FEB.26 Landscape-Illinois MAGAZINE Show Guide Issue

Partnership Inventory Selection

FREIGHT RATES INTRODUCING

Photo Credits

CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS

Awards Committee 1

Woodlawna Landscape 10

Rick Reuland, 12, 32, 108-116,

Roy Diblik 1 3-18,

Patti Peltier 20-28, 34-38

Brent Horvath 20-28

Mark Dwyer 40-48, 146

Midwest Groundcovers 50-54

Heather Holm 94-100

Alison Branz 102, 104

Midwest Trading 55

Nina Koziol 120-122

Gary Topalian 124-131

Daniel Wood 137

Cooling Land Conceptes 138-139

The official publication of Landscape Illinois, — Landscape Illinois —The Magazine is dedicated to educating, advising and informing members of this industry and furthering the goals of the Association. Landscape Illinois Magazine 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. LandscapeIllinois.org.

Volume 67, Number 2. Landscape Illinois Magazine (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 Landscape Illinois Magazine, 2625 Butterfield Road, Ste 104S, Oak Brook, IL 60523. Display Advertising Sales: Association Publishing Partners, Inc., Ph. (630) 6378632; email: rmgi@comcast.net. Classified ads, Circulation and Subscription: Landscape Illinois (630) 472-2851 Fax (630) 472-3150 Editorial office: Association Publishing Partners, Inc., Naperville, IL

Staff

Executive Director

Scott Grams (630) 472-2851 sgrams@landscapeillinois.org

Statewide Director of Development

Kellie Schmidt kschmidt@landscapeillinois.org

Director of Events

AnneMarie Drufke adrufke@landscapeillinois.org

Education Manager

Melissa Custic mcustic@landscapeillinois.org

Office Manager

Alycia Nagy anagy@landscapeillinois.org

Membership & Marketing Manager

Marissa Stubler mstubler@landscapeillinois.org

Landscape Illinois

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

Magazine Staff

Rick Reuland

Publisher/Advertising Sales (630) 637-8632 rmgi@comcast.net

Debbie Rauen

Advertising Sales (817-501-2403)

debbie.landscapecontractor@ yahoo.com

Meta Levin

Feature Writer meta.levin@comcast.net

Nina Koziol

Feature Writer n.koziol@att.net

Heather Prince

Feature Writer princeht@sbcglobal.net

Patrice Peltier

Feature Writer/Editorial Assistant

Mark Dwyer

Feature Writer

Krystal Flogel

Feature Writer

Maggie Thomas Harper

Special Correspondent

Contributors

Dr. Aaron Patton

Kevin Donnelly

Daniel Wood

Young Professionals Event February 12, 2026 - 12:00pm - 4:00pm Reserve 22 at the Village Links of Glen Ellyn Glen Ellyn, IL

Spring Training For Landscape Professionals February 17, 2026 - 7:45am - 4:00pm Stoneleaf Nursery Eureka, IL

Awards Night February 24, 2026 - 5:00pm - 9:00pm Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Schaumburg, IL

iLandscape Show February 25-27, 2026 Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Schaumburg, IL

Crew Leader Workshop March 10, 2026 (Spanish) March 11, 2026 (English) NIU Naperville, IL

LFrom Where I Stand

andscape Illinois is proud to present iLandscape 2026: The Illinois + Wisconsin Landscape Show. The show will be held from February 25-27, 2026 at The Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center and Hotel, located in Schaumburg, IL.

So much of life is about slowing down. We are encouraged to stop and smell the roses. We are told to take pause and appreciate those little moments of reflection that give our lives meaning.

Then, there are those other times. Those times when slowing down isn’t an option. Those moments when we have no other choice but to lean into speed. We let the adrenaline take over. Regardless of how we choose to race, it is all the same. Our hearts pound. Our palms sweat. Our eyes narrow. The world grows silent. Then, bang, we’re off.

Whether it’s a green flag, green light, starter’s pistol, whistle, air horn, clattering bell, or the first 55-degree day in late March, it’s go time. This is not the moment and opportunity to take pause. It’s time to burn and earn.

This year, we celebrate our creative direction - Off to the Races. It’s our salute to the high-octane, white-knuckled ride of a landscape season.

And, we’re off! The starting gates swing wide with a pre-conference design workshop and our Kentucky-Derby themed Excellence in Landscape Awards Night. The pre-show festivities start on February 24th so strap on a derby bon net and your finest seersucker suit.

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines. On Wednesday, February 25th the trade show doors blow open to over 260 exhibitors packed into two halls. The show will focus on different racing gardens. We will salute auto-racing, cycling, foot-racing, RC cars, a pinewood derby, horse racing, with it all ending up at the winner’s circle and the medal stand. Guests will be greeted by an actu al NASCAR when they enter the show. Alongside of it, our Harley Nightster whiskey-fire orange will be displayed that one lucky attendee will race home on.

Join the peloton at the Landscape Illinois membership booth for a cycling trip through the foothills of France. Run, skip, or potato sack your way over to the foot racing garden. Nab a controller and try to keep your wheels glued to the track at the RC garden. Grab a pocket knife and some paint and whittle a win ner at the Pinewood derby track. Head over to the main stage for our salute to Churchill Downs and the most exciting 2 minutes in sports. Fashion your own derby hat, grab a mint julep, and a put a sawbuck down on a mare.

The fun doesn’t stop there. The ballroom has both the winner’s circle and the podium finish. Nestled in between is the Pit Stop that will feature meet-ups for designers, owners & managers, women, young professionals, sustainable practitioners, and more. Artists and entertainers will be on hand for those moments when you catch your breath and fuel up for another lap. Our Education Unplugged series takes place in the ballroom with candid, 1 on 1 interviews with the front-runners who pace our industry.

And the racing moves beyond mere metaphor. We have two actual racing competitions to test your mettle. The first is our pinewood derby with cash prizes. Find that inner scout and see if you have what it takes to survive the drag strip. Second, lace up those sneakers for Gallop the Garden - our first ever indoor 5K. Whether you sprint, run, jog, walk, or crawl, start your Thursday with this fun-run through the exhibit hall.

The educational program fires on all cylinders. It features 50 sessions in English and Spanish. The best minds in business, horticulture, design, management, tree care, and landscape architecture will make sure no one gets left behind. Almost every session will be recorded and offered to educational pass holders after the event on our premium content channel Bloom. The program will be available as part of the iLandscape video library for learning or CEUs.

The show is later in February which means we can already smell the fuel in the air as the industry revs its engine for the spring. The later date means sunnier skies and warmer temps. One of the benefits of the later date is that iLandscape is now the big kick-off for the season since many more field staff will be returning to work. That will increase crowds of buyers and specifiers.

Just because the sun sets on iLandscape doesn’t mean the day is over. On Wednesday, join us for our Kentucky Derby Party under the Churchill Downsinspired spires at the Main Stage. Enjoy a night of trivia and fun with a whiff of mint and roses in the air. On Thursday, it’s a night of racing. Challenge your iLandscape friends to relay races, a pinewood prizefight, or just a few laps around the RC track.

The landscape season slows down for no one. For once, let’s enjoy the speed. Strap-in, engine on, throttle down, and when that light turns green, let’s goooooooo! See you at the finish line.

The race begins on page 57.

Scott Grams, Executive Director January 14, 2026

February is one of my favorite months in our industry. It’s the time of year we all get together for our industry events. It’s the time when the competition are friends, and our friends are family. We break bread together and share our experiences and observations from the past year and speculate what’s yet to come. InVigorateU at the end of January is the beginning of our state’s get togethers, and it’s probably my favorite event of the year. The education that happens at this event is outstanding. The roundtables are a great way to meet your peers and learn from one another. Trivia is a great place to let your guard down and have fun. I had never been until three years ago, and I don’t plan on ever missing it again. At the end of February, we will be Off to the Races at iLandscape. The Excellence in Landscape Awards starts the week off honoring the best of the best in landscape projects in our state. It highlights those who earned college and high school scholarships through Landscape Illinois. In addition, this year we recognize some legends who have given their lives to our industry. Dean MacMorris, who retired as President of Night Light Inc, is our 2026 Person of the Year. DeVroomen Garden Products is our Supplier of the Year and we have a Special Recognition of the legend himself, Dick Brickman. Recognizing our past president, Kim Hartmann will be my greatest honor. The following three days are an extravaganza of education, networking and fun. Suppliers spend months preparing for the trade show floor, so make sure to spend some time with them and learn what’s new for this year.

President Kevin McGowen

These are two great events, but what makes Landscape Illinois special is what happens in between. Spring Training for Landscape Professionals, Women’s Network and Young Professionals all have events or get-togethers where we can learn from one another and be inspired going into our season. It’s these communities coming together that can sometimes be taken for granted. Not all industry associations can bring the youth, the women and the Latinos together the way Landscape Illinois has. It’s a testament for the staff at Landscape Illinois, and our volunteer committees for continually putting together programs and events that people want to experience. For years though, I’ve felt a little out of the smaller groups. I didn’t fit the demographic for the Women’s Network. I was too old when Young Professionals started, and sold Kaknes just before Owners and Managers began. So, it’s very exciting to tease a new demographic. 35-55 year old professionals will have a home in the near future! We need a name! We need a chair and co-chair. Who is up to leading a new group with us!? Thanks for reading, and until next time listen to one another. We are family!

Kevin McGowen, President Landscape Illinois

Febrero

es uno de mis meses favoritos en nuestra industria. Es la época del año en que todos nos reunimos para nuestros eventos del sector. Es el momento en que la competencia se convierte en amistad, y nuestros amigos se convierten en familia. Compartimos una comida y nuestras experiencias y observaciones del año pasado, y especulamos sobre lo que está por venir. InVigorateU, a finales de enero, marca el comienzo de nuestras reuniones estatales, y probablemente sea mi evento favorito del año. La formación que se imparte en este evento es excepcional. Las mesas redondas son una excelente manera de conocer a colegas y aprender unos de otros. El concurso de preguntas y respuestas es un buen momento para relajarse y divertirse. Nunca había asistido hasta hace tres años, y no pienso perdérmelo nunca más. A finales de febrero, estaremos en iLandscape. Los Premios a la Excelencia en Paisajismo dan inicio a la semana, honrando a los mejores proyectos de paisajismo de nuestro estado. Destaca a quienes obtuvieron becas universitarias y de secundaria a través de Landscape Illinois. Además, este año reconocemos a algunas leyendas que han dedicado su vida a nuestra industria. Dean MacMorris, quien se jubiló como presidente de Night Light Inc., es nuestra Persona del Año 2026. DeVroomen Garden Products es nuestro Proveedor del Año y tenemos un reconocimiento especial para la leyenda, Dick Brickman. Reconocer a nuestra expresidenta, Kim Hartmann, será mi mayor honor. Los tres días siguientes son una gran celebración de formación, contactos y diversión. Los proveedores pasan meses preparándose para la feria comercial, así que asegúrense de dedicarles tiempo y conocer las novedades de este año.

Estos son dos grandes eventos, pero lo que hace especial a Landscape Illinois es lo que sucede entre ellos. Spring Training for Landscape Professionals, Women’s Network y Young Professionals tienen eventos o reuniones donde podemos aprender unos de otros e inspirarnos para la temporada. Son estas comunidades que se unen las que a veces damos por sentadas. No todas las asociaciones del sector pueden reunir a los jóvenes, las mujeres y los latinos como lo hace Landscape Illinois. Es un testimonio del trabajo del personal de Landscape Illinois y de nuestros comités de voluntarios por organizar continuamente programas y eventos que la gente desea experimentar. Sin embargo, durante años me he sentido un poco fuera de los grupos más pequeños. No encajaba en el perfil del Grupo de Mujeres. Era demasiado mayor cuando se creó el grupo de Jóvenes Profesionales y vendí Kaknes justo antes de que empezara el de Propietarios y Gerentes. Así que me entusiasma la idea de crear un grupo para un nuevo segmento demográfico. ¡Los profesionales de entre 35 y 55 años tendrán su propio espacio muy pronto! ¡Necesitamos un nombre! Necesitamos un presidente y un vicepresidente. ¿Quién se anima a liderar este nuevo grupo con nosotros? Gracias por leer y, hasta la próxima, escuchemos a los demás. ¡Somos una familia!

Lurvey Landscape Supply (224) 500-4396 kmcgowen@lurveys.com

Vice President

Ryan Heitman

The Fisher Burton Company (847) 566-9200 ryanheitman@fisherburton.com

Secretary-Treasurer

Adam Bellas

Bellas Landscaping (309) 827-5263 adam@bellaslandscaping.com

Immediate Past President

Kim Hartmann Rosborough Partners 847-404-7669 hartmannkim@comcast.net

Directors Jim Cirrincione Hinsdale Nurseries, Inc. (630) 323-1411 jcirrincione@hinsdalenurseries.com

Shane Griffith Weed Man (847) 459-9333 shane.griffith@weedmanusa.com

Tom Klitzkie Nature’s Perspective Landscaping (847) 475-7917 tklitzkie@naturesperspective.com

Ashley Marrin Bret-Mar Landscape Management Group, Inc. (708) 301-2225 ashley@bretmarlandscape.com

Michael Massat The Growing Place Nursery & Flower Farm, Inc. (630) 355-4000 michaelm@thegrowingplace.com

Nikki Melin Midwest Groundcovers (847) 742-1790 nmelin@midwestgroundcovers.com

Becky Thomas Spring Grove Nursery, Inc. (815) 448-2097 bthomas@springrovenursery.com

Aaron Zych ILT Vignocchi, Inc. (847) 487-5200 azych@iltvignocchi.com

Kevin McGowen

Presidenta, Landscape Illinois

www.landscapeillinois.org

Roosevelt Collection

The client aimed to convert a mismatched English garden-style multi-use area into a modern urban oasis destination. This required a thoughtful redesign to accommodate the multifaceted use of spaces while streamlining its aesthetic and functionality. Solutions involved transitioning from heavy annual plantings to a sustainable selection of shrubs, ground

covers, perennials, and limited annual bed rotations. Eclectic, colorful containers were replaced with uniform, sleek black ones. Chainlink bollards were removed in favor of closely placed containers. Through these strategic choices, the outcome exceeded client expectations.

The Life of Roy

From Berwyn to Burlington and around the world

Foreward

In 2024, I attended the Midwest Natural Garden anniversary event. Roy Diblik was one of the featured speakers. Roy is no stranger to me or the pages of this magazine. Roy and countless articles about his passion for plants have graced these pages since the early 2000s. On this near 90 degree day, Roy was scheduled to have a fireside chat with attendees.

This was no joke. Assembled in a circle of upturned logs was Roy, holding court with 30 friends and followers. And yes, there was a fire. He held this group spellbound as he described

by Nina A. Koziol

In Part 4 of the Life of Plantsman Roy Diblik, we check in with the maestro of modern planting design.

Last May, Roy Diblik ditched his aging truck for an SUV and quickly put 20,000 miles on it. That’s because he’s in Adventure Mode, and at 72, nothing is slowing him down. “Retirement? Retire from what? The last time I worked was at the Jewel Bakery in Melrose Park,” he said with a big grin.

Roy is perhaps best known as the plant genius behind Piet Oudolf’s garden designs, such as Lurie Garden in Chicago’s Millennium Park. He took Oudolf to see the Schulenberg Prairie at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Ill., in 2002. “Piet cried...the prairie was filled with Baptisia leucantha and Echinacea pallida.” After seeing the prairie, Oudolf quickly revised the Lurie Garden design to include more natives.

He and Oudolf once sat in a Starbucks for four hours. “We were talking about things that didn’t work. If people knew all the

his adolescent beginnings, through his prodigious life in the plant kingdom. I knew we had to bring this story to a wider audience.

For this segment of the story, I have gone deep into the magazine’s archive to amplify Roy’s love of plants and natural design. I hope you enjoy this “blast from the past.” Sharp-eyed readers might notice 15 year-old photos of friends and associates, including our current Landscape Illinois President.

Rick Reuland, Editor

things I screwed up, they’d wonder why I’m not a plumber,” he jokes. But landscape design is like that. If you install a prairie-inspired meadow for a residential or commercial client, you have to provide intelligent maintenance or the design will quickly unravel in year two. “You have to look at the capabilities of the people caring for the garden. If it’s just a ‘mow and blow’ situation, don’t put this kind of (meadow) garden in.”

While Roy’s influence certainly extends to international design celebrities, it’s his students that he focuses on. He tells them to, “Keep learning — if you learn about an ecological system or habitat, ask yourself how each component links to the others and investigate it. It’s about constantly asking questions and gaining more knowledge.”

When he’s not driving all over Wisconsin, plotting (continued on page 14)

(continued from page 12)

longitude and latitude to search for unusual native grasses and sedges, he’s taking calls from London with potential clients who have property in the U.S. In the past five years, his work with Northwind Perennial Farm in Burlington, WI, has taken him from the Midwest to the East Coast, where’s he’s collaborated with Italian landscape architect Luciano Giubbilei on projects in Charlottesville, VA. Giubbilei tapped Roy to work on Deep Rock Farm, a naturalistic garden in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, which Giubbilei designed. The working farm is home to a substantial flower garden.

For that project, The Barn Garden was planted with 14,000 perennials — made up of 60 percent native species. “You just have to know the plants. If you know the plants, you’re unstoppable.”

The planting plan came together during the pandemic with many Zoom meetings and emails across the Atlantic. Five landscape design students from the nearby University of Virginia in Charlottesville spent several days helping plant. The design uses blocks and linear drifts of perennials and grasses that wind around each other creating a very romantic meadow look.

Roy has also worked with British organist and music director Colin Welford on Welford’s garden in Ephraim, WI. “We’re going

to grow 4,000 perennials for his nursery. All he needs is a sprinkler and a timer. The cool part is I’m going to create 4- to 5-footsquare grids with plants showing what they are, how to plant them, and how to care, nurture and love them.” In the future, the nursery and the grid plans will be available so that gardeners can pick as many grids and plants as they choose.

Meadow Making

Roy’s clients come primarily by word of mouth, but also a changing culture. “People get old and they’re done with their parklike place. The relatives take over—the sons or daughters who like that looser look. It’s a generational change. We’re seeing a lot of fescue meadows.

Perfect turf is hard to give up for anyone who is passionate about it. “There are more people realizing that they don’t want all that mower noise.” At one estate in Geneva, WI. where Roy is involved with the plantings, 75 percent of the turf was converted to fescue that is mowed three times a year. Two robot mowers are used on the existing turf in the front of the property.

Knowing how to maintain fescue lawns and meadow gardens is key to long-term success. For those entering the industry, he says, “Find somebody who knows what he’s doing and learn from (continued on page 16)

(continued from page 14) that person. The best thing you can be aware of is know how much you don’t know. Learn and keep learning.” Training the maintenance crews is critical. “When most crews go out, they’re mowing, blowing and picking up sticks because when the homeowner pulls in the drive the first thing they’ll notice is piles of debris.”

Crews doing maintenance must understand how the perennials work and when and how to care for them. If there was only one tool Roy could recommend it would be the Dutch hoe. “I made a YouTube video about Mary, a retired mathematical engineer from University of Wisconsin. She maintains 15,000 square feet of gardens each week with a Dutch hoe. I wanted people to see it’s doable.”

A Passion for Work

Roy arrives at Northwind at 5:15 a.m. every day. “I’ve done that my whole life. Even at Natural Garden, I never missed a sunrise and I stayed until dark.” The house is just a place to sleep. “In the winter, I’ll leave at 6 a.m.and go to coffee shops and read and write. I like the sound of people, but I don’t have to talk to anyone.”

Two years ago, he had an epiphany. “I was doing a garden in New Jersey with 15,000 plants. On the flight back, I realized that was the first year I hadn’t sown seeds since 1979. This wasn’t the direction I wanted to go. Since my business partner Steve died, I’m more involved with the business. I’m not a business guy. I

don’t want to deal with the bank, worker’s comp — Steve did all that. Being 72, I see 80 right there. You don’t know when you’re going to kick off. I want to sow seeds, I want to be a grower and I want to be a designer and I want adventure — not just waiting for something to happen. Something will happen, but I want to go into it like gangbusters. Something different.”

You can find Roy’s YouTube Channel here: www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF_RLBx5ZV7AChvHyaU9kw

We

Cover Story

set the Way-Back Machine To Summer 2011...

On the Road... with Piet & Roy

On the Road... with Piet & Roy

World renowned plantsmen share a Sunday morning out of the spotlight, but on the record

World renowned plantsmen share a Sunday morning out of the spotlight, but on the record

By Patrice Peltier

Imagine you were invited to breakfast with Sir Paul McCartney or maybe The Rolling Stones. That’s how I felt when I discovered I was having breakfast with an international landscape designer who’s a rock star in my book Piet Oudolf.

“OMG!” a landscape designer friend of mine squealed when I told her the news. “Do you have all your questions ready?” OMG, indeed. What do you ask a world famous designer, author of many books, plant geek extraordinaire that doesn’t seem, well, just too ordinary? I wanted to make the most of this opportunity, to find out all the things The Landscape Contractor’s readers would want to know, to get the proverbial scoop. Most of all, I wanted not to sound too dumb in the process.

I took courage from the fact that my friend Roy Diblik, coowner of Northwind Perennial Farm, would be there, too. I trusted he would bail me out if I got too tongue-tied or started sounding too dumb. Turns out, he did all that AND practically had to translate for me until my ears got in tune with Piet’s accent.

We were also joined by Brent Horvath, owner of Intrinsic Perennial Gardens. Roy and Piet met more than 10 years ago when Piet was designing The Lurie Garden in Chicago’s Millennium Park. Roy advised Piet on how the plants in his plan would survive our harsh growing conditions, eventually growing or finding growers for the plants Piet needed. Brent, who also has a perennials introduction company, has worked with Piet’s company, Future Plants, on introducing plants on both sides of the pond.

I figured I was in luck. Maybe I wouldn’t have to ask many questions. I could just be a fly on the wall, so to speak, and listen in on all the informed plant talk swirling around me. Eventually, the conversation did swirl. In fact, I was soon caught in the undertow of botanical names flailing desperately to keep my head above water. Those unpro-

nounceable, unspellable Latin names are hard enough without throwing in a foreign accent.

But, at first, my three breakfast companions chivalrously sat back and let me take the lead. Great. So, what do you think about the state of sustainability in the US, I asked the man who’s first criteria in plant selection is durability. Not much, was the answer.

Sustainability has become a word that everyone uses in marketing, according to Piet. (Roy and Brent nodded in agreement.) He thinks there’s a lot of buzz about it, and perhaps more sustainable materials are being chosen, but when it comes to plants, it’s pretty much the status quo.

“Most people still like annuals and biennials,” he says.

“People still are not taking the time to learn about plants; they’re not solving problems with plants,” Roy adds. He is, however, encouraged by a recent conversation he had with some horticulture interns at the Shedd Aquarium. The students were focused on selecting long-lived plants and creating designs with an eye towards their maintenance requirements. Some are actually majoring in sustainability. Roy says that makes him hopeful that the sustainability message is gaining traction.

My breakfast companions think part of the problem is the pressure on growers to continually introduce new plants. There’s a rush to bring new introductions to market often before there’s adequate information about how the plant will perform over time.

“They want new plants every year at least five,” Piet says facetiously of what it takes to be financially successful in the industry. There is too little time to trial plants to learn how they’ll perform regionally or under different growing conditions. “They’re just a picture in a catalog. The attitude is ‘We have five, so we’re ahead,’” says Piet.

The public, who often clamor for new plants, are also the losers of this system, Piet says. “Gardeners don’t know that

this is not a long-lived plant. If the plant dies, they think it’s their fault.” he says. “Then they get discouraged and stop gardening,” Brent chimes in.

Wait a minute! All three of these guys have introduced new plants to the trade. Roy has several. Since opening his nursery in 1992, Brent has introduced 14 patented plants, with more on the way. Piet is partner in a company, Future Plants, that’s responsible for more than 70 named introductions over the last 20 years or so.

So, aren’t they part of the system they’re criticizing? Yes and no, they say. Market demands are a reality, and a good thing, says Piet. Without the quest for the next new thing, we’d all still be traveling in horsedrawn wagons, he adds. Roy says the difference is the care that’s taken in observing the plants, learning about them, and seeing how they perform long term and in different situations. He points to the importance

2

(continued on page 30)

Cover Story

(continued from page 29) of regional plant evaluation programs like Perennials in Focus, a group he helped organize.

“I look at plants with two eyes commercial and landscape,” Piet says. He acknowledges that people are drawn to flower color and that gardeners are always interested in having the newest plant. He keeps that in mind when he’s developing plants.

But for plants to use in his own designs, he has different priorities. He’s looking for plants that are long-lived, well behaved and have nice structure even when they’re not in bloom. Durability and maintenance requirements are his first considerations. Flower color is low on his list of considerations.

Often, Piet suspects, landscape designers and contractors select plants on the same basis as home gardeners. They go to the nursery or garden center and select what looks good at the moment. “They don’t know the plants. They don’t know what their design will look like in a few years,” he says. “They’re focusing on the placement of plants without understanding how the plants will mature.”

Sometimes the cool, new plants are actually unknown or

under-appreciated old plants. This, according to Roy, is part of the beauty of The Lurie Gardens. Piet combined many of our native plants in ways that made us recognize their value. “It’s a mixture of plants people didn’t even know existed,” Roy says.

Criticisms aside, the allure of finding new plants is powerful especially for my breakfast companions. They are always observing seedlings to see which have interesting characteristics. They are ever on the look-out for new specimens in yards, public gardens and along roadsides.

