Don't look now...OH! Go ahead!!!!

Duck? Duck? Goose?

We thought our spring surprises were over when we found the dove's nest a couple of days ago. However, we have learned never to second guess Mother Nature - she always has a comeback and this time we came upon another nest with bigger eggs in it. The picture was captured after Mama confronted one of the crew but then stalked away temporarily, expressing her displeasure with our arrival, invading her territory.

Worry not, we moved away quickly and she returned to care for the soon-to-be brood. This is quite a supply of eggs coming from one bird. And, that one bird is a...wait for it...DUCK!

Which Came First?



as we started working



as we finished working



We have to admit there are times when it seems all we do is move dirt around but there are days we are reminded just how fortunate it is to be doing that. We discover parts of nature we would otherwise miss seeing, such as this nest. Mama dove had carefully laid one egg in her domain prior to our arrival. In the process of walking the property and finalizing the days activities for the crew her labor was noted. We left well-enough alone!  There's plenty of space on every job site to allow those who first owned the land to use it.

Off we went to implement the plan and, yes, move dirt. But before we left we couldn't help but stop by for a quick look at the next, one more time. Imagine our joyful surprise when we found that she'd returned and continued her family's expansion. 

We won't be back there to see them hatch but that's fine; we're content knowing we were fortunate enough to be a part of these lives at their beginning. It's a marvelous reminder of what really matters most. We hope you will be able to get out and enjoy the world we have all been given the privilege to care for, and that you will do it soon and often.

(Earth Day is ON THE WAY!)



What did we do? Get ready for a great year!

You may think we work, work, work. We have to admit it not only seems that way to us, quite often it is true. However, we do not want to mislead you! During the short, cold season, we take a bit of a breather. Naturally any place we go we are looking around at who is doing what in the way of landscapes but we would not have it any other way for we can be inspired, educated, enlightened, and thankful. Typically we come home re-assured we are on the right track with what we do.

Twenty-eight years of paying attention leads to changes, growth, improvements; all are shared and enjoyed with staff and clients. This busy season begins with renewed spirits as we walk out and explore what was delivered by our American and Canadian suppliers and as we meet inside to examine and stage the plans for projects we soon will begin. Let the excitement begin!

Out in our nursery and in our storage areas long-time staff members have kept up with maintenance and organization tasks. Maintenance is year-round as we prefer preventative maintenance over replacement! We admit to having an organized office but there are (rare) occasions when just the right tool takes some digging to find in the big buildings or the truck in which it was last transported to a job site. So the guys get everything back in place, cleaned up and ready to go.

Like you we enjoy discovering what new products are out on the market, ranging from new hybrids to heirloom plants and all the gadgets for making those and many other landscaping and gardening projects more efficient and even more snazzy. Perhaps we look at the catalog or web pictures a bit differently than you, maybe with a broader perspective, maybe wondering if something will “last” or is merely a trend. 

During the so-called off month or two we communicate with a lot of people, many friends and many suppliers. We do the calling; so do they. It’s the time of year we know we’ll find each other. We attend workshops. We shop. We work on our business plans. We go places. We read. We give thanks and give back.

Maybe you’re thinking is right. We do work, work, work. But when you love what you do as much as we do, it just never seems that way to us!

Here's where we hope to see you soon!

Energy, You, and Landscaping

It is possible to improve the looks of your landscaping, get exercise and save on energy costs - all with a single decision to just do it. Start now with plans, selections, and then act while the weather is good. For years to come you will reap the benefits!

According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, carefully positioned trees can save up to 25% of a household's energy consumption for heating and cooling.  The US Dept of Energy created computer models which suggest that 3 trees, placed properly will save $100 to $250 in annual energy costs. That pays for the trees and you're adding beauty and value to your homescape and surrounding area.

According to one newsletter, evergreen trees, with low growing branches, shield against cold winter winds. Plant them on the north or northwest. Deciduous (leaf-shedders) trees belong on the south and/or west as they offer shade in the summer and let the winter sunlight in to warm a home.

Don't take our word for it alone. Your best proof will be found at a park or wooded area on a hot day. The temperature under the trees can be as much as 25 degrees F/ 14 degrees C LOWER than being on blacktop. The shading and evapotranspiration (kids: that is the process by which a plant actively moves and releases water vapor) keeps park areas as much as 9 degrees F cooler. Neighborhoods with tree-shading may reach as much as 6 degrees F relief, while pre-treed (yes, we made that up) areas are scorchers.

So much for the heat of the day. Check out the winter impact.

There's this thing we all hear about called wind chill. For an outside temp of 10 F, with a wind speed of 20 mph, we will be subjected to a wind chill of -24 degrees F. Note the MINUS sign! Burrrrr. Hello! We have wind chill here in Central Illinois. Oh, it's not like South Dakota where as much as 40% of the heating bill can be reduced by windbreaks on three sides. But we are in a windy climate. A well-planned landscape can make a noticeable difference inside, outside, and what's in your wallet!

The federal government considers Illinois to have a Temperate climate. Here's more of their input.

The United States can be divided into four approximate climatic regions: temperate,
hot-arid, hot-humid, and cool. The energy-conserving landscape strategies you use should depend on which region you live in. 
Temperate

• Maximize warming effects of the sun in the winter.
• Maximize shade during the summer,
• Deflect winter winds away from buildings.
• Funnel summer breezes toward the home.

Sounds pretty easy, doesn't it? Well, that might be their job. If you want to read more, click the article title above. Or better yet, this one - our catalog! http://www.designer-landscapes.com/catalog.php Ready to start? We're ready for you to call. Our job is to really make it easy for you - we'll meet with you, talk with you, walk with you, work FOR you and get your property as efficient as you desire. You will have a "microclimate" that continues to improve over time.