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 — The 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 66, Number 8. Landscape Illinois — The 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 — The Magazine, 2625 Butterfield Road, Ste 104S, Oak Brook, IL 60523. Display Advertising Sales: Association Publishing Partners, Inc., Ph. (630) 637-8632; 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
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 v Landscape Illinois 2625 Butterfield Road Ste. 104S Oak Brook, IL 60523 (630) 472-2851 • Fax (630) 472-3150 www.landscapeillinois.org
Heather Prince Feature Writer princeht@sbcglobal.net
Patrice Peltier
Feature Writer/Editorial Assistant
Mark Dwyer
Feature Writer
Krystal Flogel
Feature Writer
Becke Davis
Editorial Assistant
Contributors Dr. Aaron Patton
Kevin Donnely
Daniel Wood
August 7, 2025 Fire & Ice:
Landscape and Snow Expo Heritage Park Homer Glen, IL
August 21, 2025
Landscape Design Unplugged Cantigny Wheaton, IL
August 21, 2025
Crew Leader Training - Southern Region - English
Collinsville Park District Activity Center Collinsville, IL
August 22, 2025
Crew Leader Training - Southern Region - Spanish
Collinsville Park District Activity Center Collinsville, IL
“And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout, But there is no joy in Mudville— mighty Casey has struck out.”
Casey at the Bat by Ernest Lawrence Thayer
“Listen, Lupus, you didn’t come into this life just to sit around on a dugout bench, did ya? Now get your ass out there and do the best you can.”
—Coach Buttermaker, The Bad News Bears
My son Zach is 12-years-old this year. To non-baseball parents that is a pretty unremarkable age. It’s the last year of being a tween. One half of 12-year-olds have mustaches and the other half could still sing in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. They bury their faces in phones and Nintendo Switches. They use a language that is pulled from the shoutiest of YouTube videos. 12-year-old boys are clumsy, loud, smelly, weird, and destructive. No one ever looks back at their child’s life and says, “Man, I wish my son was 12 again. That was the sweet spot.”
their terrified, bewildered eyes as 45 adults all scream different commands as they stand frozen at shortstop. There are many times during your child’s baseball journey that you ask yourself, is all this failure worth it?
Cooperstown is humbling. Clubs from all across the country gather to get their butts kicked by teams from Texafloridafornia and a bunch of kids named Brody who wear sliding gloves. Our team was no exception, losing to a team from Texas by 24 runs in our first game. It was a brutal week of baseball beatdowns, but no one who experienced Cooperstown would ever regret crossing that chalk line to play ball.
Trial and Errors
To baseball parents, 12-years-old means another thing: Cooperstown. Cooperstown, New York holds youth baseball tournaments all summer long - particularly for the 12U age group. Cooperstown All Star Village hosts tournaments each summer that celebrate baseball in the shadow of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Each session, 80 teams gather from across the country for a week-long tournament, skills competition, home run derby, fireworks show, and more.
The boys stay in barracks filled with bunkbeds, gear, and smells so vile they could knock-out a plumber. Each day, they play 2 games that can begin as early as 8am and end as late as midnight. They play on 12-fields nestled in a former dairy farm in the heart of the Catskill Mountain Range. You can sit on a bluff and watch 12 little league games at once. Cooperstown is a living memorial to everything right about baseball, youth sports, sportsmanship, and America.
Sitting high above baseball fields with the sun on your face, youth baseball looks perfect. You hear the pings of the bat, the roar of the parents, and the chatter of the teams. The uniforms are crisp and white. The plays look effortless. Baseball has never looked so beautiful. 16 straight hours of baseball being played by kids who love to play baseball in front of people who love them. In that moment, as a baseball fan, it is heaven. In fact, if heaven doesn’t have baseball, let me haunt Cooperstown, forever.
Yet, no little league parent would ever use the word “perfect” to describe little league baseball. Little league baseball is tragic and hilarious and sloppy. Any baseball parent has watched their kid boot more ground balls than they can count. They have yelled phrases like “keep your head in there” and “eye on the ball” and “stay in the box” so many times they just roll off the tongue without thought. Youth baseball, from the sidelines, is ugly. You watch your kid fail over and over and over again. You look into
Baseball is organized failure. There is even a statistical category called “errors” and it sits right next to runs and hits— the cornerstones of the entire game. Great hitters are successful 30% of the time. Pitchers can throw 1-hitters and still lose. Closers are tracked with “blown saves.” Pitches are wild. Catchers pass balls. Base coaches wave runners around 3rd baseright into the teeth of the opposing catcher. Even poor old Steve Bartman can have his life ruined by reaching for a foul ball. Most often, baseball games are decided by who fails less.
70% of youth baseball players stop playing baseball by the age of 13. Most baseball players quit before they grow their first chin hair. The pitching gets too fast. The hitting gets too difficult. The errors get too hard to shake off. The failure becomes too much. In an eyeblink, they quit. Many will remain baseball fans and talk of the glory days, but their baseball careers have come to an end. I know this because my own baseball career ended at 12 — right about the time I saw my first 12-6 curve ball and an inside fastball knocked me on my ass.
So then, if all we want to do is protect our kids from failure, why are 4,000 baseball players, coaches, and family members standing in the middle of a former dairy farm in rural New York? The answer is simple — failure is ok. Failure is part of life. Sometimes we fail, sometimes we watch others fail. Sometimes we fail so hard we just stare out the backseat window praying our parents will stop talking about how we played. We pick our teammates up when they fail. We sit on the dugout bench after a strikeout and pray for another opportunity. Coaches give immediate feedback on the field and parents have to delicately pick up the pieces after the final out.
Too many of us run from failure as we get older. We try to cover it up or cast blame. It causes stress to admit we made a mistake, even though we make them every day. In baseball, we’d be told to shake it off and get back in the box. In life, we pretend it never happened. Baseball doesn’t teach you that failure is ok, it teaches you that learning from failure is the only way you can continue to enjoy the game. Life is no different. When we never make mistakes, we are considered smart. Smart people can be annoying and insufferable and arrogant. When we learn from our mistakes we are considered wise. The best people in our lives are wise. The best coaches are wise. The best advice we receive are from the wise. On my best day, and in my best moments as a parent, I am dispensing
wisdom, not smarts.
When we put panelists or experts on the stage at a Landscape Illinois event we enjoy when they tell us about their successes. Yet, our members love when panelists have the humility to discuss their failures. The highest rated speakers and sessions are the ones that just own it. The ball dribbled through their legs or they got caught looking on strike 3. Failure and how they responded to that failure is inspirational, educational, but, above all, relatable.
One of the last days of the Cooperstown experience I was able to attend the National Baseball Hall of Fame with my wife, son, and his team. I’ve been a baseball fan since the 2nd grade when Harry Caray and my Dad taught me to love the game. This was sacred ground to me. The Hall of Fame is not a massive building with Disneyfied experiences. It is small, tight, and intimate. The final room is the gallery with all the Hall of Fame plaques. The Hall welcomed its first class in 1936 with Ruth, Cobb, Mathewson, Wagner, and Walter Johnson. This year, blank plaques hold the space for Dave Parker, Ichiro, Billy Wagner, and CC Sabathia.
As I stood in that room, nostalgia flooded over me. I could remember specific moments from the careers of dozens of those players. Later, we watched a stirring movie featuring interviews from Hall of Famers. Each one credited a legend who came before him who cemented their love of the game. All of these players are in the Hall of Fame because of their success, but we can’t lose sight of the thousands of failures that pushed them forward. Quitting was always an option, but each of these players learned, adjusted, worked harder, and moved on to the next pitch.
As I exited the Hall of Fame, it hit me. The Hall of Fame players who were interviewed in that film now sit on the hill. Instead of overlooking the 12 baseball fields of Cooperstown, they overlook their careers and moments and the lives baseball allowed them to lead. Baseball, in that moment, is perfect again. Yet, draw a little closer to their careers and you will see the failure - the errors, the wild pitches, the passed balls, the blown saves, the strikeouts, the slumps, the injuries, and the losses.
As the landscape industry pauses for our own midseason All-Star break, let’s learn to embrace failure again. Every little leaguer knows that a teammate, coach, or parent will be there to pick them back up. Landscape professionals need the same perspective. We surround ourselves with an incredible network of professionals who are there to pick us up as we hang on our heads during a slow walk back to the dugout. Every competitor looks like they are running the perfect business from our vantage point far up on the hill. They are not. They make the same errors as everyone else. We just aren’t close enough to notice them so we fixate on our own.
Mistakes are as part of baseball as they are a part of life. What matters is that we stay in the game. We may not all make the Hall of Fame, but each of us will one day have the perspective where all we remember is the ping of the bat, the roar of the crowd, and chatter of our teammates. Those are the moments that live on in our memories when we take our place on the hill. The only way to bring joy back to Mudville is to step back into that box and swing.
Becky Thomas Spring Grove Nursery, Inc. (815) 448-2097 bthomas@springrovenursery.com
Mark Utendorf Emerald Lawn Care, Inc. (847) 392-7097 marku@emeraldlawncare.com
Aaron Zych ILT Vignocchi, Inc. (847) 487-5200 azych@iltvignocchi.com
www.landscapeillinois.org
Atthe heart of leadership, growth, and connection is courage. It’s the strength to stand up and step up — to use your voice, express your opinion, and exercise your influence, even when it feels uncomfortable.
