Fire + Ice

from The Landscape Contractor magazine SEPT.22 Digital Edition

From Where I Stand

Fire Meets Ice and an Event Is Transformed

by Nina A.Koziol

Axe throwing. Shaved ice. Vendors galore

with new and unusual plants and tons of equipment and power tools. Educational sessions and tours. And beer! What’s not to like? That was the vibe among more than 800 people who attended ILCA’s Field Days at Cantigny in Wheaton last month and by all estimates it was a roaring success.

“This is the largest annual gathering of lawn and landscape professionals outside of iLandscape,” said Scott Grams, ILCA’s executive director. “People come and stay for a variety of reasons. They want some education, some fun, some inspiration, some tours and some interaction with vendors.” And he’s not kidding —the place had a post-pandemic buzz with attendees networking, strolling the outdoor exhibits and taking a break from their usual hectic workday.

“It’s a busy time of year to get away, but I wanted to be here,” said Duane Draughon, outdoor living design specialist at VizX Design Studios in Chicago. He planned to head right back to work after the event. Lisa Pollman of Schmechtig agreed. “It’s been nonstop, but you have to make the time.” Patterned on success Walkabout educational tours through more than 60 exhibits allowed attendees to learn about new plant introductions and electric and labor- saving equipment. Four educational sessions featured panels of experts discussing everything from contracts, liquids for snow operations and budgeting strategies to fuel surcharges and lot Executive Director Scott Grams and yard security. “That is why the Fire and Ice event had so many diverse activities happening throughout the day,” Grams said. “We recognize August is very busy for this industry, so the show

Landscape Architect Craig Kruckenburg leads a tour of the redesigned gardens.

has to balance being laid back and informative, but not frivolous and silly. That is our challenge and I think we met it.”

See the sights

Guided tours of Cantigny’s recently renovated gardens were a plus for this busy crowd. It was a first-time visit for landscape architect Bailey Hoines. “Oh my gosh! Cantigny is beautiful and very inspirational.” She was also amused by watching her co-worker and ILCA board member Ashley Marrin take part in the axe throwing activity. “That was fun to watch.”

Some firms brought several staff who fanned out to visit exhibitors. “Snow is such an important part of the landscape world,” Grams said. “Sixty percent of ILCA members plow snow. With that said, very few have dedicated snow staff. That is why picking your spots in the late summer for snow education is so vital. It allows them to prepare for snow season before they are in it and for the very short slow down in the landscape season.”

Steve Raczak of Twixwood showed tour-takers some of the new plant introductions, including Chameleon little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Chameleon’), a variegated native grass with narrow green and cream leaves that form an upright fountain. Many thought it was a new feather reed grass, but this nativar is much beefier. And yes, there was an audible gasp when people realized the plant was a bluestem. While there was some buzz about the economy, inflation and a possible recession, attendees are still playing catchup with projects and they expect to be busy well into 2023. “The industry is still crushing it right now,” Grams said. “Nothing has slowed down. The fact we had 800 people attend was a great achievement given how behind many companies are heading into a very busy fall.”

Roger Ross, consulting arborist and former instructor at Joliet Junior College, has attended almost every Field Day. “This is great. We love coming and seeing what’s new.” (continued on page 12)

(continued from page 11)

ILCA’s Snow Committee and Summer Field Day Committee worked together to pull off this popular event with the help of an army of volunteers. “People loved the new format,” Grams said. “It was great seeing Instagram and Facebook flooded with pictures and videos of teams enjoying the day with one another.”

You’ll find many more opportunities for education, networking and fun in the months ahead: https://ilca.net/ilca-events/