We all love feeling a connection to nature and wildlife when we visit nearby parks and forest preserves. Have you ever thought about bringing that feeling home? There are many things you can do in your own yard to create a garden that attracts wildlife, regardless of how much space you have. You don’t need [...]
Here's a late bloomer that is well worth the wait. Spring and summer fly by, and this seemingly plain shrub looks like it wants to hide in the garden unnoticed. But when summer ends, watch out. Early Amethyst Beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma 'Early Amethyst') is about to take center stage. Why do we love this plant? For one, it's low [...]
A bird-friendly garden can be beautiful as well as functional. These visitors add another living dimension to the garden. It is possible to attract a variety of species to the garden throughout the year in the Chicago region. Birds have four major habitat needs: water, food, cover, and a place to raise their young. Water Birds require [...]
This week, June 15-21, 2015, is National Pollinator Week, and we thank the contributions of bees, birds, butterflies and bats-- small creatures that play a big yet overlooked role in producing an astounding variety of vegetable and fruit crops that sustain the world. The USDA says pollinators "help to produce crops like apples, blueberries, strawberries, melons, peaches, potatoes, [...]
Looking for a dramatic plant to serve as a focal point in your garden? Think Black. Black Lace Elderberry, that is! Black Lace™ Elderberry (Sambucus nigra ‘Eva’ ppaf) is fairly new to the United States, introduced in 2006. One could easily mistake this plant for an exotic Japanese Maple, given its lacy, finely-cut leaves that are purple-black in color. But unlike a [...]
Gardens provide pleasure in so many ways. Flowering trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals adorn our gardens with a constantly changing palette of colors. Many plants provide texture, interest and splashes of subtle colors through their intriguing foliage. There’s always something new to attract our interest and admiration of nature’s handiwork. In addition to the beauty [...]