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.
Winter Planning for your Landscape
Again, another long winter but, spring is coming soon and we can all be happy with that. It is never too early to start planning your landscape project and I always recommend creating a landscape plan to guide you through the process. A design is invaluable when it comes to your project running smoothly. Having a professional design can save time, use money wisely, and keep you from doing things more than once. A plan takes the entire site and combines your desires, needs, and hopes into one unified plan. Even if the work is completed in phases, work ...
Well Designed Landscaping Enhances this New Home
Hawks was involved in the landscaping of this new construction project in Pewaukee from start to finish. Thoughtful design was the key in creating this beautiful landscape. A major focal point in the front yard is a stainless steel sculpture, which is aligned with the front entrance. A major design feature is how the planting beds are organized around radius lines from the sculpture, accentuating the house entrance, and unifying the design of the entire front yard landscaping. A variety of materials, from gun metal granite boulders, to a mixed quilting of ...
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 ...
Hiring a landscape designer/architect
Where do you begin? I have always said you need to first find a firm whose work you trust and then find a designer within that firm with whom you are comfortable working with and whose projects fit your design style/needs. Having a good relationship with your landscape designer is critical. You need to work with them throughout all phases of the project and for years to come during its after care stages. Having someone that you “click” with can often make the difference between your landscape getting done for you and getting done RIGHT for YOU.
Blending materials.
This Brookfield project had old timber steps leading to its second story front entrance. Hawks used Chilton steps and flagstone to create an everlasting structure that steals the show with its many colors. The walls were created with cobble fieldstone to tie the project in with the exterior of the house. Blending two natural materials together really made this new project look as if it had been there for years.
Proper Grading
Water collecting around the foundation of your home keeps many potential issues at bay. Without the right grade, water collects at the foundation, causing erosion, foundation cracks, mold and unhealthy vegetation. To ensure a proper grade, slope any landscape away from the base of your home, so water flows farther out into the yard. Burying downspouts will also help. Check your local municipal codes before burying any drain tile in your yard. A Hawks landscape professional can help decide what would be your best plan of attack. (A level or line level can be ...
Zoo’s Fantastic Forest
For the 17 year in a row, Hawks has been a major sponsor of the Zoo's Fantastic Forest, through our donation of freshly cut evergreens that stand proudly in the U.S. Bank Gathering Place at the Milwaukee County Zoo. Our donated trees are lit and decorated by Milwaukee area youth groups who participate in the Zoological Society of Milwaukee's Trim-a-Tree project. The vibrantly-colored animal ornaments are handmade by the youth and are currently on display through December 29th, 2016.
Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides)
(SH) Grasses have exploded in popularity in the last 10 years. There are so many nice specimens including Miscanthus, Karl Foerster Grass, and many others. One of my favorites is Pennisetum or Fountain Grass. The common name describes this plant completely. The plant is clump forming and the foliage is glossy green turning tan color in the fall. Nodding plumes of rosy white flowers (seed heads) bloom in August/September. This plant likes full sun. It can be used in a group of other fall perennials such as rudbeckia, aster, or sedum. It will get about 2-3' tall and can be ...
