47 results for author: Hawks Landscape

Welcome home

The entry steals the show for this newly built home in Mequon.  With an English made fountain as the entrys focal point, natural materials such as patterned bluestone, (full range), and tumbled cobbles were used with a unique interwoven design.  Landscape lighting completed this installation making the space beautiful both night and day.

Plant now for the beauty of Spring Bulbs

Don’t forget to plant those spring bulbs in fall.  The following are some that I incorporate in my designs which are super hardy and deer resistant. I love Grape Hyacinth, Giant Hyacinth, Daffodils, Allium, Snowdrops and Glory of the Snow.  Have fun and plant some bulbs!!

Getting the most out of a quaint backyard

Hawks created a beautiful raised patio/rear entry for this home in Wauwatosa.  The project included custom cut curved limestone steps, an upper brick and bluestone patio, a lower brick patio as well as a built in grill/bar for entertaining.  A limestone wall with bluestone caps along the side acts as both  a railing as well as a seat wall.  

Increasing access to more of the yard.

This Wauwatosa project had inefficient steps accessing the lower yard. Hawks reshaped the stairway and installed lannonstone steps with a landing. A firepit area was included at the bottom of the hill using irregular limestone.

Curb Appeal

Once you have the necessary landscaping completed, start thinking what you can do to make your front yard special.  The front yard is so important to the value and look of your home.  Begin by thinking how you get from the driveway to the front door.  This is your chance to think about a brick walk, a small place to sit, perhaps even a wall if there is an elevation change.  Paths can lead to pergolas, sitting areas, plants and flower pots.  The front yard is also a great place for night lighting.  All of these landscape elements can accent the front of your house. Steve Hyland 

Pachysandra problems Volutella disease

Pachysandra is a wonderful ground cover, but a stem and leaf blight can wipe out an entire planting. Brown to black blotches on the leaves and stems and unusual large dead patches of plant is what to watch for. If you catch it early enough, three early spring applications of commercial strength fungicide will help keep the disease under control.

Fragrance in the landscape

One of the many ways in which we experience the beauty of plants is through their fragrance.   Fragrance can have a powerful effect on us – it can lift our spirits and even bring back a pleasant memory.  Fragrance in the landscape comes from all types of plants.  Trees, due to their size and abundance of flowers, waft their fragrance and can fill the air of an entire yard and beyond.  Crabapples, Magnolias, Lindens are great examples of this. In shrubs, Lilacs are perhaps best known for their beautiful and powerful aroma, and many shrub roses also have appealing scents. Korean spice and Judd Viburnums have become favorite plants due to their ...

Lake property, creative use of elevation change.

Hawks recently completed the next phases in this on a lake in Washington County.  The owners are situated on top of a steep hill overlooking a tranquil lake. Existing decks were removed and  new decks, patio and firepit were installed Deck surface was installed with Azek Deck material. Landscape lighting was used on the railings. Steve Hyland Landscape Architect 

Container gardening

Containers are a great way to add color and interest to your landscape.  A container can become a focal point or be used to fill a void.  Planting a mix of annuals, perennials, vegetables and herbs can make your container very unique.  This is a great way to experiment with plants you do not normally use. Think color, texture, height and form.  Remember the importance of good drainage, soil mixture, fertilization and watering.  Keeping your containers going throughout the year (spring, summer, fall and winter) is a great way to extend your garden.

Spring bloom buddies

Start your spring with dramatic color in your landscape. Plant Muscari Armeniacum (Grape Hyacinth) in front of Red Emperor Tulips and watch the vibrant colors erupt in early spring! Grape Hyacinths have fragrant, long lasting purple blooms which are spectacular in color, especially when permitted to naturalize.  Red Emperor Tulips boast huge red blooms that are prolific throughout early spring and are great for naturalizing or cutting. The color combination of these two blubs is a true spring show stopper!