Wisconsin Green Industry Federation Online Auction is Open

Bid on hundreds of green industry items and save money while supporting your local green industry and Make-A-Wish Wisconsin.

Bidding starts St. Patrick's Day and ends Aprils 1st.

Tons of items to bid on!

Wisconsin Green Industry Federation Online Auction is Open

Bid on hundreds of green industry items and save money while supporting your local green industry and Make-A-Wish Wisconsin.

Bidding starts St. Patrick's Day and ends Aprils 1st.

Tons of items to bid on!

Save with our New Outdoor Living Packages!

Are you dreaming of a space for a quiet night by the fire? Maybe it’s an outdoor living area for large family gatherings or a kitchen and bar for entertaining by the pool? Based on customer feedback, we are happy to introduce our new outdoor living packages. We have designed a package for every budget and landscape with six patio offerings, kitchens, bars, fire pit, fireplace, and pergola upgrade options.

As a leading landscape design and build contractor Greenscapes offers the experience and knowledge required to tackle even the most complex hardscapes. By using the latest 3D design software and construction techniques we create outdoor living environments that are built to last. All of our hardscapes are built on an open graded base. This allows water to freely flow through our landscape with no frost heave or settling. Our experienced outdoor living team can help you choose the right color, material, and design to create a patio space that best suits your lifestyle. Define your space by adding features like seat walls and pillars. Set your patio project apart with custom quilting or banding by adding additional colors or varying materials.

Our Patio Packages start under $5,000 and can be expanded and customized with options such as fire pits and fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, bars, pergolas, LED lighting, sounds systems, plant packages, water features and more. The opportunities to create your own outdoor oasis are endless!

Fall Maintenance for Patios, Walkways and Driveways

As those fall colors in the trees begin to flutter to the ground, try to remember to regularly blow or sweep the surfaces of your driveway, patio and walkways.  While autumn leaves can be quite beautiful, cool nights and warm days will cause condensation which, when mixed with leaves, can stain your concrete pavers.  In addition to leaves, certain trees, like the glorious maple, have whets called samaras (aka ‘helicopters’) which can be very abundant, particularly after higher stressed seasons.  In order to promote seed growth, Mother Nature designs samaras to dissolve with only small amounts of moisture; the downside is that they can stain even more easily than a leaf.

Besides sweeping the surfaces of this debris, sealing paver surfaces can also help stains from penetrating too deep into the surface of the stone, making them easier to clean.  If you have not already sealed your paver project and live in an area with an abundance of leaves, you may choose to consider sealing.

As patio season winds down you should also consider removing any furniture, planter urns or barbeques from your patio.  While some of these items may be marked as rustproof or ‘exterior grade’, it only takes one screw, bolt or nut that wasn’t rust proofed to cause an unsightly stain when subjected to the rigours of winter weather.  If you do find a rust stain on your pavers, it will be a little harder to clean off but not impossible if you use a rust remover specially designed for pavers.

A well installed paver driveway, walkway or patio is designed to stand the test of time.  With just a little proactive maintenance these paver surfaces will continue to look great for many years to come.

Aquartisan - The art of building waterfalls

The crown jewel in both form and function of any water feature is the waterfall, doing it correctly takes a lot of experience. It is very easy to spot a pond built by a contractor who has little to no training or experience. We call them "dump truck ponds", they appear as if a hole was dug and a pile of cobblestone was dumped in. Another common mistake is the "pearl necklace". This is a consistent ring around the water made of small cobblestone. I've included several simple rules below to prevent these unfortunate outcomes.

                                                      Scale is Everything

Beware the dreaded volcano falls. The waterfall should blend into the surroundings seamlessly. If you aren't building into an existing slope, for every foot up you go, you should be at least 2 times that in width on each side of the falls. For example, if we are building a two-foot high waterfall we step the grade down slowly and extend 4' or more on all three sides. This means your total footprint is a minimum of 10' in width. Rarely are we setting the biofall or wetland filter directly in the middle of this area. Typically, the side furthest from the viewing areas will step down faster but will extend out further. This way we can counter mature plant heights with the finished grade allowing space for a taller upright plantings in the backdrop.

Bigger is Better
Using larger boulders takes more time and even more heavy equipment. These boulders must be strapped and placed individually. It is the first and most obvious difference you will see when comparing a seasoned professional pond builder to a novice. Think about what happens in natural environments, where are the small cobblestones? The water has washed them all downstream! Large boulders should always be used on the waterfall in particular. These are called the framing rocks. How you want the water to flow will determine placement. Are you building rapids or sheet falls?

Less is More

We use considerably more total tonnage than a novice builder, but the difference is how that weight is distributed across boulder sizes. Unfortunately, most contractors are primarily going to use cobblestone with the largest boulders being maybe 16". This means they have to stack small boulders on top of each other in order to get the height they need. Use fewer, but larger boulders on the falls and vary your sizes on the edge treatments. There should be less than 2 framing rocks around the initial falls. At least one of them should be set so the tops are above the waterfall weir. While we are using more tons, we are still using fewer boulders.

