Spring is in the air and homeowners are migrating to the outdoors again.
Spring is in the air and homeowners are migrating to the outdoors again. Staycations and outdoor living features will remain popular this year — and adding flowers, plants and shrubs to a yard makes for a special place to spend time with family and friends.
Local nurseries and landscapers are ramping up to help make this year a resounding success for homeowners. These professionals have their green thumbs on the pulse of the industry and share the big trends this year.
Once again, recirculating water features such as bubblers, weeping rocks and small waterfalls with a pondless base will be big in landscaping, according to Tom Nierman of Nierman Landscape & Design Inc. (1317 Lamb Rd., Woodstock, 815-337-8873, www.niermanland.com).
“They use very little water, birds and wildlife love them and learn where they are, and become a stable source of water for them,” he said. “They are very affordable and much lower maintenance compared to actual ponds.”
In addition, aquatic plants are a big trend, according to Mike Balleto of Gardens of Woodstock (5211 Swanson Rd., Woodstock, 815-337-2509, www.gardensofwoodstock.com).
“The plants we sell are planted in a kidney-shaped aquatic pot that hangs along the inside of most planters filled with water,” he said. “The effect is a gorgeous display of leaf color, texture and flower — and because the maintenance only entails twice per month fertilizer and occasional watering, it has become a hit with today’s fast-paced families.”
Above: Garden Décor Accents, based in Crystal Lake, offers "Children in Garden Water Fountain,” a beautiful bronze-look fountain showing two children at innocent play in the garden. The weathered finish adds instant antique appeal.
Outdoor Living
Today’s backyards are all about bringing indoor living outdoors, according to Michelle Anderson of Whispering Hills Garden & Landscape Center. (8401 Rt. 31, Cary,
847-658-5610, www.whisperinghillsnursery.com).
“Outdoor living areas, containing kitchens, fireplaces, TVs and more are hugely popular,” she said.
Outdoor rooms “allow homeowners the ability to simply relax in a beautiful setting,” Balleto said. “People have begun to realize their home is a place to enjoy a staycation — they are looking to make their residence more livable where they can entertain family and guests.”
It is no wonder more people are opting to invest in their yards. According to Nierman, with the current down economy, instead of going on vacation, many people are opting for a new patio and flower gardens — even volleyball courts and putting greens. “When a vacation is over, it’s only a memory,” he explained. “You can use your own fire pit on your patio every weekend.”
Even people with existing landscapes and hardscapes in place are looking to refresh them. “They truly want to enhance their landscapes because they’re spending a lot of time at home,” said Bob Grassly of Stonewood Design Group (193 W. Penny Rd. in Barrington, 847-551-9140, www.stonewooddesigngroup.com).
Flowers and Shrubs
From a gardening standpoint, perennials have gained popularity every year. “They come back every season whereas annuals have more color, but last only one season,” Neirman added.
There are also many new shrubs this year, according to Anderson, “including some wonderful new hydrangeas. ‘Incrediball’ is similar to the old-fashioned variety ‘Annabelle’ and has a sturdier stem with larger flowers. ‘Invincible’ is in honor of breast cancer research and a portion of the proceeds from this plant will be donated to breast cancer research.”
This year, it’s also all about color, according to Kim Hartmann of Countryside Flower Shop, Nursery & Garden Center (5301 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake, 815 459-8130, www.countrysideflowershop.com). “This year’s trendy colors are tropical blues, pinky reds and yellowish greens,” she said. “The look for 2010 includes splashes of sunshine.”
Countryside, which celebrates 50 years all year, says its favorite new plants for 2010 include: Hydrangea “Tickled Pink”; Weigela “Rainbow Sensation”; Rose “Easy Does It”; Heuchera “Swirling Fantasy”; Stachys “Pink Cotton Candy”; Zinnia “Zahara Starlight Rose”; Pennisetum “Fireworks”; Coleus “Redhead”; Tomato “Florida Basket”; Raspberry “Purple Brandywine” and Dwarf Blue Spruce “Sester.”
Home Grown
Growing vegetables and herbs is another major trend, particularly at this time when people are trying to eat fresh and healthy — not to mention, save on grocery costs.
“The trend of growing our own food continues,” Hartmann said. “Vegetables, fruits and herbs keep gaining in popularity as those of every generation experience the pleasure of eating something you grew yourself.”
Fruit trees are another popular request, according to Grassly. “Sustainability is a big trend and I’m seeing people want to incorporate fruit and vegetable gardens into existing gardens,” he said.
Gardening Tips
Gardening can begin as soon as the frost leaves the ground. This time it is good to get out and do a cleanup (see sidebar). “Rake leaves and branches and clean debris out of beds,” Anderson said. “It is a good idea to add compost to clean beds and garden areas before the plants emerge — this will add nutrients and give them the boost they need. A fresh layer of mulch also makes beds look nice and maintains soil moisture for the summer months ahead.
“It is always best to start with a plan and to visit a garden center to find the best possible plants,” she added. “Be sure to ask for proper care instructions for the plants you are purchasing and special planting instructions as this will ensure the best possible start and longevity of your new plantings.
“It is always best to plant delicate plant varieties in the spring (mid-May is best) so they can establish a strong root system prior to the start of winter.”
Sidebar: Garden Tips for McHenry County
When it comes to gardening in McHenry County, it’s all about using the right plants in the right place and giving them the right care. Make sure plants are:
Hardy — Most of McHenry County is Zone 5 (see www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone);
Suitable to local light/soil conditions — Know how many hours of sun each area receives per day. Do a soil test to determine the amendments your soil needs;
Disease and pest resistant — Learn which varieties are less likely to be damaged by fungal diseases, insects and deer/rabbits;
Planted appropriately — Not too deep, with adequate drainage and with appropriate soil preparation; and
Maintained properly — Understand recommendations for frequency and amounts of water, fertilizer and pruning.
~Kim Hartmann, Countryside
