Where do we source the plants for our incredible landscape projects?  95% are from a few local growers who also function as re-wholesalers.  Brehob Nursery and Blue Grass Farms are the areas’ largest.  We prefer Perennials Plus for perennials and Heartland for annuals.  Occasionally, Jeff Salsberry allows me access to his personal stash of great trees.  Generally, plants grown in local soils thrive better than those sourced from out of state.

Are we GREEN?  We were greenish long before the nation realized what it was.  Most materials are purchased very local with a happy carbon footprint and we love the use of natural stone from quarries within a few hundred miles.  We typically recycle pallets, plant containers and project debris.  Our handyman projects often employ low voc paints, smart appliances and water fixtures.  We can do better…our industry standard trucks and equipment are embarrassing fuel hogs.

Favorite trees and shrubs?  It’s very project specific.  But, I love the multi-stem serviceberry tree and will plant a dogwood whenever the rare placement allows.  Native flowering shrubs fothergilla and sweetspire are an addiction.  I’m in rehab for it.

Boxers or briefs?  Depends (not the diaper). Apache…ha.

Men wonder if I like my Chevy Avalanche.  I love it.  It’s paid for, looks brand spanking new when nicely detailed, holds my bike snuggly in the back and has 151,000 memory packed miles on it.  Kimberly, my wife and girlfriend, has challenged me to take it to 200,000.  Miller Auto Care is happy about that.

What are the next trends?  Creating shade, natural stone patios, clay pavers, plants that survive the extremes, smart water usage, bell-bottom jeans and resurrecting creativity.

At a Safe Families For Children fundraising event, Gorgeous Gretchen, a neighbor and very smart Lilly exec whose job I don’t quite understand, wondered how a person gets a vision for their space.  That’s when I get to ask the questions…how do you see yourself in this space, what sort of furniture do you have in mind, what’s your budget, do you like formality or more naturalized settings, do you entertain much, etc...  We look at other project photos for clues and gradually wonder into a very happy place.