47 results for author: Hawks Landscape

Flowering crabapples: showstoppers of spring

In the Milwaukee area, it is hard to find any single species that puts on more of a show than the Crabapples do in spring.  A drive through Whitnall Park while the Crabapples are in bloom will convince you of this – it is truly a sight to behold.   One blooming Crab tree can light up a yard, and fill the air with fragrance.  However, the value of the Crabapple is not limited to spring.   Most Crabapples also have an excellent display of fruit in fall and into winter, and some persist through the winter.  The fruit of a ‘Red Jewel’ Crab can cover the branches, and is an excellent choice for winter interest in the landscape.  Other ...

Tosa Transformation

Hawks completed this transformation of a tired Wauwatosa yard in 2015.  The project included re-doing all plant material, replacing the rear patio and front walk and covering the front stoop in bluestone.  The rear yard privacy was retained through the use of a custom wood-slat cedar fence.  The arbor in the rear retains the connection to the rear neighbors while still offering privacy and landscape lighting was added to expand the spaces usefulness after hours. More Photos  

Brookfield New Entry

A tired concrete walk and steps were updated on this property with a combination of brick and lannonstone.  Lannon outcropping steps were paired with matching flagstone inlays cut into the rustic brick walk.  The round flagstone and brick entry circle is cut into the driveway to emphasize the landing area.  The jointing material for the brick and lannonstone is a polymeric sand.  This sand binds together like a flexible mortar, keeping insects out and eliminating washout issues.  

The value of perennials in the garden

Flowering perennials are plants that die back to or near the ground each winter but, come back each year. One of the main features of flowering perennials is that they make the landscape more dynamic; a landscape with a variety of flowering perennials is always changing.  Through the spring and summer, you can look forward to something new from week to week.  Because they don’t bloom through most of the growing season as annuals do (2-3 weeks is common), it is very important with perennials to consider what they look like when they’re not in bloom. It is their variety in form, color and texture, in addition to their blooms, that make them so ...

Elm Grove Renovation

This long overdue renovation of a home in Elm Grove was completed by Hawks in 2015.  The project involved the demolition of nearly all cracked and settled concrete as well as stoops and steps in the back, side and front yards.  A large rear patio, deck and walkways were installed along with landscape lighting in both the front and back.  Deer and shade tolerant plants were used throughout the site and the grades were corrected to properly drain the property.

Fire pit addition

Hawks removed an old fountain in the back-yard pool area of this Waukesha residence.  This fully custom gas fire table was created using Lannon cobble masonry and a granite counter top.  Hawks made this space more functional for the client, making this a true back-yard entertainment oasis.             Alex Mathison

A secret garden addition

When the Ronald McDonald house built their large new addition in 2014, they came to Hawks for installation of the landscaping.  Part of the project was the installation of an extension to their existing “Secret Garden” space.  Hawks created a small patio, with walkways connecting the new main entrance, the maintenance garage, and the existing Secret Garden space.  The patios and walkways are classic clay pavers that echo the materials of the building, and a variety of flowering trees, shrubs and perennials creates a colorful and peaceful space for visitors.

Back yard entertainment area

Hawks was able to completely renovate the back-yard of this Menomonee Falls home.  Taking down multiple trees and clearing brush paved way for Hawks to create this Back-yard entertainment area.  The walls are designed at seat height to provide extra space for guests as well as defining this outdoor room.  The fire feature adds ambience and warmth to this outdoor space that can be enjoyed all year round. Alex Mathison

Flame Grass (miscanthus sinensis purpurascens)

My favorite ornamental grass is a variety called Miscanthus sinensis Purpurascens.  It is also called Flame Grass.  I use it quite often in my designs.  Plants form an upright 4-5ft clump of dark green leaves, turning flame-orange and bronze in the fall.  Tall spikes of soft pink-beige flowers develop into silvery plumes which hold up well into the winter.  It is super hardy and can be divided in the spring.  A wonderful addition to any garden!

My favorite tree: Apple Serviceberry

One of my favorite specialty plants is the Serviceberry or  Amelanchier.  This is a plant that fits in any landscape as a specimen plant.  It can be used near a home or in a planting and will not get to large for its space.  The Amelanchier is a native plant and can be found in woodland settings growing along edges between shade and sun.  Its habit is upright- vase shaped and will grow 15-18' tall and about 8-10' wide. Generally, it will be grown multi-stemmed and will become a beautiful plant.    It is a slow grower and will be comfortable in most residential gardens.  Spring (late April) will find the Amelanchier blooming with large ...