Some of our recent

Projects

We Create New or Renovate Existing Residential Landscapes

For 17 years, T.I.L.’s work has been to create landscapes that look and function much like they do in the wild. By layering plants into actual “plant communities”, our landscapes are healthy calls to action. These natural systems thrive in cities, suburbs and rural areas alike and imitate nature’s laws. Visually beautiful, they are also biologically diverse.

Following in a photo below, one can view an irregular shaped patio of crushed granite and unusual manganese pavers set on vertical end. The purpose of this patio was twofold: eliminate the need for mowing as the area was difficult to access and create a beautifully landscaped space viewed from the upper formal patio. The unusual shape has a small central ornamental garden for visual interest and color. The plantings in the entire space are a harmonious mix of Native and Ornamental plants. This garden is located in a big university town in the Midwest. T.I.L. maintained this property for 12 years.

In three other photos (with fence, arbor and upper patio), T.I.L. designed and installed an entire deep City lot. All turf and former commercial block hardscaping were removed and replaced with terraced local stone walls, custom-made fencing and a rose arbor. The client wanted to eliminate the need for mowing. Predominantly Native plants were used for low maintenance and aesthetics. The plants are mainly Native Grasses and Shrubs, Flowering plants, Roses and Ornamental Evergreens. A photo has a view of the rear walkway and upper patio area for seating. This private area (termed “sanctuary” by the client) of the garden also has a bird feeding station requested by the owner.

“Finding Mena was a blessing! She was able to envision a unique, almost wild/natural oasis for our humble yard space and help make our home more of a home. Her design was as creative as the specimens she brought. Many yards around us have an almost standard, cookie-cutter landscaping; we appreciate the knowledge/diversity she came in with and still appreciate the relatively low maintenance of our trees, bushes and flowers. We continue to look forward to seeing how these plants grow, as the difference in just one season has been a delight!”

Jessica & Jorge Pennsylvania subdivision

“Mena contracted Avant Gardening & Landscaping to install her design that was a complete renovation of an existing property. The project included landscape construction, regarding, planting, and mulching. We were very impressed by her attention to detail, her communication skills, and her daily involvement during the installation. Her concern was to provide her clients with a landscape that exceeded their expectations. Working with Mena is a pleasure. She is a true professional.”

Liza LightfootOwner, Avant Gardening & Landscaping, Inc.

“After taking care of my one-acre lot and its gardens for nearly twenty years, I called on Mena to help me “clean it up” and add new life. Mena delivered what I had hoped for – new ideas grounded in knowledge of garden structure, creative use of existing materials, and plants for various soils and light conditions. She welcomed my hands-on involvement. It was pure pleasure working with Mena and her crew.”

Betta OwensHomeowner

Mena Cimino designed our front and backyard gardens five years ago. She did a beautiful job transforming our landscaping from the worst on the block to the most envied. We are extremely satisfied. Mena listened to our requests for a low maintenance landscape and delivered a design that surpassed everything we wanted while staying within our budget. Mena has a keen understanding of Wisconsin’s climate and used many native species in her design. We offer TIL our highest recommendation.”

Judy SegalHomeowner

“Mena created a Master Plan doing a complete renovation of our property. She helped us select a firm for the installation and managed the whole process… We wanted gardens with visual interest in all four seasons, low maintenance, and tough enough for dogs. The hardscaping and fencing which she monitored fit into the overall design. She advised us on garden care and followed up on the health of plants often after installation and even the next year. Mena was great to work with and we love our garden. It’s our sanctuary.”

Kristen Bernard & Rick EzellHomeowners