2016
EVENTS CALENDAR
6N800 IL RT. 25 • ST. CHARLES, IL 60174 847-742-1790 • FAX 847-742-2655 WWW.MIDWESTGROUNDCOVERS.COM
Plant Substitution Workshop
Dia de Apreciacion al Contratista Latino
Wednesday, March 16th 10:00am - 12:00pm
Jueves, 5 de mayo
We’ll provide suggestions on substitutions for plants with continued industry shortages
(Latino Contractors Appreciation Day) (Thursday, May 5th)
10:00am - 12:00pm Acompañanos habra almuerzo, regalos y paseos (Join us for lunch, prizes and tours)
Pollinator Event Wednesday, June 22nd 9:00am - 11:00am Join us for guest speaker Dr. Scott Stewart, Director of the Lurie Garden in Chicago’s Millennium Park
Thank You!
Customer Appreciation Day Wednesday, August 31st 10:00am - 12:00pm Join us for lunch, prizes and tours
Summer Field Day Hosts Thursday, August 4th Virgil location
Landscape Contractor’s Site Solutions Wednesday, October 19th 8:00am - 3:00pm Day of education with guest speakers discussing plant selection and maintenance practices
March 2016
CONTENTS
Excellence In Landscape Awards Project
8
FOCUS: iLandscape Post-show Report The Reviews Are In... iLandscape was a hit! A Big Hit!
10
10
Excellence in Landscape Awards Night 22 ILCA Members’ night to shine
In an Event Filled with Headliners... Dr. Dirr brought the starpower
34
Houzz and the Empowered Client 44 How technology is transforming outdoor recreation
Storytelling: New Directions for Diverse Landscapes 48 A converstaion with landscape designer Rick Darke
22
Member Profile 60 LS Training System
Plant All-Stars 70 Rhus copallina var. latifolia ‘Morton’
34
On the cover... James Martin Associates received a Gold Award for this 2015 Residential Landscape Construction project.
70 The Landscape Contractor March 2016
3
CONTENTS
DEPARTMENTS ILCA Calendar From Where I Stand President’s Message Classified Ads Advertisers Index Photo Credits ILCA Awards Program Rick Reuland Bailey Nurseries Beaver Creek Nursery Michael Dirr Johnson’s Nursery
1, 8-9 10-25, 35, 44 35, 43 36 38-39, 41 40
Calendar
4 5 7 62 69
MARCH March 3-4, 2016 Foremanship Training Fox Run Golf Links Elk Grove Village, IL
Hursthouse Inc. Ricl Darke LS Training System The Morton Arboretum
46 48-54 60 70
March 17-18, 2016 Expande Tus Conocimientos Latino Seminar Four Lakes Village Lisle, IL 60532
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 57, Number 3. 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.
AUGUST
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Landscape Contractor, 2625 Butterfield Road, Ste 104S, Oak Brook, IL 60523. DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES: Association Publishing Partners, Inc., Ph. (630) 637-8632 Fax (630) 637-8629 email: rmgi@comcast.net CLASSIFIED ADS, CIRCULATION AND SUBSCRIPTION: ILCA (630) 472-2851 Fax (630) 472-3150 PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL OFFICE: Rick Reuland, rmgi@comcast.net, Naperville, IL 60540 Ph. (630)637-8632 PRODUCT DISCLAIMER: The Illinois Landscape Contractors Association, its Board of Directors, the Magazine Committee, ILCA Staff, The Landscape Contractor and its staff, neither endorse any products nor attest to the validity of any statements made about products mentioned in this, past or subsequent issues of this publication.
ILCA Staff
Magazine Staff
Executive Director Scott Grams (630) 472-2851 sgrams@ilca.net
Rick Reuland Publisher/Advertising Sales (630) 637-8632 rmgi@comcast.net
Education Manager Julie Nicoll jnicoll@ilca.net
Debbie Rauen Advertising Sales (817-501-2403) debbie.landscapecontractor@ yahoo.com
Events Manager Terre Houte thoute@ilca.net Office Manager Alycia O’Connor aoconnor@ilca.net Membership & Marketing Coordinator Marissa Sikirdji msikirdji@ilca.net
ILCA 2625 Butterfield Road Ste. 104S Oak Brook, IL 60523 (630) 472-2851 • Fax (630) 472-3150 www.ilca.net
August 4, 2016 Summer Field Day Midwest Groundcovers Virgil, IL
v Becke Davis Senior Writer treethyme@aol.com Patrice Peltier Feature Writer patpeltier@charter.net Meta Levin Feature Writer meta.levin@comcast.net Barbara Dutton Feature Writer Jim Fizzell jjfizz@aol.com
4
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
From Where I Stand — When I was 20
attached to chains. We’ve gone to interviews where our palms years old, I interviewed for a sweat in waiting rooms. In our minds we rehearse what motijob as a hotel front desk clerk. The position paid practically vates us, or the best advice we’ve ever received, or the three nothing. The hours were miserable. However, I would get the people, living or dead, we’d have dinner with. opportunity to wear a tie, shiny name badge, and was hopeful Some of us reading this have been on the other side. We’ve there would be an endless supply of pillow mints in my future. sat across from the nervous applicant. We’ve studied his or her I arrived early for the interview and took a seat in one of every movement like a poker player looking for a tell. We’ve the lobby chairs. I watched the front desk clerk handle a few asked the litany of questions trying to break a person open like guest phone calls, but mostly he stood there trying to stave off boredom. A few minutes later, the assistant manager joined me a plastic Easter egg to find out what’s really inside. Every company has some type of application in the lobby. He was far more chipper than and interview procedure. These procedures are he should’ve been given he’d been workengrained in the company’s culture. Some coming for 16 hours straight. I handed him my panies require personality tests, word associaresume and he did a quick scan although I’m tion, and thick questionnaires. Some companies pretty sure it could have been laced with vulrequire phone interviews, 360-degree interviews, garities and he wouldn’t have noticed. or multi-day interviews. Some companies simply He jumped into some interview questions. like the cut of someone’s jib. Some companies Most of them were about my customer sersubject candidates to drug testing and credit vice experience. As with most inexperienced checks. interviewers, he asked questions that offered We create such exhaustive interview prohim more of an opportunity to talk than me. cesses because hiring the right people is vital to He was far more interested in imposing some success. It’s also a complete pain in the butt, so hotel manager wisdom on me than actually we try to do it as little as possible. It can take learning if I possessed any acumen to serve months and thousands of dollars to locate the as a front desk clerk. Most of his questions right job candidate. We make a point to learn turned into long soliloquies about a difficult everything about that person that we are legally guest or past employee who “just didn’t work allowed to ask. We want to know if they are out.” self-motivated, intelligent, honest, responsible, The interview was unremarkable and I a leader, and possess the acumen we need to fill was not doing very well. Other than trashing the position. We want to make sure they are disa few hotel rooms with my fraternity brothers, ciplined, punctual, reliable, and capable. I had very little experience with the hospitalYet, we never think to ask any of the followity industry. At the end of the interview, he ing: asked me one final question, “Can you tell me “Are you fun?” a joke?” “Are you funny?” “Excuse me,” I stammered knowing full well what he “Do you bring joy to other people?” asked, but trying to buy more time. “Do you make people not only smile, but smile, slap their “Just tell me a joke, any joke,” he replied. knees and laugh so hard their morning coffee bursts from their My mind raced. Every joke that popped into my head was noses?” far too raunchy to share with a complete stranger let alone one Sense of humor is barely even considered during a job intergiving me a job interview. My mind became a giant bar filled with blondes, rabbis, priests, and the Man from Nantucket. The view. In fact, most candidates try to present a professional version of themselves and leave the knock-knock jokes at the door. more I tried to think of a clean joke, the dirtier my thoughts Interviews are mostly joyless procedures. Only weeks, months, became. It was like my body was being possessed by the spirit or maybe years after a person is hired, does a sense of humor of a drunk uncle. begin to show itself. Finally, I spoke, “Why can’t they play cards on a pirate Humor is absolutely vital in the workplace even beyond ship?” I paused briefly for dramatic effect, “because the capproviding a morale boost. A Robert Half International surtain is always standing on the deck.” vey found that 91% of executives believe a sense of humor is The assistant manager forced a smile. He held out his hand. important for career advancement. 84% feel that people with a He said, “we’ll be in touch.” I never heard from him again. good sense of humor do a better job. Another study by the Bell I want to think the reason I didn’t get the job was because Leadership Institute found that the two most desirable traits in my humor was too sharp and too edgy. After all, my pirate leaders were a strong work ethic and a good sense of humor. pun joke played to a smart audience. I wasn’t going to stoop Academic studies have shown that humor in the workplace to some lowbrow humor being regurgitated by hacks in smoky can increase motivation, reduce absenteeism, prevent long-term comedy clubs. I want to think the assistant manager knew that burnout, increase engagement, and improve productivity. I bet my wit would only clog the lobby with guests, doubled over in most managers or owners at landscape firms would start with laughter, waiting for my next jibe. Yeah, just let me think that. that list when making improvements at their own companies. Most anyone reading this has been on a job interview. After all, aren’t those all traits we desire in any office? Can it We’ve filled out applications with golf pencils or pens The Landscape Contractor 5 March 2016
All Work and No Play
From Where I Stand —
You’ll be proud to have us on your clients’ properties. From canopy to roots, caring for your trees isn’t something we just do, it’s our specialization, our area of expertise, our passion.
847.440.5344 • Tree and Shrub Pruning • Deep-Root Fertilization • Certified Arborists • Insect and Disease Management
sign up
at dotynu rseries.co m to rece ive our
dotynurseries.com
email ne wsle t ter
Shade TreeS • OrnamenTalS • evergreenS • ShrubS Ryan Doty sales@dotynurseries.com
P 630 365 9063 F 630 365 9081
45W121 Beith Road Maple Park, IL 60151
www.agrecol.com
Your native plant nursery Bioswales • Basins • Shorelines • Stormwater Phone 608.223.3571
6
Fax 608.884.4640
ecosolutions@agrecol.com
really be as simple as learning to have a little fun together? When I think back at the myriad of jobs that I have had, the ones that I would list as my favorite were the ones I was surrounded by people I enjoyed. Yes, we were a productive team, but we also laughed a lot. Humor has become a galvanizing force at the ILCA office. I would say making each other laugh is one of our strongest organizational attributes. My Event Manager, Terre, often remarks how different we all are. We have different ages, backgrounds, political ideologies, even food allergies. Yet, laughter has been a unifying thread in our office. We don’t all possess the same senses of humor, but we all recognize that making each other laugh not only brings joy to the entire office, but to ourselves as well. Picking each other up during stressful situations with humor has gotten us through some rough weeks, months, events, and meetings. I would say that as a manager, I encourage humor in our workplace but that isn’t exactly true. I need that humor as much as anyone. I need to know that for the next 8-10 hours of my day, I’m going to have the opportunity to laugh, smile, and feel good inside while I bang away at a keyboard or talk on the phone. There is a fear that if we encourage humor and laughter we do so at the sake of our professionalism. We don’t want our workplaces to become an episode of “The Office” where we wing zingers across the room and spend weekends dreaming up elaborate pranks. I do agree that humor has its limits. That is where the “sense” in sense of humor comes into play. It’s a gut feel for when humor has gone too far. We’ve all witnessed a joke get out of hand. We’ve all been in the meeting where we are 40 minutes-in and still haven’t discussed a lick of business. As managers, sometimes you have to stand at the top of the stairs like the dad at a sleepover telling everyone to go to bed. Soon after, the giggles stop and everyone drifts off. I still don’t ask new hires to crack a joke during their interviews. Maybe because I know firsthand the stress it causes as we search the deep recesses of our brains for a G-rated doozy. Instead, I want to foster an environment where when that new employee feels comfortable to tell that first joke, it will be welcomed with smiles and chuckles. I’ll end with this; a study found that babies laugh over 400 times a day. Adults over 35-years of age laugh only 15 times a day. We also laugh significantly more on the weekends than on weekdays. Maybe 400 times a day is excessive, and probably would signal a gas leak, but perhaps a few more laughs wouldn’t hurt. Besides, whistling while you work is for song birds and bearded dwarves. As we gear up for another long, grueling, and stressful season, just remember the sad story of the guy who got fired from his job at the calendar factory; all he did was take a day off.
