold for bee hazards from insecticides vs. pest management benefits. Use best management practices. Knowing your products and the proper techniques for using them can be a selling point for your business. Hazards equal toxicity times exposure. It’s no surprise that high exposure equals high hazard and low exposure equals low hazard.

Potter’s lab at the University of Kentucky studied how to manage insect pests on lawn and landscapes without harming insects. For instance, white clover, which is a favorite of bees around the world.

In fact, there is a seed product on the market that has white clover mixed with grasses, such as tall fescue. Potter tried it in his own backyard. His wife, he reports, loved it, because it not only attracted bees, but butterflies, other pollinators and even rabbits. It did, however, only last two seasons.

So, when evaluating the effects of various pesticides on bees, he and his graduate students chose white clover. They also chose Bumble bees, because they nest in a yard and forage locally, whereas honeybees can search for pollen over a wider area.

Applying at recommended label rates, they compared lawn insecticides from three chemical classes: neonicotinoids, anthranilic diamide and pyrethroids. They used them with or without irrigation or mowing. Each hive started with one queen and 20 workers. They were exposed for varying lengths of time, before being taken to a safe site for the rest of the summer to determine the effects of early exposure.

The result? Direct exposure to neonicotinoids and pyrethroids used on flowering lawn weeds are harmful to bees. Even a few days exposure can knock a colony back so that there are no new queens and it won’t reproduce. Furthermore, the bees will not avoid the sprayed flowers. “Neonicotinoids are not the future,” says Potter. In fact, the EPA has cancelled all spray uses of Merit® on residential lawns.

Potter recommends mowing off the flowers before treating for grubs or other pests. Granular formulations pose less of a bee hazard than sprays. If you mow off, treat the weeds, then let them rebloom. There will be almost no contamination in the flowers.

Studies on woody plants showed that pesticides can persist for at least a year in the nectar of the flowers of those plants, so Potter doesn’t recommend using hazardous pesticides on wood plants that attract bees.

Potter’s studies did show that Chlorantraniliprole (Aceleprynzb®) is effective against pests and not hazardous to bees.

“Pollinator friendly lawn care is good for the industry,” says Potter. “There is an increasing interest in flowering bee lawns. In fact, some nurseries and garden centers are putting “bee friendly” tags on plants. “They are flying off the shelves.”

There also is a “Trees for Bees” project that is gaining popularity. A single shrub or tree can provide 1000 flowers with high quality pollen or nectar. “It’s a great resource for bees,” says Potter.

The bottom line is that as more people become aware of the importance of pollinators, especially bees’ roles in our food production, the green industry’s sensitivity to this will be a selling point.

Plants Underutilized by Landscape

By Shannon McEnerney

We’ve all been there. You see a new plant that looks great. From the description, it will do everything you could ask a plant to do. Then you buy one, plant it, lovingly care for it—and it’s a total dud. It’s no wonder we often see landscapes with the same old, same old — Hemerocallis Stella D’Oro, Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’, Rosa Knock Out®. We use them because we know they work. But what if there was an in-between? Plants that have proven they perform but could stand to be used a bit more often. At Midwest Groundcovers, we have the good fortune to have a range of display gardens, which help us hone in on plants that fit this bill.

First up we have a plant that doubles as a groundcover and a shrub. Cotoneaster Nordic Carpet® has similar foliage to Cranberry Cotoneaster, but in a much shorter habit, about 3-6” tall. White flowers cover the plant in May, and it’s evergreen foliage is a lovely burgundy in fall. Plants can benefit from a bit of winter protection, but established plants will

bounce back quickly from any defoliation that may occur.

Hosta is another plant that can be a two-fer; while typically listed as a perennial, some of the mini varieties make for great shade groundcovers. Hosta ‘Blue Mouse Ears’ has been popular for a while, but it has some friends that offer a wider color range — ‘Mighty Mouse’—similar to ‘Blue Mouse Ears’, but with a gold margin, ‘School Mouse’—also variegated, but a brighter, more defined yellow margin and a twistier leaf, and ‘Sun Mouse’—a bright chartreuse. All varieties are about 6-8” tall and 12” wide, and display short stalks of lavender flowers.

