Avant Gardening

Archive: January 2017

Winter Daydream – Craftsman Small-Space Gardening

Sick of Wisconsin Winters yet? We decided that this week we are feeling the need to dream of summer. Just pretend it's a beautiful, warm July day... you're out on your patio, sipping some lemonade, birds are chirping, flowers are nodding in the warm breeze.... How about we take you…

Rough Wisconsin Landscape – Salt Tolerant Plants

Our climate can be crazy! From freezing rain to temperatures in the 40's in January... it's difficult to predict what it's going to do next! With the recent freezing rain and the need to spread sand (and salt in most cases) we thought we'd share a list of plants that…

5 Questions Worth Asking Your Potential Landscaper

Local trade shows and expos can be awkward and intimidating! Do you get anxious wandering through a huge exposition hall lined with booth after booth of unfamiliar companies... New expo visitors can be hesitant for numerous reasons. Do any of the following situations below apply to you? Just bought a…

Top 3 Wisconsin Landscape Plants Attractive All Year Long

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…

Why is Dormant Pruning Important? Expert Tree & Shrub Trimming

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…

Your Wisconsin Landscape & Garden Checklist – January

“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…