Author Archives: Martin John Company

WITH SPRING AROUND THE CORNER USE THESE TIPS TO GET YOUR FLOWER BEDS READY

Springtime in Chicago usually means that avid gardeners have to be prepared for weather that can be highly unpredictable at times. In many cases, weather patterns can change from rain to snow to a beautiful 65-degree day – so it’s important to make the right preparations so that your flowers and other plants will be able to thrive.

Cut Back Perennials and Grasses

Trim last year’s stalks on any ornamental grasses you have to just a few inches above ground level before new growth comes in. Now is the time to remove any dried stalks of perennials that may still be standing as well, and this should be either done while the soil is still frozen or after it has drained properly so that you can avoid walking on wet soil.

Cut Branches on Flowering Shrubs

If you have any spring bloomers in your garden such as forsythia, now is the time to cut them and stand them in vases of warm water – this will help encourage them to start blooming indoors. Ensure that any pruning is done very carefully so that the overall shape of these shrubs is left intact.

When to Prune Your Trees

If trees such as elms, maples and birches are trimmed while their sap is still flowing, the cut areas will bleed with sap. This not only looks rather unsightly; it will also attract insects and make the trees more susceptible to various diseases. The best time to prune most trees is during winter while they’re dormant because this will be when they’ll be less prone to disease.

Remove Tree Wrap

If any trees in your garden have been wrapped, now will be the time to remove it. Leaving tree wrap on for too long will trap too much moisture around the trunk and encourage disease.

Prune your Shrub Roses

There’s usually no need to cut back every stem on your shrub roses, but it’s a good idea to prune any stems or parts of stems that have died during the winter. The rest of the shrub can then be pruned as needed to obtain the desired shape and size.

Don’t Dig in or Walk on Wet Soil

Digging in or walking on soil that is still wet will cause it to become compacted. Over time, this will cause any plant roots underneath it to become smothered – and compacted soil is quite a challenging condition to rectify. As such, you should wait until soil has thawed all the way through and water is draining easily through it before starting any digging or walking on any part of your lawn or garden area.

Although getting your garden and yard ready for spring may seem like an overwhelming task – especially if you try tackling it alone – this need not be the case if you enlist the help of our professional landscaping team. Contact us today if you would like to learn more about getting your flower beds and yard ready for spring.

5 HARDY PLANTS THAT WILL LAST YEAR-ROUND IN THE CHICAGO CLIMATE

Regardless of whether you’re new to the gardening scene or you’re highly experienced in this area, chances are that you’ll be on the lookout for ideas with regards to the types of plants that will thrive on your Chicago property. With Chicago falling into zone 5, it’s essential to choose plants that will survive the weather conditions that are experienced in this region.

If you’re looking for plants that will last all year round, the list below will make a great starting point:

Peonies

In most cases, these perennials are so hardy that they’ve been known to last for decades in a well-kept garden. Grid stakes can be added around them while they are blooming to prevent them from toppling over as they get bigger. Peonies require full sun to partial shade and it’s essential for their soil to be well drained. They can usually be expected to grow to about 3 feet tall.

Liriope

Also commonly known as lilyturf, this plant has narrow foliage resembling grass and it can be green or variegated. Liriope is known to make an excellent groundcover and it is also used as an edging plant to help control erosion on steeply sloped areas. It can also last for many years – even in gardens that have been left unattended for long periods of time. Full sun to partial shade is needed, along with well-drained soil and it can reach a height of around 18 inches.

Oriental Poppy

Although the Oriental poppy may look fragile, this plant will thrive in even the most difficult conditions – it has been found growing at properties that have been abandoned for many years. While it is best to not move these flowers, they can be divided and transplanted during the fall months if truly necessary. Well-drained soil and full sun will ensure that they thrive and they can grow to as high as 3 feet.

Wisteria

Wisteria has been known to bloom for many years and it’s well known for its blue or white fragrant flowers. The variety called ‘Blue Moon’ has been especially developed for colder regions and it requires full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. Keep in mind that this plant can reach heights of 25 feet in some cases.

New England Aster

This perennial will provide some late season color to your garden and it becomes covered in pink or purplish blue flowers that make a beautiful show. The New England Aster will help attract butterflies to your garden and it grows to about 6 inches tall. Well-drained soil and full sun are needed for it to thrive.

Ensuring that the soil in your garden is well drained is probably one of the most important things to do before starting with any planting. If you’re unsure of the types of flowers, shrubs or trees that will do well in your yard, contact our team of experienced landscapers today. We look forward to assisting you with getting your garden looking as attractive as possible.