Carex is a genus that can be overwhelming, due to the sheer number of species. One of the top performers in our Carex Classroom is Carex shortiana, or Short’s Sedge. Its name is a misnomer, because it’s not all that short—18-24” tall. It prefers soils that are moist/well drained to moist, but can tolerate anywhere from sun to shade. Its adaptability and interesting dark brown spikelets in early summer warrant

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Phlox Backlight

Landscape Professionals

greater use in landscape applications.

On the topic of natives, Callirhoe involucrata or Purple Poppy Mallow is a tough native plant that has many characteristics we look for in cultivated plants. One plant can form a mat up to 3’ wide, showcasing a flush of magenta flowers in early summer, then sporadically through the rest of the season. This species prefers well-drained, even rocky soil, and will do just fine in drought conditions.

There’s no shortage of Helleborus (Lenten Rose) on the market these days, but we have been impressed with the landscape performance of the Frostkiss® series — Dorothy’s Dawn®, Molly’s White and Pippa’s Purple® to name a few. Flowers are later to bloom and stand up above the foliage, so you don’t have to search under the leaves like with some varieties. The foliage also has a bit of a marbled effect, adding interest even after flowering.

While Symphyotrichum (Aster) are common in the fall landscape, some new-ish introductions from the Chicagoland

Grows® program — ‘Billowing Pink’, ‘Billowing Violet’ and ‘Cotton Candy’ — deserve your consideration. Aster are often a victim of “bare legs” (defoliation from rust and powdery mildew) by the time they actually flower. A hybrid of Aromatic Aster, their sticky foliage fends off disease, and mounding plants are covered in flowers all the way to the ground. Bred to be more compact, they also won’t split open by the time they flower, like some of the older varieties are known to do.

Admittedly, Potentilla (Cinquefoil) is not a species I often get excited about. But the performance of Potentilla Crème Brulee™ from the First Editions® program had me changing my mind. This plant was about as consistent a bloomer as they come, showcasing creamy white flowers all summer long. And it never faltered in last summer’s extremely dry weather — just kept on flowering. Plants have a taller, upright rounded form — a quick prune of a few branches in spring is all you need to maintain a nice habit

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Sunset Coral

Focus — Midwest Plant Talks

(continued from page 45)

Another great performer in our shrub display garden was Symphoricarpos

Proud Berry®. At times Symphoricarpos (Coralberry) can get scraggly looking, but this variety from Proven Winners® maintains a nice, rounded shape. The highlight is the purply-pink fruits in late summer and fall — a somewhat unexpected color that time of year, and even in a spot that was partially shaded, it was loaded with fruit!

There you have it — eight plants that are not in every landscape you pass by. Hopefully this list gives you some ideas to begin incorporating into your landscapes—stop by our St. Charles gardens to see them live and in-person!

Spiraea Double Play Dolly

Spiraea Double Play Doozie

Symphyotrichum Aster Snow Flurry

Modern Metallica Taking Aluminum to New Heights

by Nina A. Koziol

When Tim Hawley was in grade school, he had two passions: painting and drawing. His entrepreneurial spirit may have gelled while spending those early years around his family’s manufacturing business, Arrow Engineering, which his grandfather started in 1963 in Rockford, Illinois. But his passions drew him to the University of South Florida to study fine arts. “My art background was large — ceramics and print-making to every type of medium. I didn’t go to school for manufacturing, but I’m good at coming up with ways to make things.”

Hawley has been in the decorative metal-working business since 2008. His unique style of work includes ornamental panels, fire pits, staircases, furniture, pergolas, signage, one-of-a-kind pieces and more for designers of landscapes and interiors. His work enhances the displays of outdoor kitchens at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, was featured at three Chicago Flower and Garden Shows, and soon you may see some of it at O’Hare Airport terminals. “The things that drive me are those that are new and original — I like being an artist and doing art for a living.”

“Tim has been an integral part of our design work,” said Don Maldonado, owner of Chicago Green Design, a design and build firm dedicated to luxury rooftops. “There’s always need for an ornamental-type of privacy—whether from a neighbor, or for more warmth, or for less wind—reasons behind why we use Tim’s work. For one project, the owner was a diver and wanted something creative. Tim was able to get ahold of brain coral and traced and mapped it, including it in the privacy panel. The client was all over it. There’s more of an organic feel — Tim was able to capture the movement.”

