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AG VanGundy Landscape, Inc. & AG Landscape Materials, Inc. |
Posts Tagged ‘facecord’
Wednesday, December 28th, 2011
Wow can you believe that in less than a week it’s going to be 2012?
The cold, snowy winter a lot of forecasters were predicting still hasn’t hit us. Personally, I’m a little disappointed. A lot of snow means a lot of plowing for me; cold weather usually means a lot of firewood sales. However, I know I shouldn’t complain. We’re still making firewood sales, and sooner or later, it’s gotta snow – right?
This past year has taught me to appreciate everything (from the big things to the little things), to be thankful for what I have in my life, not to dwell on the things that are gone or the things I never possessed, and to know that with each new day comes new hope. It’s also taught me that having good health is truly a blessing and that loving family and friends and faith are really the most important things in life.
So, while no one’s life is perfect and some may feel that there’s not much good in it, take a couple of minutes before the new year starts and think of the blessings you do have in your life and then think of ways you can build on them in the coming year.
Here’s wishing you all a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!!!!
Tags: AG Landscape Materials, AG VanGundy Landscape, AGVanGundy.com, de-icing, Do It Youself Projects, facecord, fall, Firewood, Hardscaping, Landscape Designing, landscaping, Roselle, Salt, Schaumburg, Snow Plow, Snow Plowing, snow removal, winter services, winterize
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
I recently heard that the average person spends approx. $700.00 this time of year on Christmas presents. The report also went on to state that if each person spent about $65.00 on merchandise that was made in the United States as many as 200,000 jobs could be created.
Of course, this started me thinking about my own business. An American owned business, whose suppliers are all here in the in the United States. Most of my firewood suppliers are right here in the suburbs of Chicago. How does this relate to the topic at hand? Well….think about a gift of firewood. We’ve delivered several already and a few orders on our delivery board for later this month. Our firewood is from trees grown in the U.S., split by U.S. owned companies, delivered to us by U.S. owned companies and delivered/sold to you by my U.S. owned company. How many people could we keep employed just by purchasing firewood?
I know you’re probably thinking “Firewood as a gift? Really?” I know it may not be as exciting as some gifts, but I also know that in today’s economy, more and more people appreciate the practical gifts. Not only that, but it sure is a more personal gift than a gift certificate to a box store or a department store. Also, each time the recipient lights/starts a fire they’ll think of you.
We deliver to most of the Chicago-land area. We stock Mixed Wood and Oak Firewood. We can still deliver before Christmas, and we can even tarp the firewood and place a bow on it. You can always stop in our material yard and pick up the firewood, too. Go to our website at www.agvangundy.com for more information. You can also like us on Facebook at A.G. Landscape Materials, Inc. or follow us on Twitter at agvangundy.
I hope you all are enjoying this holiday season.
Tags: AG Landscape Materials, AG VanGundy Landscape, AGVanGundy.com, facecord, fall, Firewood, Roselle, Schaumburg, winter services
Posted in Firewood, General, Gift Ideas | No Comments »
Monday, November 21st, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving! Here at A.G. VanGundy Landscape, Inc. and A.G. Landscape Materials, Inc. we have a lot to be thankful for this year. We have been blessed with awesome clients, vendors, employees, family and friends. I know I say this every year, but this year does have a special meaning.
A few weeks ago we had a house fire at my home. Luckily my son was home and able to escape from his bedroom window, get to a neighbor’s home and call 911. He not only saved himself, but he saved our home as well. He is our hero.
The fire department was there in a matter of minutes and did a magnificent job containing the fire with minimal additional damage. The chaplain that accompanied them was very comforting and helpful. Everyone has done a great job helping us through this.
The outpouring of thoughtfulness has been extremely appreciated.
As for our clients – we wouldn’t be here without them. We realize that there are a lot of options out there for the type of services and products that we offer and are so grateful that they choose us. We do our very best to provide the best service possible.
Our vendors are incredible. Talk about good service; we can only be as good as our vendors. Hopefully we do them proud.
How are you celebrating Thanksgiving? Hopefully you will be with family and/or friends giving thanks for what you have.
Although it will be a different holiday season for us – it will be a celebration nonetheless.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Tags: AG Landscape Materials, AG VanGundy Landscape, AGVanGundy.com, autumn, facecord, fall, Firewood, Mulch, Roselle, Schaumburg, winter services
Posted in Firewood, General, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Tuesday, October 18th, 2011
Our 2nd Annual “Tailgating Party” is going to be held on October 23rd. This is the week the Bears will be playing against Tampa Bay in England. I think we’re going for an English Theme (Pre-Game Music: Beatles, Rolling Stones…, Food: London Broil, Fish & Chips, Bangers & Mash…). If you have any suggestions I could incorporate, please let me know. My knowledge of the English culture isn’t that profound.
Last week, I mentioned that I would post a “how to” blog regarding the installation of a fire pit. Well, here it is:
The first thing I would suggest doing is to contact your village/town offices regarding permit and placement regulations. I know some villages have certain requirements regarding the placement of a stationary fire pit, better to check it out before you start.
