275 results for author: Mike Jones

Plants to attract monarchs

Did you know that the Monarch butterfly is now endangered? Populations have dropped an astonishing 96.5% over the last two decades. Their decline is primarily due to a similar decline in milkweed (plants from the genus Asclepias).They depend on milkweed since it’s the only plant that they eat and they lay their eggs on milkweed leaves during the summer breeding season. One way to help this species is to incorporate Asclepias plants into your landscape and to restore areas on your property utilizing native species. Below is Butterfly weed (ASCLEPIAS  tuberosa) a fun and flamboyant member of the family. Swamp milkweed (ASCLEPIAS  incarnata) is ...

Spring bulbs; not just daffs and tulips

Daffodils and tulips are spectacular in spring but, they are only a few notes in the spring bulb symphony. So when planting in fall don’t forget the rest of the music. It can also extend the bloom time, give you variation in form and add different fragrances. Wood Hyacinth in blue works beautifully with daffs Winter Aconites the first to show in spring Hyacinth in pinks and blues Crocus a fun little plants with lots of colors. Fritillaries ;deer don't like them but you will Chinodoxa blooms early Scillas can over time can create a carpet of blue Alliums have a distinctive form in many sizes and bloom times.

Concrete pavers

Concrete pavers are an exceptional medium for adding beauty, quality and sophistication to an outdoor patio, walkway or driveway. Their versatility, strength and affordability make them a superior choice for any residential or commercial hardscape project. Available in a multitude of colors, textures, shapes and sizes, pavers are an aesthetic alternative to poured concrete. Unlike concrete, pavers have the ability to expand and contract with seasonal movements and hence have less cracking. They can also withstand de-icing products such as sodium chloride or salt without damage or pits.  This low maintenance product is an unparalleled, affordable ...

Fertilizer; what you need to know

Fertilizer can help make your plants green and healthy, but what is it? Most fertilizers are made up of 3 different nutrients represented as 10-10-10. Your soil may lack these nutrients or they have been used up over time. The first number (N) Nitrogen, the most important nutrient needed for plant growth and keeping your leaves green and healthy. The second number (P) Phosphorus, it is used in root development and flower growth. The third number (K) Potassium, for strong stems as well as flowers and fruit. There are many different types of fertilizers, but these 3 elements are fond and enumerated in all. So a fertilizer for plants ...

Outdoor kitchens & living spaces

Summers in Wisconsin never seem to last long enough to enjoy the outdoors completely. An outdoor kitchen extends your entertaining, eating space and allows you to enjoy your yard beyond the summer months. An outdoor kitchen can be as simple as a grill and table or as elaborate as a fully equipped kitchen with built in appliances and seating. Fire Features such as fire pits, fire tables, fire walls and fireplaces are the new trend in outdoor living spaces. They can be designed as simple, authentic wood burning features or as elaborate as your budget will permit. A well designed outdoor kitchen and living space is a great way to add ambiance, value and ...

Monarch Trail in Wauwatosa

Hawks Landscape recently donated plant material to the Monarch Trail in Wauwatosa.  The group “Friends of the Monarch Trail” http://www.themonarchtrail.org/ organized the planting as a local Eagle Scout project.  The Monarch trail is a great place to visit.  Friends of the Monarch Trail have making great strides in restoring habitat and protecting the all important Monarch migration and we are proud to have done a small part.  They are truly a great organization to be involved with.   

Dry Stream Beds

If you are looking for an attractive means to conduct water on your property, consider a dry stream bed. This is a shallow swale that has water running in it only in wet weather. Line with decorative gravel and various sized boulders and plant edges with plants associated with water such as iris and sedges. Make sure it is meandering not straight so that it looks more natural. The origin of the water can be your downspouts or maybe you just want to divert water away from your foundation. This sustainable solution allows much of the water to percolate into the soil, helping to recharge the ground water.

2017 NARI’s 55th Annual Home Improvement Show

Please stop in and see us at the 2017 NARI's 55st Annual Home Improvement Show Feb. 16 to Feb. 19 at the Wisconsin State Fair Park. Thursday 12-8 Friday and Saturday 10-8 Sunday 10-5 More Info  

Celebrate the flag

  In a recent project we installed a center island at a senior housing facility in Kenosha. We install the paving with a compass patern design, columns and poles to re-enforce the importance of the flags. The lighting, planting beds and plants tied the project together. This key area in the development will bring a bit of pride to the residence of that community.  

Salt tolerant plants

There are many landscape plants that are very sensitive to salt spray or exposure to salt. So we as designers must be careful when selecting plants to use, especially along sidewalks, roadways and parkways. Some plants, if they are not salt tolerant, become deformed, resulting in witches brooming, or stunted. Other symptoms can include unsightly brown foliage due to desiccation, particularly on evergreen trees and shrubs. Do not despair; there are a few salt tolerant plants, many of which are native to areas along the ocean. Think about the amount and type of salt you are using. Mixing sand (torpedo), crushed limestone (TB) or kitty litter is a good ...