Scott Grams February 19, 2016
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
President’s Message — It is a beautiful day
President
Rusty Maulding Nature’s View (815) 592-7582 rusty@naturesview.info
Vice-President
Mike Schmechtig Schmechtig Landscape Company (847) 566-1233 mschmechtig@schmechtiglandscapes.com
Secretary-Treasurer
Lisa Fiore Kositzki Don Fiore Company, Inc. (847) 234-0020 lfiore@donfiore.com
Immediate Past President Kevin Vancina Vancina Landscaping, Inc. (815) 726-2300 kvancina@sbcglobal.net
Directors
Mark Breier National Seed Co. (630) 963-8787 mark.breier@natseed.com Lisa Fiore Fiore Nursery and Landscape Supply (847) 913-1414 lisa@cjfiore.com Jose Garcia Natural Creations Landscaping, Inc. (815) 724-0991 info@naturalcreationslandscaping.com Dean MacMorris Night Light, Inc. (630) 627-1111 dean@nightlightinc.net
Kevin Manning K & D Entreprises Landscape Management, Inc. (815) 725-0758 kmanning@kdlandscapeinc.com Tom Lupfer Lupfer Landscaping (708) 352-2765 tom@lupferlandscaping.com Maureen Scheitz Acres Group (847) 526-4554 maureen.scheitz@acresgroup.com Donna Vignocchi Zych ILT Vignocchi, Inc. (847) 487-5200 dvignocchi@iltvignocchi.com
as I write this. The sun is shining, the wind is calm, and tulips are poking their heads up out of the ground. There is also a very good chance that a significant wet snowfall is just two days away. All signs point to spring arriving soon and the wonderful opportunities of a new season abound! Oh, and there may be a few challenges lurking too… One of the biggest challenges our industry faces is a shortage of labor at all levels of skill, experience and leadership. I’d like to focus on field staff for a moment as many companies will bring crews back in March and begin work. Because of the shortage, companies are finding ways to pay field staff more. But what are we getting for that extra expense? Are these employees being more productive, performing more complex work, or requiring less supervision at these new wage levels? Maybe, but not across the board. So what can we do to maintain or grow our margins and perhaps elevate the profession in the process? So much of the time we focus on keeping expenses as low as possible to be more competitive. But there are other ways to compete than on bottom dollar pricing. Clients also place value on service and product quality. Depending on a client’s set of values, they may be willing to pay more for a company that offers a higher level of service and/or product quality. Hang with me, I’m getting there… So how many times do your field staff interact with clients or potential clients? For some it may be regularly, others maybe not so much, but in either case, are they prepared to represent your company? Your crew members, the ones the whole world sees every day (not just the once a month supervisor or once every couple years owner) are the face of our industry and how they represent your company — our industry — matters. Most ILCA members make a great effort to teach technical skills to field staff. While that is important, let me suggest that you also equip these vital employees with training and information to interact with the world on the company’s behalf. Teach them your mission statement and company values. They will make better decisions because of it, and will represent your company better as well. Give them a 15-30 second elevator speech for when a potential new client approaches or what you’d like them to say when a current client greets them. With 60 minutes of training, you can make a big impact on how your community sees your company and our industry. Then like all training, follow up as the season progresses. Not all clients will appreciate this added service. If price is what rules their decisions, then the fact that ILCA members carry worker’s comp, pay overtime and hire legally won’t likely matter. If these clients value service, it may make a difference in what you can charge. It can help offset that increased direct expense. It may also in the process, help retain those employees we are all so desperate to find by giving them a sense of trust and added purpose within your company. I wish you much success this season and hope you are blessed with the labor force to get the work done. Rusty Maulding February 22, 2016
www.ilca.net
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
7
Pizzo & Associates, Ltd. • Humboldt Park Leland
The Humboldt Park
project consists of a variety of habitats from emergent shoreline to mesic woodland areas. At more than 14 acres, the complex consists of a wetland, lagoon, river buffer system and a savannah pond. Extensive invasive control was required to eliminate populations of purple loosestrife, yellow iris, cattails, and other invasive emergent species. The goals for the project were to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the park while simultaneously building biodiversity of flora and fauna. These enhancements created a safer environment for visitors while attracting birds, mammals and insect populations. The wetland was planted with sedges and native wildflowers in the upland zones. In the lagoon area, there was
a strong emphasis on aesthetics. Native shrubs were installed and pruned for a manicured appearance in tidy shrub beds to maintain clean site lines. Natural areas within the lagoon were transformed from fives species to more than 40 species within three years. In the river buffer area, invasive species once prevalent, are now completely controlled. As part of the milkweed initiative by the Chicago Park District, several native Asclepias were distributed throughout natural areas, attracting many monarchs. Purple loosestrife was removed from the savannah pond and mesic prairie plugs were added for diversity. We use prescribed fire in the wetland, the river buffer, and the ponds to maintain native diversity and control invasive saplings.
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
9
iLandscape 2016 —
The Reviews Are In...
iLandscape
TM
Is a HIT!
The illinois + wisconsin Landscape Show
By Rick Reuland
After a successful launch
and solid second act, it was time to see where this show was heading. The iLandscape Experience Committee and ILCA Education Committee collaborated to deliver the scripts for a show which, by all attendee accounts, was a runaway hit! Over its three-day run, February 3-5, 2016, the show drew an impressive 10% gain in overall attendance. Both exhibitors and attendees agreed, iLandscape 2016 had delivered on its promise of more exhibitors, more education, more fun. Over the next 20 pages there are dozens of photos chronicling each of the varied events that made up iLandscape. Don’t be surprised if you see yourself, or surely someone you know. If you were there, you know exactly what we mean. If for some inexplicable reason you missed iLandscape, this is the time to mark your calendar for the 2017 show — February 1-3, 2017. We’ll look for you there.
10
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
11
iLandscape 2016 —
Keynotes on the Garden Stage...
The Landscape of Leadership
12
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
Houzz & the Empowered Client
A Shrub Crawl with Dr. Michael Dirr
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
13
iLandscape 2016 —
First Class Education for Any Subject ...
and Some Just For Fun
14
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
An Amazing Mix of Speakers
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
15
iLandscape 2016 —
Student Activities Included... An Active Job Board Student Roundtables
An Orientation to the Industry
A Chance to Network
16
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
L O N G S H A D OW
速
Design: Joseph Hillenmeyer & Associates, Lexington, Kentucky
. COM
Hand crafted in Southern Illinois by Classic Garden Ornaments, Ltd. 速
iLandscape 2016 —
iLandscape Show and Fun ...
18
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
Go Hand In Hand
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
19
iLandscape 2016 —
20
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
POWER YOUR LANDSCAPE JOBS
As your customers seek to enhance their outdoor spaces, they need a professional landscaper that has the right tools to complete their project, whether it’s a simple upgrade or complex landscape makeover. Let Vermeer landscape equipment be your strategic ally in beautifying properties, as well as public spaces; creating green areas, patios, irrigation systems, yards, pathways or projects that require maintenance and care. Whether it is spring, summer, fall or winter, go the extra mile using reliable equipment with applications that can serve all season, year-round.
GOODFIELD, IL
(309) 965-3300
EAST MOLINE, IL (309) 751-9540
AURORA, IL
(630) 820-3030
VERMEERMIDWEST.COM
Excellence In Landscape
Excellence
in Landscape Red Carpet
22
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
Awards Night 2016
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
23
Excellence In Landscape Woman of the Year
Christy Webber
Christy Webber was honored as the ILCA Woman of the Year.
24
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
Awards Night 2016 Distinguished Service Award The Care of Trees
President Rusty Maulding presents the Distinguished Service Award to John Hendricksen and Charlie Keppel of The Care of Trees Davey Company.
a Davey Company
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
25
Excellence In Landscape Judges’ Award
Professionals’ Choice Award
James Martin Associates
Topiarius
Landscape
Industry Certified
Rookie of the Year Award Topiarius
Scholarship Winners
26
Student Design
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
Gold Awards 2015
Acres Group Commercial Landscape Maintenance Fifth Third Bank Ball Park - Kane County Cougars
Black Creek Canyon, Inc. Specialty Element Garden Cellar
Christy Webber Landscapes Special Event 811 N. Greenline Parkway (Natural Gas Safety Garden)
Christy Webber Landscapes Commercial Landscape Construction Prudential Plaza 11th Floor Roof Deck
Greenhaven Landscape, Inc. Residential Landscape Construction House Proud
James Martin Associates Residential Landscape Maintenance A Charming Site The Landscape Contractor March 2016
27
Excellence In Landscape
Pizzo & Associates, Ltd. Residential Landscape Maintenance Bringing Bison Home
Pizzo & Associates, Ltd. Commercial Landscape Maintenance Burnham Park-Burnham Nature Sanctuary
Pizzo & Associates, Ltd. Commercial Landscape Maintenance Rainbow Beach Dunes
Premier Landscape Contractors. Inc. Residential Landscape Construction Colonial Revival
The Brickman Group, Ltd. Commercial Landscape Maintenance Kemper Lakes Business Park 28
Topiarius Residential Landscape Construction Urban Attitude The Landscape Contractor March 2016
Gold Awards 2015 Awards Sponsors Cassidy Tire & Repair Producer Sponsor
Aspen Valley Landscape Supply Director Sponsor Pizzo & Associates, Ltd. Commercial Landscape Maintenance Humboldt Park
The Davey Tree Expert Co./TCOT, A Davey Co. Champagne Sponsor Rochester Concrete Products Dessert Table Sponsor Peerless Fence Coffee Sponsor
Bartlett Tree Experts Red Carpet Sponsor National Seed Gold Award Sponsor
Russo Power Equipment Gold Award Sponsor
Ron Clesen’s Ornamental Plants, Inc. Gold Award Sponsor
Midwest Groundcovers + Midwest Trading Gold Award Sponsor The Brickman Group, Ltd. Commercial Landscape Maintenance 425-475 Woodfield Corporate Center
ILASLA Gold Award Sponsor Night Light Gold Award Sponsor
The Tree Connection Gold Award Sponsor Lightscape, Inc. Gold Award Sponsor Rental Max Gold Award Sponsor TriNet, Inc. Gold Award Sponsor
Illinois Brick Supply Gold Award Sponsor
Techo-Bloc Midwest Corp. Gold Award Sponsor WRD Environmental with Clauss Bros. Specialty Element With Sustainable Honors WHS Learn+Play Gardens
Fiore Nursery & Landscape Supply Gold Award Sponsor The Landscape Contractor March 2016
29
Silver Awards 2015
Accents Lighting Specialty Element Burdeen Chicago
Black Creek Canyon, Inc. Specialty Element Twin Falls
Christy Webber Landscapes Commercial Landscape Maintenance Grant Park Rose Garden
Christy Webber Landscapes Commercial Landscape Maintenance Westfield Old Orchard
James Martin Associates Residential Landscape Construction Clarke Residence 30
Lupfer Landscaping with Coventry Gardeners Residential Landscape Maintenance Hinsdale Oasis The Landscape Contractor March 2016
711 S Material Road, Romeoville, IL 800-762-5738 * 815-836-0086 RocksEtc@ATT.net Moore Landscapes, Inc. Commercial Landscape Maintenance McCormick Place
DON’T DELAY! AVOID
THE
RUSH - PLACE YOUR REORDERS
NOW!
If you’re looking to try some new products, ask about our
mixed pallet program. Mix up to 3 different products to make up one pallet on your next mix and match load!
CALL
OR
ASK YOUR REP
FOR INFORMATION
TODAY!
Pizzo & Associates, Ltd. Commercial Landscape Maintenance Columbus Park
18715 Route 84 N * Cordova, IL 800-736-1356 * 309-654-2261 Sales@XylemLtd.com
The Brickman Group, Ltd. Commercial Landscape Construction Baha’i Welcome Center
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
31
Merit Awards 2016
A Safe Haven Landscaping Commercial Landscape Maintenance LaSalle Street Medians
Christy Webber Landscapes Residential Landscape Construction North Center Residence
Christy Webber Landscapes Commercial Landscape Maintenance The River Plaza Homeowners’ Association
Dutch Barn Landscape Contractors Specialty Element Manteno Main Street Plaza
Landscape Concepts Management Residential Landscape Construction Clybourn Lofts 32
Logic Lawn Care Commercial Landscape Maintenance With Sustainable Honors Skokie Village Green & Village Hall The Landscape Contractor March 2016
Ringers Landscaping Commercial Landscape Construction With Sustainable Honors Fox River Grove / District 3 Schools
We’re Bartlett Tree Experts, a 100+ year old tree care company with global reach and local roots. Our services include: •
Tree Pruning
•
Plant Health Diagnostics
•
•
Fertilization & Soil Care Insect & Disease Management
FOR THE LIFE OF YOUR TREES.
