Michigan Avenue - Niche Media - Michigan Avenue magazine is a luxury lifestyle magazine centered around Chicago’s finest people, events, fashion, health & beauty, fine dining & more!
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/692589
This Chicago townhouse boasts a European feel with multicolored brickwork, climbing vines, and a charming fountain. below: Manicured hedges anchored by lush trees perfectly frame a paved walkway. 154 michiganavemag.com Frank Mariani's green thumb was accustomed to high standards early on. "My grandparents had a small nursery," Mariani reminisces of the no-less-than 65-acre property, "and they had a fabulous vegetable garden—something my parents continued." Now, Mariani is the third generation behind the nation's largest privately owned residential landscape company, Mariani Landscape (300 Rockland Road, Lake Bluff, 847-234- 2172; marianilandscape. com). Here's how he suggests creating the ultimate outdoor oasis. Go green. "We're somewhat spoiled because of Lake Michigan, and although it's still very, very important to be sensitive to the use of water, unfortunately it's not a big thought [in this region]," says Mariani, whose business is known for its sustainable efforts. He recommends shying away from plants that require daily H 2 0 ("If somebody's really looking for a lot of color in their garden, chances are that's going to use a bit more water," he explains, "but the placement of the plants [and] the right soil can lower the [amount needed]"), and he often "A chAnge in the wAy mAteriAl is utilized cAn mAke something hArd turn into something softer, lighter, And more comfortAble." —frank mariani Splendor in the Grass ChiCago's go-to green spaCe guy Frank Mariani shares his adviCe for making the great outdoors even more fabulous. By Meg Mathis SPACE LANDSC APE