Question
Help!

We bought a new home in Belleville, IL last year have no landscaping other than sod in front and a poorly seeded back yard.  

I've had a soil study done and have charted what parts of the yard are sunny/shady at different times of day.

We've visit the Missouri Botanical Gardens and have found several types of trees and plants we like.  

How do I find a good landscaper?  I don't know anybody in the area who can recommend one.  I'd like somebody who can help me choose native or easily adaptable plants and trees that will be low maintenance and provide a beautiful landscape year round.  

I really want to have it planned out before I start instead of just putting plants in the yard and seeing what happens.

Thanks for your help.

Answer
Robert,

You have certainly done your homework.  Having the soil tested is very important for fertilization and knowing the sun/shade characterisitics will prevent planting in wrong locations.  Visiting the SLBG was a good idea for plants that grow in southern IL.  

How do you find a good landscaper?  This is an important question as there are BAD landscapers out there.  Here are some tips I give homeowners here in Bloomington/Normal.

First, look in the phone book and interview.  you are about to make a big purchase and interviewing will help.

Second, ask the local garden centers.  Again, interview and ask for references.

Third, if you find a home landscape that looks great, stop and ask who installed the landscape.  

I hope this helps,

Gary