The Landscape Contractor magazine OCT.21 DIGITAL EDITION v.2

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October 2021

CONTENTS

Excellence In Landscape Awards Project

8

FOCUS: Impact Conference

Three Keys to a Better Bottom Line 10

A Master Class with Scott McAdam Sr. & Jr.

Fall Events are Back ­ ILCA CommitteeFest 16

Women’s Networking Group Fall Event

16

18

Balancing Sustainability in a Historic Community 24 A behind-the-scenes look at efforts in Riverside Impact Conference program 31

42

EN ESPAÑOL

Una guía para empleadores — Favorite Shrubs from a Woody Plant Breeder

36

Favorite Shrubs from a Woody Plant Breeder New plant favorites from Todd West

40

Diseases and Weeds 52 White Pine Decline and Pine Engraver Beetle

New Members 54

Inspiration Alley 61 Pop goes the border

Hidden Landscape Gems Richmond Education Gardens

40

62

On the cover... Pizzo & Associates won a Gold Award in 2020 for this project titled Russell Residence.

The Landscape Contractor October 2021

61 3

CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS

ILCA Calendar

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

Photo Credits

ILCA Awards Committee Rick Reuland 16-17, Todd West Heather Prince Nina Koziol

1, 8-9 18-22 36-50 52, 62 61

Calendar 4 5 7 56 61

OCTOBER October 7-8, 2021 Foremanship Workshop October 7, 2021 Young Professionals Meet Up October 12, 2021 The Impact Conference

NOVEMBER

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

November 4, 2021 Pruning Workshop

Volume 62, 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.

November 11, 2021 Annual Party & Member Meeting

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

FEBRUARY

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 Nagy anagy@ilca.net Membership & Marketing Manager Marissa Stubler mstubler@ilca.net

February, 2-4, 2022 iLandscape 2022

v

sign up

Meta Levin

at dotynu rseries.co m to recei ve our

Feature Writer

meta.levin@comcast.net Nina Koziol

dotynurseries.com

Feature Writer

n.koziol@att.net

v

Heather Prince

ILCA

princeht@sbcglobal.net

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

Patrice Peltier

Feature Writer

Feature Writer patpeltier@charter.net

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

P 630 365 9063 F 630 365 9081

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The Landscape Contractor October 2021

facebook.com/illinoislandscapecontractorsassociation

From Where I I’ve got a confession to make — sustainability has

always intimidated me. It’s not that the ecologically conscious are the most intimidating people outside of a few Greenpeace members playing chicken with whaling ships.

Most sustainable acolytes are kind, docile people. Some dress like hippies while others dress like Google marketing executives. They read inspiring books and watch documentaries about dirt. Many of them own cats.

I am drawn to their knowledge and passion, but that is not the most impressive thing about the sustainable crowd. I am most impressed by their willingness to embrace change.

Americans make the mistake of assuming environmentalism falls along political fault lines because it seems every aspect of American life falls along political fault lines.

Yes, there are stark differences between how Republicans and Democrats view climate change and environmental policy. However, these ideological positions are found in most developing nations. The UK, France, Germany, Japan, etc. all have divergent viewpoints about climate change, its causes, its solutions, and how resilient we will be to its effects. Antienvironmentalism is not a uniquely American problem. It is not a battle between those who do and do not “trust the science.” It is a battle within ourselves.

The fact is there are many, many, many people who are either indifferent or annoyed by environmentalism – even among the apolitical. There are a number of theories as to why we bristle at improving the planet we all share - from anti-elitism, rampant populism, the inability to comprehend the planet’s mortality, well-funded disinformation campaigns, and just general malaise.

Climate change is the perfect reflection of humanity - it is an intractable, existential problem that is so massive we will bend over backwards not to do anything about it.

Admittedly, I fall into this camp. Sure, I do my teensyweensy part. I recycle. I tote reusable grocery bags into the store (when I don’t forget them in my trunk). I use environmentally safe laundry detergent that I know is environmentally safe because the package says so. One of my favorite memes is Arnold Schwarzenegger sitting majestically in a forest surrounded by woodland creatures. It reads, “The look I get when I actually take the time to wash the glass jars before tossing them in the recycling bin.” Deep down, my resistance to sustainability stemmed from the same place where I resist getting a new wardrobe or eating healthier or cleaning out my garage; I just don’t want to change.

This summer, the ILCA accepted volunteers for an ambitious new project. We were looking for representatives from ten companies to form a cohort to develop Sustainable Action Plans (SAPs). A SAP is a personalized, internal document that demonstrates sustainable efforts a company intends to make within its service divisions. The document starts with a vision statement

and then delves into specific detail about how a business intends to make structural changes to better the environment. These changes are clear, precise, and measurable.

We ended up with 13 volunteers representing the following companies: ILT Vignocchi Inc, Good-Natured Landscapes LLC, Pizzo Native Plant Nursery, LLC, Midwest Trading, Inc., Scott Byron & Co., Inc., Midwest Compost, Nature’s Perspective Landscaping, C+I Services LLC, Kate Refine Designs, Oak Grove Gardeners, Integrated Lakes Management, and The Pizzo Group As the list demonstrates, the participants range from design-build firms with hundreds of employees to one crew shops to suppliers to subcontractors. The cohort will meet quarterly and virtually over the course of one year. It is chaired by Brandon Losey of ILT Vignocchi. Brandon is also the chairperson of our Sustainable and Ecological Landscape Committee.

The SAP is his brainchild and was actually developed years ago before it wound up on the ILCA shelf collecting dust. The push towards virtual has allowed us to resurrect the concept and provide a convenient method to construct these documents over the course of a year without time spent away from the office.

As an added wrinkle, the Board of Directors decided that the ILCA should put our money where our mouth is and develop our own SAP. Due to my intimidation factor and fear of change, I fought this. I did not win. The ILCA would develop its own SAP alongside our members. Raising environmental awareness has been in our mission statement since the 1960s. It was time to put up or shut up.

At our first meeting, we asked each participant for their background, how they defined sustainability, and where they ranked their current operations on a sustainable continuum from 1 to 10.

This is when I got nervous. Here I was on a call with Jack Pizzo, Brandon Losey, and other veterans of the sustainability movement, some dating back to the MELA era. Thankfully, Brandon went first and gave himself a 3 out of 10. I laughed and thought that would rank me as a Negative 12. As we went around the room, almost everyone dinged themselves. Numbers rarely crept above 6 or 7. Instead of being the last one to the party, I realized the party was just getting started.

The more we shared our experiences and what drew us to the cohort, the more I realized I had nothing to fear or be intimidated by. As a defense mechanism, I viewed those in the sustainable movement as so far down the road that it would insult them to even get started. So I didn’t. What I failed to realize is that movements are made up of individual actions. The way new ideas and practices become normalized is more and more people doing them individually. This is backed up by social science and why there is such resistance to environmentalism.

At first, new practices are changes that upset the social order.

Not being allowed plastic grocery bags will make my grocery shopping more difficult. So we resist. Then more and more of us

Sustain Able

The Landscape Contractor October 2021

5

From Where I Stand —

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individually decide to transition to reusable bags. This spurs governments to tax plastic bags. One by one, we make the individual decision to switch. Over time, plastic bags slowly fade away because social norms have changed. This is how society evolves.

As I sat down to do my cohort homework (yes, we get homework!), I had to identify the main service divisions of ILCA and lay out our vision statement. I felt a surge of positive energy and a paradigm shift. I finally accepted that I was in control of this process. The impediment to change wasn’t external, but internal.

Have I done a single action yet to reduce ILCA’s carbon footprint? No. Have I stopped taking from the future to feed the present? No. That will come with time. Simply writing down my goals was the first step towards achieving them. I have 12 months, 13 cohort buddies, and quarterly check-ins to help move me forward.

What I love about the SAP cohort is that I am in total control.

I am the one who best understands the structure of ILCA and how we can improve our sustainable efforts in service divisions like meetings, events, administrative processes, office management, publications, and initiatives. No one handed me a binder written by someone who has never worked a day in my office.

I am personally creating this document and the cohort will hold me accountable. I didn’t need to be hit with a flood of science. I didn’t need to read Silent Spring or stacks of white papers about climate change. Deep down, I resisted becoming more sustainable because I was inflexible and scared of change. Nothing more.

As we discussed our personal definitions of sustainable landscaping, those further reiterated that I was in the right place at the right time. Nobody ran to Webster’s Dictionary or academia. No one was thinking our little effort were creating the Paris Climate Accords. There were 13 different definitions - all personal and introspective. My two favorite were the simplest - First, meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future. Second, sustainability is when all entities work harmoniously in a system and that collaboration has a positive impact on the environment.

We are still at step one. Step two is writing the SAP. The third step will be selling these “harmonious systems” to our management, coworkers, and clients. The fourth step is implementation.

The final step is tweaking because implementation always has it challenges and failures.

Even in my first meeting, the 13 volunteers in the cohort demonstrated that sustainability was not a party I needed an invitation to. I don’t need to buy a cat. I don’t need to wear pants made from hemp. There are no secret handshakes and rituals. Those beliefs that “I don’t belong” were just distractions that I created in my own mind. Too often, when it comes to massive issues like the environment, climate change, or sustainability, we overthink it.

Sometimes the biggest obstacle to change isn’t time, money, current systems, a lack of knowledge, or ambivalent clients. Instead, the very first step to change, is simply being willing to change in the first place.

Scott Grams, Executive Director September 21, 2021

6

The Landscape Contractor October 2021

President’s Message —

As members of the green industry, it should be understood that we are the example

of what it means to be responsible stewards of the environment. After all, our industry is inspired by the harmony between human and nature; and while we do enhance the environment and our ability to utilize its potential, we still have a long road toward improving how “green” we are. Enter, sustainability. Ah, yes, the hot-button topic that has gone mainstream and become a household name across the entire spectrum. Whether it be listening to politicians argue over climate change and green initiatives or all the way down to your day-to-day conversations or actions, it has certainly become an important focus of everyday life.

Now, this isn’t to say that the landscape industry is bad to the environment. We are green, but we can most definitely be greener. In fact, sustainability is so important to the ILCA, it has become a key objective that was added to our strategic plan to develop sustainable landscaping programs and guidelines for the industry during our current fiscal year. I am very pleased to report that the wheels are already in motion with the development of the Sustainable Action Plan cohort. For those who are Scott McAdam Jr. unaware, the Sustainable Action Plan (SAP) is a set of guidelines that were developed to allow companies of all sizes and stages to integrate sustainable practices and ethics into their services and operations. In a world where the environment matters, this is an excellent first step in making positive changes in becoming a more environmentally responsible and conscious business. As the true green industry, we should be leading by example to show the public and communities we serve that we care about the environment, and it is something that should be protected and cared for. In addition to the SAP cohort, ILCA is also exploring new ways of building on the, already successful, Impact Conference and seeking expansion to a regional audience.

I feel a great deal of excitement about what the future of our industry holds and the positive impacts we can have on the environment, climate change, and public understanding of environmental stewardship. There is a large difference between saying we are sustainable through our words and showing we are sustainable through our actions. Our industry is a great protector of the beauty of nature and all it provides us. The environment matters, our industry matters, but most of all, our actions matter most.