Beginnings

While in college, Hawley painted murals for restaurants, explored printmaking, graphic design and sculpture, but when he returned home, he met someone with a plasma cutting machine. “Using CNC machines (computer numerical controlled-machine), you can be an artist but produce multiples. I grew up around metal and have a love for it.”

It didn’t hurt that he was computer savvy.

He became proficient at freehand drawing on the computer, which allowed him to turn panels into metal cutouts. “It’s not clip art — it’s more fine art.” And that’s what sets his work apart. He taught himself how to use various computer programs to create water jet-cutting software. He was 28 when he and a partner kicked off a business but, like many artists, he eventually followed his own path.

“When I came out on my own in 2012, nobody was doing this work — taking computers and plasma cutting and doing high detail work. It was very niche 10 years ago but soon every body copies and catches on.” The key word is copy — not everyone is an artist. All of Hawley’s work is done in aluminum. “It doesn’t chip or rust and it’s sand-blasted, which really puts in the etch. All of my panels will look great for a long time.” The aluminum is powdercoated with a UV stable paint. Many of his pieces have a natural flowing, organic vibe, but they are strong and contemporary at the same time.

Inspiration

“I try to make things that come from nature that are more organic,” Hawley explained. “When you create metal work that looks like nature, it’s more timeless.” He used a skeletonized leaf as inspiration for one panel. (continued on page 50)

Focus — Special Feature

(continued from page 48)

Mushrooms, seaweed, microscopic plant cells, waves—any of them may spur a design idea. “Growing things have beautiful patterns.”

Sometimes he does the design and occasionally it comes from a landscape firm. “Some clients want a more modern look or minimalism. It depends on the look of the house and the property.” If he’s working directly with a client, he will ask them to describe what they like, or to send pictures or he’ll share photos for inspiration. But he also enjoys working with many landscape designers.

One of Maldonado’s clients is an airline pilot. “One of his routes was to Hawaii and he liked floral leis. Tim did an abstract of a flower pattern that was cool.” The projects are often a collaboration. “Tim will be at a project

to talk about where things go or he’ll sometimes get involved in the installation. It’s a collaborative venture and his hands are in it.”

Design and Durability

Hawley thankfully has only had one call back in 15 years and it was a piece that wasn’t sandblasted. “It’s all about prepping the work.” He laments that he lost one job because a client was able to get 4 x 8 foot panels on Etsy for $400 less than his panels. However, the material was thin steel and more prone to rust.

“We pick a color and then he has it powder-coated so there’s no rust or flaking,” Maldonado said. “It pretty much encases the aluminum and bonds and seals it at the same time.”

(continued on page 52)

BY LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS

Focus — Special Feature

(continued from page 50)

Ania Rossi of Aniascape in Naperville was looking for a creative solution within a swale to screen pool equipment. “The clients didn’t want a simple fence as it would not look appropriate at this site and I think I have found my new favorite way to screen areas thanks to Tim. We had artistic statues on site and Tim created a cohesive and complimentary design that turned out better than I ever imagined.”

See more of Hawley’s work at https://www.timothyjhawley.com/

More photos on following page.

Focus — Special Feature

Member Profile Snapshot

IBrookside Landscapes, Inc.

686 County Road 1200 East Eureka, IL 61530

(309) 467-3303 www.brooksidelandscapes.com

n 1993, when John Cottrell started Brookside Landscapes, Inc., he had a love of the green industry and a dump truck.

A few years later, his nephew, Kurt, began working summers for his uncle.

By 2013, with associate degrees in horticulture and turf/ landscape management from Illinois Central College, Kurt Cottrell was working at Brookside full time.

Now he is one of a quartet of friends and family who together own and operate Brookside Landscapes, Inc.: Eric Eisenmann, a landscape architect, who has been with the company since 2000; Harrison Frank, Jon Wiegand and Cottrell. “I’ve known them all my life,” says Cottrell.

