Plant Shortage Woes
Holiday Pots Celebrate the Beauty of the Season
Contact Midwest Groundcovers Sales Team: P: 847-742-1790 | F: 847-742-2655 MGSALES@MIDWESTGROUNDCOVERS.COM WWW.MIDWESTGROUNDCOVERS.COM
Contact Midwest Tradings Sales Team: P: 630-365-1990 | F: 630-365-3818 MTSALES@MIDWEST-TRADING.COM WWW.MIDWEST-TRADING.COM
December 2020
CONTENTS Excellence In Landscape Awards Project FOCUS: Goodbye 2020
iLandscape 365 — A necessary pivot for the times
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Holiday Pots — 12 Celebrating the beauty of the season ILCA Annual Party and Membership Meeting 16 Johnny Ilca rocked the show
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ILCA 2020 Golf Outing 20 A socially-distanced event exceeded expectation “Sorry, we’re sold out.” 24 Tips on coping with plant shortages
EN ESPAÑOL
“Lo sentimos, pero se nos agotaron las existencias” “Sorry, we’re sold out.”
32
Extraordinary Fall Shrubs Todd Jacobson weighs in
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16
Get Energized 50 5 tips to create energy in virtual presentations New Member Profile 54 Hunter/FX
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In Memoriam Grace Koehler Hidden Landscape Gems Oak Park Conservatory
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On the cover... Bill Chorvat of Hursthouse relates: It was 2018 when we had the 6” - 8” of snow right around Thanksgiving. We had to chip all the pots out because they were frozen solid. The snow kept up till 11 AM, which we finished in time to get the photo. The Landscape Contractor December 2020
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CONTENTS
DEPARTMENTS ILCA Calendar From Where I Stand President’s Message Classified Ads Advertisers Index
Photo Credits
ILCA Awards Committee 1, 8-9 Hursthouse, Inc. 7, 12-15 ILCA Membership Committee 16-19 ILCA Golf Committee 20-22 Nina Koziol 24-29 Todd Jacobson, Morton Arboretum 38-49
A Note about COVID-19 Readers of this magazine should not think we are trying to avoid dicussion of the COVID-19 pandemic. That information has been extraordinarily presented with the COVID-19 daily email from Scott Grams and the dedicated COVID-19 ILCA Facebook page. The Landscape Contractor magazine will continue to focus on its normal landscape design/construction/maintenance/ and general business content. We hope this approach provides a brief respite from the stresses of the day.
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Kevin Battistoni ILCA Photo Archive Oak Park Conseratory
Calendar
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FEBRUARY
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
COMING 2021
Volume 61, Number 12. The Landscape Contractor (ISSN # 0194-7257, USPS # 476-490) is published monthly for $75.00 per year by the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association, 2625 Butterfield Road, Ste. 104S, Oak Brook, IL 60523. Periodicals postage paid at Oak Brook, IL and additional mailing offices. Printed in USA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Landscape Contractor, 2625 Butterfield Road, Ste 104S, Oak Brook, IL 60523. DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES: Association Publishing Partners, Inc., Ph. (630) 637-8632 Fax (630) 637-8629 email: rmgi@comcast.net CLASSIFIED ADS, CIRCULATION AND SUBSCRIPTION: ILCA (630) 472-2851 Fax (630) 472-3150 PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL OFFICE: Rick Reuland, rmgi@comcast.net, Naperville, IL 60540 Ph. (630) 637-8632 PRODUCT DISCLAIMER: The Illinois Landscape Contractors Association, its Board of Directors, the Magazine Committee, ILCA Staff, The Landscape Contractor and its staff, neither endorse any products nor attest to the validity of any statements made about products
ILCA Staff
Magazine Staff
Executive Director Scott Grams (630) 472-2851 sgrams@ilca.net
Rick Reuland Publisher/Advertising Sales (630) 637-8632 rmgi@comcast.net
Education Manager AnneMarie Drufke adrufke@ilca.net
Debbie Rauen Advertising Sales (817-501-2403) debbie.landscapecontractor@ yahoo.com
Events Manager Terre Houte thoute@ilca.net Office Manager Alycia Nagy anagy@ilca.net Membership & Marketing Manager Marissa Stubler mstubler@ilca.net
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The Landscape Contractor December 2020
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From Where I Stand — It’s that time again for everyone’s annual burn-
out. If I know landscape professionals, the pre-holiday period is just a slow, arduous crawl towards the finish line. Yes, most December profit is pure gravy, but it comes at a price. This season has been especially daunting due to the pandemic and the surprising profits that came with it. The next few months are critical for that factory reset. I wanted to offer my story of how I got control of my rowboat as it navigated the squalls of 2020. On April 1, 2020, I started running in place in my TV room. The weather was too cold to go outside so I ran in place on the carpet for five minutes at a time. I played soccer for many years, but I never considered myself “a runner.” I had friends who ran cross country in high school and I was convinced that sport was merely a holdover from Japanese P.O.W. camps in WWII. Running in place does not help you fall in love with running. You sweat and pant and stare at a wall until the timer goes off. Each time I ran, I’d try to add a little more time to the clock. Soon, I was up to seven minutes. Then 10 minutes. A few weeks later, I was up to 30 minutes. The weather started to warm around the same time my carpet started to wear out. My family held an intervention to banish my running to the outdoors. What I started to enjoy about running was the time it allowed me to think in a constructive manner. The entire world, along with ILCA was going through drastic changes during the spring. We were battling to keep landscape professionals working and working safely. My staff adopted the mindset of getting through twoweek intervals at a time. We focused on what we could control in the short term. We either didn’t have the bandwidth or blissfully ignored the impact Covid may have on our winter events and tradeshow. When I ran, I could clear my head and just focus on putting one foot in front of the other. It offered me longer and longer, uninterrupted periods of peace and deep thought. As soon as my garage door opened, my air pods would go in and I’d escape. In order to run long distance, you need three things to work in perfect harmony — your legs, your lungs, and your brain. Two out of three will get you pretty far, one out of three is brutal. Zero out of three won’t get you off the couch. For the first few months, getting those three to just get along was like a parent trying to prevent the kids from fighting in the backseat during a long road trip. The brain is totally the youngest child. The mouthy one who has his own ideas on everything. Eventually, the lungs and legs fall in line, but that brain is always acting up. He always has some bright idea on what he’d rather be doing. He’s the one in the backseat who asks “are we there yet?” as you back out of the driveway. When you distance run, you spend a lot of time with your brain. Most days, I’d finish recording my daily ILCA Facebook video, and be putting on my running clothes as it uploaded. While
that uploaded, I needed my mental download time. My running allowed me to lay out figurative next steps for ILCA while I took my literal next steps for myself. Running also taught me the value of goal setting again. I set a goal that I wanted to run a half marathon by August 1st. With each week, just like I did on my carpet staring at a wall, I’d add more and more distance to my long run. On July 30th, two days before my deadline, I accomplished that goal. I finished my half marathon in under two hours. I was lucky enough to find an overcast, cool July afternoon and went for it. That night, as I rested my knees and enjoyed an ice cold beer, I knew that a marathon was still possible by October 15th if I was ready. I started a Facebook messenger conversation with an old fraternity brother who did ultra-marathons. He congratulated me on my accomplishment. I was starting to get pain in my IT bands which is common for distance runners and can be very painful. He walked me through how to address that so my triumvirate of legs, lungs, and brain would stay on target. He warned me that with a marathon, the last five miles are just you and your brain. Your body will have completely betrayed you. It is your brain who steps-up and drags every inch of you forward. Your body is keenly aware it is being abused. If your brain isn’t ready for 26.2, you will fail. The first time I got to 18 miles was brutally painful. My IT bands were on fire and felt like they were going to pop out of my skin and go join some lazier person’s legs. I was dehydrated and my mouth felt like a salt cave. I couldn’t believe I still had to figure out how to churn out another 8.2 miles. Then I remembered, I was regularly running half marathons. What once seemed impossible had become routine. I just needed to stay focused on my goal and continue to work with my brain who was certainly leery of what was going on and my legs were beginning to agree. The next week I was up to a 20 mile long run. I was close. The day I attempted my marathon, I did not intend to. I wanted to run 22 miles and felt my marathon was still two weeks away. My IT band exercises and a knee brace had stabilized the pain. I began running that afternoon and just felt really good. I had plowed through 14 miles and felt like I could run all day. My marathon route takes me past my house so I can grab a chilled water bottle each time I pass. When I hit 21 miles, I knew this was the day. Running a marathon isn’t like climbing a mountain. You don’t stop for the day, rest up, and make the final ascent tomorrow. If I stopped, the next long run would start right back at zero. The problem was, the sun was setting as it was nearing 7pm. I ran inside and yelled to my kids that Daddy was going for it. I grabbed a mini-flashlight from the drawer. My kids, and I will never forget this, ran with me down the street barking words of encouragement. They yelled, “Go, Daddy go! Woo-hoo.” However, soon their voices faded and I was all alone. It was just me and my brain.