Call 877.BARTLETT (877.227.8538) or visit BARTLETT.COM
NORTHBROOK •■BOLINGBROOK • LAKE BARRINGTON • CHICAGO
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
33
iLandscape 2016 —
In an event filled with headliners
Dr. Michael Dirr Brought the Starpower By Patrice Peltier
The big news in woody plants today is color—
in flowers, foliage and fruit, according to Dr. Michael Dirr, the man who literally wrote the book on woody plants. Green is a color, Dirr concedes, reluctantly. “Green’s what holds it all together,” he told an appreciative, hometown crowd that included many former students. But that’s not the kind of color Dirr is talking about. “Conifers offer color and texture, but I just don’t think the public gets it,” he said. “How can you get a customer to pay $159 for a conifer when they can buy a hydrangea for $19 and get colorful flowers all season?” Dirr started his teaching career in 1972 as an assistant professor of ornamental horticulture at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where he taught for six years. He left to become a Mercer Fellow at the Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University, later becoming a professor at University of Georgia. Author of the book used in nearly every woody plant identification class in the country, Manual of Woody Landscape Plants (6th edition), Dirr has written 11 other books, 50 articles for scientific publications and more than 300 articles published in the popular press. In addition to teaching, Dirr has introduced more than 200 new cultivars into the nursery trade. It was his plant breeding expertise, much of it now done in concert with Bailey PII, that was the focus of his presentation at iLandscape. “The key ingredient in new plants is color,” he told the audience. That makes early-season flowering and reblooming important characteristics breeders are working towards. “There are 12 weeks in spring when our industry sells 70 to 80% of the plants at retail. Plants need to speak to the customers with the WOW factor. Sticks in a bucket simply don’t cut the mustard,” he said. “The economic reality is that color sells,” Dirr said. He pointed to a garden center selling a 5-gallon Endless Summer® Bloomstruck Hydrangea for $49.99 and a 5-gallon Viburnum ‘Emerald Triumph’ for $29.99. “That’s $20 of added value for color,” he said, noting that the hydrangea 34
was grown in about one-half of the time it took to produce the viburnum. Compact habit is also desirable these days, according to Dirr. He pointed out that the average home size has increased from 1827 square feet in 1983 to 2600 square feet in 2013. Meanwhile, the average lot size has decreased from 10,994 square feet in 2009 to 9,818 square feet in 2014. “The conclusion? Small plants are a necessity,” he said. Other characteristics Dirr said the market demands in woody plants include insect and disease resistance, minimal chemical and physical inputs, uniform branching, ability to prune plants to time flowering to retail buying patterns, and fast to finish in a container. Dirr shared a long list of woody plants that are newly introduced or in development that he thinks show considerable promise.
Calycanthus (Sweetshrub)
“How many Calycanthus can you sell,” Dirr asked the crowd. “Not too many. How many do you need after you have one? Here’s an opportunity to take a green shrub and make it into something that will sell.” He had good things to say about C. x raulstonii ‘Hartlage Wine’, adding, “There are more colors and more compact plants coming.” Two he mentioned are ‘Aphrodite,’ which grows 60-72” tall and ‘Purple Frost’, a compact cultivar with burgundy foliage.
Chaenomeles (Flowering Quince)
Flowering quince (Chaenomeles speciosa) are thorny plants with a weedy habit. “This is a garden troll. They beat you up,” Dirr announced, adding that work is being done to develop more user-friendly cultivars. He likes the Double Take™Series: Scarlet Storm, Pink Storm and Orange Storm. All three are thornless plants with double flowers. “They’re supposed to stay small,” Dirr noted—about half to one-third the size of the species. Also, they are fruitless.
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
Corylus americana (Hazelnut)
“Anybody use this plant?” Dirr’s question drew many affirmative responses from the audience. “You’ll never see it in a garden center,” he predicted. Dirr appreciates the huge range of this North American native plant as well as its great fall color, but says the species isn’t a garden center crowd pleaser. A new cultivar that is: Dirr recommended Corylus americana ‘Purpleleaf Bailey Select’ for its reddish purple young foliage that matures to green before developing burgundy fall color. “Dr. Tom Molnar at Rutgers University has developed Corylus americana purple leaf cultivars that hold the foliage color all growing season and are resistant to eastern filbert blight,” Dirr said.
Syringa
Reblooming is where the action is when it comes to lilacs, Dirr said. He is working on creating lilacs with better heat tolerance. He recommends Syringa ‘Red Pixie’ as well as Syringa pubescens subsp. julianae ‘Hers’ , a weeping form. When it comes to Japanese tree lilacs, Dirr likes Syringa (continued on page 36)
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
35
iLandscape 2016 — (continued from page 35) reticulata Snowdance™, selected for its annual heavy production of flowers beginning at a young age. Snowdance™ also sets minimal fruit.
Viburnum
“Who likes viburnums? Everybody hold up your hands. This is a revival,” Dirr joked with the crowd. He spoke glowingly of V. corymbiflorum from China. “It has absolutely magnificent fall color. The fruits are amber to coral to red. “I think you could sell the living daylights out of this,” he said. He is currently conducting trials on this plant. Dirr touted a viburnum he developed: V. plicatum f. plicatum ‘Opening Day’™. More upright and compact than the species, this plant is covered with perfectly round, baseball size white flowers. The deeply corrugated foliage is dark green maturing to shades of cabernet in fall. “It has been remarkably heat and drought tolerant in zone 8,” Dirr added. (continued on page 38)
36
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
iLandscape 2016 — (continued from page 36)
Hydrangeas
There’s a lot going on with hydrangeas, especially since the introduction of Endless Summer® The Original, according to Dirr. “There are mopheads everywhere. They’re becoming sex symbols. I’ve seen catalogs with models festooned in nothing but mopheads,” he says. Much work has been done on rebloomers, but Dirr says many of these are “wannabees.” He lists LA Dreamin’, Dear Dolores, Enchantress, Fuschia Glow and Revolution® as “plants that have never read the catalog.” Instead, he recommends Bloomstruck®, Twist & Shout® and ‘Blushing Bride’ (the slowest to rebloom of the Endless Summer® series) as reliable rebloomers. Next up for Dirr? Developing a purple-leaf rebloomer. He’s also working on a double-flowered rebloomer by crossing Hydrangea ‘Fuji Waterfall’ with Twistn-Shout®. Watch for the results of that. In paniculatas, Dirr recommends H.
38
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
—
paniculata Diamant Rouge’, ‘Vanilla Strawberry’ and Baby Lace®. H. quercifolia Jetstream™ “is a game changer with its compactness and outstanding fall color, and it’s easy to grow in the nursery,” Dirr said of this oakleaf hydrangea. He also likes ‘Ruby Slippers’.
Hypericum (St. John’s Wort)
Another Dirr plant is ‘Cobalt-n-Gold Hypericum which he selected for its deep bluish foliage that matures to yellow and orange-red in fall. He likes the plant’s bright yellow flowers, compact form (2-3’ tall and 4-5’ wide) plus its deer resistance and drought tolerance.
BANJO VALVES & FITTINGS
500/1000 GALLON BRINE SPRAYER
CALL TODAY TO GET A FREE FULL COLOR CATALOG OF OUR PRODUCTS & UNITS
SPRAY GUNS
200 GALLON "SPACESAVER" TRUCK BED UNIT
200/300 GALLON BRINE SPRAYER
REELS AND REEL GUIDES
68 GALLON UTV LOWPRO
50/100 GALLON TRAILER UNIT
We a r Stop e your O s Spra upplie ne r fo ye Noz rs, Pum r zles, ps, H Serv ice, ose, an Acce ssor d ies
POLY VERTICAL STORAGE TANKS BACK-PACK AND HANDHELD SPOT SPRAYERS
• Latest UV Stabilizer Technology • Spec Gravity of 1.7 • Discounted Pump, Hose, and Fittings with Tank Purchase • High Quality = Long Service Life • Delivery Available
W9898 JACKSON ROAD (800) 433-3579 VISIT OUR WEBSITE (920) 356-0121 E MAIL : DAVEV@CONTREE.COM BEAVER DAM, WI 53916 WWW.CONTREE.COM
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
39
iLandscape 2016 — Diervilla (Bush honeysuckle)
Strides are being made to turn the durable, native bush honeysuckle into a more colorful plant, Dirr says. He points to the Proven Winner Kodiak® Series. In addition to small, yellow flowers, Kodiak® Orange has foliage with orangetinged new growth. Kodiak Black’s new foliage has dark burgundy-black foliage. Both should be on the market in 2016. For a bright splash in the shade, Dirr recommends Cool Splash® with white variegated foliage.
Physocarpus (Ninebark)
“I think we may have confused—if not confounded— people with all these ninebarks,” Dirr said. “How do the customers know which one to pick?” Dirr recommends Amber Jubilee™ for its rounded, dense habit and its glowing orange, yellow and gold foliage.
Sorbaria sorbifolia (False spirea)
Similarly, Dirr doesn’t have a lot of kind words for the species. “This thing is invasive,” he says. “Then, ‘Sem’ came along. It’s smaller, and colorful.” Dirr is currently working on a red-leafed variety. “You put color in it, and everybody’s eyes light up,” he says.
Fothergilla
Colorful foliage has also given new life to Fothergilla. He points to Fothergilla x intermedia ‘Mt Airy’ and ‘Blue Shadow’, which has glaucous blue foliage, as cultivars of the North American native species that have especially good summer and fall foliage color.
40
Carpinus caroliniana (American Hornbeam)
“I love Carpinus caroliniana. It’s one of my favorite small trees,” Dirr said. He recommended two cultivars introduced by Johnson’s Nursery—Ball O’ Fire™, Firespire™--as well as two others: J. Frank Schmidt & Son introduction—Native Flame™ and Select Trees columnar Palisade™.
Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud)
“There’s been a revolution in breeding in this plant,” Dirr said. “There are 35 cultivars with more on the way.” Although Dirr is excited by the colorful foliage of The Rising Sun® Redbud and Carolina Sweetheart™, he says these—and other—new entries are not reliably cold hardy. “For cold hardiness, your best bet is still Minnesota Strain,” adding, “There is exciting breeding with redbud to integrate colorful foliage and unique habits in cold hardy, zone 4-5 selections.”
Magnolia stellata (Star Magnolia)
A recent Bailey PII introduction, Centennial Blush™Magnolia is “the best stellata to date,” Dirr says. “It is unbelievable. It flowers prolifically as a young plant, and if you were to count the tepals, you’d find as many as 56 per flower.” He says Centennial Blush is more tree-like and can
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
be trained into a single-stemmed specimen. It is cold hardy to zone 4; heat tolerant to zone 8.
Ptelea trifoliata (Common hoptree)
This is another compact, native tree species that breeders are working with to develop good foliage color, according to Dirr. ‘Aurea’ produces brilliant yellow foliage in fall, maturing green in summer, then yellow in fall.
Parrotia
Dirr gave a shoutout to Parrotia persica (Persian ironwood) for its great fall color. He also mentioned Parrotia subaequalis (Chinese ironwood) as a lesser-known parrotia to look for. Summer foliage is a dark blue-green, changing to maroon in fall, then orange-red and persisting into November-December. More compact than Persian ironwood, Chinese ironwood also has exfoliating bark. The Chinese species has proven to be more cold hardy than the Persian species. It is easier to root and over- winter than P. persica, Dirr says.
Prunus sargentii (Cherry)
For flowering cherry, you can’t beat Pink Flair®, according to Dirr. A J. Frank Schmidt introduction, this tree has single pink flowers, consistently bright orange-red fall color and no leaf spot. It has successfully survived zone 3 winters in North Dakota and prospered in the heat of zone 8, according to Dirr.
Styrax japonicus (Japanese snowbell)
This small deciduous tree comes from Korea, Japan, and China. Dirr says its foliage is thick and shiny, and its white, bell-shaped drooping flower clusters are showy in late spring. He recommends several cultivars: ‘Emerald Pagoda’ for its lustrous foliage; Evening Light™ for its white flowers and rich purple foliage that turns purple-green, and ‘Marley’s Pink Parasol’, a weeping form. “Every garden needs color,” Dirr told his audience in summary. “If we don’t provide it, we’re going to lose the battle.”
Chicagoland’s Mobile Fleet Maintenance and Repair Service
800-220-3922 www.oilmycar.com
Meet Mobile Fleet Express, Inc. We are a comprehensive, full service, professional vehicle repair company that comes to your business, at your convenience, to make sure your fleet is running smoothly. Whether you need a mechanic occasionally, once a week, or on a permanent basis, Mobile Fleet Express is the service for you. We maintain and repair cars, trucks, trailers, and off road equipment.
• DOT Inspections • Mechanics Staffing • Powerwashing The Landscape Contractor March 2016
41
iLandscape 2016 —
Coming soon... Plant breeder and woody plants guru Dr. Michael Dirr tantalized his iLandscape audience with information about new plants he’s working on. Here are some introductions to watch for: • • • • • • •
A cross between Cephalanthus occidentalis and Adina rubella that will offer compact form and red fruit to what Dirr calls “butterfly magnets.” Buddleia plants with greater cold hardiness and sterility. Clethras with more foliage color PLUS a cross between C. barbinervis x C. fargesii or great fall color and big panicles of rich pink flowers A double, reblooming mophead hydrangea. Interesting cultivars and crosses of Lindera benzoin, L. glauca and L. erythocarpa. Cold-hardy cultivars of Cornus florida. Cold-hardy, sterile Cercis canadensis with double pink flowers.
Michael Dirr’s Shrub Crawl What could be better than a pub crawl? A shrub crawl through iLandscape’s woody plants exhibitors with Dr. Michael Dirr, University of Georgia professor emeritus. During the lunch break, Dirr treated a standing room only audience to his thoughts on selected trees and shrubs on display on the trade show floor. Here’s some of what he had to say: • Buxus ‘Green Velvet’—Dirr praised this plant for its cold hardiness as well as heat tolerance and its early spring flowering. “This is one of the earliest flowers for bees,” he said. “When the boxwoods flower, bees love them.” • Buccaneer™Viburnum (V. cassinoides ‘KLMB’) is more compact than the species, has white flowers, fruit that changes from green to pink to blue as it matures and good, orange-red fall color. “How can you beat Viburnum cassinoides,” he said. • Pink-a-licious™Spirea from Johnson’s Nursery has pink flowers and yellow-apricot/pink-red fall color. • Amber Jubilee™ Ninebark has unique, coppery yellow-orange foliage that is bright orange in spring, turning russet red in fall.
Hinsdale Nurseries has the best plants in Northern Illinois.
Our robust stock is locally grown making it uniquely suited to the Midwestern soil and climate resulting in the finest quality plants.
Trees, Ornamentals, Evergreens, Shrubs, Annuals, Perennials, Vines & Groundcover
Over 500 Varieties
Of Locally Grown Plants
Over 600 Acres
Of Field & Container Production
Main Office & Sales Yard 630-323-1411 7200 S. Madison Willowbrook, IL 60527
HinsdaleNurseries.com 42
Over 10 Acres Of Holding Yard
Little Rock Farm 630-552-8314 2353 Creek Road Plano, IL 60545
For sale updates and availabilities sign up for our email newsletter! The Landscape Contractor March 2016
•
•
•
•
Little Devil™ Ninebark is a Bailey Nurseries introduction. “It’s a cutie,” Dirr said of this compact plant that earned high marks for resistance to powdery mildew. “This should be the national shrub,” Dirr said of bottlebrush buckeye. “It flowers early from seed, is free from anthracnose and blotch, has yellow fall color. It’s rhizomatous, so it will move, move, move,” he added. “This is a great shade plant. If you’ve got room, let ‘em rip.” Strawberry Sundae™ Hydrangea’s flowers are pinker the farther north you go, Dirr noted. “If you’re going to grow it, you want to prune it to keep it a more compact plant.” Bloomstruck® Hydrangea “is quantitatively better than all the rest,” he said of this Bailey Nurseries introduction. “After 50 days below zero, (-28F for a low), this plant still flowered on old wood. It’s the most cold hardy, most prolific reblooming Hydrangea macrophylla on the market,” Dirr said. “This is a winner. At PII-Bailey, most of the reblooming (remontant) hydrangeas have been tested with less than stellar results. The lace cap, Twist-n-Shout®, and mop head, Bloomstruck®, are unquestionably the best.”
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
43
iLandscape 2016 —
Houzz & the Empowered Client How Technology is Transforming Outdoor Renovation
by Meta Levin
Over the course
of the last year, They check their devices on average 85 times Mariani Landscapes posted photographs of about per day. a dozen projects – one to two pictures each – on Google has more searches from mobile Houzz.com, an increasingly popular online platdevices than from desktops, says Hausman. If form. Houzz allows landscape contractors, as you think putting up something that is mobile well as architects, interior designers and others to friendly is daunting. Well, Houzz.com can help showcase their work where potential customers there, too. It provides a “site designer” to help can see it and, just as important, see them. you devise a profile that is navigation friendly. In the Mariani case, those 12 projects had “Make sure that your profile answers the approximately 1.7 million views and 33,000 questions that people ask,” says Hausman. people copied at least one image to their perMostly, it should differentiate you from the sonal Houzz idea books. Even more clicked other professionals out there. through on the link to the Mariani website. “We Hausman showed the audience before and after were building our name,” says Gina Iliopoulos, pictures of her own backyard make-over. “I shared Mariani’s senior communications manager. ideas with the landscape designer,” she says. “It It was stories like this that impelled the was a collaborative process.” It’s also one that has iLandscape committee to invite Liza Hausman, vice president reaped rewards well beyond one backyard for the landscaper: of industry relations for Houzz.com to give Thursday’s keynote her neighbors have hired the landscape architect. That’s one of address, “Houzz & the Empowered Client: How Technology is the sorts of things that Houzz.com seeks to do digitally. Transforming Outdoor Renovation.” The site is designed to be easy to use, but more than that, Hausman spoke to a largely friendly audience, most of there are options to contact support personnel who can walk users whom either knew about Houzz.com or used it regularly as through whatever they need to do. This, says Hausman, makes part of their marketing strategy, as well as to troll for ideas even smaller companies feel comfortable reaching out to get help. themselves. “We like to get to small companies and figure out Available in 10 different countries, the site localizes conhow to help them grow,” she says. tent, so that users can find postings in their own areas. There She knows something about this. Throughout her career, are 35 million people who use Houzz.com each month, says Hausman has worked with marketing and technology, breakHausman. ing new ground. She is passionate about building the user Kevin Barnes of Premier Outdoor Environments is one experience. That is what drew her to Houzz.com. of them. “It’s a platform I’ve started to use, but after seeing The site tries to stay on the cutting edge of technology, this I feel like we can use it in a different way,” he says of offering a variety of integrated services for clients, profesHausman’s presentation. sionals and product suppliers, all the while paying attention to The fact that Barnes is thinking of new ways to use the tool users, their habits and their needs. would please Hausman. We all have what she calls “mental It’s all about building an empowered client, while at the models” that we use to help us get through the day. But in some same time benefitting the professionals whose work appears instances these can hold us back, she says. For instance, prior to on the site. “The consumer is in charge,” she says. “They are 1954 the general belief was that a runner could not run the mile on their devices, pulling in information.” It’s participatory and in four minutes or less. That was until Roger Bannister, a mediit’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a cal student, ran it on the Iffley Road Track in Oxford, England. year. With a mobile device they can get information anywhere The same is true of interior design and landscape design. anytime. Which, as it turns out, they do. For many years it was something that was best left to the Fifty-five percent of Houzz.com users are connecting across professionals and detailed in books or magazines. Now, devices. “Millennials can’t imagine being without their phones,” through online tools, clients are educating themselves, finding says Hausman. “If you are not mobile friendly, they won’t find local professionals whose work they like and taking a more you.” Seventy percent are doing research on mobile devices. (continued on page 46) 44 The Landscape Contractor March 2016
“I found my fertilizer”
“One AP helped expand my commercial sales and allowed me to offer a competitive price to municipalities with shrinking budgets without compromising results or the bottom line”
-Buster Taylor Taylor’s Trees & Turf Princeton, IL
STOP SPREADING OVER AND OVER SPREAD ONCE AND
SPREAD
SMART Lisle, IL 630-963-8787
St. Charles, IL 630-768-7227
TM
PROFESSIONAL LAWN CARE APPLICATION PRODUCTS
Learn more at www.One-AP.com The Landscape Contractor March 2016
45
iLandscape 2016 — (continued from page 44) active role in their projects. Briefly, clients use Houzz.com to get information, save ideas and share ideas. Sharing is done business to business, as well as business to client. “There are nine million professional photographs, all from the professional communities,” says Hausman. “They are a gateway to a person to do the work, the products used and information about the project.” They also are sources of inspiration for all. Potential clients can interact directly with the professional. They can share and save images to an online idea book, collaborate and facilitate communication. Through Houzz.com’s new Sketch feature, all parties can write on the picture, add measurements, drop a product in and see how it looks, circle key elements and landscape contractors even can take a photo of a client’s yard and mark it up. Businesses now are offered one-minute profile videos, which already have proven to be valuable. Bob Hursthouse of Hursthouse, Inc. posted one. Within a short time, a potential client contacted him. He had seen Hursthouse’s site on Houzz. com, watched the video, liked what he saw and contacted Hursthouse. “He watched our video and called,” he says. Houzz.com also provides education, in part through the 10 to 20 original articles it publishes each day. It includes a professional directory. Hausman counsels professionals to use a photograph of themselves as part of their directory listing. “People want to connect with people,” she says. And then there are the green tags. Houzz.com users know that with one click they can learn about the product by choosing the little green tags in the pictures. “It creates demand and they can buy the product directly,” says Hausman. Barry Conlin and son, Carter, of CB Conlin, were enthused by the presentation. “I got 10 times more out of it than I expected,” says Barry Conlin. They already use Houzz.com, but now are planning to add videos and find more ways to educate their clients. And that, too, would make Hausman happy.
46
More Unconventional Marketing
It started as one more way to differentiate his business from others, to stand out and to promote his work with potential customers. It has become something else. Bob Hursthouse, owner and founder of Hursthouse Landscape Architects and Contractors, was named HGTV’s Designer of the Month for March 2016. “It was a love note,” says Hursthouse, who also had previously had his projects featured on HGTV’s Landscaper Challenge program. HGTV now also has a significant online presence. All during the month of March, he will be listed as the Designer of the Month on the website’s Photo Library, his work will be showcased as part of HGTV’s Instagram account and a story of one of his projects will be featured in the “I Heart HGTV” blog. Hursthouse has made a concerted effort to use social media to promote his company’s work, especially on the HGTV website and Houzz.com. “We get a significant amount of leads from that,” he says, although he admits that most of his leads still come through referrals. He sees social media, however, as one more way to stand out from the crowd. Hursthouse plans to upload some new project photographs to his HGTV Professional account in preparation for the extra attention during the month of March, when he will be the Designer of the Month.
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
Special Feature —
Storytelling: New Directions for Diverse Landscapes by Barbara Dutton
Noted horticulturist
, author and landscape ethicist Rick Darke offers inspired takes on trends, theories and aesthetics. Having studied a remarkable assortment of disciplines as diverse as mechanical engineering, art and anthropology, it’s no wonder award-winning landscape consultant Rick Darke’s work blends art, ecology and cultural geography. Projects in which he’s been engaged through his Pennsylvania-based consultancy span a range of types, as well – from roadside improvements, to botanic garden plantings, to disused industrial site restoration – and his endeavors tell stories of native landscapes and the culture and people they have supported. An advocate of what he terms “living landscapes,” Darke co-authored The Living Landscape, Designing for Beauty and Biodiversity in the Home Garden, and wrote The Encyclopedia of Grasses for Livable Landscapes. Other book credits include
48
The Wild Garden: Expanded Edition; The American Woodland Garden: Capturing the Spirit of the Deciduous Forest; and In Harmony with Nature: Lessons from the Arts & Crafts Garden. With a focus on fostering regenerative vegetation in public and other spaces, Darke’s academic credentials feature a B.S. in Plant Science from the University of Delaware, and graduate coursework in plant taxonomy, botanic garden management, and public policy. In addition to lecturing on sustainable landscape design, planning, conservation and their ethical underpinnings, he performs photography and involves himself in vintage motorcycle restoration. Not surprisingly, Darke’s diverse experiences align with his view on what comprises a living landscape: diversity. “The living landscape as I picture it is a broadly functioning landscape that is home habitat for humans and a lot of other diverse life,” (continued on page 50)
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
Available from these suppliers in 2016
Incrediball
®
Hydrangea Hydrangea arborescens ‘Abetwo’ pp#20,571 cbr#4166 FULL SUN USDA ZONE 3, AHS 9 4-5' TALL AND WIDE
Improved ‘Annabelle’ hydrangea While ‘Annabelle’ hydrangea’s flowers will typically flop over, Incrediball hydrangea’s huge flowers are held upright on sturdy stems so the plant looks great all summer long, even after rain. This durable native hydrangea is adaptable, growing well in full sun. Best of all, it puts on a fantastic flower display even after harsh winters.
www.provenwinners-shrubs.com
ILCA_Incrediball.indd 1
Woldhuis Farms Sunrise Greenhouse Grant Park IL • 815-465-6310 Kaknes Landscaping Supply Naperville IL • 630-416-9999 Wilson Nurseries Hampshire IL • 847-683-3700 Midwest Groundcovers St. Charles IL • 847-742-1790 CJ Fiore Prairie View IL • 847-913-1414 Lurvey Des Plaines IL | Park City IL | Volo IL www.lurveys.com Cedar Path Nurseries Lockport IL | Barrington IL www.cedarpath.net Shemin Landscape Supply Addison IL | Naperville IL www.shemin.net Alsip Home & Nursery St. John IN • 219-365-0882 Hinsdale Nurseries Willowbrook IL • 630-323-1411
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
49
1/22/16 9:41 AM
Special Feature — (continued from page 48) he says. The problem with places that have been compromised, according to Darke, is their lack of elements to support a viable habitat. “Many designed landscapes have been eviscerated,” he observes. “They have had their essential layers that sustain diverse life removed.” A lot out of a little “Landscapes that are living have a ground layer,” notes Darke, pointing to the importance of intact landscape layers to functioning ecosystems in places such as wetlands. Landscapes that have spontaneously regenerating growth, he explains, have layers that have not been destroyed by mismanaged hydrology or aggressive mulching. Landscapes that support natural life – including “caterpillars, birds, and the germination of trees,” he asserts, tend to be “full of people, with dogs play-
50
ing, and things flapping around, eating seeds and raising their young.” “I love the interaction and the dynamic of living processes,” he exclaims. “Living landscapes make a lot out of a little.” In Darke’s view, landscape designs should express sustainability and represent more than a singular goal like decoration. Declaring, “I look at possibility, not loss, but opportunity,” Darke’s perspective on what constitutes a meaningful and sustainable landscape emphatically conveys context and culture. His approach to reviving a vibrant ecology encompasses such aspects as incorporating not only natural, but evocative cultural, features – characteristics that might be distilled down to “three Rs:” relics, recycling and reframing. All of these devices, he suggests, can be tapped in the effort to tell a story – a story of a place, a culture, a history. “I think that gardens hold great opportunities for storytell-
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
ing,” remarks Darke. Helping to relate a story through thoughtful landscape design, he says, is the use of regional relics, that is, items that reflect characteristics and usage patterns or traditions of a space or locale. Examples could be locally quarried stone, industrial objects or antiquated artifacts. Grandma’s wheelbarrow Procuring local stone from neighbors or area quarrymen, as Darke has done, can be a way to recycle materials, he suggests, or to gather “some history, so you know the provenance of the materials.” Such knowledge, he indicates, strengthens authenticity and helps advance a story. “Anyone who makes a garden for someone else,” says Darke, “should be imbued with stories that owners can add to at their whim.” Consequential pieces should possess what he calls, “inherent qualities.” Darke tells of reclaimed window sash pieces that
expose water damage sustained, for example, as well as cites the use of sculptural pieces “that have purpose.” These pieces, he says, can be beautiful – such as glass elements that react to light; or historical – such as items fashioned from old copper work that communicate information about another era. “These things help orient in landscape and start a conversation,” he says. “They denote stories that we start and others finish.” Inspired by “a fascination with both the wilderness and the convenience of machinery,” as depicted in Leo Marx’ literary work, The Machine in the Garden, Darke inserted into his own garden recovered junkyard contents in the form of clips from automobiles of the 1930s and 1940s. “No invention of mankind has been more impactful than the automobile,” he reflects, identifying such reuse as part of a widespread trend observed. (continued on page 52)
G3 PREMIUM COMPOST LEAF MULCH CLEAN LANDSCAPE WASTE ACCEPTED CUSTOM FIELD SPREADING AVAILABLE IDOT CERTIFIED AND APPROVED AVAILABLE FOR PICK UP OR DELIVERY
EXCELLENT AVAILABILITY SPRUCE and SHADE TREES INQUIRE ABOUT FREE SHIPPING FOR THE ENTIRE 2016 SEASON!!!
815-597-1318 mike@gpocompost.com www.gpocompost.com www.gpnursery.com 11887 US ROUTE 20, GARDEN PRAIRIE IL 61038
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
51
Special Feature — “If you have a generation that is mobile, interested in being outside, and more drawn to parks,” he says, “we need to think about things such as making new parks out of derelict places.” Millennials, he observes, places less value on traditional parks with hardscape and mulch, but rather, prefers what he calls, “gardens without walls. This generation,” he says, “is comfortable in what older generations thought of as messy. The have a capacity to see beauty in what was viewed as chaotic.” To respond, the landscape profession should look to regenerative landscapes, advises Darke, who ponders how, through selective editing, “we might carve out paths and green rooms. Let’s look at what we can do first by carving out of existing free stuff.” The skill set needed to assess “what seems like disordered regenerative landscapes” will, says Darke, call for the ability to evaluate an organization of components that are not associated “with bricks and mortar, but organic architecture. We need to know what those elements are,” he says, endorsing a familiarity with native and exotic plants of a region, collecting seeds from sites to maintain authenticity, and managing the ground layer to support a thriving ecology, such as by using plants that provide fragrance and “living groundcovers.” “These are very different models,” he acknowledges. “They are about design, functionality and public spaces that are very much in demand and that fit a growing esthetic,” he continues. “You might call it a mash-up.” (continued on page 55)
(continued from page 51) “It’s happening all over, with artists repurposing items, looking at them anew.” In a garden context, Darke sees opportunity in reintroducing or relocating pieces from the past, such as “Grandma’s wheelbarrow set on one side of a path.” As a guide might mark a route to aid in wayfinding, however, he believes that help is in order to assist in perceiving and exploring cultural features. One way to direct focus on relics, he says, is through “framing.” Model mash-up In considering landscape plans, Darke contends that designers should recognize that people “respond more readily to applications when there is a framing device.” He recommends, for example, asking how a garden component is viewed from inside a house, and looking for ways to direct an onlooker’s gaze – such as creating an arbor that frames a view. “A framing device orders the landscape in a way that helps people focus,” Darke explains. “If you’re looking at bringing in a narrative relic, use it in a way that helps frame,” he advises. “Cause people to think about flow,” he adds, emphasizing an aspiration to inspire curiosity. Darke admonishes landscape professionals, however, to think about design in new ways, as the profession looks to serve a younger generation – a group that does not necessarily see themselves as property owners, getting married or embracing cars. “Associations need to think of what this means down the road,” he says, noting that this younger demographic enjoys travel and the outdoors.
We have everything on your landscape check list.
Check us out!
4 Convenient locations to serve you! Hampshire: 847-683-3700 Hanover Park: 847-453-1240 Plainfield: 815-439-7188 Volo: 815-344-0944
Perennials
Shrubs
www.wilsonnurseries.com Se habla español! 52
Pavers & Walls
Natural Stone
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
Trees and so much more!
Blended Compost Soil Amendment
MIDWEST TRADING HORTICULTURAL SUPPLIES, INC.® a Midwest-Orum Company P.O. BOX 398 • MAPLE PARK, IL 60151 630-365-1990 • FAX 630-365-3818
W W W . M I D W E S T- T R A D I N G . C O M
54
Blended Compost is an excellent soil amendment, providing nutrients needed for plant growth while loosening hard clay soils. This soil amendment reduces clumping and improves material flow for easier application at the landscape site. The Landscape Contractor March 2016
Special Feature — (continued from page 52) Opportunities to live richly A self-described pragmatist, Darke advises those concerned with landscape development and care to “take inventory to see what is already valuable, ecologically and functionally.” Decisions as to what to retain while adding new functionality can then be made. “If you don’t look at the practicality of how humans interact with place, you can’t make informed decisions about how to maintain and steward things,” he says. “Let’s organize private spaces, make refuges via plants, and promote the use of organic architecture.” Darke suggests landscape contractors convey the message, “We’re about plants; we’re going to show you how to make spaces from plants.” Darke’s interest in the fusion of human needs with aesthetics that provide coherence parallels the Arts & Craft Movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. “I
found the movement useful as a model, as it’s a combination of architecture united with decorative and structural art. The intent was to create opportunities to live richly,” he says, adding, “None of that has changed.” Also unchanged is Darke’s zeal for sustainable landscape solutions. “My ultimate message has not veered a lot,” he reflects. “I’m always trying to bring a conservation approach to innovative design.” To view a schedule of upcoming lectures and learn more about Rick Darke’s publications and project work, please visit his website at www.rickdarke.com.
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
55
NEW MEMBERS — CONTRACTOR MEMBERS Gardens Done Right Dana Voyles 1707 Lehman Ave. Algonquin, IL 60102 Phone: (847) 504-6434 dvoyles2012@gmail.com We are a professional garden maintenance company serving the McHenry and Cook County area. Our services are based on sound sustainable horticultural knowledge enabling us to nurture vigorous and aesthetically pleasing gardens that our clients will have for years to come. We are committed to providing superior customer service, quality work, and attention to detail. JMR Landscaping Kim Rossa 1000 Juniper Pkwy. Libertyville, IL 60048 Phone: (224) 715-5275 jmrlandscaping@att.net Residential and commercial landscape maintenance and installations including hardscape.
56
Not Just Grass Greg Voirin 1180 Pine St. Batavia, IL 60510 Phone: (630) 253-7824 notjustgrass@yahoo.com Design, build, maintain landscaping. Snow removal. Ayala Landscape Co. Juan Ayala 26112 N Hickory Ave Mundelein, IL 60060 Phone: (847) 878-7484 juan.ayala60@yahoo.com Since 1986, Ayala Landscape Company has been a family operated company providing our customers with design, installation, maintenance and snow removal services. We strive in providing the best quality work to both our Commercial and Residential properties.
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
Bluegrass Landworks, Inc. Jose Jasso 1105 W. Wood St. McHenry, IL 60051 Phone: (847) 708-9945 bluegrasslandworks@yahoo.com C. Finney Landscape Group, Inc. Greg Johnson PO Box 2714 Des Plaines, IL 60017 Phone: (847) 299-8300 Fax: (847) 813-6302 cflgroup@comcast.net Design, install, and maintenance. Cardinal State, LLC 543 Blackhawk Drive Lake in the Hills, IL 60156 Phone: (815) 826-0453 rogerawiese@gmail.com We are a landscape maintenance, construction, and tree work contractor.
Daybreaker Lawn Care Jeffrey Rausch 17202 Jefferson St Unit 3 Union, IL 60180 Phone: (815) 596-0070 Fax: (815) 315-0070 daybreakerlawncare@gmail.com General landscaping maintenance and installation. Horticultural Specialties, Inc. Dan Hoyt PO Box 342 St. Charles, IL 60174 Phone: (630)549-1211 dan@hslandscape.com Landscape maintenance & construction. Residential & commercial.
SUMMER A complete line of cool hardy annuals and fresh branches for your inspired spring designs.
A diverse selection of summer annuals, foliage, blooming tropicals and colorful hanging baskets.
SPRING www.clesen.com
847-869-2257 The Landscape Contractor March 2016
57
New Members Maney’s Lawnscapes, Inc. Jeff Maney PO Box 15018 Loves Park , IL 61132 Phone: (815) 885-1776 Fax: (815) 885-1779 maneylawn@comcast.net Landscape design, build, and full service lawn maintenance. Snow removal. Melby Renovations, LLC John Melby PO Box 101 Geneva, IL 60174 Phone: (630)818-7300 john.melby@att.net Landscaping renovations for long term lower maintenance, simple, elegance, and more enjoyment in the outdoor space. Outdoor Innovations Ken Hoffman 2452 170th Ave Aledo, IL 61231 Phone: (309) 534-8506 info@outdoorinnovationsinc.com Outdoor Innovations offers site design, landscape construction, project management and consulting services for residential and commercial projects. We specialize in hardscape (brick patios, sidewalks, retaining walls, fire pits), landscaping (tree and shrub plantings, seeding and sodding, mulching, pruning, erosion control) and waterscaping (pondless waterfalls, ponds, fountains). Serenity Creek Design and Landscaping, Inc. Nathan Ary 2518 Crooked Creek Rd. Bloomington, IL 61705 Phone: (309) 824-5176 nate@serenitycreekdesign.com Landscape design/build firm. TL-Scott, Inc. Bill Scott 905 Chatham Dr. Carol Stream, IL 60188 Phone: (630) 665-1579 btlscott@aol.com
58
SUPPLIER MEMBERS Express Capital Solutions, Inc. Michael Hans 20546 N. Milwaukee Ave. Deerfield, IL 60015 Phone: (847) 527-6450 Fax: (847) 527-6460 mhans@expresscapitalsolutions.com Express Capital Solutions specializes in providing businesses with a simple program designed to improve cash flow, reduce bank fees and strengthen your business. We operate nine financial service centers throughout Chicago and the suburbs. We are family owned and operated and have been for almost 85 years. Green Roof Solutions 4309 Regency Drive Glenview, IL 60025 Phone: (847) 297-7936 Fax: (847) 297-7937 info@greenroofsolutions.com Green Roof Solutions provides primarily American-made products throughout North America and beyond. We are focused on quality, and we are confident that we have the best products available for green roofs, living walls, water storage, and other green building products. Hardscape Systems Greg Walter 1262 Leah Rd, Ste. A Morris, IL 60450 Phone: (630) 212-7883 Fax: (815) 941-2143 walttools@sbcglobal.net Hardscape Systems provides training tools and supplies needed to install our patented seatwall, column and planter system. The process allows you to create hardscapes that are extremely attractive and unique. The system consists of EPS foam used as a substrate in which a high strength specialty mortar is applied. The system also includes an integral coping form to allow you to pour a variety of tops on a wall or planter. The project is then finished with cultured stone, natural stone or our carving/stamping mortar.
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
Nursery Supplies, Inc. Jeff Pissocra 5584 Queens Park Drive Dublin, OH 43016 Phone: (614) 764-0511 Fax: (614) 764-0511 jpissocra@nurserysupplies.com Industry leader in providing nursery and greenhouse containers & trays to the nursery & greenhouse industry. Snowfighters Institute Kelly Gebler PO Box 8503 Erie, PA 16505 Phone: (814) 455-1991 Fax: (814) 456-5206 kelly@snowfightersinstitute.com Education and consulting for professionals in the snow and ice management industry. Alvar, Inc. Mark Portz 112 State Rt. 89 Washburn, IL 61570 Phone: (309) 248-7523 mportz@alvarinc.com Mulch colorants Perfect Turf, LLC. Dave Sternberg 230 Gerry Drive Wood Dale, IL 60191 Phone: (847) 238-6232 Fax: (888) 796-8873 daves@perfectturfinc.com Sky’s the Limit Dronography Dave Woll 33149 US-45 Grayslake, IL 60030 Phone: (224) 237-5378 skysthelimitdronography@gmail.com We are a professional drone business helping landscapers market products and services. We hold an FAA section 333 exemption allowing us to shoot commercial and residential property. Our services can make a huge impact on the landscape industry as a whole.
GOVERNMENT
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Niles Park District Jim Majewski 6676 W. Howard Niles, IL 60714 Phone: (847) 647-6777 Fax: (847) 647-2204 jimm@niles-parks.org Park District maintenance department
Pamela Self Landscape Architecture Pamela Self One Anne Court Hawthron Woods, IL 60047 Phone: (847) 438-4922 pself@pamelaself.com Pamela Self Landscape Architecture creates landscape and garden designs that respond to the natural, cultural, and built environment. The firm offers site planning, landscape design, and urban design services.
INDIVIDUAL/FREELANCE DESIGNER MEMBERS Davey Tree Ryan Sherman 2371 S. Foster Ave. Wheeling, IL 60090 Phone: (847) 980-7108 Ryan.Sherman@davey.com
QUARRIER OF NATURAL STONE SINCE 1964
FIRE PITS FLAGSTONE WALLSTONE COPING/CAPS OUTCROPPING OUTDOOR KITCHENS
The Greenside, Inc. Glenn Szmurlo 303 S Kainer Barrington, IL 60010 glennszmurlo@sbcglobal.net Gardening with Leslie Leslie Mabbott 44 N Andover Dr Roselle, IL 60172 lesliemabb@yahoo.com Mary Ellen Weller 1414 Big Horn Trail Carol Stream, IL 60188 Phone: (630) 837-2569 Fax: (630) 231-0979 STUDENT Kimberley Bilotich 222 Ardmore Rd Des Plaines, IL 60016 Phone: (847) 803-9549 jkbilotich@comcast.net
21575 W. Good Hope Road Lannon, WI 53046
262-502-1579
www.lemkestone.com service@lemkestone.com The Landscape Contractor March 2016
59
Member Profile LS Training System
2026 Oxford St. E London, Ontario, Canada N5V2Z8 (877) 482-2323 www.lstraining.com by Meta Levin
Necessity,
it is said, is the mother – or father- of invention. That’s certainly true for LS Training System. Landscape Contractor Jay Murray could not find an effective way to train his employees. Unless he did so, he feared he would not be able to continue growing his business. Murray’s solution, a computer based training system, became LS Training System. It was so successful that Murray credits it in part for allowing him to double the volume of his landscape contracting business. “Jay thought that if he was having problems, there probably were others,” says Arden Urbanoo, Murray’s sister and vice president of LS Training System. He was right. “Their (the company’s clients) number one concern is the impact of safety and good training on insurance rates and workman’s comp claims,” says Urbano. They also worry about waste and abuse of equipment, as well as retention of good employees. They are looking at training as a way of addressing these concerns. “It’s measurable,” she says. “We do have studies that show if you invest in training, it reduces turnover.” Since 2009, when LS Training System rolled out its software, it has garnered 700 clients and now has nearly 35 training modules in both English and Spanish. Training modules cover a wide variety of subjects, including grounds maintenance, landscape construction, snow removal, golf courses, teachers, garden centers and supervisor training, as well as cemetery, mausoleum and crematoriums. A cloud based system, the software is designed to allow employees to access 60
the training anywhere, even from home on a tablet or computer. Management can log in and track progress. Supervisors can administer short tests designed to check employees’ progress. During Urbano’s years with her brother’s company, she has learned not only about the landscape industry in general, but about its unique needs. “My favorite of the training modules is personal safety,” she says. “More small things go wrong than large and egregious.” In other words, there is more risk of strains and sprains than cutting off a finger. The video is meant to address how to avoid risks big and small. “It is designed to be impactful and reduce accidents in 30 minutes,” Urbano says. That’s 15 to 20 minutes to watch the video, plus another 10 minutes to take the test. LS Training System makes it difficult to cheat. The tests vary and are accessed on a rotating basis. If an employee fails one test, he gets a different one for the retake. Urbano, who initially joined the company for what she thought would be a short term project, helping to get things up and running, “fell in love” with the industry and the program. She had 23 years’ experience in pharmacy business when she agreed to help out her brother and hasn’t looked back. When contacting LS Training System, it’s a pretty good bet that customers will be talking with Sylvia Shillinglaw, who, for the last three years, has served as a customer service representative, office manager and executive assistant. “She is good with the clients and always pleasant and cheerful,” says Urbano. The Landscape Contractor March 2016
A technology based business, LS Training System relies heavily on Matt Crinklaw, its IT and project manager. “He is talented and creative,” says Urbano. Crinklaw is responsible for taking a module from concept to building, through filming, writing content and integrating it into the system. He has been with the company since 2008. LS Training System joined ILCA last year, attracted by networking opportunities, as well as the high quality landscape contractors in the Chicago area market. The company had exhibited at MidAm and then iLandscape, in addition to Summer Field Day. “Chicago is wonderful,” says Urbano.
Classified Ads HELP WANTED FIELD SUPERVISOR Garden Prairie Organics; Northern Illinois Compost Facility is seeking for a full time position; FIELD SUPERVISOR Expectations of Position: • Supervise and work with team in the field • Perform daily tasks in compost operation • Work in conjunction with operations manager • Heavy equipment experience • General equipment maintenance knowledge • Work around all types of moving equipment • Good communication skills • Organized • Self starter • Enjoys working outside • Experience in organic recycling or mulch operation a plus Please send resume to: mike@gpocompost.com 847-963-6151 fax James Martin Associates Vernon Hills, IL and Boulder, CO We are looking to add to our team of world-class associates. If you are an experienced: Residential Maintenance Account Manager Residential Maintenance Team Manager Commercial Maint.Acct. Mgr./ Business Dev. Landscape Maintenance Superintendent Please send resume to: b.mcelroy@jamesmartinassociates.com or call Beth McElroy at 847-876-8052
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
Nursery Foreman
Fine Gardening Designer/Sales Associate
A Touch of Green Garden Center located in Homer Glen, IL currently seeks a full time, experienced, and hardworking individual as Nursery Foreman to provide help to customers and staff as well as managing nursery inventory and products. Candidates should have 2-4 years of experience and excellent communication skills. The right candidate should have experience operating skid steer machines and a fair knowledge of plant materials as well as the ability to provide friendly and courteous attention to all our patrons and staff. Founded in 1983, A Touch of Green has been on the leading edge of the Garden Center and Landscape Industry within the Chicago Metropolitan Area. If you wish to apply, please send a resume and/ or completed employment application to Sheryl Ott, Office Manager, at Sheryl@atouchofgreen. net. Please feel free to contact us at 708-301-2090 if you have any questions about the position.
Here at Topiarius we create awesome, daily. From design/build, fine gardening, seasonal rotations and interior floral we strive to provide distinctive designs and superior customer service to our discerning clientele. We are seeking a fine gardening designer/sales associate to serve in a full-time position effective immediately. The designer/sales associate will be highly involved in all aspects of fine gardening and seasonal rotations. For all the exciting info, check out our posting at: www.topiarius.com/jobs/.
Part Time Mechanic A Touch of Green Landscaping is currently seeking a qualified truck and small engine mechanic. Both our landscape and garden center divisions have over 20 trucks, 8 skid steer machines and several small pieces of equipment that require maintenance and repairs throughout the year. We offer competitive wages and benefits. Please email resume to: Jimp@atouchofgreen.net or fax to 708-301-2782
Craig Bergmann Landscape Design, Inc. has a manager position available within the Install department. We are landscape design build specialized in high-end residential estates. The Installation Manager monitors all aspects of the Dept. and projects to ensure quality/efficient landscape install. Management and Excel Experience Required: 5 yr. Contact eherrera@ craigbergmann.com with resume Supervisor Beverly Environmental is a South Chicago based landscaping company. We are seeking an experienced landscape supervisor. This position will focus on landscape maintenance and snow removal. This is a salaried position with benefits. Please email resume to: astraughn@beverlyenvironmental.com
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES JAMES MARTIN ASSOCIATES, INC. Vernon Hills, IL & Boulder, CO
James Martin Associates, Inc. is a leader in the Landscape and Snow Management industry. We have been providing services to our customers for over 37 years. We are seeking candidates for the following positions:
Maintenance Team Manager
Account Managers
Superintendents
Business Development
To be considered for any of these opportunities, please forward your resume and salary history to b.mcelroy@jamesmartinassociates.com or call Beth at 847-876-8052.
Landscape Architecture • Construction • Maintenance • Snow Management
www.jamesmartinassociates.com
62
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
HELP WANTED Landscape Supervisor Tommy Pollina Landscape has a full time position available for an experienced Landscape Supervisor this upcoming Spring to run our maintenance division.We are a full service Landscape company that has approximately 15 employees during the landscape season in the Maintenance Division. We service commercial and residential customers. The ideal candidate is honest, dependable, and takes pride in a quality and professional job. Duties include managing 5 crews and equipment, ability to complete tasks in timely manner,and completing daily work reports. Must speak Spanish. Customer service skills required, as you will deal direct with the customer on the job sites. Need someone that can produce professional results that exceed customer’s expectations. Must have a clean,valid, IL. Drivers license. Pay will be determined by experience and skills. Year round Salary, Commission,Vacation, Insurance and phone. Please send resume to Maureen: mmonahan. tommypollina@gmail.com Sebert Landscape services the Chicago-land area with a unique and sustainable approach. We call it “the new green” and it’s our way of changing the landscaping industry. Great Impressions, our residential Naperville branch, is looking for an experienced, highly motivated and talented landscape designer/architect to be a pivotal piece of design/builds growth. A qualified candidate will have the background in sales, knowledge of estimation & construction, and provide premier customer service. This full time position offers benefits including a competitive salary, an incentive program, paid vacation, 401k and health/dental insurance. Send resume to Lorena in HR department at Portfolio for interview is requested. Award winning, Hursthouse, Inc. Landscape Architects and Contractors, is a well respected and growing company in Chicago’s high end western suburbs. We are in search of a talented and highly motivated Landscape Architect to experience a commitment to Vision, Integrity and Performance. A true team oriented environment, a supportive company culture and a Monday-Friday work week are just a few things offered at Hursthouse, Inc. Please contact Jeff True 630-759-3500, jtrue@hursthouse.com www.hursthouse.com
HELP WANTED Established, boutique landscape design/build company seeking energetic Landscape professional to join our family. Responsibilities: the management of crews providing weekly care of residential landscape spaces. Must Have: • Strong communication and verbal skills, technical aptitude and extensive knowledge of midwestern horticultural practices. • Ability to listen to clients, identify issues and effectively resolve situations. • Monitor customer inquiries and maintain customer relationships. • Knowledge of lawn care/maintenance procedures including Proficient in operation and use of necessary landscape tools and equipment a plus. • Customer service experience mandatory & ability to speak fluent in Spanish very important Salaried position Please email resumes to: susie@obrienlandscape.com Full Time Mechanic Beverly Environmental is a South Chicago based landscaping company. We are seeking an experienced equipment and truck mechanic. This is a salaried position with benefits. Please email resume to: astraughn@beverlyenvironmental.com or call 708-516-7826 ***SOUTH BRANCH NURSERY CAREER OPPORTUNITY***
***NURSERY MANAGER*** *South Branch Nurseries, Inc., a sister company of Goodmark Nursery, has been in business since 1996 and is looking to expand its production for the future. Looking for a team player to manage growing operations in Union IL. Manage container growing & propagation, field production from start to finish, planning, forecasting, inventory control, budgeting and supervision of team*
HELP WANTED Western DuPage Landscaping, Inc., an award winning full service company located in Naperville is looking for Landscape Architects or Landscape Designers to join our residential design-build team. In business for over 40 years we have developed an excellent reputation with client focused design, installation and service. Do you enjoy helping creating landscapes people love? We have two opportunities. In landscape design and sales you work with clients through the design process and set up the installation contract for our Construction Department. The design position focuses solely on developing designs and estimates for our established design and sales team. Candidates need to be self-motivated, organized, outgoing and enjoy working in a collaborative atmosphere. A strong understanding of design, construction and materials is important. A bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture or in horticulture with an emphasis in landscape design is required. Each position includes excellent benefits: a competitive salary, 401K, profit sharing, insurance and vacation. If you are interested in joining an industry-leader in an enjoyable work environment with team-oriented people please send resumes to: Matt Haber matthaber@wdlinc.com or call 630-416-0072 Beary Landscaping - A full service design, build, and maintenance company serving the Chicagoland area for over 30 years, is looking to fill the following positions: LANDSCAPE DESIGNER LANDSCAPE RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION SALES - Excellent compensation and benefits - Full time Year Round Minimum 2 years experience or degree. Please contact Nick Hubbard 815-838-4100 or nhubbard@bearylandscaping.com
Join our industry leading team! To view full job description visit us at www.goodmarknurseries.com or contact Amy@ 847-487-5071.
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
63
Classified Ads HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
****ACRES GROUP CAREER
***Maintenance Production Manager***
Sebert Landscape services the Chicago-land area
Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery is a family owned
“the new green” and it’s our way of changing the
OPPORTUNITIES***
Acres Group, one of the top 20 landscape contractors in the nation, has the following open positions. SALES:
*ACCOUNT MANAGERS (junior & senior levels)
in Wauconda-Manage a portfolio of accounts in lawn and snow providing high levels of customer service,
and operated landscape and nursery firm located in Long Grove, Illinois. We are currently seeking a
to develop as a professional in the landscape industry. We are actively seeking a candidate for the position of Maintenance Production Manager.
Successful candidates will enjoy working within a
small office atmosphere, friendly, and family owned
contracted lawn & snow accounts.*
ability to perform and train personnel to perform
MAINTENANCE PRODUCTION:
*MANAGER in Plainfield-Manage multiple crews,
equipment and materials during landscape and snow seasons. Assure quality service & customer satisfaction while monitoring job costs & crew safety. Provide ongoing training and development. * FLEET MAINTENANCE:
*MECHANIC in Roselle & Plainfield-Perform
preventive maintenance service on all vehicles and equipment to ensure proper working function dur-
ing both landscape and snow seasons. Repair brake,
engine, electrical, fuel, hydraulic, transmission, igni-
tion, computer, air, exhaust, drive line, axle assemblies and all other related systems.*
and involved management. He/she must possess the maintenance tasks ranging from basic tasks such various pruning technique(s) and perennial care.
Other skills such as account management, sales, and estimating are preferred but not mandatory. Spanish speaking is always a plus.
Poul’s Landscaping and Nursery is also seeking applicants for:
- Landscape Construction Foreman and Laborers
- Landscape Maintenance Foreman and Laborers
Please contact Jonathan Lee (jon@pouls.com) or
ILT Vignocchi: Account Management After 47 years in business our landscape firm
acresgroup.com or contact Amy@ 847-487-5071.
and quality focused team. Candidates will succeed if
Signature, Inc. is an award winning contractor in the North/West suburbs with over 15 years of experi-
ence. We are looking for a self-motivated designer with experience with Dynascapes software and
residential design. Advancement into sales is pos-
sible. Responsibilities will include design, estimating
they enjoy a fun fast paced work environment and the challenge and satisfaction of making each customer a
happy one. Strong communications skills and a desire to continually learn and grow professionally is a plus as well.
sibility if you can show not only the desire but the capability.
Email your resume to Kevin Block, Sales
Company.
ture...where teamwork comes first!
call Jeff at 847-289-0590.
to considering a candidate that understands our culwww.iltvignocchi.com
Individual is responsible for necessary follow-up and follow-through to maintain positive customer rela-
tions, to insure complete customer satisfaction and contract renewals, suggest and
sell non-contracted landscape enhancements. **New Business Development** Applicant shall be a highly motivated and creative
professional who is looking to work in a team environment.
**Commercial Construction Estimator/Project Manager**
Responsible for the sales, project management,
scheduling, completion and billings of commercial landscape construction projects.
**Spray Technicians** Sebert Landscaping seeks a turf/plant health care
applicator. The ideal candidate will have an Illinois Pesticide Applicators license. Training is available. **Irrigation Technician** Under close supervision, the technician performs a variety of tasks in the installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and management of irrigation equipment, irrigation systems, and small pumps, and related duties as assigned.
**Field Supervisor** Under the direction of the Account Manager, this
position will work with crews directly, using their field experience to assist crews with training and guidance to achieve quality and efficiency.
If interested in any listed position, please send your resume to:
Lorena@sebert.com
Competitive salary and benefits.
64
pany liaison for contracted accounts.
This position offers progressively more respon-
Manager, kblock@iltvignocchi.com; we look forward
Send your resume to: jeff@siglandscaping.com or
Candidate is the primary customer contact and com-
nance Account Manager to our dedicated, creative
and presentation assistance. Visit our web site at
Siglandscaping.com for more information about our
**Account Manager**
Dan Kjeldbjerg (dan@pouls.com)
continues to grow. We are looking to add a mainte-
Designer/Draftsman
landscaping industry.
as operating lawn/garden equipment to performing
Join our industry leading team! To view full job descriptions and apply online visit us at www.
with a unique and sustainable approach. We call it
responsible, self-driven candidates who are looking
make horticultural recommendations & sell property
enhancements in lawn and ice melt in snow, sell new
HELP WANTED
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
Since 1993 Cut Above Landscaping in Westmont,
Scott Byron & Co. Lake Bluff, IL
Illinois has been providing commercial and resi-
dential landscaping solutions. We are growing and searching for motivated individuals to be a part of
At Scott Byron & Co. we do an outstanding job of
our team for the following positions:
designing the landscape. We choose beautiful plants
EXPERIENCED PROJECT MANAGER to
doing amazing things during the installation. And
oversee our landscape installation division FLEET MANAGER & MECHANIC PROJECT FOREMEN PROJECT TECHNICIANS MAINTENANCE CREW FOREMEN MAINTENANCE TECHNICIANS
Please send resume to:hr@cutaboveland.com ** Commercial Estimator/Project Manager** Classic Landscape is seeking an Estimator/Project Manager with experience in green roofs and
multi-level landscape installation, at its office in West Chicago. Full time position offers benefits including; Paid Vacation, 401k, Competitive Salary, and Full Medical.
If interested please email Keith at khund@classiclandscapeltd.com
and flowers. We have incredible teams of people
we provide an incredibly high level of care to each
property that we maintain. But the real magic of Scott Byron & Co. is the ability to manipulate that land-
scape so it creates a feeling. Be a part of the magic
and join our team. We are currently recruiting for the following positions:
Position Summary:
Responsible for primary client contacts. Creating,
pricing, and selling landscape, irrigation, property maintenance projects and snow removal.
Providing outstanding customer satisfaction throughout any potential clients experience at Westfield. Work in a cooperative environment with other
Account managers, and crews to create a professional, efficient, and friendly environment.
Please contact Victor Martinez at 630-254-2710 or victor@westfieldlandscape.com
Green Grass, Inc.
Project Manager/Construction Supervisor Green Grass, Inc. based in Downers Grove is currently accepting applications for a
construction supervisor to oversee residential installation projects. Responsibilities include
planning, purchasing, on site supervision and job
costing. Knowledge of hardscape installation, grad-
ing, site engineering and plant layout is required. 2-5
years experience is a must. Landscape architecture or horticulture background is a plus.
Residential Maintenance Account/Operations
•
Landscape Architect
•
Seasonal Flower Designer
This position requires the following: maintain
Senior Accountant
site supervision of maintenance and work crews.
• • • • • • • •
Landscape Designer
Business Development Representative Marketing Specialist
Contracts Account Manager Client Relations Manager Site Supervisor
Construction Project Manager
• Foreman •
Property Maintenance, Construction, Flower and Yard Laborers
• Drivers
We promote a drug-free work environment.
Competitive pay, based on experience. EOE
Please forward your resume and salary
requirements to recruit@scottbyron.com D. Reithel Co.
Account Manager / Sales Westfield Landscape Co.- Aurora, IL
HELP WANTED
Ornamental horticulture, landscape design, and
landscape contracting nursery. We are accepting
resumes and interviewing for “one” professional person, who can work a full-time management
position that offers benefits, competitive salary, and incentive opportunity...
The individual best suited for the position would be an experienced...
Manager
existing customer relations, develop new accounts, on Excellent organizational skills are required.
Horticulture and customer service background is a plus. Please email all resumes to
contact@greengrasslandscape.com
Green Grass, Inc has been serving the western suburbs for 21 years. We look forward to you joining our team!
Wingren Landscape Downers Grove, IL
Our well established professional landscape
company is looking for qualified professionals for the following open positions:
• Maintenance Account Manager/ BusinessDevelopment
• Maintenance Supervisor Superintendent
• Lawn-care Technician Please send resume to
Gnordquist@wingrenlandscape.com Fax: 630-759-8155
ESTIMATOR/MANAGER/SUPERVISOR/
SALES/INVENTORY and OUTSOURCE INVENTORY COORDINATOR...
***Landscape Designer/Sales Experience, a plus***
Please send resume to: davereithel@gmail.com
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
65
Classified Ads HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
BUHRMAN DESIGN GROUP, INC.
Climber/Plant Health Care Specialist
Mundelein, Illinois
Is a well-established, full service, architectural/build/ maintenance landscape contractor performing work throughout the Chicagoland North Shore area. We
offer excellent pay structures and a loose work environment where employees can work towards future
growth. We are seeking motivated & qualified individuals for the following positions. Full time positions:
Landscape Maintenance Superintendent Seasonal positions:
Bartlett Tree Experts is currently searching for
an experienced climber. The candidate must have 3-4 years of climbing experience in the field climbing w/ rope and saddle.
We are also searching for an experienced Plant
Health Care specialist with a minimum of 2 years of
field experience required. Having an Illinois pesticide license is a plus.
Bartlett Tree has been in business over 107 years
and has over 100 offices in the US, Canada & UK.
Landscape Chemical Applicator Hardscape Foreman / Masonry
Landscape Construction Foreman To apply for any of the open positions, contact Lance Buhrman
lance@buhrmandesigngroup.com or please call 847-949-9245
Spray Technician - Plant Health Care Rosborough Partners, Inc. is seeking an experienced Spray Technician. Responsibilities include handling and applying pesticides according to label speci-
Anne Roberts Gardens Inc., is an urban landscape
architecture, design & landscape contractor. We offer sustainable design & horticulture expertise for com-
mercial & residential clients. We also perform commercial maintenance and seasonal rotations. Come grow with us:
• Production Manager
• Jr Landscape Architect/Estimator/ Project Manager
• Landscape Foreman
• Landscape Crew Laborer
Please send resume to:
Competitive Compensation, Benefits, EEO Employer
Donna@annerobertsgardens.com
Please send resume to
Construction Office Manager
Landscape Maintenance Foreman Landscape Maintenance Laborers
HELP WANTED
Noel Dubak ndubak@bartlett.com Wanted: Landscape Architect/Designer He/She will be responsible for creating and
designing all new landscape/hardscape projects. The Designer shall be responsible for selling new landscape/hardscape designs & installations. Must be a self starter and be able to work independently and with others.
Designer must have good communication skills
to be able to speak with residential as well as commercial clientele.
Knowledge of Google Sketchup, Dynascape or
Visionscape (be able to draw in 3-D is a plus).
A growing landscape construction company is seeking to fill the following position:
Construction office manager
This person is in charge of all office tasks including
AIA construction billing, payroll, quick books work. Union dues and tasks.
Please send your resumes to:
dan@woodlandcommercial.com FULL-TIME LANDSCAPE DESIGNER AND MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR
P.A. Likes, Inc, an award winning landscaping
firm in Plainfield, IL is looking for an Landscape
Knowledge of plant and hardscape material a must.
Designer and Maintenance Supervisor. For the
requires the ability to neatly organize and store
ment, client relations, and project team collaboration.
with 1-3 years experience, Horticultural knowledge,
peak season- April 1 thru July 1, the ability and will-
client, have a neat appearance. Must demonstrate
and ability to use Dynascape, Microsoft Office,
fications, loading materials and scheduling routes
to achieve efficient use of time. This position also
Must demonstrate experience in project manage-
Landscape Designer we are looking for someone
Must be able to produce “presentation” drawings for
Project management skills, Customer service skills,
excellent writing and oral presentation skills.
Photoshop, Sketch up, and QuickBooks.
Operator/Applicator license in turf, ornamental
“completed” project images to website. Pay based on
ing to obtain a spray operator license, Horticultural
Horticultural knowledge and landscape industry
Please send resume to:
maintenance projects, be able to estimate and obtain
inventory with a minimal amount of space and during ingness to regularly work on Saturday. Requirements for this position are:
and mosquito. Class C Driver License.
experience. English & Spanish fluency is a plus. Prefer 3 to 5 years of experience.
Basic marketing skills to upload “in progress” and
experience. Multiple crews. Full time.
cuttingedge.service@yahoo.com
background, 1-3 years experience, ability to supervise new maintenance contracts, provide employee training, and willing to be a point of contact for clients and problem solve.
Please email resume to:
Please email resume and cover letter to
resumes@rosboroughpartners.com
66
The Maintenance Supervisor will have or be will-
paul@likesinc.com. Or Fax: 630-904-8732
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
Montale Gardens, located in Wauconda, IL, is a
Nursery Field Staff
A growing and progressive full-service landscape
groundcovers and shrubs. Our philosophy and
April through November (flexible).
LANDSCAPE DESIGNER.
wholesale grower of premium perennials,
purpose is simple, a commitment to producing healthy beautiful plants, utilizing a talented
dedicated team, all the while respecting and
nurturing the environment. We are currently
looking for talented, passionate professionals who share these values to join our energetic team. Director of First Impressions Administrative Assistant
Does making someones day make your day? Is
working independently in a friendly and fun atmo-
sphere an absolute must for you? Are you naturally
inclined to “get it done!” If so, we’d love to chat with you about your future. We have a seasonal full time
Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. from The ideal candidate will be well suited to working outdoors, with plants, in a friendly environment.
Nursery field staff are charged with the care and
production of our perennials, shrub, and groundcov-
ers. A typical work day may entail potting up plants, sticking cuttings,pulling orders, pruning plants, and weeding or watering. Must be able to lift 50 lbs.,
stand for long periods of time, take direction, and
work well with others. This is a great opportunity for
students and recent graduates to gain industry experi-
ence without having any experience!
Interested candidates please contact:
Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. from The qualified candidate will possess basic
work quickly and accurately in a fast-paced
office environment. Spanish speaker a plus but not a requirement. Green industry experience helpful but will train the right candidate.
Nursery Production Openings:
Delivery Truck Driver/ Nursery Field Staff
Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. from April through November (flexible).
The ideal candidate will possess a Class C Illinois
the ability to work independently and efficiently. Candidate should also be proficient in the use of
Google maps, smart phone, and be able to effectively communicate in English.
Atypical work day will entail loading/unloading
and delivering plants throughout the Chicagoland
area and Southern WI during peak times. When not
making deliveries this position supports the Nursery
to translate the customers desires into beautiful, functional, healthy and sustainable outdoor living spaces.
We require creative, highly motivated and career oriented individuals looking to achieve an outstanding customer experience from sales, to design, estimating, contract negotiation, and project completion.
Computer (Excel/Word) and confident sales skills required.
Please email resume to: digrightin@yahoo.com
A degree in horticulture is preferred but not required.
Grow with us! Balanced Environments, Inc. is looking to fill the fol-
lowing positions:
• Account Manager
• Irrigation Technician
• Landscape Maintenance Superintendent
• Maintenance and Enhancements Laborers and Foreman
• Spray Technician
Please email resume to:
mbrooks@balancedenvironmentsinc.com or fax to (847) 838-9290.
drivers license with a good driving record, and
your clients and really get into using your creativity
Jose Ortiz @847-343-5512
computer and typing skills, including Microsoft
Office, and will be detail oriented. Must be able to
environment. You are able to build relationships with
Account Manager
jose@montalegardens.com
April through September.
You have a passion for improving the natural
Melisa Bell @ 847-487-8435
melisa@montalegardens.com or
Administrative Assistant position open in 2016.
company seeks energetic and artistic
Skokie Park District seeks FT Park Specialist II to immediately join the horticulture crew. Prefer
AS or BS degree in Horticulture, Turf Management or related field and 2 years relevant work exp.
$17 -$21/hr DOQ. Excellent immediate benefit package.
Apply online at www.skokieparks.org. EOE
Clean driving record is required and bi-lingual is
helpful. Friendly and helpful personality is a must. 40-50 hours per week with 30-40 accounts. Very
few Saturdays. Salary, vehicle, benefits, and profit sharing.
Please email resume to:
info@suburbanlandscaping.com or fax: 708-756-1122
CLASSIFIED ADS LANDSCAPE EQUIPMENT CLOSING DATES & RATES
Landscape company selling all assets as it d
consists of 2016 both issue maintenance and15, construction April ads: March 2016 tools/equipment.
PLEASE NOTE: Current inventory of assets will be able to setupAD SALES ARE “HELP WANTED”
2LIMITED maintenance crews, MEMBER 2 install COMPANIES crews and posTO ILCA sible swing crew as well as other supportive
items. Inventory includes well taken care of
Magazine Cost is $5 per line
crew cab trucks, skidsteer, equipment trailers,
Minimum charge $50
mowers, saws and so on. Too much to list,
Optional Website Cost is $7 per line
please email for list of available items with
asking prices. All reasonable offers considered.
Minimum charge $70
708.860.8310 or info@agemalandscape.com
(About 6 words/line)
Field Staff and may entail potting up plants, sticking
cuttings, pulling orders, pruning plants, and weeding
Call Alycia O’Connor
or watering. Must be able to lift 50 lbs., stand for
(630) 472-2851
long periods of time, take direction, and work well
or use the online submission form located at
with others.
www.ilca.net
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
67
Classified Ads FOR SALE LANDSCAPE EQUIPMENT
Reach more buyers and MAKE MORE SALES!
Landscape company selling all assets as it closes its doors. All equipment for sale and consists of both maintenance and construction tools/equipment.
Current inventory of assets will be able to setup 2 maintenance crews, 2 install crews and pos-
sible swing crew as well as other supportive items. Inventory includes well taken care of crew cab
trucks, skidsteer, equipment trailers, mowers, saws
and so on. Too much to list, please email for list of available items with asking prices.
All reasonable offers considered.
708.860.8310 or info@agemalandscape.com
FOR SALE: Successful landscaping business in
northwest Chicago suburbs. Average annual income of $176,000. Established, loyal customer base from 20 years & word- of- mouth advertising.
Asking $95,000. Equipment available, sold separately. If interested, please contact:
buds-n-boulders@att.net
LANDSCAPE EQUIPMENT CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
also available on ILCA’s WEB SITE
Landscape company selling all assets as it d
www.ilca.net
coon tools/
Call for information
2 maintenance crews, 2 install crews and possible swing crew as well as other supportive
(630) 472-2851
items. Inventory includes well taken care of
crew cab trucks, skidsteer, ADS equipment trailers, CLASSIFIED mowers, saws andDATES so on. Too much to list, CLOSING & RATES
please email for list of available items with
asking prices. All reasonable offers considered.
April 2016 issue ads: March 15, 2016
708.860.8310 or info@agemalandscape.com
PLEASE NOTE:
“HELP WANTED” AD SALES ARE
LIMITED TO ILCA MEMBER COMPANIES Magazine Cost is $5 per line Minimum charge $50
Optional Website Cost is $7 per line Minimum charge $70 (About 6 words/line)
Call Alycia O’Connor (630) 472-2851
or use the online submission form located at www.ilca.net
68
Successful suppliers know— industry leaders read this magazine.
The Landscape Contractor is the Midwest’s premier monthly magazine for the landscape, nursery and garden center business. • Sales and marketing statistics show that the single best way to reach buyers is through highly-targeted specialty magazines. • This award-winning magazine is frequently hailed as the best magazine of its kind. Put your message in this flattering environment. • The Landscape Contractor has an affordable advertising program for every budget.
Get your 2016 sales year off to a fast start For immediate attention CALL Debbie at 817-501-2403 or email — debbie.landscapecontractor@yahoo.com
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
Advertisers 1st Choice Equipment ............................................43 Agrecol..............................................................6 Arthur Clesen Inc. .................................................50 Bartlett Tree Experts .............................................33 Beaver Creek Nursery ..........................................33 Cardno ...................................................................46 Carlin Sales...............................................................6 Chicagoland Gardening .........................................69 Clesen Wholesale ...................................................57 Contree Sprayer & Equipment ................................39 Doty Nurseries LLC ................................................6 Garden Prairie Organics .........................................51 Green Glen Nursery ...............................................71 B. Haney & Sons, Inc. ............................................55 Hinsdale Nurseries, Inc. ......................................42 Homer Industries ....................................................61 James Martin Associates .........................................62 JKS Ventures ..........................................................57 Kramer Tree Specialists ..........................................40 Lafarge Rox River Stone ........................................53 Lemke Stone ..........................................................59 Longshadow Planters .............................................17 McGinty Bros. ........................................................55 Midwest Groundcovers ...........................................2 Midwest Trading ....................................................54 Mobile Fleet Express .............................................41 NGL Energy ...........................................................56 Perfect Turf ............................................................37 ProAp .....................................................................45 ProGreen Plus ..........................................................6 Rocks Etc. .............................................................31 Snowfighters Institute ............................................38 Stockyards Brick Co. ...............................................47 The Care of Trees .................................................... 6 The Mulch Center ...................................................69 Spring Meadow Nursery ........................................49 Vermeer Illinois ......................................................21 Unilock, Inc. ...........................................................72 Wilson Nurseries, Inc. ............................................52 Xylem, Inc. ............................................................31
The Landscape Contractor March 2016
69
All-Star Plants
Rhus copallina var. latifolia ‘Morton’
Members of the Ornamental Growers Association of Northern Illinois will be the exclusive provider of content for the Plant All-Stars page during 2016.
By Joe Rothleutner, The Morton Arboretum
Some plants
— just like All-Star athletes — make everyone around them look better. What’s a plant you can use — and recommend — with confidence? We’ve asked ILCA members—who are also members of the Ornamental Growers Association of Northern Illinois — to share their thoughts on proven performers. This shining sumac was selected at The Morton Arboretum from seedlings collected in Iroquois County. It is a local selection that is being promoted by the Chicagoland Grows(R) plant introduction program. Prairie Flame™ sumac was selected for its compact habit. In maturity, this sumac will reach about 6 feet in height and form a suckering colony up to 10 feet wide if not restrained. Plants can be maintained as a smaller denser form by rejuvenation pruning. In the wild the species can reach 20 feet in height and spread, so the compact Prairie Flame sumac makes a better choice for landscape plantings.
The ferny compound leaves of this plant can be used in a couple of different ways. Mixed with ornamental grasses it makes a naturalistic, low-maintenance planting. Alternatively, it can add texture and a tropical feel when paired with plants that have large and colorful leaves. Prairie Flame sumac is tough and is well adapted to deal with drought and poor or rocky soils. It works well for roadside plantings or massed along parking lots. It can also be used for slope stabilization. The plant has glossy, dark green leaves in spring and summer that turn a clear and bright scarlet in fall. In late July this clone also develops showy panicles of yellowish-white flowers. Prairie Flame sumac is male so you don’t have to worry about seedlings popping up in your plantings. When you’re looking for a tough, highly adaptable shrub with dramatic foliage, I recommend you give this dwarf shiny sumac clone a try.
Rhus copallina var. latifolia ‘Morton’ facts— Size:
Foliage
6’ tall with spread of 10’
Extremely glossy, dark green foliage turns brilliant red in fall.
Flowers
Culture
Showy yellowish-white panicles in late July
Grow in full sun for best flower production and fall color. Tolerates very poor soil conditions and has shown excellent adaptability to a broad range of soil types and landscape applications.
70
Joe Rothleutner Tree and Shrub Breeder The Morton Arboretum Joe joined The Morton Arboretum in 2012 after receiving his master’s degree in plant breeding, genetics and biotechnology from Oregon State University. He has a bachelors degree in urban forestry from the University of Maryland.
The Landscape Contractor March 2016