Keeping It Low Maintenance

7062721248 • June 19, 2020

“I am still seeing a request for low-maintenance design -- we believe that’s a “trend” that will never go away! When I suggest introducing color through foliage and then strategically layering in lower maintenance flowering plants,” she gets an enthusiastic “yes!”

We at the Luxury Landscape Company, LLC agree that focusing on foliage is the way to go, stressing that “a garden carefully planted with shrubs that have colorful foliage provides a more permanent garden and lower maintenance.”

Here are some shrubs that provide interest all season and some of our favorite low-maintenance plants:

BOXWOOD

Zones: 5-8
Exposure: Sun or shade
Mature size: 24-48 inches
Foliage color: Green

Why we love it: Boxwoods are probably the best evergreens for shaping and pruning, which is why they are often the gardener’s choice for creating formal hedges, borders, and even topiaries.

Where to plant it: A great shrub for partly shady gardens. Prefers moist, well-drained soil. To prevent winter leaf burn, plant in a sheltered area protected from harsh winter winds.

When to prune: Pruning is seldom needed, but you may trim in summer.


GOLDEN EUONYMUS

Zones: 6-9
Exposure: Partial to full sun
Mature size: Up to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide
Foliage color: Yellow and green

Why we love it: Bright, bold, variegated leaves provide color throughout the year, making this quite a colorful choice. Plus, it is very low maintenance and easy to grow.

Where to plant it: This is a multi-functional bush that can be used alone as an accent or in mass plantings and sheared into a dense hedge. It tolerates a wide range of conditions, including light shade, full sun, poor soil, and tough conditions.

When to prune: The best time for pruning is in spring, after flowering; but the occasional branch can be cut away at any time.

COTONEASTER

Zones: 5-8
Exposure: Full sun
Mature size: Up to 1 foot tall with a spread of 4 to 6 feet
Foliage color: Dark green; reddish-bronze in fall and winter

Why we love it: 'Coral Beauty' is a popular cotoneaster cultivar that is stunning year-round, especially during fall and winter, when its small, glossy leaves turn a rich bronze red and it bears an abundance of coral red berries. In spring, this showy broadleaf will also reward you with masses of creamy white flowers.

Where to plant it: Use 'Coral Beauty' as an attractive ground cover for sunny areas in the garden, or plant on banks and slopes to help with erosion control. It can also be trained onto an espalier or draped over rocks and retaining walls.

When to prune: Prune as needed to shape and control its spread. The best time to prune is in early spring right after flowering.

WEIGELIA

With many varieties offering both colorful foliage and tubular blooms that attract hummingbirds and bees, weigela may be one of the most hard-working plants in your garden. Whether you need a tall variegated shrub for the back of the border, or a compact dark-leaved variety to frame a pathway, there is sure to be a weigela to suit.

Pruning is easy — and optional. If you feel the need to prune for size or shape, simply do so immediately after flowering so as not to sacrifice the following year’s blooms. Other than that, these garden stalwarts will thrive in full sun and average garden soil, are drought tolerant once established, and are rarely bothered by deer.

Zones: 4-8

Height/Spread: 2 to 6 feet tall, 3 to 5 feet wide

CONEFLOWERS

A staple of the sunny, late summer garden, coneflowers ( Echinacea spp.) bring a blast of bold color to the border, the open blooms being a favorite of butterflies and bees. It is also a great choice for the lazy gardener, as it is better not to cut this back in fall, but rather to leave the seed heads standing as they provide a tasty treat for birds during the colder months.

Drought tolerance and deer resistance are bonus features of this perennial, but emerging shoots may need to be protected from hungry rabbits in spring.

Hardiness and longevity of some of the newer varieties seems to be variable, so seeking the advice of a local nursery professional may be wise.

Zones: 4-9

Height/Spread: 16 inches to 3 feet tall, up to 2 feet wide

BLACK-EYED SUSAN

A garden without black-eyed Susan ( Rudbeckia ) just doesn’t seem complete. Bold, golden-yellow daisies with a chocolate central cone are a cheerful late-season highlight, thriving and blooming both in full sun and partial shade. Drought tolerant, deer resistant, rabbit resistant, and easy care makes these ideal for busy gardeners as well as beginners. Like coneflowers, it is best not to tidy up the seed heads in fall, but to leave them as a food source for birds. If they have one fault, it is that they spread easily by rhizomes, but any extra plants are easily removed and shared with friends.

Zones: 3-9

Height/Spread: 2 to 3 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide

CATMINT

Aromatic foliage, long-lasting blooms, drought tolerance, and deer resistance --catmint ( Nepeta spp.) is a good choice for gardeners seeking to reduce maintenance without sacrificing beauty or color. Taller varieties benefit from a quick haircut after blooming; but otherwise, just stand back and let it grow, cutting it down to the ground in fall.

