In summer, which is officially from June 17th to September 21st, no other flowering shrub in the landscape brings as much freshness and appeal as the hydrangea. Available in various flower types, colors, and sizes, this unfussy plant is perfect for a garden with a sunny to part shady spot that is moist and [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
With Valentine's Day upon us, we offer some ideas for creating a little romance in your garden. The word romance primarily means "the feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love". In this article, we speak of romance in its secondary meaning: "a quality or feeling of mystery, excitement and remoteness from everyday life." Create [...]
The freezing temperatures over the holidays have kept many indoors, but as the temperatures rise a bit, we encourage you to step outside and spot some plants with winter interest. If your garden could use some, consider the following selections with plenty to offer. ORNAMENTAL TREES Renaissance Reflection Paper Birch. Image credit: Rotary Botanic [...]
If there's one plant that stands out in the spring garden, it's the lilac, with its bold, beautiful flowers and wonderfully fragrant blooms. Lilacs come in a variety of sizes and are easy to care for, which make them a wonderful addition to any spot in your garden with full sun and average soil. We are [...]
Here are some of the noteworthy plants and products for outdoor living that we discovered last month during iLandscape, our annual industry trade show. New Plants: Fiber Optics Buttonbush is a variety of the native shrub with showy globe-shaped flowers. Bears fruit and nectar that supports wildlife. Prefers wet locations. 5-6’ h. Full sun. Summer Ruffle Hibiscus is [...]
A traditional gift for Valentine’s Day is a bouquet of roses. Cut flowers are beautiful but not very long lasting. If you love roses and want to enjoy them all summer long, plant hardy landscape roses in your garden. These plants are low maintenance and easy to grow. The following are the tried and true [...]
Ornamental grasses have gained popularity in recent years due to their low maintenance and potential for year-round interest in the garden. These plants also respond beautifully to the wind and create sound with their rustling leaves. True grasses are in the Grass family (Poaceae) but horticulturists consider Sedges (Carex spp.) within the group of ornamental [...]