An established garden needs 1" of water per week during the normal growing season. Dry soils and warmer weather mean plants will need more water! Here are helpful tips. If you don’t have an irrigation system, use inexpensive and effective watering aids to help. Along with a sturdy hose and a good sprinkler, a hose timer [...]
Spring's symphony of color begins in March and ends June 1st. In late spring, you can count on the following small trees and shrubs to catch your eye as you stroll along or drive around your neighborhood. Redbud Redbud Covered with dainty, hot pink flowers for about 2 weeks in May, Redbud [...]
In spring, the 'major bulbs' of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are popular and prominent in gardens everywhere. However, there is a group of much smaller 'minor bulbs' that are worthy of attention as they are reliable and are deer and rabbit resistant. Though diminutive at only 3-6" in height, when planted in abundance, the [...]
Varying heights of these timber raised planters allow a variety of fruits and vegetables to be grown and accessed easier. The addition of a large bubbling urn creates an elegant focal point. The idea of picking a vine ripe tomato or cutting lettuce for a salad from your own yard is enticing, [...]
If you have an area on your property that stays consistently moist, wet or gets flooded, the following plants will do well for you. In addition to offering seasonal interest, they are also beneficial to bees, birds and butterflies. DECIDUOUS SHRUBS Sugar Shack Buttonbush. Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) is a fast-growing, short-lived shrub [...]
Winter interest in your garden can be achieved in several ways. Planning requires careful consideration of your gardening space and your goals. When plants enter winter dormancy, evergreens generally retain the same form and color, while with deciduous plants, structural and textural characteristics become their main decorative feature. Grouping these structures and textures can [...]
In the 1880s, native oak trees comprised more than 60 percent of the Chicago region’s tree canopy. Today, that number has dwindled to only 5 percent. Sadly, oak trees are not only struggling in Illinois, but worldwide. About one-third of the world’s oaks are threatened with extinction, due to population growth, climate change and [...]
September is a great time to plan for spring-flowering bulbs in your garden, as they are best installed in late October. Part of the fun in planning spring bulbs is the anticipation through winter and the delight when they finally emerge. Here are tips on planning spring-flowering bulbs in your garden and more about [...]
Shrubs showing stress from lack of water. Lack of watering makes plants more susceptible to damage and disease. Watering during the heat of the summer is mission critical to the success of your garden and plantings. The simplest rule of thumb? If your plants are looking dry, water them! Summers in Chicagoland are [...]
With summer in full swing, everything is lush and green outside. How is your garden growing? If it's in need of something that's bolder and more interesting than the ubiquitous hosta or daylily, consider adding a large perennial with presence. These summer beauties stand out not only for their height and their flowers or [...]