President

Scott McAdam, Jr. McAdam Landscaping, Inc. (708) 771-2299 Scottjr@mcadamlandscape.com

Vice-President

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

Secretary-Treasurer

Ashley Marrin Bret-Mar Landscape Management Group, Inc. (708) 301-8160 ashley@bretmarlandscape.com

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

Directors

Eric Adams Russo Power Equipment (847) 233-7811 eadams@russopower.com Jim Cirrincione Hinsdale Nurseries, Inc. (630) 323-1411 jcirrincione@hinsdalenurseries .com

Sincerely, Scott McAdam Jr.

Kim Hartmann Hartmann Consulting 847-404-7669 hartmannkim@comcast.net Jennifer Fick Wilson Nurseries and Landscape Supply (847) 683-3700 jennf@wilsonnurseries.com Tom Klitzkie Nature’s Perspective Landscaping (847) 475-7917 tklitzkie@naturesperspective.com

Dean MacMorris Night Light, Inc. (630) 627-1111 dean@nightlightinc.net Kevin Manning K & D Enterprise Landscape Management, Inc. (815) 725-0758 kmanning@kdlandscapeinc.com Mark Utendorf Emerald Lawn Care, Inc. (847) 392-7097 marku@emeraldlawncare.com

www.ilca.net

Como miembros de la industria verde, debe darse por sentado que seamos el ejemplo de lo que significa ser gestores ambientales responsables. Después de todo, nuestra industria se inspira en la armonía entre los seres humanos y la naturaleza; y si bien mejoramos el medio ambiente y nuestra habilidad para utilizar su potencial, todavía nos queda mucho camino por recorrer para mejorar lo “verde” que somos. ¡Entra la sostenibilidad! Ah, sí, el tema candente que se ha vuelto de interés general y popularizado por todo el espectro. Sea escuchando a políticos discutir sobre el cambio climático o las iniciativas verdes o llegando hasta las conversaciones y acciones cotidianas, sin duda se ha convertido en un importante foco de atención en la vida diaria.

Ahora, esto no quiere decir que la industria del paisajismo sea mala para el medio ambiente.

SOMOS verdes, pero podemos definitivamente ser más verdes. De hecho, la sostenibilidad es tan importante para la ILCA, que se ha convertido en un objetivo clave añadido a nuestro plan estratégico para desarrollar programas paisajistas sostenibles y directrices para la industria durante nuestro año fiscal en curso. Me complace mucho informar que las ruedas ya están en movimiento con el desarrollo de una cohorte de directrices denominada Plan de Acción Sostenible. Para los que no estén al tanto, el Plan de Acción Sostenible (SAP, por sus siglas en inglés) es un conjunto de directrices desarrolladas para permitir a las compañías de todos los tamaños y etapas de desarrollo incorporar prácticas y éticas sostenibles en sus servicios y operaciones. En un mundo donde el medio ambiente importa, este es un excelente primer paso para hacer cambios positivos y convertirnos en un negocio más ambientalmente responsable y consciente. Como la “verdadera industria verde”, debemos liderar con el ejemplo para mostrar al público y a las comunidades que servimos que nos preocupa el medio ambiente y es algo que debe ser protegido y cuidado. Además de la cohorte SAP, ILCA está explorando nuevas formas de construir sobre el éxito logrado por la Conferencia de Impactos y buscar su expansión a un público regional.

Me entusiasma mucho lo que depara el futuro para nuestra industria y los impactos positivos que podamos tener en el medio ambiente, el cambio climático y la comprensión del público de lo que es la gestión ambiental. Hay una gran diferencia entre decir que somos sostenibles a través de nuestras palabras y mostrar que somos sostenibles a través de nuestras acciones. Nuestra industria es una gran protectora de la belleza de la naturaleza y de todo lo que nos proporciona. El medio ambiente importa, nuestra industria importa, pero, sobre todo, lo que más importa son nuestras acciones.

Scott McAdam, Jr.

The Landscape Contractor October 2021

7

Pizzo & Associates • Leland Russell Residence

In the beginning

of this project, we already knew they were dealing with two different ecosystems, dry sand prairie & wet sand prairie. After our ecologists visited the site for an assessment, we began to build a species list that would thrive in both ecosystems. We knew that we would need to eradicate the invasive species in a methodical way due to the native species in the close proximity. Once those species were

taken care of, the installation and maintenance of the natural area was a breeze. The plant mix that was used was created specifically for each of the ecosystems on this property, it contained a diverse mix of native wildflowers, grasses, and sedges.

This site has a controlled burn in the spring and fall of every year, leading to the ecosystems growing stronger and bringing new life back to this property.

The Landscape Contractor October 2021

9

Master Class Highlights —

A Master Class with Scott McAdam Sr. & Scott McAdam Jr.

Three Keys to a Better Bottom Line

by Meta Levin

Three Keys to a Better Bottom

Line? According to the McAdams, the three keys are simple, but not always easy to accomplish.

In 1979, Scott McAdam Sr. started McAdam Landscaping with his brother, Rob McAdam, in Forest Park, IL. Since then, they have grown to become a full-service landscape operation, including a garden center. Scott McAdam Jr., McAdam’s son, now is the company’s director of sales and marketing.

Be Involved in Your Industry

One year after starting the company, McAdam Sr. joined ILCA, a move he points to as one of the most valuable of his career. “I met the rock stars of the industry,” he says. “It helped me so much, because I didn’t know where to go to get the information I didn’t know.”

In addition to his own education, as he and his brother began to hire employees, he encouraged them to go to seminars, something he sees as a win-win for all involved.

“If employees are better educated, if they have more information, they become more engaged in the industry,” he says. “Now they have the opportunity to further their careers with us, hopefully achieving their personal goals and the company goals.”

Education is not limited to seminars and lectures, McAdam Sr. emphasizes. Once you are active in industry associations, such as ILCA, “education surrounds you.” He points to trade shows, talking with others at social events and other opportunities for networking.

10

1. Be involved in your

industry

2. Understand and know the

importance of your budget

3. Be open with your employees

about your company finances

The Landscape Contractor October 2021

McAdam Jr. recounted his journey from the beginning of his professional career to where he is now. “ILCA truly helped me become professional,” he says.

“It helped me develop business skills.” In college he studied horticulture, but took no business classes. Once in the family business, he realized that he needed them.

His father and others had encouraged him to become involved in ILCA. Drawing on his love of golf and experience on his high school golf team, he joined the Golf Outing Committee, eventually becoming its chair. “Being involved in a committee structure, I dealt with a relatively basic budget and I learned accounting and business principles,” he says. “I was able to take those and apply them in my day-today operation.”

It allowed him to understand how the budget impacted the company’s operation and how to make changes to improve the bottom line.

Both men pointed to ILCA’s legislative involvement as benefitting their business.

Before the pandemic, McAdam Sr. says, ILCA members had met with state representatives and senators. “We have their ears,” he says. So that when it was needed, ILCA was known, members were known.

“During the pandemic, there were people who had the ears of the top people in the state and were assured that our industry would be considered essential. That has helped our bottom line immensely.”

McAdam Jr. ticked off exempting landscape contractors from the service tax (continued on page 12)

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Master Class Highlights — (continued from page 10) and the designation of landscaping as an essential business during the pandemic, neither of which, he believes, would have been possible if ILCA had not done the work to establish legislative relationships before these issues came up. Had it been applied to the landscape industry, the “6.5 percent service tax would have impacted our bottom line,” he says. “And if we had not been an essential business, we would potentially have gone months without being able to produce anything.”

Understand and Know the Importance of your Budget

“I had an accountant doing the budget for our business,” he says. McAdam believes his mistake was not being involved in the process. His accountant did not know his needs, nor his plans.

“How did he know what I wanted?”

His wake-up call came in 2001 when the company planned to build a new $3 million facility that had, he says, grown from a $2.25 million budget. “Budgets became important, because I had $2 million in excess debt that I had to figure out how to pay for.”

When putting together a budget, you need to determine your direct and indirect costs, as well as how much profit you want at the end of the year. From that he recommends building the sales prices in and ascertaining what you will need to cover costs and generate profit.

Determining direct and indirect costs requires some work. For instance, if you want to hire another person and pay that person $60,000 a year, how much extra money do you need to generate? (continued on page 14)

“A budget is a plan; it’s like a roadmap.

If you don’t know

where you are going,

how are you going to

“A budget is a plan; it’s like a roadmap,” says McAdam Sr. “If you don’t know where you are going, how are you going to get there?”

For 22 years, McAdam Landscaping operated without a formal budget. As McAdam Sr. became involved in ILCA and worked his way up, he realized there was a budget process. He learned how to budget and saw that it worked well for ILCA.

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The Landscape Contractor October 2021

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Master Class Highlights — (continued from page 12) “A $60,000 salary is going to cost a lot more than that ­— probably you are going to need $150,000 in extra income,” he says.

There’s still one more step: job costing. Break down jobs each day on the job and find out if you will meet your margin; if you will meet your budget. So for instance, if on the first day you build a patio and finish it a couple of hours over your estimated time and the same thing happens the next day, you have time to change your estimated costs for the job.

The budget is a way to track the company progress, says McAdam Jr. It dictates any decisions made at McAdam Landscaping. Without it, it is hard to know how the company is performing on a month-to-month basis. “Are we meeting our targets or falling behind?” says McAdam Jr. “We can make corrections month by month, day by day.”

Be Open with Your Employees About Your Company Finances Being open about your company finances does not mean showing them everything, says McAdam Sr. Administrative salaries, for instance, are private. “We hold those tight to the vest,” he says. And the idea of even showing some of the financials in any way to employees was not popular at first. “I got some push back from my brother.”

14

They believe, however, that the practice has earned dividends. “Having a relatively open book policy with company financials with your employees will help improve your bottom line,” says McAdam Jr. it helps your employees, particularly your department heads, think like an owner if they understand the financial well being of the company on a month-by-month basis.

“Someone might show up and think, I’m showing up, I’m doing my job,” he says. “The question is, are you doing it well? Are you managing your costs and your department to make sure that they are hitting their profit targets?”

The McAdams are “forward and open” about how the company is performing on a month-by-month basis, as well as how they stand in the fiscal year. “If we can’t be profitable, we will not be around next year,” says McAdam Sr. If a department is struggling, the McAdams don’t publicly criticize that person, but the department head know that he or she needs to do better and figure out where they are having a problem so as to improve performance.

“It help, us to be more thorough and more successful,” says McAdam Sr.

The Landscape Contractor October 2021

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The Landscape Contractor 15 October 2021

Events Are Back —

CommitteeFest

by Scott Grams

Reunited

and it feels so nice! The ILCA held CommitteeFest on August 5, 2021, at Hinsdale Nurseries in Willowbrook. Normally, the first Thursday of August is held for either Summer Field Day or Summer Snow Days. Those events will roar back in 2022.

In its place, ILCA decided to host CommitteeFest.

CommitteeFest was a social and networking event for the 200+ volunteers who serve on one of our 19 standing committees. This was organized by the ILCA Board of Directors and staff as a way of thanking our committees for holding the line and maximizing member value during the pandemic. All of our committees stepped up and figured out how to deliver timely content to their constituencies.

The event felt like old times. Name badges, hugs and handshakes, and delicious food and beverages were shared by all. We raffled off two gift certificates to Hinsdale Nurseries garden center. It took a little while to shake off the rust, but within 30 minutes the music was playing and the tent roared with laughter and conversation.

We allowed our volunteers to bring a buddy who was interested in volunteer service. Over 20 people attended looking to engage with a committee. The ILCA owes so much to our volunteers. For one afternoon, it was nice to reward our beloved volunteers with a Fest all their own!

