In This Issue:

1. In the Vegetable Garden
2. Landscaping is for the Birds
3. Gardening Green
4. Our Work
5. Need a Hand?
6. Find us on Facebook!
7. Meet the Staff: Tyler Applegate – General Manager

In the Vegetable Garden

The first day of summer is just weeks away, and it is finally safe to plant out tender annuals and vegetables. Tomatoes, peppers and eggplants can be safely planted now. Select vegetables with interesting foliage color and texture like artichokes, Rouge D’Hiver Romaine lettuce, Ruby Perfection Red Cabbage, Redbor or Toscano Kale. Along with basil, begonias and coleus, sow seed for marigold, zinnias and sunflowers to add color to your vegetable garden. Add cucumbers, squash and beans and also consider planting as many perennial plants as possible, such as asparagus, chives, thyme, and strawberries.

Landscaping is for the Birds

Consider plants that attract birds and you will be rewarded with many welcome visitors this season. Fruit, seeds and nectar are wonderful food sources. Trees and shrubs can provide year-round shelter, and many plants provide safe nesting sites. Interested in attracting hummingbirds to your garden this year? Here are a few of their favorites:

• Columbine
• Butterfly Weed
• Cardinal Flower
• Turk's Cap Lily
• Lupine
• Penstemon
• Phlox

Gardening Green

Did you know that one hour of pollution from a mower is equivalent to about 340 miles driven by a car? How can we adapt our gardening practices to reduce our emissions?

• Reduce the use of gas powered garden equipment to minimize use of  fossil fuels
• Eliminate the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides
• Conserve water

Learn more about Gardening Green!

Our Work

Are you considering a landscaping project?  Click here to view examples of our work.

Need a Hand?

Do you have an upcoming summer event, wedding or graduation? Need your landscape looking its best? We can help! At Avant we think of ourselves as the ‘Gardener’s gardener.’ Professional gardening services free up your time and allow you to enjoy your outdoor spaces without all the chores.  Learn more about our maintenance programs!

Find us on Facebook!

See pictures of what's blooming each month, and visit our staff gardens! Learn tips, tricks and more!

Meet the Staff: Tyler Applegate – General Manager

Tyler has a degree from Southern Illinois University in Plant and Soil Science with a focus on Horticulture. For the past 7 years, Tyler has brought a variety of experience to Avant. Tyler managed landscape grounds and golf courses owned by the PGA Tour. With a passion for plants beyond turf, Tyler’s background also includes sustainable/organic gardening and greenhouse practices. He is also Green Roof Certified. 

Click here to see Tyler's own garden on Facebook! 

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