Your Landscape Partner: Thoughts, ideas, experiences, and expertise from the field…
![Container vs B&B](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/646f7a5d7ff5f2505d967041/1718200317482-LYEBIS4LQI4PSYBNCFZF/BB+vs+cont.jpg)
Container vs B&B
When planning a landscaping project, one of the key decisions you’ll face is choosing between balled & burlapped (BB) plants and container-grown plants. Both options offer distinct advantages and drawbacks depending on your specific needs and site conditions. Here’s a closer look at each method to help you make an informed choice.
![Magical Hellebores](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/646f7a5d7ff5f2505d967041/1710948263332-39GYLQB1ULD627VJLNAN/hellebores2.jpg)
Magical Hellebores
As winter's chill begins to wane, a delightful surprise emerges in gardens across the globe: Hellebores, also known as Lenten Roses or Christmas Roses. These charming perennials offer a splash of color and joy long before the rest of the garden awakens from its slumber. Join us as we unravel the magic behind these special flowers, explore how to incorporate them into your landscape, uncover their simple care needs, and marvel at the variety of new varieties available.
![Cicada Countdown](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/646f7a5d7ff5f2505d967041/1709563322272-OBT0V2VNPTOVFZBVAE28/17yrcicada.jpg)
Cicada Countdown
Get ready, Illinois landscape contractors! This year marks a momentous occasion in nature's calendar—the emergence of the 17-year cicadas. For about four to six weeks, there will be millions of big, red-eyed insects flying around and making an ear-splitting noise, especially in areas with lots of old trees. They will be annoying, but they are harmless to people and pets; they can’t bite or sting. By the end of June, it will all be over. As these remarkable insects prepare to make their grand entrance, it's essential for landscape professionals to understand what to expect and how to mitigate any potential impacts on the landscape. Let's dive into the details and equip ourselves with the knowledge needed to navigate this natural phenomenon with ease.
![Pruning VS Shearing](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/646f7a5d7ff5f2505d967041/1708993274048-Q0QPTB906XST5OVU3T2V/Pruned-Boxwood-Shrubs.jpg)
Pruning VS Shearing
Keeping your shrubs tidy isn't just about a quick trim. Understanding the difference between pruning and shearing is key to making sure your plants not only look good but stay healthy too. Let's break down these methods to figure out which is best for your greenery.
![Snowless Winter](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/646f7a5d7ff5f2505d967041/1704400781697-1O4W795AYSO07Y9E9FQG/Snowman.jpg)
Snowless Winter
In the complex rhythm of climate shifts, El Niño frequently plays a significant role, affecting weather patterns across the world. Even though the Midwest usually braces itself for winter, the occasional occurrence of a snowless El Niño can throw off the expected seasonal patterns. This blog post discusses the distinct challenges this weather event presents for plants in Midwest landscapes and provides insights on how gardening enthusiasts can adapt to the unexpected twists.
![The Magic of Winterberry](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/646f7a5d7ff5f2505d967041/1700004280067-6VTVTG6OGU2SC7ZUXWI5/Ilex.jpg)
The Magic of Winterberry
As winter casts its icy spell, many landscapes surrender to a monochrome palette. However, there's a shrub that defies the winter gloom with a burst of vibrant hues - Ilex verticillata, commonly known as winterberry. In this blog post, we'll explore the enchanting world of winterberry, its importance in winter pot design, and its versatile role in the planted landscape.
![“No Rake” Trees](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/646f7a5d7ff5f2505d967041/1696267164718-GHN5BVIVNSKQLCI6MJCT/gleditsia.jpg)
“No Rake” Trees
![What Does “Native” Mean?](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/646f7a5d7ff5f2505d967041/1691695281932-X7F23JVGIY2GSWL4Y2MX/download.jpg)
What Does “Native” Mean?
![Rainwater VS Tap Water](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/646f7a5d7ff5f2505d967041/1687551720323-MIAZF95BKXKH9PAV62FM/00852dcf593e523ac023e1b0646a9a4f.jpg)
Rainwater VS Tap Water
![Tips for Pruning Flowering Shrubs](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/646f7a5d7ff5f2505d967041/1686924048062-AZVB9AB4S6PFZ7TXC8A2/91QDuAg2-QL._AC_SX522_.jpg)
Tips for Pruning Flowering Shrubs
![Pollinators and Systemic Pesticides](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/646f7a5d7ff5f2505d967041/1686259731099-SE7EFB8X10V2461S397R/DALL%25C2%25B7E%2B2023-06-08%2B16.26.57%2B-%2Bwatercolor%2Bpainting%2B%2Bcloseup%2Bof%2Ba%2Bswallowtail%2Bbutterfly%2Bon%2Ba%2Bshrub%2Bflower.jpg)
Pollinators and Systemic Pesticides
![Why are My Yews Turning Yellow?](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/646f7a5d7ff5f2505d967041/1685994983998-ZPZYPV0ANLTKOS9HNJ3E/yellowing%2Byew.jpg)
Why are My Yews Turning Yellow?
![Timeless Peonies](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/646f7a5d7ff5f2505d967041/1685716474524-FQA1NX44AL8F5A1X6M1E/DALL%25C2%25B7E%2B2023-06-01%2B11.12.54%2B-%2Ba%2Bbouquet%2Bof%2Bpeonies%2Bin%2Bglass%2Bvase%2Bmonet%2Bstyle.jpg)
Timeless Peonies
![Focus on Fringetree](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/646f7a5d7ff5f2505d967041/1685465440930-Z0L7HDEEB61S92L5SV3E/DETA-837.jpg)
Focus on Fringetree
![Are Your Evergreens Parched?](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/646f7a5d7ff5f2505d967041/1685068327115-HQ2FV5Q6MB1S88RWT8RW/evergreen-trees.jpg)
Are Your Evergreens Parched?
![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/646f7a5d7ff5f2505d967041/c4139dac-72dd-465e-aac9-24d34e8aa82c/aerial.jpg)