As Winston Churchill once said, “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”
This quote, which sits as a sign on my desk, clearly reminds us that strength lies both in speaking out and in listening with intention. It’s courageous to share your truth, and it’s equally courageous to receive someone else’s. Real progress happens when both are valued.
Courage is top of mind for me based on some recent experiences at Landscape Illinois Women’s Networking Group (WNG) Summer Event. In the span of three hours, I connected with dozens of strong, capable, passionate women who inspire me. Interestingly, it was not only long-term colleagues who have been mentors and peers, but those that are early in their career or new to our industry. Their courage to take the lead in group activities, to share their stories, and to give input about what they are looking for from their careers reminded me of both our responsibility and resources. The energy at these events recharges our passion for the work we do. These events are more than networking, they are celebrations of our collective achievements, challenges, and growth.
Our WNG Coffee Talks, which are now happening statewide, provide a more intimate setting for meaningful conversations. These sessions offer an ideal opportunity to explore a variety of industry topics while strengthening personal connections. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to our field, there’s something valuable in each conversation.
Another cornerstone of the WNG is their Mentorship Program, which will next run from September 15th through March 15th. This initiative pairs mentors and mentees to share knowledge, experiences, and encouragement. Regardless of role, length of time in the industry or location, matches can be made. It just takes courage and commitment to help someone advocate for themselves and support someone else’s voice and aspirations. Whether you are looking to guide the next generation or seeking advice to navigate your own career path, this program is a rewarding way to build lasting professional relationships. As a mentor, I gained as much or more from the experience as my mentee.
Whether through a Landscape Illinois program or your day-to-day work, find the courage to show up, speak out, and listen with intention. Every connection we make strengthens not just our own journey, but the entire Landscape Illinois community.
Warmly, Kim President, Landscape Illinois
Enel corazón del liderazgo, el crecimiento y la conexión se encuentra la valentía. Es la fuerza para ponerse de pie y dar un paso al frente: para usar la voz, expresar la opinión y ejercer influencia, incluso cuando se siente incómodo.
Como dijo Winston Churchill: La valentía es lo que se necesita para ponerse de pie y hablar; la valentía también es lo que se necesita para sentarse y escuchar».
Esta cita, que está como cartel en mi escritorio, nos recuerda claramente que la fuerza reside tanto en hablar abiertamente como en escuchar con intención. Es valiente compartir la propia verdad, y es igualmente valiente recibir la de los demás. El verdadero progreso ocurre cuando ambos se valoran. La valentía es una prioridad para mí, basada en algunas experiencias recientes en el evento de verano del Grupo de Redes de Mujeres de Landscape Illinois (WNG). En tres horas, conecté con docenas de mujeres fuertes, capaces y apasionadas que me inspiran. Curiosamente, no solo se trataba de colegas de toda la vida que han sido mentoras y compañeras, sino también de aquellas que están comenzando su carrera o son nuevas en nuestro sector. Su valentía para liderar las actividades grupales, compartir sus historias y aportar sus ideas sobre lo que buscan en sus carreras me recordó tanto nuestra responsabilidad como nuestros recursos. La energía de estos eventos renueva nuestra pasión por el trabajo que hacemos. Estos eventos son más que una simple creación de redes; son celebraciones de nuestros logros, desafíos y crecimiento colectivos.
Nuestras Charlas de Café de WNG, que ahora se llevan a cabo en todo el estado, ofrecen un entorno más íntimo para conversaciones significativas. Estas sesiones ofrecen la oportunidad ideal para explorar diversos temas del sector y fortalecer las conexiones personales. Tanto si eres una profesional experimentada como si eres nueva en nuestro campo, cada conversación tiene algo valioso. Otro pilar de WNG es su Programa de Mentoría, que se desarrollará del 15 de septiembre al 15 de marzo. Esta iniciativa conecta a mentores y aprendices para compartir conocimientos, experiencias y motivación. Independientemente del puesto, la experiencia en el sector o la ubicación, se pueden encontrar coincidencias. Solo se necesita valentía y compromiso para ayudar a alguien a defenderse y apoyar la voz y las aspiraciones de otros. Ya sea que busques guiar a la próxima generación o buscar consejo para tu propia trayectoria profesional, este programa es una forma gratificante de forjar relaciones profesionales duraderas. Como mentor, aprendí tanto o más de la experiencia que mi aprendiz. Ya sea a través de un programa de Landscape Illinois o en tu trabajo diario, encuentra la valentía de estar presente, hablar claro y escuchar con atención. Cada conexión que establecemos fortalece no solo nuestra propia trayectoria, sino a toda la comunidad de Landscape Illinois.
Atentamente, Kim
Presidenta de Landscape Illinois
Kim Hartmann
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extensive foundational work to ensure structural integrity. Careful attention was given to align elevations with the pavilion’s hip roof, creating a smooth transition between the home and its exterior. This thoughtfully designed space invites connection, with luxurious details like plush seating, ambient lighting, and elevated appliances, setting the stage for unforgettable experiences.
The Life of Roy From Berwyn to Burlington and around the world
by Nina A. Koziol
When we last ended Roy Diblik’s story, he was an ice rink monitor running the Zamboni machine for the St. Charles Park District. By 1977 he was a grounds supervisor. But within a few years, his journey took a different path. “The 1980’s was a busy time,” he recollects. He was married to Cynthia Hawk, an artist who hand-painted glassware for Macy’s and did trompe l’oeil paintings for homeowners.
“We were looking for a farm, and the realtor sent us to Sycamore, IL. The property was beautiful, with three barns and a farmhouse. We saw it from the road, and when we got home, we called and said we’d take it,” Diblik recalls. That was 1989, and they planned to renovate the entire house. “We could afford to do that because we’d renovated two homes in Elkhorn, WI. My dad came to visit and said, ‘When are you going to get tired of liv-
ing next to a giant dumpster?’”
But it was the 10 acres where he could start growing plants that closed the sale.
The Startup
Roy’s goal was to start his own nursery — Grasslanders — growing ornamental grasses. He began buying plants from Kurt Bluemel Nursery in Maryland. “You really couldn’t get them from most places back then. I had two in-ground cold frames and stock plants. And, I had a miner’s headlamp. I still had to go to the Natural Garden to work, and I was working on the house. I just wanted to get started so I’d be out there at night planting,” he recalls.
The first year, Grasslanders featured several native grasses — molinias, bluestem, sesleria, dropseed, switchgrass, and many selections of others
Roy in humble reflection of his career
from Germany. “We had quite a bit,” Diblik says.
His pride and joy, however, was the bathroom renovation.
“I put in a shower with two shower heads and seating so I could sit in there. It was a great bathroom,” Diblik says.
But, the nursery was not to be.
“Unfortunately, I never sold any grasses because I got divorced a year
later. We went in two different directions. It was a culture change — everyone started getting divorced.” His family came and helped dig up the plants before the property sold.
New Farm, Different State
While Grasslanders was not meant to be, Roy and two friends — Steve Coster and Colleen Garrigan — pooled their talents and (continued on page 12)
(continued from page 11) began an interesting business venture. “Colleen was the wholesale manager in 1983 at the Natural Garden in St. Charles, and Steve worked for a landscape company in Geneva.”
While Coster and Garrigan were on a trip to Lake Geneva in Wisconsin, they noticed the boring sameness of all the landscapes, whether surrounding homes or businesses. “The landscape was so pedestrian, and they thought we could let people know about other possibili-
ties,” Diblik recalls.
The trio began looking for potential nursery property. “We discovered this 10-acre farmstead tucked away in the rolling hills of southeastern Wisconsin. We fell in love with the 1906 post-andbeam barn — it’s beautiful. And we were young, and we didn’t know anything,” Diblik says.
The acreage held a farmhouse, barn and outbuildings. “The property looked like a little village, and Colleen and Steve thought it had charm. I liked that it was on Highway 120. We all sat in the
barn and drank beer and said, ‘We have to buy this.’”
They bought the Burlington, WI property in 1991, and Northwind Perennial Farm was launched. “Our families both wondered how I was going to live in the house with a married couple. ‘Why give up a good job’ they wondered. The thought was that if you fail, you just go back and work for somebody,” Diblik says. Failure was not in the cards.
“We believed that we had the opportunity to create something unique by
(continued on page 14)
(continued from page 12) combining our talents and maintaining the spirit and character of this farm,” Diblik recalls. As they began developing the nursery, Roy asked Peter Orum, owner of Midwest Groundcovers in St. Charles, IL, if he’d be interested in buying peren-
nials. “He said we’d have to make $300,000 in three years. We had a handshake agreement, and he hit me on the shoulder and said, ‘Roy, let’s get going!’ So we got to work, and here we are now over three decades later,” Diblik says.
(continued on page 16)
(continued from page 14)
A Mentor’s Advice
Peter went to the farm to see the nursery operation for himself. “He had a Lincoln collection—and drove up in a black 1962 Lincoln. He said, ‘Roy, I’m going to tell you two things about business,’ and I thought, ‘Boy, I’d better pay attention,’” Diblik recalls.
