2013 Home and Garden Show, Escanaba MI

Even though we still have a couple feet of snow on the ground and signs of spring seem further away than ever, we are deep into preparation for the upcoming season.  Machinery is getting an annual spring tune up, details are coming together on design plans for our spring installs, new equipment purchases are being researched, and our plant order is ready to be finalized.  Soon we will be buried under spring clean-ups, early design installs, and grass growing faster than we can keep up with it!  

Just looking at the list of things that need to be completed before the snow melts can send my head spinning, but if you are feeling the need for spring and would like to get in on a little of the excitement, join us for the 2013 Kiwanis Home & Garden Show and Pancake Days in Escanaba, MI.  The show begins on the evening of April 12 and goes through Sunday the 14th. Craftsman, landscape designers, builders, and other home and garden specialists fill the Ruth Butler building on the UP Fairgrounds.  Bring your ideas and pictures and discuss your options with a captive audience of some of the most qualified men and women in the business.  Show admission is free, although attendees are encouraged to eat up at the pancake feed - all you can eat pancakes and fixings for $5 ($3 children). All proceeds from the show and pancake feed will benefit the community.

If you are in the area or want to make a special trip, this show is definitely worth it. We will have a booth this year and would love to see you!  Any questions?  Contact us at: service@uplandscapes.com   

Thinking Inside the Box

While designing our booth for the 2013 Escanaba Home and Garden Show (stay posted for more info!), Michael decided he wanted to create a few custom planters made from steel.  After throwing around a few ideas and sketches we put the project aside for when we had more time.  I was delighted when I pulled into the garage this evening after school to find this first planter, a smaller version of the ones for the show, finished.  I was a little disappointed I missed the process, but coming home to the final product was quite fun! Although some of our original designs had more complexity, I must say I am in love with the streamlined character of this one.  The finished size on this planter is about 10"x10".  

It is simple but bold.  The patina offers such a richness and character.  This container is just begging to be filled to overflowing.  What will fill it?  Only imagination will tell!  

Steel, welding, and little chemistry 

Dried hydrangeas are the only fill I can come up with on this cold and snowy March night, but oh does this help me visualize the potential.  

Spring come soon!  

Transformation

Perhaps the part I like most about landscape design is the transformation of outdoor space.      

Each spring this transformation takes place changing drab darkness into color, texture, and interest.

The final product is the goal - a finished outdoor kitchen, a new patio, a foundation planting, or perennial gardens, but me, the process is the best part.  

Problem areas can be assessed 

Re-envisioned  to their full potential 

and allowed to begin the process of transformation

It is living art, taking the old 

and giving it a fresh face 

It is about starting small 

and maturing 

It is about seeing potential 

and watching it realized 

The results can be stunning, but my favorite aspect is watching how we get there.