Many Wisconsin gardeners believe four-season interest means they’re limited to evergreens, but there are many other options! The three plants listed below are top favorites because they have either unique berries, bark or other interesting element in the winter - and they're not evergreens! 1. Seven-Son Flower (Heptacodium miconioides) has glossy…

Do you have a large Dogwood, Viburnum or other suckering plant that is outgrowing its space? Dormant pruning maybe your solution! What is dormant pruning?   Well what does "dormant" mean exactly... with regards to a plant or bud, "dormant" means: alive but not actively growing. Think of it like a…

“The wise gardener anticipates June in January.”  ~Author Unknown Most of us in Madison, Wisconsin have already gone into hibernation – the below zero landscape outside and frigid wind chills make us cozy up inside and dream of spring (only venturing out if absolutely necessary!) But there are still plenty of…

Nothing. Ha- Just kidding! We design of course! As the temperatures in our Wisconsin landscape get bitterly cold, our skilled team of Landscape Architects and Landscape Designers remain available for design and master planning projects during the winter months. We can help you with that rain garden, retaining wall, outdoor…

After the last snowstorm of 7+ inches of snow... some of you might be thinking... Whyyyy do I still live in this Wisconsin landscape? What is the point of snow? Is this necessary?! Does snow serve any good purpose for my plants?! Snow is nature’s way of offering a layer…

Top 10 Gifts for Gardeners With the holidays approaching it’s time to check your green-thumbed friend off your list! Shopping can be stressful… whether it’s for a fellow gardener or that aunt that doesn’t want anything. These gift ideas are sure to be perfect for the garden enthusiast in your…

Annual container displays aren’t just for the warmer months! Just think of all the possibilities – instead of the traditional wreath this year, why not an ice skate filled with bright berries or an antique children’s sled propped up with birch branches? Make your front entry unique this holiday season. This…

“So many plants, so little space” is a lament heard many times over by gardeners who long for more room to get their hands dirty.  It can be very challenging to create an attractive and functional small space, as well as carving out an intimate area that affords some privacy…

Recipe courtesy of the Kielstrup's Kitchen (Thanks Becky!!) Start with 4# apples, quartered - do not peel Put in large saucepan with 2 cups water and 1 cup apple cider vinegar, cook until apples are soft. Then put the mix through food mill to make apple sauce like consistency. Transfer…

The Village of Shorewood Hills received a Dane County Environmental Community Partner grant ($1,000) in 2015.  The grant funded public education and awareness of stormwater management and bio-retention sites in the community. Because Avant Gardening & Landscaping was involved in the design and planting, Shorewood Hills partnered with us to…