“You can’t be your business’s best employee — you have to delegate,” Diblik remembers Orum advising. “And, whenever you get content, you’re done for. You can be happy and joyful, but not content—keep moving ahead.”
Building a Culture of Caring Through Safety Leadership
by Meta L. Levin
Scott Jamieson carries a gold-colored medallion in his left pocket. He also has a box full of hard hats and protective glasses in his car. Both are indicative of his commitment to a culture of safety.
It is a culture that pervades Bartlett Tree Experts’ Midwest Division where he is vice president. And, he says, a company’s commitment to a culture of safety reveals a lot about how the business is run.
“If you are doing safety right, you are doing your business right,” he told a full room during a 2025 iLandscape presentation. “Safety is a major indicator of your culture and how you think about your people.”
He defines a culture of safety as the presence of capabilities to make things go well: a commitment to training, hiring the right people and visiting job sites regularly.
While Jamieson has always put a priority on safety, it was an accident at another company for which he worked that really focused him. As he sat in the hospital with the co-workers and wife of the injured man, he realized that the accident affected not only the injured worker, but his family and colleagues, as well.
“If you are doing safety right, you are doing your business right.”
Scott Jamieson
With the help of a consultant, as well as his own experience over the years, Jamieson also grasped the concept that training and dissecting specific accidents alone were not the
key. Changing the culture of the company was the only way to make safety a top priority. He set out to do just that.
“I wanted to create a culture of safety and caring,” he says.
He brought that determination with him when he went to Bartlett Tree Experts’ Midwest Division. “No one in the family gets hurt,” he says. By the family, he means everyone who works for the company.
If you look at a Bartlett Midwest Division logo, it says, “Safety Above All Else” at the top and “Culture of Caring” at the bottom. Jamieson notes that he did not mandate that; his team came up with it.
The company, says Jamieson, thinks about safety in terms of exposure. Internal research has shown that “exposure” is not what you might think it is. “We’re up in trees, but our number one exposure continues to be driving,” he says.
There is a point of no return when exposure is allowed to get so high that there is a catastrophic accident. The key is to see it before it happens. “If you can watch the exposure, you can stop it before it tips,” says Jamieson.
One of the methods Bartlett employs to do that is a “removal audit.” Any tree larger than 15 inches that Bartlett plans to remove is subject to an audit done by a safety coordinator or high-level crew leader, (continued on page 20)
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(continued from page 18)
They take extra time to plan out the removal with those in the field, so none of the tree removal jobs are business as usual.
“We have people closest to the work look at it,” Jamieson says. They examine the site, checking for exposure and anything unique about the job, then communicate the plan to the crew, asking for their input.
Why and How to Establish a Culture of Safety
“In the absence of leadership, anything that comes along will shape behaviors,” says Jamieson. That may not be what you want.
First and foremost, your leaders must make it clear that safety is a personal value to them. That, says Jamieson, will override any previous company position, real or perceived.
The leaders will have to underscore that message in all that they do. For instance, Jamieson automatically dons a hard hat and safety goggles whenever he enters a job site. It silently sends a clear signal that this is important to anyone working there. He is not the only one. Anyone from Bartlett visiting an active job site does the same.
In fact, Jamieson has been known to offer crews from other companies some of the personal protective equipment if he sees them on a job site without it.
Like Jamieson when he visits job sites, leaders should be
regularly out in the field. That includes talking with workers, not just crew leaders. “They should be looking for signs that reflect the safety culture and educating themselves about the mind set of their teams,” he says.
To be effective, they should expect the same level of focus from their managers and arborist representatives. Jamieson recounted the story of one of his crew leaders. The company was part of a NALP work program, partnering on a project to install a lightening protector in a big old Oak tree at Arlington National Cemetery, and a crew from CNN was on the way to film a story about it.
Everyone was running around, tidying up the job site and preparing for CNN’s visit. That is, all except one crew leader, who was perched on a box, laptop open, talking. Jamieson admits to being confused by his behavior at first, until he realized that the man was conducting his regular Monday morning safety meeting, which he deemed so important as to eclipse the television news crews’ imminent appearance. That, Jamieson said, was dedication to safety. “He was showing his team that it was more important to be on the safety call,” he says.
Leaders need to seek and welcome feedback about their safety leadership behavior. And that feedback should come from average workers, as well as other leaders. “It is sometimes hard for owners to ask for feedback,” says Jamieson. “But if you don’t ask, you don’t know.”
Seven Insights into Safety Leadership
Jamieson subscribes to Krause Bell Group’s “7 Insights Into Safety Leadership.” These include:
• Insight One: Safety performance leads business performance
• Insight Two: Safety leadership starts with preventing serious injuries and fatalities
• Insight Three: Leadership sets safety improvement in motion
• Insight Four: Culture sustains performance – for better or for worse
• Insight Five: Safe decision making is built on core safety concepts
• Insight Six: Behavior plays a role, but a different one than expected
“If you run a good safety program, you are going to be successful,” says Jamieson. He believes in judging a company by its commitment to safety so much so that he suggests that if you are interviewing for a job in a new company, ask about its safety program.
He also believes you can learn more about the day-to-day safety practices by talking with the average workers. That is why he makes a point of visiting job sites and listening to the crew members. He believes it is important to have meaningful safety conversations out on the job site. Ask team members what is happening on the job. What could have been done better?
Then, act as fast as possible. Make it something suggested by your conversation with team members on the job site. And make it visible; something that says, “I listened to you, and I care about your safety.”
The second insight also resonates with Jamieson. One of the consultants Jamieson used found that of accidents, 21 percent have the possibility of being serious or deadly. So, ask yourself, what do you need to do to make sure the accident doesn’t result in a serious injury or fatality?
Never Stop
Building a culture of safety in any organization is a continuing process. Jamieson suggests conducting regular culture
surveys. “It gives feedback on the culture of the division,” he says. “We’re always working toward how we can improve.”
Bartlett uses an Engagement Bell Curve with its employees. For the last three or four years, using an outside firm, Bartlett has its employees at all levels take an online, anonymous engagement survey. Engagement is defined as the amount of discretionary energy given to working for the company.
Results are broken down by position, but not by individual person, and are an indication of those at varying levels who are actively engaged and those who are not. The teams at the nine Midwest Bartlett locations then come up with steps to improve the work situation wherever it is needed. This, says Jamieson, “gives us some markers as to how engaged people are. Then we use that data to improve ourselves. If we have an actively engaged workforce, it is better for safety.”
It is not, says Jamieson, how happy your employees are. Instead, it is how engaged they are. So, if you can move the engagement score up, it is better for safety. “We strongly believe that a high level of engagement equals a high level of safety,” he says.
Jamieson drove home his thesis that safety is a critical cultural value. It demonstrates a company’s ethics, caring and reflects the company’s concern for its people. “It is the glue that binds people to your company,” he says.
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The Magnificent Seven
by Heather Prince
Is there anything better on a hot day than the shade of a mature tree? As you specify trees in your plans, consider adding one of these fast-growing natives that will provide years of benefits and beauty. These seven species are tough, easy to establish, and provide beautiful textures in the
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
One of the queens of fall color in the Midwest, sugar maple is a medium grower with dark green leathery leaves. Bees will visit the male flowers early in the spring, while a number of moth species use it as a larval host. Give sugar maples good soil and they will be stately specimens for generations.
“These are great trees and classics for a reason,” enthused Lurvey-Eifert. “With shade-providing leaves in summer and rich colors in fall, they perform well in Wisconsin and Illinois. We primarily sell the popular cultivars Fall Fiesta and Green Mountain.”
Thomas is also fond of sugar maples. “One of my all-time favorite trees is the mature sugar maple in my home backyard. We chose Fall Fiesta, Green Mountain, and Crescendo to focus on. Fall Fiesta is one of our favorites because it has a consistent fall color and good branching structure. We like to have Crescendo in our mix because it was selected by Chicagoland GrowsTM and features good heatresistant foliage. Green Mountain is a good longstanding, dependable selection that performs well in our northern region.”
Size: 50 to 80 high; 30 to 60 wide Sun: sun to part shade
Soil: Average to moist, well-drained Bark: Fissured bark becomes more dramatic with age. Foliage: Classic sharp-lobed maple leaves turn fiery in fall.
Habit: Densely rounded in youth, sugar maple tends to widen with age and available sun. Fruit: Two-winged samaras
landscape. We spoke with Rachelle Lurvey-Eifert, Director of Operations at Turtle Creek Nursery, Becky Thomas, SGN Trees Grower at Spring Grove Nursery, and Jonathan Stickels, Nursery Manager at Mariani Plants, to get their unique perspectives on these trees and selected cultivars.
Sugar Maple
Native Shade Trees
Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata)
Easygoing and fast-growing, shagbark hickory develops a loosely oval crown atop rough, shaggy bark. A favorite hardwood for furniture, smoking meats and firewood, this sturdy species also hosts a huge array of insects, especially moths. With mellow yellow to apricot fall color, the large pinnately compound leaves shimmer in autumn. “The challenge with this tree is its incredible tap root in containers and B&B,” commented Stickels. “However, they sell out quickly because of limited supply. Most shagbark hickories go to restoration, people that have native stands that they want to expand, and municipalities. I find its best aspects to be how much wildlife habitat it provides and the fall color.”