The four get along well, but also are aware of the pitfalls of close friends and family working together. “We don’t want to let our work ruin our personal relationships,” says Kurt Cottrell. “So, we have clearly defined roles and avoid overlap.”

Frank, who attended Illinois Central College, serves as the construction manager. He is John Cottrell’s nephew.

While Wiegand, who is married to one of Cottrell’s nieces, started out working for John Cottrell as a foreman, he now is the service manager and oversees small enhancement projects, refurbishments and repairs – all landscape projects that fall outside of regular construction work. “It allows us to respond quicker,” says Kurt Cottrell.

Eisenmann oversees design and sales. He manages the sales department and works with Brookside’s high-end clients, pro-

ducing a large percentage of the design/build sales.

Cottrell is the president and general manager and handles the accounting, although he still does some of the design. He loves being out-of-doors and makes it a point to visit job sites.

“We have a unique business structure and team,” says Cottrell. “We have high level and high-quality people and we pay them well.” The Brookside field staff is empowered to make certain decisions on their own at the job sites. “We have a process and collaboration between the design and construction teams.”

Frank works with the foremen, project managers and construction teams. Together they have full control over how the designs are executed.

Brookside employs 20 to 25 full-time employees. In midseason that can rise to 30 to 35, says Cottrell.

As more and more clients asked for maintenance services, the partners began looking for a way to add those services to their arsenal. A year ago, they acquired a landscape firm. With that acquisition, they added a turf care division, which is doing well, and, although they do no mowing, they now provide what Cottrell refers to as “higher level maintenance. We were able to take his systems and clients and roll them into ours.”

Brookside was an IGIA member for several years and now is an ILCA member. He is looking forward to more opportunities to offer his people training. “We try to invest in our people as much as we can,” Cottrell says. “We’d like to see more people subscribe to industry standards.”

Cottrell describes himself as a follower of Jesus Christ and notes that there are a lot of people of faith who work at Brookside. His faith, he says, provides guidance to the way they do business, a fact that is reflected in Brookside’s mission statement.

Cottrell and his partners revel in the fact that they all grew up in the Eureka area and, in many cases, have personal relationships with their clients. “I love to work with our clients,” he says. “We listen to them and hear what they want, what they are trying to accomplish. Then we try to educate them on how to do that. We get to create some amazing spaces for people.”

Allium, Daylily, Catmint, Dianthus, Heuchera, Grasses, Hostas & MORE.

Boxwood, Dogwood, Chokeberry, Lilac, Viburnum, & MORE.

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HELP WANTED HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

Director of Sales - Summerfield Trading Summerfield Trading LLC, a Plant Brokerage Firm and subsidiary of Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects was created in 2016 to provide Hoerr Schaudt clients with improved plant selection and efficiency of procurement through our vast network of growers and collectors. The company has seen growth and success since its beginnings.

In 2024, Summerfield Trading will expand beyond its internal clients to begin providing the same exceptional service and quality plant material to customers beyond Hoerr Schaudt’s customer base. This customer base will include landscape architects, landscape contractors, private estates, golf courses, etc.

Our experience and understanding of industry standards, quality assurance, and the importance of plant character will elevate the overall selection of plant materials for Summerfield’s client base. We will ensure that our clients’ plants are curated with intention and intelligence.

Procuring plants for one’s landscape through Summerfield Trading will ensure that the highest standards are met throughout the entire process and that logistics associated with all deliveries are coordinated with the utmost care and attention.

Sales and marketing will be centered around project-by-project promotion of Summerfield Trading goods by Summerfield staff.

Role:

As Director of Sales, this person will lead the team and set the roadmap for the growth of this company. They will collaborate with the team to set budgets for both revenue and expenses related to all sales. They will help set and be accountable to KPIs. They will monitor trends in the industry and ensure Summerfield is positioned to capitalize on those trends.

For more details on the job posting: https:// hoerrschaudt.com/about/careers/summerfielddirector-sales/

How to apply: by email to mgraham@ hoerrschaudt.com

Experienced Landscape Front Desk and Office Admin

Clesens, A leading name in Turf, Ornamental, and Irrigation Supplies in the Midwest since the 1960’s is looking for Experienced Front Desk Sales and Administrative Support at Our Corporate Headquarters in Lincolnshire, IL.

