… Q. I would like to grow asparagus. How do I get started? A. Asparagus is a perennial vegetable crop that can be planted as soon as the ground is workable in the spring. Before planting, amend the soil with plenty of compost and apply a balanced … asparagus by seed, but that will add a year to the establishment of the bed. Plant the crowns in trenches that are at least 10 inches wide and 6 inches deep. Spread the roots and center the …
Type: Plant Info
… Rough-leaved dogwood is a small deciduous tree with shiny green leaves, showy clusters of creamy white flowers that bloom from May to June, round white fruit, and red foliage in the fall. Native to the Midwest, it grows 15 to 20 feet tall and is often found in the wild at the edge of woodlands. Although typically multi-trunked, it can be pruned to a …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… that emerge before the foliage on a slow-growing medium-sized tree with a pyramidal habit. It is a cross between Magnolia acuminata and M. denudata . It is hardy in both the heat and the cold of the Chicago region. Members of the genus Magnolia are known for the stunning beauty of their usually large flowers, which emerge prior to the foliage in spring, and are often fragrant. While shades of pink are the most common bloom color, the …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Ricki magnolia is one of the Little Girl series of hybrids developed by the U.S. National Arboretum in the 1950s. Its showy flowers are reddish purple. The group as a whole is characterized by good … for the stunning beauty of their usually large flowers, which emerge prior to the foliage in spring, and are often fragrant. While shades of pink are the most common bloom color, the …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Tobiosho Japanese Maple tree is known for its full canopy of bright red leaves in fall. The foliage starts out green in spring and through the summer, and has brilliant color by autumn. It grows about one foot per …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… sun and moderate soil conditions to reach a height of about 2 feet. Its deep crimson foliage is eye catching during the growing season and becomes brighter in the fall. In the spring it produces insignificant yellow flowers that give way to red fruits that attract …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Large yellow cockscomb flowers are edged in light orange on this tough annual that blooms through most of the growing season. Plant 'Twisted Yellow' in full sun after the danger of late frosts has passed in average soils and water to establish the root system and thereafter only during periods of drought. This plant is pest and disease resistant. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… This clump-forming perennial produces showy blue flowers that attract butterflies in May and June. It reaches a height of 2 feet under full sun and in dry-to-medium moisture conditions. This native of the mountains of southern Europe makes an ideal component for a mixed border. Mountain bluet is free of debilitating pests and diseases in the Chicago region. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… with widely spaced violet petals cover the tips of each stem of this annual. Ideal for use in containers or planted directly in the ground, where ever something with a little more height is needed. Grow in full sun and sit back to watch the pollinator insects fly to the flowers …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… ladies" flowers mature to pale pink on this perennial adapted to full sun and sandy dry soils. In the heavier, damper soils found in most Chicago area gardens, it is a great addition to annual displays. Flowering starts in late spring and continues through to …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