Size: 70 to 90 feet high; 50 to 60 feet wide
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Average to moist well-drained
Bark: Large strips of bark peel and ‘shag’ at around 15 years old.
Foliage: Large pinnately compound green leaves turn apricot gold in fall.
Fruit: Edible round nuts have a thick husk that splits into four sections.
Shagbark Hickory
Hackberry
Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)
Renowned for its characteristic warty bark, hackberry is one tough customer. Cheerfully handling nearly any soil conditions, this fastgrowing species also is the home to myriad butterflies and moths. A rounded to vase shape creates cool shade quickly while songbirds enjoy its small purple fruits.
“Hackberry is a challenge for any grower,” observed Thomas. “However, this Midwest native takes its place near the top of our ‘favorite’ tree list. We stay on top of pruning and staking our hackberry to establish a good clean branching structure at a young age. Since they grow to such a large canopy eventually, it’s important to get them off to a good start.”
Lurvey Eifert is also a fan. “I like the craggy bark, which gives some visual interest in all seasons. They adapt to all conditions and transplant well – good qualities to have for commercial trees that tend to get neglected after they are installed.”
Size: 40 to 60 feet high and wide
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Adaptable to nearly any soil
Bark: Rough, corky bark develops real personality at a young age.
Foliage: Simple green leaves often get nipple gall, which is only cosmetic.
Fruit: Small deep purple berries are beloved by birds.
Photographed at the Spring Grove Nursery homestead.
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 .
We are the premier shade tree grower in the Chicagoland area with 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 .
We are the premier shade tree grower in the Chicagoland area with of 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.
Cedar Path Nurseries has two conveniently located sales yards, Lockport and Barrington, to better serve our clients.
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.
Barrington, Illinois
Kentucky Coffee Tree (Gymnocladus dioicus)
Although gangly in its teenage years, Kentucky coffee tree’s textured bark provides unique winter interest until it achieves its full magnificent stature. Huge pinnate leaves give it a tropical texture. The species produces brown seedpods likely enjoyed by mastodons and today dined on by squirrels.
“They are easy to grow if you know how to get them to branch when they are young,” commented Stickels. “They can be difficult to ship because branching is wide and somewhat fragile. Seedless cultivars like Espresso, Decaf and True North are the most popular and a fastigiate form, Skinny Latte, from Chicagoland GrowsTM is getting some buzz. In some years, the spring foliage comes out a deep glossy purple for a week or two before changing to green, which is very attractive,” he adds. Thomas finds, “If you are a patient tree lover, this is your tree! As growers, good trees come to those who wait, and the coffee tree always delivers. We grow the straight species and three seedless cultivars: Espresso, True North, and Skinny Latte.” Lurvey Eifert agrees with the need to be patient. “The tree doesn’t tend to look like much until it is about 4 inches in caliper, unless loving care is devoted to creating branches as a youngster. The cultivars that reduce or eliminate seeds are more popular than the species for some customers, but they can be finicky in production.”
Size: 60 to 80 feet high; 40 to 50 feet wide
Sun: Full sun
Farm
Robin Wall Kimmerer
Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
Red oak features a broad, spreading crown and grows surprisingly fast. Home to myriad species of wildlife including hundreds of moths and butterflies, oaks are beloved for their symbolism, useful wood and longevity. “Everyone should be planting more of these!” enthused Lurvey Eifert. “A classic oak that performs well across a variety of environments, the leaves are beautiful in multiple seasons, and they look good wherever they are installed.” Stickels finds that they “are best grown from a container or bag liner. With most oaks, putting them in the proper site conditions is important to long-term success. The textured, steel gray bark of a young tree and fall color are the best parts of the tree for me.”
Size: 50 to 70 feet high and wide
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Average; drought and pollution tolerant
Bark: Dark brown and finely fissured
Foliage: Sharp-lobed leaves turn shades of red to burgundy in the fall.
Fruit: Acorns with flat cups may not appear until the tree is mature.
Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)
Beloved by many, tulip poplar is known for its distinctive leaves and charismatic flowers that flourish at the top of the trees. A broadly columnar fast-grower, it also supports some moths and tiger swallowtail butterflies as a larval host. In autumn, the tulip-shaped leaves turn a rich gold. Native to Southern Illinois, “Frost cracking and winter dieback can be an issue in young trees,” reported Stickels. “Emerald City and Fastigiata are the two most popular cultivars, but most people just ask for the species.” Lurvey Eifert reports that in southern Wisconsin, “They are not super hardy, including the Emerald City cultivar which is supposed to be USDA Zone 4b. However, I adore the large, uniquely-shaped leaves.”
Size: 60 to 90 feet high; 30 to 40 feet wide
Sun: Full sun to light shade
Soil: Average to moist well-drained
Foliage: Unique tulip-shaped green leaves turn golden yellow in fall.
Flower: Distinctive yellow-green, cup-shaped flowers with orange bands
American Elm (Ulmus americana)
Once found across the U.S., now Dutch elm resistant cultivars retain the tough, fast-growing, adaptable traits of American elms. More than 200 species of Lepidoptera use it as a larval host. A rounded to vase habit makes elms a desirable canopy tree. “Princeton is the easiest of the American elms to grow,” commented Thomas. “It naturally puts on a good leader and grows with a ‘cookie cutter’ quality. This is one of the vigorous growers in our nursery, and we turn them around rather quickly. Some of our forester customers prefer Jefferson to Princeton because of the superior branch angles.” Lurvey Eifert finds, “these are fast-growing trees and require a lot of maintenance. We prune elms at least twice in the growing season, sometimes three times. They will look woolly and wild in their youth and then become less unruly as they mature.” When choosing cultivars, Stickels believes, “Princeton is probably the most popular because of its association with Princeton Nursery, a very well-known nursery from the East Coast. My favorite is Jefferson because its natural branch angles are much better, and it isn’t quite as vigorous as Princeton. Elms’ best attribute is their classic vase form, especially when they are planted as a single specimen.”
Size: 40 to 70 feet, depending on cultivar
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Adaptable to drought, wet, and urban conditions
Bark: Fissured grey bark
Foliage: Mid-green simple leaves turn golden in fall.
Fruit: Papery wafer-like samaras.
Happy Anniversary Goodmark Nurseries Celebrates 40 Years
by Nina A. Koziol
When Goodmark Nurseries opened in 1985 on 160 acres in Wonder Lake, IL, the company primarily grew large specimen shade trees. Four decades later, the nursery has most of its 1000 acres in production with deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs and perennials, providing the green industry with outstanding specimens. With seven farms and 56 field staff, meticulous planning takes place throughout the year.
Last fall, the company installed a one-acre greenhouse. “Our new greenhouse is not just a structure, it is a testament to teamwork and determination,” says Melissa Acevedo, sales support and marketing, who joined the company in 2022. “We are a team here, and everybody plays a very significant and relevant role in growing this business.” She feels that the people, communication, and details are what matter most.
“The departments have team leads—Sales Manager Therese Schwarz, Head Grower Andy Fields, and President
Paul Washburn—that have always been open to ideas that will help us run a better business, and feeling empowered to make changes is priceless. At Goodmark, everyone truly strives to go above and beyond every step of the way from growing the plants and sales and order entry to delivery or pickup,” Acevedo says.
“We purchased Goodmark Nurseries from its three original owners back in August of 2001,” says President Paul Washburn. “Since that time, we have added several adjacent farms to bring us to over 800 acres in production. We even have several of the original workers from 2001 still with us today. We are proud of our team and the quality of our product and the continued support of our clientele.”
Head Grower and IPM Manager Andy Fields joined Goodmark five years ago. “Our biggest customer base is re-wholesalers and municipalities,” he said. “We also have landscape contractors, park districts, and now some garden
Years and Growing
centers are starting to get into our container products. My first year here we did 20,000 perennials and 20,000 shrubs, and now we’re at 60,000 of each. We’re hoping to get up to 100,000 of each in the next few years.”
From the Ground Up
General Manager Victor Lugo joined the nursery in 2003. “I took it as a summer job planting trees and doing labor. I liked being outside,” he recalled. Today, he oversees day-to-day processes on seven farms, determining timing of plants and identifying and correcting potential problems.
“What are the field managers doing and what might we be behind on?” he muses. The most challenging part of his job? “Mother Nature,” is his answer. “The job is seasonal— we don’t know what spring or fall has in store. There’s no room to be two or three weeks behind.”
The nursery grows more than 35,000 trees and propagates 60,000 plants. “We have a massive greenhouse that is phenomenal,” says Danielle Rivera who is in her third season as greenhouse manager and propagator. “Anyone can sell you something, but it’s the quality that counts.” The growing process takes time.
Rivera is currently investigating growing trees from cuttings. “We look at what’s the best, most efficient way to grow a plant. There are pros and cons for growing cuttings versus seeds,” she says. “From seed we get more genetic diversity, but we overcome this by selectively taking cuttings from hundreds of our lushest container plants.”
recognized by the green industry. “We do soil testing to understand the pH, and each tree has a different time frame for setting seeds.” Some seeds require a period of cold to help break dormancy. “Seedlings are often grown in the greenhouse for two years and moved into three-gallon pots. By the third year, they’re moved to the field,” she explains.
