The annual Snow & Ice Awards hosted by Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA) provides its members the opportunity to showcase their company’s professionalism and commitment to creating a culture that honors their employees’ hard work and dedication. It’s also an opportunity for those in the industry to see the latest technology, newest equipment and attend workshops and keynote presentations on all sorts of innovative topics related to snow and… Read more »
The Dream Backyard for The Entertaining Homeowner
Bonfires and cookouts are a staple and a cherished part of summers in the Midwest! As a homeowner, you take pride in creating an inviting and enjoyable space for entertaining guests. Modern landscaping can take your outdoor experience to the next level. With sleek designs and functional elements, you can create a space that is not only beautiful but also practical. Here are the 7 most popular trends we are seeing… Read more »
What To Expect at First On-site Meeting With Your Landscape Designer
You did it! You scheduled your initial consultation with a landscaper, and it is time to meet with your landscape designer, the person who really gets to bring your vision to life. But what can you expect during this initial visit? We have broken down the items that will be discussed during the walkthrough so there are no surprises. First and foremost, the designer will listen to the needs and… Read more »
Subtle Ways to Incorporate Backyard Storage
Warm months are short lived in the Midwest, so a lot of activities, entertainment and relaxing happen outdoors during the summer. Before we know it, we have a collection of backyard items stashed away in the garage or laying around outside causing our space to look cluttered. When it comes to garden tools, pool toys, pet toys, and grilling accessories, it makes sense to have an outdoor area to store… Read more »
When is the Best Time To Finalize Your Landscape Plans?
The beginning of winter is the ideal time to start thinking of your landscape plans for the next season. Once spring is approaching and the snow is beginning to melt, you really want to step outside and take inventory of what you have, to finalize your plans. Walk your yard and analyze what you want to keep and what needs to go. This is also the perfect time to look… Read more »
Sustainability: The Trend That is Here to Stay
Now is the perfect time to start thinking about your landscape projects for the upcoming season. There are many things to consider when you start planning out your landscape but something you may not always think about is how to make your outdoor space sustainable. Below are five key points to consider if you want to reduce your negative environmental impact: Native Materials – Using native materials, especially native plants… Read more »
Add Color to Your Home During the Winter Blues
During the winter in Wisconsin, especially between December and February, the daytime rarely tops 30 degrees and with the wind chill it always feels a lot colder. Wisconsin also gets a lot of snow, with an average of 40 inches to up to 160 inches up north within the Lake Superior snowbelt. The days are shorter and the winter season in Wisconsin is especially long, known to bring on the… Read more »
Villani Landshapers’ John Ondrejicka Named To WLCA Hall Of Fame
John Ondrejicka, affectionately known to his co-workers and clients as “Johnny O,” has been a lifelong landscaper who got his start in the industry in 1975 at Lied’s Nursery in Sussex. For the past 11 years, he has finished out his career as a landscape foreman at Villani Landshapers, where he has used his experience and skills to mentor those who are new to the industry. Johnny’s involvement in the… Read more »
Pavers 101: A Home Guide
Paving stones, also known as pavers, are typically made with natural stone, brick, or concrete. This guide will help you understand the differences between these materials to help you choose the best paver for your walkway, patio, outdoor living space, fire pit, and any other project you can imagine! While a traditional concrete walkway or patio can cost less than pavers in the short term- the installation technique, poor durability, and… Read more »
Here’s The Rub On Bucks: They Don’t Just Damage Trees
Fall in Wisconsin has all sorts of indicators: leaves changing colors, cooler temperatures and a progressively earlier sunset. But there’s another involving your trees that’s a telltale sign of the shift in seasons: buck rub. This is when male deer mark their territory by removing bark from trees with their antlers. Signs Buck rubs appear in early September through November. That’s typically when bucks lose their antler velvet, which is… Read more »