During January, we’re counting down the top landscaping trends for 2017. We’ll be taking an in-depth look at each of the six trends as determined by industry experts and consumer demand. While there are a variety of wide-ranging predictions, we found six trends most landscape industry experts agree upon. This week we take a look […]
The Council Ring
BLOG
Hot 2017 Trends: Landscape Water Features as Focal Point
During January, we’re counting down the top landscaping trends for 2017. We’ll be taking an in-depth look at each of the six trends as determined by industry experts and consumer demand. While there are a variety of wide-ranging predictions, we found six trends most landscape industry experts agree upon. This week we take a look […]
The Environment and Kids: Teaching Children to Care for the Planet
Children love nature. They jump at the chance to go to the park or beach in the summer and build a snowman in winter. So how can we as parents translate that seemingly innate love of the outdoors into a life-long commitment to caring for the planet? Creating a meaningful connection between the environment and kids […]
Fall Clean Ups: Leave Your Leaves or Rake Them to the Curb?
Just in time for Fall clean ups, there’s a story making the rounds in the media that seems to say less yard work is best. According to some interpretations, during fall clean ups raking leaf debris ‘has been declared overrated, harmful, and all-around terrible by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF).’ (Yahoo! News, November 10th) Not so […]
Pretty, Deadly: 8 Toxic Plants Commonly Grown in Midwest Gardens
Some of the most common plants grown in Midwest gardens for their beauty are also extremely poisonous. Here’s a pictorial guide to 8 common, toxic plants.
BOOM: It’s Thunderstorm Season in Chicago! Create a More Storm-Proof Landscape with These 5 Tips
Storm-proof your property with a few simple landscaping additions to mitigate damaging soil erosion, manage storm-water runoff before the next deluge hits.
Proper Watering During Hot, Dry Weather Crucial to Healthy, Weed-Free Properties
Greenwise offers expert watering guidelines to keep lawns & gardens healthy during the hot, dry days of summer, without wasting water.
Smart Watering Starts BEFORE You Turn on the Garden Hose
Smart watering guidelines usually offer advice on how often and when to water your lawn and garden in order to keep things green while being eco-friendly. While this advice is important, using water smart landscape design, you can further lighten your footprint and conserve water before you even turn on your garden hose.
Leave Your Leaves or Kick ‘Em to the Curb?
Either Way, You Still Need to Rake Your Leaves. (Sorry.) There’s a story making the rounds in the media claiming that raking fall leaf debris ‘has been declared overrated, harmful, and all-around terrible by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF).’ (Yahoo! News, November 10th) While this might seem like welcome news to overworked homeowners, don’t burn your […]
Green Wise or Green Wash? Top Five Q & A’s to Help Select a Truly Green, Non-Toxic & Organic Lawn Care Company
Homeowners are increasingly demanding safe alternatives to toxic chemical lawn fertilization and more companies are claiming to offer organic lawn care programs. But are these program truly organic or are they just so-called “green washing”? Greenwashing is when a company spends more time and money claiming to be “green” through advertising and marketing than actually […]