WHY A HEALTHY MIX OF HARDSCAPING AND LANDSCAPING DURING WINTER IS PERFECT FOR CHICAGO HOMES

When planting a garden, most property owners tend to only focus on what is being planted. However, trees, flowers, bushes and shrubs aren’t all that has to be considered when planning your garden in the Chicago area. Although items such as garden furniture, ornaments, fire pits and even dividing walls may not bloom like your favorite plant, they are forms of hardscaping that have a way of transforming your yard space into something truly special.

What Hardscaping Does for your Yard

Hardscape exists at virtually every property in the form of patios, driveways, walkways and other structures or decorations, all of which help make it as accessible and attractive as possible. As such, hardscape exists to prevent water absorption and soil erosion. For example, rain, sprinklers and water from garden hoses can degrade a home’s exterior in no time – but placing the right forms of hardscaping in strategic areas will prevent this from happening.

Although managing the flow of melting snow and rain water through your yard’s landscape during winter can be challenging, the correct hardscaping will simplify the process. An example would be to have the excess water be channeled into a depression or low spot, where it can then soak into a buried drainage pipe that will carry it out of your yard – preventing flooding from occurring.

Erecting hardscaping such as an enclosed patio area or even a fire pit will also allow your family to make the most of your outdoor living space during the colder months.

Why Landscaping is Beneficial in Chicago Gardens

Having your Chicago yard professionally landscaped will do far more than just improve your home’s curb appeal.

Did you know that it could even help reduce utility bills and conserve energy in cold climates? In these areas, the goal is to block as much of the icy winter wind as possible with the right shrubs and trees, and also to capture as much available sun as possible.

Plants also help reduce noise levels and absorb a significant amount of pollutants before they have the opportunity to enter your home. For instance, a cypress hedge that is planted just two feet thick along the front boundary line of your property will reduce the amount of street noise you hear inside by up to 5 decibels.

How we can Help

Many homeowners feel overwhelmed at the thought of planning hardscaping and landscaping for their properties. However, our team can assist with each aspect of the planning, costing and labor processes – enabling you and your family to have a garden and outdoor living area that you’ll be proud of and will enjoy using all year round.

If you would like to find out more about how the right combination of hardscaping and landscaping will benefit your property in the Chicago area, get in touch with us today. We look forward to providing you with various options to suit your needs and budget.

HOW FAMILIES ARE ENJOYING THEIR OUTDOOR FIRE PITS EVEN DURING THE WINTER

Many Chicago homeowners think that it will be impossible for them to enjoy using their fire pit for three out of four seasons. However, this could not be further from the truth – especially if the right preparations are made ahead of time.

Below are some steps you can take to ensure that you’ll be able to enjoy spending time around your fire pit all year round.

Use a Cover to Keep Snow Out

This is probably one of the most important things to do if you intend to use your fire pit during winter. As with your outdoor grill, you’ll want to keep a decent cover over the main section of your fire pit to ensure that snow doesn’t accumulate inside – this will make it more difficult to get a fire going.

If your fire pit is portable, consider moving it undercover after use – just ensure that it is cold enough to move safely!

Ensure that Firewood is Kept Dry

Wet wood will make it almost impossible to start a fire in your fire pit, so it’s essential that your supply be stored somewhere that it will remain dry. It’s also important to keep any kindling you use dry as well, otherwise you could end up experiencing more smoke than fire.

Dig Out a Path to your Fire Pit

Just because a few inches of snow have been left on the ground, it doesn’t mean that your fire pit is now inaccessible. In fact, after snowfall, it can be a lot of fun to build a fire, erect an igloo and even have snowball fights with friends and family – all you need to do for everyone to be able to enjoy thawing out around the fire afterwards is to dig a path going to your fire pit.

Keep Seating as Dry as Possible

Although it will be pleasant for friends and family to gather round your fire pit to get warm, the experience will certainly be dampened – no pun intended – if they have to use wet seating.

Consider having waterproof covers made for the seating around your fire pit, especially if it’s a permanent fixture. Don’t forget to provide plenty of warm, snuggly blankets that guests can use to wrap up in as they spend time around the fire.

Make your Fire Pit Easy to Find

This can be done by adding soft lighting around your patio and along the walkway leading to it. There are several solar options available that don’t even require direct sunlight to operate. Alternatively, you can string outdoor lights in nearby shrubs or trees to create somewhat of a festive atmosphere for visitors.