Roy likes a new, pink salvia he found growing at The Lurie Garden. This prompts Brent to respond that he, too, has a nice pink salvia. He brought four cuttings back from a gas station in Door County. Piet reports on a verbascum with light blue flowers (“I never thought it could happen!”) he found while working on the Chelsea Flower Show.

What are you looking for in a new plant? I ask. What makes you dig a plant up from the roadside, ask a property owner if you can divide a clump or take a few cuttings?

“The plant just touches you. It has to have you. You think ‘I want that,’” Piet responds.

(continued on page 32)

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Cover Story

(continued from page 30)

“Piet’s right,” Roy says. “You can’t leave without it.”

“Or you go back to get it,” chimes in Piet, recalling returning to England six or seven times to get just one plant.

It happens to Brent, too. He spent two years waiting for a homeowner to part with a particular Digitalis lutea with an alluring pink tinge.

As they trade tales, I’m thinking it’s a lot like a conversation about lost loves. In this case, though, “the one that got away” is a plant.

By now, breakfast is over, and we head for our second stop of the day Brent’s nursery.

“Is this a selection or a hybrid?” Piet asks as he inspects a plant Brent is working with. It’s a hybrid, according to Brent, who rattles off the parentage. Piet is reminded of a similar cross he has made but the plant is taller. Soon, the botanical names are flying again.

Being a newbie to all this plant-breeding stuff, I am surprised when Piet asks Brent about the parentage of another plant, and Brent doesn’t know. They discuss the possible parents. Roy disagrees given how narrow the leaves are. Hmmm, uncertainty about plant ID? Now that’s something I can relate to.

After our visit at Brent’s, Piet gets in my car for the

trip back to Northwind Perennial Farm. Do I use this as an opportunity to plumb the depths of his plant knowledge? No, we talk about the use of cell phones to take photos as visual “notes,” about how he is getting close to filling the memory on his four-year-old computer with photos, and about the price of gasoline in our respective countries.

He confides that, although it is wonderful to travel around meeting people and seeing gardens, it eventually makes sitting in the airport terminal with a book seem relaxing.

I find out that until his mid-20’s, he worked in his family’s restaurant. That wasn’t an appealing long-term career choice, so he went to work at a garden center, then for a landscape contractor. Eventually, he went back to school and emerged as a landscape designer. Along the way, he started a nursery. He refers to this experience as “nursing,” a lovely way to refer to the business of raising plants.

Oh, and I also discovered that Piet has very cool, wingtip boots and that he is a bit of a back-seat driver (although a pleasant one).

So there you have it, dear readers, my tale of time well spent with some of our industry’s luminaries. I’m sorry I couldn’t capture all the plant names for you. I tried, but there were three of them and one of me. Guess you’ll have to get your own breakfast with rock stars.

Cover Story

Piet’s Picks

While visiting Intrinsic Perennial Gardens, Piet selected several plants to trial at his own company, Future Plants, which introduces plants, primarily in the European market. Here are a few of the plants Piet picked.

Veronica incana ‘Pure Silver’ (below)

Brent Horvarth at Intrinsic selected this plant for its vigor and longevity and its adaptability to heavy soil and moist conditions all pluses in Piet’s book. Piet also likes its tighter, more upright habit and silver foliage.

Echinacea ‘Snow Cone’ (right)

A bushy, pure-white coneflower with green cones, this hybrid has tennessensis in it, giving it more longevity than straight purpureas. Brent is developing a cross between this plant and Piet’s Echinacea ‘Green Jewel.’ Both proud papas are looking forward to seeing how the seedlings look this year.

Sedum ‘Plum Perfection’ ( below, right)

Tight clumps of plum foliage make this an interesting addition to the landscape in Piet’s estimation. The people-pleasing pink flowers are an added bonus, he says.

Future Plants is already selling several of Brent’s introductions, including Polemonium ‘Heaven Scent’ PP#21,214 and Geum ‘Mai Tai’ PPAF, which sold 14,000 the first year. By the way, ‘Mai Tai’ has some of Piet’s Geum ‘Flames of Passion’ in its lineage. (‘Mai Tai’ and ‘Heaven Scent’ are pictured on page 33)

26)

Always experimenting

Maintenance or the lack of it is an important consideration for Piet Oudolf. He’s constantly experimenting with how to retain a landscape’s beauty while reducing the maintenance demands. “A lot of ideas come from the lack of money,” he says with a chuckle.

Recently, he planted an area with 20 of what he considers strong, durable plants, including Vernonia fasciculata, Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster,’ Molinia litoralis ‘Transparent,’ Amsonia salicifolia, and Veronicastrum virginicum. He overseeded this area with a mix of grasses and other native plants like dill and statice that have interesting seedheads.

He’s curious to see what survives from the seed mix and how the planting looks over time. “If the aesthetics stay good, it may be an idea for public landscapes,” he says.

Although he’s hopeful the result may be an attractive, low-maintenance look, he says, “I think I know how it will end. My hands will be itching to weed.”

Special Event

For Piet’s Sake

The real reason Piet Oudolf was in St. Charles was to review the demonstration garden he designed for Midwest Groundcovers in 2004. Midwest Groundcovers vice president and ILCA Board member Christa Orum-Keller figured as long as Oudolf was in town, ILCA members might like to hear what he had to say. Orum-Keller proposed the “Afternoon of Inspiration” event to ILCA, and the association jumped at the opportunity.

Following the presentation, participants were invited to walk the demonstration gardens to learn the revisions Oudolf recommended to the “block planting style” design. If you’d like to know more about Piet’s recommendations, check out Kevin McGowen’s blog on the Midwest Groundcovers website. Look under “Links” to find the blog.

Below: Piet poses in the garden with Laureen Donahue-Grossman, Bruss Landscaping, Inc.; Rene Heynssens, Heynssens + Grassman, Inc.; Roy Diblik, Northwind Perennial Farm; and Laurin Robertson, Western DuPage Landscaping.

What’s your role?

Piet Oudolf sees plants as characters who play specific roles in design. He doesn’t start with a particular plant. He begins with forms he wants to use, and then selects plants that provide that form. Here are some of the forms Oudolf works with:

Spires “connect heaven and earth,” he says. He considers these one of the most important forms. (Salvia)

Buttons and Globes provide contrast. (Allium summer beauty)

Plumes soften the design. (Panicum)

Umbels keep the viewer’s eye at a certain level. (Achillea)

Daisies remind us of school and of the sun. (Echinacea)

Screens and curtains create depth (Molinia)

Patti Peltier’s Know Maintenance Experience

A Know Maintenance Experiment With My Small

By Patrice Peltier

Oh, Lord. If Roy Diblik could see my garden now. Would he cry in dismay? Grind his teeth in frustration? Bite his tongue to avoid saying “what have you done????” Quite possibly all of the above.

In 2012, my husband and I purchased an old house on a corner lot in the center of Spring Green, WI pop. 1600. There were a couple hostas in front of the house and turf along the otherwise barren 110-foot long southern side. By this time, I’d been writing articles about Roy and his Know Maintenance concept for more than a dozen years. The new house seemed like the perfect opportunity to put Roy’s concept into practice, so I asked for his help creating a garden between the house and the sidewalk.

And so it began...

Roy showed up on an impossibly hot day in July with some flats full of plugs and an idea in his head. He laid the plants out. My sainted husband dug holes. I planted. Although I’d written lots about Roy’s grids, matrixes and percentages of plants, I can’t say that I saw any of that clearly as I planted. I did, however, identify the matrix of grasses, the rivers of blue salvia weaving through the clusters of Monarda bradburiana And I could see how the coneflowers, Allium ‘Summer Beauty’, coreopsis and Russian sage would create successional interest.

The garden quickly became a sensation. Most people in my small town had never seen a garden like this. In late May the following year when the garden was in its pink, purple and blue phase, people were stopping their cars right in their lane of traffic to exclaim over the garden. Friends, neighbors, strangers and tourists stopped on the sidewalk to discuss the garden. I met so many people this way!

As the palette grows

The following year, I began planting between the sidewalk and the street, hoping the sidewalk would seem like a path through the garden. I tried my best to apply Roy’s principles on my own and create repeating plant combinations. As a crowd-pleaser, the new garden was equally successful.

Fast forward to the present. The garden continues to be a fan fav. I didn’t mention that my small town hosts Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and studio, Taliesin, as well as an outdoor Shakespearean theater that attracts about 100,000 people a summer. This brings a lot of people from all over the Midwest and (continued on page 36)

— Residential Garden

Patti Peltier’s Know Maintenance Experience

(continued from page 34) beyond past my garden. They continue to call out their praise from passing cars and stop by to chat. People exclaim over the way the garden changes over the season and tell me they pass by frequently to check its progress. Last year, two entomology grad students from UW-Madison made my garden part of their study on honeybees. They said the garden had more bees than any place they’d discovered.

As a garden design, however, it might be a mess. There is no longer even a hint of a matrix or a grid…or of any plan, whatsoever. The rhizomatous plants are creeping into everything. Others fling seeds everywhere. I weed and attempt to maintain some semblance of order. I dig coneflowers by the armloads, divide the allium routinely, share monarda with everyone. Despite my deadheading efforts, the five butterfly weed plants I placed between the sidewalk and the street have spawned multitudes. The roots of the prairie clovers are so dense I have given up trying to dig them out or dig around them.

Armed with a shovel, I enter the garden resolved to be absolutely ruthless in restoring order. I can never do it. I edit a little here and there, but I am weak willed. In truth, the garden is so lovely— to me and to its many admirers—that I can rarely bring myself to alter it very (continued on page 38)

Patti Peltier’s Know Maintenance Experience

(continued from page 36)

much. It is simply doing its thing, and I don’t have the heart to stop it.

I am so grateful my garden was founded on Roy’s expertise and aesthetic. It got a good start in life. Aside from my occasional reminders to mind its manners, the garden has evolved and changed according to its own rules and rhythms. I continue to be enthralled (and occasionally exasperated) by it. I call this my Roy Diblik garden. These days I wonder whether he would be happy about that. I hope so. If not, my apologies, Roy.

•

• Stormwater Management

• Pipeline and Energy Transmission

• Ecosystem and Habitat Restoration

email:

Design with Children in Mind

By Mark Dwyer

The landscape design process obviously benefits immensely from significant client input regarding interests, needs, expectations and concerns. In many cases, some guiding questions from the designer will help ferret out more information on not only ornamental goals of the landscape but functional expectations as well. In my myriad interactions with clients over the years, their input ranging from not involved to over-involved, I never neglect to ask about children. Do they have or expect children (or grandchildren) and have they considered maximizing the landscape to accommodate active interest and use of an evolving landscape that is popular and engaging with children? Sometimes the kids haven’t yet entered the equation.

While it’s common to confirm expectations on outdoor entertaining, deck/patio sizes, privacy issues, etc., I believe we can more actively and directly create safe, multi-function-

al landscape spaces or zones for imaginative play and use by children, and it’s not a “hard sell.” Kids DO notice beautiful spaces, and when they feel invited into the landscape, they will actively engage. Additionally, there isn’t a more important time in history to get kids outside, as we all know.

About 10 years ago, I designed a retaining wall system on a severe slope to accommodate broad terraces, steps, seating and plantings. The client had a young teenager who was fond of various winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, so he wanted a portion of the slope to include more irregular rocks and outcroppings to support snowboarding for his son. That was my first foray into combining functional erosion control with extreme sports potential! Apparently, it was a success in both regards.

(continued on page 42)

Fine Dry Cast Limestone Planters

Design in Color • Confidence in Stone

True design flexibility without sacrificing longevity.

Exterior-grade paint engineered for long-term adhesion, color stability, and durability.

a wide range of colors.

(continued from page 40)

More often than not, clients with children will just ask for an open space in the backyard (within easy sight of the residence) to place a traditional, clunky play set. I grew up with this setting but now view it as lacking more diverse appeal. I think we can do more than that with our design skills and create spaces that are both versatile and adaptable. These “family landscapes” can also add real value to the home, particularly for families with children looking to transition into a movein-ready setting that has already considered children.

Fun and enriching environments for children should absolutely be incorporated into the landscape although those spaces should also be attractive to adults and have the ability to evolve as the children grow

and landscape needs and expectations change over time. Designing for both the “now” and “later” becomes the inherent challenge. Balancing both the aesthetic and functional expectations of the landscape by both adults and children is the primary goal.

Safety

A primary concern of a landscape that will be explored and enjoyed by children is safety. This includes “kid safe” elements but also the consideration of elements like privacy and screening. Parents appreciate and insist on a landscape layout that allows them to have a clear line of sight from the structure or adjacent patios/ decks to observe their children and monitor the setting. Shaded “observation points” may allow direct views of the landscape and certainly also serve as spaces for (continued on page 44)

(continued from page 42) collective respite on those hot summer days.

Thoughtfully placed trees, shrubs, hedges, fences, etc. can support privacy issues from the exterior of the property and still frame the setting and not appear as a restrictive, suffocating barrier to the world outside the property. Creating privacy has always been in our design wheelhouse but should again consider the location of the most active use by children and blend har-

Incorporating options for different styles of play that also support and engage children as they grow older is a primary goal. Inputs from your clients regarding the ages and interests of their children will help guide some design development but by diversifying the options for different styles and intensity of play (both active and passive) this will maximize engagement for the entire family.

Consider creating informal “gathering zones” in the landscape that will serve the dual purpose of supporting active children’s activities and exploration as well as entertaining. Our traditional decks, patios, firepits and other features already serve the role of encouraging a gathering but may also be tweaked as a flexible-use space for myriad other activities.

Modifications

A landscape design may include typical elements like decks, patios, sitting areas, arbors, retaining walls, etc. These are popular additions to the landscape that help locate and define function. Consider the opportunity for slight modifications of these elements to accommodate the interests and activities of children at the time. These modifications can then be altered, augmented or eliminated over time. Perhaps not as dramatic as a rock out for snowboarding, consider that hidden sandbox under a low deck section or a slide coming off the upper deck into the yard. That climbing wall or cargo climbing net could be incorporated into an existing vertical element.

(continued on page 46)

(continued from page 44)

Ornamental boulders positioned in the landscape will offer visual interest but will certainly attract children and encourage interaction. Get creative and include the children in this discussion as they may have some inspiring and realistic ideas on these modifications. Input from the children creates a shared sense of interest, ownership and responsibility regarding the burgeoning family landscape.

The custom, wooden playset in our backyard that was built for our daughters (now 36 and 26 years old) still stands, and after the girls outgrew it, was a support for vines, hanging baskets and other elements. Admittedly, we figured it would need to come down at some point. However, our 4-year old grandson now uses it as his sheltered “fort”, and we’ve renovated the climbing ropes, slide, monkey bars and ladders to rejuvenate this feature which also includes planters and a small raised bed for him to utilize for his favorite vegetables (he loves cherry tomatoes and basil!).

Trampolines, jungle gyms, tree swings and other elements don’t have to be “floating” elements in the landscape and can connect planted areas or be nestled into lush landscapes that offer opportunities for transitional engagement. Consider the use of natural materials whenever possible. Our typical, rectilinear yards shouldn’t appear as holding pens for disparate elements. Providing discreet and adequate storage solutions for yard toys and other smaller items is another worthy goal as we rarely consider this need. This might consist of a standard shed or could be a playhouse that also has storage options. Again, this active landscape should be able to absorb and support the daily “play zone” activities but be appropriate (and durable) for other uses.

(continued on page 48)

Chicagoland area with of 400 acres of quality field-grown nursery stock .

Cedar Path Nurseries has two conveniently located sales yards, Lockport and Barrington, to better serve our clients.

We are the premier shade tree grower in the Chicagoland area with of 400 acres of quality field-grown nursery stock .

Growers & Distributors of Quality Nursery Stock

Cedar Path Nurseries has two conveniently located sales yards, Lockport and Barrington, to better serve our clients.

We are the premier shade tree grower in the Chicagoland area with 400 acres of quality field-grown nursery stock. Cedar Path Nurseries is conveniently located in Lockport to serve our clients.

Cedar Path Nurseries carries a full line of B&B trees and shrubs, container shrubs, perennials and groundcovers. Not only are we your onestop -shop, but we are sourcing experts. We look forward to assisting on your next project.

We are the premier shade tree grower in the Chicagoland area with of 400 acres of quality field-grown nursery stock Cedar Path Nurseries has two conveniently located sales yards, Lockport and Barrington, to better serve our clients.

We are the premier shade tree grower in the Chicagoland area with of 400 acres of quality field-grown nursery stock Cedar Path Nurseries has two conveniently located sales yards, Lockport and Barrington, to better serve our clients.

Cedar Path Nurseries carries a full line of B&B trees and shrubs, container shrubs, perennials and groundcovers. Not only are we your onestop-shop, but we are sourcing experts. We look forward to assisting on your next project.

Cedar Path Nurseries carries a full line of B&B trees and shrubs, container shrubs, perennials and ground covers. We are, not only your one-stop shop, but we are also sourcing experts. We look forward to assisting on your next project.

Cedar Path Nurseries carries a full line of B&B trees and shrubs, container shrubs, perennials and groundcovers. Not only are we your onestop-shop, but we are sourcing experts. We look forward to assisting on your next project.

Cedar Path Nurseries carries a full line of B&B trees and shrubs, container shrubs, perennials and groundcovers. Not only are we your onestop-shop, but we are sourcing experts. We look forward to assisting on your next project.

Lockport, Illinois

15235 W. Bruce Road, Lockport, IL 60491 Office 815.838

15235 W. Bruce Road, Lockport, IL 60491 Office 815.838

Barrington, Illinois

Barrington, Illinois

Barrington, Illinois

15235 W. Bruce Road, Lockport, IL 60491

190 W. Penny Road, Barrington, IL 60010 Office 847.551.3700 | Fax 847.551.3707

190 W. Penny Road, Barrington, IL 60010 Office 847.551.3700 | Fax 847.551.3707

190 W. Penny Road, Barrington, IL 60010 Office 847.551.3700 | Fax 847.551.3707

Office 815.838- 4900 |Fax 815.838.4999 Barrington, Illinois

SALES@CEDARPATH.NET | WWW.CEDARPATH.NET

(continued from page 46)

Plantings

Aside from the selection and placement of woody plants to create privacy, define functional space or simply beautify, when children enter the equation, it becomes important to also consider other details. Avoiding toxic and poisonous plants is an obvious goal, as is avoiding overly thorny selections in close proximity to active play areas. Hardy and durable selections are consistently in our repertoire.

Plants that provide scent are typically appreciated by the entire family, so consider incorporating fragrant woody plants, perennials and even select annuals for their additional olfactory engagement. Fragrant plants in close proximity to those active space areas and certainly our entertainment spaces, are ideal for maximum enjoyment.

Creating a small, personalized area (i.e. raised bed) for children would also allow them to grow herbs, vegetables and other fun plants. These special gardens become another engagement and learning opportunity that also fosters responsibility for the

children. As children get older, these “learning gardens” can be expanded, removed or absorbed into the landscape at that time. Parents may decide to include these elements later but there is nothing wrong with suggesting them in advance for consideration during the design process.

In Summary

The home landscapes where we spend time daily are vital and support the well-being of the entire family. Considering children in the complex equation of creating a personalized, beautiful and functional landscape, while not a new approach, can really maximize the enjoyment and use of the landscape by the entire family. A kid-friendly landscape can harmoniously include amenities, features and plantings that will evolve as kids grow and interests change. Encouraging both physical and imaginative play in functional areas that also integrate adult enjoyment and use is a worthwhile goal, and the landscape should grow with the family’s interests and become the “hangout” everyone enjoys!

Beyond Survival: Planting Medians, Roadways and Commercial Sites

by Meghan Kohlmann

Roadside, municipal and commercial landscapes are some of the more difficult environments to work in due to the array of challenges that come with being in an urban setting. From compacted soils, limited rooting space, reflected heat, inconsistent moisture and mechanical damage – all these factors easily contribute to poor plant performance. In our northern climate, de-icing salt adds another layer of stress that can quickly push plant material past its limits.

Salt damage shows up in many familiar ways – leaf burn, dieback, delayed spring emergence and reduced vigor. Over time, repeated exposure can weaken plants to the point where replacement becomes inevitable. While salt tolerance is often discussed broadly, successful planting in these environments requires a more thoughtful approach. Ensuring the plant selection can tolerate salt along with drought, poor soils

and temperature extremes is critical for long-term success.

The plants highlighted here have proven themselves in salt-adjacent and high-stress conditions, offering dependable performance beyond simple survival. These selections have been tested and are trusted to deliver long-term value in real-world applications.

(continued on page 52)

(continued from page 50)

Groundcovers That Perform Under Pressure

Groundcovers are commonly used along curbs, medians and roadway edges where maintenance access is limited and weed suppression is essential. The following selections offer durability without sacrificing visual appeal.

Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ provides strong contrast with its dark, nearly black foliage and performs well once established. Ajuga reptans ‘Black Scallop’ is a dependable option for quick coverage, offering dense growth and tolerance of salt spray along sidewalks and curbs. Ceratostigma plumbaginoides is one of my personal favorites, and is another reliable performer, valued for its late-season blue flowers and outstanding red fall color, even in difficult soils. For tighter spaces, consider using Thymus ‘Doone Valley’, which offers a low-growing habit, salt tolerance and aromatic foliage that holds up well near hardscapes.

These groundcovers help stabilize the soil, reduce erosion and create a finished look in the landscape.

Perennials and Grass with Staying Power

Perennials and ornamental grasses add texture, seasonal interest and ecological value – but only when they are well-suited for their environment. Below are recommendations for reliable perennial partners that can stand up to the challenge.

Allium x ‘Big Beauty’ offers bold structure and long-lasting blooms, while Rudbeckia ‘American Gold Rush’ continues to prove itself as a reliable, low-maintenance perennial for tough sites. Amsonia ‘Blue Ice’ provides early-season interest and a refined habit, followed by golden fall color.

Grasses are particularly effective in salt-prone landscapes due to their deep root systems and adaptability. Andropgon gerardii ‘Blackhawks’ brings strong vertical interest and rich coloration, while the classic, Sporobolus heterolepis, offers fine texture and excellent drought tolerance. Cool-season options such as Sesleria albicans and Festuca ‘Cool as Ice’ perform well in compacted soils and extend visual interest earlier in the season.

(continued on page 54)

(continued from page 52)

Shrubs You Can Rely On

Shrubs often define the structure of roadside and commercial landscapes, but they are also exposed to the highest level of salt spray. Selecting shrubs that can be trusted to perform is essential.

Juniperus chinensis var. sargentii ‘Viridis’ remains a reliable choice for low-growing coverage in medians and along roadways. Aronia Low Scape Snowfire® and Diervilla Kodiak Fresh® offer compact habits, durability and adaptability to a range of soil conditions. Hypericum Cobalt-N-Gold™ provides consistent color and strong salt tolerance, while Clethra ‘Summer Sparkler’ and Hydrangea Gatsby Gal® add seasonal interest without sacrificing resilience.

Designing for Long-Term Performance

While plant selection is the foundation, long-term success also depends on proper installation and realistic maintenance practices. Improving soil conditions where possible, ensuring adequate drainage and avoiding excessive fertilization can help reduce salt accumulation over time. Grouping plants with similar tolerance levels and selecting species based on mature size also reduces stress and maintenance demands. In environments where failure is costly and conditions are unforgiving, thoughtful plant selection makes all the difference. By choosing plants proven to handle salt, stress and less-than-ideal conditions, we can deliver lasting value to our landscapes.

FEBRUARY 25–27, 2026

Welcome from Scott Grams

iLandscape Show Director

Start Your Engines— iLandscape 2026 is Off to the Races!

For many in our industry, iLandscape marks the start of the landscaping season, and this year’s theme brings the excitement, energy, and friendly competition of race day right to the show floor.

Along with 260 exhibitors across two packed halls, iLandscape will feature race-themed gardens and activities designed to spark creativity, connection, and a little competitive spirit. Attendees can build and race their own Pinewood Derby cars, challenge coworkers on our foot track, test their skills in the RC Car Garden, and capture the moment with a victory photo at our Podium Finish.

Join us for the inaugural Gallop the Garden 5K — an indoor fun-run held directly on the showroom floor. Stop by the two pit stops in the ballroom to meet with special interest groups including: women, young professionals, designers, owners & managers, and more. Stick around for the raffle including an all-expense paid trip to the Kentucky Derby and a brand new, Harley Davidson Nightster.

Premier Sponsor

The experience doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. On Wednesday, the smell of mint and roses fill the air for our Kentucky Derby party. On Thursday, the finals of the pinewood derby will take center stage along with relay races, a mobile DJ, and cash prizes.

Our education program offers more than 50 sessions led by experts from across the industry—plus the return of our new Next Level Training Program, a two-day, Spanish-language learning track designed for crew leaders through supervisors. With the show taking place at the end of February this year, it’s the perfect time to bring your entire production team.

Don’t miss your chance to kick off the season with inspiration, hands-on activities, and networking with the brightest minds in landscaping.

Register now and be part of the premier event that jumpstarts the 2026 landscaping season!

And, we’re off!

Midwest Groundcovers excels in the propagation, growing, and wholesale distribution of high-quality container nursery stock. Midwest Trading supplies the green industry with the essential foundation it needs: premium growing media, landscape mulches, and a comprehensive range of horticultural supplies. With a rich history and a deep understanding of the industry, the Midwest companies are your trusted partners in horticulture. We provide the quality, reliability, and support you need to succeed.

Visit Midwest Groundcovers in booth #1614. Visit Midwest Trading in booth #1636.