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The Landscape Contractor October 2021

The Landscape Contractor October 2021

17

Events Are Back —

Fall Event

August 18, 2021

Editor’s Note: Just a word of warning. This is likely to be a fairly exuberant report of a relatively common event. Why, you might wonder?

Like many ILCA folk, I had not attended an Association event since iLandscape at the end of January 2020.

You’ll remember those carefree days.

In the ensuing months, ILCA learned a great deal. With that knowledge, programs pivoted to provide members the best virtual experiences that any association could provide.

Now fast forward to August 18 of

18

the following year. Like many well intentioned people, I’m sticking my head out more and more. But this is my first event.

I think ILCA and the event host Ball Horticultural came through with flying colors; outdoors, unmasked, with as much distance as anyone could want.

Beyond that, it was just glorious to see so many members live and in-person.

The Ball setting was tremendous and in full bloom. Anna Ball and Jeff Gibson put out the red carpet for the event. RR

The Landscape Contractor October 2021

by Nina A Koziol

As the sun set

on a warm August evening, towering cumulous clouds were outlined in gold. But there was no rain in sight to dampen the nonstop conversation and laughter at the Women’s Networking Group (WNG) event held at Ball Horticultural Company. The outing was a chance to catch up with friends and suppliers and experience Ball’s new plaza and (continued on page 20)

Jeff Gibson

Nicole Nault, Committee Chair

Anna Ball

The Landscape Contractor 19 October 2021

Events Are Back — (continued from page 18) beautiful grounds. While attendees sipped and snacked (courtesy of Ball), they heard from Anna Ball and two representatives from Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects, the firm that has been instrumental in redesigning Ball’s spaces the past 15 years.

“I think having the event at Ball attracted a lot of people,” said Marissa Stubler, ILCA’s membership and marketing manager. The opportunity to meet up in person and to take in the delightful setting was a no-brainer for many. Claire Josephson, marketing manager for Kieft Seed, thought it would be interesting and the event lived up to her expectations. “I work in marketing and I’m really curious about what people want in a landscape as well as plant performance.” Surrounded by thousands of flowers and unusual foliage, this was the place to be.

Ball’s New Gardens What began as a row trial garden for seed varieties in 1933 is now more than nine acres of display beds for annuals, perennials, cut flowers and vegetables, including the newest plants from the industry’s leading breeders and marketers.

Julie Sajtar and Simon Prunty of Hoerr Schaudt talked about the site’s transformation. In 2006, landscape architect Doug Hoerr began redesigning the trial beds.

“It was flat and everything was rowed-out like a traditional display garden,” Sajtar explained. “Doug said, ‘It looks like kiddy golf at Disneyland.’ So that was the start of a beautiful relationship with this space. It’s been wonderful to build the bones of the garden. Hoerr wanted to make bold moves — creating topography and different design ecologies for the lay of the land. His goal was to be imaginative and innovative, using the plants in ways that are surprising. The site lines and views beckon visitors across and through the gardens.”

Theatrical Naturalism Ball’s new $25 million Innovation Center houses state-ofthe-art research and development laboratories. Hoerr Schaudt created the new gardens around the building, which Sajtar calls ‘theatrical naturalism.’ “It’s a new term for the style of the garden. We’re employing a naturalistic palette and it’s very in fashion right now.”

The new beds, including a gravel garden, boast more than 14,000 plants. It took three days for Sajtar’s two-person team to lay out the one- and two-gallon pots. “The gravel garden features a little more embroidery in the space,” she said. “The design intent dictated the style while maintenance dictated the plants.”

Simon Prunty, Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architecture

Julie Sajtar, Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architecture 20

The Landscape Contractor October 2021

Inspiration Galore After the presentations, attendees networked with suppliers and friends or strolled, drinks in hand, to enjoy the eye-popping colors. Dragonflies darted over the ponds and there was non-stop conversation and laughter.

Of the 150 or so registered, about 30 men were present.

Jack Pizzo, owner and president of Pizzo and Associates, Ltd., told a group about a $10,000 scholarship his firm created in memory of a special employee, Grace Koehler, a familiar face to many at iLandscape. And Jeff Gibson, IGC, Landscape & University Trials Manager at Ball told another group, “It’s the perfect time to see the gardens and take a walk in the late afternoon with a glass of wine.”

Lindsay Muscavitch, a seasonal color specialist at Lurvey Landscape Supply said, “I absolutely love being inspired. It’s so cool to see the plants bedded out and displayed in different ways. It gets everyone excited and that’s what’s fun about it.

And, I love networking.”

It was the first time attending a WNG event for Patti Maciejewski, sales administrator at Grant & Power Landscaping. “The site is beautiful and the event was very informative, especially the discussion about how the design and plantings were created.” (continued on page 22)

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Events Are Back — (continued from page 21) Landscape designer Elaina Blankenhagen of Plandscape, Inc. is new to the industry. “I had so much fun at the St. Patrick’s Day Zoom event, I wanted to attend this one in person.”

With her was horticulture student Debbie O’Connor who also came to network.

“I’m changing careers next year and I wanted to get out and meet people. I gardened at Anna Ball’s place with Roy Diblik and learned a lot.”

“It was a wealth of information just sitting at the table with members,” said Debra Brown, senior sales rep for Al Warren Oil Co. “Even looking at the different plants and experiencing what the designers talked about — so many new ideas and it was very educational.”

Nicole Nault, WNG Committee Chair, was pleased with the event. “I thought it was fantastic. There was a wealth of information on so many topics.

For example, at the tables we were talking about the H2B visas. Everyone comes with the same mindset — :even though we may be competitors, it’s all for the greater good.”

After months of virtual get-togethers, meeting face-to-face was a big plus.

“The thing I took away from the event was how excited people are to be together again and networking at ILCA events,” Stubler said. “The event was scheduled from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and at 8:00 p.m. I was literally kicking people out. They were having such a good time, they didn’t want to leave.”

Worth Noting ILCA offers many educational and networking opportunities throughout the year. See what’s coming up next: https:// www.ilca.net/professional/education.

Interested in joining a committee?

See https://www.ilca.net/professional/ committee_involvement/ Thank You Sponsors!

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The Women’s Networking Committee l to r: Sue Halfpenny, Peggy Rose, Marissa Stubler, Noel Street, Nicole Nault, Laura Gianorio, Carrie Hancock, Debbie McGuire.

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The Landscape Contractor October 2021

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The Landscape Contractor 23 October 2021

Special Feature — Sustainability in Action

Balancing Sustainability in a Historic Community

by Heather Prince In 1868, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux were commissioned to design a planned community among the oak- and hickory-forested banks of the Des Plaines River.

Streets were laid out to follow the contours of the land and the winding bend of the river. A Grand Park system was designed that linked several large parks through the spine of the village and included 46 small triangular parks and plazas at intersections throughout the town. Olmsted wrote, “We recommend the general adoption, in the design of your roads, of gracefully-curved lines, generous spaces, and the absence of sharp corners. The idea being to suggest and imply leisure, contemplativeness and happy tranquility.”

As Olmsted’s first fully realized ideal suburb, Riverside was intended to be a compromise between private and public spaces and a blend of city and the rustic countryside.

Because of its historic importance, the Riverside Landscape Architecture District in the heart of the village has been designated a National Historic Landmark. How do you manage a

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historic community’s green spaces, especially one founded on principles of shared natural areas and park lands, in today’s reality of climate change, devastating pests, and invasive species? We talked to Village Forester Michael Collins, about how Riverside has dealt with these challenges while inorporating sustainable landscape practices.

It Still Takes a Village

“There are a lot of different distinct landscapes in Riverside,” commented Collins. “There are manufactured landscapes around homes and businesses, parks providing both pastoral and pictorial views, natural areas, turf for sports, and raised planted beds that beautify the village.”

With these layers of green spaces, balancing the needs of the modern community with Olmsted’s vision has required everyone’s participation. There is a strong community partnership between citizens who volunteer, local civic organizations, and the Village. “Volunteer and civic organizations support

The Landscape Contractor October 2021

us through workdays throughout the year. It has been a vital partnership. We liaise with a team of dedicated volunteers to steward our green spaces. It makes such a big difference in maintaining the landscape in such a resource-challenged community.” said Collins. The green spaces of Riverside make up nearly 40 percent of the village. “We only have seven laborers and three administrative staff for 87 acres of public green space. There is no shortage of maintenance needs.”

If We Had the Plan

Managing the land is further complicated as Olmsted left no finalized master plan. “When the Chicago Fire happened in 1871, it halted development of Riverside as resources were poured into Chicago,” reported Collins. “There was no formal wrap-up between Olmsted and the Riverside Improvement Company.” As community needs evolve, the Village relies on Olmsted’s writings. “We adhere to Olmstedian principles with multi-layered canopies in green spaces. Olmsted did not leave a plan or master plan for Riverside. We have a series of letters to his wife and the Riverside Improvement Company in addition to a Preliminary Report furnished by Olmsted, Vauz and CO landscape architects in 1868. His departure was rather sudden. We incorporate his principles according to his writings. These include mass plantings or native groupings and layering of understory trees and perennials beneath the overhead canopy of mature trees. His writings are interpreted as the plan,” commented Collins.

Fortunately, Olmsted was ahead of his time in his incorporation of extensive green space throughout Riverside. “The

brilliance of Olmsted’s design was building up parks to give the illusion of open green space by mounding up the land,” observed Collins. “The extensive modern studies documenting the social and mental health benefits of green spaces prove their worth. Olmsted incorporated principles and had a vision that had no scientific backing at the time. He was a very forward-thinking gentleman.”

Coping with water One of Riverside’s biggest challenges is the periodic flooding of the Des Plaines River. “As a natural resource manager, I’ve always been a big believer in climate change. Extreme weather used to be parsed out, but we’re not seeing that anymore,” observed Collins. With more unpredictable weather, Riverside experiences 100-year floods more often. Not only does that mean water in residents’ basements, but an increased need for more floodwater mitigation so stormwater is managed sustainably instead of pushed downstream. “We have installed green infrastructure throughout the Village to help manage stormwater. For one project, thanks to a grant from MWRD, we have installed a permeable green parking lot that drains into a sedge swale. It’s been very successful, but also requires more maintenance,” reported Collins.

Climate change is also impacting the trees in the urban forest of Riverside. “We are seeing a loss of maple trees in the community,” reported Collins. “They are like a canary in the coal mine. It can be one of the first species to struggle with weather extremes. Maples are mesic trees, but their roots don’t (continued on page 26)

The Landscape Contractor 25 October 2021

Special Feature — Sustainability in Action our total tree population to EAB. We have ensured there is forward thinking involved in the replacements, so these trees have a chance to succeed in the long run. Trees require maintenance and care like any infrastructure. We don’t want to plant now to watch them die later. It’s a long-term commitment for success with green infrastructure.” With these threats to Riverside’s signature trees and leafy character, Collins and the Public Works department have reevaluated how they handle replacing parkway trees. “We used to do parkway tree installation as a co-op where the Village and the homeowner split the cost, allowing the resident to select the tree species. Now we take a controlled stance. We pay for the entire cost of the tree; the homeowner just needs to water it until it is established. We wanted to be in the driver’s seat on what species gets planted where. When a tree needs to be replaced, the homeowner gets a very short list to select from as we are trying to improve species diversity throughout the Village.”

