The landscape’s golden aura is beginning to deepen and caramelize into blazing oranges, fiery scarlets and smoky purples.  Autumn is not solely a feast for our eyes but engages all the senses.  From the distinct smell of newly fallen leaves moistened by dew to their smoldering remnants.  From the rustle and…

  I had nearly forgotten this stage – the lull between a full canopy of vibrant foliage and the cleansing innocence and allure of a snow-covered world.  The landscape seems a bit thin and bare, and the sunlight is mostly unfiltered and brash, but I see beauty.  Beauty in the form of naked structure, unadulterated form,…

  The landscape’s golden aura is beginning to deepen and diversify into blazing oranges, fiery scarlets and smoky purples.  Autumn is not solely a feast for our eyes but engages all the senses.  From the distinct smell of newly fallen leaves moistened by dew, to their smoky remnants.  From the rustle and crunch…

I have decided to forgive March.  Just last weekend, she mercilessly stole an hour of sleep from me.  I don’t take kindly to such behavior and have cursed March like no other month, save for August, but she has atoned for her conduct – lavishing us in Spring-like temperatures.  It’s…

The weekend presented a shining example of Fall’s excellence – beautiful weather and crisp, clear skies.  Although the majority of foliage has yet to turn, there were examples of Fall’s distinct beauty in the many perennials, shrubs, and ornamental grasses. In addition to late flowering perennials, like the heralded and much admired  Fall…

We hope everyone had an enjoyable and safe Memorial Day Weekend.  We certainly lucked out with weather and took full advantage of the seasonal temps by spending the majority of the weekend outdoors.  We even took a trip to Central Illinois to check out Sand Ridge State Forest, which is…

Ornamental grasses are pretty darn neat.  In fact, my parents have an entire garden dedicated to grasses, albeit small, it’s a beautiful addition to the landscape.  Ornamental grasses have the ability to add movement to a landscape, something we don’t always consider.  In fact, to play upon that theme, my…