Throughout our 60-plus year history, our distribution company has sold turf, plant, and irrigation supplies to golf courses, country clubs, municipalities, corporate campuses, landscape contractors, lawn care companies, arborists, universities, and sports fields.

This position would be based at our Lincolnshire, IL corporate headquarters. We are looking for a positive, energetic, and personable person who will interact with and assist our customers and team members daily, and we will train you on our ERP system to become proficient in your role.

Details of What We Are Looking For In This Role:

An office generalist with some fertilizer, herbicide, and general landscape product knowledge who has worked in the industry before. Previous Accounts Payable/Receivable experience and good interpersonal skills dealing with both the public and other employees is essential to this role. This role will assist at our front desk with customer service for both walk-in customers and phone calls regarding sales and sales support. Just as important, you will assist Accounting and Admin with Accounts Receivable or Accounts Payable. This role is instrumental in helping to keep the daily operations of our business running smoothly and cohesively.

· Landscape Industry Experience

· General Turf/Plant Fertilizer, Herbicide, Industry Product Knowledge

· Good Interpersonal Skills, Professionalism, and Attention to Detail

· Ability to Create a Welcoming Environment for Visitors

· Good Customer Service and Phone Skills

· Office Admin Experience with Accounts Receivable or Accounts Payable

OPEN POSITIONS: Account Manager

· A Proactive Problem-solver with Sound Decision-making Abilities

· Organization and Time Management Skills

· Good Written and Verbal Communication Skills

· General Computer Skills, Including Microsoft Office, Excel and Gmail

· Attention to Detail

· Comfortable with Routinely Shifting Demands

· High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) Required

· Any College Coursework in Business or Horticulture is Desirable

· A Commitment to Your Career Growth and Professional Development.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $23.00 to $25.00 per hour plus overtime

Benefits:

· 401(k) matching

· Profit Sharing

· Health insurance

· Health savings account

· Paid sick time

· Paid vacation

Physical setting:

· Office

Schedule:

· Monday to Friday 7:30 AM – 4:00PM

Ability to commute/relocate:

· Lincolnshire, IL 60069: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

How to apply: send resume email to ssteele@clesens.com

PLEASE NOTE:

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

Submit your ads online at ilca.net

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HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

Customer Service Representative - Full Time Clesen Wholesale is a fourth-generation annual grower serving landscapers and garden centers. Qualifications:

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and written.

• Highly organized with exceptional followthrough and time management skills.

• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks to meet objectives.

• Skills in Microsoft Office preferred. How to apply:

Sales Account Manager

Balanced Environments Inc. is an award-winning and industry-certified company for landscape maintenance, design and installation services in addition to snow and landscape management. We offer all benefits and a great working environment. Come join our team!

1. Minimum five years experience in sales.

2. Two-years experience in field landscape maintenance procedures or equivalent.

3. Two-years experience in field construction procedures or equivalent.

4. Degree in the horticulture-related field or extensive horticulture training.

Major Objectives to be Accomplished:

1. Produce budgeted sales of new maintenance, enhancement, and snow contracts.

2. Increase knowledge of customer service and sales through training and practice.

3. Provide accurate job setup and follow-through for all contracts sold.

4. Maintain and grow large profile/portfolio client relationships through monthly site visits and timely follow-up on requests.

5. Communication of client needs to maintenance, enhancements, and snow departments, as the primary contact person with the client.

6. Maintain renewal accounts for maintenance and snow clients in your portfolio.

Responsibilities and Essential Task Activities:

1. Proactively manage clients’ satisfaction and service delivery by anticipating potential challenges and monitoring satisfaction.

2. Review, plan and participate in internal training activities on a daily basis through the support and guidance of the sales manager.

3. Provide project inspection, advisement, and coordination between client and maintenance, enhancement, and snowplow crews.

4. Develop and maintain quality repeat clientele and generate yearly renewal contracts.

5. Support public relations program through print materials, ads, website, press releases, award entries, photography schedules, trade shows, networking events, etc.

6. Involvement in snowplowing operations to include new sales, renewals, and liaison between client and snow manager.

7. Follow approved policies and procedures regarding client contact, bidding implementation, collections, client follow-up, and feedback.