Rivera is also doing a comparison of plants grown from tissue culture, seed and liners. Growing plants comes with many challenges and a long timeline that’s not always
“The plant material at Goodmark Nurseries is always top notch,” said Amy Levernier, purchasing manager at Yellowstone Landscape in Wauconda, IL. “Their yard organization ensures we are loaded quickly. Their staff goes above and beyond to make sure my orders are processed promptly and accurately.”
Midwest Sales Representative Paul Ayers joined the company in 2006. “I’m a tree guy with a degree in forestry. I love seeing how trees grow and adapt to their environment. I learn something new about the trees, shrubs, and perennials we grow every time I’m out and about around the nursery. I enjoy talking to and educating customers and co-workers on the knowledge I’ve accumulated over the years, and love exchanging ideas and knowledge with my fellow nurserymen.”
New Tech Ups the Game
The nursery has been quick to adopt new technology. Pen and paper to record inventory is a thing of the past.
The company began using digital scanners four years ago in the field to capture inventory and other data. “When Sales puts in an order, we find it on the scanner and select the product,” Lugo says. “All of the processes—tagging, digging, loading—all get recorded on the hand-held scanners. Inventory can be adjusted as needed. We’re all on the same page.”
At one time, crews dug trees with one machine, doing about 120 trees in 10 hours. “Now with technology and the proper amount of people, we can do 400 trees in 12 hours,” Lugo said. His father, Luis Lugo, the company’s production manager, recently celebrated 30 years with the company.
The business retains staff because of its management style. “What makes it special are the people who work here truly care and want to strive to be better and be experts at what we do,” Fields said. “It’s not just management, it percolates down to all employees, even our seasonal employees. That passion and touch on the product shows.”
Customer Satisfaction
“We deeply value our partnership with Goodmark Nurseries, recognizing that true success comes from win-win relationships,” said Juan Ruiz, Sr., president and CEO of Ruizscape Construction, Inc., in Hampshire, IL. “Goodmark Nurseries has been an essential partner, consistently providing quality products. A special thanks to Chris Franklin for his dedication and commitment—his efforts have strengthened our collaboration, making Goodmark one of our top partners.”
While the nursery originally started with shade trees, the shrubs have taken off. “The smaller you go, the more care and time goes into growing the plant,” Rivera said. “It’s fun
to see things start to finish but also creates challenges,” Head Grower Fields said. “It’s sometimes hard to know what the market is going to want five years from now. Our data and customer data is important— it’s a good conversation between myself and our sales staff. We sit down and kind of show them here’s where we’re at, our goal for next year and our spread of plants. Being able to control your own supplies is nice and helps with production planning, but it can be tricky, and it’s hard. The shorter the
crop the easier it is to make decisions, but with a six-year oak it’s different.”
“Goodmark’s wide selection, consistent quality, great loading crews and great service are some of the reasons why they have been a trusted tree supplier of mine for years,” says Pat Nissen of Nissen Landscape Construction in Wonder Lake, IL.
“We are an industry that shares ideas which helps all of us to take our game to a higher level,” Sales Rep Ayers said. “We have a wonderful group of people that work here. It’s a pleasure to come and work with them every day. It’s also nice working and thriving in an agricultural community, away from the hustle and bustle of suburban Chicago — it is simply good for the mind and soul.”
“Over the past 40 years, people often say we’re in the nursery business — but at our core, we’re in the people business,” says owner Jim Schwantz. “It’s the relationships we’ve built — with our team, our customers, and our community — that have truly grown this company. Plants are our product, but people are our foundation. With the incredible staff we have today, we are immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished — and as we look ahead to the next 40 years, we’re excited for all that’s yet to come.”
Evergreens and Hardening Off
HardeningOffNewSpringGrowth in Field-Grown B&BEvergreens
by Alex Head
In field-grown nursery production, evergreens like Taxus, Picea, pines, and Buxus push a flush of new growth in spring that is soft, tender, and highly susceptible to damage. For growers, this new growth creates a seasonal pause: plants cannot be safely dug and balled until the new shoots have hardened off. Attempting to dig evergreens while the foliage is still immature often results in burned tips, stunted growth, or even decline after transplanting.
Hardening off, in this context, refers specifically to the natural process by which new spring growth transitions from soft and pliable to fully expanded, firm, and more resistant to environmental stress. This is a visible and tactile change—new needles or leaves darken in color, thicken in texture, and become less prone to wilting or sunscald. The process can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks depending on species and weather conditions, and growers must time summer digs accordingly.
Evergreens dug too early in the season — before their new growth has finished expanding and firmed up — are far more likely to suffer damage. The foliage is simply not ready to handle the stress of being balled and moved, especially during hot or dry weather. For this reason, most nurseries that dig evergreens outside of the dormant season wait until the current season’s flush has fully hardened before returning to digging operations.
Timing is everything when it comes to digging field-grown B&B evergreens in summer. Waiting until the new spring growth has fully hardened off is a crucial step in protecting the plant’s health and appearance. By watching for species-specific signs of hardened foliage and using smart dig handling techniques — like early morning digs, shaded storage, and misting — growers can minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition from field to final destination.
Alex Head is Lead Purchaser at Fiore Nursery & Landscape Supply alex@cjfiore.com
Species-Specific Timing and Signs of Hardening
Taxus tends to flush early in spring, pushing out new growth that is dark green and extremely soft. It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for this new foliage to harden. Hardened yew shoots will be firmer to the touch and show a deeper, more uniform color. Waiting until this point helps prevent tip burn and foliar stress after digging.
Spruce species produce light green, soft new needles in a single flush. Once the needles have fully expanded and stiffened—typically by mid-summer—they are considered hardened. Avoid digging when the new growth is still flexible or visibly lighter in color, as it will be more prone to desiccation and sunscald.
Pines develop spring candles that elongate into soft new needles. These candles should be allowed to finish extending and for the needles to firm up before digging. Depending on the species and weather, this usually occurs 6 to 8 weeks after the initial flush. Hardened needles will resist bending and have developed their typical bluegreen or deep green tone.
Boxwoods often flush once in spring and occasionally again in summer. New leaves start pale and tender, but once they darken and thicken, they are ready for digging. This usually takes about a month. Digging during a second flush should be avoided, or postponed until that growth has also hardened.
Best Practices for Minimizing Stress on Summer-Dug B&B Evergreens
Even after growth has hardened off, summer-digging B&B evergreens requires extra care to minimize stress. Several practical techniques can help:
1. Dig Early in the Day
Digging in the early morning, when temperatures are cooler and humidity is higher, reduces transpiration stress. The foliage is less likely to wilt, and the root ball retains more moisture.
2. Dig After Rain Events
When possible, schedule digs after a rain event or light irrigation. Moist soil clings better to the roots, reducing damage during digging and helping the root ball stay intact and hydrated.
3. Store in a Shaded Structure
Immediately after digging, move plants into a shaded barn or polyhouse. Keeping the plants cool and out of direct sun for a few days helps them acclimate and reduces stress on the hardened but still sensitive foliage.
4. Use Misting or Overhead Irrigation
Many growers use misting systems to lightly moisten foliage during this post-dig acclimation period. This helps reduce transpiration and maintain turgor pressure in the leaves and needles, especially in hot or dry conditions.
5. Monitor and Adjust
Regularly check foliage for signs of wilting or scorching during this holding period. Adjust misting intervals and airflow as needed. Once plants appear stable and ready, they can be shipped or transplanted with much lower risk of setback.
Rethink the Lawn: Native Alternatives for Sustainable Landscapes
By Mandy Komes-Leifheit
Did you know that traditional turf lawns are often ecological dead zones? The most common lawn grasses—like Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis) and Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne) — may be green, but they’re not native to North America. Despite their names, these grasses originate from Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. These monoculture lawns typically consist of just 3–5 species. They demand frequent mowing, monthly fertilizing, herbicide treatments to suppress “weeds,” and—come summer — extensive irrigation just to keep them alive.
Bouteloua curtipendula – Sideoats Grama
Bouteloua curtipendula commonly known as Sideoats
Grama is a warm-season, clump-forming grass with narrow, bluish-green foliage that turns orange to tan in fall. Its distinctive oat-like spikelets hang uniformly from one side of the flowering stem—giving the grass its name.
Native to prairies and open woodlands across the United States, Bouteloua curtipendula thrives in full sun and is highly drought tolerant once established. It is also deer and salt resistant and well-suited for low-maintenance landscapes.
Height: 24–36” foliage; seed heads up to 40”
Light: Full sun
Soil: Adaptable, prefers well-drained, dry soils
Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Now imagine a different kind of lawn
A living, low-growing tapestry filled with biodiversity, color, and seasonal interest. A native planting that supports pollinators and birds while saving you (or your clients) time and resources. Native lawn alternatives reduce maintenance while increasing ecological value — providing nectar, habitat, and food for beneficial insects throughout the growing season.
Even small patches can make a meaningful difference.
Carex brevior – Plains Oval Sedge
Carex brevior, commonly known as Plains Oval Sedge, is a cool-season, clump-forming native sedge with narrow, arching green foliage. It forms compact tufts and produces distinctive oval-shaped seed heads on upright stems.