If you don’t have a fire pit installed in your Chicago yard yet, now is the time to start planning and choosing the option that will work best for you. Looking for options to build your outdoor living space? Contact our team today to find out about the best type of fire pit to install in your yard.

EVERGREEN TREES THAT WILL KEEP YOUR HOME LOOKING GREAT ALL WINTER

Evergreen trees are an excellent choice for gardens in zone 5 because they’re known for being extremely cold hardy – meaning that they will continue providing green color to your Chicago garden all year round. If you’ve been considering planting some evergreen trees in your yard, but have been undecided with regards to the varieties that would do best, the information below will help you make your final decision.

Norway Spruce

Although these trees are a familiar sight throughout much of the country, they are in fact native to Europe. The Norway Spruce’s dense branch pattern and tolerance to various soil conditions means that it is an extremely popular tree to be planted in areas where windbreaks are needed. If your yard is spacious enough to handle these trees – they do become quite large over time – you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful show of green from them.

Green Giant Arborvitae

If you’re looking for something that grows relatively quickly and will survive the harsh Chicago winter, the green giant arborvitae will fit the bill. It forms a natural pyramidal shape that boasts foliage that remains rich, green and dense – although it may sometimes darken or bronze a little during colder weather. These trees are ideal for using as a natural privacy screen or hedge; they are highly resistant to wind and make an excellent choice in areas where a windbreak is needed.

The Blues Weeping Colorado Spruce

If smaller evergreen trees will be a better fit for your yard and garden, you will not go wrong with this dwarf variety of evergreen tree. Although it’s quite fast growing, it will usually top out at a maximum of around 10 feet in height and between 5 and 10 feet wide. It’s blue-green needles make a beautiful show and they grow quite densely along its downward-hanging branches. This tree thrives in full sun areas, but will tolerate a little shade if necessary.

Dwarf Balsam Fir

This squat, rounded fir tree displays lush needles that are a brilliant dark green and it has a relatively slow rate of growth, making it an ideal choice for homeowners who don’t have a lot of time to prune their shrubs. Although it has fairly densely packed branches, it will only reach a size of between 5 and 6 feet wide after several years of growth.

Dwarf Serbian Spruce

This evergreen bush grows extremely densely, making it a great option for planting in smaller garden beds. It has attractive green needles with white stripes on the underside and is fairly slow growing, reaching a maximum height of between 3 and 5 feet. Virtually no pruning is needed on this evergreen, making it ideal for homeowners who don’t enjoy spending a lot of time in the garden.

If you would like to learn more about the varieties of evergreen trees that will thrive in your Chicago garden and yard, contact our experienced landscaping team today. We look forward to assisting you.

HOLIDAY FLOWERS AND PLANTS THAT WILL SPRUCE UP YOUR CURB APPEAL

Just because the holidays fall during the winter season, it doesn’t mean that you have to settle for having a garden and yard that looks gray and barren. In fact, there are several holiday plants available that will be an excellent addition to your outdoor décor.

If you’ve been considering sprucing up your yard for the holidays, but haven’t been sure which plants would survive the cold Chicago climate, the list below will help get you started:

Holly Shrubs

Choosing this plant for your garden will certainly allow you to deck the halls boughs of holly during the holiday season. Once holly shrubs have established themselves, they will be able to provide a number of cuttings that can be used for decorations.

Holly shrubs will thrive in partially shady areas and the female variety will produce bright red berries that will add color to your garden. Planting male and female holly shrubs relatively close to each other will ensure that proper pollination occurs – which will allow them to produce the foliage, fruit and flowers that make them a favorite plant during the holidays.

Ivy Vines

Ivy is not only a traditional Christmas plant; this vine makes a great addition to landscaping under trees where shade makes it challenging other plants to thrive. Its variegated leaves create visual interest and many gardeners use it as groundcover in areas where preventing soil erosion is essential. Ivy tendrils also look lovely when trailing from window boxes and plant pots, and they can be used to make a number of different holiday decorations.

Blue Spruce

This hardy pine tree is often labeled as the perfect holiday plant because it can be strung with lights to complement your holiday décor or even trim a few of its branches to use as decorations inside your home. An added bonus to doing this is that they provide a lovely natural fragrance.

Blue Spruce trees require very little care and maintenance, but they will provide outstanding color in your yard during a time of year that most gardens look dull and bleak.

