Take a closer look to the west of the Horace Mann building downtown and you'll see not only plants and fountains and a small waterfall, but an entire ecosystem that is self-sustaining and educational. "We were able to construct a complete, self-sustaining natural ecosystem in the heart of downtown Springfield that looks as if it has always been there and the city was built around it," says Landon Kirby, owner of Knob Hill Landscape Company.
The project earned a national Award of Excellence this year from the National Association of Landscaping Professionals in the category of Downtown Educational Ecosystem. The 160,000-gallon ecosystem features more than 500 tons of mossy-sandstone boulders to create the pond, which includes a wetland the size of two standard size in-ground swimming pools.
It's just one example of Knob Hill's design experience and expertise. Open for business in 2011, it also designs and constructs backyard projects that it likes to describe as outdoor living areas. Features might include patios, pools, stairways, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, firepits, water features and foundation plantings. The designers take pride in the consultation process, which they hope leads to long-lasting relationships with their customers. "We build a bigger family with every project," Kirby says.
It's worth noting that Knob Hill uses its position in the community to host an occasional Supper and a Song Concert and donates those proceeds to charities such as the American Business Club, WILD Canine Rescue, Illinois Stewardship Alliance, Land of Lincoln Pink Warriors, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Mini O'Beirne Crisis Nursery.
When told about this year's Illinois Times' recognition, Kirby commented: "What a fantastic honor. I couldn't be more proud of our team and projects they are creating. Thank you to everyone that cast their votes for us. It means the world."
