Landscape Design with Watercolour Gardens

Now that spring has arrived, it’s a great time to get a new landscape designed and planted.  With cooler than average spring temperatures, new plantings require much less watering and nursery stock is abundant.

Whether it’s a small city garden or a sprawling suburban landscape, Watercolour Gardens will work closely with you to create a design suited to your lifestyle and needs.  The first consult is free and any budget can be accommodated, with the expertise of an Oxford trained designer.  We offer various levels of service, from lush perennial paintings to complete hardscaping projects, using the best of materials to create a lasting environment.  We offer a full service solution, from concept to completion.

Please visit Watercolour Gardens online or contact us at 1.847.380.2699

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Astrologer William Lilly

In 1647, the famed English astrologer wrote, “Lilly’s Christian Astrology”. He was initially the favourite of King Charles I and provided very accurate information for the monarch. His writings brought about the foundation for modern astrology.  He translated traditional Latin astrology texts from the Middle Ages, into English.  He was rather revolutionary for his time and accurately predicted many occurrences.

After the first battle on the famous Oxfordshire bridge in Radcot, the 1st English Civil War began. William Lilly stayed loyal to the king, while sympathetic to Parliaments complaints. It’s claimed, William predicted the execution of King Charles I .  When the English Commonwealth was enacted by the Puritan lead Parliament, after the 2nd English Civil War, Lilly provided astrology services to many Members of Parliament. Lilly’s Christian Astrology is even dedicated to a very prominent member of Parliament, Bolstrod Whitlock, Esq.

William Lilly’s most famous prediction was the Great Fire of London, in 1666. He was brought before the House of Commons to give testimony, as he was considered a suspect. After several hearings, the case against William Lilly was dismissed.

During the Restoration under King Charles II, in 1660, Mr. Lilly fell out of favour. His support of the Republicans, during the English Commonwealth, doomed his political reach . He humbly retired to the Home County of Surrey and died in 1681.

Here are several links about William Lilly and the transitional period of history he graced.

Bio William Lilly

The Great Fire of London, 1666

Bio King Charles I

Bio King Charles II 

Offering a 1st edition copy, printed in 1647. It’s in very complete condition, with several pages replaced in an old hand (handwritten in the 17th century). There is a signature on the dedication page, which I can’t make out. All pages are present and numbered. The binding and leather exterior are in Very Good condition for a book of 364 years old. The printed and handwritten pages are all in Very Good condition and easy to turn. There are some wormholes throughout the book. This is common with old books. Below are several photos of the book. More photos can be taken by request.

I’m offering this 1st edition copy, printed in 1647

$995.-

Please be in contact for details, payment and shipping arrangements.

Email: inquire@hartonginternational.com

Tel. 847.380.2699

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Quality Garden Tools

Just as any tool, garden tools come in various levels of quality.  Many cheaper tools will get the job done, but might only last a season or two.  If you want something that will last a lifetime and put less stress on the local landfill, buy tools with a proven forging process.  It really does make a difference using a quality tool.  There’s less of a chance of breaking or bending under hard use.

Clarington is one of my favorite tool companies. Since 1780, they have been assembling fine tools.  Clarington has a long history of craftsmanship and are not outrageously expensive either.  You can buy more expensive tools but I’ve found Clarington to stand up well to time and wear.

Even though they are manufactured in the UK by Bulldog Tools, they are readily available in the US.  Here is a link to a Stateside distributor. Also, The Garden Tool Co. carries Clarington garden tools.

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Spring Planting

Now that the ground has thawed, it’s a great time to start planting shrubs & trees. The roots tend to take well in the cool wet conditions. Spring is a short season in Chicago, so the sooner the better. Less water is required than in summer planting, in turn costing a homeowner less to start a new landscape.

Regardless of when anything is planted, mulch is essential. Mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil and discourages weeds from growing. Make sure to use a natural dark mulch like, shredded hardwood.  It looks great and improves the soil as it breaks down.  For more about landscaping ideas, visit Watercolour Gardens.

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Landscape Design

Are you looking to have a landscape to relax and entertain friends in?  Watercolour Gardens provides landscape design services to match many budgets. Whether it’s a small city garden or a large suburban property, we offer the design experience to make the most of your outdoor living space.

We design small city gardens, container gardens, decks, terraces, stonework, perennial gardens, rooftop gardens and  large north shore landscapes. Gardens can take on so many functions and the combinations are endless.  We help you prioritize, then plan and build accordingly.

While based in Chicago, Watercolour Gardens has created landscapes in both Europe and North America.  For more information about setting up a consultation, visit Watercolour Gardens.

For information about natural swimming pools, see article.

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Outdoor Room

Landscape design has become more important, as property owners look to expand usable living space.  The term “outdoor room” has been floating around for years. Again in America, sophisticated utilitarian gardens have become fashionable.  No longer is a homeowner limited to a traditional deck and lawn in their garden. Adding additional terraces and three season outdoor rooms, has become a logical way to extend square footage to a home.

Sherry Thomas of North Shore Magazine recently wrote, an excellent article about the European outdoor room philosophy, which has been revived.

From European-style swimming pools to sultry outdoor living rooms, North Shore residents are finding more ways than ever to turn their homes inside out.

When Susan Forney first saw her sprawling estate home in Northfield, she fell in love with its Old World elegance and history.

“I’m the third owner,” she says of her 1923 property. “It was built by a gentleman who, around the turn of the century, designed a seal that was used for Ford motor cars.” As the man made his fortune, he and his wife (a transplanted Southern belle) moved into a mansion in Chicago and built the Georgian in the country, on a 22-acre spread with ample room for horses and entertaining, as a place to escape the oppressive city heat.

Click here to read the full article.

To learn more about landscape design in Chicago and on the North Shore, visit Watercolour Gardens.

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