Thinking on my Feet
The Landscape Contractor December 2020
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From Where I Stand —
A L L TO G E T H E R B E T T E R W W W. M A R I A N I P L A N T S .COM
866-627-4264
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At that moment, my ultra-marathoning friend was right, my lower body started to throw in the towel. My hips and knees were on fire. My back tightened like a monkey’s fist. The sun had set and the woods were pitch black. I ran with my flashlight in hand more afraid of coyotes at this point than a heart attack. My brain and I shared a laugh at how embarrassing it was going to be when my obituary read, “Local man mauled by coyotes trying to finish an unsanctioned marathon.” My final 2.5 miles were painful. I had only one gear left and it creaked and groaned. Then, my mind took over. It remembered all the time we’d shared over the past six months. The professional quandaries that were solved by staring at the horizon line. The courage my staff and volunteer members have had to reinvent ILCA and our member services model in the face of this pandemic. The support of my Board of Directors for giving us the mandate, trust, and rope to self-improve. I thought of my wife and kids letting me disappear for 3.5 hours at a time to run out my stress and anxieties. Mostly, I thought about my brain and how much I enjoyed spending time with him again. The part of our brain who is our harshest critic and our greatest ally. The part who says, “prove it.” The part who, in the end, is with us every step of the way. Flashlight in hand, I crossed the finish line in 3 hours and 58 minutes. The second I stopped running, my entire body locked up and it took me about six minutes to get up my flight of stairs to a warm bath my wife and kids drew for me. The next day, my body felt like I had been Roman-Greco wrestling on gravel. Two days later, the pain had receded and I was back to normal. The main point I want to make is how vital it is that we take time for ourselves. These holidays are going to be lonelier than normal. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the holiday season are a time of great joy, but also self-reflection. I enjoy a glass of whisky as much as the next guy, but I feel that doesn’t offer me the balance of peace, quiet, and self-improvement that we all need to fuel our engines. Doom-scrolling the internet or mindlessly staring at social media doesn’t do it either. I cannot stress how important it is for working professionals to find some activity that allows for some alone time with you and your brain. It does not need to be running a marathon or even exercise, at all. It can be a daily walk, reading the newspaper, a hobby, playing music, or just sitting on the back porch. If we reach out to someone this holiday season, let it be that part of your brain that we often drown out with noise and distractions. This is the time of year we search for peace on earth and good will towards men. Perhaps we start finding some peace within ourselves. Most landscape professionals attempt to cram a full battery recharge into a few months complete with their own stressors. Maybe a better alternative is to identify a positive outlet throughout the year that leads to periodic self-reflection. Those first attempts may seem small and clumsy, but you’ll get the hang of it. After all, sometimes to get somewhere meaningful you first need to run in one place. Scott Grams Executive Director, ILCA November 23, 2020
The Landscape Contractor December 2020
President’s Message — This has been an unprecedented season. It has been beyond
difficult. We all have had to deal with situations that are so unfamiliar. It makes it hard to carve out a path for our companies, our employees and not to mention our personal futures. What I want to remind everyone right now, is that we should consider this time as an opportunity to bind together. It’s not easy to reach out. One of the hallmarks of ILCA is the fact that we can network. We can lean on one another and not feel alone. Grasp on to that during this time. Did you meet someone at an at event that you thought might inspire you? Call them. There is no better time. We need each other right now. That being said, I want to wish everyone what we all deserve — health and happiness in abundance. We deserve it.
President
Donna Vignocchi Zych ILT Vignocchi, Inc. (847) 487-5200 dvignocchi@iltvignocchi.com
Vice-President
Scott McAdam, Jr. McAdam Landscaping, Inc. (708) 771-2299 Scottjr@mcadamlandscape.com
Secretary-Treasurer
Best wishes for joyous holiday season.
Jeff Kramer Kramer Tree Specialists, Inc, (630) 293-5444 jwkramer@kramertree.com
Sincerely,
Donna Vignocchi Zych President, Illinois Landscape Contractors Association
Immediate Past President
Jose Garcia Natural Creations Landscaping, Inc. (815) 724-0991 info@naturalcreationslandscaping.com
Esta ha sido una temporada sin precedentes. Ha sido mucho más que difícil. Todos hemos tenido que lidiar con situaciones tan desconocidas que nos resulta difícil marcar la ruta para nuestras compañías, nuestros empleados y, de manera especial, nuestro futuro personal. Lo que quiero recordar a todos ahora es que debemos considerar este momento como una oportunidad de unirnos. No es fácil ponernos en contacto. Uno de las características sobresalientes de ILCA es que podemos trabajar juntos. Podemos apoyarnos mutuamente y no sentirnos solos. Sujetémonos a esta idea durante este tiempo. ¿Conoció durante un evento a una persona que usted pensó podría inspirarlo? Llámela. No hay mejor momento. Nos necesitamos mutuamente ahora. Dicho esto, quiero desear a todos lo que todos nos merecemos — salud y felicidad en abundancia. Nos las merecemos.
Directors
Eric Adams Russo Power Equipment (847) 233-7811 eadams@russopower.com Jim Cirrincione Hinsdale Nurseries, Inc. (630) 323-1411 jcirrincione@hinsdalenurseries .com 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
Ashley Marrin Bret-Mar Landscape Management Group, Inc. (708) 301-8160 ashley@bretmarlandscape.com Mark Utendorf Emerald Lawn Care, Inc. (847) 392-7097 marku@emeraldlawncare.com
The Landscape Contractor December 2020
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Mariani Landscape • Lake Bluff Belgian Beauty
The owner of this 1923 Belgian Tudor, an avid
gardener, came to the design firm requesting English perennial borders and a safe, comfortable space for family entertainment. With the majority of the property’s open space located in the front of the house and on a busy street, the landscape architects were faced with creating outdoor spaces that felt enclosed and offered separation, while maintaining views to the front of the home allowing for curb appeal. Working with the homeowner, the landscape architect developed a design intent of accentuating the style of the home, while incorporating functionality for this young family. The landscape architect separated the front yard into four garden rooms: the front door and drive, an entertainment terrace, an open lawn space and a play fort for their young chil-
dren to explore. The front door was accentuated with a bluestone walk and simple, galvanized steel planters. To create the casual entertainment space, a pea gravel terrace was installed and anchored with a steel fire bowl for friends and family to gather around. A rustic fence encloses the terrace, and family dog, while allowing views of the gardens and open lawn. A new stoop was functionality added to existing French doors to allow connectivity to the interior spaces. The formal lawn is surrounded by perennial gardens and separated from the front drive with a Belgian fence formed with espalier pear trees. Tall arborvitaes anchor the corners of the property and provide a background to the perennials borders. The end result is a perfect place for this young family to entertain and play.
The Landscape Contractor December 2020
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iLandscape Update—
ILCA Counters Pandemic Reality with a Unique Event—
by Meta Levin
Yes, Virginia, there will be an iLandscape in 2021,
just a little different, but educational, fun and creative all the same. In fact, says ILCA Executive Director Scott Grams, many of the constructs, necessary to a successful virtual event, most likely will outlive the actual trade show itself, which is scheduled for February 3-4, 2021, at a computer near you. No long drives. No worries about the weather. No masks. And, best of all, no parking hassles.
So, sit back, get comfy and let’s go
“We can get the best speakers,” says Grams. And, because show organizers do not have to pay for a speaker’s travel, hotel, meals and other expenses, there are more opportunities. They will be announced in weekly emails to ILCA members beginning after Thanksgiving. Better yet, keynote speakers’ presentations will be recorded, so attendees will be able to watch them at their leisure. There will be two keynotes a day and another six that represent those who were previously a part of the smaller trade show presentations. The 40 to 50 education sessions will be similar. Attendees will not be required to choose between two or even three that sound good, but are scheduled concurrently. Like the keynote speakers, education offerings will be recorded and ready when you are. So, watch any and all with the same education pass. And, if Spanish is your preference, the online platform will allow for Spanish subtitles, something never before available. The iLandscape Committee also is introducing 10-minute master classes. These will feature high profile experts who will talk about specific topics. “These are can’t miss sessions,” says Grams. “You can learn the most in the least amount of time.”
Experience is the best teacher
If this pandemic and ILCA’s experience with Turf Education Day, the Impact Conference and their ilk has taught them anything, it is that attendees like to access content on their own time. If you are bemoaning the lost opportunity to walk the trade show floor and talk with your vendors, iLandscape 365 has you covered there, too. The Exhibit halls have morphed into an online Marketplace, where each exhibitor will have an interactive page. 10
Each page will have a company description, along with links to catalogues and spec sheets, videos, and opportunities to search by product and make appointments – in person or via a video platform. “The concept is to make it easily searchable,” says Grams.
But wait, there is more
As the year goes on, those in the Marketplace can promote what’s new, nursery catalogues, new products, machinery, the latest and greatest and as they post to their Market Place page, an email notice will go out to all who attended iLandscape 365. So, vendors will not be limited to what they have at the show, they can continue to update attendees 365 days a year. “We’ve never had that before,” says Grams. As of this writing, 40 to 50 vendors have signed on for the Marketplace. Grams expects more as the virtual show nears. If you enjoyed the raffles. Well, the iLandscape Experience Committee is working on ways to include those, too. Networking? That, too. Through a platform called REMO, attendees will enter a virtual lobby where they will be able to access online groups discussing a variety of topics. In fact, they can bounce from small group to small group, all the better to enhance their networking experiences. Daytime and evening diversions? Entertainers? Trivia night? iPix Photo Contest? Yes. Yes. Yes. And yes. “You can create your own experience by picking and choosing what interests you,” says Grams. Awards night will, however, be a late afternoon. No matter, it will feature some of the best of the best in the landscape industry and honorees will not know who won until the awards are announced. The program will be shorter and, says Grams, “more compressed.” Right now, iLandscape Experience Committee chairs Chris Walsh and David Warning, as well as Education Committee chair Kim Hartmann and associate chair Mike Blackwell, and Erika Walters of the Latino Relations Committee and all their committee members are hard at work. iLandscape 365 will be different and, says Grams, fulfilling. “We’ve never let the industry down.” And in 2022, “we’re going to have the party of the century.”