Show Guide Contents

iLandscape Conduct Statement:

By attending iLandscape, the registrant agrees to use proper conduct that includes:

• Be considerate and respectful to each other.

• Communicate openly and thoughtfully and encourage others to do the same.

• Refrain from harassing, discriminatory, or demeaning conduct.

• Comply with all rules, policies, and procedures of the facilities at which the event is being held.

• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations in the location where the event is being held.

• Do not approach other participants with an intent to hire or make a job solicitation during the posted hours of this event.

If Show Management receives reports that a participant has failed to use proper conduct, then Show Management may take whatever actions it deems appropriate, including, for example, expulsion from the event without refund, notification of participant’s employer, and disqualification from attending future events.

Suitcasing Policy

Any attendee who is observed to be soliciting business in the aisles, another public space, or in another company’s booth will be asked to leave immediately. Additional penalties may be applied. Please report any violations you may observe to Show Management immediately.

A member of Show Management will be available from the start to the finish of the trade show and will respond to any complaints regarding suitcasing. The staff will be trained on what to look for and the appropriate indicators to determine if there is an issue. Show Management will have the following responsibilities:

• Review any complaints received concerning suitcasing.

• Take appropriate action to address the situation; including removal from the show floor.

Plants with a Purpose

The plants on display are donated by our exhibitors to benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. In 2025, these donations raised $4,755. We kindly ask that plants remain on display so they may be donated after the show.

• Determine penalties for violations, up to and including suspension from participation in future events.

If you suspect another company of suitcasing, report it to the Show Management office and someone will come by your booth immediately. Taking a photo or video can be helpful in case of disputes.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and assistance in ensuring all companies are protected from suitcasing while exhibiting at the iLandscape Show in Schaumburg, IL.

iLandscape at-a-glance

wednesday

Registration Hours 7:00am – 4:30pm

Educational Sessions

Next Level Training— Utopia CD 8:00am -11:30am

EN ESPAÑOL

thursday

Gallop the Garden Indoor 5K 6:30am

Exhibit Hall Hours 9:00am – 4:30pm

Pinewood Derby Car Weigh In 9:00am

Education Pop-Up— 9:20am - 9:40am Between 2 Arbs 2:05pm - 2:25pm

Proven Winners Color Choice Shrubs Stage in Ballroom

AM Pinewood Derby Races 10:00am

PM Pinewood Derby Races 1:30pm

Sponsored by

Raffle Scanning at 1:45pm - 3:45pm Information Desk Upstairs or Downstairs

Raffles & Giveaways 4:15pm Derby Stage

MUST be present to win one of these great prizes:

• Kentucky Derby Package

• Over $1,000 in cash prizes

• Race theme items

• Peloton bike

Derby Party 4:30pm - 6:30pm

Discovery Hall

Sponsored by

Registration Hours 7:00am – 4:30pm

Educational Sessions

Sponsored by EN ESPAÑOL

Next Level Training— Utopia CD 8:00am -11:30am

Sponsored by

Exhibit Hall Hours 9:00am – 4:30pm

Education Pop-Up— 9:20am - 9:40am Between 2 Arbs 2:05pm - 2:25pm

Proven Winners Color Choice Shrubs Stage in Ballroom

Raffle Scanning at 1:45pm - 3:45pm Information Desk Upstairs or Downstairs

MUST be present to win.

• Harley Davidson Nightster

• Over $1,000 in cash prizes

• Peloton bike

• Pitboss package

Race Night: iLandPrix Showdown 4:30pm-6:30pm

Discovery Hall

Drinks and food provided.

Sponsored by

friday

Registration Hours 7:00am – 2:00pm

Exhibit Hall Hours 9:00am – 2:00pm

Educational Sessions 8:00am – 12:20pm

Education Pop-Up— 9:20am - 9:40am Between 2 Arbs

Student Design

Competition Awards 10:00am-10:30am On the Derby Stage

Raffle Scanning at Information Desk 10:45am-12:30pm

Raffles & Giveaways

Discovery Hall 1:00pm-1:30pm MUST be present to win.

• Segway

• Over $1,000 in cash prizes

• Extreme Racing Experience where one lucky winner will drive a sports car on a real race track!

Dining Options

At the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel

There are dining options to fit any taste, budget, and timeframe. All menus and hours are subject to change.

RENdezvous Café

Cuisine: Coffee and Quick Eats

Before or after a busy day of meetings at the Schaumburg Convention Center, treat yourself to Starbucks® hot and iced beverages, fast casual food, and a selection of beer and wine in the café.

Mon-Fri

6:00am-4:00pm

Cost: $

Style: Carryout concessions

Gather (Hotel Lobby Bar)

Cuisine: American

Unwind with colleagues or socialize with friends over delicious meals and creative cocktails at this stylish hotel bar and restaurant.

Mon-Fri: 11:00am-12:00am; Fri: 4:30pm-1:00am

Cost: $$

Style: Sit-down/Bar

Hotel Bistro

Burrito Bowls: choice of Chicken Tinga or Pork Carnitas with assorted toppings such as black beans and rice, fresh veggies, and salsas.

Asian Noodle Station: Udon Noodle, soba noodle, oxtail broth, chicken dashi, shredded pork, rock shrimp, daikon radishes, Napa cabbage, scallions, soft boiled eggs, cilantro, enoki mushrooms, pickled shiitakes, fresh corn, jalapeno.

Wed-Fri

Opens at 10:30am

Cost: $$

Style: Carryout concessions

Discovery Hall Concession Stands (Discovery Hall)

Cuisine: The walk-up concession stands will offer hot dogs, pizza, chicken fingers, burgers, salads, wraps, pretzels, cheese curds and more.

Located in the rear of Discovery Hall

Wed-Fri

Opens at 10:30am

Cost: $

Style: Carryout concessions

Lobby Breakfast Kiosk (Convention Center Lobby near the escalator)

Cuisine: Start your day with assorted breakfast items including the chef’s selection breakfast sandwich, fresh fruit, yogurt, croissants and muffins, bagels and danishes. Beverages include coffee, soft drinks, energy drinks, juice, and more.

Wed-Thu

Opens at 7:00am

Style: Carryout concessions

Important Event Information

Meet Ups

All meet-ups are held in Pit Stop #1, located in the Ballroom – unless otherwise noted.

Wednesday, February 25

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Women’s Network

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Landscape Insider Podcast

3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Designers & Landscape Architects

Thursday, February 26

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Sustainable & Ecological Landscaping

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Women’s Network

2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Owners & Managers

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Young Professionals

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Grower’s Meet-Up *Pit Stop #2

Registration

Do you still need to register?

Scan the QR Code to register or visit ilandscapeshow.com.

Tradeshow Only : Includes access to all three days of the tradeshow and Wednesday/Thursday night entertainment. $50

Education Pass: Includes full access to the tradeshow plus access to all education sessions on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, including the Next Level Training sessions.

$165 Member $285 Non-Member

Next Level Training: Classes in Spanish –Clases de capacitación del siguiente nivel en españolIncludes a tradeshow pass!

$65 Member $115 Non-Member

Workshops: Includes an Education Pass & tradeshow.

$250 Member $375 Non-Member

Scanning Time Wednesday & Thursday: 1:45PM - 3:45PM

Scanning Time Friday 10:45AM - 12:30PM

Raffles & Prizes

Wednesday

• Kentucky Derby Package

• Over $1,000 in cash prizes

• Race theme items

• Peloton bike

Thursday

• Harley Davidson Nightster

• Over $1,000 in cash prizes

• Peloton bike

• From the Yard package featuring Solo bonfire stove, chairs and Bluetooth speaker

Friday

• Segway

• Over $1,000 in cash prizes

• Pitboss package

• Extreme Racing Experience where one lucky winner will drive a sports car on a real race track!

WORKSHOPS

Tuesday

February 24, 2026

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Nirvana A Sales Workshop: Deliberate Selling to Increase Your Bottom Line and Grow Your Company

Anne Mino, Advance Consulting Group

Drive sales deliberately to increase your bottom line. Are your new sales driven by who calls in or who needs a third bid? Those people change often. Build your business to increase route density, start or improve market segment penetration, and establish a business foothold in the next location before your overhead increases. Engage your whole team in leading your sales to clients that will help you grow profitably. Hear about fun team events that will keep your sales focused on the best clients for you. Good news: You can still sell the call-ins.

Wednesday

February 25, 2026

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Connection

Operations Workshop: Build a Priority Management System That Saves You Time and Effort

Anne Mino, Advance Consulting Group

Thursday

February 26, 2026

12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Connection

Stormwater Workshop: Practical Drainage Assessment and Solutions for Landscape Professionals

Trevor Smith, ReEarth Studio

Water is one of the most powerful forces shaping our landscapes, yet it often creates some of the biggest challenges for professionals in the field. From flooded lawns to eroding slopes, drainage issues can quickly compromise both aesthetics and function. This interactive three-hour workshop equips landscape professionals with the tools and strategies needed to assess a site for water management problems and design effective, site-specific solutions. Participants will work through real-world scenarios, practice diagnostic techniques, and explore practical applications of stormwater management strategies that balance ecological health with client needs. Key topics include:

• Identifying common signs of drainage problems during site assessment

• Matching site conditions with appropriate solutions

• Practical applications of rain gardens, bioswales, & permeable surfaces

• Integrating tree planting and vegetation for natural water management

This hands-on session will leave attendees with both the confidence and the practical toolkit to address drainage challenges with creativity and effectiveness.

Every day has 24 hours. It is how things are prioritized that makes a difference. Staff meetings to coaching crews – establishing a pattern of “priorities first” will make every day go smoother and reduce the fire fighting. This session explores proven methods to help you as the leader, and your entire team be more productive and achieve a better work life balance. Soon, every conversation and every meeting will have a laser focus on the important stuff. This saves time and reduces headaches for everyone.

ENTER TO WIN $750 on Wednesday and Thursday and $500 on Friday by completing your session evaluation in the iLandscape App!

Find the session you attended, scroll down to Surveys, click the link to complete the session evaluation. It’s that easy!

** BONUS **

Register for any workshop and receive a complimentary, three day education pass!

Workshop Pricing (Education Pass included!)

Member Rate: $250 Non-Member Rate: $375

WEDNESDAY CLASSES

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Nirvana A

How Successful Companies Use Data to Develop Accountable KPIs and Strategies for Constant Improvement

Bryan Mours, Mours Enterprises LLC

Sometimes a lot of small improvements can make more of an impact to your bottom line than one big change. But how do you know where those improvements lurk and who should be accountable for the results of change? This session will uncover some of the key areas at a company, including indirect time, purchases/inventory control and asset management where data can be used to identify where improvements can and should happen. Once identified key KPI’s can be established in your operating systems to hold responsible leaders’ accountable to results so that these improvements can become a part of the company culture.

Nirvana BC

Case Studies: Using Natural Stone in Landscape Architecture Panelists:

Jay Goggin, Cold Spring; JC Slocum, Gallegos Corp.

With so many building materials on the market today, what makes natural stone the best material for your application? Join us as a group of stone professionals discuss why natural stone was chosen for these projects. During this session, we will discuss exterior sitework, including plazas, water features, outdoor living spaces, parks, and memorials. Come away inspired with best practices to expand the use of natural stone in your portfolio.

Euphoria

How Might Leadership Change in the Future?

Judson Griggs, Landscape Design/Build Sales & Marketing Consultant, Harvest Landscape Consulting Group

Leadership is a dynamic concept that continuously evolves to adapt to changes in society, technology, and culture. Business owners and top-level managers must learn to be agile in how they lead their teams. It is important for owners and managers to understand that you don’t have to wait for a midlevel management title to be seen as a leader. You can learn effective leadership skills at every step of your career.

Utopia AB

What’s Trending: An Update on Plants and Landscape Design

Greg Stack, Ted’s Greenhouse

Maggie Thomas Harper, Spring Grove Nursery, Ashley Buzan, Alsip Nursery Moderator

Nina Koziol, Instructor, Chicago Botanic Garden and Feature writer Landscape Illinois Magazine

Like cars, houses, and clothes, plants and landscaping styles come and go. This panel presentation explores what homeowners, landscapers, and designers currently seek and who is buying what. Some plants and garden designs from the past are making a comeback.

8:00 AM – 9:15 AM

Utopia CD

NLT: Training Your Field Staff for Safety

Armando Actis, College of DuPage

En Espanol with AI English translation

This Spanish-language Next Level Training Session will cover safety practices, troubleshooting equipment issues, and OSHA regulations, including how to train your field staff on how to recognize and respond to heat stroke and extreme cold.

9:15 AM – 10:30 AM

Utopia CD

NLT: Popular Plant Introductions for 2026

Catalino Mendoza, Midwest Groundcovers

En Espanol with AI English translation

Discover the newest plant varieties for your 2026 designs and stay ahead of the curve! Explore vibrant colors, unique textures, and innovative plant combinations that will elevate your landscape projects. Learn how to create stunning, sustainable designs that not only captivate but also thrive with durability and resilience. Get inspired by the latest trends and plant selections that will make your landscapes both beautiful and environmentally conscious.

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Nirvana A Behind the Breeding: Developing New Annual and Perennial Plant Varieties

Marcus Jansen, PanAmerican Seed, Ball Horticultural Company

In this session, we will peek behind the curtain of plant breeding, exploring how annuals and perennials are bred, developed, and launched into the industry. We will unpack the supply chain from seeds or cuttings to the landscape and will provide some insight into what goes into creating new plant varieties. Tune in to learn more about how plants are trialed and evaluated, the resources that have been created specifically for landscapers, and some varieties that have proven to be well suited for our conditions here in the Midwest.

Nirvana BC

Beauty of the Wild: Designing Landscapes with a Sense of Place

Darrel Morrison, Educator, Author

Based on his book Beauty of the Wild, published by the Library of American Landscape History in 2021, the talk is part memoir, in which he tells stories of people and places that have inspired him and were important in the development of a philosophy: that our designed landscapes should be (1) ecologically sound, (2) experientially rich, (3) “of the place”, and (4) dynamic, changing over time.

The entire education program was approved for Landscape Architect CEUs unless noted otherwise.

WEDNESDAY

CLASSES

Euphoria

A Successful Project or Crop Starts in the Soil

Peter Laan, DCM USA

Nirvana BC

Containers for

Clients

C.L. Fornari, The Garden Lady

When you want to have a successful project and a landscaper or a good and healthy crop as a grower, it all starts in the soil. When you work with the right organic material in the soil, you’re feeding soil living, active soil live leads to healthy roots and better uptake of nutrients by plants. This is well known from literature but also in practice we see it again and again. In this presentation, Peter will share his knowledge and experience with improving soil live and getting better results for the growers and landscapers.

Utopia AB

AI-Powered Sales: Boost Your Process and Close More Deals

Frank Bourque, Greenmark

In this session, attendees will learn how to transform their sales system using an integrated Operating System powered by AI. From identifying the ideal customer profile to automating marketing, estimating, proposals, and follow-ups, participants will discover how AI connects every stage of the sales journey. This presentation demonstrates how contractors can simplify workflows, close more deals, and bridge the gap between sales and operations using one unified platform.

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Utopia CD

NLT: Right Plant in the Right Place

Fredy Lopez, Rosborough Partners

En Espanol with AI English translation

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Nirvana A

The Future Is the Field

Lola Wright, Lola Wright Enterprises

Nathan Wright, Nathan Wright Landscape Design

“Nobody wants to do the hard work anymore.”

That’s been the story in our industry for years—but what if that story is ready for a rewrite?

Our clients love to have containers filled with flowers on their porches, patios and decks. This talk covers planting strategies for success, plants that provide summer-long color, design tips and maintenance. In addition, we cover how to think about billing for creating and maintaining pots and boxes over the season, and how to turn summer containers into year-round opportunities for repeat business.

Euphoria

Better Versions of Your Favorite Landscape Perennials

Christopher Fifo, Darwin Perennials

Perennials have long been a staple part of virtually every landscape. Whether it’s commercial or residential, public or private, landscapers have their tried and true classics for every situation. Commercial office building, grocery store parking lot, or home a garden. It doesn’t matter. We often see many of the same plants. And why not? They ARE tried and true and we know exactly how they are going to perform because they have been used for years, if not decades. From this track record many perennials have developed a strong name recognition.

Utopia CD

Field-Level Problem Solving: A Proactive Approach and Process for Landscape Crews

Frank Bourque,, Greenmark

Keys for a generation looking not for perks, but purpose. And a business model that sees boots-on-the-ground labor not as a challenge—but as a competitive advantage.

Participants will walk away with:

- A fresh perspective on how AI and workplace health trends

- Practical strategies for building a company culture

- Messaging tools to attract and retain younger talent, Landscape businesses like ours never went remote—we’ve always relied on people who show up, move their bodies, and bring transformation to life. That’s not a liability. That’s our edge.

In this session, landscape and hardscape field teams will learn how to identify and resolve job-site challenges faster and more effectively using the S.O.L.V.E. method™. By removing emotion and applying a clear, repeatable process, crews will improve productivity, communication, and on-site decision-making. Participants will leave with a practical tool to reduce blind spots, take confident action, and prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems.

Utopia AB

Project Planning:

Design Charges, Budget Planning, and Project Phasing

Presenters & Company:

Dan Wells, Elan Landscape Development Inc.

Meagan Provencher, Wasco Nursery & Garden Center

Shawn Pawlak, Grant & Power Landscaping

Moderator:

Nina Koziol, Instructor, Chicago Botanic Garden and feature writer Landscape Illinois Magazine

This panel presentation explores clients’ budget realities, the pros and cons of charging design fees and “upselling” projects, along with proven sales and marketing strategies.

WEDNESDAY CLASSES

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Nirvana A

It’s Not What You Say—It’s How You Say It:

Mastering the Spectrum of Communication

Lola Wright, Lola Wright Enterprises

In high-stakes industries like landscape design and construction, relationships are everything—whether with clients, crew members, vendors, or business partners. But even the most skilled professionals can find themselves caught in miscommunication, frustration, or team breakdowns—not because of what they said, but how they said it.

In this engaging and practical session, transformational leadership expert Lola Wright introduces the Spectrum of Communication, a powerful model for increasing your self-awareness, enhancing collaboration, and creating stronger, more effective relationships. You will explore the three core modes of communication—Ego, Curiosity, and Essence—and learn how to recognize and shift where you are communicating from.

Nirvana BC Landscape Bloopers

C.L. Fornari, The Garden Lady

This talk looks at design mistakes that are commonly made by landscapers and home-gardeners alike. By looking at where things have gone wrong, and sometimes seeing a corrected version through the magic of Photoshop, I explain the reasons why some garden designs look better than others. Learn how to provide plantings that please your customers on the day the job is finished, and for years afterwards.

Utopia AB

Preparing the Grounds of Historic Churchill Downs for the Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports Matt Bizzell, Churchill Downs

Matt will discuss the care and effort that goes into maintaining historic Churchill Downs Racetrack’s almost 200 acres.

Utopia CD

Scaling to $10MM & Beyond: Staff Accountability Secrets For Rapid Growth Landscapers

Danny Kerr, Breakthrough Academy When your company grows, and you aren’t on your job site all the time… problems creep in. First, deadlines get missed. Your staff lacks focus. Then, quality starts to dip, leaving you to deal with mistakes that shouldn’t have happened. Petty finger-pointing becomes an ongoing issue and you bleed profits because of all the inefficiency. The bad news: Your vision of running a high-performing team feels more like a fantasy The good news: Improving accountability with your team is surprisingly easy to fix. The solution for smart landscapers is to rethink your system for holding people accountable. It isn’t complicated to fix. BUT your employees can’t do it for you. It’s the owner’s job. Join Danny as he hands over Breakthrough Academy’s internal secrets for higher performance, faster growth, and fatter net profits. This is a presentation of our most popular team management system.

Euphoria

Preserving Heritage Trees – Why and How Kris Bachtell, The Morton Arboretum (Retired)

Many heritage trees hold truly interesting stories. Learn from an experienced horticulturist and propagation expert, who has over 45 years of experience, clonal propagation techniques that can be used to preserve these special trees and why they are worth the special effort for your important clients. Preserving these historic trees can prove to be an excellent and unique business opportunity for special clients that are interested in not only preserving these trees, but also the stories that relate to them.

Be sure to check out the iLandscape bookstore!

Speakers may be signing books after their presentation. The iLandscape bookstore is located on the second level. Many thanks to the Book Bin for hosting the iLandscape bookstore!

ENTER TO WIN $750 on Wednesday and Thursday and $500 on Friday by completing your session evaluation in the iLandscape App!

Find the session you attended, scroll down to Surveys, click the link to complete the session evaluation. It’s that easy!

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Nirvana A

Soil Nutrient Density: Research and Practices

Dan Kittridge, Bionutrient Food Association

THURSDAY CLASSES

After coining the term Nutrient Density to refer to the variation of nutrient levels in food in 2007, The Bionutrient Food Association (BFA) and the Bionutrient Institute (BI) have been working to raise awareness about this important topic for more than 15 years. This presentation will cover the histo-ry of the use of the term, the research accomplished to characterize the variation of nutrient levels in food, the research to identify what causes nutrient variation, and progress in meters developed to assess that nutrient variation by anyone. As well, we will cover current research, upcoming market opportunities, and the vision for how this exciting work could serve to profoundly disrupt the dynamics of the food supply. Can agriculture meaningfully reverse climate imbalances, and be used to reverse chronic disease as well?

Nirvana BC

Exploration to Exploitation –

The Road from Plant Discovery to Market

Tony Avent, Plant Delights Nursery at Juniper Level Botanic Garden

A behind-the-scenes look at where new plants come from and how they fit into different market niches.

Euphoria

The Cool, Calm Landscaper: How To Plan Your 2026 Profit & Team Goals

Danny Kerr, Breakthrough Academy

If you’ve ever started the year without a clear plan, or, a plan that lives entirely in your head, then this session is for you. You probably intended to build your strategic plan, but you just haven’t gotten around to it yet because, well, Q4 is nuts and you’re too busy trying to wrap projects. You’re not alone! In this session, Breakthrough Academy will show you an industry-proven approach to creating a one-page Strategic Plan that doesn’t take forever to build. He will walk through an industry example to demystify the confusion of strategic planning. It will help you reach your goals and allow your business to grow (while avoiding making the same old mistakes). Start 2026 off right. BONUS: You’ll be given a ready-to-go template that gets your vision out of your head and outlines your strategic initiatives in quarterly rhythms.

Utopia AB

Elevated Cut Flower Design: Transforming Landscapes into Living Experiences

Tracy DiSabato-Aust, DiSabato-Aust Design

Go beyond ordinary garden designs—offer your clients something truly memorable! By blending vibrant cut flowers, ornamental vegetables, and healing herbs, you create gardens that nourish the senses, the vase, the table, and the spirit. This engagement leads to happier clients, enthusiastic referrals, and more opportunities for ongoing support and education. These gardens open doors for you as a designer. You can expand your services by teaching clients when and how to harvest, how to care for cut flowers for longer vase life, and how to create beautiful, fear-less, arrangements for gatherings and celebrations. Drawing from over two decades of experience and her own enclosed raised-bed gardens, Tracy demonstrates how to maximize beauty and productivity—even in small urban or suburban spaces where separate

flower or vegetable gardens aren’t possible. She will share valuable input on her favorite varieties to help take the guess work out of plant selection. Stop thinking of beauty and bounty as separate—let them work together in your designs!

Utopia CD

NLT: Elevate & Empower: Building Leaders in the Field, One Crew at a Time

Pam Berrios, Infinity Group, LLC

En Espanol with AI English translation

Leadership isn’t reserved for the office. It lives and breathes in the field, on the job site, and within every crew member who chooses to lead by example. This transformative session, we’ll explore how cultivating leadership among landscape workers can elevate not only performance, but also purpose, pride, and potential. This presentation dives deep into the principles of servant leadership, where the true power of leading comes from lifting others. You’ll learn how to foster an inclusive culture that values every voice, celebrates diversity, and creates space for growth, regardless of title or background. Discover how empowering crew members to take ownership, communicate effectively, and support one another can radically shift team dynamics and drive long-term success. Whether you’re a business owner, crew leader, or aspiring mentor, this session will equip you with actionable strategies to elevate your team and empower individuals to become leaders in their own right.

9:15 AM – 10:15 AM

Utopia CD

NLT: Next Generation Contractor: Harnessing Technology on the Jobsite

Auggie Rodriguez, Unilock Midwest En Espanol with AI English translation

Integrating technology into the jobsite has never been more accessible—or more essential. In this session, we’ll explore how contractors can leverage today’s most impactful digital tools to elevate every stage of their process. From utilizing cutting-edge Augmented Reality apps to boost sales, streamline design, and increase close rates, to implementing advanced 3D design software and next-level tools in grade surveying, you’ll discover how modern tech can transform your workflow. Learn how to bring greater accuracy, efficiency, and confidence to your projects—all with the power of technology right at your fingertips.

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Nirvana A Principles of Biological Systems

Dan Kittridge, Bionutrient Food Association

Nutrient Dense crops are the byproducts of well functioning biological systems. This workshop will cover a number of critical environmental conditions and manage-ment practices necessary for the production of these more flavor-ful, aromatic, nutritious, pest and disease resistant harvests. The foundational paradigm of how plants have evolved to operate in relation to their environments will be covered, along with practical suggestions having to do with seed quality, mineral-ization, minimal soil disturbance, inoculation, in season monitoring, integrating cover crops, managing for soil aeration

Nirvana BC

Landscaping in Drifts of One – Where Biodiversity and Aesthetics Collide

Tony Avent, Plant Delights Nursery at Juniper Level

Botanic Garden

Gardening rules often encourage us to limit our plant palette, but this only makes gardens boring and biologically unhealthy. Instead, we’ll explore how to turn your yard into a sustainable ex-situ conservation garden by creating unique habitats to increase botanical diversity, while paying attention to aesthetic considerations like colors, textures, sizes and forms.

