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 ...
Celebrating Hawks Sculpture Garden’s 20th Year!
The 53rd annual Lakefront Festival of Art was Father's day weekend. Hawks had a big presence on the grounds as we celebrate our 20th year sponsoring the Sculpture Garden. Take a virtual stroll through garden below, imagine how these unique sculptures could look in your own backyard.
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.
Hawks Highlights Brookfield Patio
The Brookfield client wanted a larger, more functional patio. Hawks enlarged the back patio and reduced the size of the little used side patio. Bluestone was used for the new patio and we reused the bricks from the former patio as the edging. A firepit area was added reusing the remainder of the bricks.
Pruning rhododendrons:
Timing is important! Right after it is done blooming, remove spent flower clusters as this will increase next year’s flowers. Then remove any broken, dead or very weak branches back to a main branch. Next, stand back and look at the shape of the plant and remove any erratic branches back to a main branch to improve the shape of the plant. On old or very dense rhododendrons, some branches can be removed to open the structure of the plant.
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Bluestone patios
Hawks has recently completed two patios; planting, masonry walls and a fountain. The owner was looking for a classic look with Bluestone chosen for the patio surface and lannon cobbles as the edge. The walls and fountain were constructed using brick similar to the house brick. Landscape lighting was installed around both patios and walkways.
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!
Mulching, why?
New mulch makes a tired landscape look fresh and new. Not only does it upgrade your landscape, it has many other benefits. Mulch helps keep weeds down and reduces water loss. Most people mulch once a year or every other year. Use caution when putting down mulch; making sure you do not have more than 4 inches of mulch and keep mulch away from the trunks of trees. When used properly mulch gives your landscape a fresh look and helps your plants thrive.