Tolerant of a wide range of conditions, C. brevior thrives in prairies, open woods, roadsides, and other disturbed or welldrained habitats. It’s an excellent choice for restoration projects, native meadows, pollinator gardens, and low-maintenance landscapes. Drought-tolerant once established and deer resistant, this sedge is a resilient and adaptable option for dry to mesic sites.
Height: 8”-12”
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Dry to moderately moist, well-drained soils
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Carex radiata – Eastern Star Sedge
Carex radiata, commonly known as Eastern Star Sedge, is a cool-season, clump-forming sedge with fine-textured, bright green, arching foliage. It produces unique, star-shaped flower and seed clusters that give this plant its common name.
Native to moist woodlands and shaded habitats, C. radiata thrives in partial to full shade and prefers consistently moist, well-drained soils. It is ideal for shade gardens, woodland edges, and naturalized plantings. Carex radiata is low-maintenance, deer resistant, and adds soft texture and vibrant green color to shaded landscapes.
Height: 8–18” tall
Light: Part shade to full shade
Soil: Moist, rich, well-drained soils
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Eragrostis spectabilis – Purple Lovegrass
Eragrostis spectabilis, commonly known as Purple Lovegrass, is a warm-season, clump-forming native bunchgrass valued for its showy, cloud-like purple seed heads that appear in late summer. The fine-textured foliage forms a low mound, turning golden-bronze in fall.
This grass thrives in sunny, dry to moderately moist areas, and is commonly found in open prairies, roadsides, and sandy soils. It is ideal for naturalized plantings, meadows, pollinator gardens, and erosion control on dry sites. Low-maintenance, drought tolerant, and deer resistant, E. spectabilis adds soft movement and vibrant color to late-season landscapes.
Height: 12–20” foliage; airy seed heads up to 30”
Light: Full sun
Soil: Dry to medium, well-drained soils
Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall
Koeleria macrantha – Prairie Junegrass
Koeleria macrantha, commonly known as Prairie Junegrass, is a cool-season, clump-forming native bunchgrass with fine, upright blue-green foliage. It produces narrow, spike-like flower heads that emerge in late spring and turn tan as they mature. This native grass resembles a mini Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’
Found in prairies, open woodlands, and rocky or sandy soils, K. macrantha is one of the first native grasses to bloom each year. Its tidy form and drought tolerance make it ideal for native meadows, rock gardens, erosion control, and low-maintenance landscapes. It is deer resistant, non-aggressive, and provides early-season interest.
Heuchera richardsonii – Prairie Alumroot
Heuchera richardsonii, commonly known as Prairie Alumroot, is a hardy, clump-forming native perennial with low, mounded, lobed green foliage and airy spikes of small, bell-shaped greenish-yellow flowers. Its tidy, semievergreen leaves resemble those of a coral bell.
Native to prairies, rocky slopes, and open woodlands, H. richardsonii is highly adaptable and thrives in dry, well-drained soils—especially in rocky or sandy conditions. It is an excellent choice for native plant gardens, rock gardens, dry borders, and woodland edges. Drought tolerant, deer resistant, and low maintenance, it offers delicate texture and long-lasting foliage appeal.
Monarda bradburiana, or Eastern Beebalm, is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial in the mint family with aromatic foliage and soft pink to lavender tubular flowers. The blooms appear in dense, rounded clusters and are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Native to open woods, and prairies in central and eastern North America, M. bradburiana is more compact and less aggressive than other Monarda species. It thrives in dry to mesic soils, tolerates light shade, and is ideal for pollinator gardens, native plantings, meadows, and low-maintenance borders. It is deer resistant, drought tolerant, and long blooming.
Height: 12–24” tall
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Dry to medium, well-drained soils
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Penstemon hirsutus – Hairy Beardtongue
Penstemon hirsutus, commonly known as Hairy Beardtongue, is a compact, clump-forming perennial with narrow, semi-evergreen foliage and spikes of pale purple to lavender tubular flowers. The plant is lightly hairy throughout— giving rise to its common name.
Native to open woods, dry meadows, rocky slopes, and prairies, P. hirsutus thrives in poor, well-drained soils and is a magnet for native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It is deer resistant, drought tolerant, and an excellent choice for pollinator gardens, rock gardens, and native borders.
Height: 12–24” tall
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Dry to medium, well-drained soils
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Alternativas para el césped
Acontinuación, se presentan algunas especies que prosperan en diversas condiciones de luz y suelo. Combínelas para lograr una capa de suelo resistente, estéticamente rica y ecológicamente funcional:
Grasses, Sedges & Rushes:
Carex albicans – White-tinged Sedge
Carex blanda – Common Wood Sedge
Carex gracillima – Graceful Sedge
Carex jamesii – James’ Sedge
Carex pensylvanica – Pennsylvania Sedge
Carex sprengelii – Long-beaked Sedge
Juncus tenuis – Path Rush
Schizachyrium scoparium – Little Bluestem
Sporobolus heterolepis – Prairie Dropseed
Flowering Perennials & Groundcovers:
Allium cernuum – Nodding Onion (NGN)
Dodecatheon meadia – Shooting Star (NGN)
Geum triflorum – Prairie Smoke
Phlox divaricata – Wild Blue Phlox
Polemonium reptans – Jacob’s Ladder
Ruellia humilis – Wild Petunia
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
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Problem Solving Native Shrubs: For Fall Color
By Heather Prince
Maple trees might dominate the autumn show, but don’t forget the shrub layer for a rich plunder of crisp golds, bronzes, reds, and purples. Our native shrub species are prized the world over for their fabulous fall show. Plus, native shrubs offer impressive structure, shelter for wildlife, food for caterpillars, and sheer gorgeousness for us. In this three-part series, we’ll look at species for pollinators, birds, and autumn splendor. Check out the choices below for shrubs that feature spectacular fall color. As you pull together plant lists, take a look at these native shrubs to add layers of diversity, interesting architecture and food for our animal compatriots.
American Hazelnut (Corylus americana)
American hazelnut will elbow its way into a hedge by suckering freely in ideal conditions. This large, fast-growing native shrub is easy-going in full sun to part shade and average soils. In late winter, elegant blonde catkins elongate up to 3 to 4 inches and catch the eye in the low light of an early morning. Sweet, edible nuts follow in ruffled husks, assuming you can beat the squirrels to them. In fall, the large, coarse leaves turn sunset shades from apricot to roan russet. Allow it room to roam on large sites or ruthlessly prune it into elegance in small spaces. American hazelnut won’t mind. As a reward for planting this interesting shrub, you’ll be treated to a bevy of moths who use it as a larval host as well as early hairstreak butterflies. American hazel is also home to common walkingstick insects, one of our more charismatic large bugs.
For the Beauty
We’ve been extolling the virtues of native shrubs that feed pollinators and birds, but what sometimes gets left out of the conversation is just how beautiful they are. From elegant flowers to scene-stealing fall color to artful architecture, our native shrubs give us layers upon layers of loveliness in our landscapes. While they may not be as brassy as a Rose of Sharon or Knock Out rose, they deserve their place in the band playing a many-textured sonata from the back deck. Check out these six selections which feature fantastic fall color, but also can be used as screening, hedges or plant as companion specimens.
Despite its common name, bush honeysuckle isn’t a true Lonicera, but its flowers do resemble its cousin. This low rambler of a shrub thrives in full sun to full shade and average to dry soils. It’s excellent for dry shade and holding slopes as it will slowly sucker and knit together. Small clusters of sulfur yellow flowers appear in July into August much to the delight of pollinators from bees to butterflies to hummingbirds. In fall, its dark green leaves turn fiery shades of orange and red, with best color in a sunny spot. Snowberry clearwing moths that resemble tiny hummingbirds use it as a larval host. Weave this no-fuss shrub through open woodlands; use it as an anchor in shade vignettes, or as plant as a companion to hosta and ferns.
Bush Honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera)
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
On a crisp October morning, what could be prettier than low autumn light through the large ruffled golden leaves of witch hazel? The scent, of course! Our native witch hazel bewitches spooky season with its spidery yellow fragrant flowers blooming away as it turns color. Those ribboned flowers often bloom well into November after leaves have fallen, giving us a reason to cut twigs for indoor arrangements. Witch hazel is a big, 15-foot vase-shaped beauty that can be woven into hedges or thoughtfully pruned into an elegant specimen for winter architecture. Happy in sun to part shade, it even tolerates heavy clay. Witch hazel is also a larval host to a long list of moths with some fascinating names such as alien probole and figure-seven moth.
Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica)
Although native to the southern counties of Illinois, Virginia sweetspire is certainly hardy enough to tough out our Midwestern winters. At about 3 to 5 feet, sweetspire blends easily into perennial borders, foundation plantings, and layered landscape designs. It has a loose, cascading habit including the long white fragrant flowers that bloom in July. Sweetspire loves moist soil but will tolerate a wide range and grows in full sun to full shade. There are several cultivars that have been selected for size or increased bloom. In late fall, it steps into the limelight with rich red-purple fall color that lasts for weeks and weeks as leaves are slow to drop until spring. Pollinators visit for nectar, but sweetspire’s flexibility in siting makes it a valuable addition to the plant palette.
Trees, Ornamentals, Evergreens, Shrubs, Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcover.