The Landscape Contractor December 2020
L O N G S H A D OW
®
. COM
Hand Crafted in Southern Illinois by Classic Garden Ornaments, Ltd.® Fine planters, figures and garden ornaments for legendary gardens.
Washington 32 & Plinth, LS 6139
The Executive Mansion, Frankfort, Kentucky.
Special — New Trends in Holiday Pots
Holiday Pots: Celebrating the Beau by Nina A. Koziol
What will the fashionable garden wear this holiday season? Attractive, colorful winter containers—and not just the usual greens and a few random twigs. “This is our third season of providing custom seasonal arrangements,” says Bill Chorvat, division manager of maintenance at Hursthouse in Bolingbrook. Their client list for seasonal containers has grown, but he never does the same design twice. “We always want to push the envelope and use something that others aren’t using.” With Hursthouse team members, Chorvat creates the centerpieces at the office. The finished centerpieces are positioned on site in the pots and the base materials are carefully added. “Our containers are a reflection of our clients’ specific styles and tastes. We just put our unique spin on it and we go for different textures with contrasting accents.” In addition to live and dried plant material, Chorvat uses 250 types of accents for containers. He searches wholesalers and finer floral boutiques for artificial berries, decorative stems, branches, ornaments, fruits and other unusual items to enhance his long-lasting arrangements. Chorvat’s newest designs have extra pop this season. “There’s a bigger show of detail. We’re going with bigger color with a more simple appearance that will provide greater impact.” For example, he’ll spray paint dried panicle hydrangea blossoms and lotus pods to insert in the centerpiece. “We try to match our clients’ personal tastes and the interior colors they use for the season.” And, for the cold, long winter nights ahead, Chorvat artistically lights some containers for that special look in the evening. Some lights are tucked deep in the planter for a subdued look. Some clients want a softer look while others may ask for more dramatic lighting. After he completes every single container, he’s thinking about next season and how he’ll design it and what materials he’ll use. “We’re always looking ahead.”
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Simple, dried hydrangea blossoms add texture against the lotus pods that Chorvat painted green. Faux branches of fall leaves are covered with artificial snow. The overall look of pale green, bronze, mahogany, beige and silver creates a stylish composition that will last throughout the winter.
The Landscape Contractor December 2020
uty of the Season
These elegant urns are filled with cedar, fir, silver eucalyptus, magnolia leaves, red twigs and artificial white berries for a lush, long-lasting arrangement. Chorvat and his team created the magnolia garland above the front entryway.
The curly willow stems appear on fire as the sun sets. Chorvat placed lighting inside the planter to create a dramatic look on winter nights. The Landscape Contractor December 2020
13
Special — New Trends in Holiday Pots
A single spruce tree is accented with birch branches, lotus pods, huckleberry stems, eucalyptus, Oregonia and artificial berry sprigs. The rustic “vine ball” ornaments complete the holiday look.
In place of predictable red bows found on many planters, Chorvat used two types of gold and bronze ribbons paired together and positioned at the front of the urns, creating a rustic, but
14
The Landscape Contractor December 2020
A traditional pot with fir, Oregonia (which looks like variegated boxwood) eucalyptus, teasel, curly willow and artificial apples. “The three main evergreens I use are noble fir, fraser fir and white spruce. I haven’t used arborvitae because it’s brown by January,” Chorvat said.
Cinnamon-colored fantail willow stems are the “thriller” in this shallow planter. Dry, sprayed hydrangeas and gold sparkly ornaments add spots of color and contrast against the fir branches.
The Landscape Contractor 15 December 2020
Fall Event Highlights —
One Night Only
Annual Party & by Meta L. Levin
With Johnny Ilca (aka Scott Grams) and ILCA
Membership Committee Chair Debbie McGuire in the driver’s seat, ILCA’s Annual Party 2020 ventured into the high tech, virtual world, providing business, fun and even Bingo to more than 180 ILCA members. Of significant note, all of these members participated from their own locations. “Business is on the front end,” Johnny Ilca told virtual party goers. “Fun on the back.” He also promised that next year the first round is on him. Was there a recording of that? For the ninth consecutive year, Rental Max was the Premier Gold Sponsor for the annual party. ILCA President Donna Vignocchi Zych spoke for just about everyone when she said, “You never quite know the hand that is going to be dealt to you when you become ILCA president, but I don’t think anyone could’ve anticipated this.” Her family’s business, ILT Vignocchi, is celebrating its 50th anniversary as an ILCA member. Vignocchi-Zych also had the honor of announcing this year’s Distinguished Supplier, Red’s Garden Center, Northbrook, and the ILCA Person of the Year, The Landscape Contractor magazine editor, Rick Reuland. “Rick,” she said. “has been a treasured asset of the ILCA for decades and I am thrilled we are finally getting around to honoring his contributions.” Of Red’s Garden Center, Vignocchi-Zych, noted that ILT Vignocchi has been working with the company for 40 or 50 years, saying, “…it’s been such a privilege to see a company who understands the old school values of loyalty, customer service and integrity grow into the company they are today.” (continued on page 18)
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Scott Grams, was unable to attend
José Garcia
Immediate Past President
ILCA First Couple Donna Vignocchi Zych ILCA President and Aaron Zych, Debbie McGuire, Membership Committee Chair and event co-host of the Membership Committee
The Landscape Contractor December 2020
& Membership Meeting
Johnny Ilca Host of the virtual event
ILCA President Donna Vignocchi Zych live on tape, addressing attendees.
The Landscape Contractor December 2020
17
Fall Event Highlights — (continued from page 16) There were other honors bestowed during the virtual annual meeting: 1.
2.
The Golf Committee, which sold out its 2019 Golf Outing and managed to hold two more during a Pandemic, earned Committee of the Year honors. This was the eighth year ILCA had named a Committee of the Year, which pays tribute to a committee – the entire committee – for outstanding service to ILCA. For the first time, ILCA recognized a committee with the Committee Cup, which went to The Women’s Networking Group Committee. They will be awarded a $300 Happy Hour budget. The Committee goes to Committee wit the best attendance at the Annual Party
Johnny Ilca introduced immediate past president Jose Garcia, who he described as “calm, optimistic” and exhibiting “strong leadership.” He has a “love of education and never misses a chance to give back,” says Ilca, on behalf of Scott Grams. “Time goes by fast,” says Garcia, while praising the board and committees with whom he worked. “They stayed focused on the things that were most important to our membership.” The 2020 iLandscape was a great success, he says, but “after that people were hit hard and they still are trying to recover. In the world today, the only thing that is constant, is change,” says Garcia
25 Year Members Ten member firms were honored for being a part of ILCA for 25 years from 1995 to 2020. They include •
Alan M. Landscaping. Inc.
•
Eden Stone Co.
• • • • • • • •
Chicago Specialty Gardens, Inc. Evergreen Landscape Associates LLC Genesis Nursery, Inc. Lupfer Landscaping
Noland’s Landscaping, Inc. Stuber Land Design, Inc.
The Fields on Caton Farm, Inc.
Winkler’s Tree & Landscaping, Inc.
A few of the high-spirited virtual
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The Landscape Contractor December 2020
50 Year Members
Four member firms joined in 1970 and now are part of the elite 50-year member group. They include: •
ILT Vignocchi, Inc.
•
The Barn Nursery & Landscape Center
• •
Rental Max was the Premier Gold Sponsor
Schwarz Nursery & Garden Center Wasco Nursery & Garden Center
And finally the results members have waited to see — attendees survived the gruelling Boca Raton Bingo Rules, winning prizes for covering Bingo numbers in the shapes of a line, a tree and covering the entire card. The winners were: • • • •
Event Sponsors
Bailey Hoines, Bret-Mar Landscape Alan Seal, Kramer Tree Specialists Jack Pizzo, Jr, The Pizzo Group
Sarah Egan, Lafarge Fox River Stone
The Pizzo Group was the evening’s Gold Sponsor. Silver Sponsors included Cedar Path Nurseries, Kaknes Landscape Supply, Midwest Groundcovers & Midwest Trading, Rochester Concrete Products and SmithAmundsen LLC. Bronze Sponsors were A Block Marketing, Cornerstone Processing Solutions, Doty Nurseries, Fiore Nursery & Landscape Supply, JM Irrigation LLC, Kaneville Tree Farm, KO Supply Company, Kramer Tree Specialists, Lafarge Fox River Stone, RCOP (Ron Clesen’s Ornamental Plants), Russo Power, SanGen Landscape Designs LLC and Spring Grove Nursery, Inc.