Yew Bushes

Branches from the yew bush have been used as traditional holiday decorations in many countries for centuries and they also make for a lovely evergreen hedge – many gardeners take delight in trimming these into various shapes for the holidays.

The yew tolerates bugs, drought and disease really well, not only making it a good base plant for your garden; new plants can be propagated from cuttings quite easily as well, making it easy to share with family, friends and fellow gardeners. Branches can also be brought into your home and used as decorations year after year.

Planting the above-mentioned trees, flowers and shrubs will not only allow your home to look festive during the holidays; your garden and yard will continue looking great during the rest of the year because of some of them being evergreen as well. If you’re keen to spruce up your yard and garden before the holidays and aren’t sure how to get started, contact our landscaping team today.

THE PERFECT SHRUB FOR YOUR CHICAGO HOME

Have you been considering adding a few shrubs to your Chicagoland yard, but haven’t been sure which varieties would thrive in this zone 5 gardening region that can experience pretty cold winters? Shrubs perform quite a few important tasks such as attracting pollinators and providing privacy, so it’s essential to add a few to your landscaping if you would like your entire garden to thrive.

Below are some varieties of shrubs that will add the perfect finishing touch to the rest of your yard and garden:

Lilac

These shrubs are available in various shades ranging from pale pink to deep purple and they provide a lovely fragrance in your garden. Lilacs can make a fantastic hedge and they are known for attracting butterflies as well. Some of the new varieties are more compact, but will still provide you with a lovely array of color when they start blooming.

Rhododendron

If a specific part of your yard doesn’t ever receive full sunlight, this shrub will provide a lovely spring show of flowers in different hues of pinks, purples, yellows and white against their deep green foliage. Although some of the new varieties of this shrub are more tolerant to cold, it’s recommended that they all be planted in areas that offer partial shade.

Ninebark

Specifically recommended for cold climates like Chicagoland, this shrub comprises beautiful arching branches that are speckled with clumps of creamy white flowers that appear during late spring. Keep in mind though, that this plant is quite fast growing and it can get rather large – so it will either require a lot of room to thrive or you can obtain dwarf varieties if garden space is limited.

Spirea

If it’s low maintenance that you’re looking for in garden shrubs, Spirea definitely fits the description. Many new varieties are known to maintain their rounded shape with very little to no pruning required and they produce clusters of white, pink or red flowers against a backdrop of lime green, deep green or even gold foliage, depending on the variety.

Hydrangea

This is one of few shrub varieties that can be grown in virtually any climate, making it ideal for planting in your zone 5 garden. After planting this, you’ll be rewarded with bright and cheerful flowers during the summer months, slightly faded floral tones during fall and dried blooms that will linger on the plant throughout the colder winter months. Different varieties of hydrangea are available, so it’s recommended to check with your local garden center or nursery regarding those that will thrive between your existing landscaping.

While many seasoned gardeners will be comfortable choosing and planting various shrubs in their gardens themselves, others may feel like they need a helping hand to ensure that their chosen plants will thrive. If you would like to obtain expert recommendations regarding the types of shrubs that will be best for your specific garden and yard areas, contact our experienced landscapers today.

TIRED OF YOUR BACKYARD? HOW ABOUT AN OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE THE WHOLE FAMILY CAN ENJOY

Many homeowners think that they will need a large backyard area if they intend on creating a cozy and inviting outdoor living space. However, some fantastic outdoor living areas can be created, even if your property is smaller than average. Below are just a few ideas to help get you started on creating the ideal outdoor living space for your family to enjoy.

Brighten Up your Yard with Plants and Greenery

Your home’s outdoor living space can be spruced up beautifully by incorporating various plants and greenery in various ways. For instance, a trellis can be threaded with blooming vines; a bare wall can be brightened up with small pot plants mounted to it or you could even get adventurous and create a completely vertical garden that will provide your yard with a focal point as well as pops of color when everything starts blooming.

Don’t Be Stuck Inside While Everyone Else is Outside – Add an Outdoor Kitchen and Bar

No outdoor living space can be considered complete without some form of outdoor kitchen and bar being included. This will provide the ideal spot for grilling up your favorite foods and having easy access to cold drinks. An outdoor kitchen also allows you to stay connected with your family and friends while preparing the meal.

When considering appliances and surfaces for an outdoor kitchen, ensure that low maintenance finishes are used – along with appliances that will be able to withstand prolonged outdoor exposure. Flooring in this area should also be concrete or sealed pavers – these will show the least wear and tear over time.

