The Virtues of Compost
After reading a wonderful article in Lawn & Landscape Magazine about the value of soil amendments, I decided to spread the word. We as landscape professionals tend to do and not teach. Although constantly educating ourselves through articles, books and seminars, we don’t pass that information along to our customers as much as we should. […]
Booming economic prediction results in more blooms
Economic forecasters are predicting positive news for the commercial and multi-family residential real estate markets. Multi-family residential construction is booming; vacancies will drop and rents will rise in office buildings, shopping centers, factories and warehouses; and as job growth continues, activity in the retail and office sectors is expected to rise. Commercial landscaping activity (which […]
Tis the Season…
Now that winter has taken its firm icy grip, we all tend to hunker down and hibernate. While in hibernation, if you find yourself dreaming of that new patio, fireplace, or outdoor entertainment space… THEN IT’S TIME TO WAKE UP AND GET STARTED! This is the perfect time to get started on the design build […]
Current Garden Design Trends We Love
Like most things, garden design has its trends. From the 1700 French parterre gardens to the English ‘Gardenesque’ to the modern day ecological style, garden design has always reflected the current mindset of what nature is. What is so fantastic is there are places like the Chicago Botanical Garden (CBG) that allows us to see […]
In case you were wondering…
First we clarified some of the terms of a typical snow removal contract. Last week we offered some insight into the preparation process we go through at ILT internally when the weather forecast calls for a winter event. But in case you were wondering about the operational process that takes place on the ground during […]
Favorite Plant Series: Taxodium distichum
One of my favorite trees is Taxodium distichum, or Baldcypress (also Bald Cypress). Once you recognize it, it’s always a delight to see. Baldcypress has the rare distinction of being a stand-out tree in virtually any type of setting or application. Alone or in groups, in formal or naturalistic settings, urban or wild, Baldcypress often […]
In case you were wondering…
Last week we offered some interpretation of the terms of a typical ILT snow removal contract as they relate to the service provided to your facility or community. But in case you were wondering about the mobilization process that takes place prior to a snow event, read on… PART 2 of 3: The mobilization process: […]
In case you were wondering…
You rely on your snow removal vendor to make sure your roads, driveways, and parking lots are plowed; your sidewalks and entrances are clear; and your property is always safe and passable for your residents, guests, employees, and tenants. But in case you were wondering about the process that leads to making all of that […]
Favorite plant series – Humulus lupulus
Aaron Zych is one of our most opinionated employees when it comes to plants. As a landscape architect and a certified arborist he certainly has the qualifications, but he also has a deep rooted affinity for all things relating to nature. Humulus lupulus is by far one of my favorite, if not the favorite, plants […]
Favorite plant series: Amsonia tabernaemontana ‘Blue Ice’
During a meeting discussing seasonal color displays, when phones were set on vibrate and the focus of our discussions was solely about plants, I was reminded how passionate and opinionated our staff is when it comes to what they love the most. I decided it was important to celebrate that our employees each have their […]