Colorful spring-blooming bulbs were placed throughout the perennial beds to bring the property to life in the early spring. Splashes of color and textures can be found throughout the entire property.

The landscape was intentionally designed to create an environment for native plant species and wildlife with opportunities for PCA’s employees to disconnect from work and engage with nature. At the farthest point from the building, walkers are entirely surrounded by nature in a park-like setting.

Native plants including more than 17,000 perennials and 272 shrubs, provide year-round seasonal interest. The plant palette includes native plant species of varying heights, texture, dimensions, and characteristics which are layered to create attractive views.

An expansive, low-maintenance deck adjacent to the indoor cafeteria entices employees to venture outdoors and enjoy the grand views of the pond and landscape. Native plant material and the naturalized pond shoreline help create the backyard-casual vibe by framing the deck and encouraging butterflies, bees and birds to visit.

The crushed bluestone walking path meanders around the existing pond, through the oak grove, and throughout the entire PCA property so employees can disconnect from work and enjoy nature within the privacy and comfort of the site. More than 95 tons of bluestone chip was used for the 3” layer on top of the grade nine base. Steel edging helps contain the stone and makes it easier to maintain.

The site is adjacent to a four-lane road (Route 60) and very close to Interstate 94. Since evergreen screens can reduce highway noise by 40% and provide year round protection, we selected varying sizes of Norway spruce, concolor fir, and white pine to layer and create a natural evergreen screen with 37 new trees. Existing deciduous trees create pockets of views into the sight, which was important to village officials.

To align with sustainability principles, most existing lawn areas, shown in this before picture, were replaced with native plant material and perennial beds which now cover more than 25% of the site. The native trees, shrubs, and perennial mixes naturalize the space, are cost-effective to maintain, and fight pests naturally, which minimizes chemical applications.

The existing manicured turf around the pond was replaced with native grasses, perennials, and layers of stone to create a more natural transition from the pond edge up to the new semi-circle seating area.

Perennial sweeps, reminiscent of prairie-style design, create large swaths of year-round seasonal color and attract native animal and insect species such as butterflies, finch, and praying mantises.

Walkers that venture along the quarter-mile walking path to the southernmost part of the pond are delighted to find PCA Point, a large rock outcropping with informal seating options.

Prior to the renovation, there were two small sections of existing rock retaining walls on the east and south sides of the building. Over 52 tons of boulders were added for large sitting platforms at PCA Point, and an additional 30 tons of smaller boulders were added to naturalize the pond edge.

Prior to renovation, the property was a typical commercial building with manicured lawns, minimal perennial beds and tired, old shrubs.

With this high-visibility property in the Northshore, the client wanted to set an example for commercial buildings and make a statement about how beautiful and important native landscapes are.

Before renovation, the pond edge was lost in overgrown buckthorns, invasive grasses and weeds.

A xeriscaping approach to plant selection and design allowed for the existing irrigation system to be adapted with quick couplers so watering is focused exactly where and only when it’s needed.

Prior to renovation, the site contained virtually no native plants. Native plant material now covers 85% of the site. More than 17,000 perennials have been installed on site and 3,200 more will be added in this Fall.

The master plan for 1 North Field Court is shown above.