The Landscape Contractor December 2020
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Fall Event Highlights —
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The Landscape Contractor December 2020
by Rick Reuland
If you thought the Masters
looked different this year, you clearly had not been prepared by the 2020 ILCA Golf Outing. Scaled for the pandemic era the ILCA fundraising event was held at Village Links in Glen Ellyn, October 7&8, 2020. The best possible news was it turned out to be a lovely pair of days to play golf. Open to just 12 foursomes there was no need for a shotgun start. Each group started consecutively from the first tee. There were no prizes, no company reps on tees, and no big luncheon after golf. A delicious box lunch was provided to each player. According to participants, a great time was had by all. Once again Ditchwitch Midwest was the Premier Sponsor. Other Sponsors included: • Lafarge Fox River Stone • Unilock • Martin Implement • Vermeer Midwest • RentalMax Contest Sponsors Night Light – Platinum-Poolcare – Rochester Concrete Products – SRW Products – Wilson Nurseries & Landscape Supply Tee/Hole Sponsors Altorfer Cat – Atlas Bobcat – Belgard – Blu Petroleum – Cassidy Tire and Service – Goodmark Nurseries – Kankakee Nursery – Liberty Limestone Midwest LLC – Nels Johnson Tree Experts – Russo Power Equipment – SavATree – Weed Man Lawn Care
21 The Landscape Contractor December 2020
Fall Event Highlights —
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The Landscape Contractor December 2020
Special Feature Plant Shortages —
“Sorry, but we’re sold
Fighting plant shortages in the pandemic-in Nina A. Koziol
Those dreaded words:
“Sorry, but we’re sold out” or “Sorry, we won’t have them available until next spring.” If your firm didn’t run into plant shortages this year, count yourself lucky. Trevor Woldhuis of Woldhuis Farms/ Sunrise Greenhouse in Grant Park, Illinois, said the unprecedented surge in demand this year led to the shortage. “Many people who didn’t travel were using that money towards home improvement projects, including landscaping. Growers could not have anticipated this type of demand a year or two ago in their planning and planting, so it resulted in not enough plants to go around for everyone.” “Hemlocks and firs were hard to find,” said Landscape Architect Kurt Marrin from Bret-Mar Landscape in Homer Glen. “We think ahead and buy ahead. Karen azalea — it’s a gorgeous plant — and compact PJM rhododendrons were hard to get.” Concerned that there will be a shortage of Techny arborvitae next year, he placed orders early. To address this predicament, ILCA hosted a members’ webinar in September. “We’ve hosted several complimentary webinars for ILCA members since March,” said AnneMarie Drufke, ILCA’s education manager. “We have good turnout for the webinars, but the content really determines if attendees are coming to the live webinar 24
The Landscape Contractor December 2020
out.”
nduced, hot landscape environment
or waiting for the recording. This one was one of our most successful because this is an issue our community is facing.” The webinar was co-hosted with the Illinois Green Industry Association. (If you’ve missed webinars, you can go to the ILCA Members Only page where they’re posted.) The webinar was moderated by Jennifer Fick of Wilson Nurseries and participants included Andy Fick of Wilson Nurseries, Becky Thomas of Spring Grove Nursery, Nikki Melin of Midwest Groundcovers, Ann Tosovsky of Home Nursery, and Marc McCormack of Bailey Nurseries. Technical difficulties prevented JR Tecza, Hinsdale Nurseries from being able to present.
What we learned
There’s an art to predicting supply and demand and a crystal ball would be handy. When it came to a shortage of big-ticket items like shade trees, we have to look “back to the future” for the reasons. Five to 10 years ago, growers were trying to forecast what would be salable in 2020. That was not long after the 2008 recession and growers were understandably cautious. And, many of the woodies take a decade before they’re ready to sell. The recent polar vortex killed many shade trees and ornamentals in the fields. And, the unknowns of the virus and lockdowns this spring had growers scratching their heads about how many things they should dig and (continued on page 26)
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Special Feature Plant Shortages — like State Street maple.” McCormack noted that larger size shade trees in 10- and 25-gallon pots were in short supply. “They have been strong in demand. But, we go back to the recession when we tried to balance production against sales to where we sell out. There’s a tightened supply of elms, locusts, lindens and aesculus.”
Plant trends
“We have pretty much recovered from early in the year, but we’ll still see some shortages,” Melin said. “We’ve seen a big shortage in vinca throughout the year not just from us but from other growers. There was a decline in demand, but this year there was an explosion in demand. It’s a 9 to 12 month production cycle.” There’s also been great demand from Baileys for amelanchiers and larger Autumn Blaze maples. “Oaks and carpinus have been very strong, along with upright junipers,” McCormack said. (continued from page 25) hold above ground. To make matters worse, in the past decades some growers closed. “There are fewer nurseries out there,” Andy Fick said. “There have been reduced quantities of liners for certain things and a lot of nurseries are still not back to their production rates from before 2008.” For the last decade, his company has increased propagation, but things take time. For a six-foot crab apple, it takes four years to propagate and four years in the field. “It can take another year or two for one that’s seven to eight feet tall. It’s hard to show that to people.” Slow-growing shade trees also have a long timeline in the field, Thomas said. “Aesculus, tulip tree, Japanese tree lilac, hornbeams — we don’t always bring a high percentage to market. If we have a shortage, it could be because of an inconsistent liner supply five years ago,
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Snowball bushes, anyone?
Tree and shrub forms of panicle hydrangeas continue to be red hot. “Hydrangea ‘Endless Summer’ has probably had one of its best years in the 20 years it’s been on the market,” McCormack said. Talk about a wildly popular shrub with countless cultivars, even big-box stores couldn’t keep hydrangeas in stock. “We’re working really hard on keeping our panicle hydrangea numbers up,” Melin said. “We can’t keep them stocked.”
Weather woes
Thomas faulted the extreme weather events that impacted plants over the past decade. One participant asked the panel about climate change. “I think it’s a bit broader than just trees that can handle a little warmer climate,” she said. “It’s more like extreme drought,flooding or polar vortex. We’re looking at trees that can survive and thrive in all of those conditions.” At Midwest Groundcovers, Melin has seen a much stronger fall sales period. “That puts us short going into spring. Our plan is to bump up our numbers this fall and to go into spring with higher availabilities. It’s risky on the grower side because we lost a lot with the polar vortex.”
Proactive growing
“In general, we’re pretty conservative,” Tosovsky said. “Taking a risk is nerve-racking. We’re seeing increases in fragrant viburnum, taxus, boxwoods and hydrangeas. We’re also losing growers, so there’s an opportunity to fill those gaps and we’re moving full force ahead. When we bring in new products to grow, we have a whole list of criteria — how much can we sell it for, what’s the market (continued on page 28)
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Special Feature Plant Shortages —
(continued from page 27) saying about it, can it replace another item in the product mix, does it have multi-season interest?” McCormack said Baileys spends considerable time analyzing demand and trends. “Input from sales staff, staying on top of the latest, greatest cultivars and relying on our internal software helps manage every variety, every size, and do a cost study.” Thomas is considering growing more serviceberries. “We see a demand staying steady and we’ll plant a few more before adjusting.” She looks at what consistently grows well in their fields and customer demand. “There’s still talk about being in a recession, but we’re full steam ahead for 2021,” Melin said. “We feel like next spring is going to be strong for everybody.” To that end, she says sales and production teams meet every two weeks. “It’s easy to live in separate silos but we’re trying to be more proactive. We do one major forecasting a year. But fall has been strong across the industry and we’re doing a second one to bump up numbers where we can.”
Cultivate your relationships What can you do to assure that you’ll get the plants you need for future projects? “I’d recommend having a good relationship with multiple nurseries, so a landscaper isn’t relying too heavily on one supplier,” Woldhuis said. “Be sure to communicate well and pay bills on time so you are easy to work with. Also, be flexible and adjust designs to whatever plants are available.” “If you pick up a large job, it’s good to get your grower in on it at the beginning,” Melin said. “Get them involved and introduce them to the landscape architect so we can help troubleshoot.” “Get to know your supplier,” McCormack said. “If the products aren’t 28
The Landscape Contractor December 2020
available, they’ll need to be ordered far ahead of time. If someone needs 2,000 Gro-low sumac it obviously leaves a hole for other contractors.”
Create a Substitution List
Thomas said weather and production issues affect availability and landscapers should try to be flexible and willing to substitute a different size or species. “We found a row of pyramidal hornbeams that had trunk splits. If you know your grower really well, they have a wealth of knowledge about the plants they grow. Be familiar with what’s in their fields so you understand their selection, their harvest, and what’s coming up so you can make a sales decision.” She notes that one example — Kindred Spirit oak, a columnar variety, is similar to Regal Prince oak. She’s planning on increasing the volume of Kindred Spirit while keeping Regal Prince at the same numbers. It’s a juggling act that practically requires a fortune teller. For Melin, some product holes will exist until next June, like Vanilla Strawberry and Strawberry Sundae hydrangeas. “We carry 15 types of panicle hydrangeas so being prepared for subs would be good and we have comparable subs.” Larger ornamental clump forms of Cornus mas and crab apples have been in big demand, said Jennifer Fick. “Pear production has dropped precipitously, but we found Starlite crab apple that is a good potential as a substitute]” McCormack said.
Plan Ahead— Be Proactive
This year, Melin saw less lead time going into some projects using plants that were in short supply or simply not available. “Some of the projects were pretty big,” she said. “That leads to a bad situation all around. Being more (continued on page 30)
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Special Feature Plant Shortages — (continued from page 29) proactive with your grower is a good idea. The more lead time we have, we can troubleshoot up front.” She recommends checking online availabilities. “The earlier we get the order, the earlier we can reserve your products.”
