Marathon, Wis. (March 11, 2002) - The first annual Landscape for Lifestyles Contest drew multiple qualified entries from throughout the region. Within its 14 locations, County Materials is recognizing do-it-yourself and professional landscapers for their outstanding yard designs and their contribution to neighborhood aesthetics.

"One of our objectives for sponsoring the Landscapes for Lifestyles Contest is to increase public awareness of environmental improvement through quality landscaping projects that utilize concrete and other hardscaping products," said Rebecca Sonnentag, County Materials marketing director.

Project entries featured a variety of landscaping techniques including retaining wall and patio paver installations, and the incorporation of water and lighting features. Projects completed during 2001 were judged in residential and commercial property categories ranging from projects under $4,000 to over $30,000.

DO-IT-YOURSELF CATEGORY

James Zwicke, Wisconsin Rapids, won first place in the do-it-yourself category for his "Hearts of Flowers" that consisted of concrete blocks and pavers forming four heart-shaped flower beds as they hugged the corners of his patio.

Do-it-yourselfers Jeff and Jane Hanson, Rothschild, took second place for creating their outdoor getaway with fire pit rings. The family liked to relax and enjoy nature together, but lost interest in having backyard campfires because sitting on the grass around their old pit made them damp and cold. Creating a new patio using hardscaping materials gave them the ideal environment. Over 1800 concrete blocks and pavers attractively showcased "Hanson's Patio Pit."

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY

In the professional residential landscape category, Sticks & Stones Landscaping of Eau Claire, won first place by creating a backyard sanctuary for a residential customer. The cascading waterfall pond and terraced patio was so much to the homeowners' satisfaction that Mike and Crystal Mills used it for their own wedding reception. "This landscaping project is a great example of how man made materials and natural materials can coincide to create a relaxing landscape," said Sticks & Stones Landscaping pro Richard Hoffman.

Second place in the professional residential category went to Big Bull Falls Landscaping, Wausau, for an impressive retaining wall at a Schofield residence.

Majestic Farms Landscaping, Hatley, won third place for its use of rock in containing and highlighting a backyard pond. They also captured first place in the professional commercial project category for their extensive work on Cedar Creek Manor's courtyard. A finalist spot was earned by the greenhouse and landscape company for an attractive brick patio and rock pond at a Schofield home.

Other finalists in the professional residential category include a spacious 500 square foot patio, designed by Tony Ray Kiiskila, located 100 feet off the shores of Lake Largo, Green Bay.

Wayne McCarthy, Downing, Wis., replaced old railroad ties with a beautiful block and paver retaining wall with steps at a Glenwood City residence.

County Materials is recognizing these landscape designers for successfully balancing skill and artistic creativity in their outdoor projects. Picture perfect landscaping integrates the right products with a design that serves to highlight a home or office, while controlling the property's natural contours.

County Materials Corporation, a family-owned business for over 55 years, manufactures and supplies concrete masonry and landscaping products for residential and commercial projects. Facilities and HomeScape Studios are located in Marathon, Appleton, Eau Claire, Weston, Merrill, Stevens Point, Wisconsin Rapids, Custer, Green Bay, Rice Lake, Roberts, LaCrosse and Webster.