Increasing the diversity of the urban forest is part of Riverside’s sustainability initiatives. “Diversity is one of (continued on page 28)

(continued from page 25) want to be in saturated soils for an extended period of time. They can be a sensitive species. Drought causes the ground to tighten; flooding puts them under water and either way, they lose their fine feeder roots. We’ve seen lots of dieback on the tops that correlate to root loss, be it flooding or drought. We have shied away from planting maples in recent years and climate scientists are forecasting a reduction of maple species in the Chicagoland region by 2050.

We have never planted Autumn Blaze in Riverside, but we do have Norway maples, planted in the 70s, and those have really been impacted by climate change in addition to our native species.” Collins is proactive in educating himself and residents. “I participate in conferences and climate adaptation workshops to review planting practices and reforestation to respond to climate change and make our urban forest more resilient.”

Understanding the challenges Weather isn’t the only reason for tree loss. Emerald ash borer took its toll on the Chicago area’s urban canopy. “We have collaborated with the U.S. Forest Service following the impact of emerald ash borer,” said Collins. “We lost 11% of 26

The Landscape Contractor October 2021

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Special Feature — Sustainability in Action (continued from page 26) the most important components for sustainability,” mentioned Collins. “We try to build tree diversity block by block and although we champion our heritage oaks, we don’t want to create a monoculture of them, either.” We must learn from the past. Street trees and park trees are treated differently. “In our park plantings, we strive to stick to native groupings as Olmsted described. For parkway plantings we tend to add cultivars to the mix and incorporate disease resistant varieties as long as we don’t overplant one species. Species diversity trumps genetic diversity.”

Olmsted valued mature trees and they play a significant role in Riverside’s character. “A major challenge would be a loss of many native tree options due to invasive pests,” reflected Collins. “Upon Olmsted’s arrival in Riverside, he mused about the groupings of elm and ash. Due to EAB and Dutch Elm Disease, we have lost those species for planting due to the invasive pests introduced to our landscape.

Olmsted could not have predicted these losses.”

Riverside is also trying new ways of maintaining their mature trees. They partnered with Roy Diblik for an experimental planting of native sedges under historic oaks at the triangular park at Kent and Longcommon roads instead of mulch. “Sedges can help nurture oaks by providing moisture, reducing turf grass competition, and other ecological associations that are incredibly beneficial,” noted Collins. “Once established, sedges will require much less maintenance over time compared to weeding mulched areas.”

Big task, many pantners In the green spaces of Riverside, the Village has preserved and attempted to restore natural areas in addition to maintaining sports turf, playgrounds, and designed spaces. The natural areas act as buffers for storm water, but also act as pollinator preserves and provide a glimpse of what Olmsted would have experienced when laying out the town. Battling invasives has become perhaps the biggest challenge to establishing native plants to act as green infrastructure. “There’s been a multi-faceted approach in dealing with the invasive plants introduced,” observed Collins, including controlled burns, buckthorn removal, targeted herbicides, and replanting with natives. Community volunteers have been key stewards of the natural areas as Riverside also partners with outside contractors, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and land managers. Some days, it’s a bigger challenge than others. “In Indian Gardens, removing buckthorn is rather like painting the (continued on page 30) 28

The Landscape Contractor October 2021

Special Feature — Sustainability in Action (continued from page 28) Golden Gate bridge. By the time you get one area done, it grows back in another. The river flooding causes a high level of disturbance, so areas are regularly re-flushed with weed seed,” commented Collins. Historic Swan Pond is another example of incorporating native plants to mitigate storm water and flooding. “We originally worked with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers to create a drainage swale of native plantings to help mitigate pooling flood waters in Swan Pond. After installation, ice dams on the river wiped out the plantings during the spring thaw. We then partnered with Heidi Natura of Living Habitats in efforts to reinstall the swale in Swan Pond,” reported Collins. The Army Corp had regraded Swan Pond to drain to a low spot and then into the river. “Due to the ice damage, we replanted 10,000 plugs of native grasses, rushes and forbs to soak up that water and expand the planting site. We’re battling a lot of invasives trying to get that area to stabilize and naturalize and we’ve engaged an ecological restoration company to maintain it.

It’s been quite a journey with all the flooding constantly reintroducing weed seed.”

When you drive through Riverside, take a few moments to appreciate Olmsted and Vaux’s plan for a green and leafy tranquil suburb. You’ll likely get lost among the winding streets, but you’ll also find unexpected pocket parks, mature oaks, and ribbons of parkland filled with residents enjoying their open spaces. This Village treasures its historic roots and is looking forward to preserving and interpreting its founding vision into the years to come as it embraces diversity and sustainability.

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The Landscape Contractor October 2021

+

October 12, 2021

The Landscape Contractor 31 October 2021

BREAK — 10:00 AM - 10:10 AM BREAKOUT SESSIONS — 10:10 AM - 11:10 AM Alsdorf Auditorium

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Registration/Check-in 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

Alec McClennan,

PROGRAM EMCEE

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JENNIFER JEWELL Cultivating Place

Jennifer Jewell is the host of the national award-winning weekly public radio program and podcast Cultivating Place: Conversations on Natural History and the Human Impulse to Garden. She is the author of The Earth in Her Hands, 75 Extraordinary Women Working in the World of Plants (Timber Press, 2020), and Under Western Skies, Visionary Gardens from the Rockies to the Pacific Coast (Timber Press 2021). Her greatest passion is elevating the way we think and talk about gardening, the empowerment of gardeners, and the possibility inherent in the intersection between places, environments, cultures, individuals and the gardens that bring them together beautifully — for the better of all the lives on this generous planet.

Everyone wants to be organic until they have a dandelion. Alec McClennan, Founder of Good Nature Organic Lawn are has been providing organic lawn and land care services to clients since 1999.

He’ll share his story and lessons learned about how to help clients become and stay organic.

Pullman Room

Refugia Greenway Network Jeff Lorenz & Kayla Fell Refugia Ltd.

INTRODUCTIONS

8:30 AM - 8:45 AM Alsdorf Auditorium Brandon Losey, ILT Vignocchi Committee Chair Scott Grams ILCA Executive Director

OPENING KEYNOTE

Refugia Ltd.

8:45 AM - 10:00 AM Alsdorf Auditorium

BREAK — 10:00 AM - 10:10 AM

Doug Tallamy, University of Delaware

BREAKOUT SESSIONS — 11:20 AM - 12:35 PM

Recent headlines about global insect declines and three billion fewer birds in North America are a bleak reality check about how ineffective our current landscape designs have been at sustaining the plants and animals that sustain us. To create landscapes that enhance local ecosystems rather than degrade them, we must add the native plant communities that sustain food webs, sequester carbon, maintain diverse native bee communities, and manage our watersheds. If you do this in half of the area now in lawn, you can help create Homegrown National Park, a 20 million acre network of viable habitats that will provide vital corridors connecting the few natural areas that remain. This approach to conservation empowers you to play a significant role in the future of the natural world.

Alsdorf Auditorium

Nature’s Best Hope

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Foodscaping with Natives Brie Arthur, Brie Grows

Thoughtful design and management of landscapes is more important than ever as concerns of climate, water quality and invasive plants increase. Brie will discuss how to create a foodscape using native plants mixed with favorite seasonal food crops. The best organic products are featured and easy, earth friendly maintenance strategies are highlighted. Learn about native edible plants and the pollinators they attract that aid in ecological restoration. Get inspired to see the potential every landscape offers by transforming them into purposeful spaces that embrace solutions to modern day landscape practices The Landscape Contractor October 2021

Pullman Room

SESSION — 3:10 PM - 4:10 PM

Lydia Scott, The Morton Arboretum Ken Williams, Horticulturist Monica Buckley, Red Stem Native

CLOSING KEYNOTE

Panel Discussion: Eradicating Invasive Shrub Species

3:10 PM - 4:10 PM Alsdorf Auditorium

Interview with Refugia Ltd. Jeff Lorenz Kayla Fell Refugia Ltd.

LUNCH / VENDOR HALL — 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Jennifer Jewell Cultivating Place

BREAKOUT SESSIONS — 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Pullman Room

Natural Pools & Swimming Ponds: Recreational Watershapes for the Sustainable Landscape Alan Weene Reflections Water Gardens Natural pools, swimming ponds, and recreational ponds are eco-friendly man made water features designed for human swimming and bathing. These biologically purified watershapes promote biodiversity and help to restore native wildlife habitats while providing relaxation and enjoyment for families who value and appreciate an environmentally sustainable outdoor lifestyle. With organic and chemical-free landscape practices receiving greater attention and demand than ever before, natural pools offer a holistic approach to aquatic recreation in the residential landscape..

Alsdorf Auditorium

New Naturalism: Lessons from Wild Plant Communities Kelly Norris, Author and Plantsman An in-depth lecture that applies elements of plant ecology and real-world examples from wild plant communities to the built landscape; highly recommended for conferences and venues geared towards landscape designers and managers. Kelly’s love for native plants and his experiences with wild plant communities have shaped his career in profound ways. As a so-called hort-ecologist, Kelly strives to interpret native ecosystems into beautiful, functional landscapes in the urban context. Too often, professional horticulturists appropriate plants as if they were inanimate objects, instead of truly understanding how plants interact and function within the landscape environment. Join Kelly in an exploration of wild plant communities and their constituents from across North America that will inspire and inform your professional practice whether as a grower, retailer or designer.

Refugia Ltd.

NETWORKING RECEPTION & RAFFLES 4:15 PM - 6:00 PM —

NETWORKING RECEPTION Burstein Hall

BREAK — 3:00 PM - 3:10 PM

The Landscape Contractor October 2021

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Arbustos favoritos de un cultivador

by Heather Prince

Dakota del Norte puede ser un lugar implacable para cultivar plantas entre suelos arcillosos alcalinos, inviernos severos y veranos calientes. No obstante, también es un lugar estupendo para probar la resistencia y adaptabilidad de las plantas. En una conversación con Todd West, Director del Programa de Mejoramiento de Plantas Leñosas en la Universidad Estatal de Dakota del Norte, hablamos sobre arbustos que han tenido un buen desempeño no importa las condiciones que ofrezca Dakota del Norte. “Si bien somos conocidos por investigaciones de árboles, el Arboreto de Investigación Dale E. Herman tiene también un programa de selección de arbustos”, comentó West. El programa de investigación para el mejoramiento de plantas leñosas NDSU ha introducido más de 50 plantas leñosas superiores y continúa desarrollando selecciones de plantas resistentes y tolerantes para el Medio Oeste y más allá.

Considere estas selecciones mientras planifica instalaciones para sus clientes con el propósito de añadir diversidad y reducir las opciones de mantenimiento de sus diseños. Estas son algunas de las favoritas de West para espacios pequeños que proporcionan potencia floral, cortezas interesantes, follaje exuberante y otras características ornamentales.

Algunas son variedades de comprobada eficacia y otras son frescas del banco de cultivo.

te, cortezas distintivas y más, siendo al mismo tiempo opciones dúctiles cuando se plantan en las condiciones adecuadas.

Todas toleran los suelos arcillosos, los inviernos fríos y los veranos húmedos con pocos aspavientos.

Abedul Cinnamon Curls® (Betula costata ‘CinnDak’) Zona: de 4a a 6/7 Altura/anchura: 9 pies Sol: de pleno sol a sombra muy clara Suelo: de medio a húmedo, tolerante al pH Follaje: Hojas de color verde claro que adquieren un tono amarillo dorado.

Corteza: Atractiva corteza exfoliante color blanco cremoso con enveses color canela rizando en tiras.

