Second Nature at Reads Creek

06/05/2026

06/04/2026

Our Landscape Academy for Kids proved that great landscape architects come in all sizes!

Our junior designers learned how to read and draw landscape plans using real design symbols, how to ask questions and think about outdoor spaces like landscape architects, and why pathways are often curved in order to invite visitors to explore what lies ahead.

We spent time in the new Japanese Garden discussing how landscapes can create feelings of peace, curiosity, and discovery. Along the way, we learned about some fascinating plants, including the Fringe Tree, whose fragrant blooms have even been used to make perfume.

And perhaps most importantly, we confirmed that sandbox projects aren't just for little kids. Big kids have important sandbox work to do, too. 😄

Thank you to this fantastic group of kids for bringing your creativity, curiosity, and imagination. The future of outdoor spaces is in excellent hands!

Want to see what other fun things are going on? View our events here: www.SecondNatureAtReadsCreek.com

06/03/2026

One of our favorite gardening tips:
🌱 At least once each year, grow something you've never grown before.
Sometimes it's a new tomato.
Sometimes it's a pepper you've never tasted.
Sometimes it's an herb that becomes your new kitchen favorite.

With our tomatoes, peppers, and herbs now 50% OFF, this is a pretty inexpensive way to experiment.
And what a time to experiment! We have:
🌿 10 different kinds of basil
🌿 3 kinds of sage (including Pineapple Sage!)
🌿 6 varieties of oregano
🌿 Enough varieties of mint to keep you in mojito recipes all summer long 🍹
🍅 A dozen different tomato varieties
🌶️ A dozen different pepper varieties

Worst case? You learn something.
Best case? You discover a new favorite plant, recipe, or summer tradition.
Who knows? This might be the summer you discover that pineapple sage belongs in your tea, Thai basil belongs in your stir fry, or that there's a tomato variety you like even better than your old standby.
What would you try if there was no wrong answer?

06/02/2026

Some projects are about landscaping. Others are about creating places that matter.

The Dwelling Place shared that time spent at Second Nature inspired their vision for a place centered around rest, renewal, and connection, and we are deeply honored. Their story is a reminder that beautiful outdoor spaces have the power to shape memories, spark ideas, and create opportunities for people to gather and recharge.

We're grateful to be partnering with them on this exciting project and can't wait to see it come to life. Give their page Dwelling Place a follow and join us on the journey.

Ever since our family moved to the Driftless Region, Second Nature at Reads Creek has held a special place in our hearts. We've spent countless hours there creating memories on the rope swing, feeding the fish, and playing in the sand with our kids. It quickly became one of our family's favorite places.

As we spent time there, a little dream began to grow in my heart. What if people could experience this same beauty and tranquility while enjoying a cabin getaway designed for rest, renewal, and connection?

I never imagined that dream would become a reality.

Beginning next week, we're partnering with Second Nature to transform the Dwelling Place into a luxurious private outdoor spa experience surrounded by lush landscapes and peaceful spaces designed to enhance the guest experience of slowing down, reconnecting, and finding rest.

We'll be sharing renderings, progress updates, and behind-the-scenes photos as the vision comes to life. 🤗🌾🌷🌿🌱🌲🪻🪷☀️🧖🏼‍♀️🧖🏼

05/29/2026

We only have a couple spots filled for our Landscape Academy workshop this weekend… and honestly, it deserves a full crew of creative kids! ☀️

The weather will be beautiful, and this is such a fun way for kids to spend time learning, imagining, designing, and playing outdoors in a beautiful setting.

Kids will:
🏡 Design their own outdoor spaces
📐 Learn real landscape architect symbols
🖊 Draw like the pros
🏖 Bring their ideas to life in the sandbox
Perfect for kids who love art, nature, building, creativity… or just getting their hands in the sandbox!😄

💲Cost is just $20
🌿 Sign up at secondnatureatreadscreek.com

Tag a parent or grandparent who has a creative kiddo! ⬇️

05/29/2026

05/29/2026

Today in our business leadership group, the word we focused on was: "overwhelm".

And honestly? We all feel it. The endless to-do lists. The projects you know need attention. The spaces around your home that feel more stressful than restful.

One of the things we’ve realized over the years is that a good landscape company doesn’t just make things look nice, we help carry some of the weight of the feeling of "overwhelm".

Sometimes that means helping you maintain your property through pruning, mulching, weeding, and seasonal cleanup so things stay manageable. Sometimes it means creating lower-maintenance solutions like no-mow grass or redesigning a difficult area to make it both beautiful and easier to care for. Sometimes it’s solving drainage and water issues that have been causing you frustration for years. Sometimes it's telling you that you don't need to install an expensive wall to solve your problem or that you don't need to cut down all your trees to create a beautiful driveway.

And sometimes… it’s simply creating a space where your family can slow down, recharge, gather, and breathe a little easier.

Beauty and low-maintenance can absolutely go hand in hand. Reach out if we can help take something off your plate. It’s what we’re good at.

We’d love to hear from you:

What would make your outdoor space feel more restful to you?

05/28/2026

Today!