Final words
“ILCA staff respond to members’ needs,” Jennifer Fick said. “Conversations like this are invaluable and many of you may have questions on where to locate plants.” Andrea Powell, landscape maintenance account manager at Schönheit Gardens in Sun Prairie Wisc., attended the webinar because she wanted to learn about how plant shortages affect the industry and her peers. “This was my first webinar with ILCA. I’ve attended the ILCA’s plant symposiums each year for the past many years at the iLandscape trade show. I really enjoy the programs ILCA sets up for the industry — they are rewarding — knowledge is power!”
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The Landscape Contractor December 2020
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The Landscape Contractor December 2020
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“Lo sentimos, pero se nos agotaron las Combatir la escases de plantas durante la pandemia induce un entorno de paisajismo muy activo Nina A. Koziol
Esas palabras temidas:
“Lo sentimos, pero se nos agotaron las existencias” o “Lo sentimos, no las tendremos disponibles hasta la próxima primavera”. Si su firma no tuvo escases de plantas este año, considérese afortunado. Trevor Woldhuis de Woldhuis Farms/Sunrise Greenhouse en Grant Park, Illinois, dijo que el aumento de la demanda sin precedentes este año generó la escases. “Muchas personas que no viajaron utilizaron ese dinero para hacer proyectos de mejoras en sus casas, incluyendo paisajismo. Los cultivadores no pudieron haber anticipado en su planificación y plantaciones este tipo de demanda hace un año o dos, lo que produjo que no hubiese suficientes plantas disponibles para todos”. “La tuya del Canadá y el abeto fueron difíciles de encontrar”, dijo el arquitecto paisajista Kurt Marrin de Bret-Mar Landscape en Homer Glen. “Pensamos con anticipación y compramos anticipadamente. La azalea ‘Karen’—una hermosa planta—y el rododendros PJM resultaron difíciles de conseguir”. Preocupado por la posibilidad de que hubiese escases de Techny arborvitae el año próximo, hizo sus pedidos a tiempo. Para resolver esta situación difícil, ILCA organizó un webinario en septiembre. “Organizamos varios webinarios complementarios para los miembros de ILCA desde marzo”, afirmó AnneMarie Drufke, gerente de educación de ILCA. “Tenemos buena concurrencia a los webinarios, pero el contenido es lo que determina si los asistentes vienen al webinario en vivo o esperan por la grabación. Este fue uno de los webinarios más exitosos porque este es un problema que 32
The Landscape Contractor December 2020
existencias”
nuestra comunidad está afrontando”. El webinario fue co-organizado por la Illinois Green Industry Association. (Si se perdió un webinario, puede ir a la página Solo para Miembros de ILCA donde están disponibles). El webinario fue moderado por Jennifer Fickdef de Wilson Nurseries y entre los participantes se encontraban Andy Fick de Wilson Nurseries, Becky Thomas de Spring Grove Nursery, Nikki Melin de Midwest Groundcovers, Ann Tosovsky de Home Nursery y Marc McCormack de Bailey Nurseries.
Lo que aprendimos
Es un arte predecir la oferta y la demanda y una bola de cristal sería de mucha utilidad. Cuando se trata de escases de productos muy solicitados como árboles de sombra, debemos buscar los motivos “regresando al futuro”. Hace de cinco a 10 años, los cultivadores trataban de predecir lo que sería vendible en 2020. Eso fue no mucho después de la recesión de 2008 y los cultivadores estaban comprensiblemente cautelosos. Y muchas de las leñosas tardan una década para estar listas para venderse. El reciente vórtice polar eliminó muchos árboles de sombra y ornamentales en los campos. Y los factores desconocidos del virus y los cierres de emergencia esta primavera hicieron que los cultivadores se rascaran la cabeza pensando en cuántas cosas deberán excavar y mantener sobre el suelo. Para empeorar las cosas, en las últimas décadas algunos cultivadores cerraron sus operaciones. “Hay menos viveros en el panorama”, aseguró Andy Fick. “Ha habido cantidades reducidas de plantas en semilleros para ciertas cosas y muchos viveros todavía no han recuperado sus índices de producción anteriores
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a 2008”. En la última década, su compañía ha aumentado la propagación, pero las cosas toman tiempo. A un manzano silvestre de seis pies le toma cuatro años propagarse y cuatro años en el campo. “Podría tomar un año más o dos para uno que mida siete u ocho pies de altura. Es difícil explicar esto a las personas”. Los árboles de sombra de lento crecimiento tienen también un largo marco temporal en el campo, dijo Thomas. “Aesculus, tulipanes, lilacs japoneses, carpes—no siempre llevamos un alto porcentaje al mercado. Si tenemos escases, podría deberse a un suministro de árboles en semilleros inconsistente hace cinco años, como el Acer miyabei State Street”. McCormack señaló que había escases de árboles de sombra más grandes en macetas de 10 y 25 galones. “Han tenido fuerte demanda. Pero, regresando a la recesión cuando intentamos equilibrar la producción contra las ventas hasta que agotamos las existencias. Hay un apretado suministro de olmos, acacias, tilos y aesculus”.
Tendencias de plantas
“Nos hemos recuperado en gran medida de los primeros meses del año, pero seguimos viendo cierta escases”, afirmó Mellin. “Hemos visto una gran escases de hierba doncella
(vincapervinca) durante el año no solo nosotros, también, otros cultivadores. Hubo un descenso en la demanda, pero este año hubo una explosión en la demanda. Es un ciclo de 9 a 12 meses”. También ha habido gran demanda de Baileys para guillomos y arces rojos Autumn Blaze más grandes. “Los robles y los carpes han estado muy solicitados, junto con los juníperos verticales”, dijo McCormack.
¿Alguien quiere arbustos bola de nieve?
Las formas de árbol y arbusto de la hortensia paniculada continúan en gran demanda. “La hortensia de ‘verano sin fin’ ha tenido probablemente uno de sus mejores años en los 20 años que ha estado en el mercado”, asegura McCormack. Siendo un arbusto altamente popular con innumerables derivados, incluso las tiendas con grandes inventarios no han podido mantener sus existencias de hortensias. “Estamos trabajando arduamente para mantener un nivel alto de existencias de hortensias paniculadas ”, aseguró Mellin “No podemos mantenerlas almacenadas”.
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Aflicciones climáticas
Thomas culpó los eventos de condiciones climáticas extremas que impactaron las plantas en la última década. Un participante preguntó al panel sobre el cambio climático. “Pienso que es un poco más amplio que solo árboles que no pueden resistir un clima un poco más caliente”, dijo. “Es más como una sequía extrema, inundaciones extremas o el vórtice polar. Estamos mirando árboles que puedan sobrevivir y prosperar en todas esas condiciones”. En Midwest Ground Covers, Mellin ha visto un período de ventas más sólido en el otoño. “Eso nos pone con insuficiencia de existencias en la primavera. Nuestro plan es aumentar nuestras existencias este otoño y entrar en la primavera con mayores disponibilidades. Es riesgoso para los cultivadores porque hemos perdido mucho con el vórtice polar”.
Crecimiento proactivo
“En términos generales, somos muy conservadores”, afirmó Tosovsky. “Correr riesgos es estresante. Hemos visto aumentos en viburnos fragantes, tejos, bojes y hortensias. 34
También estamos perdiendo cultivadores, por lo que hay una oportunidad de llenar esas brechas y estamos avanzando decididamente. Cuando introducimos nuevos productos para cultivar, tenemos una lista completa de criterios—¿Cuánto podemos vender, qué está diciendo el mercado acerca de esos productos, puede reemplazar otro producto en la mezcla de productos, tiene interés multi-estacional? McCormack afirmó que Baileys dedica tiempo considerable a analizar la demanda y las tendencias. “Los aportes del personal de ventas, mantenerse al corriente de las más novedosas y mejores variedades y confiar en nuestro software interno ayuda a gestionar cada variedad, cada tamaño y hacer un estudio de costos”. Thomas está considerando cultivar más guillomos (amelanchier). “Vislumbramos una demanda estable y plantaremos algunas más antes de hacer ajustes”. Ella se fija en lo que crece bien en sus campos consistentemente y en la demanda de los clientes. “Todavía se habla de estar en una recesión, pero estamos avanzando a toda máquina hacia 2021”, aseguró Mellin.
The Landscape Contractor December 2020
“Sentimos que la próxima primavera será sólida para todos”. Con ese objetivo, afirma, los equipos de ventas y producción se reúnen cada dos semanas. “Es difícil vivir en silos diferentes, pero estamos tratando de ser más proactivos. Realizamos una previsión importante al año. Pero el otoño ha sido sólido en toda la industria y estamos realizando otra para aumentar los números donde nos sea posible hacerlo”.
Cultive sus relaciones ¿Qué puede hacer para asegurar que obtendrá las plantas que necesita para proyectos futuros? “Yo recomendaría mantener buenas relaciones con varios viveros, para que un paisajista no dependa mucho de un proveedor”, dijo Woldhuis. “Asegúrese de comunicarse adecuadamente y pagar las facturas a tiempo para que sea fácil trabajar con usted. Asimismo, sea flexible y ajuste los diseños a las plantas que estén disponibles”. “Si usted acepta un trabajo grande, es buena idea involucrar a su cultivador desde el
comienzo”, recomendó Mellin. “Involúcrelo y preséntele al arquitecto paisajista para que podamos ayudar a detectar y resolver problemas”. “Conozca a su proveedor”, añadió McCormack. “Si los productos no están disponibles, deberán ser pedidos con mucha anticipación. Si alguien necesita 2,000 zumaques de poco crecimiento, esto obviamente dejará un vacío para otros contratistas”.
