Kevin Manning

Kevin Manning

Kevin has deep roots in the Chicagoland area, growing up in Plainfield and now residing in Naperville. He holds a degree in Ornamental Horticulture from the University of Illinois and serves on the board for the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA). Since KD's inception in 1998, Kevin has loved creating outdoor environments to match the lifestyles of thousands of customers. In his spare time, you can find him spending time on the water with his wife, daughter, son, and labradoodle.

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Recent Posts

What Hardscaping Means: Patios, Walkways & Other Options for Your Backyard

What Hardscaping Means: Patios, Walkways & Other Options for Your Backyard

Our garden and landscape lexicon continues to evolve year by year and sometimes day by day. A few years ago, the terms ‘sustainable’, ‘outdoor room’ and ‘low-impact design’ were just mentioned in a whisper.

But of all the newer landscape terminology, perhaps none is more well-known today than ‘hardscape’. It is mainstream to the point that most homeowners understand its broad meaning immediately when discussing their own gardens with contractors or neighbors.

The definition of hardscaping may extend to containers, armillary, sculpture or anything in the landscape that is not a plant. However, it is most widely referenced when discussing patios, walls, fireplaces, fire pits, and larger wood structures such as pergolas and arbors.

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Landscaping 101: Brick Paver Patios

Landscaping 101: Brick Paver Patios

Brick patios define our landscapes and gardens.

It is a pretty bold statement.   But when you reflect on the ambiance, serenity and utility of a brick paver patio the statement becomes less bold and more accurate.   A brick paver patio is an extension of the home and a reflection of lifestyle for the homeowner.

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Landscaping 101: Brick Patios for Natural Outdoor Design

Landscaping 101: Brick Patios for Natural Outdoor Design

Brick paver patios are frequently viewed as a commodity and pricing is sought and sometimes quoted based on that assumption. While the brick itself is a commodity the final product is all about the labor and the prep work.

There are “best practices” that apply to brick paver installations as there are to both technical and artistic functions. In the end it’s all about the skilled labor and the prep involved.

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