Tumbled concrete pavers create a casual atmosphere.
Light, Color and Texture
Varying shapes and sizes create a layered landscape.
Experimenting with Color
Glenview, Illinois
Every year for more than two decades, the Van Zelst team has counted on a new challenge from this long-term client. A lover of color, she has been continually excited about trying new palettes and plant combinations, often based on her whatever might be catching her eye this year.
The mutual trust that developed over this enduring relationship led to many beautiful landscapes. Occasionally, our team would take on a major renovation or upgrade, such as raising the rear beds to make them easier for her to reach or replacing overgrown evergreens, but most years were focused on adding to the already spectacular color with new annuals, perennials and shrubs.
In addition, the Van Zelst maintenance team has been responsible for keeping the landscape healthy and lush, as well as repairing and maintaining hardscape elements.
Knowing that there isn’t a plant this homeowner didn’t like, the Van Zelst team has delighted in creating colorful, texture-rich environments that evolve from May through November.
New Brick Paver Drive in Winnetka
Replacing concrete upgrades the whole property.
Extreme Home Makeover
Winnetka, Illinois
The owner of this home, a respected home builder, completely renovated the property — inside and out. Given his trade, the client wanted to maintain focus on the updated house itself. The Van Zelst team extended the new feel of the home into the landscape with carefully chosen hardscape elements and thoughtful plantings that provide pockets of color and visually frame the home.
New hardscape additions make an immediate impact. A dilapidated asphalt drive was removed and replaced with clay pavers, installed by the Van Zelst in-house masonry team. A dated flagstone walk gave way to carefully laid bluestone slabs that complement the red brick and will last a lifetime. These more appropriately reflect the level of polish evident throughout the home.
Behind the house, a concrete pool deck was also replaced with bluestone, a brick wall helps delineate front and back living areas, and a Lannon stone wall provides a visual and functional transition to the expansive back yard. By combining various types of stone, the finished look is interesting, layered and unique, while enhancing the flow of the overall environment.
Like many Winnetka homes, this one was plagued by drainage issues. To eliminate future problems, the Van Zelst team designed a new underground drainage system to move water away from the low-lying backyard and pump it to the storm sewer at the front of the house. Best of all, the system is almost fully concealed.
Moving forward, Van Zelst maintenance professionals ensure that the hardscape and plantings remain healthy and ready for the family to enjoy throughout the year.
A Layer of Sophistication
Jerusalem limestone slabs elevate the tone of the patio.
Naturalized Walkway
Creeping thyme and bluestone lead through shady, low plantings.
Hardscape Brings People Together
The pool deck, patio and fire pit draw groups of different sizes.
Wildflowers Go Wild
Native plants bloom with abandon in their natural habitat.
Enhancing the Natural Flow
Stone garden walls and walkways lead through the plantings.
Supporting the Stone Riverbank
Natural-looking walls shore up plantings and patios.
Whimsical Water Feature
A river rock bed adds a glossy sheen to the plant beds.