… 'Twilight Zone', an improved version of native Little Bluestem is the first to color up for fall, adding iridescent silver-mauve tones all over the plant as early as midsummer! Then …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… cultivars acquired a greater cold hardiness, a tolerance to alkaline soils, and a preference for sunny conditions—ta-daaa, a perfect summer-blooming shrub for Chicago gardens. Today’s gardeners are finding that the new varieties satisfy a number of landscaping needs, including shade tolerance, extended bloom time, and winter interest. And for the adventurous gardener, willing to push the horticultural envelope, there are some exciting …
Type: Plant Info
… We admit to a weakness for daffodils here—last time we counted, we came up with quite a grand total: more than half a … The American Daffodil Society (ADS) refrains from an official definition or separate division for miniatures (although it sanctions a cultivar list: … be thrilling. Try miniatures in clumps around conifers, too—dark greens make a great backdrop for dainty, bright flowers. Under trees' canopies The same idea works under trees—especially …
Type: Plant Info
… plant bugs, cucumber beetles, spongy moths — the list is legion. And all are ravenous for something green. Good and Bad Bugs Before you act, remember that not all bugs are harmful. If … from one another. In late fall, many homes are invaded by the Asian ladybird looking for a place to spend the winter. They like walls that have been painted white or face south, … after first dampening the area around the aphid-infested plants. The ladybirds settle down for the evening and in the morning wake up to all that wonderful food. As an example, a Garden …
Type: Plant Info
… Pole as far away from the sun as it will be all year, and we experience our shortest day. For the natural world, the Winter Solstice represents a moment of quiet and dormancy. After the … and with the returning sun comes the promise of new life. The solstice actually only lasts for a moment . But the day, and sometimes beyond, marks a celebration for cultures all over the world. Those extra minutes of sunlight, which were especially important …
Type: Blog
… allowing moisture to penetrate deeper. And the very same organic matter makes it easier for naturally fast-draining sandy soils to retain more life-sustaining moisture. Adding a layer … on top of the soil reduces evaporation and keeps fast-growing weeds from winning the battle for scarce moisture. But mulch also makes it less likely that rain-saturated soils will become … Midwestern native plants have already adapted to these challenges, and have a head start for adapting to greater extremes. Many herbs such as Berggarten sage produce a protective haze …
Type: Plant Info
… more budding new stars. Over time, the true classics will endure, but the process of looking for a beautiful new plant is something gardeners anticipate at the start of each new growing … Toad lily ( Tricyrtis sp.) Shade Garden Stars Toad lily ( Tricyrtis sp.) What a curious name for such a princely perennial that offers orchidlike flowers in autumn! Position this arching … appear in tones of dark purple, burgundy, pink, green and yellow. They are wonderful plants for moist shade gardens. Golden Japanese hakone grass ( Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola') This yellow …
Type: Plant Info
… folklore, rabbits often appear as sympathetic creatures. Of note is that several occupations for those who are born in rabbit years include horticultural grower and breeder, agriculturalist, and gardener. May this be a good year for our gardens and our relationship to the creatures who share our planet. At the beginning of each month this year, consider saying rabbit rabbit rabbit for additional good luck, and enjoy a happy prosperous new year! Rabbits & Gardening For …
Type: Blog
… kale in celebration of autumn. Take a stroll through one of our 27 beautiful display gardens for inspiration and ideas. Here are some things to do now before your garden winds down. Time to … ask an expert before planting. Think Ahead This is the month to start planning and planting for a spring display. Daffodils, snowdrops, crocuses, tulips, grape hyacinths, and … turf had trouble this summer, now’s the time to address it. Cool air and warm soil are ideal for grass seed germination. Seeds have a better chance of thriving at this time of year because …
Type: Plant Info
… A biting February morning in Chicago can be a challenging experience for anyone, but for a lover of trees, it can also turn into an exhilarating moment of truth. With the air … if the recommended plants are sited and maintained properly, the birch will flourish as a tree for all seasons. Betula nigra is the most southerly of all birches but still is one of the best …
Type: Plant Info
