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  • … Mow lawn at 2 to 2½ inches, removing one-third or less of the leaf blade. Leave grass clippings on the lawn to return nutrients to the soil, or add them to … a pre-emergent weed killer in the same area. Fertilize lawn in mid-May if necessary. Late fall is a preferable time to fertilize. Monitor for weeds and hand pull or spot treat accordingly. …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … Large-leaf or Bigleaf dogwood is native to Asia and relatively uncommon in the U.S. Its white flowers and purple-black fruit … Members of the genus Cornus , commonly known as dogwoods, are welcome in the home garden for their multi-season interest -- be it flowers, fruit, foliage, and/or bark -- and their range … of dogwood from 20 species (7 of which are native) and over 2,400 plants. Archived Copy: This content was captured before February 2022, and is no longer being updated. …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … Giant ironweed is a perennial plant that is native to the eastern parts of the US where it grows in locations … unwanted shoots. In an evaluation of ironweeds conducted at the Chicago Botanic Garden, this form of giant ironweed received a good rating for growing in local conditions. This particular ironweed shares its common name with Vernonia …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … Narcissus ‘Mary Gay Lirette’ is in Division 11a. It stands 14 - 16 inches high and blooms in early to mid season with 3¾ inch … toxic and will not be eaten by deer or rabbits. The name Narcissus comes from the Greek word for narcotic and is tied to the myth of a young man known as Narcissus who fell in love with his … new style of American landscaping features large drifts of ever-changing color. Archived Copy: This content was captured before February 2022, and is no longer being updated. …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • This hardy waterlily produces 6- to 8-inch rich pink flowers that are fragrant and float on the surface of the water. It was named for the son of hybridizer Perry D. Slocum. Waterlilies are rhizomatous aquatic plants with about … the end of a long lax stem floating just above the water surface. In the center of each flower is a cluster of showy stamens. Waterlilies have been cultivated since at least 2000 B.C. and are …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … Q. Which plants will attract hummingbirds to my garden? A. Hummingbirds are among the many migratory species of birds that pass through the Chicago area in May, as they fly north, … hummingbirds find their favorite plants in your garden, they will spend days there foraging for food. In early May, before many annuals are in full bloom, gardeners can establish specific … as will honeysuckle and trumpet creeper vines. Hummingbirds' long beaks are perfectly suited for tubular flowers, especially those in tones of red, orange, blue, or purple. Try beebalm, …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … Q. I noticed roots showing around some of my perennials. Is this normal? Is there anything that I should do about it? A. It is not uncommon to see perennials … garden beds that are too wet can ruin the structure of the soil and make the beds unsuitable for planting. …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … Royo red cedar ( Juniperus virginiana 'Royo') is a low-growing, spreading plant featuring silvery foliage in fall and winter accented with pale blue fruit. Plant in full sun and well-drained soils and provide room for it to spread. Bagworms can be problematic if it is planted in large masses, or under the illumination of night lights. Archived Copy: This content was captured before February 2022, and is no longer being updated. …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … some with their central fertile flowers replaced by petaloid segments, bloom throughout the growing season if kept deadheaded or regularly cut for indoor use. Plant in full sun in moderately rich, well-drained soils. Pollinators love the flowers and songbirds are drawn to the seeds. …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … Masses of bright tangerine orange flowers fade to yellow near the centers and absolutely cover the succulent green foliage during the heat of summer. A great choice for sunny areas that have a tendency to dry out frequently. Plant in full sun, very well drained …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant