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October 2018

CONTENTS Excellence In Landscape Awards Project

FOCUS: The IMPACT Conference 2018 The IMPACT Conference 2018 A preview of the event Sustainability in Motion Saving the Monarchs

10 16

Garden Speak â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Practical Plant Evaluations 22 Blockbuster Baptisias - natives with a pedigree Discover Your Element 28 iLandscape 2019 Preview The IMPACT Conference Program 31 Complete details for this important event

Sustainable Inspiration 36 Creating Dynamic Landscapes

New Committee Chair Profile Sheri Lundell Summer Field Day Committee

Member Profile 56 Greenscape, Inc.

Real Talk: 44 Tell stories that attract customers

Before You Go... Is Brown Really a Color?

On the cover... The Pizzo Group received an Excellence in Landscape award for this 2017 Residential Construction project with Sustainable Honors.

36 The Landscape Contractor October 2018

CONTENTS

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

Calendar

4 5 7 59 61

OCTOBER October 4, 2018 Women’s Networking Group Event Chandler’s Chop House Schaumburg

Photo Credits ILCA Awards Program SELC Committee Midwest Groundcover Richard Hawke Rick Reuland Kelly Norris

1, 8-9 10-14 16-20 22-27 28-29 36-42

Lynne Franklin Greenscape, Inc. Scott Mehaffey

44-45 56 62

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 59, Number 10. The Landscape Contractor (ISSN # 0194-7257, USPS # 476-490) is published monthly for $75.00 per year by the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association, 2625 Butterfield Road, Ste. 104S, Oak Brook, IL 60523. Periodicals postage paid at Oak Brook, IL and additional mailing offices. Printed in USA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Landscape Contractor, 2625 Butterfield Road, Ste 104S, Oak Brook, IL 60523. DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES: Association Publishing Partners, Inc., Ph. (630) 637-8632 Fax (630) 637-8629 email: rmgi@comcast.net CLASSIFIED ADS, CIRCULATION AND SUBSCRIPTION: ILCA (630) 472-2851 Fax (630) 472-3150 PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL OFFICE: Rick Reuland, rmgi@comcast.net, Naperville, IL 60540 Ph. (630)637-8632 PRODUCT DISCLAIMER: The Illinois Landscape Contractors Association, its Board of Directors, the Magazine Committee, ILCA Staff, The Landscape Contractor and its staff, neither endorse any products nor attest to the validity of any statements made about products

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 AnneMarie Drufke adrufke@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 Stubler mstubler@ilca.net

v ILCA 2625 Butterfield Road Ste. 104S Oak Brook, IL 60523

October 16, 2018 The IMPACT Conference: Building Sustainable Landscapes Chicago Botanic Garden Glencoe

NOVEMBER November 8, 2018 ILCA Annual Party and Member Meeting Two Brothers Roundhouse Aurora November 15, 2018 Pruning Workshop Prairie Lakes Community Center Des Plaines

JANUARY/FEBRUARY January 30 - February 1 iLandscape 2019 Renaissance Convention Center Hotel Schaumburg

v Becke Davis Senior Writer

treethyme@aol.com

at dotynu rseries.co m to rece ive our

Patrice Peltier

Feature Writer patpeltier@charter.net

Meta Levin

Feature Writer

dotynurseries.com

Nina Koziol

Shade TreeS • OrnamenTalS • evergreenS • ShrubS

meta.levin@comcast.net Feature Writer

n.koziol@att.net Heather Prince Feature Writer

princeht@sbcglobal.net

Ryan Doty sales@dotynurseries.com

P 630 365 9063 F 630 365 9081

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The Landscape Contractor October 2018

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From Where I Stand — My wife has a methodology

when looking for me and my kids after we are inevitably separated at a big box store. If it’s Costco, we’re likely huddled around some sample lady pleading like hungry street urchins. If it’s IKEA, we are splayed across furniture in the couch section staring up at the ceiling in boredom. If it’s Best Buy, we are in the TV section watching sports or strapping VR goggles to our faces. If it’s a shoe store, we are whining and scratching at the front door like dogs begging to be let out. If it’s Target, we are in the scented candle aisle. It’s a silly little show we put on. We pass candles to each other, ripping off the glass lids “oohing” and “aahing,” as our eyes roll back in our heads. “Try this one, it’s Spring Laundry Line.” “Try this one, it’s Vanilla Sugar Cookie.” “Try this one, it’s “California Lemon Grove.” We are scented candle addicts looking for our next fix. We are as imperious and annoying as wine connoisseurs. We will not trifle with substandard smells. If a candle is supposed to smell like Mango Sunrise, and it does not smell like Mango Sunrise, we scoff and bury that candle on the back of the shelf. This ritual ends with either my wife coming to retrieve us, my son almost dropping a $16 candle on the floor, or a red vested employee is dispatched to shoo us away with a well-timed, “Can I help you find something?” It was widely thought for almost a century that humans had a poor sense of smell. Scientifically, this was due to a now debunked study by Paul Broca which concluded that humans’ olfactory nerves in our brains were quite small compared to other animals. Since Broca’s time, new research has emerged that shows humans’ sense of smell is actually incredible. It is still not the same as bunnies or bears, but humans can smell as good as rats and even outperform dogs with certain types of odors. This should come as no surprise. There is no other sensation quite like a good, bad, or familiar smell. We merely have to say words like; fresh-baked bread, chocolate chip cookies, peppermint, grapefruit, Christmas trees, new car, cinnamon, fabric softener, and our brain can immediately place the smell and the feeling it invokes. Scientists now believe humans have the capacity to catalog over 1 trillion smells. Smells invoke such powerful memories because smells have the shortest path to follow to the brain. When a smell is received, olfactory neurons travel up the olfactory nerve to the olfactory bulb in the brain. That bulb slingshots the sensation to other parts of the brain which is why certain smells invoke specific and vivid memories. This path is known as the limbic system and it’s one of the most ancient and primitive parts of our minds. For example, it’s amazing that we can distinctly remember the smell of our grandmother’s house when it’s so personal and unique and serves no obvious evolutionary function. Besides its relation to memory, smell also triggers emotion. The limbic system is also the emotional center of the brain. There have been hundreds of studies that have demonstrated the power of smell on consumer marketing and forming interpersonal connections from romantic to mother and child. Smell is so powerful

that even the reference and anticipation of a smell has an impact on mood. There is a reason those scented candles have big and bright labels with whimsical names. However, nothing satisfies the limbic system quite like the real deal. This is the entire philosophy behind the $6 billion essential oils industry. One of my all-time favorite smells growing up was my Halloween trick-or-treat bag. Yes, I know that sounds weird. After trick-or-treating, I would stick my head inside my pillow case and breathe in deeply like some ancient cure for a sinus infection developed in a sweat lodge. All of the different candies would mingle together forming this amazing concoction of chocolate, peanuts, caramel, Skittles, taffy, and bubble gum. My Mom would walk into my room and I’d be head deep in a pillow case and she was pretty sure I was experimenting with some new club drug. About a year ago, sure enough, I found a candle company who made a trick-or-treat bag scented candle. There went my one good idea. Flowers, plants, and cut grass are usually at the top of the list for favorite smells. Floral shops, funeral parlors, public gardens, and conservatories greet visitors with a soft and delightful odor that creates a sense of calm and peace. Of course, humans often think the entire world revolves around us, but flowers really don’t give a hoot if we live or die. They smell due to the symbiotic relationship they have with insects and even other plants. So why do flowers have scents? In an article published by Scientific American, Natalia Dudareva, an associate professor in the department of horticulture and landscape architecture at Purdue University, explains. “Flowers of many plant species produce a scent. This scent is typically a complex mixture of low molecular weight compounds emitted by flowers into the atmosphere and its structure, color and odor are critical factors in attracting pollinators. Although flowers can be identical in their color or shape, there are no two floral scents that are exactly the same because of the large diversity of volatile compounds and their relative abundances and interactions. Thus, scent is a signal that directs pollinators to a particular flower whose nectar and/or pollen is the reward.” So, in essence, plants produce odors for the same reason we wear perfume and cologne, to get their freak on. In fact, not all flowers produce smells that are even satisfying to humans. Some flowers smell like carrion or feces or rotting flesh depending on what species of beetle or fly it is attempting to pollinate with. The Chicago Botanic Garden famously hosted the bloom of a titan arum. This large flower structure (don’t call it a flower!) is native to Sumatra and can grow to heights of 6-8 feet with a massive root structure underground. The smell of its bloom is so horrendous that it’s earned the nickname “corpse flower” because it mimics the stench of rotting flesh. Humans plug their noses while beetles and flesh flies lick their chops. Cut grass is universally considered one of the most pleasant smells of the suburbs. It’s the small reward for pushing a mower back and forth across the grass on a hot Saturday morning in July. Yet, the smell of cut grass hides a dark secret. The smell of fresh cut grass is actually a distress signal. Leafy plants release green

Stop and Smell the Roses

The Landscape Contractor October 2018

From Where I Stand —

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leaf volatiles (GLVs) when harmed or damaged. This chemical release serves a few purposes. The release of these compounds actually stimulate the formation of new cells near the wound. Others release antibodies that attempt to stave off bacterial infections and fungi. Finally, in some instances, the release of GLVs cause un-wounded, surrounding plants to preemptively fortify themselves against imminent attack. I’m sure no landscape professional is going to lose sleep over making grass scream, but the fresh cut grass smell is more sinister than merely giving grass a weekly haircut. We design and maintain landscapes with our eyes in mind. “Curb appeal” has been the clichéd term in our industry for a few decades now. It means that anyone driving down the road should be impressed by the style, arrangement, and care of the plant material they see from the comfort of their own cars. They will pause and say, “That’s nice” before carrying on. Most landscape professionals want their clients to engage more in their landscapes and are about creating a certain lifestyle for their clients. Still, the idea behind these designs are very visual in nature. Even the more holistic sensory gardens are built for a specific niche of clients rather than being baked into traditional landscapes. Given the unquestionable power of smell, garden design needs another reference point in which to be evaluated. A common complaint among professionals is that clients and the general public don’t engage enough in their landscapes. Perhaps we are approaching the problem with the wrong sense. I am not going to lie, I get a rush of endorphins when I look out my window at my cut grass. Now, it doesn’t give me calm or peace or reframe my mind or invoke a memory of years past. It’s a curb appeal mentality where I say “That’s nice” before strolling onward. Now, I counter that to the smell of a rose garden or lilacs in the spring or lilies in the summer. Some stronger smelling plants can be planted a bit further from the house to ride the breeze. More subtle smelling plants can be planted outside of open windows to be enjoyed when washing the dishes or reading on a Sunday afternoon. Landscape professionals should take the time to educate clients on how flowers and plants smell. A client may not understand what a peony smells like, but it doesn’t matter. Due to our ability to catalog smells, just offer a reference point. Tell them it smells fresh and feminine like a southern belle strolling through her garden. The imagery, compiled by our incredible sense of smell will actually place a similar smell in the client’s mind. A forward thinking landscape professional could even bottle oils or petals of the plants in bloom. Who doesn’t like taking their limbic system for a ride? A focus on “scented gardens” is yet another way to showcase the incredible value of plants in our daily lives. Besides, “Scented Garden” already sounds like a candle my kids and I would swap with each other while Target employees hawkeye us. It’s also a bit more elegant than shoving your head into a trick-or-treat bag.

Scott Grams September 17, 2018

The Landscape Contractor October 2018

President’s Message — This month’s focus is

President

Tom Lupfer Lupfer Landscaping (708) 352-2765 tom@lupferlandscaping.com

Vice-President

Jose Garcia Natural Creations Landscaping, Inc. (815) 724-0991 info@naturalcreationslandscaping.com

Secretary-Treasurer

Donna Vignocchi Zych ILT Vignocchi, Inc. (847) 487-5200 dvignocchi@iltvignocchi.com

Immediate Past President Lisa Fiore Don Fiore Company, Inc. (847) 234-0020 lfiore@donfiore.com

Directors

Jennifer Fick Wilson Nurseries and Landscape Supply (847) 683-3700 jennf@wilsonnurseries.com Allan Jeziorski Hartman Landscape (708) 403-8433 allan@hartmanlandscape.net

Jeff Kramer Kramer Tree Specialists, Inc, (630) 403-8433 jwkramer@kramertree.com

Kevin Manning K & D Enterprise Landscape Management, Inc. (815) 725-0758 kmanning@kdlandscapeinc.com Scott McAdam, Jr. McAdam Landscaping, Inc. (708) 771-2299 Scottjr@mcadamlandscape.com Dean MacMorris Night Light, Inc. (630) 627-1111 dean@nightlightinc.net Mark Utendorf Emerald Lawn Care, Inc. (847) 392-7097 marku@emeraldlawncare.com Ashley Voss Vermeer Midwest (630) 820-3030 ashley.voss@vermeermidwest.com

sustainability and the Impact Conference. I came up in ILCA through the Sustainable Landscaping Committee, so this subject is close to my heart. I was asked to serve on the Board of Directors for MELA the same week I was asked to Chair the Sustainable Committee for ILCA. At first, I wanted to accept the MELA position because ‘Board Member’ appealed to my youthful vanity, but instead chose the ILCA route because at the end of the day, I am a contractor. The idea was that while MELA was focusing on defining what sustainability was, ILCA would help the average contractor become sustainable in their operations. They would watch the forest; we would watch the trees. With the recent integration of MELA into ILCA, we now have the opportunity to achieve both of those goals. And that is what this year’s Impact Conference is all about. A little background on sustainability. ILCA has always defined sustainability using a Venn diagram with three areas that need to be addressed for something to be considered sustainable: socially acceptable, economically feasible, and environmentally sound. In other words: the customer must want to buy it, the company must be able to make money off it, and it must improve the environment. Sustainability is not an absolute. It is not environmentalism by another name, but is instead a sliding scale. If you change out one synthetic fertilizing treatment for a compost tea application, you have made your turf care program more sustainable. There are three companies, that I point to when talking about the sliding scale of sustainability: Lupfer, Ringer’s, and Dig Right In. My company would lean more to the economic circle in the Venn diagram. I use sustainable techniques to make my traditional company more competitive. The idea of ‘reducing the waste removed from the job site’ appeals to me because it means less fuel and landfill costs, and if I process it right, I don’t have to bring in any soil amendments. People want what I’m selling. Ringer’s is a millennial company that walks the walk in everything they do. It’s up to date on all the newest technology and trends and has adopted the sustainable mindset throughout their company culture. They lean more towards the socially acceptable circle of the diagram. People like what they’re selling. Dig Right In has more of the environmental focus. Their designs have rain gardens, pollinator plant lists and permeable pavers. They solve water problems with a holistic approach, all while making money and creating a huge demand for their work. People line up for what they’re selling. Three different approaches, with three different looks, in three different markets with one thing in common: a sustainable mindset. The point is to show you that all businesses, regardless of the model, can use the sustainable approach to improve their product, company, and bottom line. The Impact Conference is the perfect opportunity to find out more; from the big picture to the easy to implement tip, this conference has something for everybody. Thank you, Tom Lupfer

September 14, 2018

www.ilca.net The Landscape Contractor October 2018

Grant & Power Landscaping, Inc. • West Chicago Farrar Residence

When they acquired

this exceptional property, the homeowners knew the landscape would require a complete renovation to match their family’s needs and to better reflect their lifestyle. The existing pool needed complete refurbishing and the paver patio was awkwardly situated and falling apart. A large open area underneath the deck was dark, dirty and unusable. The front landscape was unorganized and outdated, not providing the welcoming setting the home deserved. Their wishes included enlarging the patio and pool deck, adding an outdoor kitchen with bar, a fire feature and ample space for lounging by the pool or catching up with family and friends. Converting the space under the deck into a functional three season room and improving access to the pool also ranked as high priorities. For the front, they wanted a planting scheme more appropriate to the home and surrounding mature trees, adding some formality and structure while retaining a natural feel. Lastly, they wanted to extend their enjoyment of the outdoor spaces by adding a lighting scheme that would effectively and tastefully showcase the property and provide safe passage throughout. Several challenges accompanied this site. A deep ravine carrying local storm water traversed the property, literally separating the home from the pool and patio. The grades surrounding this ravine were hilly and variable. Several of the large existing trees are Black Walnut, limiting the available plant pal-

ette. Narrow access to the back yard allowed for only small equipment passage. In order to make the space more functional, the new patio and pool deck were dug ‘into’ the existing terrain in order to provide ample space at one level. Mortared stone retaining walls hold the existing grades and add to the natural surroundings. These stone walls are repeated in the outdoor kitchen and fire feature, along with the knee wall constructed as part of the three season room. In this room, an under deck ceiling system was installed to catch and channel rain water; screens provide escape from mosquitos, and the paver floor finishes off this now usable space which houses ceiling fans, sofas and a television. The stairs from the deck to the patio were redesigned to provide better flow and access, while an added stone bridge provides access to the patio from the lower level three season room. The ravine was jack hammered (solid rock) deeper and reinforced to prevent overflow water from crossing the patio. In front, masses of shade loving plants are used to provide color and texture, while Boxwood and groundcovers add formality to the areas near the front door. A flagstone path, and patio with a pergola, provide a space to greet friends and family, or just relax and enjoy the garden. Several different types of LED light fixtures are used throughout the landscape and hardscapes, creating various scenes and effects, complementing the home, and seamlessly marrying the indoors and outdoors.

The Landscape Contractor October 2018

The Impact Conference —

By Meta L. Levin

This year’s

for Resilient Landscapes,” will present an alternative to traditional horticulture: designed plantings that function like naturally occurring plant communities. A leading voice in ecological landscape design, Rainer’s work has graced the U.S. Capitol grounds, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the New York Botanical Garden and more than 100 other gardens all up and down the east coast. “It will be great to listen to his insights,” says Swano. A principal for the Washington DC landscape and consulting firm, (continued on page 12)

ILCA Impact Conference will focus on the practical, as well as the beautiful. “We want to give attendees the tools and insights into best practices, as well as what the major practitioners in the field are doing,” says Jeff Swano, Sustainable & Ecological Landscape Committee Chair. To that end, landscape architect Thomas Rainer will keynote the 2018 Impact Conference, Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at the Chicago Botanic Garden. His presentation, “Plants are the Best Mulch: Designing Plant Communities

The Landscape Contractor October 2018

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The Impact Conference — (continued from page 10) Phyto Studio, Rainer is passionate about design, but has also become known as a

specialist in applying innovative planting concepts to create ecologically functional designed landscapes. His presentation is practical and inspiring, covering intentionally designed and managed communities. Although he has designed some high-profile public spaces, he also loves working on residential gardens, collaborating with clients in creating spaces that meet their needs, both practical and aesthetic. Marcus de la Fleur, a landscape architect and owner of the Chicago design and consulting firm de la fleur LLC, will deliver the pre-lunch plenary, “Blue

and Green – Water and the Benjamins.” This will cover the application of sustainable stormwater management, including structural and non-structural solutions. His resume includes leading the development of the Morton Arboretum’s Collections Master Plan and he is devoted to the integration of sustainable design, ecology and stormwater management. His Impact Conference presentation will address the rationales of designing with and maintaining native vegetation, as well as sustainable soil treatment and conservation. “The keynote and the plenary will provide great perspective,” says Swano. Swano, whose company always has used sustainable landscape principals, has seen an uptick in interest in this area in the last few years. “It’s obvious by the volume of the attendance,” he says. Landscape contractors want to know not only techniques, but also how to talk with their customers about sustainable landscaping. “We realize that this is still a new part of the industry,” says Scott Grams, ILCA executive director. “This part of the industry is changing rapidly.” The presentations will range from design to maintenance. They also will include equipment, such as electric, in lieu of gas-powered motors. In fact, much of the afternoon will be devoted to maintenance issues. This will include: 1. “Dewatering the Planting Holes of Ecosystem Landscaping,” by Andi Dierich and Jennifer Boyer, both of DuPage County Stormwater Management.

The Landscape Contractor October 2018

2. Managing a Plant Community: Creative Approaches to Site Preparation, Installation and Maintenance, by Keynote Speaker Thomas Rainer, Phyto Studio. 3. “Low Maintenance Landscapes: A New Partnership with Nature,” Bill Peregrine, Earthdance Organics LLC. 4. “The Promise of Electric Technology- Moving From Gas to Electric,” Dan Mabe, American Green Zone Alliance. The morning will concentrate more on creativity, with a healthy dose of how-to-do-it. It will include: 1. “Creating Successful Native Plant Landscapes,” by Drew Lathin, Creating Sustainable Landscapes, LLC.

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The Impact Conference — 2. “Sustainable Landscaping and the Community: How to Partner with Non-Profits to Connect with Customers and Build Your Business,” by Ryan Anderson, Midwest Pesticide Action Center. 3. “Healthy Soil, Healthy Plants, Healthy People,” by Sandy Syburg, Purple Cow Organics.

“We will concentrate on the science of it; all about earth sciences, soil, air and water,” says Swano. “We’ll include how to talk to customers, techniques and the philosophy of it.” The committee has extended the lunch break to allow attendees additional time to peruse the exhibit area and talk with the vendors. That was another request made by last year’s attendees. The 2017 end-of-the-day reception was a big hit, so it is back again. “It was fun last year,” says Swano. “It was good to see people talking about what they had heard and learned;

what they want to take back with them. It was a good exchange of information.” As last year, vendors have helped provide raffle items. The reception also will feature food and a band. “We know the interest is there,” says Swano. “This is a great opportunity for people who want to get into this area.”

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The Landscape Contractor October 2018

Saving Monarchs Sustainability in Motion —

By Patrice Peltier

Monarchs — among the most recognized

and loved of butterflies — need our help. Increasingly, homeowners are taking an interest in the plight of these pollinators and are looking to green industry professionals for guidance in creating supportive habitat. During a recent Pollinator Event hosted by Midwest Groundcovers, Janie Grillo shared tips on how to aid and attract monarchs. A visit to the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House outside of St. Louis in 2000 spurred Grillo’s interest in Monarchs. “That was it,” she recalls. She was hooked on these beautiful creatures and their epic annual migration. The following year Grillo created her own butterfly garden at home. Soon, she was designing butterfly gardens for others and giving presentations to school and civic groups. In 2003, she went to work at The Natural Garden in St. Charles, joining the staff at Midwest Groundcovers when the company purchased The Natural Garden in 2011. Understanding monarchs’ needs Providing a supportive habitat begins with understanding the monarch’s lifecycle, Grillo explains. Like other butterflies and moths, monarchs undergo a complete metamorphosis, changing from an egg to a caterpillar, then pupating into adults.

Like most—but not all—butterflies, monarchs are very picky eaters, according to Grillo. The caterpillars eat only species of milkweed (Asclepias). Knowing how finicky their offspring are, female monarchs wisely lay eggs only on milkweed plants. The plants provide both food and shelter for the caterpillars once the eggs hatch. During the 14 or so days the monarch spends as a caterpillar, it will shed its skin five times, growing to 2,000 times its original mass, Grillo says. Finally, the caterpillar crawls away from its milkweed host to find a secure location to form a bright green chrysalis.

The Landscape Contractor October 2018

As the caterpillar changes into a butterfly inside the chrysalis, “you can see its heart beat,” Grillo says in amazement. In eight to 15 days, the adult monarch emerges, pumping fluid from its abdomen into its wings to expand them. Once its wings have dried, the monarch flies off in search of nectar and a mate. Unlike the caterpillars, adult monarchs eat nectar from a wide variety of plants, including Asclepias, to meet their energy needs from roughly June through August. (For a list of butterfly nectar plants, see page 20.) They’ll also be on the lookout for Asclepias to lay their eggs on. If you’re getting the idea that monarchs need Asclepias—and lots of it—you’re right. However, Grillo says not just any Asclepias will do. She says monarchs favor common milkweed (A. syriaca) followed by swamp milkweed (A. incarnata). Other species native to the upper Midwest that are recommended by the Monarch Joint Venture at the University of Minnesota include butterfly weed (A. tuberosa), whorled milkweed (A. verticillata) and poke milkweed (A. exaltata). The monarch’s lifecycle continues through the summer, with adults living two to six weeks. In August, however, all that changes as the monarchs prepare for the epic migration to their winter home in central Mexico. Generally, four generations have elapsed between the monarchs who arrive in late spring and those that begin the fall migration, according to Monarch Joint Venture. “By the time monarchs leave Northern Illinois to head south in late August, they are

the great-great grandchildren of the monarchs who left the August before,” Grillo explains. Migrating adults can live up to nine months. During this time, they return from North America to overwinter on oyamel fir trees on the mountain slopes in central Mexico. “The trip from St. Charles to their winter home is 1,700 miles,” Grillo says in amazement. Plants that provide nectar from August through October play an important role in fueling the migration from Canada to Mexico. Monarchs need energy from the nectar not only to survive the journey but to survive the winter in a climate where little nectar is available. In March, the adults who overwintered in Mexico begin the return migration. They lay their eggs on Asclepias in the southern United States. In each generation, the caterpillars pupate into adults who fly farther north to lay eggs again. By the time Monarchs arrive in Northern Illinois, “they are the grandchildren of the monarchs who left in August,” Grillo explains. Where have all the monarchs gone? In recent years, the number of monarchs returning from Mexico has decreased, causing concern among conservationists and butterfly enthusiasts alike. “The 2016 monarch count showed that over the past 22 years, these butterflies declined by 68 percent,” according to the Center for Biological Diversity website. (continued on page 18)

The Landscape Contractor October 2018

Sustainability in Motion — (continued from page 17) “In February, 2017 the annual ‘overwintering’ count of monarchs confirmed that butterfly numbers fell by nearly onethird from the 2016 count,” the website continues. In fact, the overwintering count for 2017-2018 was 124 million monarchs. The average overwintering count since record keeping started in 1994-1995 is 300 million monarchs—more than twice as many as the current count, according to the JourneyNorth.org website. There seem to be a number of contributing factors, according to Grillo. She cites habitat destruction due to logging, extreme winter weather, and water pollution from toxic mining chemicals as issues affecting monarchs in Mexico. Once monarchs begin the migration

north, spring drought or flooding can affect whether Asclepias are available in time. In the U.S., habitat is diminishing due to development, and current farming and mowing practices often eliminate

milkweed from along farm fields and roadsides, Grillo adds. Insecticides often kill caterpillars,

she notes. “People love birds, but they don’t want insects,” she says, adding, “We have to learn to live with holes in leaves.” You can help Many clients are interested in incorporating butterfly and pollinator-friendly habitat into their landscapes. Even when clients don’t specifically request it, however, Grillo says green industry professionals can play an important role in supporting monarchs and other pollinators. “Support conservation efforts and learn more,” she suggests, pointing out that the Midwest Groundcovers website (www. midwestgroundcovers.com) offers pollinator-friendly plant information under the “Plant Solutions” tab. Grillo also offers lists of butterfly caterpillar host plants and butterfly nectar plants on her website, www. butterflyjane.com.

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The Landscape Contractor October 2018

“I encourage you to create and protect butterfly habitat,” Grillo concludes. “It’s true what they say, ‘If you build it, they will come.’”

What do monarchs need? • Asclepias (milkweed) to lay eggs on, provide food for caterpillars and nectar for adults. Monarchs feed on almost all of the more than 100 species of Asclepias. “They do favor some over others,” Janie Grillo says.

“Another nice species at our latitude is A. purpurascens.” • Nectar from trees, shrubs and perennials to provide food for adults from late spring through fall. Be sure to provide overlapping flowering periods so that nectar is available throughout the season. • Water • Shelter in the form of trees and shrubs.

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.

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For sale updates and availabilities sign up for our email newsletter! The Landscape Contractor October 2018

Sustainability in Motion â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Nectar, anyone?

The following perennials are good sources of nectar for monarchs and other butterflies according to a handout from Midwest Groundcovers. For a more complete listing, including shrubs, please see www.butterflyjane.com

Achillea spp.

Echinacea spp.

Liatris spp.

Sedum

Asclepias spp.

Helenium spp.

Monarda spp.

Silphium spp.

Heliopsis spp

Nepeta spp.

Buddleia

Coreopsis spp. 20

Leucanthemum spp.

Rudbeckia spp.

The Landscape Contractor October 2018

Solidago spp.

Vernonia spp.

Street Pavers

Granite Cobble

We carry a wide variety of reclaimed street pavers,

When presenting a client with choices for estate quality material, reclaimed granite street pavers are the material most often preferred by architects and designers. Natural granite quarried from the earth provides desirable variations of textures and colors, available in tones from pink to red, brown and grey, black and salt & pepper. Presently we are fortunate to have an ample selection of the majority of colors in inventory. Large quantities are currently available at last years prices.

from Athens, Barrs, Danville to Metropolitans and Puringtons. From the old streets of yesterday to the patios, walkways and driveways of today their popularity has made their availability somewhat limited. We are always searching for the best reclaimed clay pavers we can locate and offer them to you at a fair and competitive prices.

Stones per Sq. Foot: 2.5

SHIPPING 120 bricks/pallet WIDTH 5’’″ LENGTH 10’’″ THICKNESS 5’’″ TRUCKLOAD = 18 pallets

Pavers per Sq. Foot: 4.5

SHIPPING 264 pavers/pallet WIDTH 3.75’’″ LENGTH 8.5-9’’″ THICKNESS 4’’″ TRUCKLOAD = 18 pallets

Let us know if you have a present or upcoming project that we can provide samples for.

The Difference Between

ORDINARY l

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4150 S Packers Ave. Chicago, IL 60609 872-444-5440 stockyardsbrick.com The Landscape Contractor October 2018

Garden Speak — Practical Plant Evaluations

Blockbuster Baptisias —

Fuss-free Natives with a Pedigree by Nina A. Koziol

The genus Baptisia

is well-known to native-plant enthusiasts and prairie restoration experts, but these colorful, long-lived perennials are workhorses in residential and commercial landscapes. Extremely drought tolerant once established, baptisias are tough, carefree performers that look like big, beefy lupines, but unlike lupines, they tolerate the intense summer sun and heat. In the past 15 years, plant breeders have introduced many baptisia hybrids with flower colors ranging from white, blue, yellow, lavender and purple to bicolored blossoms that may be lemonyellow and orange, dusky purple and yellow, magenta and buttery yellow, as well as other combinations. They are blockbuster plants when they bloom in spring and the attractive blue-green foliage continues the show right through the autumn. “I love baptisias,” says Richard Hawke, plant evaluation manager and associate scientist at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Since 1999, he’s evaluated 39 different baptisias in two trials—one trial of the straight species and the other of cultivars—each done over a four-year period or longer. In the wild, baptisias typically grow two to four feet tall and wide, but some, like Baptisia var. macrophylla (syn. B. leucantha), produce flowers on stems that are 5 to 7 feet tall. Breeders, including Jim Ault, 22

Baptisia ‘Lunar Eclipse’

The Landscape Contractor October 2018

the Garden’s plant breeder and director of ornamental plant research, have created complex hybrids between baptisia species, resulting in more than 50 cultivars available in the nursery trade. “Many of the new introductions were selected to reduce the height of the plants, increase flower size and bring in more colors,” Hawke said. Some cultivars in the trial topped out at 52 inches tall and as much as 72 inches wide. The trial garden (zone 5b) sits in full sun with prevailing westerly winds. In spring, the planting beds are lightly mulched with a compost of leaves and twigs, which conserves water and suppresses weeds. The plants are irrigated only as needed and no fertilizer is applied. Baptisias, also called false indigo or wild indigo, are generally hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9. They prefer full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Depending on the species or cultivar, they bloom from late spring to midsummer. Over time, the plants form expanding clumps, but not in an aggressive way. Like most prairie plants, they produce deep tap roots and an extensive root system and thus resent transplanting or dividing. They can be slow to establish, but a little patience provides a big payoff. “They’re great plants, very adaptable, and in a few years, produce dozens of stems. Some cultivars, like

Baptisia ‘Blueberry Sundae’

Baptisia ‘Solar Flare’

The Landscape Contractor October 2018

Garden Speak — Practical Plant Evaluations ‘Twilite’, are strong plants that had more than 100 flowering stems by the third year of the evaluation,” Hawke said. “It’s a hybrid vigor that you don’t see in the species.” The flowering spikes add vertical interest, while the mounding foliage provides a nice contrast to other plants from mid-spring to fall. Baptisias are reliable performers in the sunny perennial border where they serve as a backdrop for other plants. They can be used as a specimen plant or massed together. They look good in cottage gardens, wild or meadow gardens, and in pollinator gardens where they attract numerous native bees as well as butterflies, including the Wild Indigo Duskywing, Eastern Tailed-Blue, Orange Sulphur, Clouded Sulphur, Frosted Elfin and Hoary Edge. “In a mixed perennial border in a large landscape, they make perfect sense,” Hawke said. “I’d use them in large or small masses. They have a fairly dramatic flower on upright, bushy plants with green or blue-green foliage.” Baptisia often bloom at the same time as Siberian irises, roses, peonies, perennial geraniums and other spring bloomers. The dark seed pods can be left standing for winter interest or you can remove them when the plant is finished flowering. The flowers can be used in fresh arrangements and the plants are resistant to deer and rabbit browsing. What’s not to like? Mark your Calendar Plan a visit to the Chicago Botanic Garden next May to see them in person. The Garden’s Baptisia collection includes about 56 individual taxa represented by more than 2000 plants. Much of the collection was acquired by Jim Ault for use in the Chicagoland Grows® breeding program. Ault bred Baptisia xvariicolor ‘Twilight’ Twilight Prairieblues™, which was introduced in 2006, and his multicolored Baptisia ‘Lunar Eclipse’ was introduced in 2016. There are plans to collect all 87 taxa in the coming years. Find out what’s blooming and when on the Garden’s web site: www.chicagobotanic.org/inbloom 24

Baptisia x bicolor ‘Starlite’ Numerous stems are covered with lavender-purple and yellow flowers on plants that are 45 inches tall and 66 inches wide. Bloom period ranged from early May to early June. “This plant has wonderful flowers that appear earlier than most baptisias,” Hawke said. “They have a big 18-inch inflorescence and a very nice floral display. The color is definitely unique.” B. ‘Blueberry Sundae’ “The flowers are a strong blue, which is nice, and the plant is sizable,” Hawke said. At 44 inches tall 48 inches wide, ‘Blueberry Sundae’ is a bushy plant that produces vibrant violet-blue flowers on 12-inch stems. Bloom time is late May to late June. During the trial, Garden staffers routinely praised the plant as “beautiful” and “consistent.” B. ‘Brownie Points’ The name is a nod to the unusual caramel-colored flowers that grace 12-inchlong stems. Plants topped out at 41 inches tall and 50 inches wide. ‘Brownie Points’ blooms from late May to the middle of June. “This plant did really well in the trial and on our green roof where it grew in only 8 inches of soil,” Hawke said. B. ‘Lavender Rose’ From late May to mid-June, this plant is covered with 18-inch-long stems of lavender-purple flowers. Plants are 41 inches tall and 48 inches wide. “This plant had more flowers than any of them in the trial,”Hawke said. B. ‘Lunar Eclipse’ Another creation by breeder Jim Ault at the Chicago Botanic Garden, ‘Lunar Eclipse’ was selected for its two- and three-colored blooms that emerge creamy yellow and age to a medium violet. Flowers appear on 20-inch stems and make for a striking display between late May and mid-June. Plants are 48 inches tall and wide. “It’s my favorite,” Hawke said. “There’s no other baptisia like that with the three distinct color breaks in the flower.” The Landscape Contractor October 2018

B. ‘Midnight’ A later blooming cultivar, ‘Midnight’ produces a bevy of flowers from early June to early July. Plants are 52 inches tall and 60 inches wide, creating quite a display. “It has really nice dark purple-blue flowers with an almost two-foot long, very elegant inflorescence,” Hawke said. B. ‘Solar Flare’ The cultivar name is perfect for a plant covered in lemon-yellow and orange flowers on 16-inch stems. Flowering takes place from late May to mid-June on plants that are 44 inches tall and 50 inches wide. B. ‘Dutch Chocolate’ Velvety chocolate-purple flowers are held on strong 15-inch stems from mid-May to mid-June. The plants are 44 inches tall and 54 inches wide. Because of it’s unusual flower color, “It’s different and may not be for everyone,” Hawke said. B. ‘Sunny Morning’ Another late-bloomer, ‘Sunny Morning’ offers eye-catching flowers on 12-inch stems that appear from early June to early July. Plants reached a whopping 42 inches tall and 72 inches wide. “This is a nice big, bushy plant with bright yellow flowers,” Hawke said. Baptisia xvariicolor ‘Twilite’ The bicolored flowers, a dusky purple and yellow, cover 20-inch stems throughout June. Plants reached 48 inches tall and 62 inches wide. This was the first hybrid false indigo selection to be introduced by Jim Ault at the Chicago Botanic Garden, as part of the Prairieblues™ series.

Baptisia x bicolor ‘Starlite’

Baptisia ‘Midnight’

Baptisia ‘Lavender Rose’

Baptisia B. ‘Sunny Morning’

Baptisia ‘Brownie Points’

Baptisia ‘Dutch Chocolate’ The Landscape Contractor October 2018

Garden Speak — Practical Plant Evaluations

B. ‘Cherries Jubilee’ The two-toned maroon-and-yellow flowers rise on 18-inch stems from late May to mid-June. Plants are 40 inches tall and wide. Flower production was rated ‘excellent.’ “It’s one of the Decadence® series—a good strong bloomer,” Hawke said. (The Decadence® series includes several baptisias developed by breeder Hans Hansen and offers hybrids with dazzling flower colors and shorter, more compact habits.)

The Landscape Contractor October 2018

B. ‘Lemon Meringue’ A perfect name for the lemon-yellow flowers borne on 16-inch stems. Blooms late May to mid-June. Plants are 48 inches tall by 52 inches wide. “We’ve had great success growing ‘Lemon Meringue’ on our green roof, too,” Hawke said. Not bad for growing in just 8 inches of soil.

The Landscape Contractor October 2018

Preview — iLandscape 2019

iLandscape

the illinois + wisconsin Landscape Show January 30 — February 1, 2019 iLANDSCAPESHOW.COM

The four elements Earth, Wind, Fire and Water by Ashley Marrin

have the opportunity at iLandscape. These gardens celebrate our innovation and creativity within the landscape industry. Not only do we find ourselves working in the four eleHere is a sneak preview of what to expect for the ever so ments, but we as industry professionals help connect people popular garden spaces and décor. to the four elements. We do this by creating and maintaining The round stage will allow for large groups of people to outdoor spaces. At iLandscape the garden spaces are always meet, catch the live presentations, enjoy lunch, or converse an exciting feature and this year’s show will not disappoint. with a colleague. The wind garden will feature a walkthrough The garden spaces will feature themed gardens with each of prairie garden and overhead elements to capture the power of the four elements. wind. Relax in the fire garden with a beautiful outdoor fire Since many of us may not find the time to enjoy the many feature and appropriately themed plantings. Finally, unwind outdoor spaces we design, build, or maintain, you will now and reflect on the day in the peaceful water garden. We hope you will find inspiration to Discover Your Element at the 2019 iLandscape Show! 28 The Landscape Contractor October 2018

It’s Show Time – Discover Your Element! The definition of discover is the following… • To find something or someone • To become aware of a fact or situation • To be the first to find or observe • To perceive the attractions of (an activity or subject) for the first time • To be the first to recognize the potential of The iLandscape show will help each landscape industry professional discover something that will promote professional growth. How do these definitions relate to the iLandscape show?

Discover Your Element

To find something or someone is to have the opportunity to network with other industry professionals. Networking with other professionals opens doors to discovering new products, making new acquaintances while strengthening others, and sharing knowledge. To become aware of a fact or situation is to walk the trade show floor to discover new and improved products, services, and equipment. This year’s show will feature an expanded floor plan with over 275 exhibitors! It is to attend educational seminars to learn about the latest OSHA laws, government regulations, plant insect and diseases, and much more.

To be the first to find or observe is to stay informed with current industry developments. Take the time to meet students who might be a great prospect or addition to a business. Learn what the latest generation is looking for in a professional work environment. To perceive the attractions of (an activity or subject) for the first time is to try something new at the show. There is so much to discover at iLandscape, it cannot be done in just one day. Maybe you have attended for only a few hours at the trade show in the past. This year make sure to attend the education seminars, participate in other trade show floor entertainment and activities, stay for the Thursday night raffles, and enjoy an evening at the Wednesday night party or awards show. To be the first to recognize the potential of is to discover a new area of growth in your business. The iLandscape show is not just for business owners. The show offers Spanish language seminars for crew members and foreman. The educational seminars and trade show floor are beneficial for office staff, sales people, designers, architects, managers, operations, and much more.

The Landscape Contractor October 2018

DISCOVER YOUR ELEMENT

January 30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; February 1, 2019 iLANDSCAPESHOW.COM

October 16, 2018 PREMIER SPONSORSâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Registration 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

10:10 AM - 11:10 AM

Joseph Regenstein Center at the Chicago Botanic Garden

BREAKOUT SESSIONS Alsdorf Auditorium

Creating Successful Native Plant Landscapes

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

Drew Lathin, Creating Sustainable Landscapes, LLC

8:30 AM - 8:45 AM Alsdorf Auditorium

Jeff Swano, Sustainable & Ecological Landscape Committee Chair Scott Grams, ILCA Executive Director Tom Lupfer, ILCA President

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Sponsored by—

8:45 AM - 10:00 AM Alsdorf Auditorium

Sustainable Landscaping and the Community: How to Partner with Non-Profits to Connect with Sponsored by— Customers and Build Your Business Ryan Anderson, Midwest Pesticide Action Center Robyn McMurray Hurtig, Greenwise

Thomas Rainer Phyto Studios This groundbreaking talk presents a powerful alternative to traditional horticulture - designed plantings that function like naturally occurring plant communities. Join landscape architect Thomas Rainer, a leading voice in ecological landscape design, to learn how plants fit together in nature and how to use this knowledge to create landscapes that are resilient, beautiful, and diverse. As practical as it is inspiring, this talk explores a new synthesis of ecology and horticulture - resulting in an intentionally designed and managed community where population dynamics are encouraged within an aesthetic framework.

IMPACT PREMIER SPONSORS

This talk will examine the unique features of native landscapes and focus on three critical technical components of making them ecologically successful and aesthetically pleasing to people. We will talk about the design, installation, and management of native landscapes and how they differ from what we have been doing for the past hundred years.

Linneaus Room

Plants are the Best Mulch: Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes

10:00 AM - 10:10 AM — Break

Sustainable landscaping, natural lawn care, and native planting can contribute to social well-being, while adding to your bottom line. Many environmental and social programs exist in Greater Chicago and across Illinois that allow for partnerships, collaborations, and sponsorships with your business. This session will cover why as a contractor you would want to partner with environmental and social non-profits, the programs, projects, and opportunities in Illinois. We’ll discuss the best strategies for selecting the non-profit programs and projects to partner and support.

Pullman Room

Healthy Soil, Healthy Plants, Healthy People Sandy Syburg, Purple Cow Organics

Sponsored by—

This presentation discusses the cyclical nature of the impacts soil, plants, and people have on each other. Improving soil health can have a significant impact on the health and quality of life for a gardener or a landscaper. Sandy will discuss soil structure, soil microbiology, and soil nutrition, as well as environmental factors of water retention, nutrient leaching, among others.

11:10 AM - 11:20 AM — Break 32

Sponsored by—

The Landscape Contractor October 2018

PRE-LUNCH PLENARY SESSION

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

11:20 AM -12:35 PM Alsdorf Auditorium

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Blue and Green - Water and the Benjamins Marcus De La Fleur, de la Fleur LLC

Sponsored by—

In this presentation, residential case studies from past and current work from Marcus will be presented discussing the application of sustainable stormwater management, which includes structural solutions such as porous pavements and green roofs. He will also look in depth at non-structural solutions, such as bioretention (i.e. rain gardens) and its reliance on our native prairie vegetation to assure long-term performance. Marcus will speak about the rationales of designing with, and maintaining native vegetation – both issues that the landscape industry is reluctant to taking advantage of, despite the growth in this market segment. He will further address the all important issue of sustainable soil treatment and soil conservation, which is still too often ignored during construction and installation. Marcus will demonstrate how soil conservation is tied to the success of sustainable stormwater management and will quantify the stormwater benefits from one of his pilot projects and its larger cumulative benefits to the community.

12:35 PM - 2:00 PM — Lunch — McGinley Pavilion

Meet with the following sponsors in the exhibit hall:

Pullman Room

Dewatering the Planting Holes of Ecosystem Landscaping Andi Dierich, DuPage County Stormwater Management Jennifer Boyer, DuPage County Stormwater Management Sponsored by— Working across multiple departments in a large government agency is difficult. Creating a successful landscape design and implementing it is even trickier. Add in a dash of native vegetation, ecosystem themes, and ‘personal preference’ and you have a colossal mass that needs to move in the same direction with the same intention, oh, all on a minimal budget. DuPage County recently undertook a large-scale native landscape installation from concept to implementation. Staff sold it with bareroot and potted trees to drilling in seed all in highly public and visible areas. From design considerations to specs and bidding, through finding out your site is acting like a hillside seep, we will provide our teachable moments for dealing with these and other ‘on the job’ problems. Participants will walk away with a sample set of DuPage County bid specs that were created for this ecosystem landscape project and the lessons learned along the way.

Alsdorf Auditorium Managing a Plant Community: Creative Approaches to Site Preparation, Installation, Sponsored by— and Maintenance Thomas Rainer, Phyto Studio A new way of thinking is emerging that overturns many of the longstanding axioms that guide landscape preparation, installation, and management. It looks at site characteristics such as heavy clay, deep shade, high pH, or dry soil not as stresses which must be eliminated at all costs, but as assets on which long-term planting is built. Join landscape architect Thomas Rainer to learn new strategies of how to work with a site rather than fighting it. This talk explores how to create and manage designed plantings that have the resilience, beauty, and functionality of naturally occurring plant communities.

3:00 PM - 3:10 PM — Break

The Landscape Contractor October 2018

THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS

3:10 PM - 4:10 PM

BREAKOUT SESSIONS Alsdorf Auditorium

Low Maintenance Landscapes A New Partnership with Nature

Sponsored by—

Premier Sponsors

Bill Peregrine, Earthdance Organics LLC Why is it with all the resources at our disposal - manpower, water, fertilizer, money, mowers, rototillers, etc. - we struggle to “maintain” our customers’ properties and yet Nature does it beautifully without us lifting a finger? What principles does Nature employ to make it all look so simple and how can we turn those principles into practices to use on our customers’ properties? From principle to practice, we will look at how Nature takes care of herself and what we can do to align our properties with the Earth’s naturally occurring systems. The concept is easy - “The closer we replicate Nature’s systems, the easier our work becomes” - but in practice, it becomes a real challenge. Then mix in a customer with their own aesthetic interests and demands for how they use their property and it is no wonder we find ourselves constantly battling the forces of Nature. But rest assured, we can find common ground to give our customer what they want while still supplying Nature what it needs. And in the end, we will have a more enduring, resilient and beautiful landscape.

Session & Tabletop Sponsors

Pullman Room

The Promise of Electric Technology — Moving from Gas to Electric

Sponsored by—

Session Sponsors

Dan Mabe, American Green Zone Alliance Electric battery technology is advancing, enabling communities to create low noise, emissions-free parks, campuses, and other spaces. With the proper training, it is practical and cost-effective to use for a substantial amount of commercial scale work. The American Green Zone Alliance is helping communities transition to low noise, zero emissions land care. Through its AGZA Green Zone® programs, it led the cities of South Pasadena and Ojai, California to transition from gas to electric operations for all routine maintenance. AGZA also Green Zone® Certified the nation’s first golf course the Arroyo Seco par three. Work performance and ROI considerations for battery electric tools will be covered in this discussion as well as where the technology is today, and where things are heading.

4:30 PM - 6:00 PM — Reception — Burnstein Hall

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and networking! 34

The Landscape Contractor October 2018

Tabletop Sponsors

VINTAGE PAVERS Reclaimed from the old streets of many Midwestern cities, clay street pavers and antique granite pavers have become a unique, preferred choice when design requires the elusive look of originality. Once an old street, now an exclusive driveway, reclaimed street pavers provide the look and appeal of natural design. No comparison can be made to these beautiful brick, the texture, the wear of years of weather and use from old carriages and vintage automobiles have created an exceptional patina that newly manufactured concrete pavers cannot match.

Stockyards Brick Clay Street Pavers & Antique Granite Pavers are utilized most commonly for driveways, paths, walkways and patios. Reclaimed pavers are also used in the construction of many exclusive homes as well as restaurants and country clubs. Some designers are also suggesting them for use in atrium flooring.

ALSO AVAILABLE ARE ANTIQUE COMMON BRICK FROM CHICAGO AND VARIOUS OTHER MIDWESTERN CITIES ALONG WITH RECLAIMED WOOD AND TIMBERS.

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Granit

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t Pa ver s

Sustainable Inspiration —

Creating Dynamic Landsca by Heather Prince

As horticulturists and landscape designers

we work with thousands of plants in hundreds of sites. We are the boots on the ground interacting in private and public spaces with plants that thrive, struggle, and sometimes die. We see firsthand how plants grow, change, and flourish, impacting humans and wildlife. So why do we and our clients often insist on maintaining a static landscape where plants are evergreen or constantly flowering? Does that feed our connection to nature? Does it inspire us and our clients to get outside and explore? Does it add ecosystem services? Kelly Norris, Director of Horticulture and Education at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden challenges us to break out of the habit of maintaining static landscapes

and instead create plant communities that delight us and our clients. Norris takes a whirlwind tour of favorite plants in his recent book Plants with Style: A Plantsman’s Choices for a Vibrant, 21st Century Garden and shared his thoughts at iLandscape this year. “What’s so often missing in landscape design is we assume that plants are static like tables and chairs. Plants are not static. They’re dynamic. Plants are up to something whether we know it or not,” observed Norris.

apes

iLandscape

2 0 1 8Landscape Show The i llinois + wisconsin C T

How do plants work together when given time? Following in the footsteps of Oudolf and Diblik, Norris believes in creating plant communities. “The lifespan of a landscape is not something we think about,” commented Norris. He urges us to create predictive scenarios of plants that will ebb and flow over time. “If we loosen up what we expect, results become much more interesting. We’re not fixed on a picture in a frame and time provides a third dimension. If we add time to the clients’ expectations, think about how they can become more engaged in their piece of the planet. “There’s a lot horticulturists can learn from ecological restoration. By mitigating weed pressures and allowing deep rooting of plants, these landscapes change and

evolve over time as plants find their niches.” As more of our customers and clients embrace a more naturalistic aesthetic in garden design, it is easy to stick with a short list of tried and true favorites. However, there’s also a risk that by keeping to a rigid palette of perennials and grasses, that one day, this style of garden design will “create the same sterile effect with a different palette of plants,” observed Norris. Landscapes influenced by Oudolf, Diblik and others tend towards a late summer and fall display. Sometimes missing is early spring and June blooms. “How do we get more floral resources? How do we fill that spring to summer gap?” asks Norris. “Some plants, like phlox, (continued on page 38)

Sustainable Inspiration — (continued from page 37) penstemon, and monarda have been popular since colonial times for a reason. Check out Koeleria or June grass. It’s anative cool season grass that gives you a green and grassy element early in the season.” We learn over time We learn plants by their height, flower color, water needs, and sun requirements. What if we also learned how they function in the landscape? Some are aggressive spreaders that need competitors to keep them in bounds. Others thrive in a specific niche like the bottom of a rain garden or downspout and can provide important stormwater services by capturing and holding rain. Others grow well in poor, gravelly soils, reducing the need for irrigation or mulches. What sorts of animals and insects use them and how? “Take the time to understand plants. They’re not furniture,” urges Norris. “Look beyond their aesthetics and consider how they function in wild spaces and how we can borrow that. Our view of the

landscape as a painting in a frame is a shallow one. Plants are more than pretty faces. It’s a paradigm shift to encourage diverse choices, and therefore diversify landscapes. We don’t have to work that pack mule, those one or two plants that carry the weight of the garden, to death. Diversity is fine horticultural skill.” “Nativity is a feature of plants. It’s not a niche anymore,” states Norris. “It can help us move a hell of a lot of plants. Natives appeal to an emotional effect that people have with plants. There is much more palatability for natives and there are fantastically beautiful ones. It’s a paradigmatic shift in how we garden.” Pollinator gardens remain a key client desire and driver of native plant sales. A high functioning pollinator garden contains both blooming plants for nectaring adults, as well as larval hosts for caterpillars. It gives the opportunity to enjoy months of successive flowers and provide much needed habitat for bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. (continued on page 40)

The Landscape Contractor October 2018

All the colors of fall.

Get them at their

most vibrant.

KodiakÂ® Black, Red & Orange Diervilla

contact

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P: 847-742-1790 F: 847-742-2655 MGSALES@MIDWESTGROUNDCOVERS.COM WWW.MIDWESTGROUNDCOVERS.COM

The Landscape Contractor October 2018

Groundcovers & vines native Plants Perennials ornamental Grasses deciduous shrubs roses conifers & broadleaf everGreens

Sustainable Inspiration — (continued from page 38) The more, the merrier? “It’s OK for you to plant more plants!” encouraged Norris. One of his favorites are the Silphiums or “damn big yellow daisies. They are big, architectural plants. They provide the visual scaffold to show off other plants.” Prairie dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum) features huge coarse leaves. “It’s whole aspect, from foliage to flowers offers a very nuanced approach. It’s not a hybrid hibiscus with dinner plate flowers. Prairie dock and the other Silphiums come up often in discussions with colleagues and visitors. There is a finery to their aesthetic, but yet, can still be a hard sell.” These durable natives not only give incredible summer foliage texture, their dried leaves are a statement in beds or vases. “We’ve repeated them in the matrix of the garden. I can’t wait for their aerial show of flying yellow saucers floating in space.” There’s a big world to discover There are many resources for information and inspiration. Tradeshows like iLandscape are offering more and more plant-based presentations. Norris recommends the book

Planting in a Post-Wild World: Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes by Thomas Rainer and Claudia West as a good guide to ecological landscape design. He also encourages to “visit actual living resources like Lurie Garden and the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. There’s nothing wrong with getting out into wild spaces and experiencing plants. Try to cultivate patterns of observation. Watch spaces over time and see how they change.” Norris has noticed more natural areas being created in parks and public spaces. “The more we see it in public spaces, the more we are cued to enjoy,” he comments. “Nature is not a place we have to go to experience – it’s right outside our door.” This season Norris is working with a client on landscaping a new home construction project. He reflects that, “I’m not trying to just finish the job. It’s going to take time and effort to establish the plants. I view my work as more art than design, the material happens to be plants. We sell people on gardens and give them a good sugar high. However, they may not understand the implications of plant choices, the management required, the expectations of performance. (continued on page 42)

The Landscape Contractor October 2018

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Sustainable Inspiration — (continued from page 40) We don’t do ourselves a lot of favors. I find we bathe ourselves in green rhetoric, but practices don’t necessarily bear out.” Landscape design, installation, and maintenance is a challenging, yet rewarding practice. We connect people with their property. Yet, Norris urges, “Get them aware that gardening is a process. You can quantify and predict the time required to manage your designs. Get the client past the finish line, and through afterburn of the race of installation. Cultivate excitement for gardening and experiencing nature. Get more diversity in front of people so people can find something that appeals to them.” Share your passion because “There’s tremendous value in sharing passion – that is relatable. That sparks authenticity.”

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al articles, however, we tend to be more critical and skeptical. For storytelling to work, you must carefully choose the stories you use. You must have in mind the outcome you want and tell a story that will not only engage the listener, but move him or her to act. When choosing the stories you tell, it’s important to understand the “Persuasion Cycle” and how to move people through it. Developed by Dr. Mark Gouston, a psychiatrist and consultant, it consists of steps people’s brains must go through to move from resisting to saying, “yes,” to you: i.e. buy your services and products: 1.

From resisting to listening

From listening to considering

From considering to willing to do (continued on page 46)

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Special Feature — (continued from page 44) 4.

From willing to do to doing it

From doing to glad they did to continuing to do

So, for instance, you call a prospective customer for the stated purpose of networking or just having a conversation. This moves your prospect from resisting to listening to what you have to say. As you move through the conversation, you ask about setting up an appointment, which allows the person with whom you are talking to move from listening to considering, moving you on to telling him or her that you would like to do a proposal for the work that needs to be done. And, of course, the purpose of the proposal is to get the business. Stories can fit in anywhere along this line that it is appropriate. “You tell a story to persuade,” says Franklin. If this sounds overwhelming, Franklin is reassuring. “Pretty much everyone has stories,” she says. Stories help you to build rapport with your potential customers. You are asking them to imagine. For example, a story that centers around a butterfly garden, could start them

“Building rapport increases the chance that people will say -yes.”

The Landscape Contractor October 2018

— Lynne Franklin

imagining how a problem area of their yards could be transformed into something alive and beautiful. “Building rapport increases the chance that people will say yes,” says Franklin. “You need to know what you are looking for and what to do when you see it.” Franklin tells the story of what happened to her about eight years ago. “I wanted to become a better version of myself,” she says, drawing in the listener with something that many people have experienced. She talks about the thought processes she went through before deciding to “look for some personal development courses.” The end result lead to her current work: she found a program based on neuroscience. As she explored it, interest in the field exploded and with it, her interest in its applications to what she was doing. “It applies to how people think,” she says. She began to follow research into the neuroscience of storytelling and, of course, “the whole listening idea,” says Franklin. This brings up another story about a networking coffee Franklin set up to learn how she and the other person could (continued on page 48)

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Special Feature — (continued from page 47) help each other. It was supposed to be an opportunity for both to learn about each other and what they did. “It became clear that he was going to talk for an hour,” says Franklin. “That made it easy for me. When it became my turn, I already knew a lot about him.” Listening is important. “People feel seen and heard, which is the basis of building rapport,” she says. In the case of the networking coffee, Franklin concentrated on giving the man her absolute attention. “It was the best thing to do. Most people feel unseen and unheard. When people pay attention to them, they feel good and want to reciprocate and listen to you.” Franklin cautions that the listener must be careful, because most people listen to respond, rather than listen to understand. When you listen to understand, you can gather important information that will help develop a rapport, as well as to move the Persuasion Cycle along. “It creates connections the way reading off a list of benefits does not,” she says. Creating connections through story telling and listening helps get the prospective client to buy into what we are offering. That happens during step two of the cycle: moving from

listening to considering. “In general, we accomplish this not from what we tell them, but what we get them to tell us,” she says. “Buyer’s remorse occurs when there’s a breakdown for them between listening and considering. Find a comfortable way to ask for what’s missing for them, because you haven’t yet shared this, so that they can make a good decision now.” So, before your next meeting with a client, consider where that person is on the Persuasion Cycle, says Franklin. There are, says Franklin, six types of strategic business stories. This theory was developed by author Annette Simmons and is one to which Franklin subscribes. 1. The who I am story: seeks to make you more human and approachable by breaking down preconceived notions or judgements about you and your motivations, using a flaw or mistake you made. 2. Why I’m here story: tries to give people a reason to trust you by showing that you do not have a hidden agenda

3. Teaching story: communicate a lesson in a memorable way, so people remember why they are doing something

January 30 — February 1, 2019 48

The Landscape Contractor October 2018

4. Vision story: stimulates action and raises morale by reminding people why they are working together 5. Values in action story: clarifies an intangible (i.e. customer service) in a working relationship or other situation 6. I know what you are thinking story: this allows you to respect others’ viewpoints while sharing your own. You can recognize objections and show why they do not apply.

In all cases, listening is just as important as storytelling. Listening does not just happen with your ears. “Ninety-three percent of our information about a person comes from non-verbal communication,” says Franklin. Seven percent is from words, 38 percent is voice quality and 55 percent is body language. “Body language gives us clues to how people think. When we pay attention to this, we can increase our effectiveness in reaching them.” People’s brains think in three major ways. By watching their body language, you can identify, respond to and connect with the person with whom you are speaking. It’s natural to treat people as though they have the same style as you do, but Franklin believes that it is better to build rapport by accommodating other people’s thought processes. Research shows that 75 percent of people are “lookers.” They primarily think in pictures. Here are five ways to identify

them:

1. They have good posture, but their shoulders are tense 2. They often have think lips

3. They frequently have wrinkles in their foreheads. They usually look up, raise their eyebrows, furrow their brows and breathe faster when they remember something they’ve seen. 4. They look in your eyes when speaking

5. They choose clothes and decorate their offices and homes for visual impact It is no surprise, that lookers respond better when you speak in images and when you look in their eyes when listening and speaking. If this is not your brain’s way, practice not being alarmed by the amount of eye contact these people give you. They are not trying to be confrontational. Twenty percent of people are “listeners.” They think in sounds: words and noises. This is how to identify them: 1. They have slightly rounded shoulders. 2. They tend to look down and to their left and breathe evenly when they remember something that they have heard. This means their ear is pointed at you. 3. They often put a hand up to their face or ear. (continued on page 50)

The Landscape Contractor October 2018

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(continued from page 49) 4. They may move their lips when they are thinking through something. They also drum their fingers and have music on in the background. 5. They frequently look away from others when speaking or listening. When communicating with them, emphasize sounds in descriptions. Don’t give them too much eye contact by looking away, then back at them when you speak. They, on the other hand, still are paying attention if they do not provide you with much eye contact. Last is the “toucher.” Five percent of people fall into this category. They process information through feelings and emotions and are more likely to touch people. (continued on page 52)

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(continued from page 50) Last is the “toucher.” Five percent of people fall into this category. They process information through feelings and emotions. You can tell them from this body language:

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3. They often look down and to their right, round their shoulders, breathe deeply when remembering something they have felt. 4. They generally have full lips and deep voices.

5. They choose clothing based on comfort rather than style. When talking with a toucher, emphasize emotions or feelings in your conversation and feel free to touch them when underscoring a point. Try not to feel like they are invading your space when they lean in or touch you. It’s how they like to connect. In every case, Franklin remembers the words of Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said; people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” So, says Franklin, make them feel heard and seen.

October 16, 2018 52

The Landscape Contractor October 2018

Special Feature —

Summer Field Day Committee Chair Sheri Lundell by Meta Levin

As a child,

Sheri Lundell’s father, Ron Clesen, would let her climb onto a bench in the greenhouse, give her a broom and ask her to sweep the bench clean. As she grew, she was tasked Sheri Lundell with deadheading marigolds. “I thought it was the coolest thing,” she says. Now, the new ILCA Summer Field Day (SFD) Committee chair is a sales executive for the family business, RCOP (Ron Clesen Ornamental Plants) and she still thinks working in and around the greenhouse is wonderful. It is, she says, where she belongs. RCOP joined ILCA in 2004 and immediately took the opportunity to exhibit at Summer Field Day, although the first experience was less than perfect. “We were rained out and ILCA had to hold it the next day,” she says. “We’ve exhibited at every Summer Field Day since then.” She, as well as her sister and brother, were impressed by the way the SFD committee ran the show. “They are such a nice group of people,” she says of the committee members. “They are hard workers and easy to get along with.” Multiple times SFD committee members encouraged them to join the committee. Finally, three years ago, Lundell and her sister, Mindy Clesen, became committee members. Lundell has been delighted with the way the committee 54

works together as a team. “It’s a real group effort,” she says. Right now, the group is working towards rejuvenating and re-energizing the show, talking with exhibitors about what they need to get out of the show, as well as with attendees about what they want; what would be so compelling that they would bring their employees, taking them off job sites for a whole day. This includes multiple types of education covering a number of relevant and diverse topics. “We will be approaching exhibitors to find out how they can help with that,” she says. “There are a lot of details that need to be addressed.” Lundell is pleased with the way the committee is working together to address these issues. She’s also pleased with the opportu-

nity she’s had to work in the family business, something she did not start out to do. As she grew up, she progressed through what she terms “the learning opportunities” at RCOP, often struggling to prove her worth to crew members who saw her as “the boss’ daughter.” “It showed me that when I had to dig deep, I could,” she says. “There was no doubt that I was giving my all and I learned it was important to let actions and work speak for you, instead of words.” Still, family members recommended that she spend time away from the family business after high school. Instead, The Landscape Contractor October 2018

she studied biology at Illinois State University and went to work as an account executive at a wholesale computer company. After marriage and children, she cut back to spend more time with her children. One day her sister called. Her sister and brother now own the company and needed some help during a particularly busy time. Lundell went in and never looked back. “I had never stopped thinking about the greenhouse,” she says. Happy to be back doing what she loved, she also was pleased that her children were able to see her doing that. “I think that it made an impact on them,” she says. Her oldest, a 20-year-old daughter, is in college studying biomechanical engineering, and her younger daughter is a senior in high school, trying to figure out what she wants to do. Both, however, love the greenhouse. Even her husband, Brandon, has fallen under its spell. A veteran of the construction industry, he was asked to use his skills on one project at RCOP. He, too, never left. He’s now shipping and maintenance manager. Lundell likes to garden, working on the flower beds and vegetable garden she and her husband have on their land in North Aurora. They also love dogs, have a 15-year-old Golden Retriever mix and have fallen in love with their daughter’s new dog. Right now, she is focused on the 2019 Summer Field Day, scheduled for early August at the Goodmark Nursery in Wonder Lake, IL, near the Wisconsin border. Between that, the family business and her family, all is good.

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New Member Profile Snapshot

Greenscape, Inc.

540 S. River Street Batavia, IL 60510 (630) 879-0129 www.greenscape-landscaping.com

by Meta Levin

Greenscape, Inc. is a dream

delayed that has finally come to fruition. Two years ago, Mike Baines, who had always thought of himself as a city kid who would be a farmer, opened the firm in his hometown of Batavia, IL. Baines has a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Purdue University, but had always worked in the family packaging business. “I lived another life,” he says. Two years ago, however, he decided to chase his dreams. The result was Greenscape, Inc. “I decided to take my passion and my hobby and form them into a business.” Greenscape is a design/build company that also has a lawncare business, focused on application, aeration and turf management. Baines considers hardscapes to be the basis of the business. This includes patios, retaining walls and outdoor kitchens. They also do a lot of plantings, as well as building wooden structures, such as pergolas, arbors and the odd deck here and there. “I like working with natural stone and pavers, unique materials,” he says. “We focus on lighting and creativity.” Initially, Baines was doing the work himself. He now has 12 employees, including two designers, one full time and one who is an independent contractor, and runs two crews. Things are going well and he is looking to expand for 2019. Plans call for adding one or two more crews. “Overall, business is good,” he says. “There are opportunities for companies like us.” His customers are more willing to put money into landscapes, because they think that they are going to get the cost out when they go to sell their homes. People are the foundation of his business, says Baines. “I spend a lot of time finding and hiring the right people,” he says. “People and safety are the pillars of our firm.” High quality work and creativity also are important. Baines is proud that he spends a lot of time training and working with his employees. “Our retention rate is good,” he says. In addition, to focusing on people, Baines has invested in good software and tools to help them work more creatively. 56

He wants to ensure that his employees have the best chance of working safely. This includes making sure that all staff members are first aid certified and providing first aid kits for every vehicle. Since Greenscape does a lot of hardscape construction, there also is an emphasis on dust free cutting equipment. “We are only two years old, so we don’t have legacy equipment,” he says. “We run IQ saws. It’s just good business.” The demand for hardscape work is fueled in large part, because families are opting for more stay-at-home relaxation and entertaining. More than a backyard, they are looking to create an outdoor living experience, he says. More and more of Greenscape’s customers are young, in an age range in which they are climbing the salary scale and have more disposable income. He works to communicate with them in the way that they prefer, including texting, sending invoices via email and giving them the option of paying online. Greenscape also relies on social media as an important part of its communication and marketing. Greenscape recently joined ILCA, because, “it is important to be affiliated with an industry organization. It lends credibility to my customers.” Baines also sees marketing benefits. He plans to take advantage of training and other things that ILCA provides. Baines is still involved in his family’s business. In addition, he recently opened Mulch, Inc., which his wife, Abby, runs. There also is a nascent company called, “The Pond Whisperer.” Baines and his nine-year-old daughter, Gabby, love raising Koi. “She is the pond whisperer,” he says. Son Mathew, 16, is learning the business and daughter, Haddie, 5, is taking it all in. The family lives in Batavia in a home they restored. “I put a lot of effort into starting this business and I intend to run a good business,” he says. “I want us to be know as a creative firm that does it right. We work on best practices.”

The Landscape Contractor October 2018

Plans are already underway for the 2018-19 edition of the Green Industry Guide

Contact Debbie Rauen for advertising information

debbie.landscapecontractor@yahoo.com

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James Martin Associates, Vernon Hills, IL -Prepare estimates and proposals for new clients -Sales and Customer Service -Project Management/Supervision -Make daily visits to project sites 5+ years’ experience CLP or CLT certification preferred Degree Preferred www.jamesmartinassociates.com Positions Available A growing landscape construction company is seeking to fill the following positions: Project Manager-person in charge of managing 2-4 crews in the Chicago market. Experience of 2 years minimum. HR Director- dedicated to handling all employee concerns, payroll and other related items.

Maintenance Operations Manager/ Field Supervisor Semmer Landscape LLC is looking to hire a Maintenance Operations Manager and a Field Supervisor. If you want to join an up and coming landscape company this is the one for you. Send us your Resume or Contact us for more information. ralvarez@semmerlandscape.com

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The Landscape Contractor October 2018

Before You Go...

Is Brown Really a Color?

Design Tips for Exciting Autumn Landscapes By Scott Mehaffey

We live and work

in a climate that has seasons – an inescapable fact and yet we often fail to design for them. In the Chicago area, fall comes and goes too quickly so we need to design outdoor spaces to take advantage of the last remaining warm days and select plants with late-season color and interest that will carry us through the long winter months. There are many books and online resources available to make our landscapes stronger in autumn. One of the most common failures is lack of contrasting colors: adding purples, hot pinks and deep blues to contrast with the prevailing palette of yellows, oranges and reds. Remember that color is perceived through light and the sun is lower in the sky on sunny days and hidden on cloudy days – so heightened contrasts are important. Late-season annuals used to consist of mums and pansies but upscale customers and retailers are now focusing on more sophisticated choices including late-season annuals, frost-tolerant foliage plants and forced perennials. Staking and pea-sticking overgrown perennials (rather than cutting them back) will open up spots for additional color and interest. And as backdrop shrubs begin to lose their leaves, creating new foreground interest with fresh bedding plants will keep the garden beautiful until heavy snows – which frequently start in January. Many of the fall-fruiting shrubs can be used in containers or branch arrangements – to elevate them and make the fruit more noticeable. Grasses (both native and introduced) can be stunning in autumn but are sometimes monotonous without contrasts of color and texture. Simply setting colorful containers with bold foliage next to or inside of a lush bed of tall grasses creates greater visual interest and contrast.

Of course, many summer-flowering perennials can be cut back after blooming to encourage repeat blooming in fall – so good horticultural practices are key to having a beautiful autumn garden. Plants often reseed where they want to grow and these self-starters often make good late-season fillers. In my garden, Rudbeckia and Aster (with their complexity of recent name changes) can be quite prolific seeders – along with Solidago and other late-season bloomers. Not every client wants the “natural look” so there are more compact and often near-sterile alternatives. Many clients who are more decorator than gardener love to get outdoors when cooler weather arrives. These customers love to accessorize with potted mums and asters, interesting gourds and pumpkins, new statuary or garden furniture. Even if you don’t have a retail operation, you can presell these items with an image-rich email or .pdf catalogue – many customers will simply pay for the convenience. Fall gardens can be a great sales tool. If you have a customer with a particularly attractive autumn garden, arrange for other customers (and prospects) to see it – a Sunday afternoon garden party can be a great alternative to yet another football game on TV. Take some time this year to develop a competitive edge when it comes to autumn landscapes. Editor’s Note: This series of columns is by Chicago-area landscape architect Scott Mehaffey. Scott has enjoyed a long and varied career in the landscape world. He has spent time in the employ of contractors, public gardens, and the City of Chicago. He now operates his own design firm and is an ILCA member. His musings are intended to be reflective, inspirational, and occasionally motivational.

The Landscape Contractor October 2018

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