9. Act as the primary contact person between client and company.

10. Solicit new maintenance work through the approved sales process to include referrals and cold-calls, with a concentration within our existing property routes.

11. Majority of enhancement and design/build sales to be generated through current or prospective maintenance clients and through the completion of regular site analysis.

12. Snowplow sales to include referrals and cold calls as outlined in the snowplow sales plan.

13. Support administration personnel in the collection of accounts receivable generated by your clientele.

14. Assist other Account Managers with customers outside of your portfolio account base when required with a mentoring role possible.

15. Participate in all scheduled sales meetings and sales events.

Salary: $65,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year Benefits: 401(k), Dental insurance, Health insurance, Paid time off, Vision insurance, Bonus pay, Commission pay.

How to apply:Email resume to Susan Bradleysbradley@balancedenvironmentsinc.com

Senior Business Development Director Purpose: To expand and grow our client base by attracting new customers and increasing the spending of existing customers. Maintain and expand corporate image of excellence through sales of quality products and services, servicing the customers’ needs, and providing open lines of communication to our clients. Manage a team of branch-level Development Directors (currently one in Lombard). Provide input and collaborate with all sales team members and mentoring of new members as required. New sales generation. The office worked from is in the Chicago Suburbs.

Qualifications:

1. Minimum ten years experience in sales.

2. Two years experience in field landscape maintenance procedures or equivalent.

3. Two years experience in field construction procedures or equivalent.

4. Degree in horticulture-related field or extensive horticulture training.

Major Objectives to be Accomplished:

1. Generate an ongoing pipeline of new leads by identifying and developing strategic business relationships within our primary target markets.

2. Manage and mentor a growing team of Development Directors to achieve branch-level and company new sales goals.

3. Work closely with the Sales Director to create a successful processes for lead generation, competitive pricing, effective presentations, marketing support, and sales team integration.

4. Increase business opportunities with our existing

portfolio managers by establishing closer strategic relationships with directors and VPs.

5. Produce budgeted sales of new maintenance, large construction projects, and snow contracts.

6. Increase knowledge of customer service and sales through training and practice.

7. Provide accurate job setup and follow-through for all contracts sold.

8. Maintain and grow large profile/portfolio client relationships through monthly site visits and timely follow-up on requests.

9. Communication of client needs to maintenance, enhancements, and snow departments, as the primary new sales contact person with the client.

Responsibilities and Essential Task Activities:

1. Develop a written sales plan with SMART goals to successfully penetrate our target markets.

2. Take a lead role in trade organizations and events.

3. Accurately track all leads and prospect activity and ‘touches’ using the BEI CRM database process.

4. Proactively manage clients’ satisfaction and service delivery by anticipating potential challenges and monitoring satisfaction.

5. Review, plan, and participate in internal training activities on a daily basis through the support and guidance of the Sales Manager.

6. Provide project inspection, advisement, and coordination between client and maintenance, enhancement, and snowplow crews.

7. Support public relations program through print materials, ads, web site, press releases, award entries, photography schedules, trade shows, networking events, etc.

8. Involvement in snow operations to include new sales.

9. Follow approved policies and procedures regarding client contact, bidding implementation, client follow-up, and feedback.

10. Daily working hours to be scheduled with the Sales Director. 40-65 hours per week, depending upon season and activities.

11. Act as the primary initial contact person between the client and the company.

12. Solicit new maintenance work through the approved sales process to include referrals and cold calls, with a concentration on our existing property routes.

13. Solicit new large construction work through an approved sales process to include referrals and cold calls, with a concentration on our existing property routes.

14. Snow sales to include referrals and cold calls as outlined in the snow plow sales plan.

15. Assist other Account Managers with customers outside of your portfolio account base when required with a mentoring role.

16. Participate in all scheduled sales meetings and sales events.

Working Relationships:

1. Sales Director: Daily to discuss daily objectives, sales goals, and achieving strategic plan.

2. Sales and Marketing Assistant: Daily, or as needed for expected support.

3. Branch Manager(s): Daily, or as needed to dis-

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HELP WANTED

cuss work in progress.