Euphoria

Harness the Power of AI in Marketing to Bring in New Clients

Tami Wloch, Social/Digital Media, Strategic & Creative Marketing

Do you know how to use AI for your business? Tami Wloch, Meta & LinkedIn Advisory Panelist, will teach you easy steps that give YOU the advantage in the marketplace. Learn to use AI for social media, graphics, videos, even SEO. Leave this session with the AI knowledge you need to get more clients!

Utopia AB

Lifescaping: The Audacity of the Start

Tracy DiSabato-Aust, DiSabato-Aust Design

Your career and your life are endurance events! Sharpen your pencils and your focus! Lace up your sneakers, put on your swim cap, mount your bike and saddle up your horse (just kidding) for an inspiring , and motivating discussion on lessons learned by 50 years of working in our industry, 23 year racing triathlons, 10 years riding and showing horses and battling and winning over breast cancer. We will connect your personal persistence to the core of your profession:

* Overcome Fear: Transform the dread of failure into focused action, drawing strength from a variety of techniques.

* Build Resilience: Learn to pivot from setbacks—on the course or on the client site—by practicing the same intentional, step-by-step focus required of an endurance athlete.

* Validate Your Purpose: Understand the essential, therapeutic value of your work by examining the Evidence-Based Design

Utopia AB

Aromatic Symphony: Designing Fragrant Landscapes for Zones 4-6

Brie Arthur, Horticulturist Brie Grows

Fragrance is one of the most memorable and client-pleasing elements a landscape can offer, and it’s far more achievable in colder climates than many realize. In this program, Brie Arthur guides landscape professionals through a rich photographic overview of hardy, high-performing fragrant plants suited for Zones 4–6—organized season by season to support intentional design. Brie also highlights late-season performers that extend sensory appeal well into fall. Beyond plant lists, the session covers practical placement strategies, microclimate considerations, and ways to layer scent for continuous impact across residential, commercial, and public landscapes. Attendees will learn how to craft aromatic plantings that delight clients, support pollinators, and provide year-round sensory value even in colder climates.

10:15 AM – 11:30 AM

Utopia CD

NLT: Maximizing Tools of the Trade and Installation Techniques

Auggie Rodriguez, Unilock Midwest; Eduardo Tapia, Ryco Landscaping

En Espanol with AI English translation

Whether you’re new to hardscaping or a seasoned pro, this session will deliver valuable insights for every skill level. We’ll dive into efficient coping-cutting techniques to help save cut time, explore innovative new fireplace kits that elevate both design and installation, and review the latest trends in wall systems. Come ready to sharpen your skills, discover new tools, and take your craftsmanship to the next level.

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Nirvana A

Root Zone Management, From Plug to Planting

Kevin Donnelly, Midwest Trading

Growing and installing landscape plants comes with a level of complexity regarding what can go right and what can. We will be exploring substrate and amendment materials and concepts to help your perennials and shrubs thrive during growing and during installation. Provide a deeper understanding of the substrate environment and how to ensure plants will thrive in the landscape.

Nirvana BC

Landscaping to Create Awe

Wambui Ippolito, Wambui Design

Nature has arranged landscapes with the sole purpose of inducing awe in humanity. Based on her own Africancentered identity and relationship with Nature, Wambui will share how designers and gardeners can see beyond just the plants, and understand why awe is the ultimate goal in garden design.

Euphoria

Smart Tax Strategies for Landscapers: What to Know Now

Cody Daniels, Builders Tax Group, LLC

In this session, we’ll explore proven tax planning strategies tailored for landscape contractors—from choosing the right entity structure and maximizing equipment deductions, to managing seasonal cash flow with the right accounting method. We’ll also cover important federal and state tax credits that are often overlooked in the green industry.

With tax law changes possible before the 2026 filing season, we’ll look ahead at what landscapers need to be prepared for—including the expiration of key provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Whether you’re a design-build contractor or maintenance-focused business, this session will help you identify planning opportunities to reduce your tax burden and reinvest in growth. Ideal for business owners and managers, this session is practical, forward-looking, and designed to help your landscaping business thrive year-round.

The entire education program was approved for Landscape Architect CEUs unless noted otherwise.

THURSDAY CLASSES

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Utopia CD

Hard as a Rock! Detailing Natural Stone Paving for Timeless Durability

Greg Osterhout, Northern Stone Supply; Dacia Woodworth, Natural Stone Institute

For thousands of years, stone has been used to craft landscapes of enduring beauty. As project performance demands, applications, and complexity increase, consideration must be given to ensure the longevity of stone installations. This session examines the considerations, best practices, and detailing techniques to safeguard installations for generations to come.

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Nirvana A Resilience in Action: Green-Wood’s Stormwater Strategy

Joseph Charap, The Green-Wood Cemetery

This presentation showcases Green-Wood Cemetery’s comprehensive approach to stormwater management and environmental resilience. Joseph Charap, VP of Landscape, details how this 478acre National Historic Landmark in Brooklyn transformed a critical flooding challenge into an innovative green infrastructure solution.

Euphoria

Pesticide Label Gray Areas: Making the Right Call

Drew Jeffers, Clemson University Cooperative Extension

Labels aren’t always crystal clear. In this highly interactive session, we’ll use Poll Everywhere live questions so the room can vote through real label scenarios—site vs. pest listings, ambiguous rate ranges and seasonal caps, split apps, tank mixes and adjuvants, pollinator/drift language, and REI/WPS nuances. We’ll debrief each scenario to show the correct decision path, then assemble a simple decision sequence and documentation checklist your crews can use the very next day to stay compliant, reduce callbacks, and protect people, pollinators, and your business. (Bring a smartphone/tablet.)

Utopia AB

Guardians of the Garden:

Mastering Critter Control for Midwest Landscapes

Brie Arthur, Brie Grows

Utopia CD Amazing Annuals for Impact

Mark Dwyer, Edgerton Hospital and Health Services and Landscape Illinois Magazine feature writer

Seasonal plants continue to see massive popularity with the general public and landscape clientele. With so many new annuals coming out on the market every year, it’s challenging to navigate in selecting the best of the best for both flower and foliage. We’ll review a wide range of some of the best new selections, old standards that perform well and will cover many examples of successful use, integration and maintenance of these role players in the landscape.

STUDENT DAY

The entire education program was approved for Landscape Architect CEUs unless noted otherwise.

Student Day at iLandscape is an exciting opportunity for students to learn, connect, and be inspired by the landscape industry. Following the student design awards ceremony on Friday at 10am, a panel of landscape designers and architects will offer live critiques of student designs, providing valuable real-world insight and feedback. Friday also features student-focused programming, full access to the show floor, student scavenger hunts, and a raffle for added fun.

Wildlife pressure is a constant reality for landscape pros across the Midwest, where deer, rabbits, voles, groundhogs, and other mammals can quickly undermine even the best-designed plantings. This session equips you with practical, science-based strategies to protect client landscapes while maintaining aesthetics and staying within budget. Brie Arthur will break down the most effective approaches to managing mammal browsing in residential, commercial, and public sites. Learn what truly works—from integrated deterrent systems to repellent programs, layout adjustments, and cost-effective fencing solutions suited to Midwestern conditions. Brie will also highlight plant-selection tactics, including using highly palatable species as “decoy crops” to divert browsing from priority plantings. Landscape professionals will leave with actionable methods to reduce plant loss, improve long-term performance, and set clear expectations with clients. Turn critter challenges into predictable, manageable parts of your maintenance plan and keep your landscapes thriving, season after season.

SCHOLARSHIPS ARE OPEN!

Landscape Illinois offers meaningful scholarship opportunities to support students pursuing careers in landscape and horticulture. For the 2026 academic year, seven college-level awards are available, including one $10,000 scholarship, three $5,000 scholarships, and three $2,500 scholarships, along with five $1,000 scholarships for high school seniors—all with applications due by March 6, 2026 and open to Illinois residents.

Visit landscapeillinois.org/scholarship-program to apply!

FRIDAY CLASSES

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Nirvana BC

Lessons from the Garden: Sharing 5 Key Insights Learned from 100 Years of Landscaping

Ed Laflamme, The Harvest Group

Bill Arman, The Harvest Group

Unlock the secrets to personal and professional growth with, The 5Lessons from the Garden.”Drawing on practical wisdom from a lifetime of tending both the literal and metaphorical gardens, this session offers fresh insights into leadership, teamwork, and innovation. Through this unique perspective, you’ll gain the insights to cultivate success in all areas of life. Join us as we delve into five essential lessons that leaders and organizations can learn from the garden.

Euphoria

Nirvana A Gas Firepits

Ken Love, Earthcore Industries / Isokern

Outdoor fire features continue to evolved from a basic wood fire pit in the backyard. Current trends are showing gas fireplaces and gas fire features as one of the top items ask for by consumers looking to create a unique outdoor living space to enjoy with family and friends. This seminar will focus on introducing the trends, different types and options of gas fire features, fireplaces, as well as, understanding the ins-and-outs of designing a space that is not only beautiful to look at but functional, as well. Ken takes you through the process from beginning to end, providing you with confidence in your landscape design.

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM

The Power of Relationship-Building in Sales Success

Ivy Sagrado, Langton Group

Unlock the secret to sustainable sales success in the landscaping industry through the power of genuine connection. In this session, Ivy Sagrado shares proven strategies for building trust, nurturing client loyalty, and turning prospects into long-term partners. You’ll discover practical techniques for follow-ups, communication, and service that create meaningful relationships — not just transactions. Attendees will leave equipped with actionable steps to strengthen customer bonds, boost referrals, and grow revenue through authenticity and consistency.

Utopia AB

Reawakening Ancestral Connections to Land Wambui Ippolito, Wambui Design

Working ethically in landscape design requires a recognition that land holds memory, that our ancestors’ footsteps, struggles, and blessings are embedded in it. By honoring our own family land heritage, we can learn to foster a healthy reciprocal relationship with nature. In this talk, Wambui will share how to identify and locate one’s ancestral relationship with nature and, in so doing, completely shift your design process.

Utopia CD

Impacts of Drought and Climate Change on Trees as a Nature-Based Solution for Urban Heat

Christy Rollinson, The Morton Arboretum

Nirvana A Managing Tree Pests 101

Aaron Schulz, Oak Bros Tree Care & Removal LLC

Trees provide critical cooling benefits to cities around the globe and can be a nature-based solution for urban heat. However, urban trees and their benefits are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, including rising summer temperatures and altered rainfall patterns. This presentation will assess the capacity of trees to mitigate urban heat, how current climate change projections may impact urban trees, and discuss how aspects of tree selection and care can help build a more resilient urban forest.

Correct identification of common tree pests (insects, diseases, and mites) is crucial in developing a successful management strategy. This session will explore how to identify multiple tree pests that we commonly encounter in the field, how to work through diagnostic steps, how to identify pest and plant vulnerability stages, how to develop management programs based on approach and timing, and how to obtain professional lab assistance so that you can confidently manage causes instead of symptoms.

Euphoria Leveraging AI Tools to Boost Marketing Efficiency

Ivy Sagrado, Langton Group

Discover how AI can revolutionize your marketing and business growth. In this forward-thinking session, Ivy Sagrado demonstrates practical AI tools that help landscaping businesses streamline workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and enhance customer engagement. Learn how to generate targeted ad copy, analyze client behavior for personalized campaigns, and integrate AI chatbots for lead generation. Attendees will gain simple, actionable steps to save time, increase productivity, and boost ROI using tools that make marketing smarter — not harder.

Utopia AB Biohacking Your Landscape

Trevor Smith, ReEarth Studio

Our current approach to land care is akin to sending plastic, rubber and steel to a factory without even knowing who works there and hoping a car comes out. Biohacking the landscape is a new concept using existing methods to dial in on what a property needs. Trevor Smith will show you the tools and methods to understand what’s really going on in a given landscape. Imagine being able to offer your clients a new service that can decrease your loss to 3% or less while making their property more climate resilient and eco-friendly. You will be surprised at how easy your job becomes and how much money you save when you Biohack your client’s landscape. This class will cover the three pillars of soil health, their importance and what we can do to heal and build our degraded soil. Each section will outline one pillar the problem and the solution on how we can fix or amend each to optimize soil performance and in turn the performance of our landscape.

FRIDAY CLASSES

Utopia CD

The Extended Harvest: Your Illinois Kitchen Garden, 10 Months of the Year

Nicole Jagielski, Patio Produce LLC

Unlock the secrets to a thriving kitchen garden in Illinois, providing fresh vegetables and herbs for ten months of the year! This comprehensive course is for all levels, teaching you how to achieve a continuous harvest that extends far beyond the typical summer. Learn strategic planning, season extension techniques, and the best plant choices for our unique climate. Imagine fresh herbs in early spring, vibrant summer tomatoes, crisp greens, and root vegetables as autumn arrives. Empower your clients to enjoy the satisfaction of growing their own food nearly year-round in Illinois, taking control of their health and well-being.

Utopia AB

Reading the Landscape and Managing Natural Areas

Jens Jensen, Jensen Ecology

Every site tells a story and learning to “read” these narratives is the first, most critical design move when a project touches a natural area. In this session, Jens will walk attendees through the field-to-studio workflow he has refined over 22 years of Midwestern restoration practice. Using recent terrestrial and aquatic projects as living case studies, Jens will demonstrate how early site diagnostics directly inform construction documents, planting palettes, and long-term stewardship budgets.

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Nirvana A Early Intervention: The Importance of Structural Pruning in Tree Development

Kris Bachtell, The Morton Arboretum (Retired)

Structural pruning is a type of pruning that aims to improve the tree’s structure, health, and longevity by favoring a single, dominant leader and reducing the size of competing branches. Structural pruning is typically performed on young to medium-aged trees, but it can also be applied to mature trees to manage weight distribution and reduce the risk of failure. Structural pruning can enhance the tree’s appearance, stability, and its full benefits to the environment.

Nirvana BC

Waking Up with Late Winter Plants

Heather Prince, Landscape Illinois Magazine

Winter in the Midwest may feel like the longest season, but then Mother Nature reminds us of the resilience of plants with the earliest flowers. We’ll explore a wide array of plants from trees and shrubs to perennials, bulbs, and natives that flower in March and April (sometimes earlier!). From fleeting surprises to long-blooming selections, there are many options for late winter charmers. Surprise and delight clients with these floral experiences that celebrate the turning of the year and the soil waking up.

Euphoria

Leading the Next (And All) Generations

Steve Ludwig, Ludwig Speaks, LLC

When we review the results of employee surveys, often, the biggest response is communication around here is not good and I don’t feel valued or seen. In this session we will look at the individual people you find on your team, and discuss strategies for knowing them better and understanding that what drives them is not necessarily what drives you.

Utopia AB

Beyond the Mow: Leading Crews, Communicating with Clients, and Spotting What’s Next

Justin Nowak, Great Oaks Landscaping

Running a landscape maintenance division means living in the middle of constant demands—from the field, from the office, and from your clients. This session is designed for the professionals who juggle it all: evaluating properties, keeping crews on schedule, communicating with clients, and still finding time to walk sites with a critical eye. How do you make time for estimating and proposals without falling behind on your routes? What’s the best way to handle an unhappy client without sacrificing your teams morale? Whether you’re an account manager, operations lead, or owner-operator, you’ll leave with insights on how to bring more structure to your week, more clarity to your communication, and more value to your landscape visits.

Utopia CD

Biocontrols in Landscapes: What Works— and How to Sell It Profitably

Drew Jeffers, Clemson University Cooperative Extension

Biological control isn’t just for greenhouses. This session shows landscape pros exactly where biocontrols deliver in outdoor sites— and how to package, price, and market those services. We’ll cover conservation tactics (flowering strips, mow/trim timing, refugia), targeted augmentations (predatory mites for spider mites, entomopathogenic nematodes for grubs, Bt/Beauveria for caterpillars/soft-bodied pests), and when to integrate soft chemistries. Then we’ll translate that into business: service tiers, pricing models (retainer + materials), client messaging that avoids “organic” traps, and ROI math that sells. Leave with SOPs, a one-page service menu, and a simple margin calculator.

ENTER TO WIN $750 on Wednesday and Thursday and $500 on Friday by completing your session evaluation in the iLandscape App!

Find the session you attended, scroll down to Surveys, click the link to complete the session evaluation. It’s that easy!

Education FAQs

Please read through these common FAQ’s about CEU’s and education session recordings.

Are any of the education sessions eligible for CEU’s? iLandscape offers CEU’s for Landscape Architects and Certified Arborists. Any other professional license or designation will need to self-report, following your accrediting bodies procedure.

How are CEU’s processed?

Landscape Architects:

As you exit the session you attended, your badge will be scanned. There will be a designated scanner for Landscape Architects. The scanned records are posted to LA CES 20 days following the end of the event.

Certified Arborists:

When you register for iLandscape, PLEASE ENSURE YOU ENTER YOUR LICENSE NUMBER. As you exit the session, your badge will be scanned. There will be a designated scanner for Certified Arborists. The scanned records are sent to ISA 20 days following the end of the event. Please note that records without a license number cannot be processed by ISA.

Will the sessions be recorded?

Most educational sessions held upstairs in Nirvana A, Nirvana BC, Euphoria, Utopia AB and Utopia CD will be recorded. If a speaker requests that we do not record their presentation, it will be notated in the description of their session.

Due to the length, in-depth and hands on nature of workshops, they will not be recorded. Additionally, any Education Pop Up session held on the tradeshow floor will not be recorded due to the noise level of the area.

How do I access the recorded sessions?

Recorded sessions are posted to Bloom. iLandscape Education pass holders will have 30 days after they are posted to watch the sessions.

What is Bloom?

Bloom is Landscape Illinois’ comprehensive video library comprehensive video library dedicated to providing education and training for professionals in the landscape industry. With a diverse range of content, Bloom caters to everyone on the landscape team.

How do I earn CEU’s for recorded sessions?

Landscape Architects:

You will need to pass a 10 question quiz with a 70% or higher. Many of these quizzes are still being developed. A follow up email will be sent when all of the quizzes have been activated. A link to this quiz can be found in the description of each session, underneath the recording link.

Certified Arborists:

Please complete the self-attestation form, which can be found in the description of each session.

Thank You To Our Education Sponsor

Next Level Training

2026 Classes

Next Level Training — Clases en Español

Una vez más, iLandscape ofrecerá una capacitación de dos días en español, “Next Level Training: Classes in Spanish”. ¡Únase a nosotros el 25 y 26 de febrero de 2026 en el Hotel Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center para disfrutar de sesiones que lo llevarán al siguiente nivel en su carrera!

La presentadora Pam Berrios te guiará en temas esenciales como el desarrollo profesional, la comunicación efectiva, el trabajo en equipo y la resolución de conflictos. Con su guía experta, contarás con las herramientas necesarias para triunfar en el sector del paisajismo.

Además de sus sesiones, tendrás la oportunidad de profundizar en la capacitación práctica sobre muchos otros temas, como el aprovechamiento de la tecnología en la obra, la introducción de plantas populares, la selección de plantas que se adapten a las condiciones de tu obra, entre otros. El conocimiento que adquirirás en estas sesiones te diferenciará de la competencia y te ayudará a alcanzar tus metas profesionales.

Su inscripción al programa de capacitación Next Level también incluye un pase a la feria comercial iLandscape, lo que le da acceso a los últimos productos e innovaciones del sector. Aproveche esta increíble oportunidad por solo $50 para miembros y $85 para no miembros, ¡pero no se pierda el aumento de precios el 20 de enero!

¡Asegura tu lugar en la serie de capacitación Next Level registrándote hoy mismo en ilandscapeshow.com y prepárate para impulsar tu carrera profesional! ¡Nos vemos allí!

$50 early member, $65 late member

$85 nonmember early, $115 nonmember late

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

8:00 AM - 9:15 AM

Utopia CD

NLT: Training Your Field Staff for Safety

Armando Actis, Professor College of DuPage

This Spanish-language Next Level Training Session will cover safety practices, troubleshooting equipment issues, and OSHA regulations, including how to train your field staff on how to recognize and respond to heat stroke and extreme cold.

Capacitación de su personal de campo en materia de seguridad

Esta sesión de capacitación avanzada en español abordará las prácticas de seguridad, la solución de problemas de equipos y las regulaciones de OSHA, incluyendo cómo capacitar a su personal de campo para que reconozca y responda a los golpes de calor y al frío extremo.

9:15 AM - 10:30 AM

Utopia CD

NLT: Popular Plant Introductions for 2026

Catalino Mendoza, Midwest Groundcovers

Sponsored by

Discover the newest plant varieties for your 2026 designs and stay ahead of the curve! Explore vibrant colors, unique textures, and innovative plant combinations that will elevate your landscape projects. Learn how to create stunning, sustainable designs that not only captivate but also thrive with durability and resilience. Get inspired by the latest trends and plant selections that will make your landscapes both beautiful and environmentally conscious.

Nuevas plantas populares para 2026

¡Descubra las variedades de plantas más novedosas para sus diseños de 2026 y manténgase a la vanguardia! Explore colores vibrantes, texturas únicas y combinaciones de plantas innovadoras que real-zarán sus proyectos paisajísticos. Aprenda a crear diseños impre-sionantes y sostenibles que no solo cautiven, sino que también per-duren gracias a su durabilidad y resistencia. Inspírese con las últimas tendencias y selecciones de plantas que harán que sus jardines sean hermosos y respetuosos con el medio ambiente.

Utopia CD

NLT: Right Plant in the Right Place

Fredy Lopez, Rosborough Partners

This presentation outlines the core principles of landscaping, emphasizing the importance of selecting and placing plants properly to ensure healthy growth, aes-thetic harmony, and sustainable garden maintenance. The central theme is summarized by the guiding maxim: “The right plant in the right place.”

La planta adecuada en el lugar adecuado

La armonía estética de un jardín no solo depende de un buen diseño y una instalación profesional, sino también de la selección de las plantas adecuadas en función de las condiciones ambientales, las proyecciones de crecimiento en el futuro, y un mantenimiento ade-cuado que favorezca un crecimiento óptimo y un atractivo visual.

Thursday, February 26, 2026

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM 8:00 AM - 9:15 AM

Utopia CD

NLT: Elevate & Empower: Building Leaders in the Field,

One Crew at a Time

Pam Berrios, Infinity Group, LLC

Leadership isn’t reserved for the office. It lives and breathes in the field, on the job site, and within every crew member who chooses to lead by example. This

transformative session, we’ll explore how cultivating leadership among landscape workers can elevate not only performance, but also purpose, pride, and potential. This presentation dives deep into the principles of servant leadership, where the true power of leading comes from lifting others. You’ll learn how to foster an inclusive culture that values every voice, celebrates diversity, and creates space for growth, regardless of title or background. Discover how empowering crew members to take ownership, communicate effectively, and support one another can radically shift team dynamics and drive longterm success. Whether you’re a business owner, crew leader, or aspiring mentor, this session will equip you with actionable strategies to elevate your team and empower individuals to become leaders in their own right.

Elevar y empoderar: Formando líderes en el sector, un equipo a la vez

El liderazgo no se limita a la oficina. Se manifiesta en el campo, en el lugar de trabajo y en cada miembro del equipo que decide liderar con el ejemplo. En esta sesión transformadora, exploraremos cómo cultivar el liderazgo entre los trabajadores del paisajismo puede mejorar no solo el rendimiento, sino tam-bién el propósito, el orgullo y el potencial. Esta presentación pro-fundiza en los principios del liderazgo de servicio, donde el ver-dadero poder de liderar reside en apoyar a los demás. Aprenderá a fomentar una cultura inclusiva que valore todas las opiniones, celebre la diversidad y cree oportunidades de crecimiento, independientemente del cargo o la experiencia. Descubra cómo empoderar a los miembros del equipo para que asuman respons-abilidades, se comuniquen eficazmente y se apoyen mutuamente puede transformar radicalmente la dinámica del equipo e impul-sar el éxito a largo plazo. Ya sea propietario de un negocio, líder de equipo o aspirante a mentor, esta sesión le proporcionará estrategias prácticas para potenciar a su equipo y empoderar a las personas para que se conviertan en líderes por derecho propio.

9:15 AM - 10:30 AM

NLT: Maximizing Tools of the Trade and Intallation Techniques

10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Utopia CD

NLT: Next Generation Contractor:

Harnessing Technology on the Jobsite

Auggie Rodriguez, Unilock Midwest

Integrating technology into the jobsite has never been more accessible—or more essential. In this session, we’ll explore how contractors can leverage today’s most impactful digital tools to elevate every stage of their process. From utilizing cutting-edge Augmented Reality apps to boost sales, streamline design, and increase close rates, to implementing advanced 3D design software and next-level tools in grade surveying, you’ll dis-cover how modern tech can transform your workflow. Learn how to bring greater accuracy, efficiency, and confidence to your proj-ects—all with the power of technology right at your fingertips.