Notas: Este abedul enano de lento crecimiento introducido por la Universidad Estatal de Dakota del Norte es una forma encantadora de añadir todas las características de un abedul a espacios pequeños.

Esta selección coreana es resistente al barrenador del abedul y tiene una mayor tolerancia al pH por lo que evita problemas de clorosis. Formando atractivos grupos apretados, se adapta fácilmente a jardines pequeños y puede también ser un estupendo foco de atención o espécimen con iluminación hacia arriba para resaltar su forma. Raramente requiere de poda para mantener su forma ordenada.

Naranja simulada Romantic Knight (Philadelphus coronarius ‘Romanizam’) Zona: de 4 a 8 Altura/anchura: De 12 a 12 pies Sol: de pleno sol a sombra parcial Suelo: de medio a húmedo bien drenado, pero tolera una amplia gama siempre que

Arbustos caducifolios Con el surgimiento de más plagas y enfermedades, está adquiriendo cada vez más importancia la diversidad del material de plantas leñosas. Estos arbustos ofrecen flores, fragancias, follaje elegan36

Aroma de laguna Fiber Optics® (Cephalanthus occidentalis ‘Bailoptics’) Zona: de 4 a 9 Altura/anchura: de 5 a 6 pies Sol: pleno sol Suelo: de húmedo a mojado Flor: Flores fragantes con apariencia de pelota de golf favorecidas por polinizadores en junio y julio y seguidas por semillas devoradas por aves.

Notas: “Realmente me encanta”, comentó West. “Es una selección nativa con flores distintivas y tolerante a las inundaciones. Con Fiber Optics usted obtiene un bonito tamaño más pequeño y hábitos más ordenados que otras especies”. Esta es una opción estupenda para bordes de estanques y arroyos donde puede permanecer húmeda de forma consistente. Perfecta como acento arbustivo en un jardín para polinizadores debido a que atrae multitudes de abejas y mariposas.

The Landscape Contractor October 2021

de plantas obtenga un drenaje decente Flor: Flores semidobles blancas grandes, de 2 pulgadas, intensamente fragantes, en racimos de 12 a 14 flores en mayo y junio Notas: “Me encanta la naranja simulada, especialmente la variedad Romantic Knight porque produce una atractiva pantalla y tiene flores primaverales fragantes destacadas”, recomendó West.

Considere estas flores como una cobertura vegetal alternativa al ligustro, llena de flores fragantes reminiscentes del azahar en la primavera y fáciles de cizallar.

Con hábitos naturalmente fontanales, son fáciles de introducir también en un borde mixto. Estas naranjas simuladas florecen en madera vieja, por lo que asegúrese de podarlas después de la floración antes de que aparezcan nuevos brotes para el siguiente año.

Mejores Plantas, Mejor Servicio Y Mejor Selección.

Mariani Plants se enorgullese en su attencion al cliente.

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TODOS JUNTOS MEJOR.

Follaje: Hojas verdes exuberantes que adquieren un tono de amarillo naranja a morado rojizo en el otoño.

Notas: ¡Búsquelas y plántelas! Esta es una azalea resistente al frío y tolerante al pH que se adapta a todos los cambios del invierno. Una nueva selección revolucionaria de la Universidad Estatal de Dakota del Norte, “Podrían pasar de uno a dos años antes de que podamos ver un suministro sustancioso, pero esta azalea realmente impresiona”, comentó West.

“La seleccionamos y es tolerante al suelo arcilloso y a altos niveles de pH. Casi todo lo que una azalea no es. Es un gran avance para las azaleas”.

Azalea Mollis Fireflare Orange® (Rhododendron xkosteranum ‘FireDak’) Zona: de 3b a 8 Altura/anchura: de 4 a 5 pies Sol: de pleno sol a sombra parcial Suelo: de medio a húmedo bien drenado, tolerante al pH Flor: Flores de azalea-naranja brillantes en mayo, en grupos grandes.

Spiraea Dakota Goldcharm (Spiraea japonica ‘Mertyann’) Zona: de 3 a 8 Altura/anchura: de 12 a 18 pulgadas de altura por 2 o 3 pies de anchura Sol: pleno sol Suelo: de medio a húmedo bien drenado Flor: Flores rosadas brillantes de dos o tres pulgadas en racimos en junio con floraciones esporádicas en septiembre.

Follaje: Follaje amarillo brillante que adquiere color bronce claro en el otoño.

Notas: Una selección enana, duradera, de la Universidad Estatal de Dakota del Norte que ha resistido la prueba del tiempo y los rigores del invierno. Esta selección dorada y ordenada de flores rosadas permanece pequeña sin inmuThe Landscape Contractor 3737 October 2021

tarse e ilumina cualquier jardín soleado.

Una buena opción para el encanto de una spirea que permanece pequeña con mínimas alteraciones.

Lila común Prairie Petite (Syringa vulgaris ‘Prairie Petite’) Zona: De 3 a 8 Altura/anchura: de 3 a 4 pies Sol: pleno sol Suelo: de medio a húmedo bien drenado Flor: Lilas de fragancia clásica y color lavanda rosáceo en mayo y junio.

Notas: Esta lila redonda proporciona toda la potencia floral en un paquete enano. Perfecta para espacios donde las lilas tradicionales resultan muy grandes.

“Es una esfera perfecta. Me encanta. Es realmente sofisticada y tiene buen desempeño con el mildiú polvoroso. ¡No hay que podarla! Plántela y olvídela”, recomendó West con entusiasmo.

Weigela French Lace™ (Weigela florida ‘Brigela’) Zona: de 4 a 8 Altura/anchura: de 4 a 6 pies Sol: de pleno sol a sombra clara Suelo: de medio a húmedo bien drenado y tolerante a la arcilla Flor: Flores rojas grandes con garganta color rosa oscuro que cubre la planta en mayo y puede esporádicamente reflorecer en el verano. Las weigelas con frecuencia atraen a los colibríes que emigran tempranamente.

Follaje: Hojas color verde claro con un amplio margen amarillo y borde rojo lo que produce una vistosa variegación más brillante a pleno sol.

Notas: “Lindas flores, follaje interesante 38

y atractivo tamaño más pequeño que el de la weigela tradicional”, dijo West con entusiasmo. Esta selección de montículo de rápido crecimiento proporciona un toque de color verde amarillento en un borde mixto. Pruébela con flores rojas para resaltar los bordes rojos de las hojas y añádala a bordes de plantas perennes para obtener una bella estructura.

Plantas perennifolias Enebro Gris del Búho (Juniperus virginiana ‘Grey Owl’) Zona: de 2 a 9 Altura/anchura: de 2 a 3 pies de altura; de 4 a 6 pies de anchura Sol: pleno sol Suelo: de medio a seco Follaje: Las finas agujas color gris plateado añaden una textura plumosa suave y arqueada al jardín.

Notas: Una encantadora selección de enebro de comprobada eficacia que ofrece un tono plateado brillante consistente a pleno sol y con buen drenaje.

También puede tener bayas que las aves disfrutarán. Pruébelo con nueve cortezas (ninebark) de hojas moradas para lograr una combinación serena.

The Landscape Contractor October 2021

Enebro Blueberry Delight® (Juniperus communis var. depressa ‘AmiDak’) Zona: de 2 a 6 Altura/anchura: de 18 a 24 pulgadas de altura; de 8 a 10 pies de anchura Sol: de pleno sol a sombra parcial Suelo: de medio a seco Follaje: Las agujas son largas y un verde oscuro intenso con matices azul plateados contrastantes en la superficie superior de la hoja produce un efecto plateado-estrellado.

Notas: “Es una de mis plantas perennes favoritas debido al tamaño, el color del follaje con la parte superior de la hoja plateada, las abundantes frutas similares a un arándano y es una selección nativa”, comentó West. “Esta se deriva de una selección hembra elaborada de una planta nativa de esta variedad que crece en las tierras baldías en el oeste de Dakota del Norte. Tiene un hábito de crecimiento naturalista, de densa propagación, alcanzando de 15 a 22 pulgadas de altura. Su color en el verano se conserva bien en el invierno, lo cual es raro para estas especies de enebros.

Anualmente se producen cosechas abundantes de vistosos conos similares a un arándano si hay plantas macho en las cercanías, lo que incrementa considerablemente el atractivo de la planta.

Tolerante a las sequías y a los alcalinos, crece bien a pleno sol, así como en áreas parcialmente sombreadas”.

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The Landscape Contractor 39 October 2021

Shrubs Worth Your Consideration —

Favorite Shrubs From a Wood

by Heather Prince

North Dakota can be an

unforgiving place to grow plants between alkaline clay soil, harsh winters, and hot summers. However, it also makes a terrific place to trial plants for toughness and adaptability. In a conversation with Todd West, Woody Plant Improvement Program Director at North Dakota State University, we talked about shrubs that have performed well no matter what North Dakota dishes out. “Although we’re known for tree research, the Dale E. Herman Research Arboretum also has a shrub selection program,” commented West. The NDSU Woody Plant Improvement research program has introduced more than 50 superior woody plants and continues to develop tough, tolerant plant selections for the Midwest and beyond.

Consider these selections as you plan client installations to add diversity and lower maintenance choices to your designs. These are some of West’s favorites for small spaces that deliver in flower power, interesting bark, lush foliage, and other ornamental features. Some are tried and true varieties and some are fresh from the breeding bench.

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Deciduous Shrubs

With more pests and diseases cropping up, diversity of woody plant material in the landscape is becoming increasingly important.

These shrubs offer flower, fragrance, nifty foliage, unique bark, and more while being easy-going options when planted in the right conditions. They all tolerate clay soils, cold winters, and steamy summers with little fuss.

Cinnamon Curls® Birch

Betula costata ‘CinnDak’ Zone: 4a to 6/7 Height/width: 9 feet Sun: full sun to very light shade Soil: average to moist, pH tolerant Foliage: Clear green leaves that turn to a golden yellow.

Bark: Lovely creamy white exfoliating bark with cinnamon-colored undersides curling in strips.

Notes: This dwarf slowgrowing birch introduced

by North Dakota State University is a delightful way to add all the features of a birch tree in a small space. This Korean selection is birch borer resistant and with a higher tolerance of pH so avoids chlorosis issues. Forming a nice tight clump, it tucks into small landscapes easily and can also be a great focal point or specimen with uplighting to showcase its shape. It rarely requires pruning to maintain its tidy shape.

The Landscape Contractor October 2021

dy Plant Breeder Fiber Optics® Buttonbush

Cephalanthus occidentalis ‘Bailoptics’ Zone: 4 to 9 Height/width: 5 to 6 feet Sun: full sun Soil: moist to wet Flower: Fragrant white golf-ball like flowers favored by pollinators in June to July and followed by seeds devoured by birds.

Notes: “I really love it,” commented West. “It’s a native selection with unique flowers and flood tolerant. You get a nice smaller size with Fiber Optics and tidier habit than species.” This is a terrific option for the edges of ponds and streams where it can be consistently moist. Perfect as a shrub accent in a pollinator garden as it draws crowds of bees and butterflies.

Romantic Knight Mock Orange

Philadelphus coronarius ‘Romanizam’ Zone: 4 to 8 Height/width: 12 to 12 feet Sun: full sun to part shade Soil: average to moist well-drained, but tolerates a wide range as long as it gets some decent drainage Flower: Large, semi-double, deeply fragrant 2-inch white flowers on racemes of about 12 to 14 flowers in May to June Notes: “I love mock orange, especially Romantic Knight because it makes a nice screen and has outstanding fragrant spring flowers,” recommended West. Consider this as an alternative hedging plant than privet that’s loaded with fragrant flowers reminiscent of orange blossoms in spring and easy to shear. With a naturally fountainy habit, it’s easy to tuck into a mixed border as well. This mock orange blooms on old wood, so be sure to prune after flowering before new buds set for the following year.