4. Snow Coordinator/Manager: As needed to discuss work in progress.

5. Administrative Personnel: Daily to provide information for control and reporting systems and to receive administrative support. Authority to Act:

1. Enter into maintenance, enhancement, design/ build, and snow plow contracts based upon approved estimating systems and procedures.

Standards of Performance:

1. Produce minimum new 2024 maintenance sales of (TBD)

2. Produce minimum new 2024 enhancement sales of (TBD)

3. Produce minimum new 2024/2025 snow sales of (TBD)

4. Monitor gross profit average across all sold maintenance, enhancement, large construction, and snow jobs bid as per budget.

5. Promote customer satisfaction by returning phone calls within the 24-hour period and respond to bid requests within 5 business days.

6. Completion of 2024 sales plan as developed.

7. Weekly feedback reports to the Sales Manager by approved timeframe.

HELP WANTED

8. Maintain high customer satisfaction ratings. Compensation Program:

1. Annual salary/commission (with a draw) to be determined based upon experience and minimum sales contributions and expectations.

2. Paid vacation as per employee handbook.

3. Paid holiday time as per employee handbook.

4. Auto allowance or company vehicle as per employee handbook.

5. Health insurance available.

6. Phone allowance available

How to apply: Email resume to gkruckenberg@balancedenvironmentsinc.com

HELP WANTED

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

So use it, lose it or be inspired to try something different.

Can-do Attitude

By Nina A. Koziol

Canna lilies go in and out of fashion. A darling of the Victorian-era, they were routinely featured on seed catalog covers. They were commonplace in public parks during the carpet-bedding heyday. Now they’ve come roaring back, flaunting that tropical vibe. Margarita, anyone?

Canna ‘Australia’

Canna ‘South Pacific Orange’

Tropical Vibes

Cannas at Ball

The Obelisk as a Focal Point

By Mark Dwyer

I’m perpetually looking for opportunities in the landscape to include bold, vertical elements. Depending on available space and the site, this might include an upright conifer, fastigiate tree or columnar ornamental grass. Over the years, though, I’ve become increasingly more reliant on instant verticality with the use of an obelisk. Also called an “obelisk trellis” or tuteur, these narrow, vertical elements make a stunning statement and are indispensable in the garden. An obelisk is typically a four-sided, narrow garden ornament that tapers to a point at the top. These can be made of steel, wood or other materials and there are many styles and heights. Obelisks can be quite formal in their appearance or simple and rustic. One of my favorite tasks is selecting specific paint colors for wooden obelisks to become focal points and add some “pop” to the landscape design.

With experience in both the public garden realm and a wide range of residential landscape settings, I find that a well-placed obelisk is critical for adding height, punctuation and beauty in the landscape. These structures can be grouped or repeated as an accent to unify a composition and have the added benefit of supporting select vines and climbers on their frames. With increased airflow and the ability for vines on the obelisk to cover and augment the ornament, the combination of obelisk with “vining passengers” can also add to garden drama and interest. Incidentally, left out in winter and decorated with

twinkle lights, these structures can offer 365 days of interest. Obelisks, with a minimal “garden footprint”, take up very little traditional garden space. They come in handy in narrow beds, borders and spaces where a potential plant with vertical form may become too large in time. The obelisk is a “known entity” for space allocation and I’ve used obelisks as short as 3’ in height all the way up to a towering 20’! Small obelisks can be used in larger containers and taller selections can offer scale from a greater distance. I do anchor all obelisks with deeply inset, metal fence posts on at least two opposite corners and then paint the stakes to blend in with the obelisk color. Wind and associated toppling for planted obelisks is a concern.

Any internet search looking for garden obelisks or tuteurs will reveal a very wide range of selections that might be of interest due to style, material and/or size. Metal selections can be quite ornate although the inclusion of vines might disguise some of their inherent ornamentality. I continue to prefer the wooden selections that can be stained or painted as desired. Consider further moisture protection on the bottom of the wooden legs to maximize longevity. If you have the tools, time and inclination, making obelisks to sell and utilize for clients (a winter project?) can enjoy a huge return on investment. Consider the potential impact of obelisks in future designs and projects!

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