NEW BUSINESS: NEW WARE BUSINESS OFFERS ECOLOGICAL 'NATURESCAPES'

WARE, Ill. -- A small plot of ground at the intersection of Illinois Routes 3 and 146 here is taking on a new look -- a miniature ecological area.

You add some rocks, stone and gravel, a waterscape and water plants, and you have your own "naturescape," said Michael McLane, a spokesman for Lotus Naturescape, a new business in Ware.

McLane is familiar with naturescape.

"Our family has farmed land in the Mississippi River Valley four generations,' he said. "And, in 1975, we started building ponds, marshes, waterways and wildlife areas in the Southern Illinois area."

"What we're doing now is building miniature ponds, marshes and waterways," said McLane.

These can fit in the backyard.

Lotus Naturescapes can provide a variety of construction design, from small 6" x 8" to largest sizes in the 16-foot range.

And the family business continues to build the large ponds and waterways.

The company also offers naturescape kits.

"We have a large variety of stones and gravel, and we'll offer advance on building your own," said McLane.

The new company, open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, will holds its grand opening Saturday. McLane said the business would remain open Sunday during its first couple of months, "during the big naturescape season."

Each of the naturescapes are "one of a kind," he said.