The Landscape Contractor October 2021

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Shrubs Worth Your Consideration — Fireflare Orange® Mollis Azalea

Rhododendron xkosteranum ‘FireDak’ Zone: 3b to 8 Height/width: 4 to 5 feet Sun: full sun to part shade Soil: average to moist well-drained, pH tolerant Flower: Fiery orange azalea flowers in May in large clusters.

Foliage: Rich green leaves that turn yellow orange to reddish purple in fall.

Notes: Seek these out and snap them up!

This is a cold hardy pH tolerant azalea that handles whatever winter throws at it. A revolutionary new selection from North Dakota State University, “It might be another year or two before we see a good supply, but this azalea has really impressed,” commented West. “We selected it, and it is tolerant of clay soil and high pH. Pretty much everything that an azalea isn’t. It’s a pretty big breakthrough for azaleas.”

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Shrubs Worth Your Consideration — Dakota Goldcharm

Spiraea (Spiraea japonica ‘Mertyann’ Zone: 3 to 8 Height/width: 12 to 18 inches high by 2 to 3 feet wide Sun: full sun Soil: average to moist well-drained soils Flower: Two to three-inch bright pink flowers in clusters in June with sporadic blooms into September.

Foliage: Bright yellow foliage that turns light bronze in fall.

Notes: A dwarf, durable selection from North Dakota State University that has stood the test of time and winter hardiness. This tidy pink-flowering gold selection stays small with little fuss and brightens a sunny garden. A good choice for the charm of a spirea that stays small with minimal fuss.

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Syringa vulgaris ‘Prairie Petite’ Zone: 3 to 8 Height/width: 3 to 4 feet Sun: full sun Soil: average to moist well-drained Flower: Classic fragrant pinkish-lavender lilac flowers in May to June.

Notes: This round ball-shaped lilac packs all the classic flower power into a dwarf package. Perfect for spaces where a traditional lilac is too big. “It’s a complete round ball. I love it. It’s really cool and it does very well for powdery mildew. You never have to prune it! Plant it and forget it,” enthused West.

French Lace™ Weigela

Weigela florida ‘Brigela’ Zone: 4 to 8 Height/width: 4 to 6 feet Sun: full sun to light shade Soil: average to moist well-drained and clay tolerant Flower: Large red flowers with a dark pink throat that cover the plant in May and might sporadically rebloom later in the summer. Weigelas often attract early migrating hummingbirds.

Foliage: Light green leaves with a broad yellow margin and a red edge for a zippy variegation that’s brightest in full sun.

Notes: “Pretty flowers, interesting foliage, and a nice smaller size than the traditional weigela,” enthused West. This fast-growing mounding selection gives a bright splash of chartreuse in a mixed border. Try it with red flowers to play up the red edges of the leaves and add it to perennial borders for beautiful structure.

The Landscape Contractor October 2021

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The Landscape Contractor October 2021

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Shrubs Worth Your Consideration — Evergreens Grey Owl Juniper

Juniperus virginiana ‘Grey Owl’ Zone: 2 to 9 Height/width: 2 to 3 feet high; 4 to 6 feet wide Sun: full sun Soil: average to dry Foliage: Silvery gray needles add an arching soft feathery texture to the garden.

Notes: A lovely tried and true selection of juniper that provides a consistent brilliant silver in full sun and good drainage. It may also have berries that will be enjoyed by birds. Try it with purpleleaved ninebark for a serene combination.

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The Landscape Contractor October 2021

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Shrubs Worth Your Consideration — Blueberry Delight® Juniper

Juniperus communis var. depressa ‘AmiDak’ Zone: 2 to 6 Height/width: 18 to 24 inches high; 8 to 10 feet wide Sun: full sun to part shade Soil: average to dry Foliage: Needles are large and a rich, dark green with contrasting silveryblue hues on the upper leaf surface for a starry silvery effect.

Notes: “It is one of my favorite evergreens because of the size, foliage color with the silver on upper side of the leaf, the abundant blueberry-like fruit, and it is a native selection,” commented West. “This derives from a female selection made from a native plant of this variety growing in the Badlands of western North Dakota. It has a densely spreading, naturalistic growth habit growing 15 to 22 inches in height. Its summer color is retained well in winter, which is rare for this species of juniper. Heavy crops of showy blueberry-like cones are produced annually if male plants are nearby, which adds significantly to the plant’s attractiveness. Drought and alkaline tolerant, it grows well in full sun, as well as partially shaded sites.”

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The Landscape Contractor October 2021

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Shrubs Worth Your Consideration — Hyland Splendor® Mugo Pine

Pinus mugo ‘HyDak’ Zone: 3 to 7 Height/width: 13 to 15 feet high; 6 to 8 feet wide Sun: full sun to part shade Soil: average to moist well-drained; pH tolerant Foliage: Rich dark green needles that are darker than other mugo pines and stay green year-round.

Notes: “It grows 20% faster than Tannenbaum, so you get a small tree faster,” recommended West. “Originally when I selected it, it seemed almost bluish, but I’d call it dark army green. Oregon Pride Nursery loves it because in winter in Oregon, mugos turn a bit chartreuse. Hyland Splendor stayed nice and dark. They were also really impressed with the growth rate. It’s a nice smaller scaled upright pine.” If you’re looking for an alternate for spruce or Scotch pine, this might be the ticket for a compact evergreen. Perfect for small spaces and as focal points, blend it into a mixed hedge for a rich four-season screening element.

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The Landscape Contractor October 2021

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The Landscape Contractor October 2021

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Special Feature

Disease of the Month: White Pine Decline Pest of the Month: Pine Engraver Beetle

by Heather Prince

Pest of the Month: Pine Engraver Beetle

Disease of the Month: White Pine Decline

White pine decline becomes noticeable once deciduous trees drop leaves and evergreen become more prominent in the landscape. It is a reaction to environmental stress as opposed to a pathogen or pest. The pine needles thin in quantity, with yellowing and browning symptoms.

Bark on branches and small limbs appears shriveled or wrinkled and will sometimes exude sap. Root systems when examined have few fine, white healthy roots.

Treatment:

White pine decline is believed to be a stress disease, especially if trees are planted in heavy clay soils where rainfall does not drain readily. Decline is difficult to reverse.

Alleviate stress of the affected tree by mulching, watering in dry periods, and fertilizing with products designed for acid-loving plants. Locate white pines where they receive good drainage; their preferred soil is moist, sandy loam.

Pine engraver beetle (Ips pini) is a bark beetle still active on warmer days in October into November seeking out trees that are newly planted, drought stressed, or damaged by surrounding construction. Adults overwinter under the bark or in surrounding litter at the tree base and begin to attack weakened trees in the spring.

The male constructs a cavity under the bark and signals females via pheromones.

After mating, females excavate three egg galleries off the central chamber, creating Y or H-shaped patterns and pushing reddish sawdust out the entrance holes. Eggs are laid along the gallery and young larvae soon hatch and begin tunneling smaller lateral galleries that lightly etch the sapwood. The small grubs, about quarter inch long when mature, are white to dirty gray, legless, with dark heads. In Illinois, three generations of these beetles usually develop per year. Trees may experience top dieback or dead limbs from girdling under the bark.

Treatment:

No chemical treatment exists for trees or wood already infested by ips beetles. If known infestations occur in the area of valuable trees, preventative treatment may make sense. Use insecticides with the active ingredients permethrin, bifenthrin, or carbaryl as drenching preventive sprays on the trunks and larger branches before infestation. Because of multiple generations, two treatments in early spring and late summer may be needed to protect high value trees. Avoid stacking firewood under pines as beetle populations may be in fresh cut logs and readily migrate to nearby trees.

Additional resources: University of Illinois Extension Service https://web.extension.illinois.edu/state/ horticulture/index.php 217-333-0519 52

The Morton Arboretum http://www.mortonarb.org/Plant Clinic: http://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/ tree-and-plant-advice/ 630-719-2424 The Landscape Contractor October 2021

Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Information Service: https://www.chicagobotanic.org/ plantinfoservice 847-835-0972

New Members — CONTRACTORS Atrium, Inc. Mike Hlis 17113 Davey Road Lemont, IL 60439 Email: mike@atriumlandscape.com Phone: 630-739-5100 Century Lawn Care Co Miguel A Wong 1042 Ashland Ave #2A Evanston, IL 60202 Email: centurylawncare@gmail.com Phone: 773-858-8680 www.centurylawnofevanston.com Century Lawn Care Co is a familyowned and operated company specializing in Landscaping, lawn yard work and snow removal.

KCG Management Snow And Landscape Services Mark Krog 3181 Nottingham Dr. Algonquin, IL 60102 Email: markkrog@kcgmanagement.org Phone: 630-401-4757 www.kcgmanagement.org KCG Management is committed to serving all of our corporate, retail and banking customers with the highest degree of integrity and professionalism with the goal of maintaining site safety during winter weather events. Our mission is to provide timely, excellent service that ensures our customers the peace of mind that having KCG Management on their team brings. At KCG, we believe that communication is one of the keys to our success. Good communication allows us to perform the work to meet or exceed client expectations, and to address concerns before they become problems. Our call center is staffed 24 hours per day when the weather is wintry, and we can reach all of our plow operators at any time. Most importantly, our clients can reach us.

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Monaco Landscaping LLC Diego Trimarco 2600 83rd St Darien, IL 60561 Email: diego.monacolandscaping@ gmail.com Phone: 630-670-4631 https://monacolandscaping.info/ Renovatio Landscape and Design Nick Trauth 2711 Rosehall Lane Aurora, IL 60503 Email: renovatiold@gmail.com Phone: 630-399-8486 Full service commercial and residential landscape construction and maintenance company.

Yuritzy2 Inc Roberto 9s674 Highland Rd Willowbrook, IL 60527 Email: yuritzy2@yahoo.com Phone: 708-539-6976 EDUCATOR William Rainey Harper College Mary Albanese 1200 West Algonquin Rd Palatine, IL 60067 Email: am15478@harpercollege.edu Phone: 847-925-6911 INDIVIDUALS Attentive Kristen Kinsella 905 Crestfield Ave Libertyville, IL 60048 Email: kristen@attentive.ai Phone: 218-215-4442 attentive.ai Hartmann Consulting Kim Hartmann Gurnee, IL 60031 Email: hartmannkim@comcast.net Phone: 847-404-7669 Landscape Design and Horticulture Consulting, Education, and Training

The Landscape Contractor October 2021

SUPPLIERS Bad Boy Mowers Donald Cook 102 Industrial Dr. Batesville, AR 72501 Email: don.cook@badboymowers.com Phone: 217-412-2238 badboymowers.com Bad Boy Mowers is a large US manufacturer of commercial and residential zero-turn lawn mowers. Headquarters, manufacturing, and assembly is located in Batesville, AR. Our mowers are recognized and sold throughout the entire United States and southern regions of Canada. Bad Boy Mowers are recognized as one of the strongest built mowers in the turf industry.