Contratista de Nueva Generación:

Aprovechando la Tecnología en el Sitio de Obra

Auggie Rodriguez, Unilock Midwest

Integrar tecnología en la obra nunca ha sido tan accesible ni tan esencial como ahora. En esta sesión exploraremos cómo los contratistas pueden aprovechar las herramientas digitales más innovadoras para mejorar cada etapa de su proceso. Desde el uso de aplicaciones de Realidad Aumentada para impulsar las ventas, optimizar el diseño y aumentar el cierre de proyectos, hasta la implementación de software avanzado de diseño 3D y las herramientas más recientes en nivelación y topografía, descubrirás cómo la tecnología moderna puede transformar tu manera de trabajar. Aprende cómo lograr mayor precisión, efi-ciencia y confianza en tus proyectos—todo con la tecnología al alcance de tu mano.

Auggie Rodriguez, Unilock Midwest; Eduardo Tapia, Ryco Landscaping En Espanol with AI English translation En Espanol with AI English translationWhether you’re new to hardscaping or a seasoned pro, this session will deliver valuable insights for every skill level. We’ll dive into efficient coping-cutting techniques to help save cut time, explore innovative new fireplace kits that elevate both design and installation, and review the latest trends in wall systems. Come ready to sharpen your skills, discover new tools, and take your craftsmanship to the next level.

Maximizando las Herramientas del Oficio y las Técnicas de Instalación

No importa si seas nuevo en el mundo del hardscape o todo un profesional, esta clase ofrecerá información valiosa para todos los niveles. Profundizaremos en técnicas eficientes para cortar coping (capas) que te ayudarán a optimizar tu trabajo, exploraremos innovadores kits para la construcción de chimeneas que mejoran tanto el diseño como la instalación, y revisaremos las tendencias más recientes en sistemas de muros. Ven listo para perfeccionar tus habilidades, descubrir nuevas herramientas y llevar tu trabajo al siguiente nivel.Por

Mejores Plantas, Mejor Servicio Y Mejor Selección.

Mariani Plants se enorgullese en su attencion al cliente. Tenemos expertos ajentes de ventas de habla hispana en nuestras dos localidades, Kenosha Wisconsin y Garden Prairie Illinois. Mariani Plants esta aquí para proveerle mejores plantas, mejor servicio y mejor selección.

Llámenos a Mariani Plants: 866-627-4264 / marianiplants.com

TODOS JUNTOS MEJOR.

guide to locations

PLEASE NOTE

— the iLandscape Trade Show is in two halls Discovery and Innovation

• The iLandscape Trade Show is located on the first floor in both Discovery and Innovation Halls

• The Landscape Illinois booth is located in Discovery Hall #1112

Location of First Aid station

SECOND FLOOR

• Educational classes are located on the SECOND FLOOR

• Excellence in Landscape Awards Night will be held in the Utopia Ballroom upstairs

• Educational classes are conducted in:

— Euphoria

— Nirvana A, BC

— Utopia AB, CD

• Next Level Training (Spanish language education is held in Utopia CD

• Tuesday’s workshop is in Nirvana A, Wednesday is in Connection, which is located on the hotel side, under the escalators. Please check signage on site for exact location.

• The book store and signings are in the Nirvana Threshold — Check on site signage and App

Discovery Hall Floorplan

Ditch

Exhibit Hours - Wednesday 9:00am-4:30pm - Thursday 9:00am-4:30pm - Friday 9:00am-2pm

Derby Garden Stage

Exhibit Happy Hours

Wednesday, February 25

12:00 p.m. Knapheide Booth 1136

2:00 p.m. Russo Power Equipment Booth 1424

2:00 p.m. Unilock Booth 1736

3:00 p.m. Alta Equipment Company Booth 1624

Thursday, February 26

9:00 a.m. Mariani Plants Booth 1604 (Coffee)

11:30 a.m. Pizzo Native Plant Nursery Booth 1920 (Pretzels)

1:00 p.m. Alta Equipment Company Booth 1624

2:00 p.m. Savatree Booth 1512

2:00 p.m. Unilock Booth 1736

2:30 p.m. Alta Equipment Company Booth 1624

the QR code to view the digital floor

A Block Marketing

Phone: (847) 437-7088

Email: kenny.witt@ablockmm.com

A.D.R. Bulbs, Inc

Phone: (800) 990-9934

Email: diana@adrbulbs.com

Website: www.adrbulbs.com

AA Stone Impex

Phone: (336) 609-1113

Email: raj@globalstoneimpex.com

Website: www.aastoneimpex.com/

Acorn Farms

Phone: (614) 891-9348

Email: johnd@acornfarms.com

Website: www.acornfarms.com

Advanced Turf Solutions

Phone: (317) 842-1088

Email: lnelson@xylemmarketing.com

Website: www.advancedturf.com/

Booth# 1606

Booth# 942

Booth# 1336

Booth# 815

Booth# 1905

Advantage Trailer Booth# 1045

Phone: (630) 580-5840

Email: justin@advantagetrailer.com

Website: www.advantagetrailer.com

AEC Supply, Inc.

Phone: (844) 225-8339

Email: Billy@AECSproducts.com

Website: www.aecsproducts.com

Air-Pot USA

Phone: 503) 931-2898

Email: chris@air-pot.com

Website: www.air-pot.com

Alert Distributing Inc.

Phone: (952) 224-4070

Email: jschroeder@alertdistributing.com Website: www.alertdistributing.com

Allndan Seed Company

Phone: (515) 462-1241

Email: teresa.frome@allendanseed.com

Website: www.allendanseed.com

Booth# 1643

Booth# 301

Booth# 1436

Booth# 123

Alliance Designer Products Booth# 1804

(ALLIANCE GATOR)

Phone: (450) 624-1611

Email: robert.cadieux@alliancegator.com Website: www.alliancegator.com

Alpha Professional Tools Booth# 405

Phone: (800) 648-7229

Email: llai@alpha-tools.com Website: www.alpha-tools.com

Alta Equipment Company Booth# 1624

Alta Falls Distributing Booth# 1413

Phone: (952) 476-2582

Email: ben@altafalls.com Website: www.altafalls.com

Altorfer Cat

Phone: (800) 333-5993

Email: amy.fossum@altorfer.com Website: www.altorfer.com

Booth# 1036

AmericanHort Booth# 1646

Phone: (614) 487-1117

Email: MaryBethC@AmericanHort.org Website: www.americanhort.org

Amrize Fox River Stone Booth# 1317

Phone: (224) 213-4287

Email: Jim.Slattery@Amrize.com Website: www.foxriverstone.com

Aquascape Inc

Phone: (630) 659-2000

Email: callen@aquascapeinc.com Website: www.aquascapeinc.com

Booth# 1847

Arborjet | Ecologel Booth# 814

Phone: (847) 456-1756

Email: robbaughman@arborjet.com Website: www.arborjet.com

Ariens & Gravely

Phone: (920) 756-2141

Email: cdilger@ariensco.com Website: www.gravely.com

Arlington Power Equipment

Phone: (847) 241-1530

Email: angelicav@arlingtonpower.com Website: www.arlingtonpower.com

Armintrout’s West Michigan Farms

Phone: (269) 673-6627

Email: zac@armintrouts.com Website: www.armintrouts.com

Arrowhead Ornamentals LLC

Phone: (503) 651-2040

Email: gail@arrowheadornamentals.com Website: www.arrowheadormerntals.com

Aspire Software

Phone: (314) 710-2875

Email: events@youraspire.com Website: www.youraspire.com/

AssuredPartners

Phone: (847) 745-1780

Email: steve.sturtecky@gmail.com Website: www.assuredpartners.com

Booth# 1046

Booth# 1814

Booth# 1516

Booth# 1115

Booth# 1744

Booth# 909

Phone: (844) 462-8528

Email: chris.machalak@altg.com Website: www.altg.com

Atlas Bobcat

Phone: (847) 233-7261

Email: lanello@atlasbobcat.com Website: www.atlasbobcat.com

Booth# 834

Bad Boy Booth# 1035

Phone: (870) 805-9776

Email: ted.phelan@badboymowers.com

Website: www.badboymowers.com

Bailey Nurseries Booth# 1520

Phone: (800) 829-8898

Email: kellie.baker@baileynurseries.com

Website: www.baileynurseries.com

Ball Seed Booth# 1120

Phone: (630) 352-3650

Email: egreene@ballhort.com

Website: www.ballseed.com

Bartlett Tree Experts

Phone: (847) 592-7088

Email: jbondi@bartlett.com

Website: www.bartlett.com

Belgard

Phone: (847) 949-3600

Email: ross.thomas@oldcastle.com

Website: www.belgard.com

Booth# 1314

BOSS By Integra

Phone: (618) 830-4118

Booth# 1536

Better Bilt Products, Inc. Booth# 835

Phone: (630) 543-6767

Email: cwojcieszek@bbponline.com

Website: www.bbponline.com

Blu Petroleum Booth# 2

Phone: (847) 566-5536

Email: Support@blupetroleum.com

Website: www.blupetroleum.com

Blue Grass Farms of Indiana Booth# 1710

Phone: (765) 649-1012

Email: kmccart@bluegrassfarms.net

Website: www.bluegrassfarms.net

Blue Mountain Nursery LLC Booth# 320

Phone: (503) 658-1991

Email: matt@bluemountainnsy.com

Website: www.bluemountainnsy.com

Bobbex Inc.

Phone: (800) 792-4449

Email: joe@bobbex.com

Website: www.bobbex.com

Bombus LLC

Phone: (608) 934-5258

Email: cdaniels@bombus.eco

Website: www.bombus.eco

Booth# 1440

Booth# 408

Bon Tool Booth# 1144

Phone: (724) 443-7080

Email: katieb@bontool.com

Website: www.bontool.com

Booth# 221

Email: stephanie.leveling@theintegragroup.com

Website: www.theintegragroup.com

Bountiful Farms Booth# 435

Phone: (503) 981-7494

Email: jmesales@charter.net

Website: www.bountifulfarms.com

Bowling Nursery Booth# 142

Phone: (502) 266-9299

Email: bowlingnursery@gmail.com

Website: www.bowlingsnursery.com

Braun Nursery Booth# 1340

Phone: (905) 961-1228

Email: paullh@braungroup.com

Website: www.braungroup.com

Breezy Hill Nursery Booth# 211

Phone: (262) 207-4093

Email: eharris@breezyhillnursery.com

Website: www.breezyhillnursery.com/

Brickworks Supply Center Booth# 1811

Phone: (708) 237-9055

Email: mike.hoffman@brickworkssupply.com

Website: www.brickworkssupply.com/

Burris Equipment Booth 1632

Phone: 847-693-2608

Email: chris.may@burrisequipment.com

Website: burrisequipment.com

Capital Stoneworks Booth# 1220

Phone: (847) 873-0298

Email: jim@capitalstoneworks.com

Website: www.cpitalstoneworks.com

Carlin Horticultural Supplies/ProGreen Plus Booth# 1206

Phone: (800) 657-0745

Email: nnoskowiak@carlinsales.com

Website: www.carlinsales.com

Carpe Diem Farms Booth# 139

Phone: (931) 607-3107

Email: erichildreth@carpediemfarmstn.com

Website: www.carpediemfarmstn.com

Casey Equipment Co., Inc. Booth# 1505

Phone: (847) 437-8686

Email: jim.cox@caseyequipment.com

Website: www.caseyequipment.com

Cassidy Tire & Service Booth# 1330

Phone: (630) 620-2300

Email: ykolton@cassidytire.com

Website: www.cassidytire.com

CAST Lighting, LLC

Phone: (973) 423-2303

Email: communications@cast-lighting.com

Website: www.cast-lighting.com/

Booth# 1218

Connor and Gallagher Onesource Booth# 302

Phone: (815) 861-1530

Email: gmacdonald@gocgo.com Website: www.gocgo.com/

Conserv FS Booth# 1504

Cedar Path Nurseries Booth# 904

Phone: (815) 838-4900

Email: tkadolph@cedarpath.net Website: www.cedarpath.net

Central Pro Supply Booth# 1709

Phone: 1(630) 495-5500

Email: mpaulsen@centralpros.com Website: www.centralpros.com/

Central Tree & Landscape Mulch, LLC Booth# 936

Phone: (847) 989-9048

Email: office@centraltree.net Website: www.centraltree.net

Cherokee Manufacturing Booth# 1410

Phone: (651) 373-9949

Email: mattgunderman@cherokeemfg.com Website: www.cherokeemfg.com

Cherry Creek Nursery Booth# 235

Phone: (931) 526-7682

Email: sales@cherrycreeknursery.com Website: www.cherrycreeknursery.com

Cherry Springs Nursery Inc Booth# 1119

Phone: (800) 438-8574

Email: info@cherryspringstrees.com Website: www.cherryspringstrees.com

Chicago Gas Lines Booth# 1936

Phone: (847) 414-7876

Email: vickie@chicagogaslines.com Website: www.chicagogaslines.com

Christiansen Farms Booth# 205

Phone: (708) 259-7355

Email: saul@christiansenfarms.org

Clesen Wholesale

Phone: (847) 869-2257

Email: Dawn@clesen.com Website: www.clesen.com/

Booth# 1007

Phone: (815) 334-5924

Email: cfeatherstone@conservfs.com Website: www.conservfs.com

Contree Sprayer & Equipment Booth# 1012

Phone: (920) 356-0121

Email: davev@contree.com Website: www.contree.com

County Materials Booth# 130

Phone: (224) 763-2961

Email: ken.johnson@countymaterials.com Website: www.countymaterials.com

Craiger Custom Design Booth# 430

Phone: (815) 479-9660

Email: eric@craigercustomdesign.com Website: www.craigercustomdesign.com

Curv-Rite Booth# 1435

Phone: (269) 792-0044

Email: john@curv-rite.com Website: www.curv-rite.com

Dayton Bag & Burlap Booth# 1204

Phone: (815) 923-1234

Email: tcandella@daybag.com Website: www.daybag.com

Decker’s Nursery Booth# 111

Phone: (614) 836-2130

Email: abrown@deckersnursery.com Website: www.deckersnursery.com

DeVroomen Garden Products Booth# 1704

Phone: (847) 395-9911

Email: kristy@devroomen.com Website: www.devroomen.com

Ditch Witch Midwest Booth# 1030

Phone: (630) 665-5600

Email: jpatterson@ditchwitchmidwest.com Website: www.ditchwitchmidwest.com

Clesens Booth# 1222

Phone: (262) 720-0251

Email: mkinnard@clesens.com Website: www.clesens.com

Colorblends Wholesale Flowerbulbs Booth# 1117

Phone: (888) 847-8637

Email: trish@colorblends.com Website: www.colorblends.com

Compeer Financial Booth# 1411

Phone: (224) 760-0881

Email: connor.duncan@compeer.com Website: www.compeer.com

Doty Nurseries LLC Booth# 1617

Phone: (630) 365-9063

Email: ryan@dotynurseries.com Website: www.dotynurseries.com

DPM Inc./Dutchman Tree Spades Booth# 1320

Phone: (402) 364-2186

Email: sales@nurseryjaws.com Website: www.nurseryjaws.com

Dutchman Tree Farms

Phone: (231) 468-6011

Email: wbarnes@dutchmantreefarms.com

Website: www.dutchmantreefarms.com

DYNA Metro Inc

Phone: (905) 761-3309

Email: greg@dyna.ca Website: www.dy.ca

EasyPro Pond Products

Phone: (231) 834-7720

Email: matt@easypro.com Website: www.easypro.com/

ECHO Incorporated

Phone: (847) 540-8400

Email: Hailee_Siegler@echo-usa.com

Website: www.echo-usa.com

Eden Valders Stone

Phone: (920) 477-2521

Email: angelina@evstone.net Website: www.evstone.net/

EGO Commercial

Phone: (972) 955-1033

Email: jjones@na.chervongroup.com Website: www.egocommercial.com

Encore Landscape Lighting

Phone: (248) 299-1919

Booth# 1747

Booth# 1010

Booth# 1612

Fairview Evergreen Nurseries, Inc. Booth# 1338

Phone: (800) 458-2234

Email: tcphillips@fairviewevergreen.com

Website: www.fairviewevergreen.com/

Feece Oil Co. Booth# 1406

Phone: (815) 557-7337

Email: craig@feeceoil.com

Website: www.feeceoil.com

Fiore Nursery & Landscape Supply Booth# 1817

Phone: (847) 913-1414

Email: payables@cjfiore.com

Website: www.cjfiore.com

Fond du Lac Natural Stone Booth# 1332

Booth# 1846

Booth# 804

Booth# 418

Booth# 1316

Email: encorelandscapelighting@hotmail.com

Website: www.encorelandscapelighting.com

Environmental Design Inc.

Phone: (281) 376-4260

Email: peytondebello@treemover.com Website: www.treemover.com/

Envu Ornamentals

Phone: (614) 969-9040

Email: bob.froelich@envu.com Website: www.us.envu.com

Evergreen Nursery Company Inc

Phone: (920) 743-4464

Email: vickey@evergreennurseryco.com

Website: www.evergreennurseryco.com

Ewing Outdoor Supply

Phone: (847) 814-2145

Email: lcarter@ewingos.com

Website: www.ewingoutdoorsupply.com/

Fabriscape, Inc.

Phone: (708) 728-7180

Email: jmanola@fabriscape.com

Website: www.fabriscape.com

Booth# 219

Phone: (920) 923-2800

Email: reneeb@nsvi.com

Website: www.fdlns.com

Forrest Keeling Nursery Booth# 819

Phone: (573) 898-5571

Email: info@fknursery.com

Website: www.fknursery.com

Four Star Greenhouse Booth# 1812

Phone: (734) 654-6420

Email: stoth@pwfourstar.com

Website: www.pwfourstar.com/

Fox Ridge Nursery Inc. Booth# 1306

Phone: 1(815) 943-1111

Email: kevin@foxridgenursery.com

Website: www.foxridgenursery.com

GoMaterials

Phone: 514-556-1817

Email: natalie@gomaterials.com

Website: www.gomaterials.com

Booth# 918

Booth#: 202

Booth# 124

Booth# 1310

Booth# 1308

Goodmark Nurseries Booth# 1404

Phone: (815) 653-9293

Email: melissa.acevedo@goodmarknurseries.com

Website: www.goodmarknurseries.com

Grand Arbor Supply

Phone: (616) 456-8040

Email: bbarnard@grandarborsupply.com

Website: www.grandarborsupply.com

Granum

Phone: (850) 803-1861

Email: allison.mcintosh@granum.com

Website: www.granum.com

Grasshopper Company

Phone: (620) 345-8621

Email: show@grasshoppermower.com

Website: www.grasshoppermower.com

Booth# 821

Booth# 407

Booth# 1806

Great Lakes Landscape Supply Booth# 1708

Phone: (616) 696-5665

Email: hallie@greatlakeslandscapesupply.com

Website: www.greatlakeslandscapesupply.com

Green Glen Nursery, Inc.

Phone: (815) 723-1140

Email: amanda@greenglennurseryinc.com Website: www.greenglennurseryinc.com

Green Soils Management

Phone: (847) 636-7508

Booth# 1421

Booth# 916

Email: kharwick@greensoilsmanagement.com

Website: www.greensoilsmagement.com

Greenleaf Nursery Co. Booth# 1339

Phone: (918) 457-5172

Email: mark_andrews@greenleafnursery.com Website: www.greenleafnursery.com

GreenSpace Turf, LLC

Phone: (262) 455-0650

Email: dk@greenspace-turf.com

Website: www.greenspace-turf.com

Booth# 223

Home Nursery, Inc. Booth# 1326

Phone: (618) 365-1209

Email: hilliarym@homenursery.com Website: www.homenursery.com

Homer Industries, LLC Booth# 1431

Phone: (815) 838-0863

Email: joshdoherty@homertree.com Website: www.homerindustries.com

Hometowne Insurance Services Inc. Booth# 1441

Phone: 6(305) 540-4040

Email: tim@hometowneinsurance.com Website: www.hometowneinsurance.com

Hortech, Inc Booth# 1506

Phone: (616) 842-1392

Email: jon@hortech.com Website: www.hortech.com

Hortica, A Brand of The Sentry Insurance Group Booth# 1118

Phone: (800) 851-7740

Email: cathy.james@hortica.com

Website: www.hortica.com

Halloran Mowerworks Booth# 922

Phone: (847) 705-1984

Email: mowers2@msn.com

Website: www.halloranpower.com

Halquist Stone Company Booth# 1405

Phone: (262) 246-9000

Email: jeffb@halquiststone.com Website: www.halquiststone.com

Harrell’s Booth# 1437

Phone: (740) 644-9020

Email: mhall@harrells.com Website: www.harrells.com

Helena Agri Booth# 1020

Phone: (815) 341-4879

Email: alsipd@helenaagri.com

High Format Booth# 1540

Phone: (231) 622-2091

Email: christian@highformat.com Website: www.highformat.com/

High PSI, Ltd.

Phone: (630) 893-0777

Email: terry@highpsi.com Website: www.highpsi.com

Booth# 306

Hinsdale Nurseries Inc. Booth# 1714

Phone: (630) 323-1411

Email: ttecza@hinsdalenurseries.com Website: www.hinsdalenurseries.com

Hoffie Nursery, Inc.

Phone: (815) 923-2518

Email: allyson@hoffienursery.com

Website: www.hoffienursery.com

Booth# 209

Hugh Davis Horticulture Inc Booth# 920

Phone: (847) 942-5680

Email: hdavis@hdhort.com

Hunter Industries FX Luminaire Booth# 1840

Phone: (630) 689-7770

Email: chris.molloy@hunter.global Website: www.hunterirrigation.com/

Illinois Arborist Association Booth# 105

Phone: (877) 617-8887

Email: april@illinoisarborist.org Website: www.illinoisarborist.org

InOut Labs /ScreeningWise Booth# 1746

Phone: (847) 657-7900

Email: tim@inoutlabs.com Website: www.inoutlabs.com

Instone Booth# 914

Phone: (708) 371-0660

Email: r.mckay@instoneco.com Website: www.instoneco.com

Intrinsic Perennial Gardens, Inc. Booth# 1909

Phone: (815) 648-2788

Email: BrentH@intrinsicperennialgardens.com

Website: www.intrinsicperennialgardens.com/

Ivanhoe Nursery Booth# 1518

Phone: (847) 566-8001

Email: mm@ivanhoenursery.com

Website: www.ivanhoenursery.com

J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.

