Water and why you have to plan for it
After an uncharacteristically hot and dry June, Mother Nature just sent us a harsh reminder of her ability to restore rainfall statistics rapidly. Unfortunately for many homeowners and businesses, this reminder came in the form of a seven-inch downpour over a 24-hour period that is still causing overflow and flooding around local rivers, lakes, and retention ponds. While […]
Hosta Sunburn
Think you have fungus on your hosta? Consider another possible diagnosis based on the plants’ exposure to sun. Although some can tolerate more sun than others, hostas are basically known as shade loving plants. Their vascular systems tend to only be able to handle a lower level of transpiration. Transpiration is the transfer of water […]
Landscape Architects, Designers, Contractors – what’s the difference?
ILT Vignocchi, Inc. Landscape Architects and Contractors…it’s part of our name because it’s that important. Landscape architects, landscape designers, landscape contractors, etc.; in case you were wondering what the difference is, read on… While there may be a lot of overlap in these professions, the distinctions between them can make a world of difference in […]
“Water, water, everywhere, | Nor any drop to drink” – The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Considering all of the rain Mother Nature has blessed us with over the last few months, automated irrigation systems are hardly first and foremost on most of our minds right now. However, summer heat and dry weather will be upon us soon and keeping landscapes lush and green will once again be the focus of […]
Designing for Security
Spring is often the time when building owners and HOA boards consider re-designing or refreshing their landscaping with some new plantings. At ILT Vignocchi we understand that aesthetics are always a big factor in plant selection, along with exposure, growth habits, site consistency, and even personal taste. One frequently overlooked factor when making plant selections […]
Perfect Pansies
I have a deep love of pansies. I adore that they come in every color of the rainbow, which is unusual for an annual flower. It is wonderful that they can be pure, or blotched or multicolored all on the same plant. Have you ever looked at pansies when it is about to storm? Try […]
Old Concepts, New Technology, Sustainable Results
Growing plants on rooftops is not a new concept. Centuries ago northern Scandinavians harvested sod from their surrounding landscape and placed it upon structures to create effective insulating and water resistant roof systems. The Vikings who explored the upper Atlantic built grass-covered homes where they settled and in Iceland sod roofs and walls have been […]
Scholarship Thank You Letter
As an founding ambassador in NALP’s Education Foundation (National Association of Landscape Professionals), a scholarship in our name is given to a qualified candidate who is enthusiastic about learning and contributing to our industry. Most years we receive a kind not of gratitude tell us a little bit more about the student who receives the […]
Spring Orientation and Training
We have been holding spring orientation and training for years. It is a time not only to make certain our staff understands our expectations and our standard operating procedures, but also a time to get their feedback and say thank you. This season, due to extensive self reflection and customer feedback, we are overhauling our […]
Rain Gardens
In Case You Were Wondering…how to get rid of the soggy areas around your property that never seem to dry out and create a muddy nuisance where grass won’t grow, read on. Most commercial buildings and multi-family communities have storm drains and retention/detention ponds to accommodate the water that is trapped when the natural landscape […]