Autumn, like dusk, gilded the landscape in its tangerine rays as the petals and foliage blushed in the crisp air.  Beauty was everywhere. As we begin to put our landscapes to bed – tidying, raking, mulching, and pruning, you might consider letting your perennials stand. To many, this seems counterintuitive,…

The mellow, ripened sun struck the match that would soon set the landscape ablaze in brilliant umber, vermilion, gold, scarlet and smoky plum.  The verdant greens of Summer would soon smolder in the deep, rich tones of Autumn’s palette, and the show is about to start. As trees prepare for…

  Blushed and tinged by the blustery, cool winds and subdued sun of September, the landscape was transforming. Nature was starting to slow and savor, wholly at ease. Technically, next Thursday marks the official first day of Fall, and signs are all around us, save for the warming temperatures and…

Change is in the air. Cool, crisp change. The first day of Fall is Thursday, September 22nd, and I for one welcome it with open arms. Now, is a busy time in our yards and gardens as we take advantage of the perfect growing conditions and prepare for the winter…

The feathery seed heads captured the gilded light of the setting sun, like wicks of a candle, smoldering above the arching, green grass. Ornamental Grasses are truly versatile. They can add height, texture, color and year round interest. They can soften hardscapes, provide screening/privacy (some varieties can grow 6-7′), provide…

The landscape lay beleaguered, drunk on the sun’s rays and summer heat.  She was beginning to blush and mature in the ripened light of August’s sun, and there was a palpable shift in the air. The winds of change are upon us as our attention begins to turn from Summer…

Drunk upon the sun’s rays, the verdant leaves began to yellow and shed upon her slumped and weary figure.  The unrelenting heat, and sparse rains of late Summer were more than she could bear.  These are the dog days indeed. But August too will soon concede, and with it, any…

Sweet, tender Summer was becoming a bit more brazen and fierce as desiccated leaves scraped and scratched their way along the ground.  Although not technically in a drought, DuPage County and much of Illinois are experiencing abnormally dry conditions.  Granted, we haven’t had much measurable rain since early Summer/late Spring,…

The Summer lull seemed to come early, along with rising temperatures and a lack of any meaningful rain.  August will soon be upon us, and contrary to popular belief, she would bestow a dynamic landscape of possibility and change.  And opportunity is a knocking. Late Summer provides ideal conditions to…

The sun bore down with great intensity, revealing every imperfection, flaw and anomaly.  Like a great spotlight, she brought attention to our issues and exploited our weaknesses. With the scant amount of rain we’ve received thus far, certain problems are becoming apparent, and it’s important we interpret the issues correctly…

Summer marched forth to the cadence of the cicada, stumbling ever so often, as her rhythm slowly became out of sync.  Her easy going nature seemed strained, and her once verdant beauty disheveled and unkempt.  A kind word and a bit of support would again renew her spirit and loveliness. …

Nascent Summer seems to have settled in nicely, replete and contented. Yet her once dewy, fresh face begins to grow sallow and somber under the impossible weight of hot, humid temperatures and lack of meaningful moisture. Her youth, vigor and novelty are starting to wear thin.  July is upon us….