Belden Brick Company Jim Piteo 700 W. Tuscarawas Street Canton, OH 44702 Email: jim.piteo@beldenbrick.com Phone: 330-324-4348 www.beldenbrick.com The Belden Brick Company, a longstanding pillar in the brick industry, is the largest family-owned brick manufacturer in the United States with a solid reputation built on years of customer satisfaction. Family involvement and commitment have been the backbone of our longevity. The superior quality of our raw materials leads to the structural integrity and outstanding appearance of our worldclass architectural brick and clay pavers.

Northwest Lawn And Power Equipment Rosario Luca 1215 W Irving Park Rd Itasca, IL 60143 Email: nwlpower@gmail.com Phone: 630-250-0088 northwestlawnandpower.net Northwest Lawn and Power Equipment Specializes in Sales, Service and Parts of Commercial and Residential Power equipment and Snow equipment. Over 25 years Experience in the Chicagoland area. Our Staff Looks forward daily to work with our customers and offer exceptional customer service as well as multiple Top of the line Brands. Family Owned and operated.

JOIN US LIVE! The iLandscape Show is a three day show that features opportunities for lawn and landscape professionals, equipment dealers, growers, construction businesses, and more to view the newest products, technology and best practices.

Attendee Data Over 6,400 attendees with these top job titles:

Landscape Company Owner/Senior Management Landscape Operations/Project Manager/Estimator Landscape Foreman/Supervisor/ Laborer/Technician Landscape Designer Landscape Architect Landscape Maintenance Municipal/Parks/Government Supplier/Sales Grower/Nursery/ Retailer/Garden Center Other: Arborist, Turf and Irrigation Professionals

         

Attendee Growth Year After Year (Minus a Polar Vortex in 2019)

5,045

5,500

2015

2016

6,003

6,125

2017

2018

5,300

2019

6,430

2020

Attendees

Exhibitor Data 2020 Exhibitor Feedback:

Number of Exhibiting Companies

 210

210

235

275

244

285



95% of exhibitors rated the show good to excellent!

92% of exhibitors rated the quality of visitors to their booth as it

relates to future business good to excellent! 

90% of exhibitors rated the quantity of visitors to their booth good to excellent!

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Number of Exhibiting Companies

Recipient of 4 Trade Show Executive’s Fastest 50 Awards! On the list of the fastest growing trade shows in the U.S.

“Aesthetic Metals has had successful years at the iLandscape trade show and we’ve had a phenomenal response from participating! It has given us great exposure in the landscape community and we’re happy to say we have projects scattered all over the southern Wisconsin and Chicago land area. We really feel like we’re targeting the right people – the location is great – easy exhibit inand-out . . . it all adds up to a positive experience. ” BARB FOSTER, AESTHETIC METALS LLC

Interested in exhibiting? Contact Terre Houte at thoute@ilca.net www.ilandscapeshow.com The Landscape Contractor October 2021

55

Classified Ads HELP WANTED Project Manager NU Construction/ Enhancements Christy Webber Landscapes is a full-service landscape provider offering design, construction, and maintenance programs to residential, commercial, and municipal clients throughout Chicago.

Through proper project management, the Project Manager serves as the vital link between CWL’s high-profile enhancement clientele and the Company to ensure that client expectations regarding quality and service are consistently met and exceeded for the entire lifespan of projects, this includes but is not limited to installation, sales and estimating, project costing, billing, procurement, and employee management.

Please email your resume to jobs@christywebber.com Junior Account Manager Christy Webber is a full-service landscape provider offering design, construction, and maintenance programs to residential, commercial, and municipal clients throughout Chicago.

Under general direction, the Junior Account Manager is the consistent Christy Webber Landscapes’ representative that clients trust.

This is an entry-level mentorship position designed to assist the AMs and Senior AMs with contract administration, site visits, measuring, documentation, and account management under 1 million dollars in actively

HELP WANTED managed accounts. The candidate will work closely with senior staff assisting and learning our processes and practices, all while building a portfolio of their own and gaining expertise. This includes, but is not limited to, sales, estimating, budgeting, invoicing, and quality control through management of horticultural practices and site personnel.

Please email your resume to: jobs@christywebber.com Landscape Architect / Designer (Design/ Build/Sales) Premier is a MULTI-AWARD WINNING full service design/build/maintenance landscape contractor. Our service area encompasses Chicago, and its Suburbs including NW Indiana. The Landscape Designer/ Architect is responsible for all aspects of architectural assignments from utilizing graphic programs, master planning, and construction detailing and project implementation. Individual should be versed in design concepts and basic planting design, hardscape materials, layout and grading. Position will require initiative, unique design palette, teamwork and technological skills. Project creation and implementation coupled with vision and continuous education will guide this individual in the field. Position includes a company provided vehicle. Minimum of 5 years of experience in landscape architecture.

Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, REQUIRED.

HELP WANTED Office Manager Needed Lupfer Landscaping is searching for an Office Manager to oversee the daily operations of our growing business. This is a great opportunity for someone looking for a job that offers ideal work hours and a family-friendly work environment.

Hours: 20-30 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Wage: $20-25/Hour Skills and Experience Required: • Outstanding verbal, written and interpersonal skills.

• Proficient in the use of MS Word, Excel, & Outlook.

• General understanding of QuickBooks.

• Remain professional and composed under pressure.

• Detail-oriented, well organized, flexible, charismatic.

• Ability to revise and create systems to improve office efficiency.

Email resume to: gretchen@lupferlandscaping.com

PLEASE NOTE: “HELP WANTED” AD SALES ARE LIMITED TO ILCA MEMBER COMPANIES Submit your ads online at ilca.net or call Alycia Nagy (630) 472-2851

Email hr@premierservice.com to apply.

Residential Maintenance Account Manager Commercial Maintenance Account Manager Landscape Designer/Project Director Management Associate Call Maria for more information at (847) 876-8042 Or visit jamesmartinassociates.com/careers 56

The Landscape Contractor October 2021

jamesmartinassociates.com | (847) 634-1660

ILCA Members!!

Looking for a career opportunity or have an opening within your company you need to fill? Do you have a business or property to sell?

Post an ad in our classified section!

Classified listings are posted online for 30 days from the date of submittal and run in the next issue of The Landscape Contractor magazine.

We also offer the opportunity to share your posting with our industry list of over 10,000 contacts!

Pricing: $12.00/line with a 10 line minimum.

Feature your ad in our monthly email for $50.00 *Features are available with Classified Posting only

Non-profit postings are available. Contact ILCA for details.

Questions? Email Alycia Nagy at anagy@ilca.net

Submission Note: ads submitted prior to the 15th of each month, will be posted online within 72 hours and run in the very next issue of the magazine.

Ads submitted after the 15th of the month will post online and run in the following month's issue of the magazine

The Landscape Contractor October 2021

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Classified Ads HELP WANTED Account Manager We are growing!

We are seeking a detail-oriented, high-energy performer with exceptional customer service skills and personal drive who works well in a team environment.

The goal of an Account Manager at CPHort is to provide our clients with outstanding service and support while establishing long-term relationships. The desired candidate will have proven skills in both estimating and sales while developing and overseeing a diverse portfolio of projects and multiple accounts.

The individual must have strong interpersonal skills to work with internal partners within the Sales, Project Management, and Production Teams, collaborating to ensure timely, outstanding delivery of every client project.

Minimum requirements: Completion of post-secondary education, whether college, industry-specific or technical training; Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal Speak, read and write in English Preferred additional qualifications: Industry-related experience CLT, CSP, ASM, or ICPI certifications Experience with digital measuring applications Experience with a formal sales process such as Carnegie or Sandler Speak, read and write in Spanish Email resume to Careers@CPHort.com Now Hiring Account Managers Job Description: Account Manager Classification: Full-Time Exempt Salary: $60,000.00-$75,000.00 Reports to: Branch Manager Summary The Account Manager is the primary custom-

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HELP WANTED er contact for contracted accounts within the Landscape Management Division. Position clearly communicates contract specifications to production management and works in conjunction with production to perform services in a profitable manner. This position is responsible for necessary the follow-up and follow-through to maintain positive customer relations, to ensure complete customer satisfaction and contract renewals. Works directly with field supervisors. Suggests and sells non-contracted landscape management services to both meet the needs of property, increase customer satisfaction and gain additional revenue for the company. Implements design builds with the construction division.

Handles all up sales on 1 million of booked business.

Essential Functions 1. Develop strong positive relationships with customer base based upon clear and frequent communication, mutual trust and ability to meet the customer needs. Develop a win-win opportunities for the customer and the company.

2. Proactively manage properties by inspecting and locating problems in the landscape before the customer brings to our attention and then communicate problems to customers. Defines a resolution that is within customers’ needs and budgetary parameters.

3. Frequent, effective, professional, and timely communication with customers. Provides candid feedback on customer relationship and the customer’s perceptions of the product and service being provided, to maximize customer retention.

4. Monitors activity of crews and works closely with production staff regarding scheduling, quality and customer service. Assure all contracted services provided are of good quality and completed in a timely fashion. Communicate to appropriate parties any problem areas and work to find immediate resolution.

5. Assure that property meets customer expectation in terms of appearance and beauty.

6. Maintain job costs per guidelines and assist in meeting profitability goals.

7. Immediately reports to Division Manager any jobs deviating from budgets of time, schedule,

The Landscape Contractor October 2021

HELP WANTED cost or any other factor so appropriates adjustments can be made to maximize results.

8. Makes recommendation regarding qualifying or disqualifying warranty work.

Coordinates completion of warranty work per contract and/or instructions on Division Manager.

9. Maintain a high level of good housekeeping and care of company assets in the field, vehicles, shop, field offices and customer work-sites.

10. Meets or exceeds established sales goals for contracted work and extras.

11. Prepares and presents proposals in complete and professional manner, according to company standards. Follows-up on hard bids and offers value engineered solutions to customers.

12. Ensures all estimates are prepared and approved as needed prior to presenting to customer.

13. Responds to all inquiries and requests for bid in a timely manner.

14. Assist in measuring properties and contract renewal process.

15. Maintains record and tracking of all proposals in progress and timely follows-up to maximize sales opportunities. Aggressively pursues all proposals in progress.

16. Maintains a company-owned database of current customers, prospective customers and past customers to support the marketing and sales effort.

17. Works closely with administrative support to make sure all contract administration is timely and accurate.

18. Stay aware of Best Practices and develop and recommend improved work methods and standards.

19. Support and assist in training of production staff to ensure services are delivered in a manner consistent with contract specifications and company standards.

20. Represents Company at various events, organizations and associations for the purpose of building relationships that lead to new business. Acts in capacity of Company representative and develops community ties to enhance public image and brand of the Company.

Maintains positive relations with other companies in the industry and related industries.

21. Participates in various industry associations to increase knowledge of marketplace, sales

Classified Ads HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

opportunities, the competition, selling techniques and best practices.

22. Acquire and maintain a thorough knowledge of industry trends in order to identify and act upon opportunities for expanded services.

23. Build customer density in work area 24. Meet division guidelines for customer files, reports, and other documentation.

25. Provide feedback to appropriate parties regarding, pricing, competition and other market observations. Exploits changing market opportunities and responds to competitor strategies.

26. Provides feedback to the Marketing Department and offers recommendations regarding marketing strategies, materials and opportunities.

along the Riverwalk. Create RFP’s and solicit bids for annual flower and tulip deliveries.

• Coach, develop and act as crew leader to assigned full and part time staff. Assign and prioritize maintenance tasks. Perform interview sand hiring of seasonal staff.

• Complete monthly inspections of all Riverwalk assets and complete associated work orders.

• Work as lead for special events support and set up. Direct volunteer groups that come to work on the Riverwalk.