Elabore una lista de sustituciones
Thomas dijo que problemas climáticos y de producción afectan la disponibilidad y los paisajistas deben tratar de ser flexibles y estar dispuestos a sustituir un tamaño o una especie por otra diferente. “Encontramos una hilera de carpes piramidales que tenían divisiones en el tronco. Si conoce bien a su cultivador, ellos tienen grandes conocimientos sobre las plantas que cultivan. Familiarícese con lo que tienen en sus campos para que pueda comprender sus selecciones, sus cultivos y lo que viene con el propósito de tomar decisiones de ventas”. Ella señala que un ejemplo—el roble Kindred Spirit, una variedad columnar, es similar al roble Regal Prince. Está planeando aumentar el volumen de los Kindred Spirit manteniendo las mismas cantidades de Regal Prince. Es un acto de malabarismo que prácticamente requiere de un adivino. Para Mellin, habrá vacíos de productos hasta el próximo junio, como las hortensias de fresa vainilla y sundae de fresa. “Trabajamos con 15 tipos de hortensias paniculadas por lo que es bueno estar preparados para sustituciones y tenemos sustituciones comparables”. Formas de grupos ornamentales más grandes de cornejo macho y manzanos silvestres han estado en gran demanda, aseguró Jennifer Fick. “La producción de peras ha descendido precipitadamente, pero hemos encontrado que el manzano silvestre Starlite es un buen posible sustituto”, dijo McCormack.
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Planifique anticipadamente— Sea proactivo
Este año, Melin vio menos tiempo de compleción destinado a proyectos con plantas que escaseaban o simplemente no estaban disponibles. “Algunos de los proyectos eran muy grandes”, dijo. “Esto produjo una mala situación en todos sus aspectos. Es buena idea ser más proactivo con sus cultivadores. Un mayor tiempo de compleción nos permite detectar y resolver problemas desde el comienzo”. Ella recomienda chequear las disponibilidades en línea. “Cuanto más temprano recibamos el pedido, más temprano podemos reservar sus productos”.
Palabras finales
“El personal de ILCA responde a las necesidades de los miembros”, dijo Jennifer Fick. “Conversaciones como esta son invaluables y muchos de ustedes podrán tener preguntas sobre dónde localizar plantas”. Andrea Powell, gerente de cuentas de mantenimiento de paisajismo en Schönheit Gardens en Sun Prairie Wisc., asistió al webinario porque deseaba aprender cómo la escases de plantas afecta a la industria y a sus colegas. “Este fue mi primer webinario de ILCA. He asistido a los simposios de plantas de ILCA cada año, durante varios años, en la feria de iLandscape. Realmente disfruto de los programas que organiza ILCA para la industria — son gratificantes — ¡El conocimiento es poder!”
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The Landscape Contractor December 2020
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Special — Underused Fall Shrubs
Extraordinary Shrubs for Nina A. Koziol
The growing season is over, but some
of the best fall color came from an assortment of shrubs. There are the tried-and-true standbys like red-twig dogwood and witch hazels, but there are also many underused beauties, both new and old. We asked three knowledgeable plant geeks to dish on some of their favorites. Todd C. Jacobson, head of landscape horticulture, at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, had at least six shrubs for fall and winter interest.
38
Aesculus parviflora (Bottlebrush Buckeye). “I love the rich yellow fall color of this plant’s bold, large leaflets. It’s absolutely stunning when grown in mass. It needs a great deal of space, as it colonizes, though it’s a slow grower.”
The Landscape Contractor December 2020
Fall Viburnum sieboldii ‘Wavecrest’ (Wavecrest Siebold viburnum). “This is a beautiful plant with large, thick, green leaves that turn reddish-purple in fall. It’s an absolute beauty in the fall landscape.”
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘PIIHM-I’ (Twist-n-Shout® Bigleaf hydrangea). “I love the reddish-purple fall color on its foliage and its showy red stems. It’s a real showstopper in the garden!”
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Special — Underused Fall Shrubs
Itea virginica (Virginia sweetspire). “This is a tough plant that does well in sun, shade, and wet conditions. I love to see its lustrous, attractive foliage turn shades of red, orange and purple in fall.”
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The Landscape Contractor December 2020
Spiraea fritschiana ‘J.N. Select A’ ( Pink-a-licious™ spirea). “It’s a tough, compact spirea that exhibits gorgeous light shades of yellow, orange, and pink in the fall garden.”
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Special — Underused Fall Shrubs
Callicarpa x ‘NCCX2’ (Pearl Glam® Beautyberry). “This newer beautyberry selection has bright pink fruits in fall that contrast beautifully with dark purple foliage—spring through fall.” 42
The Landscape Contractor December 2020
Jacobson gives “honorable mention” to Rubus cockburnianus (white-stemmed raspberry). “This suckering shrub with very attractive silvery white thorny stems is a standout in the winter garden. It’s easily rejuvenated to the ground in early spring.”
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Special — Underused Fall Shrubs (continued from page 43) Mark Dwyer, owner of Landscape Prescriptions by MD and former director of horticulture at Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville, Wisconsin, is a huge fan of oakleaf hydrangeas (H. quercifolia). “That bold statement in the landscape is not only prominent but effective. Fall coloration in oakleaf hydrangeas has some variability from year to year and also between varieties. Some of the best tones of red and maroon don’t settle in until later October or early November. Specimens in more direct autumn light seem to get more intense and consistent fall color. The tan, exfoliating nature of the mature stems is a standout in the winter landscape as well.” Here are a few more of Mark’s top picks:
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Viburnum nudum ‘Winterthur’ (witherod or possumhaw viburnum). “This native shrub is spectacular for seasonal impact that includes white flowers, colorful fruiting—pink and blue — and a deep maroon-red fall color late in the season. The color sometimes doesn’t peak until November in the Midwest, after a couple of light frosts. The variety ‘Winterthur’ is commonly available as is Brandywine™ (‘Bulk’). Both of these are more compact than the straight species at six feet tall and wide. Heavy fruiting specimens retain some dried blue fruits adding winter interest and forage for birds.” (continued on page 47)
The Landscape Contractor December 2020
The Landscape Contractor December 2020
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Special — Underused Fall Shrubs
46
The Landscape Contractor December 2020
(continued from page 44) Fothergilla (witch alder). “This woody shrub should get more attention for not only the fragrance and impact of the bottlebrush-like blooms in spring, but the intense fall color late in the season. There are quite a few selections of both Fothergilla gardenii and Fothergilla x intermedia out on the market as well as F. major (mountain witch alder). While the intensity of fall color is variable, it’s usually reliable later in the season with a wide range of yellows, oranges and reds. The best fall color typically doesn’t arrive until after a few light frosts. The zig zag stems and form of these witch alders are quite nice coming out of snow and thankfully they are deer resistant, but not deer proof.
Kathy Lubeck, operations manager of Coventry Gardeners in Westmont likes two newer colorful barberries. “Berberis Sunjoy® Tangelo and Sunjoy® Citrus have brilliant orange color in the fall.” Both are Proven Winners introductions. Citrus barberry reaches a mature size of 36 inches tall and wide. It has a rounded habit that results in a uniform, ballshaped plant. Tangelo reaches 48 inches tall and wide at maturity and offers new growth that’s a vivid orange, which develops a distinctive chartreuse margin as the season progresses. Both cultivars require full sun for best coloration. Fothergilla is also one of Lubeck’s recommendations. “It smells nice in spring and the orange-red color in the fall is beautiful. The shapes of the leaves are pretty, too, and they hold up well.” (continued on page 48)
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The Landscape Contractor December 2020
630-510-6050 47
Special — Underused Fall Shrubs
(continued from page 47) Bailey Nurseries introduced Tiger Eyes’ Staghorn Sumac, (R. typhina ‘Bailtiger’ PPAF) in 2004 so it’s not a new plant but it is underused. The new growth starts out a vivid chartreuse but soon changes to a bright yellow. “It has a different type of leaf structure and is super colorful in the fall,” Lubeck said. The plants turn a brilliant scarlet-orange layered over yellow, for an impressive, luminous season-ending show. The velvet-red fruits (drupes) persist through the winter until the birds get them.
Kodiak® Orange Diervilla (bush honeysuckle) is another one on Lubeck’s “must have” list. The shrub pushes color to the limits with its glowing orange fall foliage. “It has very pretty fall color if it is grown in full sun,” she said. It’s also touted as a replacement for the overused burning bush (Euonymus alatus).
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The Landscape Contractor December 2020
Panicle hydrangeas have certainly become divas in the shrub world in recent years. But Lubeck likes Pee Wee oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Pee Wee’) for its stunning fall color. A bonus is the compact size of the plant. At maturity it’s about 3 to 4 feet tall and 30 to 36 inches wide, which makes it suitable for smaller gardens.
The Landscape Contractor December 2020
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Year End Business Tip
Get Energized!