Phone: (503) 663-4128

Email: jeffl@jfschmidt.com

Website: www.jfschmidt.com

JJ Kane Auctions

Phone: (312) 459-6627

Email: dan.tomasek@jjkane.com

Website: www.jjkane.com

John Deere

Phone: (913) 203-2150

Email: greerkellya@johndeere.com

Website: www.deere.com

John Holmlund Nursery

Phone: (503) 663-6650

Email: angieh@jhnsy.com

Website: www.jhnsy.com

Johnson’s Nursery

Phone: (262) 252-4980

Email: epeters@jniplants.com

Website: www.jniplants.com

Jonathan Green

Phone: (732) 927-0496

Email: mdecher@jonathangreen.com

Website: www.jothangreen.com

Booth# 1716

Booth# 1341

Keystone Hatcheries Llc

Phone: (815) 678-2537

Email: mrobinson@keystonehatcheries.com

Website: www.keystonehatcheries.com

Booth# 1230

Booth# 1322

Booth# 1607

Booth# 1240

JULIE Booth# 1805

Phone: (815) 741-5000

Email: Vmeyer@julie1call.com

Website: www.illinois1call.com/

Kaneville Tree Farms

Phone: (630) 557-2793

Email: paul@ktfinc.com

Website: www.kanevilletreefarms.com

Kankakee Nursery Co

Phone: (815) 937-9358

Email: petew@kankakeenursery.com

Website: www.kankakeenursery.com

Booth# 1615

Booth# 1005

Booth# 1720

Kaplan Liquid Solutions Booth# 131

Phone: (219) 477-0437

Email: mkrupka@kaplanliquidsolutions.com

Website: www.kaplanliquidsolutions.com

Keen Edge Company

Phone: (800) 589-4145

Email: bburke2@keenedgeco.com

Website: www.keenedgeco.com

Ken Burns Inc

Phone: (312) 502-1536

Email: jmichaelgreen@gmail.com

Website: www.kenburnsinc.com

Knapheide Truck Equipment Center Booth# 1136

Phone: (815) 385-2600

Email: dheberlein@knapheide.com

Website: www.kpheide.com/chicago

Kramer Tree Specialists Booth# 1226

Phone: (630) 440-3945

Email: sthiem@kramertree.com

Website: www.kramertree.com

Krukowski Stone Co Inc Booth# 1307

Phone: (715) 693-6300

Email: joaniew@krukowskistone.com

Website: www.krukowskistone.com

Kuenzi Turf & Nursery Booth# 1217

Phone: (503) 585-8337

Email: zach@kuenziturfnursery.com

Website: www.kuenziturfnursery.com

Lake County Nursery Booth# 112

Phone: (440) 578-5293

Email: mmcconnell@lakecountynursery.com

Website: www.lakecountynursery.coM

Landscape Additions Inc Booth# 242

Phone: (708) 612-1946

Email: matt@landscapeadditions.com

Website: www.landscapeadditions.com

Exhibitor

Landscape Illinois Booth# 1112

Phone: (630) 472-2851

Email: information@landscapeillinois.org

Website: www.landscapeillinois.org

Landscape Material & Firewood Sales, Inc. Booth# 905

Phone: (630) 231-7911

Email: ryan@lmfsinc.com

Website: www.lmfsinc.com/

Leaves Inspired Booth# 1513

Phone: (920) 522-2765

Email: jared@leavesinspired.com

Website: www.leavesinspired.com

Lemke Stone Inc Booth# 1414

Phone: (262) 502-1579

Booth# 816

Email: service@lemkestone.com

Website: www.lemkestone.com

Lincoln Nurseries Booth# 1017

Phone: (616) 453-2351

Booth# 434

Email: amanda@lincolnnurseries.com

Website: www.lincolnnurseries.com

Lite the Nite

Phone: (847) 496-5276

Email: kfijal@litethenite.com

Website: www.litethenite.com

Loma Vista Nursery

Phone: (785) 229-7200

Email: kurt@lomavistanursery.com Website: www.lomavistanursery.com

Booth# 1034

Midwest Compost llc

Phone: (847) 931-2900

Email: pat@midwestcompostllc.com Website: www.midwestcompostllc.com

Booth# 846

Booth# 1548

Longshadow Planters & Booth# 811

Garden Ornaments

Phone: (618) 893-4831

Email: events@longshadow.com Website: www.longshadow.com

Lurvey Booth# 820

Phone: (847) 391-0980

Email: jcastaneda@lurveys.com Website: www.lurvey.com

Mariani Plants Booth# 1604

Phone: 847-417-6824

Email: Skaniewski@marianiplants.com

Website: https://www.marianiplants.com

Masterblend International Booth# 1243

Phone: (815) 416-1460

Email: twilliams@masterblend.com

Website: www.masterblend.com/

McCann Industries Booth# 1244

Phone: (630) 627-0000

Email: eschoenfeld@mccannonline.com

Website: www.mcccannonline.com

McCullough Kubota Booth# 848

Phone: (815) 658-2682

Email: kyli@mcagplus.com

Website: www.mckubota.com

McGinty Bros., Inc. Booth# 1113

Phone: (847) 438-5161

Email: sarah@mcgintybros.com

Website: www.mcgintybros.com

McHutchison Booth# 207

Phone: (800) 943-2230

Email: asteinlage@mchutchison.com

Website: www.mchutchison.com

McKay Nursery Company Booth# 1109

Phone: (608) 432-8273

Email: dwarning@mckaynursery.com

Website: www.mckaynursery.com

Metal Pless Booth# 1146

Phone: 1(866) 362-1688

Email: kathleen.howard@metalpless.com

Website: www.metalpless.com

Midwest Groundcovers Booth# 1614

Phone: (847) 742-1790

Email: mbalistreri@midwestgroundcovers.com Website: www.midwestgroundcovers.com

Midwest Salt Booth# 102

Phone: (630) 513-7575

Email: amanda.foster@midwestsalt.net Website: www.midwestsalt.com/

Midwest Trading Booth# 1636

Phone: (630) 365-1990

Email: mt-marketing@midwest-trading.com Website: www.midwest-trading.com

Midwest Tropicals Booth# 136

Phone: (630) 451-0101

Email: info@myfoliage.com Website: www.myfoliage.supplies/

Monroe Truck Equipment Booth# 930

Phone: (800) 356-8134

Email: Rosie.Katzenberger@aebi-schmidt.com Website: www.monroetruck.com

Morris Trailer Sales Inc Booth# 941

Phone: (815) 941-2800

Email: Sueboat@msn.com Website: www.morristrailer.com

MS International Booth# 312

Phone: (847) 212-1892

Email: dalibor.d@msisurfaces.com Website: www.msisurfaces.com

MTI Distributing Toro Booth# 1446

Phone: (800) 362-3665

Email: sarah.willis@mtidistributing.com Website: www.mtidistributing.com/

Mulch Magic Booth# 326

Phone: (708) 200-7845

Email: mulchmagicinc@gmail.com Website: www.mulchmagicinc.com

Mulch Mate/Dawson MFG Booth# /945/946

Phone: (888) 776-8524

Email: craig@mulchmateusa.com Website: www.mulchmateusa.com

National Nursery Products Booth# 406

Phone: (309) 258-1630

Email: beatreeman2@gmail.com Website: www.nnpinc.net

Natural Garden Natives

Phone: (847) 742-1790

Booth# 108

Email: mg-marketing@midwestgroundcovers.com Website: www.turalgardentives.com/

New Growth Designs

Phone: (252) 752-6195

Email: douglas@newgrowthdesigns.com Website: www.newgrowthdesigns.com

North Star JCB

Phone: (331) 465-0000

Email: james.ryan@northstarjcb.com Website: www.northstarjcb.com

Northern Family Farms

Phone: (800) 826-7094

Email: dstetzer@northernfamilyfarms.com Website: www.northernfamilyfarms.com

Northland Farms LLC

Phone: (800) 253-1812

Email: bboyink@northlandfarmsllc.com Website: www.northlandfarmsllc.com

NT Pavers

Phone: (201) 507-9090

Email: eb@ntpavers.com Website: www.ntpavers.com

Nursery Supplies

Phone: (330) 447-3202

Email: hcannon@creogroup.com Website: www.creogroup.com/

Oakville Stone

Phone: (905) 270-1110

Email: kd@oakvillestone.com Website: www.oakvillestone.com

Oly-Ola Edgings, Inc.

Phone: (800) 334-4647

Email: aymie@olyola.com Website: www.olyola.com

Omega II Fencing Systems

Phone: (800) 836-6342

Email: chris.hill@projectonesales.com Website: www.omegatwo.com

Onarga Nursery Co

Phone: (815) 268-7244

Email: onarganursery@gmail.com Website: www.organurseryco.com

OneDigital

Phone: (312) 728-7138

Email: fred.schroeder@onedigital.com Website: www.onedigital.com

Open Air Living

Phone: (630) 388-8372

Booth# 1745

Booth# 1139

Booth# 1425

Booth# 1019

Booth# 1939

Booth# 1705

Booth# 1442

Booth# 1305

Email: sean@revealdesignchicago.com

Website: www.opeirliving.us

Oregon Pride Nurseries Booth# 912

Phone: (503) 472-9147

Email: sales@oregonpridenurseries.com

Website: www.oregonpridenurseries.com

Organic Solutions Booth# 4

Phone: (847) 366-8869

Email: Karissa@treesrusinc.com

Website: www.organicsolutionsinc.net

Oscar-Wilson Engines and Parts Booth# 837

Phone: (217) 841-1569

Email: tshort@oscar-wilson.com

Website: www.oscar-wilson.com

Pace, Inc Booth# 425/110

Phone: (800) 686-3128

Email: katieg@pacelink.com

Website: www.pacelink.com

PBI Gordon Booth# 1911

Phone: (608) 513-1015

Email: pbastron@pbigordon.com

Website: www.pbigordonturf.com

Peerless Fence Booth# 1321

Phone: (800) 543-6511

Email: jonah@n2media.com

Website: www.peerlessfence.com/

Perfect Turf Distributing, LLC Booth# 1842

Phone: (888) 796-8873

Email: janet.mitchell@perfectturf.com

Website: www.perfectturf.com/

Petitti Family Farms Booth# 1016

Phone: (440) 361-7924

Email: jk@petittifarms.com

Website: www.petittifarms.com

Phoenix Irrigation Supply Booth# 1323

Phone: (847) 290-0698

Booth# 1438

Email: tomk@phoenixirrigationsupply.com

Website: www.phoenixirrigationsupply.com

Pine Hall Brick Company Booth# 1748

Phone: (800) 952-7425

Booth# 808

Email: ebrewer@pinehallbrick.com

Website: www.pinehallbrick.com

Plantpeddler Inc. Booth# 328

Phone: (800) 827-1654

Booth# 1743

Email: stacyb@plantpeddler.com

Website: www.plantpeddler.com

Plants Nouveau Booth# 1325

Phone: (410) 858-0577

Booth# 316

Email: angela@plantsnouveau.com

Website: www.plantsnouveau.com

Possibility Place Nursery

Phone: (708) 534-3988

Email: stephanie@possibilityplace.com

Website: www.possibilityplace.com

Poul’s Nursery

Phone: (847) 949-6667

Email: alan@pouls.com

Website: www.info@pouls.com

Power Planter, Inc

Phone: (217) 379-2614

Email: Greg@powerplanter.com

Website: www.powerplanter.com

Precise Fleet Tracking Solutions

Phone: (847) 865-6008

Email: michael@precisefleettracking.com

Website: www.precisefleettracking.com

Booth# 322

Resource Environmental Solutions / Taylor Creek

Restoration Nurseries Booth# 414

Phone: (608) 897-8641

Email: taylorcreek@res.us Website: www.taylorcreeknurseries.com

Booth# 401

Booth# 114

Booth# 109

Probst Booth# 119

Phone: (952) 226-6400

Email: joel.jacob@probst-handling.com

Website: www.probst-handling.com/us

Proven Winners Color Choice Shrubs Booth# 1807

(aka Spring Meadow Nursery

Phone: (616) 414-7378

Email: sandy@springmeadownursery.com

Website: www.springmeadownursery.com

Purple Wave Auction

Phone: (866) 608-9283

Email: association@purplewave.com

Website: www.purplewave.com

Richey Nursery Company Booth# 910

Phone: (231) 798-4079

Email: mark@richeynursery.com Website: www.shrubliners.com

Robertson Ryan Insurance Booth# 310

Phone: (224) 206-4918

Email: eswanson@robertsonryan.com Website: www.ilandscapeinsurance.com

Robinson Nursery, Inc Booth# 107

Phone: (503) 835-4533

Email: adammc@robinsonnursery.com Website: www.robinsonnursery.com

Rochester Concrete Products Booth# 915

Phone: (507) 288-8850

Email: jessica.spading@rochestercp.com

Website: www.rochestercp.com

Russo Power Equipment Booth# 1424

Phone: (847) 678-9525

Email: events@russopower.com Website: www.russopower.com

Booth# 1242

Rademann Stone and Landscape Co., Inc. Booth# 1845

Phone: (920) 922-7612

Email: reid@rademann.com

Website: www.rademannstone.com/

Rainbow Ecoscience Booth# 1648

Phone: (312) 485-9260

Email: lfredericks@rainbowecoscience.com

Website: www.rainbowecoscience.com

Reading Rock, Inc. Booth# 1439

Phone: (800) 482-6466

Email: macgillivrayk@readingrock.com

Website: www.readingrock.com/

Red Flint Rock & Stone

Phone: (715) 855-7600

Email: tom.ayres@redflint.com

Website: www.redflintrockandstone.com

Booth# 908

Reinders Inc Booth# 1042

Phone: 1(800) 785-3301

Email: abernhardt@reinders.com

Website: www.reinders.com

SavATree Booth# 1512

Phone: (847) 729-1963

Email: bburns@savatree.com Website: www.savatree.com

SEK-Surebond Booth# 1013

Phone: (800) 932-3343

Email: lwalsh@sek.us.com Website: www.sek.us.com

Sendin Bookkeeping LLC Booth# 336

Phone: (314) 441-5762

Email: sendin@sendinbookkeeping.com Website: www.sendiccounting.com/

Sester Farms Booth# 938

Phone: (503) 663-4844

Email: marketing@sesterfarms.com Website: www.sesterfarms.com

SFI Topsoil Booth# 913

Phone: (630) 768-4172

Email: info@straughnfarm.com Website: www.sfitopsoil.com

SiteOne Landscape Supply Booth# 1006

Phone: 1800SITEONE

Email: rwhitworth@siteone.com Website: www.siteone.com

Spring Grove Nursery, Inc.

Phone: (815) 448-2097

Email: bthomas@springgrovenursery.com

Website: www.springgrovenursery.com

SRW Products

Phone: (800) 752-9326

Email: beckyseidel@srwproducts.com

Website: www.srwproducts.com

Booth# 1613

Booth# 324

Stanley Black & Decker Booth# 1022

Phone: (860) 973-2891

Email: jonathan.warner@sbdinc.com

Website: www.stanleyblackanddecker.com/brands/outdoor

Stantec Native Plant Nursery Booth# 1537

Phone: (574) 586-2412

Email: jason.fritz@stantec.com

Website: www.stantec.com/nursery

Sterling Tool Company

Phone: (847) 260-5900

Email: events@sterlingtoolcompany.com

Website: www.sterlingtoolcompany.com

Booth# 1815

STIHL Booth# 842/841

Phone: (608) 408-0034

Email: mark.gabriel@stihl.us Website: www.stihlusa.com

Stone Universe Inc. Booth# 810

Phone: (510) 278-8303

Email: rashi@suistone.com Website: www.suistone.com

Stoneleaf Nursery/ ProlineEquipment Booth# 433

Phone: (309) 261-7008

Email: samuel@stoneleafnursery.com Website: www.prolineequipment.com

StoneWall Retaining Wall/Trench’N edge Trencher

Phone: (651) 399-3992 Booth# 944

Email: selecticd@gmail.com Website: www.selecticd.com

Sunbelt Booth# 1417

Phone: (630) 666-0437

Email: doug.gottfried@sunbeltrentals.com Website: www.sunbeltrentals.com

Superior Wholesale LLC Booth# 1914

Phone: (616) 282-9000

Email: tyler@mysuperiorwholesale.com Website: www.mysuperiorwholesale.com

Surefoot Hardscape Products, Inc. Booth# 1843

Phone: (416) 633-1414

Email: ed@surefootedging.com Website: www.surefootedging.com

Sure-loc Edging/Wolverine Tools Booth# 806

Phone: 1(800) 787-3562

Email: taraa@surelocedging.com

Website: www.surelocedging.com

Techniseal Booth# 1544

Phone: (450) 633-9303

Email: rlussier@techniseal.com

Website: www.techniseal.com

Techo Bloc Booth# 1236

Phone: 1(877) 832-4625

Email: amira.semid@techo-bloc.com

Website: www.techo-bloc.com/

Ted’s Greenhouse Inc Booth# 122

Phone: (708) 532-3575

Email: nikki@tedsgreenhouse.com

Website: www.tedsgreenhouse.com

The Belden Brick Company Booth# 911

Phone: (330) 456-0031

Email: jim.piteo@beldenbrick.com

Website: www.beldenbrick.com

The Davey Tree Expert Booth# 1644

Phone: (630) 422-1870

Email: lindsey.luna@davey.com

Website: www.davey.com/premium-mulch/chicago-mulch

The Morton Arboretum Booth# 137

Phone: (630) 968-0074

Email: jwandless@mortonarb.org

Website: www.mortorb.org

The Pizzo Group Booth# 1920

Phone: (815) 495-2300

Email: darrenf@pizzo.info

Website: www.werestoreture.com/

The Tree Connection,Inc. Booth# 1004

Phone: (248) 656-2260

Email: jim@thetreeconnection.com

Website: www.thetreeconnection.com

Tillmann Wholesale Growers Booth# 201

Phone: (920) 468-9222

Email: jtillmann@tillmannwg.com

Website: www.no website

TreeDiaper Booth# 1409

Phone: (540) 300-1465

Email: hailingyang@treediaper.com

Website: www.treediaper.com

Triple Crown Products Booth# 1133

Phone: (262) 534-7878

Email: laurie@triplecrownproducts.com

Website: www.triplecrownproducts.com

TriState Cut Stone & Brick Booth# 1844

Phone: 1(815) 469-7550

Email: smaltese@stone-brick.com

Website: www.stone-brick.com

Turfmaker Corporation Booth# 906

Phone: (800) 527-2304

Email: dmyren@turfmaker.com

Website: www.turfmaker.com

Turfware Equipment Co Booth# 330

Phone: (330) 929-9000

Email: rob@turfware.com

Website: www.turfware.com

Turtle Creek Nursery

Phone: (262) 458-0165

Email: rachelle@turtlecreekwholesale.com

Booth# 1011

Website: www.turtlecreekwholesale.com

Twixwood Nursery

Phone: (269) 471-7408

Email: rshannahan@twixwood.com

Website: www.twixwood.com

U.S. Arbor Products, Inc.

Phone: (630) 870-1002

Email: dan@usarbor.net

Website: www.usarbor.net

Booth# 1836

Vermeer Midwest Booth# 1344

Phone: (630) 820-3030

Email: rhonda.williams@vermeermidwest.com

Website: www.vermeermidwest.com

W. & E. Radtke, Inc. Booth# 120

Phone: (262) 253-1412

Email: Liesl@weradtke.com

Website: www.weradtke.com

Walters Gardens Booth# 1810

Phone: (888) 925-8377

Email: barb.balgoyen.0119@waltersgardens.com

Website: www.waltersgardens.com

Warming Trends Booth# 1541

Phone: (303) 346-2224

Email: voni@warming-trends.com

Booth# 1047

Website: www.warming-trends.com

WI Department of Agriculture Booth# 106

Phone: (608) 516-7617

Email: Elizabeth.Meils@Wisconsin.gov

Unilock Booth: 1736

Phone: 630-892-9191

Email: Kyle.Trippeer@unilock.com

Website: unilock.com

United Greenhouse Systems, Inc. Booth# 1324

Phone: (800) 433-6834

Email: justin@unitedgreenhouse.com

Website: www.unitedgreenhouse.com

United Label & Sales Booth# 1706

Phone: (800) 726-5153

Email: nkurz@unitedlabel.com

Website: www.unitedlabel.com

Universal Stone Imports, Inc. Booth# 334

Phone: (336) 664-8886

Email: setht@unistoneimports.com

Website: www.unistoneimports.com/

Website: www.datcp.wi.gov

Willoway Nurseries Booth# 1609

Phone: (440) 724-9935

Email: dgouge@wwninc.com

Website: www.willowaynurseries.com

Wilson Nurseries & Landscape Supply Booth# 1210

Phone: (847) 683-3700

Email: jennf@wilsonnurseries.com

Website: www.wilsonnurseries.com

Woody Warehouse Nursery, Inc. Booth# 1647

Phone: (317) 994-5487

Email: tiffany@woodywarehouse.com

Website: www.woodywarehouse.com

Xylem, Ltd/Rocks, Etc. Booth# 1416

Phone: (309) 654-2261

Email: barb@xylemltd.com

Website: www.xylemltd.com

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Subtle Beauty: Translating Savanna Ecosystems to Suburban Landscapes

by Heather Prince

We often think our classic Midwestern ecosystems like prairies, woodlands and savannas belong only in forest preserves or natural areas with large acreage. However, if you stop to consider it, many of our urban and suburban landscapes mimic savannas with widely spaced mature trees underplanted with grasses and perennials. We spoke with Heather Holm, pollinator conservationist and award-winning author, about translating the unique charm and rich pollinator habitat benefits of savannas to our own home landscapes.

Savanna: A Definition

What exactly is a savanna? “If you ask a bunch of ecologists that question, you get different answers, but in general,

the structure of a savanna is a landscape that has anywhere from five to 50 percent tree cover,” said Holm. “It’s a two-layered system of tree cover with diverse ground-layer vegetation. In our Midwestern savannas, that tree cover is oak dominated and the ground-layer vegetation is prairie-like. Savannas are generally considered some of the most diverse landscapes or ecosystems that we have in the Midwest, because they have most of the prairie species, plus the trees, plus some additional more shade tolerant woodland herbaceous plants.”

In the Chicago region, our savannas were typically filled with fire-tolerant oaks and hickories. Savannas are generally free of extensive shrub layers because historically they are (continued on page 96)

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(continued from page 94)

managed by fire and large grazing animals. Any shrubs found in a remnant savanna would have to be fire tolerant. You might find species like New Jersey tea and lead plant that bounce back from seasonal burns.

Without a shrub layer, savannas offer clear sightlines through the canopy trees. Indigenous peoples were able to hunt more easily, and even today, humans feel more comfortable when they can see clearly what’s around them. Widely spaced trees mean more opportunities for sunlight and a diversity of light conditions, offering many microclimates for grasses and perennials to thrive.

Covering the Ground

Due to the unique mix of shade and sun, the ground layers of a savanna are richly diverse. Holm finds that, “in lieu of warm-season grasses, sedges tend to dominate because they’re cool season as well as shade tolerant. They make a really nice matrix in a ground layer planting, particularly under a tree. If you were doing a soft landings type of planting under a keystone tree like an oak, they’re well-adapted. You might also be able to fit in some warm-season short prairie grasses, if you have enough sunlight.”

After establishing a matrix of sedges, the next step is plugging in flowering plants that thrive in light to deep shade. “Keep in mind the important ecological principle of having

plants blooming successively throughout the growing season, with different flower colors and shapes. I particularly like to focus on different plant families to attract as many species of insects as possible. I like a lot of carrot-family plants in the spring for early color, like golden Alexanders (Zizia spp.) and sweet cicely (Osmorhiza claytonii). For midsummer, especially if people have deer, the wood mints, the Blephilias, are particularly interesting plants with high shade tolerance. The shade tolerant asters and goldenrods in the fall are really important. Forbs like blue-stem goldenrod (Solidago caesia), zigzag goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis), elm-leaved goldenrod (Solidago ulmifolia), big-leaved aster (Eurybia macrophylla), and heartleaved aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolium) fill those shadier voids under trees.”

Spring ephemerals also offer an opportunity to enjoy the fleeting grace of woodland favorites and support specialist pollinators. “If you want to attract specialist bees, plant spring beauty (Claytonia virginica), Virginia waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginianum), Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium reptans), and bellwort (Uvularia grandiflora). Intermix them with northern bedstraw (Galium boreale) or ferns as their delicate textures will fill voids once the ephemerals go dormant,” Holm said.

Plus, not all bee species need the same things. “Even our bumblebees, you might think they all have long tongues,” commented Holm. “But some are long; some are medium, and some (continued on page 98)

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(continued from page 96) are short-tongued. This means the more variety of flowers you can plant from flat and dish-like to ones with really complex structures serve more species. And then lastly, the different colors of flowers are significant. Each insect group has their own preferences of which flower colors they tend to visit or frequent so that providing as broad a color palette as possible is really important.”

Pollinator Hotspots

By transitioning lawn space under mature trees to savanna-type plantings, not only do you open up opportunities for specialist bees, you create beautiful four-season landscapes. “It’s an easy conversion for homeowners,” observed Holm. “Most homeowners probably already have some sort of shade tree in their yard, so it’s really just some turf conversion, perhaps under that tree or next to that tree.”

Working native plants into your planting palette and expanding beds under trees replicates the look and feel of savannas but also creates myriad opportunities not only for pollinators but all the wildlife they support. “The combination of sedges and grasses with flowering plants replicates the structure and the same ‘look’ of a grassland ecosystem, and many of our pollinators are attracted to those for nesting opportunities,” said Holm. “Planting a succession of flowering plants provides them with a restaurant that’s open all the time for their pollen and nectar

resources. And then, if you think about pollinators beyond bees, you can look at these plants, particularly oaks, supporting many species of caterpillars. You’re helping build complex ecosystems. You’re feeding birds, but also you’re feeding other things that prey on caterpillars. You’re providing a nice place or soft landing for those caterpillars that may pupate in the ground or on the ground, a safe place that’s not turf grass. It really reinforces this idea that at any scale, a yard can be little mini ecosystems. You can help provide all of these habitat needs for all the different life-cycle stages of pollinators.”

Managing a Savanna

Now that you’ve created soft landing spots for caterpillars, habitat for pollinators, and a rich carpet of seasonal blooming plants for client enjoyment, how do you manage it? In a true savanna, you’d burn it. However, most suburban situations aren’t conducive to prescribed fire. “There’s some new research demonstrating that leaf litter and not doing too much garden cleanup does, in general, help a lot of different insect populations,” commented Holm. “I always say that to Midwesterners with an asterisk, because you don’t want to build up years and years and years of leaf litter on your prairie plants. They don’t like duff, and too much can eventually kill them. So, I often recommend a staggered approach where under a tree you could allow a few years of leaf litter to accumulate in one area but are (continued on page 100)

(continued from page 98)

removing it in a phased approach so your prairie species don’t get smothered.”

Also, consider that you’re planting under trees. Oaks are especially sensitive to root disturbance, and it’s possible to stress or even kill a tree with too much compaction or digging. “You have to be thoughtful if you are planting under a tree to not damage root systems,” agreed Holm. “I usually recommend as small of a container as possible, like a cell pack or deep plugs, and carefully digging around the root system of a tree, under the drip line, to minimize stress.”

Crafting a thoughtful management plan also provides the opportunity for repeat visits. A nuanced approach offers a balanced landscape, a demonstration of your skills as horticulturists, and forms deep connections as well as client trust.

By building and managing a savanna-like ecosystem, you give your clients a touchstone to the Midwest land experience. Savannas are human landscapes where we can see through the trees, explore blooming plants, and welcome an incredible diversity of wildlife to enjoy. “I think they’re largely the forgotten ecosystem because we don’t really have that many living models left,” observed Holm. “But there’s just a feeling you have when you’re in a savanna. There’s a different and special light when it comes through trees, but it still feels open. You’ve got sight lines; you have air flow, and then you have this wonderful diversity of plants to observe as you walk through a savanna. I just think it’s a really amazing experience.”

Adapting to Illinois’ New Invasive Species Restrictions

(Editor’s Note: When we reviewed ornamental pears back in the June 2017 issue, (When Good Plants Go Rogue), they were already an industry concern and nurseries were quickly removing them from inventories. Now, eight years later, the State has made it official — it will be illegal to buy, sell, distribute or plant them in Illinois as of January 2028.)

by Alison Branz

The decades-long conversation around the Callery pear has come to an end. This tree and several other plants are included in the Illinois Exotic Weed Act as of October 2025, which bans their sale, distribution, and planting within the state. The intent is to protect natural communities from the threat of non-native invasive species that can wreak havoc on the ecosystem.

Prior to the 2025 update, several horticultural species were already included in the Exotic Weed Act. Non-native honeysuckle, non-native olives and every type of buckthorn dominate

the list, along with purple loosestrife, multiflora rose and oriental bittersweet.

