… part of the north American environment providing an important food source and winter shelter for a range of insects, mammals and birds. Bitter switch grass like this was an important part of … gardens, stabilization of eroding banks, and black walnut. Since Dewey Blue is mostly grown for its ornamental value, it is generally retained for its autumn and winter interest. Cut back the foliage to near ground level in late winter. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… hardy kiwi vines were first introduced into American gardens in the 1880's, they were valued for their fragrant spring bloom and their ability to "green up" large structures such as pergolas … the scene. Hardy kiwi vine 'Fairchild' is female, and that's important if you want to grow it for the fruit as well as the flowers, because you'll need a male vine for pollination. Once the vine reaches maturity, you'll be rewarded with deliciously sweet, …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… as a leaf) axils. It blooms in dense spikes, ¾ inch to 2 inches long. The several uses for Acacia longifolia include food (flowers, seeds, and seed pods), yellow dye (from the … green dye (from the pods), and wood. The tree's bark has limited use in tanning, primarily for sheepskin. The plant is also useful for the prevention of soil erosion, securing uninhabited sand in coastal areas, primarily where …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… branched, numerous and a bright yellow. One source mentions that it may take up to 10 years for the quiver tree aloe to reach blooming size. In warm areas where it can be grown outside, … of South Africa. The quiver tree aloe common name refers to the use of the stems as a source for making quivers for arrows. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… near the end of tulip season (historically near the end of May in the Chicago area). Tulips, for annual displays, can be planted just about anywhere; however, for naturalizing, a position in full sun with well-drained soils that tend to the dry side after … the green flowering stalk on the plant until it goes dormant to gain every ounce of energy for the following year’s flower. To dissuade gophers and voles (voles eat worms, not bulbs), …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… found to thrive in our region. Members of the genus Amsonia are commonly known as bluestars for the abundant small blue flowers borne in clusters at the stem tips in late spring or early … and more than 3,5000 individual plants. A number of these varieties have been evaluated for their performance in our region; Plant Evaluation Notes can be found on the Garden's website. The genus was named for Dr. Charles Amson, an 18th century American colonist. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… and A. tabernaemontana. Members of the genus Amsonia are commonly known as bluestars for the abundant small blue flowers borne in clusters at the stem tips in late spring or early … and more than 3,5000 individual plants. A number of these varieties have been evaluated for their performance in our region; Plant Evaluation Notes can be found on the Garden's website. The genus was named for Dr. Charles Amson, an 18th century American colonist. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… and yellow fall foliage color. Members of the genus Amsonia are commonly known as bluestars for the abundant small blue flowers borne in clusters at the stem tips in late spring or early … and more than 3,5000 individual plants. A number of these varieties have been evaluated for their performance in our region; Plant Evaluation Notes can be found on the Garden's website. The genus was named for Dr. Charles Amson, an 18th century American colonist. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… color are typical of the genus. Members of the genus Amsonia are commonly known as bluestars for the abundant small blue flowers borne in clusters at the stem tips in late spring or early … and more than 3,5000 individual plants. A number of these varieties have been evaluated for their performance in our region; Plant Evaluation Notes can be found on the Garden's website. The genus was named for Dr. Charles Amson, an 18th century American colonist. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… flowers held high above the foliage on long stalks called scapes, they are grown primarily for their foliage and neat habit. Hostas are actively hybridized for leaf color, size, shape, and texture; natural mutations or “sports” are common, and new … Hosta cultivars range in size from several inches to several feet; it may take 3 to 8 years for hostas to reach their full size. They all prefer moist, loamy soil enriched with organic …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