5 Tips to Create Energy in Your
By Angela DeFinis
Whether you’re
new to working remotely or have been doing it for years, you know one thing is true: Giving virtual presentations via Zoom and other online meeting platforms can be a challenge. Many professionals feel that online meetings lack the excitement and passion that comes naturally during face-to-face communication. And they’re right! The fact is that energy is contagious. When you’re speaking to a live audience, whether it’s a group of 5 or 500, your adrenaline is high and your presentation reflects that excitement. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to mimic that feeling when you’re giving a virtual presentation in your bedroom with perhaps your sleeping cat stretched out diagonally on your bed. In that instance you might suddenly feel “sleepy” too and you might start behaving this way. You may even speak in a whisper so you don’t wake the cat! While stillness and calm are great skills to use for your meditation practice, they won’t win the hearts and minds of your listener on any virtual platform. So, what is the secret to giving high impact virtual presentations? Use more energy! Create a stimulating virtual meeting by infusing excitement into both your content and your delivery. Remember that the purpose of your virtual presentation, just like your live presentation, is keeping your audience engaged and involved. If you focus on the idea that it is your job to keep your audience interested in both the message and the messenger, then you will take the necessary steps to make that happen.
Here are a few energy-boosting tips to keep in mind: 1.
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Make time to prepare your content: Develop your
virtual meeting content the same way you would for a live presentation—well in advance. Don’t let the casual physical environment of home dictate a laissez-faire attitude. If you don’t plan, you and your message may sound disorganized and unconvincing. Structure your virtual presentation in three distinct parts with an Opening, Body, and Close. When you plan your Opening, start with a “Hook,” establish a clear purpose, and develop an agenda. Then develop The Body—the “meat in the middle” where the action really happens—by including stories, examples, data, statistics, and graphs. Bring your presentation to a Close by summarizing what you have covered and asking for action. Remember, the way you structure your message is critical not only to helping your listeners follow along but also to keeping them engaged and connected. 2.
Disrupt the pattern: Pattern Disruption is a concept that works well in virtual presentations. The idea is to disrupt the normal flow of information so that listeners are taken by surprise or jolted out of their complacency. Because of the flat 2D format, virtual presentations have to be “made” exciting, and pattern disruption is one strategy that never fails. What can you do to disrupt the ever-boring nature of the predictable “data dump” presentation? Tell a vivid story, share a startling statistic, show a mind-altering image, raise your voice, or quicken your pace. While you don’t have as many skills and techniques available to use in a virtual presentation, you still have enough; and if you use them in creative ways you can rouse your listeners and hold their attention. Aim to disrupt the pattern every 4-5 minutes. When you plan these disruptions as part of your content, you’ll quickly have your listeners eating out of the palm of your virtual hand.
3.
Prime the energy pump. Your physical, vocal, and verbal skills will go a long way in helping you create and maintain energy throughout your virtual presentation. Use them! Prior to your presentation jump-
The Landscape Contractor December 2020
Virtual Presentations start your physical and vocal energy by warming up. Speak in a loud voice, practice tongue twisters, sing a song, take a walk outside or around your house, go up and down stairs, make faces in the mirror … do anything to get your heart rate and your energy up. If you speak loudly and move quickly, you will do more to create performance energy than you imagine. And don’t forget to smile and raise your eyebrows right before you sign on. If you’re happy, tell your face! 4.
Organize and clean out your work space. Clutter is energy draining; organization is energy boosting. Therefore, remove all coffee cups, golf clubs, electric guitars, dog beds, dirty laundry, games and puzzles.
Create one area, no matter how small, that is yours and that you can keep organized, neat, and clean. If you can’t keep a neat space use a green screen background of a “faux” organized office space. 5.
Work with other family members to set boundaries on private work time. Unfortunately, family or housemates can be a big energy drain when you’re presenting. Develop a system of ‘red, yellow, green’ and announce what kind of meeting you are entering. Red is highly important (new customer meeting) and that means everyone needs to be quiet and not interrupt. Yellow is less important (work team (continued on page 52)
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Year End Business Tip (continued from page 51)
meeting) but still quiet is required. Green (close colleague) means anyone can come into your space and you will not have to apologize to the person you are talking to. Setting boundaries with a color code will help everyone know the rules and follow them. When you don’t have to focus on anyone else, you can focus on sustaining your energy throughout the presentation.
When conducting virtual meetings, you simply can’t depend on the stimulating influence of outside energy to give you the boost you need to perform. But you can use the timetested tools of planning, preparation, and practice to help do the job for you. Use these best practices. And whatever you do, don’t let the cat fall asleep in your workspace.
About the Author Angela DeFinis is President of DeFinis Communications. The company offers executive speech coaching, presentation skills training, and virtual video conferencing training. Through corporate sponsored and public programs, the firm’s unique skill building approach helps business professionals become poised, polished, and powerful communicators capable of leading effective meetings and delivering compelling presentations. To learn more about the firm’s training programs and coaching services, please go to www.definiscommunications.com.
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The Landscape Contractor December 2020
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New Member Profile Snapshot
Hunter/FX
Kevin Battistoni 1940 Diamond Street San Marcos, CA 92078 (630) 418-5515 www.hunterindustries.com
by Meta Levin
When the Chicago Bears win a game,
Kevin Battistoni’s neighbors know, because his house and yard light up with the team’s signature orange and blue, courtesy of the FX Luminaire Luxor lighting system product he sells as Midwest Sales Manager for Hunter Industries. Battistoni travels a territory that includes all of Illinois and the St. Louis metropolitan area on behalf of Hunter Industries’ landscape, sports field, golf course irrigation and landscape lighting products. Originally introduced to the company as a customer, who, in 2005, was invited to tour the San Marcos, CA facility, he was impressed that “everybody was walking around with a smile.” In 2007 an opportunity arose to join the company in his current position. “It was a dream job,” he says. He is proud of the company he represents, particularly its emphasis on product development, customer service and quality control. “Our customer service will exceed any other,” he says. The Hunter Industries web site includes a “Feedback” tab that allows customers to provide a compliment, “Genius idea for a new feature,” suggestion or report a problem. Employees, like Battistoni, are encouraged to give feedback, as well. Battistoni points to his own slogan suggestion, as a small example of how the company listens to employee recommendations. During a meeting with the Great Lakes Sales Team regional manager, he proposed the refrain, “The game has changed, but the partnership hasn’t,” as a nod to doing business during the pandemic. Now it is emblazoned on stickers, used on boxes holding products. Innovation has been at the heart of Hunter Industries since the beginning. In the 1960s, Edwin Hunter invented the first plastic gear driven rotary sprinkler head, now an industry standard. In 1981 he started Hunter Industries with his son and daughter. The company has grown into a global corporation that focuses on innovation, specializing in irrigation, outdoor lighting and custom molding. It still is a family owned business, with grandson, 54
Greg Hunter at the helm. “They are very hands on,” says Battistoni. The irrigation and low voltage lighting ends of the business are technologically sophisticated, something Battistoni sees as important to his customers. In lighting, for instance, the FX Luminaire Luxor product’s computerization allows the landscape contractors or the customers to change the lights’ hue and saturation. In fact, using an app, it can be done remotely. “The homeowner can create the colors on his or her own,” he says. The father of a two-year-old daughter, Battistoni has created a light show in his yard mimicking the colors from the movie, “Frozen.” Battistoni jokes that he was “baptized” in irrigation water, often going out on calls with his grandfather, who ran the family business. His family roots in his native Addison, date to the 1800s. He attended the College of DuPage, leaving the family business and getting a job with a company that sold lighting, irrigation and drainage products. Battistoni worked his way from sweeping a warehouse to outside sales. His varied background gives him a good understanding of the manufacturing, distributing and contracting parts of the industry, he says. Battistoni now teaches landscape lighting in the College of DuPage’s horticulture department. “It’s an opportunity to give back,” he says. “It is one of the nicest and best organizations, and iLandscape is one of the best run shows,” he says. “ILCA has done a good job of keeping us all working during shelter in place. Of all the related organizations, ILCA has been the most impactful in Illinois.” A health and fitness enthusiast, Battistoni practices natural body building and hot Yoga. In his free time, he does rock climbing, loves to travel, likes to read and talk with people he meets. He also is family oriented, relishing the time he gets to spend with his daughter.
The Landscape Contractor December 2020
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In Memoriam —
Grace Koehler It is with a heavy heart, that we must mourn the passing of a personal and professional friend - Grace Koehler. Grace Koehler was the Sales & Marketing Manager for Pizzo Native Plant Nursery. She was also a sustainable landscaping legend serving on the ILCA Sustainable and Ecological Landscape Committee and as a past president of the Midwest Ecological Landscape Alliance. Grace has been preaching the message of sustainable and ecological landscaping before it was mainstream. Her principles, vision, and willingness to dare creatures of habit to
break those habits made our industry better. She will be greatly missed by all who interacted with her. She leaves behind an unmatched legacy and hundreds of friends in our industry. Through all her health challenges, Grace never missed a chance to volunteer, give back, and change paradigms. Her namesake truly matched who she was and what she brimmed with - Grace. ILCA was honored to know her. She was a fighter, a true believer, and a friend.
Please visit www.ilca.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Grace-Koehler.mp4 to find this memorial tribute video produced by her friends.
