SHOREWOOD HILLS, Wis. -- A local landscaper has been using green ideas as he improves green space all over the Madison area.

Landscaper John Gishnock is currently installing a driveway in a Shorewood Hills home, and taking an environmentally conscious approach when it comes to his work.

"It's an easy way to live a more sustainable, greener, outward existence," said Gishnock.

The Evansville eco-designer has been doing green landscaping for more than 15 years. His current project includes re-sloping a driveway to direct rainwater in a specific area, WISC-TV reported.

"We're able to capture all the rainwater from the driveway in this garden feature, a rain garden," said Gishnock.

Gishnock said that he uses locally inspired plants for easier care and because they attract native birds and wildlife. He also recycles as much of the material being torn up as possible.

"The wall we're looking at here we've turned into a retaining wall using the old concrete from the driveway," said Gishnock.

He said that his old green ways combined with new ones are becoming a whole new trend in itself.

"I think we are ahead of the game here in some ways," said Gishnock.

Experts said that green landscaping such as Gishnock's can be pricey, but is typically done in phases over a several year span.

Gishnock said to start simple. He suggested adding a rain barrel to catch water from a home and then using it to water landscape or lawns.