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  • … White Gold Japanese spirea is notable for its white flowers atop yellow foliage. The white blooms are highly unusual within … the species. The Spiraea japonica species includes the greatest range of cultivars available to the home gardener within the Spiraea genus. They all have a compact mounding habit in sizes … are quite small, they occur in clusters of inflorescence that can be very showy. Spireas are best used in groupings in a shrub or mixed border, where they are valued as tough, reliable and …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … or saucer—for a versatile display you can enjoy throughout the year. Dish gardens are easy to grow, very adaptable to most environments, and can be placed anywhere in the home. Even if you … used as a container—let your imagination be the judge. Provide drainage:   Adequate drainage is probably the most important rule to ensure the success of your dish garden. Be sure to remove excess water and avoid over-watering. Drainage holes on the bottom are best, but not mandatory. If drainage holes are not present, use a plastic liner or saucer in the …
    Type: Blog
  • … Negrita triumph tulip ( Tulipa 'Negrita') produces deep, plum-purple blooms on 14- to 16-inch stems in the middle of tulip season. Triumph tulips used as annual bulbs can be … due to heavy soils that hold too much water during the dormant season (mid to late summer). Best results at naturalization typically are obtained in gardens with sandy soils, where the … War II, Dutch farmers consumed tulips when no other food crops were available, but the flavor is not particularly desirable. …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … RAINBOW PILLAR® is a small, multi-stemmed tree that grows 15–20 feet high and 8–10 feet wide. Clusters of white flowers bloom in the spring, giving way to red berries in June. The berries are edible and can be used to make pastries and preserves—if … usually multi-stemmed. Found at woodland's edge in the their native habitats, amelanchiers are best used in a naturalistic setting in the home landscape. Amelanchiers are native to temperate …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … entranced with the different types of poppies, especially those in containers. Which are best for Chicago? A. Early spring is a fine time to appreciate poppy species, since quite a few are considered cool-season annuals and their seeds …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … spidery-looking flowers that make them ideal specimen plants for indoor use. 'Miami' has up to 30 bright yellow petals and sepals with black spots on a 3-foot-long arching spike. The … growers, bloom up to three times each year with flowers lasting six to eight weeks. They grow best in bright light and should be watered when dry, typically about every five to seven days. … number of genera, each with its own unique characteristics. A common characteristic, however, is the basic form of the flower, which consists of three petals surrounded by three sepals -- …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … plenty of fat flower buds. Prune carefully, using proper pruning techniques, taking care not to interfere with the natural shape of the tree or shrub. Branches should be at least 1 foot long, cut when the temperature is above freezing. Lay branches overnight in a bathtub filled with room-temperature water. Make … of deciduous trees and shrubs can be done this month, weather permitting. Heavy pruning is best done in late winter or early spring immediately before bud break. Another time to prune …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … stems. But why not grow your own cut-flower garden? You’ll save money and you only have to step outside to collect whatever you need for a vase or two. Got Sun? A little sunny spot … sow seeds directly into the soil in mid-May (after the danger of spring frost has passed) or buy a mixed flat of flowers and transplant them at that time. (Dahlias are sold as tubers or … promotes flowering. Follow the instructions on the label so that only the correct amount is used. Too much fertilizer can damage the roots.   What’s growing out your windows? Besides a …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … flowers at each node. Plant this bluebeard in full sun and in sandy, well-drained soil for best long-term survival in the Chicago region, where they don’t do well in heavy clay soil in winter. This is a butterfly and bee magnet when in flower from mid-summer through fall. Insect and disease resistant, the fragrant foliage is also a turn-off to rabbits and deer. This cultivar is a classic example of "what’s in a name." Arthur Simmonds …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … Q. What sort of spring care should I provide for my roses? A.  April is the appropriate month for some basic and necessary pruning. Pruning not only promotes improved … for good overall plant health. Timing is important. Begin pruning when dormant roses begin to leaf out in the spring. It is best to wait until temperatures moderate and wide fluctuations are not predicted before …
    Type: Plant Info