North Shore's J. Brick Paving & Landscaping Showcases Their Talents On ABC-7 Chicago 2 Days In A Row!

Katie Boehm of J Brick Pavers and Landscapers has some advice for those with or without a green thumb.

What do to right now:

Rake beds of last year's leaves and remaining debris.
Use a spade to dig up and divide overgrown perennials.

USEFUL TOOLS:

Rake
Spade
Trowel
Weed Puller
Bypass Pruners
Gloves

<p. Noteworthy disease and insects continue in Chicago this summer:

Downy Mildew

Only Affects impatiens both in the ground and in planters
Mildew spores spread by wind
Spores overwinter in the soil
Causes leaves to yellow and eventually drop off, killing plant
No way to control
Other annuals are not be affected by downy mildew
Alternative planting choices
Coleus
New Guinea Impatiens
Sun Impatiens
Begonia

Emerald Ash Borer

Insect that burrows into the tree
Kills the tree from the top down
Can be treated by a professional to prolong the life of the tree
Control methods
Refrain from planting any new ash trees
Alternate planting choices
Honeylocust
Pear tree

Treat tree to fight off borer or treat affected trees
jbrick.net

For quotes: call 847-249-5338 or 847-702-9338

Trends in landscaping and hardscapes

The "indoors" go outside. Outdoor seating arrangements are increasingly popular Seat walls and overhead structures such as pergolas are used to create intimacy in the outdoor 'room'. Natural stones and clay pavers over synthetic/concrete materials, add a feeling of warmth to a patio.
Popular trees and shrubs: High impact flowering shrubs
1.    Rhododendron
2.    Shrub rose
3.    Hydrangea
4.    Viburnum
c.    Trees with interest for the residential landscape
1.    Japanese Maple
2.    Redbud
3.    Flowering Pear
4.    Serviceberry

Planters for non-stop summer color
Think beyond terra cotta -Anything that can retain soil with good drainage can be a planter for flowers. Trends for planters: Colorful ceramic planters, Vertical gardens, Resin planters that mimic natural stone. Plants other than annuals can go outside in planters: ornamental grasses, perennials, herbs/vegetables.

Tips for Choosing plants
a.    Look for plants with white roots
b.    Healthy, full growth free of insects and disease
c.    Pick site appropriate plants for sun/shade conditions
d.    Successful planter formula- pick plants that thrill, fill, Spill
e.    Successful Planting
i.    Remove plant from container
ii.    Loosen up roots to promote outward growth
iii.    Start planting in the middle and work your way out
iv.    Pack soil firmly around newly planted plant
v.    Fertilize every two weeks to replenish essential nutrients lost with drainage
vi.    Remove dead flower heads to encourage new growth and more blooms.
vii.    Water only when top inch of soil has dried out too much water kills more plants than not enough water

For more information or to Hire J. Brick for your Landscaping & Hardscaping needs go to: www.jbrick.net or call: 847-249-5338 and ask for Katie, Javier or Jesus!

To view one of the ABC videos go to:

abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources&id=9100225