The View from our home

Spring and summer, in a normal year ( not like the Rod Serling one we are experiencing during Covid -19) is the time to plant and bring color and flowers to our abodes. As a matter of fact, Mother”s Day has always been a big planting day, again, because of Covid-19, very little took place. While the “big box stores” do sell plants, most of us, prefer having a person of knowledge ( not the kid who left the fast food store a week ago and changed name tags) to assist us with making our homes express our feelings.

Those who listen to my show ( WCPT 820 am radio Sundays at 2 p.m.) know that last week, I was visited , via telephone, by Tony Abruscato who is THE person in charge of the Chicago Flower and Garden Show ( cancelled due to the virus) and we discussed, along with Frank what to do and the types of plants to make your property beautiful. I advised him that Jane and I needed some assistance. We are in a location unlike any other we have had in the past. A third floor balcony overlooking a major road and parking lot with morning sun and afternoon darkness. We are also considered a “corner” balcony so there are many days we get the “whipping winds”, so what can we do?

Tony suggested that we reach out to a gentleman who does many balconies in the city ( Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Gold Coast and even the South Loop and West River areas), Lifestyles Design. Joe Salerno and I met via telephone so I could explain what we wanted. To be honest, what we wanted made sense in our last home, but Joe said that the true beauty of decorating with plants on the balcony was to also have the pleasure of looking out the windows and seeing the beauty of the plants, trees and flowers as well as enjoying them on the days when we are on the balcony/patio. Made a lot more sense!

So, we took photos of the actual balcony which by the way measures about 20 feet long and has a width close to 4 feet. I sent these photos to Joe so he could evaluate the space properly and come up with some ideas. He also asked about colors that Jane and I felt were ones that would go with the home as well as give us the joyful feeling as we look out onto the balcony from our living room windows. Notice there are two sets of patio doors, but in reality, we only use the one closer to the barbeque.

Now we wait!

Now will come up with some ideas and do some drawings for us to digest and discuss with him. Once we have come to a choice that will do all that we want to accomplish. we will prepare for Joe and his people to start the process. We will show you photos as we progress and of course, the finished product as well.

If you need to contact them, send photos to jslifestyles@gmail.com

To visit, http://lifestyledesignsbyjoesalerno.com

They are highly acclaimed for their work with rooftop gardens and terraces. Stay tuned.