Next, decide where you want the fire pit to be installed. For size, I like to build mine with a 42” inside diameter and usually 4 courses tall. To ensure a nice circle, you may want to place a stake and run a 21” string around. You may want to mark this area with marking paint.
After you mark your area, decide whether you want a 3 or 4 tiered fire pit. Remember that 1 tier (or layer of stone) will be buried.
Order a “fire pit kit” from A.G. Landscape Materials, Inc. The kit will contain Grade 8 Gravel to be used as the base for the stone, the Unilock Stack Stone (your choice of color Nevada or Sierra), 1” – 1.5” Washed Gravel and Adhesive. You may want to order 30 – 60 pieces of firewood, too. That way you’re ready to burn. You can order your kit and firewood by calling us at (630) 295-8190 or e-mail us at agvangundy@hotmail.com
I highly recommend that you call JULIE (1-800-892-0123) to have them locate and mark your underground utilities. They’ll need 2 business days to completely mark the area.
Ensure you have all the tools you need. I would recommend a shovel, wheelbarrow, tamper, 1 stake, string, 1’ level and a rubber/wood mallet.
Now you’re ready to start construction:
Excavate the area to accommodate the Grade 8 gravel and the depth of one (1) Stack Stone. For a 42” inside diameter, the total circle will need to be approx. 60”. You will need to dig a depth of 8” – 10”.
Install Grade 8 Gravel where the Stack Stone will be installed. Make sure you tamp the gravel at approx. every 2”. You will need an approx. depth of 4” – 6”.
Install the Stack Stone. The 1st course should be below ground level. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th (if applicable) courses should be glued to the course beneath it.
Install 1” – 1.5” Washed Stone. This will assist with water drainage out of your pit. The depth should be at approx. 5” – 6”.
As an option, you can purchase a firewood grate from a home improvement store and install that within your pit.
Once your adhesives dry, usually within a day or so, you’re ready to burn.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (630) 295-8190 or e-mail any questions to agvangundy@hotmail.com
Finally, how about that game on Sunday night? Personally, I couldn’t have enjoyed it more; my daughter came in from Minnesota and went with us. What a great day it was!!!
Hopefully, this Sunday will prove to be just as great of a day. We’ll keep our fingers crossed and the fire burning!
Tags: AG Landscape Materials, AG VanGundy Landscape, AGVanGundy.com, autumn, Do It Youself Projects, facecord, Firewood, Hardscaping, Landcape Construction, Landscape Design, Landscape Designing, Landscape Installations, landscaping, Roselle, Schaumburg
Posted in Firewood | No Comments »
Thursday, October 13th, 2011
For those of you who don’t know, I’m here in the Chicago area. I’m a die-hard Bears fan. Now, before some of you start extending your sympathies, just know, that I’ve been a Bears fan forever – through a lot of good times, but especially during the not so good times. I celebrated the ’85 Bears, I was sickened when they fired “Da Coach”, and I cried when Walter died. It’s more than just the games; it’s the friendships I’ve developed because of the mutual hopefulness all of us, as fans, possess. Yes, I do attend as many games as I can, I go with a group of guys who have become my best friends throughout the years and we meet up with another group of guys in a parking lot and do the tailgating thing. We usually get to the lot around 7:00 a.m. for a noon game. It’s usually a great day (hopefully capped off with a Bears victory, but…) Anyway, my wife came up the idea last year of a “tailgating party” at our house. So last year we hosted our first one. We had the grill going by 7:00 a.m., Bloody Marys poured by 7:20, Bags Game in progress by 8:00, Singing of the Bears Fight Song and Raising of the Bears Flag by 11:30. We then made “the walk” (as we do at home games to Soldier Field) to my friends’ home and the Large Screen HD TV by noon! After the game, back to my house, more food, a few more beverages, and a fire. It was a great day (Oh yea, did I mention – the Bears did win!!!).
One of the best additions to our landscaping was the fire pit. It’s so easy to install, you can do it yourself. We enjoy ours at least once a week (except during the winter months, when we enjoy the indoor fireplace). A fire pit is reasonably priced and a project that can be completed within a day. I did ensure that I had all the materials needed beforehand so that I was ready to go after my morning coffee.
Here at A.G. Landscape Materials, we sell the package. Everything you need to complete the installation of your fire pit (from the gravel to the firewood). You will, however, need your own level, shovel, mallet, string, and maybe a can of marking paint.
Before you start the construction of your fire pit, you may want to check with your village regarding permit and placement regulations. You’ll also want to contact JULIE (1-800-892-0123) to have them mark your underground utility lines. They will need at least 2 business days to mark the property.
Check out our next week’s blog for complete instructions on how to install the fire pit. In the mean time, if you have any questions regarding fire pits, firewood, landscaping or materials, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (630) 295-8190 or e-mail us at agvangundy@hotmail.com. Feel free to stop by our yard at 24W733 Lake Street in Roselle, IL to see our sample fire pit and the materials.
Tags: AG Landscape Materials, AG VanGundy Landscape, autumn, Do It Youself Projects, facecord, Firewood, Hardscaping, Landcape Construction, Landscape Design, Landscape Designing, Landscape Planning, Roselle, Schaumburg
Posted in Firewood, Hardscaping, Landscape Designing | 5 Comments »
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