By Toni Rocha
For StatelineBusiness

JANESVILLE -- Underneath all the snow and dried grass, the earth is stirring for spring. And savvy businesses are already preparing for the greening season with the yard and garden products that customers want in order to establish or improve their properties.

At K&W Greenery, owner Phyliss Williams said the recent emphasis on not only green solutions but also environmental protection and resource conservation is something she and her husband have always stressed.

"Our parents routinely sprayed our homes with insecticide, and routinely put down massive amounts of chemicals to kill pests in the garden or on the lawn," Williams said. "Now with customers more green-wise than ever, the trend is solutions that have the lowest possible impact on the earth while adequately addressing the problem."

K&W Greenery's philosophy focuses on what Williams termed "integrated pest management," which lowers pest counts to the threshold level. She added that, while such insects as Japanese beetles are native to the Stateline Area, people really didn't want them around the yard and garden.

Sensitivity to the true nature of the Stateline Area's soil, water and climate translates to increased sales of plants, trees and shrubs that naturally occur in the Midwest.

"The main issue that comes to mind is the importance of choosing appropriate plants," Williams added. "We here are so lucky in that we have a magnificent selection of native trees such as the red twig dogwood and all the beautiful maples that would grow here naturally."

By planting these types of trees, herbs and flowers, Williams said excessive use of water, fertilizers and chemicals are significantly reduced.

"People are always going to need to water occasionally," Williams added.

"But by sticking with what would naturally occur here, they won't be tapping into our precious environmental resources to promote exotic growth."

One way in which K&W Greenery helps customers is through its landscaping division, which spends time and effort helping land owners analyze soil types, drainage, property setup and other essential elements. Then their professional staff recommends grasses, plants and trees that not only look good but also thrive naturally with little or no additional help.

"We try to do all we can to lessen any negative impact landscaping might have on the environment," Williams said. "Truth be told, we don't want totally natural lawns and gardens. That certainly can include a lot of weeds. But we provide organic options that give gardeners and homeowners what they want without compromising nature."

K&W Greenery's product mix has changed in recent years to reflect customer desire for green solutions, Williams said. At the same time, the company stresses planting flowers and trees that attract and provide homes for such desirable wildlife as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

"We will be once again offering a series of classes, including one on pest control, in conjunction with the Janesville home show in mid-April," Williams added. "This class will help people understand how to control pests in responsible ways."