Groups of Variety
Whether setting outcroppings on a slope or large boulders around a water feature you should be paying attention to groupings and the horizon view. Most of the boulders should be placed at different heights but on a parallel plane (level head). Rock layers are typically stratified so if you are using a dimensional stone you should be setting a minimum of a third of the boulders with a "level head". When grouping, these should alternate with each group containing an odd number of boulders possibly with one vertical boulder. The history of this placement goes all the way back to early Zen gardening and is called classic triad rock composition. The arrangements original design was to represent Buddha and his two attendants. This follows the same design philosophy as plantings. When installing an upright, oval shrub or small tree (focal point) you will offset a shrub about half the height to one side and then underplant the canopy of the focal point. The underplanting is typically on the viewing or "business side" with a ground cover. The same premise applies to boulder placement. That doesn't mean you shouldn't group three boulders at a similar height or the same direction. Doing this takes some practice and a good eye for negative space. It is usually accomplished by horizontal slate stacking between the grouped boulders. Even number groupings can also be successful, but are reserved for combinations such as a tall vertical and a reclining boulder or a short vertical and a flat rock. More on this below.

Listen and Prepare your canvas
When asked about the placement of specific boulders most pro's will tell you the boulder told them where to put it. It might sound funny, but it's true. While we do pick out specific boulders and driftwood at the supplier for specific locations, we also walk around the boulder pile on site for a considerable amount of time before we even start digging. Certain boulders will jump out as to where they should be set and which side is up. We can then set them aside and excavate specifically for that boulder. Inexperienced builders are excavating the same concentric rings at a set depth and then trying to fit random boulders in. An experienced builder have excavated the soil so once the liner and boulder pads are in, a specific boulder will set perfectly into place. "Listening" to the boulders takes some experience and background knowledge. Japanese gardening contains very specific rules that are still generally followed in today's landscape practices. Boulders are classified as tall, vertical, low vertical, arching, reclining, or flat. Each category and subcategory have a set of rules on how the setting should be accomplished. For example, a leaning stone should never be placed without a supporting stone. One of my favorites is called the nameless boulder. This is reserved for a boulder that normally would have been cast off as a reject. It differs from a focal point or "specimen" in that the boulder itself has little beauty. It is a seemingly random placement in the landscape that is both unexpected, yet feels balanced. It forces contemplation by the viewer as you wonder why it is there, but also feel it is necessary and should not be removed.

Go with the Flow
Flowing water is not just for the aesthetic value. It plays an important role in the acoustics, filtration and oxygen levels of the water feature. The height, flow rate and splash zone of the falls will determine the both the aesthetic and acoustic value. If the client requested a babbling brook, you are probably going to make up for a lack of aeration and flow with a combination of aerators and subsurface jets. Aesthetically, you don't want to go below around 2,000gph per foot of waterfall. This has to be balanced with the turn-over you require. Smaller ponds require the water to be turned over more frequently. As long as you have enough plants and aren't overstocked with fish, the more volume you have, the less turn-over you will require. You can create echo chambers in the splash zone to create more sound or a pooling area to dampen it. Use waterfall foam to keep the water flowing over the rocks and not between the voids. You also want debris to go with the flow and flush down to the skimmer or intake bay, not get lost in the voids. Speaking of going with the flow, water takes the path of least resistance which is rarely a straight line. Be sure to twist and turn the waterfall and streams. My best advice is to get out to some natural streams and waterfalls and watch them with a new-found appreciation. Where does the water turn? Most likely it's where it hit a large rock and eroded its way around it. Mimic this in your stream construction. the outside of a turn should have an anchor boulder that appears to have forced the water to turn. The inside of the turn is more likely to be a great place for smaller boulders or stone with a ground cover to soften the edge.

Find out more

Light it up with full color spectrum LED

Full-color zoning and dimming is now an available option thanks to the Luxor ZDC. I previously wrote about this one of a kind system as an option for seasonal, game day and other holiday lighting, but how does it stack up against other summer led lighting options?

The short answer is, it blows them away. Without getting overly technical, FXLuminaire continues to push the outdoor lighting envelope with new fixtures and new feature offerings. While they may be known more recently for technological advancements, they've built their reputation on premium materials, durable and serviceable equipment, and excellent support.

In addition to releasing the Luxor ZDC, the Luxor CUBE can now allow the control and dimming of low and line voltage fixtures. What the heck does that mean you ask? It means we now have the ability to control existing lights, water feature pumps, automatic gates, and any other item with a relay input all from your smart phone.



Do you have a fountain that you'd love to add to an automatic timing system? How about some bistro or pillar lights that aren't currently part of your low voltage system? Now you can skip the electrician and add these components to the smart phone app. See how it works below!

Interested in more information? Give us a call or complete this form to schedule a consultation.