Create a cozy atmosphere for those cool evenings

Having a fire pit installed can add a stunning focal point to your outdoor living area. Before deciding where to put this feature, check the local wind patterns to ensure that it won’t create a smoke issue for the rest of your yard. Ensuring that ample seating is available around your fire pit will allow it to become a favorite gathering place for friends and family.

Another option is having a brick or stone fireplace erected which provides a stunning feature to your outdoor living space. Regardless of the time of year, a fireplace provides the perfect atmosphere for gathering with family or friends or even just enjoying a good book while curled up under a snuggly blanket.

Be the Entertainment Destination on Game Days and for ‘Must-See” TV Shows

Does your family enjoy watching various sporting events on TV or have ‘must-see’ shows everyone watches? If so, consider incorporating a TV into your outdoor living space with comfy couches. This will not only allow your family to enjoy every moment of watching the latest game or show; your home will become known as ‘the destination’ to be at whenever popular sporting events or shows are on TV.

Outdoor Lighting is a Must

If you intend on enjoying your outdoor living space after the sun has set, you’ll need to include some good lighting in this area of your yard. Basic porch lights should be included to provide easily visible access between inside and outside, while outdoor kitchen areas will require good task lighting over the grill and working surfaces. Solar powered accent lights can be used to illuminate walkways, while dimmable lighting can be placed around lounging areas.

Include some Privacy

Your outdoor living area will feel more like an oasis to escape a busy day if it has a sense of enclosure. Although garden walls and fencing can help provide this, landscaping, pergolas or even lattice can be used to block the view of neighboring properties as needed.

Leave Enough Room for a Functional Patio

While designing your ideal outdoor living space, be sure to include a functional patio area that contains dedicated spots for an outside lounge and dining area. This will allow you to truly make the most of any time being spent out in the fresh air – regardless of whether it’s to enjoy a meal or to simply just gaze at the stars with your kids on a clear evening. Some soft lighting can be added to these areas to make them more enjoyable as well.

Creating a living space your whole family can use to the fullest will ensure that as much time as possible can be enjoyed outdoors at virtually any time of the year. Contact us today to meet with our design team to create the perfect outdoor living area for your family.

FLOWERS THAT CAN SURVIVE THE CHICAGOLAND OCTOBER COLD SNAPS

Although October brings a definite chill in the air to many parts of the country, it doesn’t mean that gardening season is over. In fact, a number of perennials and annuals actually bloom during the coldest months of the year – sometimes when there’s still snow on the ground. A little planning now in your garden will allow you to enjoy a few bright spots of color when it’s needed most during a gloomy winter.

Here are just a few of the flower varieties that will be able to survive through October in your zone 5 garden:

Hollyhock

With the right level of care and maintenance, these flowers can grow to an incredible eight feet tall in some areas. Although they prefer well-draining soil and full sun to grow, they are known to thrive in zone 5 gardens as well. Their height makes them an excellent plant to have at the back of your garden area.

Marigolds

These flowers are known for being able to withstand colder nights and even light frost in many cases. They will also bloom continuously until such time as a hard freeze arrives, providing excellent value for money. Snapping off the seed heads once they’ve bloomed and dried and saving them will allow you to plant again when spring arrives.

Snowdrops

It’s recommended that these flowers be planted during fall if you would like to enjoy an early spring show of them in your garden. They usually look best when planted along the front of border areas or in rock gardens, and are known to even start blooming when there’s still snow on the ground.

Hellebores

Also known as Lenten roses, these perennials tend to make their appearance during mid to late winter, depending on the species chosen. Although these flowers may look and feel delicate, they’re in fact one of the tougher plants around that should thrive in your zone 5 gardens during cold snaps.

Asters

These gorgeous blooms are known for making their appearance when virtually everything else in your garden is starting to fade away for the winter. They are available in shades of lavender, blue, purple and pink, so they will provide a beautiful pop of color to your garden.

Heuchera

Also called coral bells, this perennial is extremely cold-tolerant. It’s available in several different shades and colors and the frilly leaves will provide a lovely show of color in your garden long after any other annuals may have already faded for the winter.

Choosing the right flowers for your Chicagoland garden will help ensure that they not only survive the colder winter months; you will be rewarded with a beautiful show of color at a time when most other plants have gone into hibernation as well. If you would like to find out more about the various flowers and plants that will thrive in your garden during a cold winter, get in touch with our landscaping team today.