Zones: 3-8

Height/Spread: 12 to 36 inches tall, 18 to 24 inches wide

Top Landscape Trends to Watch in 2025

By 7062721248 • June 4, 2025
The landscaping industry is evolving, and 2025 is shaping up to be a year of innovation, sustainability, and smart design. Let’s dive into the key landscaping trends we predict will transform outdoor living this year— 1. Sustainable Landscaping Practices Sustainability has become a cornerstone of modern landscaping. In 2025, homeowners are prioritizing eco-friendly choices like native plants, permeable interlocking stones to reduce runoff, and drought-tolerant gardens that require less water. These practices don’t just protect the environment—they also enhance the natural beauty of outdoor spaces. 2. Smart Technology Integration The rise of smart technology is reshaping landscaping. Features like automated irrigation systems, app-controlled lighting, and integrated heating elements are making outdoor spaces more efficient and enjoyable. These innovations allow homeowners to customize their landscapes with just a tap on their devices. 3. Multifunctional Outdoor Spaces Outdoor spaces are no longer just for lounging—they’re becoming extensions of our homes. In 2025, multifunctional designs will dominate, with features like outdoor kitchens, cozy fire pits, and elegant seating areas that cater to relaxation and entertainment. These spaces add value to properties while enhancing the homeowner’s lifestyle. We specialize in creating custom interlocking patios and walkways that are as practical as they are visually stunning. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet evening, our designs set the stage for unforgettable moments. 4. Climate-Resilient Landscaping Cozy backyard with a hot tub, fire pit, modern lounge area, and grey interlocking stone patio. Weather extremes are becoming more common, making climate-resilient landscaping a priority. Durable materials like interlocking stones, paired with thoughtful drainage systems, help mitigate flooding and prevent erosion. Wind-resistant plants and drought-tolerant layouts ensure that your landscape thrives, even in unpredictable conditions. 5. Minimalist Design with a Natural Twist Minimalism remains a favorite, but in 2025, it’s taking on a softer, nature-inspired approach. Neutral tones, organic shapes, and natural materials like wood and stone are creating spaces that feel elegant yet grounded. This style offers timeless appeal and a connection to the environment. Conclusion: Transform Your Outdoor Space As trends evolve, so does our commitment to delivering innovative and sustainable landscaping solutions. We bring expertise, creativity, and a passion for excellence to every project. Whether you’re drawn to smart technology, multifunctional spaces, or eco-friendly designs, we’re here to make your landscaping vision a reality. Contact us today to schedule YOUR free consultation and explore how we can incorporate these 2025 trends into your outdoor space. Together, we’ll create a landscape that’s not only beautiful but also built for the future.

Wisconsin Gardener’s Tips for June

By 7062721248 • May 29, 2025
Wisconsin Gardener’s Tips for June Perennials June is an excellent time to rejuvenate your perennial garden. Start by dividing and replanting perennials like hostas and daylilies, which can become overcrowded over time. This not only helps to promote healthier growth and more abundant blooms but also gives you the opportunity to spread your favorite plants to new areas of your garden. Be sure to water the newly divided plants well and mulch around them to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Adding compost to your perennial beds can significantly improve soil structure and fertility. Work the compost into the top few inches of soil around your plants, being careful not to disturb their roots. Compost provides a slow-release source of nutrients that will feed your perennials throughout the growing season, resulting in stronger, more vibrant plants. Regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and maintain the neat appearance of your garden. Shrubs For spring-flowering shrubs such as lilacs and forsythia, early June is the ideal time for pruning. Pruning right after the bloom cycle helps maintain their shape and encourages healthy new growth for the next season. Remove any dead or damaged branches to improve air circulation within the shrub, which can help prevent disease. Also, consider thinning out older branches to allow more sunlight to reach the interior parts of the plant. Consistent watering is crucial, especially during dry periods. Mulching around the base of your shrubs helps conserve moisture and provides a barrier against weeds. Use organic mulch like wood chips or shredded bark, which will also decompose over time and enrich the soil. Regularly check your shrubs for signs of pests or diseases and treat them promptly to ensure your plants remain healthy and vigorous. Trees June is a crucial month for inspecting your trees for any signs of stress, damage, or disease. Look for broken or dead branches and prune them to prevent any potential hazards or the spread of disease. Ensuring that your trees are free from structural issues will help them withstand summer storms. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your trees, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. Watering your trees deeply and infrequently promotes deep root growth, which helps them withstand drought conditions. Fertilize with a slow-release formula to provide essential nutrients throughout the growing season. This is also a good time to check for any signs of pests, such as unusual leaf discoloration or holes, and address these issues promptly with appropriate treatments. Lawns Maintaining a healthy lawn in June requires a balance of proper mowing, watering, and care. Set your mower to a height of about 3 inches to ensure that your grass remains thick and resilient. Cutting your grass too short can stress the plants and promote weed growth. Sharpen your mower blades regularly to ensure clean cuts, which help reduce the risk of disease. Water your lawn deeply but infrequently, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. Early morning is the best time to water, as it reduces evaporation and allows the grass to dry before evening, minimizing the risk of fungal diseases. Aerating your lawn, especially in compacted areas, improves root growth and enhances the lawn’s ability to absorb water and nutrients. Regularly check for weeds and use a targeted herbicide to keep them under control. Source: https://heritagehillnurseryinc.com