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Over 15,000 trees, 35,000 shrubs, 100,000 perennials, and 500 varieties at our 650-acre farm. HinsdaleNurseries.com
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Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
The wild ecotype of ninebark is a large arching shrub with bright green lobed leaves and globular clusters of white flowers along the stems that become handsome clusters of mahogany seeds. There are numerous cultivars that have been developed for smaller size and showier foliage colors from chartreuse to purple. Ninebark is a laid back, easygoing shrub that does best in full sun to part shade and is very drought tolerant. It has also been found to have phytoremediation applications as the leaves grab pollutants from the air. Shaggy peeling bark adds winter interest. In fall, the foliage is aflame with yellow, peach, and orange tones while the ornamental seeds persist. A handful of moths will dine on the leaves while pollinators enjoy the flowers. Add ninebark to a mixed hedge; allow it to ramble on a large site, or use a cultivar as a foundation shrub. Don’t hesitate to rejuvenation prune every few years if they get out of bounds.
Blackhaw Viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium)
Viburnums are practical, workhorse plants for our landscapes. Before the arrival of viburnum leaf beetle, you could find arrowwood viburnum everywhere. Fortunately, blackhaw is not a favorite of that destructive pest, although will get nibbled here and there. Blackhaw is a large shrub at 12 to 15 feet, and you’ll also find it trained as a small tree. It has a dense, twiggy habit that makes it ideal as a screening shrub. Flat clusters of sweetly fragrant creamy white flowers bloom in May to the joy of pollinators before becoming black drupes beloved by birds. In fall, blackhaw turns a rich purplered, making it a fabulous companion for evergreens, grasses and yellow-leaved shrubs. Full sun to full shade, wet to dry, blackhaw is tough as nails. As with most shrubs, the more sun it receives, the better the fall color. In addition to being a big, handsome fellow, spring/summer azure and Baltimore butterflies use it as a larval host as well as a huge list of moths.
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It is a story to warm a librarian’s heart. Sendin Bajric, founder and principal at Sendin Accounting Services, credits reading books with finding his career, his job and his success.
Bajric earned a degree in chemistry from Millikin University in Decatur, IL, with an eye toward medical school. Unsure of that decision, he found a job using his chemistry knowledge. With an interest in business, he began reading books and seeking out mentors.
He became a regular at the local library, picking up books about various facets of the business world. Within a short time, he focused on accounting, and more specifically, management accounting, or managing a business by the numbers. He followed the advice of his mentors and discovered that he not only enjoyed the activity but also had a natural aptitude for it. In 2020, he found an accounting education program and hasn’t looked back.
He enjoys digging through the numbers to identify information and areas on which his clients need to focus to solve their business problems. “I will bend over backwards to find a solution,” Bajric says. “I will find the needle in a haystack.”
Sendin Accounting Services has grown and expanded in the last several years, until now they offer bookkeeping, budgeting, KPI (key performance indicator) analysis, business transitions and cash management. At first Bajric was doing all the work himself. Now he has three contractors working for him.
Talking about the move from solely bookkeeping to functioning as a controller, Bajric says: “I realized I was not solving problems for my clients,” he says. By using the controller skills he was learning, he recognized he could offer his clients more comprehensive and valuable services.
One of his mentors suggested that he find a niche and focus on that. Bajric already had one client from the green industry. That client approached him with a question that intrigued him: could he predict his cash flow four months hence when his taxes were due, he expected to need to purchase more equip-
ment and he might have to take out a loan. Bajric worked through it with the client and watched as the client acted on his advice. “He’s doing just fine,” says Bajric.
With that and a few other experiences behind him, Bajric decided he had found his niche and now has other green industry clients. He is reading extensively about landscape and related specialties, using a method that has proven effective for him: reading books and seeking out mentors. He also listens to informative podcasts while driving. “I absorb all the information I can,” he says.
Part of that process is taking advantage of educational and networking opportunities through Landscape Illinois, which he joined in October 2024. He sees it as a way to be continually surrounded by the people he serves.
Bajric didn’t waste any time. He almost immediately offered to join the Membership Committee, an offer that was accepted.
Born in Bosnia-Herzegovina, he and his mother fled during the war, when he was just a baby. They found refuge in Germany until the war was over. Then moved to the United States where he grew up.
As he grew, he absorbed his native culture through, among other things, the foods his mother cooked. Now he, too, enjoys cooking and is working to master the seasoned meats, stews and baked goods that make up some of his fondest childhood memories.
In addition to joining Landscape Illinois in October 2024, he also became engaged. Now, thanks to his fiancé, he is adding Mexican food to his culinary repertoire. The couple bought a home in April 2025 and plan to be married in May 2026.
Not only does he love to cook, but he also enjoys cycling, hiking and “anything related to water,” especially kayaking.
Oakton College is seeking an enthusiastic, energetic, and motivated individual to join our Grounds Department as a full-time Grounds Worker. We offer competitive compensation with a starting salary of $48,310. Under the general supervision of the Supervisor of Grounds, this position plays a vital role in maintaining and enhancing the beauty and functionality of Oakton’s campuses. Key responsibilities include: performing mowing operations, including cutting and trimming turf areas, weed control, conducting snow removal to ensure safe access to campuses, assisting with tree removal and trimming, and maintaining and preparing Athletic fields for college use. Excellence in the performance of these duties ensures a high-quality campus experience for the community.
Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a flexible spending account, SURS Pension, and tuition reimbursement. We offer generous paid vacation, holidays, sick time, personal days, and Fridays off in the summer.
Required Qualifications:
1. High school education or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired.
2. Two years of landscaping, groundskeeping, and athletic fields experience.
3. Illinois State Public Applicator License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.
4. Ability to operate various types of power equip-
ment, including lawnmowers, trimmers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, and other landscaping equipment.
5. Ability to use hand tools required for landscaping. 6. Ability to follow instructions and complete assignments.
7. Excellent time management, verbal, and written communication skills.
8. General computer knowledge is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
1. Illinois State Commercial Driver’s License. Class B with Air Brake Endorsement is preferred. College sponsorship for earning Class B is available.
Oakton College is an equal opportunity employer and has a strong commitment to diversity. In that spirit, we seek a broad spectrum of candidates, including minorities, veterans, women, and people with disabilities. EOE/AA/M/F/D/V Oakton is committed to maintaining an environment free from harassment and discrimination for all and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (gender), sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, and reprisal or any other protected status. Further, Oakton does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any educational, employment, or extracurricular activity.
Salary: $48,310.00
For the job description, qualifications, and application, please go to:
Crew Foreman
Position Expectations:
The primary responsibility is to oversee and coordinate a crew of landscape workers, planning and managing landscaping projects, ensuring quality work is completed on time and maintaining the overall health and aesthetics of outdoor spaces, including tasks like planting, pruning and mowing while adhering to safety protocols and client specifications.
Position Expectations
• Regular and on time attendance
• Strong communication and note taking skills
• Oversee crew, equipment, and materials preparation for each job
• Provide comprehensive training to new and existing employees on all aspects of their role
• Monitor crew performance and address any issues
• Ensure safety compliance on all job sites
• Show care for Contour and client property
• Leadership skills and ability to motivate and manage a team
Position Requirements
• Ability to adapt project timelines and works schedules as needed
• Strong organizational and leadership skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Ability to multitask, prioritize effectively and take on additional responsibilities as needed
• Knowledge of tools and equipment used in landscaping
• At least one (1) year of snow experience
• Valid driver’s license
• Aspire knowledge is a plus or other landscape software program
• Bilingual/Spanish speaker is a plus
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 - $28.00 per hour
Benefits: Paid time off
Schedule: Monday to Friday, Weekends as needed
Email kim@callcontour.com to apply
Project Manager
Position Expectations:
This position's overall role is to oversee and assist with logistics, training, management and physical work related to completing work orders, while maintaining the standards and quality assurance set forth by Contour Landscaping. Lead by example and strong communication and organizational skills are required to be successful in this role.
Position Responsibilities:
• Manage crew, equipment and materials preparation for each job
• Must maintain a reliable attendance record, consistently arriving on time for scheduled shifts and meetings, demonstrating a commitment to punctuality and team efficiency
• Exceptional communication both verbally and in writing, alongside detailed note taking skills
• Lead managed employees in a positive and productive manner
• Demonstrate a diligent approach to maintaining client properties, ensuring all tasks are completed with the utmost care and in strict adherence to the specific requirements outlined for each individual job, including detailed inspections to identify any potential issues and proactively communicating any concerns to clients
• Manage job times for entire crew for each project
• Follow end of day procedures for returning to yard, parking and storing equipment
• Take part in snow removal operations
Position Requirements:
• Ability to adapt project timelines and works schedules as needed
• Proven experience in Project Management or a related field
• Strong organizational and leadership skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Ability to multitask, prioritize effectively and take on additional responsibilities as needed
• Knowledge or project management principles
• 1-2 years of snow and maintenance production management
• Valid driver’s license
• Aspire knowledge is a plus or other landscape software program
• Bilingual/Spanish speaker is a plus
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $52,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance
Schedule: Monday to Friday, Weekends as needed
Work Location: In person
Email kim@callcontour.com to apply
ACCOUNT MANAGER RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL
Company Description
We are a professional landscape design build, maintenance, irrigation and snow provider founded by Harry Vignocchi over 55 years ago. We are driven by a clear mission: to fulfill the dreams of our employees and clients by creating lasting outdoor spaces. Our work is guided by four core values: heart, artistry, tenacity, and always do the right thing. We believe in delivering high-quality, dependable results through strong teamwork, creative problem solving, and a commitment to doing what's right for our people and our customers.