The new additions include: Callery pear, tree-of-heaven, garlic mustard, leafy spurge, Sericea lespedeza, Japanese stiltgrass, amur corktree, black swallowwort and pale swallowwort. Although the Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana) ban takes effect January 1, 2028 because it has been widely used in landscaping for decades.

Upon its introduction to the US, the Callery pear quickly gained popularity for its stately posture, abundant spring flowers and compact size. The ‘Bradford’ cultivar, first released in 1961, was considered sterile because it couldn’t pollinate itself, but its weak branch unions led to the introduction of new cultivars. These new additions enabled cross-pollination, with resulting seedlings escaping into sunny, open spaces.

Along roadsides and in prairies, they form dense stands that push out native flora. “We stopped growing the pear trees about 10 years ago,” says Meagan Provencher, senior landscape (continued on page 104)

(continued from page 102)

designer at Wasco Nursery and St. Charles Natural Resources Commissioner “We phased them out of our line of plants that we sell because we knew the devastating effects they were having on our local green spaces. I haven’t used them in designs in years.”

“We’re kind of on both sides of the fence,” says Provencher. “As growers, we had to destroy a lot of plant material. But as retailers, we didn’t want that plant material out in the public eye. It’s hard to ask a grower to get rid of tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of material. But it’s not been something that happened quickly. We’ve had plenty of time to adapt.”

Illinois isn’t alone in this effort. Ohio, Pennsylvania and South Carolina have all made it official, with Missouri and Minnesota currently in the process. Banning the distribution of these trees is half the job, as it stops the addition of any more into the landscape. The other half of the job is less straightforward and more costly—the existing ones should be removed, or they will only continue to spread.

“Managing invasives is an expensive proposition so that’s why prevention is always the first choice,” says Michelle Beloskur, director of the Midwest Invasive Plant Network (MIPN). “The next best thing is catching them early and getting things managed quickly. Otherwise, we’re locked into more expensive management practices and having to do follow up work.” To mitigate their impact, the trees are cut down and the stumps are treated with herbicide. “And because its response to being cut or even damaged is to send up root suckers, it’s really difficult to get it managed,” says Beloskur.

Some states, municipalities and garden centers (including Wasco Nursery in St. Charles) have offered “tree bounty” pro-

grams to reduce the pear population. For each Callery pear that’s removed, a reward is offered in exchange. Some businesses offer discounts, while other organizations give away native trees.

While the Callery pear is a high-profile example, several other landscape plants behave in similar ways. Their invasiveness often goes unnoticed because they travel beyond the property line. “One of the things I hear a lot is ‘Oh, that’s not spreading on my property,’” says Beloskur. “But what you don’t always see is that then these berries get carried off into natural areas by birds where they can absolutely take over the forest floor.”

Without their natural systems to keep them in check, some plants introduced to the US capitalize on their new opportunity to spread. The MIPN works to nip this problem in the bud by closely monitoring plant behavior through programs like Public Gardens as Sentinels against Invasive Plants. Through this work, some red flags have been raised for Japanese tree lilac and golden raintree. “We’re not necessarily stamping it with a big red ‘invasive’ stamp,” says Beloskur, “but we’re saying public gardens who are paying really close attention are concerned about this plant.”

There are many substitutes for the Callery pear and other horticultural invasives. “There’s a lot of unusual trees that are getting more press now that the pears are gone,” says Provencher, with her years of design experience. Some replacements she suggests are serviceberry, crabapples, paperbark maple and American hornbeam. Additionally, the Woody Invasives of the Great Lakes Collaborative is an invaluable resource for landscapers. On their website (woodyinvasives.org), they list species of concern such as Norway maple, barberry and burning bush. Their Landscape Alternatives galleries are full of great plant suggestions sorted into various size and functional categories.

(continued on page 106)

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With reliable guidance and strong replacement options, professionals can continue growing great plants and creating beautiful landscapes that are not only inviting and beneficial, but resilient, responsible and rooted in healthy ecosystems. In this way, we not only protect Illinois’ landscapes, we ensure our designs thrive for generations to come.

Alison Branz is research assistant at the Chicago Botanic Garden. She has an MS in Plant Biology and Conservation, and a BS in Agriculture Education.

Additional Resources

University of Illinois Extension: https://extension.illinois.edu/ news-releases/six-replacement-trees-invasive-callery-pear

Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources: Tree Planting Resources https://dnr.illinois.gov/conservation/forestry/urbanforestry/ tree-planting-resources.html

Midwest Groundcovers: Invasive Species https://www.midwestgroundcovers.com/invasive/species

USDA National Invasive Species Information Center: https:// www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/what-are-invasive-species

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by Meta Levin

The 2025 Landscape Illinois Annual Meeting and Party was one of recognition, networking and celebration.

Cheering and brandishing a silver belt, reminiscent of the ones awarded to World Wrestling champions, Membership Committee Chair Billy Oliver, Night Light, Inc., accepted the Committee of the Year award, while committee members celebrated behind him.

“This validates a lot of work to grow the membership,” Oliver says. “A lot of volunteer hours.”

Nearly 400 Landscape Illinois members applauded the committee choice, while they sipped Sunbelt Rentals Ale (named after Premier Event Sponsor Sunbelt Rentals), ate from the buffet, greeted longtime friends and networked.

The Annual Meeting and Party was held, once again, at Joe’s Live in Rosemont, allowing attendees to circulate and talk with as many fellow members as possible.

Paul Guzzetta, Kaneville Tree Farms, was pleased with the opportunity to talk with fellow industry professionals. “I try to go to this event every year,” Guzzetta says. “I don’t get to see many of these people during other times of the year.”

Members of all three Committee of the Year nominees spent the evening wearing white sashes proclaiming COTY (Committee of the Year) nominee, allowing fellow Landscape Illinois members to give them the kudos they deserved, while a large screen on the stage built excitement by counting down the minutes to the big announcement of the winner.

“I think it was fun to wait for the Committee of the Year announcement,” says Ryan Heitman, a Landscape Illinois Board of Directors member, who works for The Fisher Burton Company. “It’s all good.”

Membership Committee members didn’t seem to

Annual Party 2025

Scott Grams Executive Director

Kim Hartmann President

Ashley Marrin Past President

mind the wait, either.

“I love this association,” says Membership Committee member and former chair Debbie McGuire, Aleckson Insurance. “I have a lot of clients who are landscapers.”

Her fellow former committee chair and committee member, Tom Kusmerz, the third generation of his family to helm and run The Barn Group, Inc., was equally as delighted and enthusiastic about the win. “I’ve met some really great friends and people on this committee,” he says.

The Sustainable and Ecological Landscape Committee with co-chairs Brandon Losey and Angela Bowman and the Women’s Networking Group Committee, chaired by Brenda Ward and Carrie Hancock, were the two other finalists.

Losey of Alluvium was happy with the event. “I like the camaraderie,” he says. “It’s a great way to wrap up the season.” Losey has been on the Sustainable and Ecological Landscape Committee for nearly 15 years, noting that he studied landscape architecture at Iowa State University where, he says, “there’s a lot of sustainability baked in.”

Fellow committee member Paul Gluickert, an account manager for Landscape Concepts Management, emphasized how much the committee means to him. “I am passionate about ecology,” he says. “I try to promote it at work.”

Membership Committee members include: Sendin Bajric, Sendin Bookkeeping LLC; Toni Callahan, Schmechtig Landscapes; Penny Estes, Perfect Turf; Gayle Kruckenberg, Balanced Environments; Tom Kusmerz, The Barn Nursery; Debbie McGuire, Aleckson Insurance; Loren Nagy, SavATree; Jennifer Niziolek, Vectorworks, Inc.; Committee Chair Billy Oliver, Night Light, Inc.; Committee Associate Chair Garth Sager, Chalet; and Board Advisor Aaron Zych, ILT Vignocchi continued on page 110)

(continued from page 108)

“This organization is top notch,” says Callahan, general manager of Schmechtig Landscapes. “The staff is stellar.”

2025 Highlights Spearheaded by Committees

Landscape Illinois President Kim Hartmann gave a nod to all 24 of the association’s committees, noting that “we manage from the bottom up.” Some of the 2025 highlights, all of which involved the member-run committees, included rebranding. “We came into 2025 as The Illinois Landscape Contractors Association and we will leave as Landscape Illinois,” she says. “The Membership Committee handled the rebrand at our largest iLandscape ever in February.”

The rebrand reflected the decision to become a statewide organization, as well as the new name and logo. As for the logo, Hartmann announced the association’s first “merch” store will launch at iLandscape 2026.

A taskforce of committee chairs met to develop a new training video for all new committee members. On the drawing board for next year is a new committee recruitment video.

This year also saw the launch of a new group for owners and senior managers. Headed by Scott McAdam, Jr., McAdam Landscape Professionals, and Anthony Smith, American Gardens, the new group improved the biannual salary survey for landscape professionals, organized a summer Shoperations Tour of AM Woodlands and launched their first networking and panel event.

Hartmann recognized Kellie Schmidt, statewide director of development, as well as the work done to bring existing programs to the statewide markets, including crew leader training, basic pruning, weed identification and the Women’s Networking Group events, as well as InVigorateU, developed by the 2024 Committee of the Year (chaired by Pete Worth, continued on page 116)

Landscape Equipment

Multi-Purpose Tool Carriers

Sewer, Water & Wastewater Equipment

Street & Highway Equipment

Snow and Ice Equipment

Air and Hydro Excavators

Safety Equipment

Plumbing Equipment

Camera Inspection Systems

Milestone Members

Committee of the Year Membership Committee

(continued from page 110)

Kankakee Nursery Company, and Meagan Provencher, Wasco Nursery & Garden Center), and Spring Training.

Also Honored were members who had been with the association for 25 years, including Intrinsic Perennial Gardens, Mariani Plants, Montale Wholesale Nursery and Spring Grove Nursery – who had representatives in attendance - as well as Agrecol, Altorfer Cat, Land Escapes, McFarlane Douglass & Co. and Stonewood Design Group.

The big honors went to four companies that joined in 1975 and are still members 50 years later: Don Fiore Company, Halloran & Yauch, Inc. Irrigation Systems, Mariani Landscape and Red’s Garden Center. They were welcomed as Golden Members. The Golden Members distinction was created in 2009 to commemorate the association’s 50-year anniversary. Since then 33 members have been added to the Golden Members rolls.

Sponsors

Sponsorships are integral to making Landscape Illinois events, including the Annual Meeting and Party, successful. Sunbelt Rentals took top spot as the Premier Sponsor, including its “Sunbelt Rentals Ale,” aka Blue Moon Belgian White. Amrize Fox River Decorative Stone sponsored the desserts. JM Irrigation and Sebert were the drink ticket sponsors. Party co-sponsors included: Alta Equipment Company, Amundsen Davis, Brickworks® Supply Center, Burris Equipment, Cedar Path Nurseries, County Materials Corporation, Fiore Nursery and Landscape Supply, Knapheide, Mariani Plants, Night Light Inc. Landscape Illumination, Perfect Turf®, Pizzo Group, Russo®, SFI Topsoil, SiteOne® Landscape Supply, Spring Grove Nursery, Inc., The Tree Connection, Inc. Attendees were grateful to the sponsors for making the evening possible.

• Accessories

• Aquatic

• Edging

• Erosion Control

• Ground Covers

• Landscape Fabrics

• Plant Protection

• Retail Support

• Shade Cloth

• Tarps

• Tree Care

• Wildlife Control & Geotextiles

Improving Turf and Controlling Weeds

by Nina A. Koziol

More than 130 people signed up for the Weed ID Workshop: Improving Turf and Controlling Weeds. The last education event of the year, it was held in December at Northern Illinois University in Naperville. “It was a packed morning of learning as Dr. Aaron Patton led a five-hour comprehensive workshop on the essentials of weed control and turf health,” said Landscape Illinois’ Education Manager Melissa Custic.

Dr. Aaron Patton

Dr. Patton is the Interim Department Head and Professor of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Purdue University. He’s also Executive Director of the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation, which supports turf grass research. The half-day workshop was designed for those who wanted to learn more about effective turf management. Tables displaying about four dozen extremely healthy annual and perennial turf weeds hit home for many.

We specialize in working with LCO’s to maximize your profitability while helping provide your clientele with excellent turf conditions ///

(continued on page 122)

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

PREMIER SPONSOR

BREAKFAST SPONSOR

Dr. Patton brings some 70 fresh examples of weeds and grasses from his greenhouse to provide a hands-on experience.

(continued from page 120)

annual and perennial turf weeds hit home for many.

“Being new to the industry, I want to be able to answer questions, and I took a lot of good notes,” said Tessa Cecchin, business development and sales manager for Landscape Concepts Management in Chicago. “This is my first job out of college and my second Landscape Illinois event. I liked the handouts and the way Dr. Patton started out with new products.”

For Matt Eigel, manager at Sebert Landscape in Bolingbrook, the program was very beneficial. “We came because we get a lot of questions from clients about weeds,

and we maintain large HOA’s. Turf care is very complicated and picking the right product is key.” His co-worker, Account Manager Mark Hedrick, agreed. “I’m a life-long learner, and I especially enjoy learning new things. The more knowledgeable you are, the better. I find it intriguing that the same product can be labeled so differently. With the constant change of regulations, it was helpful to attend and understand what’s going on,” he said.

Surf and Turf

Healthy lawns need water, a concept that didn’t go unnoticed during last summer’s extended drought. To address the issue, a concurrent irrigation workshop addressed best practices, troubleshooting and new technology for 26 attendees. “The total attendance was very good for a program in December,” said Landscape Illinois’ Office Manager Alycia Nagy. Attendees had a chance to network over refreshments and discuss turf management strategies.

“With a diverse audience of municipal leaders, commercial landscape managers and lawn care specialists, the session proved that expert-led education remains a top priority for our growing professional community,” Custic added. “It was a fantastic opportunity for professionals at every level to sharpen their technical expertise.”

CLESENS

PROUDLY SERVING ILLINOIS AND

Pixel or Pencil? AI or the Brain?

“In

a world of expensive screens and interfaces designed by others, drawing offers a priceless antidote, returning us to our evolutionary path and re-igniting systems that are millennia in the making.”

— English Architect Patrick Downing, 2014

by Nina A. Koziol

Ahandful of landscape architects began using computerassisted design (CAD) in the 1980s and the new technology slowly gained steam. CAD has streamlined the design process, allowing for faster modifications and two- and three-dimensional modeling. That, too, is changing because now there’s a lot of buzz about integrating emerging software and artificial intelligence (AI) into the landscape design process.

AI-powered software can quickly analyze the site specs, soil types, light exposure and regional climate to display the best plants and layouts. And for some companies, that investment may quickly produce more designs, more efficiently. However, landscape design is traditionally grounded in creativity and hands-on craftsmanship. While the increased use of AI may mark a new era of efficiency and sustainability, there are many designers who find pencilto-paper incredibly rewarding.

Gary Topalian is the Senior Landscape Architect and Coleader of the Design Studio at Scott Byron & Co in Lake Bluff. “When it comes to brainstorming and

shaping initial ideas, hand sketching is unmatched,” he says. “When I first started with the firm, hand graphics were the only method used to prepare drawings for client presentations. By the year 2000, CAD was introduced and the design team began to reap the benefits to stay competitive in the industry.” Currently, his design team members intertwine the use of both applications, when necessary, to produce precise drawings from project site surveys to master landscape plans.

But there’s another reason Topalian enjoys hand-drawn designs. “There is freedom to spark fresh ideas and alternate solutions and concept iterations to then select the stronger option that best represents the design and vision, hence streamlining the creative process.” He notes that hand drawing plans can result in quicker thought development brought to life without the limits of software. “They offer charm, drama, realism and a quicker turnaround time for design development depicting organic and often more appealing aesthetics. Applying the final touch with color gives the landscape plans the

punch and depth, simply adding intrigue to the designs,” Topalian says.

The Brain-Hand Connection

A 2020 study in the Journal of Neuroscience found that while a person was drawing, a more distinct connection was made between the brain’s visual processing center and the area involved in motor planning. Drawing is a process by which the brain transforms perceptions into actions, and in doing so, it enhances the brain’s ability to share information and think critically.

“The powerful artistic tool of freehand two-dimensional landscape plans can entice and draw clients into the design process,” Topalian explains. “The loose and initial schematic preliminary ideas can help them visualize the proposed conditions developed for their property based on their wishlist.” Topalian recognizes that there are drawbacks to hand-drawn plans, such as the need for physical storage space, potential damage and the need for

similar graphic standards among a firm’s designers.

“Depending on the landscape architect/designer’s individual skill level, hand-drawn landscape plans have several practical and technical downsides. Time is of the essence and hand draws, depending on the project complexity and detailing, can become time consuming, thus leading to lengthier times in production. If the plan calls for design revisions or modifications, this tends to require a redraw of the entire plan making the process more inefficient and tedious. The quality, accuracy and clarity are crucial elements to depict in a freehand-drawn plan, which in turn, can be ineffective if the skillsets are lacking.”

Efficiency

For Larry Carnes, owner of Reflections Water Gardens in West Dundee, pixels win over pencils, especially when there’s an urgent need for illustrating complex diagrams. “I’ve

a rare mix of groundbreaking science, award-winning safety practices, and global resources to every tree and shrub care task at hand. And at the heart of our success are our people — experts who know and champion every tree, no matter the species. Discover how our passion is inspiring one beautiful property after another.

really started using the 3D modeling towards the end of last year to lay out all the plumbing runs and give the guys better direction in the field.” Up until then, it was hand-drawing, but now he’s using Structure Studios’ Vip3D software, which can transform 2D project drawings into interactive 3D presentations. “Three-D is much better than two-dimensional schematics and elevation drawings,” Carnes says.

“Drawing a plan that is accurate to scale in both 2D or 3D is much easier and faster using CAD,” said Susan Kopczynski, owner, Susan’s Gardenscapes “It’s also easier and faster to make revisions.” However, “The plant graphics in some 3D versions looks amateurish and choices are too limited. When the graphics are expanded and improved, I think that, for larger projects, the speed and accuracy of CAD will win over the art and nostalgia of hand-drawn plans. The exception to that would be for an artist like Piet Oudolf,” she says. Both Oudolf (of Chicago’s Lurie Garden fame) and Roy Diblik, co-owner of Northwind Perennial Farm in Burlington, WI, have been known to doodle their designs on napkins.

The Future

“It looks like CAD programs are gaining traction with newer and better graphics, but hands down, in my opinion, hand-drawn designs are the way to go when presenting,” says Matt Erickson, owner of Erickson Landscaping in Ottawa.

Topalian says he is fortunate that Scott Byron & Co. has always embraced hand drawing graphics as part of its design process to produce master landscape plans. “We have the privilege to actually utilize both techniques equally well when developing a plan, which can contribute many advantages to our process,” he said. “In essence, the looser and freehand sketched plans offer many benefits, such as enhancing creativity, quicker conceptualization, idea sharing, improving analytical skills and, my favorite, a unique and personal touch that connects the landscape architects and clients to the vision.”

He notes that all of this fosters better problem solving and emotional connections compared to purely digital methods.

“The overall goal is still to achieve a visual display that clients can understand and follow. Furthermore, hand drawing allows

for quick idea exploration, fluid creative flow as well as conveying a unique artistic quality making abstract ideas tangible to the thinking process,” he says.

Closing Thoughts

“While freehand plan drawings offer a profound sense of purpose and passion, I do feel that hand-drawn plans, elevations, sketches, details and handcolored renderings still have a place in the landscape design studios,” Topalian said. “The uniqueness in a hand produced landscape plan maintains a sense of human artistry that develops the joy, comfort and personal touch making each design project exceptional.”

I thought I’d do an online search— using AI no less. It told me: “Hand drawing offers a unique, human quality and allows for emotional expression, while CAD provides precision, speed, and ease of collaboration. Both methods have their advantages and can be used effectively in architecture.”

Cultivating Lower Workers’ Compensation Costs

by Meta L. Levin

Workers’ compensation is the proverbial two-edged sword. On the one hand, it provides essential protections for employees if they suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. On the other, however, it can be expensive for employers who pay the premiums on workers’ compensation insurance costs.

There are ways to keep a handle on those costs. Father-son duo Brian and Griff MacDonald, who both work for insurance brokers Connor & Gallagher One Source, shared their expertise with a packed audience during iLandscape 2025. There are, say the MacDonalds, things in play that are both within the client’s control and those that are not.

Review Insurance Coverage Regularly

The MacDonalds emphasize the necessity of regular communication with insurance brokers to stay on top of current commercial market conditions. It is, they say, important to understand the difference between hard markets and soft markets. “Right now, we are coming out of a hard market during which premiums went up,” says Brian MacDonald.

In a hard market, insurance carriers set terms and conditions

to limit their exposure, but they are less favorable to the client. It is triggered by a period of reduced profitability, when carriers are losing money. Insurance carriers respond to increased legal liability judgements for insurance claims by increasing rates and restricting terms. Inflation is another factor that results in higher rates.

In a soft market, on the other hand, insurance carriers are making money and begin to lower premiums. “Now, we are starting to see more profitability,” says Brian MacDonald. “So, we are heading toward a soft market.”

That is true, except for the property and auto markets. The rest are stable, MacDonald says. “For the landscape industry, property is less of an issue, because companies typically don’t have big, expensive buildings.”

So, regular communication with your insurance broker should include a review of premiums, classifications and payroll data. Your insurance broker can help by shopping around, comparing quotes from multiple insurers and getting you the best and most appropriate coverage and rates.

The big take-away is to meet with your insurance broker (continued on page 134)

(continued from page 132)

two to three times a year and go through everything,” says MacDonald. “If you aren’t having nuanced conversations with your insurance broker, you are missing an important resource.”

NCCI

Know and understand your resources, say the MacDonalds. One of the most important regarding workman’s compensation is NCCI (the National Council on Compensation Insurance). NCCI is a not-for-profit organization that collects and analyzes data for the workman’s compensation insurance industry.

It not only collects data, but based on what it finds, it recommends rates and advises state regulators, thus playing a critical role in the workers’ compensation system. It also develops workers’ compensation codes to assess the risk and cost of insuring different industries.

It provides an annual report on the premiums, as well as loss history. “They are responsive and educated,” says MacDonald. “It is refreshing to work with them.”

Illinois Contracting Classification Premium Adjustment Program

This is not just for landscape contractors, but for different industries, as well. It is designed to benefit contractors who pay their employees higher than average wages, and its intention is to offset the potential penalties contractors pay when higher

wages lead to increased workers’ compensation premiums. Discuss this with your insurance broker.

Foster a Culture of Safety

“A safety program is the most important way to keep costs down,” says Griff MacDonald. In fact, the MacDonalds believe that it is so important that they have a sample employee safety manual that they offer to their clients.

Having the safety culture documented in a manual and following it helps reduce costs. An employee safety manual is important, says MacDonald, because “if you don’t document it, it doesn’t happen.”

By the same token, just writing the manual and shelving it doesn’t help anyone. “When was the last time you reviewed your safety manual?” says Brian MacDonald. Keeping it up to date and ensuring that your employees know and understand the content is crucial to a good safety program and to keeping costs down.

Insurance companies understand that safety programs help minimize the likelihood of workplace accidents and injuries. That protects the employees, but also the employers’ finances by helping to keep insurance premiums down.

“A robust safety culture starts with the supervisors on the job sites,” says Griff MacDonald.

The MacDonalds recommend developing comprehensive safety policies by creating safety guidelines. These should be customized to the particular type of work, i.e. landscape design/

GETTING TO THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM

Our passion at Kuenzi Turf & Nursery is growing exceptional bare root and in-ground fabric bag liner trees.

Our goal is to grow trees with abundant root systems that a dd value, savings, and profitability to your nursery w hile bringing your trees to market up to 2 years sooner!

Our mission is not doing what is average or industry standard, but to grow in 100% native field soil to grow the s trongest roots for the best transplant vigor and near 100% survive ability!

build, irrigation, arborist, grower, retail garden center and so forth. What are the specific hazards associated with the kind of work you do?

“Proactively identifying the top loss sources is a key contributor to keeping costs in check,” say the MacDonalds.

With those policies necessarily comes regular training, not only to initially train employees in proper procedures, but also to reinforce those lessons. Training does two important things: it ensures that employees are familiar with practices, tools and equipment, but it also sends a message to your employees about the importance of safety in your organization.

Again, communication is key. The MacDonalds note it is imperative to let your insurance broker know the steps you are taking to reduce accidents and injuries, as well as to report any accidents in a timely manner.

It’s also important to hire people who are physically and mentally able to perform the tasks that are a regular part of their jobs.

Listen to your employees. Encourage them to tell you about on-the-job hazards and even suggest ways of reducing accidents.

On the flip side, commend them for following safety procedures and incentivize these practices.

Document Any Accidents

The MacDonalds recommend training supervisors (crew chiefs, foremen, etc.) to take pictures not only of safety training, but of any accidents that may happen. Documenting the incident in writing and with photographs helps get a complete and accurate picture of the incident.

The MacDonalds also strongly suggest that contractors develop a workplace injury form and ensure that the supervisors always have copies with them and know how to complete them. These can be in paper form or on a tablet. “Try to make it straightforward,” they say. “Teach them to go through the incident point by point.”

Train your supervisors and field staff in conducting accident site investigations. Their accident forms should

prompt them to ask what happened, when, how, where and why. They should obtain statements from any witnesses and have witness statement forms on which to record this information. Be alert for any fraud indicators.