Outdoor Kitchens - No Reservation Required

The history of grilling dates back some 500,000 years. It wasn't until the 1950s though, when George Stephen took controlling share of Weber Bros Metal Spinning Company, that backyard grilling was born. Stephen cut a harbor buoy in half, added a grate and cut in holes to control temperature. At the same time, World War II concluded and as Americans migrated to the suburbs backyard cooking would never be the same.

We have come a long way from a charcoal grill being our only option in the backyard. Eventually, larger grills with more prep space and a side burner became available. Soon after outdoor refrigerators and tiki bars were all the rage. As we progressed into a more full-service outdoor kitchen and bar options, they were typically built with a footing and masonry. Masonry outdoor kitchens were cost prohibitive and found only in the most expensive of homes. This was still the era of vacation homes and time shares after all.

Staycation wasn't a word found in our vernacular at the time. Since then both spouses began to work at full-time careers, the time share or family cabin became too time-consuming or expensive to hold on to. While we certainly still enjoy a trip to somewhere tropical during our time off, more and more Americans are investing a would-be vacation fund right into their own backyard. Here, the expense is a real estate investment and memories are made right at home.

Today's outdoor kitchens offer enough options to overwhelm any consumer. The best designs are as functional as an indoor kitchen eliminating the historical back and forth from one to the other. With modular systems like necessories outdoor living kits, the design can be as simple as a grill and table, or as elaborate as a full kitchen with an oven, prep station, refrigerator, sinks, warming drawers, fireplace, outdoor TV and more.

Depending on the complexity of your vision the completion of your outdoor kitchen can be a daunting task. Here are some tips to guide you through the process:

• Function
• Traffic flow
• Do you prefer one large open space or dividing the yard into sections such as the kitchen, living room, bar, and fire pit area?
• How will you entertain? 
• How many people overall would you host? How many children or elderly guests would typically attend? This may change your flooring choices.
• Scale
• If you have a small backyard, don't overdo it. Sometimes the best option is an all-inclusive grill island where the grill, prep and bar are all in the same place.
• Mechanics
• The mechanics of where water will flow and where electric and gas run will play a role in the functional design. You don't want to spend a lot of time designing something that becomes physically impossible, not permittable, or cost prohibitive.
• What distance from the house should the kitchen be? You don't want to be too far away, but you also don't want the grill filling the house with smoke either.
• Sinks
• Will you hook up to water from inside the house or just a seasonal connection?   
• The Working Triangle
• Just like an indoor kitchen, consider the relationship between prep, grill and storage spaces. 
• Budget
• Will you complete the entire project at once? Today's modular options mean you can complete the project in stages if needed. You'll want to have a solid plan in place for the finished product and ensure you don't end up spending more just to stage the process out.
• Once of the greatest expenses will be the appliances.
• While it pays to buy quality outdoor appliances, do you really need the largest available? If you don't plan on large gatherings, get smaller appliances. This will save you money on reduced counter space as well.
• Ambiance
• Unlike indoors, you are typically entertaining while working in the kitchen outside. Be sure to include areas where guests have access to you while you cook. Don't forget about setting the mood by incorporating optional features like:
• decorations
• outdoor televisions
• lighting  
• water features
• Weather
• So you are all set to have the party of a lifetime and its raining and cold outside! Be prepared by planning for the worst.
• incorporate a pergola or arbor
• patio heaters
• outdoor Fans or misters
• insect screens

Find out more

Making memories

Whether it's poolside, pondside or fireside, create your own place for your staycations.
Creating Outdoor Memories | Greenscapes | Madison, Wi - http://bit.ly/1SUBnT1

3d Landscape Design

We've come a long way from vellum paper! 
http://bit.ly/1Vq0U46

Unilock Authorized Contractor

Extraordinary Projects Start With An Extraordinary Contractor

When planning a landscaping project, there are dozens of important decisions - among them: choosing the right colors and style. The most important decision of all is choosing the right contractor for the job. The truth is, even the best designs and materials can be ruined by poor installation and workmanship.

Quality Workmanship - Guaranteed
Unilock Authorized Contractors are part of an elite group whose work and business practices have met demanding standards. Unilock conducts on-site inspections of the contractor's work and conducts client satisfaction reference checks before a contractor is considered for the program. Once Unilock Authorized Contractor status is granted, these inspections continue annually, and the contractor must re-affirm that they will continue to:

• Construct all projects in accordance with the Unilock Installation Standards
• Follow the Unilock Authorized Contractor Code of Ethics
• Participate in continuing education courses
• Offer a minimum two-year workmanship guarantee

Expect More
Unilock Authorized Contractors are true professionals who are experienced in proper site preparation, grading, base materials and compaction so you can rest assured that your project will look great and structurally perform for years to come. But that's not all - with a Unilock Authorized Contractor you can expect:

• Knowledgeable design advice
• A comprehensive estimate
• Quality base materials and installation practices
• A great looking project that stands the test of time

Peace of Mind
Unilock believes so strongly in the Authorized Contractor Program, that should an AUC be unable to fulfill their warranty obligations, Unilock will step in and repair any major structural failures of projects due to workmanship where Unilock product was installed residentially, for a period of two years from the date of installation.

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