The ultimate summer entryway, July garden tasks, driveway redesigns, Bob Bertog on WGN Radio, and notes from the President's desk on the 250th.
A welcoming front porch framed by layered shrubs and plants serves as the perfect showcase for classic summer curb appeal. This clean first impression sets a patriotic tone right at the front door, channeling the timeless charm of old-school summer days.
Vibrant flower beds and white hydrangeas mirror the front steps, creating an immediate sense of celebration. A quintessential shaded porch is an inviting place to sit back, sip iced tea and chat with neighbors passing by.
Our team at Bertog Landscape considers your home's architecture and attributes when designing custom landscapes. This clean, structured approach ensures the entire front entryway feels balanced, intentional and purposeful.
Celebrating 250 years of independence reminds us of the simple joy of spending the holiday at home — enjoying block parties, barbecues and fireworks. The team at Bertog Landscape Co. wishes you a happy, safe and relaxing Fourth of July.
Your driveway is your home's red carpet. It's the first impression guests have before they reach the front door. Investing in a professional redesign transforms a utilitarian necessity into an architectural statement.
Timeless pavers, modern stone or classic cobblestones allow you to tailor texture and durability. These high-quality materials withstand the rigors of daily use while providing essential drainage solutions. Make this the season for a change — contact us today to get started.
Missed it last year? You're in luck.
Bob Bertog once again joins Lou Manfredini for WGN Radio's "Keepin' It Green" on Saturday, July 18. Mark your calendars.
The show broadcasts live from Lurvey Home & Garden from 6 to 10 a.m. Tune in — or visit on-site from 9 to 10 a.m. — to catch Bob sharing expert landscaping insights and seasonal tips.
Before going on air, Bob and Team Bertog will be on-site to answer questions about gardens and landscapes. Bring photos of landscape problem areas for quick advice.
The event, sponsored by Toro, Simple Flooring, Techo-Bloc, Lurvey, and Bertog, is a good opportunity to get inspiration for your outdoor living spaces. Join in on activities for kids and adults, including a container-building workshop. Take advantage of in-store discounts and prizes. Hungry? Visit the food truck on-site for coffee and breakfast foods.
Stop by the live broadcast or listen on the airwaves at WGN Radio 720 AM or wgnradio.com. Lurvey Home & Garden is located at 2550 W. Dempster St. in Des Plaines.
Tune in every Wednesday during the 1 p.m. hour when Bob joins John Williams to answer listener calls during his broadcast.
Who doesn't have turf woes during midsummer? Fortunately, Bob Bertog has answers. He recently joined WGN Midday News anchor Ben Bradley to share the ultimate lawn-care playbook — tying the four-step treatment program to holidays so your grass has a fighting chance all summer long.
From decoding fertilizer applications to spotting stressed turf, Bob made mastering the basics simple. He also rolled out genius tricks like the "carpet test" for hidden grubs and the "tug test" for heat-stressed grass.
Click here to watch "Gardener's Toolbox"
Don't let uninvited guests ruin your patio time. Bertog's Mosquito Barrier creates an invisible shield around your property so you can enjoy the outdoors in comfort.
Organic, bee- and pet-friendly, Mosquito Barrier uses a garlic-extract solution to repel mosquitos and chase away ticks, fleas and gnats. Lower tree leaves, the leaf surface of grass, ornamental plants and standing water are coated with the solution. Any scent dissipates in open air, leaving no lingering odor.
With our late-spring rains and high late-June temperatures, mosquitos will be a bother. Vow not to swat — call us soon.
My wife and I bought our starter home in Glenview 36 years ago and still enjoy it as our residence. One of the first things I did was install a flagpole.
My father, a veteran, always flew the U.S. flag — with a light for nighttime display — while we were growing up, and I continued that tradition at our home.
As our landscape matured, the ginko and arborvitae began to interfere with the flag's ability to fly freely. Over the years, I replaced the flag many times — the wind would blow, the flag would catch on the gingko, get stuck and rip.
I flew the "W" for the Cubs, the "W" for the Blackhawks (when it was meaningful), the Indiana Hoosier flag during the college playoffs and the Miami flag last basketball season. All of them tangled, ripped and ruined.
Now as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country, I purchased a commemorative flag — only to look at my flagpole and find it listing about 30 degrees to the east. Honestly, a little embarrassing.
So I had a vision. Relaxing on our front porch one evening and watching the fireflies, it came to me: a new flagpole with an irregular flagstone base, two Adirondack chairs, small cocktail table, a little propane fire table and a new flag — lit up at night. This month, that's the 250-year flag.
Let us help you bring a vision like this to life. Whether you want to celebrate, reflect or simply enjoy a quiet moment in your own intimate outdoor space — we can make it happen. Cheers to 250.
Keepin' it green. Bob Bertog
"When we honor our flag, we honor what we stand for as a nation — freedom, equality, justice and hope." — Ronald Reagan
— Bertog Landscape
