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 [...]
Summer’s splendor has come to an end. The lushness of lawns, trees, shrubs and flowers has faded, but a garden should be showing a quieter side just as beautiful as the previous season. Every garden should have its share of plants that provide interest during Chicago’s long winter season. Evergreens provide winter interest because they hold [...]
Are you aware of a hidden garden gem located on the Northwestern University campus in Evanston, or of its historical significance? This garden, a project of The Garden Club of Evanston, was established in 1915 to celebrate the ties between England and America. It also commemorated the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. The [...]
Along with the milder temperatures and beauty of fall comes an excellent opportunity for landscaping for your yard. The cooler weather is a signal for plants to stop growing new shoots and leaves above ground, but not below. Trees and shubs continue to extend their root systems, making fall an ideal time to plant. [...]
It's Hydrangea season! Almost everywhere you look at this time of year you'll see one kind or another of the Hydrangea family in glorious bloom. Hydrangea is an old fashioned plant with many new and improved cultivars. Some do well in shade, some prefer sun, but all of them bloom during the summer months, bringing [...]
Every so often, every gardener gets the urge to try something new and very different. Lavishly illustrated nursery catalogs and garden books as well as trips to the Chicago Botanic Garden feed our hunger to grow the most beautiful plants we can find. As in all aspects of life, we can't have everything we see [...]