Role Description
This is a full-time role for an Account Manager located in Island Lake, IL. The Account Manager will be responsible for managing client accounts, ensuring customer satisfaction, a sales quota, and
coordinating with various teams to deliver highquality outdoor spaces. The role involves regular communication with clients, addressing their needs, and providing proactive solutions. Additionally, the Account Manager will schedule site visits, conduct inspections, and ensure timely project completion while maintaining company standards.
Qualifications
2+ years of experience in landscape maintenance, account management, or property management. Proven client service skills with a professional, positive attitude.
Knowledge of turf, plant material, pruning, and seasonal maintenance practices.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proficient with technology, Microsoft suite,and CRM programs.
Valid driver's license and clean driving record. Ability to walk properties in all weather conditions. How to apply: email dvignocchi@iltvignocchi.com
Salary Range: $60-$100 BASED ON EXPERIENCE
are a full service landscape company that has been creating lasting landscapes for over 50 years. We are looking for talented and motivated professionals to join our team
HELP WANTED
Landscape Account Manager
A Safe Haven Landscaping is a full-service landscaping company and Social Business Enterprise located on the Near West Side of Chicago. We are committed to delivering high-quality landscape services while creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals overcoming barriers to employment.
We are seeking an experienced and driven Account Manager to join our team. This individual will be responsible for building and maintaining strong client relationships, preparing competitive proposals to ensure job profitability, managing multiple landscaping crews, and upholding the quality standards that define A Safe Haven Landscaping.
Key Responsibilities:
Establish and maintain excellent relationships with clients
Understand and exceed customer expectations
Prepare accurate and competitive project proposals
Manage multiple landscape crews and oversee daily operations
Ensure all work meets or exceeds company quality standards
Monitor project budgets and ensure profitability
Qualifications:
Proven experience in landscaping or a related field
Strong project management and leadership skills
Excellent communication and customer service abilities
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Join us and be a part of a mission-driven company making a difference in the community while delivering top-tier landscaping services.
How to apply: Email Resume to ksokol@asafehaven.org
Salary Range: $52,000 to $62,000
Landscape Construction Project Manager
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Manager would help the Vice President oversee various projects by checking on jobs, taking measurements on job sites, etc.
Duties will include:
• Attending coordination meetings
• Assisting with the compilation of bids
• Meeting with clients
• Assessing job sites to see if they are ready
• Measuring completed projects
• Managing crews on job sites
• Assisting crews in getting necessary materials in the yard each morning
• Checking on jobsites for progress
• Meeting with project engineers as needed
• Taking pictures of completed projects
• Measuring projects from plan sets with take-off programs
Qualifications:
• Must have a college degree in a relative area of study or 5+ years of Landscape Management Experience
HELP WANTED
• Must have a valid driver’s license and maintain insurability with McGinty’s fleet carrier
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Must have experience with common computer software such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Outlook email, internet, etc.
• Working knowledge of landscape construction, preferred experience working with IDOT
• Ability to read and understand plan sets
• Working knowledge of ecological restoration and maintenance activities is a plus
How to apply: Email beth@mcgintybros.com
Salary Range: 65,000-90,000
Hardscape Foreman
We’re looking for passionate, hands-on professionals ready to take the lead and make an impact. As a Landscape Foreman, you’ll have the opportunity to lead and develop your crew, showcase your skills, and help bring outdoor visions to life. If you have the experience and drive, we want to hear from you!
We want team players who are:
Creative and self-motivated
Capable of completing projects from start to finish
Experienced in leading and developing team members
Comfortable operating landscaping equipment
Available to work Monday–Friday, between 6 AM and 6 PM
Physically able to lift 15–80 pounds
Detail-oriented with a strong work ethic
Experienced in landscaping and hardscaping
Required Skills:
Experience with retaining walls, patios, brick edging, and outcropping designs
Proficient in using a laser transit and performing grading work
Strong communication skills with customers, coworkers, and supervisors
Committed to maintaining a clean and professional work environment (including trucks and equipment)
Hardscape installation experience — Portfolio required Skilled in operating skid steers and other equipment
Requirements:
Valid driver’s license
Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check
Must obtain a DOT physical prior to start date
Portfolio of completed work required
Compensation & Benefits:
Competitive hourly pay based on experience, skills, and background
Health care package
Paid time off and paid holidays
401(k) retirement plan with company match
Winter snow work is available at
premium rates
On-the-job training through GreeniusRegular employee
appreciation events
How to apply:
Salary Range: $25.00 - $30.00
Hourly
HELP WANTED
Client Steward (Account Manager)
Join our Rosborough Partners Team as a Client Steward! With a Midwest region reach and a tradition of excellence, Rosborough Partners has been providing premier landscaping services since 1991 to residential and institutional clients in the creation, implementation, and stewardship of their landscape and property investments. Rosborough Partners' strategy is to employ, equip and empower a diverse team of uniquely talented individuals who are passionate about our mission to service our clients and fellow team members as we transform landscapes and transform lives.
At RPI, a Client Steward is responsible for maintaining and building client relationships with landscape maintenance clients. The Client Steward generates new sales leads, manages contract renewals, and ensures quality on client sites. Project management, as well as scheduling of work with our Maintenance Operations Manager and Supervisors, is required to set and meet client expectations for the performance of the maintenance crews. A Client Steward must be able to interact and communicate well with clients, team members, subcontractors, and vendors. A Client Steward ensures proper records of work performed are maintained and reported through our Aspire software system for client management, estimating, and billing. The role requires client contact by phone and in person, as well as site audits.
Qualifications: minimum 3 years’ experience, horticulture and landscape maintenance knowledge, proficiency in computer software applications, strong organizational skills, sales and relationship management skills.
Salary Range: $70,000 and up
How to apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to: Kim Hartmann, Team Development Director — kim@rosboroughpartners.com
Mother Knows Best
By Nina A. Koziol
Long ago, when I worked two jobs and had a 3-hour commute, I had too many garden projects and too little time for maintenance. By August, an 80-foot by 9-foot mixed border of perennials, grasses, shrubs and annuals looked rather neglected. And so one summer day, my English mum stood there — arms crossed — giving quite a critical look at the border. And then she pronounced (in her English accent —think Downton Abbey), “Well, if you can’t get in there to weed or deadhead, make sure it’s edged.” And by edged, she meant a very sharp spaded cut to keep the grass from growing into the plants. Best advice ever.
Trough Planters — A New Craze?
by Mark Dwyer
It’s not uncommon for our clients to ask for guidance on container selection and placement. Our design consultations may include these suggestions along with further advice on how to prepare and plant suggested containers to offer interest, transitional potential and general “landscape pizzaz”. One option that seems to be becoming more popular is the galvanized steel, trough planters. Essentially, the wide range of trough planters used for animals and commonly available at farm supply stores (and certainly online) are becoming more frequently recommended, sourced and utilized in the landscape. These are being used as focal points, in areas where elevated soil is ideal (over black walnut roots!) and certainly in areas where they add additional gardening opportunities.
I’ve been using these types of planters for over 20 years and love them for the many obvious reasons of instant impact, longevity, a wide range of sizes and what I can only describe as an “industrial, postmodern, steampunk-sort-of presence” in the landscape. A GOOGLE search for
“galvanized steel, stock tank planters” will unveil a wide range of options. They come in various shapes like triangles, circles and elongated ovals (my favorite!). While their length and width will be variable, the depth is a very important consideration. I typically will always look for a minimum, 2’ depth with 3’ being acceptable as well. The ultimate soil depth in these planters is excellent for a wide range of vegetables or other plants with larger root systems. These “thigh high” or “waist high” planters also offer ergonomic benefits and accessibility for older gardeners while also thwarting rabbit intrusions.
These durable, sturdy, long-lasting planters present a certain rustic “look” with their ribbed edges and original primary use. Admittedly, they can be an acquired taste although their increased availability certainly bolsters their popularity (and vice versa). They come with no drainage holes, but usually a plug, as many are used to hold water for livestock (and can make mini-garden ponds too!). I like to drill ½” drainage holes every 6-8”
over the entire bottom of the planter and then cover that with a landscape (filter) fabric. While some will then add “filler material” in deeper containers, topped off with prepared soil, I like to fill the entirety of the container with a custom soil mix that includes a lightweight potting soil mix with some compost. The “soil recipes” for these planters are identical to what would be used in more traditional containers and would vary depending on the type of plants being grown (i.e. vegetables, annuals, herbaceous/woody plants, etc.).
Creative and practical, these galvanized steel, trough planters offer a visual pop in the landscape and an effective, functional garden space. They can heat up and dry out like other metal containers but that is not unexpected. Developing research is assessing the safety of these containers as they age in terms of growing vegetables and any impacts have been found to be negligible at this point. Regardless of what you might consider growing in these containers, their potential interest, function and impact when placed in landscape seems to be near limitless.
TRANSFORMING AVERAGE, INTO AMAZING
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