Essential Functions • Develop, maintain strong client relations • Point of contact for assigned book of business • Communicates extensively with assigned customers using clients preferred method (face to face, phone, email) • Responds to customer concerns and requests • Complete regular site walks to inspect quality, workmanship; identify enhancement opportunities.

• Responds to client requests for estimates in a timely manner • Prepares reports and proposals • Prepares and delivers estimates • Identify and generate referrals from new and existing clientele • Works closely with operations/field staff • Assists in measuring properties • Assist senior staff, as required • Assist with snow removal preparation, planning, execution, and quality control.

• Assist with snow timesheets/ time entry Competencies • Friendly and positive demeanor • Well organized • Proactive and goal-oriented • Adept at prioritizing / multi-tasking • Ability to walk long distances, outside, in varying weather conditions • Proficient in current technology (smartphone, tablet, etc) • Proficient with keyboarding/data entry • Two year degreed in horticulture, landscape design or similar experience (preferred) • Strong plant identification and knowledge • Previous customer service/account management experience (preferred) • Proficient in Microsoft Office • ability to lift 50 lbs • Valid Driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.

Supervisory Responsibility This position has little supervisory responsibilities but the position requires closely working with the Operations Manager to ensure all accounts are correctly attended to and completed (e.g, work orders, proposals and their completion) Position Type and Expected Hours of Work Monday through Friday during business hours of 7am-4pm. Some Saturdays may be required due to client needs.

Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

1409 Joliet Rd, Lemont, IL 60439 | P: 630.739.0205 | F: 630.778-1325 Park Specialist II – Riverwalk The Naperville Park District is looking for a qualified candidate to join our park maintenance department as a Park Specialist II for the Riverwalk.

• Perform ornamental horticulture maintenance tasks including but not limited to planting and maintaining trees, shrubs, annual and perennial flowers, and fertilizing.

• Develop annual flower and tulip bed designs for numerous beds and large pots

Visit www.napervilleparks.org/employment to apply.

Classic Landscape is Looking for an Estimator/Project Manager We are seeking a project manager/estimator to join our growing company. Classic Landscape Ltd. has been a standard in the landscape industry since 1964 and continues to grow each and every year!

Responsibilities: Blueprint takeoffs Purchase material from vendors Review contract documents ​Qualifications: Landscape Experience Basic Computer Skills Email hire1@classiclandscapeltd.com to apply.

Client Relations / Sales Associate (Jr Account Manager) Due to continued success, a recent restructuring initiative has enabled Elevations Landscaping, Inc. (www.elevationslandscaping.com) to fill new Client Relations / Sales Associate positions in its Bolingbrook location. Reporting directly to the Director of Sales and Client Relations, this exempt leadership position is responsible for developing strong positive relationships with our current customers based on clear and frequent communication, while also meeting sales objectives.

The Landscape Contractor October 2021

Work is predominantly outdoors with exposure to varying temperatures, weather conditions, humidity, and noise levels. This is a full-time, year-round position that offers base salary with bonus opportunities, medical, dental, life, paid time off, paid holidays, company vehicle, and retirement program with match.

Workweek is Monday - Friday; 7 am - 4 pm.

Some Saturdays, when necessary Email resume and cover letter to: employment@elevationslandscaping.com

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Classified Ads HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Landscape Operations Manager

license, proficiency with landscape equipment, as well a preference for managing operations in an analytical, efficient, and practical manner encourages teamwork, results, and accountability. Additionally, the ideal candidate will possess unquestioned integrity and business ethics, comfort with being detail-oriented, and a willingness to take proactive steps toward improving processes and efficiencies, where possible.

This position offers a competitive base salary starting from the mid-sixties dependent upon experience, company vehicle, health care benefits, paid holiday and vacation time, and a lucrative incentive program. We look forward to you joining our company, leading our team, and improving your lifestyle through results-oriented success, fulfilling your professional growth ambitions, and redefining your future.

This career opportunity offers a competitive salary, a performance-based bonus program, reimbursed business expenses and other company benefits.

Landscape Operations Manager Due to continued success, a recent restructuring initiative has enabled Elevations Landscaping, Inc. (www.elevationslandscaping.com) to fill a new Operations Manager position in its Bolingbrook location. Reporting directly to the General Manager, this exempt leadership position is responsible for coordinating all field operations functions, leveraging the efficiency of the Aspire software platform, promoting a mature, efficient, and well-organized approach to executing best practices.

In specific, the Operations Manager is directly responsible for contributing to company success by: - Manages/schedules landscape maintenance portfolio and enhancement installations, to include people, equipment, and materials.

- Manages job costs and adjust as needed to meet profit goal. Responsible for profitable performance of the job.

- Inspect and monitor worksites to ensure appropriate staffing levels to meet quality and budget goals; make changes to schedule/crew size as necessary.

- Coordinate material purchases and delivery - Manages yard stock inventory - Approve time sheets, create PO’s, create job costing reports, and complete additional relevant administrative duties, as necessary.

- Manage, train, and motivate crew associates, to include rewards, discipline, and counseling.

- Assist with snow preparation and readiness.

The optimal candidate will have at least four years of supervisory/management experience in the Horticulture field, a valid driver’s

Email resume and cover letter to: employment@elevationslandscaping.com

Construction Project Manager Woodland Commercial is seeking to fill the following position: Construction Estimator/ Project Manager ·

Responsible for bidding projects, procuring contract.

·

All bid and construction document management.

·

Material procurement/submittal process management of job in field.

·

Close out of job and all associated documents.

·

Close and manage between 1.5mm and 3mm.

Project Manager American Gardens LLC, Elmhurst, IL, is actively searching for a Project Manager with a proven track record of success in managing multiple projects and crews while hitting the forecasted gross profit margins.

Ideal candidate will instruct, direct, and monitor staff; providing materials, directions, tools and logistical support to the field in order to maximize output per labor hour.

Experience in the landscape/green industry, specifically hardscapes, lighting and ornamental planting is required.

Please send all resumes to Dan@woodlandcommercial.com CLASSIFIED ADS CLOSING DATES & RATES October 2021 issue ads: Sept, 15 November 2021 issue ads: Oct. 15 PLEASE NOTE: “HELP WANTED” AD SALES ARE LIMITED TO ILCA MEMBER COMPANIES

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

Magazine Cost is $5 per line Minimum charge $50 Website Cost is $12 per line Minimum charge $120 (About 6 words/line)

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

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To apply for this position, and learn more about job requirements and responsibilities, please forward a resume and cover letter to: Recruiting Director hr@americangardensllc.com with “Project Manager” as your email subject

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

The Landscape Contractor October 2021

Advertisers 1st Choice Equipment ............................................50 Bartlett Tree Experts ..............................................45 Breezy Hill Nursery ................................................44 Cardno ....................................................................46 Clesen Wholesale ....................................................14 Compost Supply .......................................................42 Ditch Witch Midwest ...............................................29 Doty Nurseries LLC ..................................................4 Fairview Evergreen Nurseries ..................................51

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

Pop goes the border!

By Nina A. Koziol

Top-notch containers often get parked on patios or front stoops. But who says they can’t sit in beds and borders? And how about filling them with vegetables that are cool ornamentals? Or annuals trained to a single trunk? Frank Mariani’s beautiful gardens in Lake Forest boast more than three dozen pots filled with flowers, tropicals and edibles.

Goodmark Nureseries .............................................49 Green Glen Nursery ...............................................63 Hinsdale Nurseries, Inc. ..........................................12 Homer Industries ...................................................53 James Martin Associates .........................................56 Lafarge Fox River Stone ........................................43

An elegant terra-cotta pot filled with Bull’s Blood beets sits in a border surrounded by angelonia, dahlias and sweet autumn clematis.

Longshadow Planters .............................................11 Mariani Plants ..........................................................6 Mariani Plants ........................................................37 McGinty Bros. .......................................................48 Midwest Groundcovers ............................................2 Midwest Trading ......................................................35

Matching pots of succulents and tropicals flank the flagstone entry to the cut-flower garden.

Fuchsias trained as standards highlight the rustic wood arbor.

Montale Gardens ......................................................27 Northshore Truck ....................................................13 Rocks etc..................................................................21 RWC Insurance .......................................................51 Spring Meadow Nursery ..........................................15 Straughn Farm ........................................................47 The Landscape Contractor magazine ........................60 The Mulch Center ....................................................23 Turtle Creek Nursery ................................................45 Unilock, Inc. ...........................................................64 Xylem ......................................................................21

The Landscape Contractor October 2021

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Hidden Gems Worth Visiting

Richmond Education Gardens

by Heather Prince

On Earth Day in 2017, ground was broken at a

small corner where the villages of Westmont and Clarendon Hills meet and a unique garden was born. Funding challenges arose but, in 2019, the rain garden was installed as an Eagle Scout project and the momentum to finish the gardens gained traction. Today, visitors are greeted by newly finished paving, new plants, and a banner proclaiming the garden open to all.

The plot of land is owned jointly by the two villages on a small unused public road right of way between the Clarendon Hills Public Works facility and the Downers Grove Township Highway Garage, south of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad. Its entrance is marked by gabion baskets of stones, a bioswale that directs stormwater to the rain garden and one of two council rings. The landscape design features repeated circles and curves allowing for easy movement between spaces. An outdoor classroom is planned but waits on more funding to be finished. An old-fashioned water pump allows local students and village staff to water as needed. The entry garden is filled with colorful zinnias busy with bees. Native perennials have been installed as plugs and are settling in. Native shrubs including pawpaw, currant, and serviceberry are thriving. Raised beds shelter crops including sunflowers, squash, and beans. And of course, there’s a fenced area for beehives decorated with a colorful bee sculpture. As much as 400 pounds

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1 S. Richmond Ave, Clarendon Hills, IL www.richmondgardens.org Admission: free

of honey have been collected from the hives.

This is a surprise space in an out-of-the-way corner along a busy rail line. The gardens are humming with pollinators as they bounce from flower to flower. In the late summer, waves of tall boneset (Eupatorium altissimum) provide silvery leaves and clouds of white flowers for bees and butterflies before they migrate or hibernate. Native plants with edible fruit are featured and also draw plenty of birds.

The curving lines of the hardscape draw you in, encourage exploration, and cause you to amble through the spaces. Many features are tucked into this tiny space, including a compost station and utility shed, yet the gardens do not feel cramped or crowded. Volunteers and staff from both villages maintain the space and keep it weed-free and healthy. Local schools have work days and field trips so that students can plunge hands in the soil and experience growing food as well as interact with nature.

Now that the hardscape has been finalized and the last of the plants installed, this is a garden to watch. Not only is it a unique public/private partnership and a demonstration garden of permaculture principals, it is also a neighborhood gathering place.

The bees have clearly found a welcome home and with a little luck, these gardens will continue to be a productive haven for people and pollinators.

The Landscape Contractor October 2021

THE ORIGINAL FACEMIX

CLASSIC THRUMIX

Less resistant to wear

REFINED SURFACE TEXTURE

CONCENTRATED COLOR THAT LASTS

Facemix manufacturing was a concept we introduced more than twenty-five years ago. Trademarked Enduracolor, this two phase manufacturing process delivers a surface texture that is more refined and resistant to wear than old-style thru mix. With Enduracolor, you don’t need to seal the project in order to protect it from surface wear and color fading. That saves you time, and it saves your homeowners money.

Contact 1-800-UNILOCK or visit UNILOCK.COM to connect with your local Territory Manager.