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The Landscape Contractor December 2020
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Classified Ads HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
Landscape Account Manager
Commercial Account Sales – Snow & Land
Landscape Architect/Designer + Sales
Enhancing lives through beautiful landscapes requires a unique passion for a special career. James Martin Associates, Inc. is looking for someone who is ready to dig in, cultivate, and grow the love of enhancing the natural beauty of our clients’ property. Working with our team of professionals in landscaping and snow services, you will live out your passion while building your client list, loyalty and satisfaction. What you will be doing... Account management, client retention, enhancement sales, new contract sales, business development, production layout and overview, along with winter responsibilities for our snow operations team. This opportunity might be right for you if: You consider yourself an expert on landscape maintenance standards, and have a strong knowledge of plant material and installation standards. Excellence is #1 and you are proud to communicate the benefits of our superior services to existing clients and to convince new clients how we can improve their “point of view”. You are energized for success and want to earn it by following your passion, commitment to your goals and conviction that James Martin Associates, Inc. is the place where you will realize the best opportunity to achieve and grow your career. Preferred Experience and Education • Degree in, or equivalent and demonstrated knowledge of landscape management or horticulture. • 5 years’ experience with landscape maintenance • Excellent verbal and writing skills • Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office programs Please send resumes to: b.mcelroy@jamesmartinassociates.com Now Hiring!! Alan Horticulture is seeking to fill the following positions: —-Material buyer: responsible for company wide sourcing, PO system and purchasing. —-Account Manager: responsibilities include cultivating and managing a book a business. Endless opportunities —-Enhancement Manager: responsible for managing the build out of projects, time management. Working directly with scheduling.
Department: Western DuPage Landscape Services Reports to: General Manager Experience / Education: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well with minimal supervision. Must possess an intermediate level of horticultural knowledge plus 2 - 4 years of green industry experience in sales, primarily serving commercial maintenance and snow customers. Purpose: Engage new commercial maintenance and snow accounts. Principle Duties: Prospect for commercial maintenance and snow clients: • Prepare land and snow proposals • Present land and snow proposals • Maintain relationship with key contacts. • Have regular, planned contact with prospects and key clients. • Attend client meetings and functions. • Respond to all customer quote requests in a timely manner. • Work with general manager on maintenance sales and snow opportunities as you develop them. • Prepare all appropriate paperwork to ensureproper documentation and effective handoff to supervisors. • Quality control during snow removal operations. •
Key Skills to Fulfill Job Requirements: Prospecting
•
Sales
•
Knowledge of landscape maintenance best practices
•
Knowledge of commercial snow and ice control
•
Superior customer service
•
Must work well with the services team
•
Excellent time management
•
Excellent communication both written & verbal
•
Computer skills - MS office professional and LMN a plus
Please send resumes to: resumes@wdlinc.com
Send all resumes to: Dan@alanhorticultural.com
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The Landscape Contractor December 2020
Bruss Landscaping of Wheaton is looking to add another talented landscape professional to our team as we continue to grow. We are an award winning firm that has been providing high quality design/ build services to DuPage and eastern Kane counties since 1952. If you are skilled in residential design and sales, have a proven sales record, are self-motivated and focused on exceptional customer service and quality we would like to meet you. Requirements: - A 4-year degree in Landscape Design and/or Architecture - A minimum of 3 years professional work experience with proven sales history - Strong plant and construction knowledge - Driver’s license and good driving record - Professional appearance and demeanor - Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite - Proficiency in Dynascape Ideal candidates will be detail orientated, logical thinking, conscientious, professional and most importantly, maintain a high level of honesty and integrity. Bruss is a relaxed work environment, although seasonally hectic, with competitive salary and commission plus a strong benefit package including vehicle, insurance, 401k, generous vacation allowance and reduced winter hours. Contact Eric Bruss, ebruss@brusslandscaping.com, (630) 665-1600.
CLASSIFIED ADS
CLOSING DATES & RATES January 2021 issue ads: Dec 15, 2020
February 2019 issue ads: January 3, 2021 March 2019 issue ads: February 15, 2021
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
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
Account Representative Clarence Davids & Company
Senior Account Manager
Landscape Designer
Wingren Landscape, Inc. is an award winning fullservice landscape company for both residential and commercial properties. Our outdoor services are virtually limitless and include full-scale landscape design, construction, maintenance, lighting, and irrigation. We are ‘All Things Outdoors’. Founded on a commitment to excellence since 1957 we are seeking experienced candidates for the following position. Senior Account Manager – Maintenance – Full Time • Communicate frequently with high end clients to ensure high quality and service expectations are met. • Proactively present and sell site enhancement ideas to customers. • Proactively assist in resolving issues with customer service when needed. • Follow up on leads and solicit new business opportunities • Communicate billing details to client and follow up on AR for clients. • Complete knowledge of landscape services (maintenance, hardscape, drainage, seasonal annual rotations, irrigation services). • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, both internal and external communication. • Proficiency in or knowledge of using a variety of computer software applications, to include Asset, Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook • 3-5 years’ experience
This position produces professional landscape architect and design solutions for commercial and residential clients with the ultimate goal to get projects into the installation/construction phase in a timely manner. Using good judgment, creative problem-solving techniques and resourcefulness, identifies and designs landscapes that satisfy client requirements. This position interacts professionally with external clients, subcontractors, vendors, village offices, and internally with individuals at all levels of the organization.
Clarence Davids & Company, an award-winning landscape architecture design-build firm, has an opening for an account representative at the corporate office in Matteson, Illinois. This full-time employee will become an integral part of the sales team and be responsible for responding to clients’ needs in a professional manner. Clarence Davids & Company was established in 1951 and specializes in landscape management, seasonal rotations, and design/build landscape construction. The company has three offices: Matteson, Illinois (Corporate), Plainfield, Illinois, and Ingleside, Illinois. More information can be found online at www.clarencedavids.com. Qualifications: • Bachelor Degree of Landscape Architecture, Horticulture, or related field • Experience in landscape sales and estimating • Good knowledge of annuals, perennials, and woody plants • Ability to work independently Interested applicants should send a resume to: Alan Watkins alan.watkins@clarencedavids.com Clarence Davids & Company 22901 S. Ridgeland Avenue Matteson, IL 60443 (708) 720-4100
Please email resume to bdolwick@wingrenlandscape.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
The Landscape Contractor December 2020
Specific responsibilities are: • Draw base plans, prepare and develop concepts • Survey project site to produce accurate site measures and grades • Update base plans, prepare presentation materials • Produce creative, client oriented design solutions • Ensure that design work is in compliance with local regulations and codes • Communicate project status to all appropriate parties • Prepare final plan, details and revisions as needed • Photo document site (before and after construction) • Perform other duties and responsibility as assigned or requested. REQUIREMENTS: • A degree in Landscape Architecture from an accredited university. • Entry level: 1-3 years of relevant professional experience. • Creative and communicative hand and computer graphic abilities. • High proficiency with AutoCad, Adobe Creative Suite, and MS Office. • Excellent organizational skills, a strong attention to detail, ability to prioritize projects and time management skills to meet deadlines and follow through on timelines. Expert in written and verbal communication skills, particularly with internal team members and clients. Email resume to susan@amwoodland.com
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The Landscape Contractor December 2020
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Hidden Gems Worth Visiting
Oak Park Conservatory by Heather Prince
Driving the Eisenhower, you may have spotted this
charming small three-room conservatory that was started by Oak Park residents who wanted a place for plants they collected abroad. The Edwardian-style glass houses were built in 1929 and house more than 3,000 plants, some dating back to its founding. Parking is street-side and usually easy. The lobby offers a tiny gift shop that often sells plants propagated from the collections. Look for interactive activity kits for kids and families that can be checked out while you’re there. You begin in the Mediterranean Room with seasonal displays that fill the space with color and fragrance. A convenient bench invites you to linger. Permanently collected plants ring the room in stacked stone planters and come from around the world including the California coast, central Chile, South Africa, and Australia. Make sure to visit with the Ponderosa lemon tree to smell its sweet flowers and check for any of its enormous fruit. Blooming orchids are usually tucked in here and there inviting up close inspection. You’ll also notice a doorway to the propagation greenhouses where many of the bedding plants for the Park District of Oak Park are grown. Next, step into the high humidity of the Tropical Room filled with palms, fiddle-leaf figs, and lush layered plantings. You’ll be greeted by a handful of parrots in cages that give it a true jungle feel. Linger in the built-in stone seat and explore the koi pond with trickling waterfall and see if you can spot the turtles.
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Oak Park Conservatory 615 Garfield Street Oak Park, IL 60304 https://www.pdop.org/parks-facilities/ Admission: free, donations appreciated
The cycads, monstera, and palms pack in foliage textures along the winding figure-eight stone path. The last room is the Desert Room filled with cacti and unusual succulents including haworthia, kalanchoe, crassula, and euphorbias. Admire their colorful flowers but be wary of their abundant thorns. Look for the eclectic collection of carnivorous plants tucked in the corner. Date palm, bay, pomegranate shelter a secret pond. In addition to the glasshouses, the Conservatory has added two interactive garden spaces that embrace either end of the buildings. The Rubinstein Memorial Garden on the west side of the property was opened in 2011 and features a beautiful bluestone patio, raised beds, pergola, and experimental vertical garden. Planted to provide a quiet oasis, benches are scattered through flower-filled planting beds behind screening shrubs. The wrought iron fence creates privacy from the street and bubbling water feature helps dim traffic noise beneath sheltering trees. The newest garden, the Elsie Jacobsen Discovery Garden, opened in 2015 on the east side of the property. An interactive children’s garden space centered around the four elements of light, water, air, and earth, this garden welcomes all ages and abilities. Different zones play off the four elements, but the runnel of water is likely the most popular with the kids. Most of the plants are natives or native cultivars, attracting a colorful array of pollinators and birds. Visitors are encouraged to touch and interact with the plants.
The Landscape Contractor December 2020
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