The MacDonalds recommend streamlining the process by establishing clear reporting procedures, educating personnel on the importance of prompt reporting and emphasizing that it initiates benefits and avoids delay in compensation.

In fact, the MacDonalds have a sample accident form, which their clients can tweak as needed to fit their particular situations.

Create a Return-to-Work Program

Make a return-to-work program following an accident with injuries part of your company culture, say the MacDonalds. “You may have to be creative sometimes to bring employees back to work,” says Brian MacDonald. And, you may have to be flexible, since med-

ical personnel may give the employee restrictions.

In the event there is an accident with injuries, establish immediate communication with the injured employee. “This lowers the chance that he or she will get a lawyer,” say the MacDonalds.

If appropriate, use occupational medicine clinics. The MacDonalds recommend identifying local clinics and inviting the staff to tour the facilities. Review the expectations of your return-to-work program with the clinic and supply the clinic with copies of your return-to-work forms.

Remember, however, that you never can force an employee to be treated by a specific medical provider.

In the end, ensuring that you are doing everything you can to keep your employees safe will go the farthest in keeping your workers’ compensation costs down.

“There is a lot that the business owner has control over from a cost and safety perspective,” says Griff MacDonald, CPCU, AIC. “The most important is safety.”

Moisture Issues In Hardscapes and

by Daniel Wood

When water and dissolved minerals move upward through soil and hardscape materials (like concrete, stone, brick, or pavers) and then gasify or evaporate at the surface, a range of physical, chemical, and aesthetic problems can occur. These are driven mainly by capillary action, vapor pressure, temperature changes, and mineral crystallization

Below is a breakdown of the most common issues.

1. Efflorescence (White, Powdery Deposits)

2. Subflorescence (Internal Salt Crystallization)

3. Spalling and Surface Scaling

4. Alkali–Silica Reaction (ASR) in Concrete

5. Hydrostatic Pressure & Vapor Drive

6. Joint and Mortar Deterioration

7. Biological Growth (Secondary Effect)

8. Staining and Discoloration

9. Soil & Base Layer Instability

Root Causes (Why This Happens)

• Poor drainage or high water table

• Capillary rise from fine-grained soils

• Lack of vapor barriers

• Concrete pours not allowed to sure for the proper time period

• Highly soluble minerals in soil or base materials

• Impermeable surface layers trapping moisture below

• Temperature gradients driving vapor upward

Typical Mitigation Strategies

• Proper sub-base drainage and grading

• Capillary breaks (gravel layers, geotextiles). The current trend of open graded permeable base installation, with lateral drainage in the base layer for poorly drained subsoils, aids in managing the moisture issue.

• Damp-proofing of unexposed surfaces for more porous natural stones such as some Limestones and Sandstones. Bluestone is a sandstone.

• Usage of resin-based permeable joint products

• Low-alkali concrete mixes

• Vapor barriers under slabs

• Regular maintenance of joints and drainage paths

The Indiana Limestone Institute (ILI) guidelines for damp proofing Indiana Limestone emphasize protecting all unexposed surfaces (backs, beds, joints) with a cementitious or bituminous coating up to 1 foot above grade, and damp proofing adjacent concrete supports to prevent moisture wicking and alkali staining, ensuring a breathable barrier for longevity. They also recommend proper detailing, like ventilated dry areas, and careful application to avoid damaging the stone’s natural breathability or causing impurities to leach out.

Key Guidelines & Recommendations:

• Coverage Area: Apply damp-proofing to all unexposed surfaces, including the back, beds, and joints (within 1 inch of the finished face for bituminous), extending at least 1 foot above grade.

• Support Surfaces: Damp-proof all concrete or CMU surfaces where the limestone will rest, including support angles and ledges.

• Material Types: Use a cementitious waterproof backing (like a thick, sandy slurry) or bituminous backing; ILI does not endorse specific brands but emphasizes breathability.

• Application: Apply coatings in the field to prevent damage and ensure proper curing.

• Purpose: Prevents alkali staining, reduces efflorescence (impurities leaching out), and protects the stone from soil moisture.

• Detailing: Design for proper drainage and include ventilated dry areas around the base of walls.

What to Avoid:

• Acidic Cleaners: Never use strong acids, sandblasting, or wire brushes on limestone.

• Sealers (Sometimes): Avoid impermeable sealers that block the stone›s natural breathability unless specifically advised for certain conditions.

Damp-proofing the bottom and sides of natural stone used in hardscapes (pavers, coping, steps, walls, caps, etc.) can provide several important benefits—especially in installations where moisture, salts, or freeze–thaw cycles are present.

Damp-Proofing

Daniel Wood is a natural stone and material consultant for Lurvey Landscape Supply. He is also Education Committee

Areas with poor drainage

Freeze–thaw climates

Projects using light-colored stone , unless using

Cooling Land Concepts, LLC

4400 Wheeler Road

Cherry Valley, IL 61016

815-332-2380

coolinglc.com

by Meta L. Levin

It all started with a sod farm. Joe Cooling and his family went from there to doing residential and commercial landscaping. Eventually, the company was split and, now, Cooling Land Concepts, LLC, concentrates on the commercial side.

Originally, Joe Cooling & Sons, Inc. began with Joe Cooling and his three sons. Now, two of those brothers co-own Cooling Land Concepts, LLC. Tim Cooling is responsible for office and administrative work, while his brother, Chris, handles estimates and manages seeding projects. Both have been working for the company since they were in their teens.

Cooling Land Concepts, LLC, focuses on commercial work: erosion control, restoration, pavers/hardscapes, commercial landscape design/build, sod and seeding. These projects encompass a variety of work, says Suzy Courtney, the company’s contract administrator.

They do an array of jobs, from planting, seeding and erosion control for IDOT; installing sod and sythetic turf on athletic fields and providing shade friendly sod, fertilizing and maintaining solar farms. “We do a lot of IDOT jobs,” says Courtney. “Our commercial clients are great. We work with a lot of big clients and they keep us busy.” In fact, these days, jobs often extend into November.

Courtney estimates that Cooling Land Concepts is a subcontractor to a general contractor on 90 percent of their jobs.

Their customer base ranges from General Mills to McHenry Community College. In addition, clients include hospitals, parks, veterans memorials, and schools. “We’ve probably worked at every school in Rockford,” says Courtney. Located in Cherry Valley, their service area covers Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Indiana, although much of their work is in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

Cooling Land Concepts employs about 20 people in season, with eight year round. “We have a great team and we all work well together,” says Courtney. “The project managers, laborers and office staff all get along. It’s a good community.”

The company joined Landscape Illinois after attending iLandscape for several years. “We have found suppliers at iLandscape,” she says. “We’re always looking for good suppliers close to our job sites.”

They did belong several years ago and Courtney believed they should become members again. “We get good information through the associa tion,” she says.

Hursthouse Landscape is Hiring!

Come Audition for The Hursthouse Landscape All Star Team!

We’re initiating an intense search for these key positions: Design Manager…Leader of a tremendous design team. Sales Master…The King or Queen of Connecting with People.

Flower Specialist…. The unmatched Floral Artist. Hursthouse Landscape is a highly respected Award winning residential Landscape Architecture, Contracting and Maintenance Company based in the Chicago suburbs for the last 35 years. Our reputation is highly regarded as having the industry leading culture, attention to detail and overall fabulous place to build a career.

We’re seeking a high-performing Design Department Manager to lead our design team, collaborate with Sales and Construction teams and play an integral role in leading the company into the future. ($100,000 and above plus benefits)

The Sales Master position we’re in search of is someone who just loves meeting with clients and connecting them with the landscape of their future. Strong communication skills and the ability to convey our culture and expertise to clients while working so strongly with our Design, Construction and Maintenance teams is of high importance. ($75,000 and above plus benefits)

The Flower Specialist role is one of fine artist expression and careful planning. This individual will thrive in all aspects of designing, selling, ordering of materials and coordinating the installation of our drooled over award winning containers and plant bed displays for all seasons. ($60,000 and above plus benefits) If you’re Awesome, we want to hear from you. If you connect with our Core Values of:

1.Do the right thing, Today!

2. Value Reputation, for tomorrow!

3. Have Fun!

Here’s How to Apply!

Submit your resume and any other cool stuff to:

Jeff True

V.P. of Operations

jtrue@hursthouse.com

Check out our website too at www.hursthouse.com

Business Development Representative

Working at Ground Pros:

Founded in 1992, Ground Pros is a growing, family-owned and operated company specializing in commercial landscape and snow and ice management services. Our mission is to make raving fans out of our clients while offering an outstanding place to work for our team members.

Ground Pros is seeking a driven and organized Business Development Representative to join our team and drive the expansion of our portfolio of commercial properties. This is a high-impact, growth-oriented role responsible for identifying, pursuing, and winning new client relationships that align with our service model and operational capacity. The successful candidate will work cross-functionally with our account management and operations teams while reporting directly to the company president.

At Ground Pros, being a great place to work isn’t just a goal it’s a core part of who we are as an organization. Our team members enjoy competitive compensation packages including performance incentives, profit sharing, medical, dental and vision plans, 3% company-matched retirement contributions and paid maternity/paternity leave. We are committed to the

development of our people, and we prioritize training, industry certification and career growth. We believe strongly in merit-based advancement and cross-departmental collaboration.

The base annual salary range for this role, $62,500.00 to $77,500, is dependent on job-related factors such as experience, education and skills. Compensation for this role also includes commission-based pay driven by the accomplishment of pre-established sales and client goals as well as profit sharing driven by company performance metrics.

How to apply: email mikep@groundpros.com

Salary Range: $62,500 to $77,500 plus commission

Account Representative

As a Landscape Account Manager, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with clients in the landscaping industry.

Your primary goal will be to ensure clients satisfaction and loyalty while managing and growing a portfolio of landscape accounts. You will be the main point of contact for clients, providing them with exceptional customer service, addressing their needs, and coordinating with internal teams to deliver high-quality landscaping solutions. Your expertise in landscape management, sales, and client relationship management will contribute to the success and growth of our company.

How to apply: Email Resume to Kevin Moravickkevin@hansonlandscape.com

Salary Range: $65,000.00 to $80,000.00

Ecological Restoration Technicians

Job Opening: Ecological Restoration Technicians

Seasonal &Full-Time | Outdoors | Meaningful Work Love getting your hands dirty (for a good cause)?

Want a job where your office is a prairie, wetland, forest, or shoreline—and you go home knowing you made the land better than you found it?

Pizzo is hiring Ecological Restoration Technicians to join our growing team. If you’re passionate about native plants, ecological stewardship, or just want to do work that actually *matters*, this might be your calling.

What We Do

At Pizzo, we bring landscapes back to life using: Native plant installation and seeding Invasive species control

Prescribed fire

Natural area restoration and long-term stewardship

Every project helps rebuild ecosystems and supports biodiversity across the Midwest. This isn’t landscaping—it’s restoration with purpose.

Learn more about our work at werestorenature.com

What You’ll Do

Work outdoors restoring prairies, wetlands, woodlands, and more

Identify and manage native and invasive plant species Assist with seed collection, planting, and site prep

Use tools and equipment safely (training provided) Be part of a team that takes pride in doing things the right way

How to apply: https://pizzo.bamboohr.com/careers Salary Range: 18.00-19.50ph

Landscape Construction Project Manager

Winters Landscape, Inc., located in Sycamore, IL., is looking for a Construction Project Manager to join our growing team. Winters Landscape is an established well recognized landscape construction firm, working in the landscape industry for over 45 years. Our competitive advantage, and what sets us apart from other

companies, lies in our collaborative cross-functional administrative team, our reliable and knowledgeable maintenance and construction field crews, and our in-house tree nursery and sod farm. Our union labor force specializes in plant, irrigation, hardscape (retaining wall/paver), and artificial turf installations.

A well-qualified candidate for the Construction Project Manager position will have 3-5 years’ experience working in the landscaping/horticulture industry. Our Project Managers work cross-functionally with all the in-house teams, providing valuable insights to estimators for comprehensive project bids, working with contracts and project coordinators to understand project scopes, schedule installations, and manage the field crews on-site. Project Managers work with the client, i.e., general contractors, to ensure the landscape scope of their projects are completed on-time and within budget. Project Managers at Winters Landscape must have excellent communication, organizational, time management, and leadership skills.

Conversational Spanish knowledge is a plus, but not required. Winters Landscape, Inc. offers a competitive salary and incentive-based earning structure, matching 401K, health care, paid vacation, and company vehicle/ cell phone.

How to apply: Email jon.winters@winterslandscape. com

Salary Range: $60,000-$90,000

Landscape Sales Account Manager

Winters Landscape, Inc., located in Sycamore, IL., is looking for a Sales Account Manager to join our growing team. Winters Landscape is an established well well-recognized landscape construction firm, working in the landscape industry for over 45 years. Our competitive advantage, and what sets us apart from other companies, lies in our collaborative cross-functional administrative team, our reliable and knowledgeable maintenance and construction field crews, and our in-house tree nursery and sod farm. Our union labor force specializes in plant, irrigation, hardscape (retaining wall/paver), and artificial turf installations.

A well-qualified candidate for the Sales Account Manager position will have 3-5 years’ experience working in the landscaping/horticulture industry.

Our Account Managers manage existing commercial maintenance accounts, as well as create new business relationships for opportunities of sales growth. Account Managers work with property management agencies, homeowner associations, corporate campuses, commercial/retail developments, etc. They provide a direct, hands-on, approach when interacting with the client. Account Managers work with the field supervisors in managing maintenance crews, to ensure that we exceed in the client’s expectations and achieve their intended results. They promote site enhancements and additional landscape services, in lieu of a basic mow and go service, to ensure the client’s landscape is well-manicured and beautifully maintained.

Conversational Spanish knowledge is a plus, but not required. Winters Landscape, Inc. offers a competitive salary and incentive-based sales commission earning structure, matching 401K, health care, paid vacation, and company vehicle/cell phone.

How to apply: Email jon.winters@winterslandscape. com

Salary Range: $60,000-$90,000

NOW HIRING - Landscaping Account Manager

An established commercial landscaping, snow removal &construction company in Aurora, IL is looking for a full-time, year-round Landscaping Account Manager to join our successful company &assist with the management of landscaping.

Duties include:

- Managing crews &working closely with the foremen

- Meeting with customers &field staff on a regular basis

- Communicating with office staff &owner regularly

- Conducting weekly safety meetings with staff

- Managing &scheduling materials &deliveries to job sites

- Ensuring staff maintains equipment &company property used for jobs

- Resolving conflicts with customers &subordinate staff should they arise

- Facilitating a walk through at completion of installation jobs

- Completing proposals &ensuring accurate billing

- Recommending products and services to existing and potential customers.

- Managing a snow removal district during the winter months

Qualifications:

- Knowledge of landscape material &operations

- Ability to perform under pressure &maintain service levels

- Ability to manage multiple job duties simultaneously

- Excellent written &communication skills

- Knowledge of safety procedures &regulations

- Work out of our Aurora, IL office

- Knowledge of hardscapes a plus

- Pesticide Operator License a plus

- Valid driver’s license with a clean MVR driving record required

Compensation &; Benefits:

- Salary of $55k - $75k/year, paid weekly on Fridays!

- Health, dental &vision insurance

- Company vehicle

- Company provided cell phone &laptop

- Paid vacation &time off

How to apply: Send your name, phone number &resume to Allan Gonzalez at: agonzalez@rbenterprisesweb.com

Salary Range: $55,000 - $75,000/year (DOE)

�� NOW HIRING: FERTILIZER TECHNICIAN ��

Camphouse Country Landscaping is seeking a dependable and motivated Fertilizer Technician to join our lawn care team. This role involves applying fertilizer and turf treatments to residential and commercial properties while following all Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) regulations.

Responsibilities

- Apply fertilizer, weed control, and lawn care treatments in compliance with Illinois regulations

- Safely operate and maintain fertilizer application equipment

- Follow all IDOA safety, environmental, and application guidelines

- Identify lawn health issues and communicate recommendations

CULTIVATE

- Maintain accurate service and application records

- Provide professional, courteous customer service

Qualifications

- Valid Illinois driver’s license with a clean driving record

- Strong attention to detail and reliability

- Lawn care or fertilizer application experience preferred

- Illinois Pesticide Applicator License (Public or Commercial) preferred OR willingness to obtain

- Ability to pass licensing exams and maintain certification

- Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Compensation & Benefits

- Competitive pay based on experience and licensing status

- Consistent seasonal hours (overtime)

- Supportive, team-oriented work environment

How to apply: Call Zach (English): 708.420.8021 or Call Juan (Spanish): 708.940.1875

Salary Range: Varies depending on Experience

PROJECT MANAGER

VanZelst Inc. in Wadsworth, IL, provides creative landscape design, planting, hardscape, and detailed maintenance of outdoor environments.

Individual will work closely with the construction manager to supervise crews and work with clients and designers to plan and implement projects, ensuring VanZelst quality and standards of excellence are fulfilled.

HELP WANTED

How to apply: Please send your resume to bob@ vanzelst.com

Website – www.vanzelst.com Phone – 847-980-3773

Salary Range: commensurate with experience

Wave Outdoors - Landscape Construction Manager & Landscape Designer

Wave Outdoors Landscape + Design

�� Chicagoland, Illinois | Full-Time | Hybrid / Remote with Site Visits

Wave Outdoors Landscape + Design is growing, and we’re expanding our team to support an increasing volume of residential design-build work throughout the Chicagoland area. While we anticipate hiring for multiple roles over time, we are currently focused on filling two key positions that support our core operations: Landscape Construction Manager and Landscape Designer.

Wave Outdoors is a Chicago-based landscape design-build firm dedicated to creating outdoor spaces that inspire connection, relaxation, and time spent outdoors. Our work blends thoughtful design, skilled craftsmanship, and a high-touch client experience, and we value clear communication, accountability, and collaboration.

Currently Hiring: Landscape Construction Manager

This is a senior-level, hands-on role for an experienced landscape construction professional who can step into active projects with minimal training beyond learning our systems.

Requirements:

5–10+ years of hands-on landscape construction experience

Strong knowledge of:

Hardscape &paver installation

Masonry

Garden installation

Carpentry (decks, pergolas, pavilions)

Ability to manage projects from pre-construction through close-out

Comfortable working in a hybrid/remote environment with regular site visits

Strong leadership, organization, and communication skills

Must live in Illinois and be able to travel to Chicagoland job sites

Landscape Designer

This role supports the design-build process from concept through installation and requires strong technical design skills paired with collaboration and attention to detail.

Requirements:

5+ years of experience in landscape design or design-build

Proficiency in AutoCAD (LandFX) and SketchUp

Knowledge of hardscape, planting design, grading, and local building codes

Ability to produce construction-ready drawings and permit documents

Strong communication and teamwork skills

Must live in Illinois and be able to attend local site visits

Compensation & Benefits (Both Roles)

Competitive salary based on role and experience

Health, dental, and life insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Hybrid / remote-friendly work environment

Mileage reimbursement for required site visits

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

Supportive, collaborative team culture

How to apply: Please email your resume (and portfolio for Designer applicants) to: sunny@waveoutdoors.com Include the subject line: Landscape

Construction Manager – [Your Name] or Landscape

Designer – [Your Name]

Salary Range: 60,000-120,000 Depending on Role and Experience

Now Hiring Account Managers for our Chicago and West Chicago locations

Job Description

About Premier Service

Premier Service delivers elite landscape architecture, construction, maintenance, and snow services to highend residential and commercial clients throughout the Chicagoland area. We pride ourselves on exceptional craftsmanship, proactive service, and long-term client relationships.

Position Summary

The Account Manager is responsible for managing, retaining, and growing a portfolio of residential and commercial client accounts. This role serves as the primary liaison between clients and internal teams, ensuring service excellence, identifying opportunities for enhancements, and proactively addressing client needs. The ideal candidate combines strong landscape industry knowledge with outstanding relationship management and organizational skills.

What We Offer

Premier Service provides a highly competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Total Compensation: $80,000–$150,000 base + commission (commensurate with experience, base salary plus commission)

• Weekly Pay

• 401(k) with Company Match

• Health Insurance Benefits

• Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick time, and paid holidays

• Professional Development/Education Reimbursement

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary point of contact for assigned client accounts, building trusted, long-term relationships.

• Drive revenue growth by maximizing customer retention through strategic upsell opportunities, renewal management, and consistent delivery of value that strengthens longterm account profitability.

• Proactively evaluate client properties and service performance to anticipate needs and recommend enhancements, upgrades, and seasonal services.

• Prepare accurate estimates, proposals, and service recommendations in collaboration with design, operations, and field teams.

• Coordinate with operations to ensure services are delivered on time, within scope, and to Premier Service quality standards.

• Conduct regular site visits and client meetings to review performance, address concerns, and identify new opportunities.

• Maintain detailed and organized records of client communications, contracts, proposals, and site assessments within CRM systems.

• Support accounts receivable efforts by monitoring outstanding balances and coordinating with the finance team.

• Contribute to sales initiatives, marketing strategies,

and continuous process improvement efforts.

• Partner with leadership to align client expectations, sales objectives, and operational capabilities.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Success in this role will be measured by the following performance metrics:

• Client Retention Rate: Maintain high renewal and retention rates across assigned accounts.

• Account Growth: Year-over-year revenue growth through upselling enhancements, seasonal services, and additional scopes of work.

• Customer Satisfaction: Positive client feedback, low complaint frequency, and timely resolution of service issues.

• Service Quality & Compliance: Consistent delivery of services aligned with contract scope, schedules, and quality standards.

• Site Visit & Communication Cadence: Regular, documented site visits and proactive client communication.

• Internal Collaboration: Effective coordination with operations, finance, and leadership teams to meet client and company objectives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, or a related field preferred.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in account management, sales, or client-facing roles; landscape industry experience strongly preferred.

• Solid understanding of landscape maintenance, construction, irrigation, and design services.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a professional, client-focused approach.

• Strong problem-solving abilities with a solutions-oriented mindset.

• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple accounts and priorities simultaneously.

• Proficiency with CRM platforms, Microsoft Office, and estimating or proposal systems.

• Valid driver’s license with the ability to travel locally on a daily basis.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to walk and inspect job sites and client properties regularly.

• Comfortable with extended periods of sitting, standing, and computer-based work.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds as needed.

• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

• Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends based on client needs or seasonal demands.

How to apply: https://premierservice.bamboohr.com/ careers

Salary Range: $80,000–$150,000 base + commission (commensurate with experience, base salary plus commission)

Business for Sale

I am retiring, and my single-location Natural Area landscaping business is for sale.

Tools and equipment include everything needed to do all phases of natural area work, including herbicide application, brush clearing, tree and plug planting, mowing, and prescribed burning.

For more information, call 847-847-6519

• Outc roppi ng s a nd Bou lder s

• Conc rete & C l ay Paver s

• Reta i n i ng Wa l l s

• Pond s a nd Low Voltage L i g ht i ng

• Seed s & Fer t i l i zer s

• Mu lc h & Decorat ive Stone

• L i mes tone Sil l s & Cou nter Tops

• Blues tone - Nom i na l & Di men siona l

• Bu i ldi ng Stone

• Mason r y P roduc t s

Fragrant Abelia for Spring Scent

by Mark Dwyer

I’m a strong proponent of maximizing scent in the garden and landscape. I can’t say that I’ve ever heard anyone say that their garden is TOO fragrant! Early spring scent in the garden is common with our frequent (and understandable) use of lilacs and fragrant viburnums. If you’ve never visited Lilacia Park in Lombard during peak lilac (Syringa sp.) season, put that on your bucket list! While there are many other spring-blooming, fragrant woody plants, one that I feel is oddly underutilized is the fragrant abelia.

A member of the Caprifoliaceae (honeysuckle) family, fragrant abelia (Abelia mosanensis, syn. Zabelia tyaihyonii) is native to both North and South Korea and has become more readily available over the past decade or so. Over 20 years ago, I planted a trio of this medium-sized shrub (reaching 6’ tall and wide) in a very sunny spot and was enchanted by the extremely sweet flower fragrance in May. Tight clustered, pink flower buds open to pinkish-white, tubular blooms that emit a strong fragrance similar to jasmine. A light breeze allows you to enjoy the plant from an impressive “radius of waft” and while the flowers are a brief, two-week display, bees, butterflies and hummingbirds will also be interested in this display.

As an added bonus, the glossy green foliage turns a notable orange in fall, and while variable from year to year, it is typically quite showy. While full sun is ideal for this selec-

tion, dappled shade is acceptable. Average soils are perfect for this tough shrub although ample moisture during establishment is important. Blooming on old wood (like lilacs), pruning should be done immediately after flowering. The habit of this shrub is best described as an informal “arching mound”. Occasional thinning and architectural pruning may be required over time. Understanding and accommodating this form, particularly the width, is important.

Fragrant abelia has long been listed with a zone 5 hardiness. My personal experience with multiple polar vortices indicates a solid zone 4 for this species which thrives in the Midwest. There are some varietal selections of Abelia mosanensis that are purported to be more dense, compact and hardy, although I see little difference between these varieties and the straight species. Look for Sweet Emotion Blaze® (replaces the former Sweet Emotion®) and Bridal Bouquet® as they might be more commonly available. Propagation is primarily by cuttings. Deer and rabbits aren’t overly interested in this shrub, and it also has very few insect or disease problems.

While scent is certainly subjective, I personally think this shrub is the most fragrant of our spring options. While the flowering period is brief, the orange fall color is a bonus. Consider placement near paths, patios, decks or in proximity to spaces for that scent to really be enjoyed. It’s worth it!

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