The Perfect Backyard For A Memorial Day Barbecue

By 7062721248 • May 22, 2025
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Front Yard Landscaping 2025: Inspiring Designs

By 7062721248 • May 15, 2025
Key Highlights Seamless indoor-outdoor flow: Create functional outdoor living spaces with comfortable seating, outdoor lighting, and fire features for a cohesive look. Add a personal touch: Inject your personality with unique planters, outdoor art, and custom elements that reflect your style. Maximize curb appeal: Elevate your home's exterior with a modern front yard design that leaves a lasting impression. Your front yard is a great chance to show off your home's style and improve its curb appeal. Modern design focuses on simple shapes, a clean look, and a link to nature. By using these ideas, you can turn your front yard into a beautiful and inviting space. This will match your personal style and fit well with your home's design. Source: https://www.shrubhub.com/ And as always, if you have any questions or would like professional input, call us today to schedule YOUR free landscape consultation!

Spring Lawn Care Agenda

By 7062721248 • May 12, 2025
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The Best Time to Mulch You Garden

By 7062721248 • April 28, 2025
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Landscaping Trends That Will Transform Your Outdoor Space in 2025

By 7062721248 • April 24, 2025
Gardens are growing, and so are the trends shaping them. From eco-savvy native gardening designs to responsibly sourcing your seeds and plants, our experts share their top trends for 2025. Whether you're a green gardener or green-thumbed pro, these hot takes will provide endless inspiration. Meadow mania
 The “meadow” or “prairie” approach to landscaping is blossoming in popularity as gardeners embrace eco-conscious ways to design their spaces. By incorporating native plants like little bluestem, Echinacea, and Rattlesnake Master alongside adaptable non-natives such as Russian sage and yarrow, homeowners are creating vibrant, climate-resilient landscapes. A standout for 2025 is short-toothed mountain mint (Pycnanthemum muticum), the Perennial Plant of the Year. This native gem is drought-tolerant and a magnet for pollinators—a perfect addition to meadow-style gardens. To achieve this look, start by reducing lawn space and planting a mix of hardy perennials, grasses, and wildflowers in natural groupings. Unlike traditional gardens, this “dry and wild” method requires less water, reduces maintenance, and fosters biodiversity. With its relaxed charm and environmental benefits, the meadow approach is a win for gardeners and ecosystems alike.
 Short and sweet Short-blooming plants are lovely additions to gardens, offering a compact, tidy look while providing essential resources for pollinators. These plants work beautifully as borders between garden beds and lawns, helping transition from taller plants to neat, manicured grass. Species like Pussytoes (Antennaria neglecta), Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum), and Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium reptans) bloom in spring, but their fascinating, textural foliage enhances the landscape long after the flowers fade. Adding a blend of low-growing grasses and wildflowers offers a meadow-like appearance, which can be styled to look more structured or intentionally wild. With proper care, this design approach provides vibrant color and texture throughout the seasons, benefiting both the aesthetic of your yard and the local ecosystem.
 Milkweed for a butterfly bonanza As the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers listing monarch butterflies as endangered, gardeners have a chance to help save this iconic species. Monarchs continue to decline due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change, which have destroyed their breeding grounds and reduced milkweed—their essential host plant. 
 By planting more milkweed, homeowners can create vital habitats to support monarchs and help reverse their decline and ensure these beloved pollinators thrive for generations to come. Above all, if you're interested in maximizing the enjoyment of YOUR yard call us today to schedule your free landscape consultation and let us help you bring your gardening desires to life! Source: https://www.chicagobotanic.org

Landscaping Ideas for an Enchanting Outdoor Space

By 7062721248 • May 30, 2024
Landscaping Ideas for an Enchanting Outdoor Space

Small-Space Landscaping Ideas to Make the Most of Your Yard

By 7062721248 • July 17, 2023
Just because you have a smaller plot doesn't mean you can't make it stand out. Maximize the impact of a minimal landscape with these small garden, front yard, and backyard garden ideas.

The Biggest Garden Trends Right Now

By 7062721248 • July 13, 2023
Garden of Eden The wild, earthly, Garden-of-Eden vibe is going to be big for gardens this year. So how do you translate that aesthetic to your own backyard? For starters, try mixing in edible plants with the rest of your landscape—don't just contain them to raised beds. This trend is also all about nurturing nature by incorporating pollinator- and bird-friendly plants, using organic products, and being mindful of soil health.
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