Finding suitable plants that can thrive in a shady garden can seem like a discouraging task. The choices are actually more abundant than you might think. But what if you are looking for an exceptional plant that’s not so commonly seen, with unique qualities?
In recent years, we have lost many varieties of trees due to pests and diseases. Some of the notable ones include ornamental flowering pears, Bradford pears, elms, oak, and ash trees. There are many more, but these were the most prevalent in central Illinois.
Fall has arrived, and that means it’s time to plant those spring-blooming bulbs and exercise your creative inspiration in the garden! The good news is that there are many gorgeous color palettes and fascinating new cultivars to experiment with when designing a spring landscape. If you’re looking for ideas, we’ve got some winning combinations that will look beautiful in your 2023 garden, plus tips on getting as many blooms as possible.
One of the surest signs that spring has arrived each year is the blooming of the Bradford pear trees. Widely planted as a street tree, in the parking lots of malls and offices, and in home landscapes, they’re impossible to miss: oval-canopied trees with a mantle of white flowers so thick that it almost resembles snow.
Most of us probably remember this popular nursery rhyme; Mary, Mary quite contrary, how does your garden grow? While we aren’t likely to be growing silver bells, cockleshells and pretty maids all in a row, we are interested in how our gardens grow. Gardening tends to be a skill that is learned best by doing.
Privacy trees are a great investment – they make front and back yards feel more homey and comfortable, and outdoor entertaining feels more comfortable when you’ve got some privacy from neighbors. Privacy trees are also great for shielding front windows if you keep your curtains open for your plants! Whether you have a small front yard in the city or sprawling field in the country, there are plenty of evergreen trees and plants for privacy in suit landscapes of any size.
Landscaping is meant to be pleasing to the eye and also functional. We want you to use your yard to its full potential: a place to relax, a place to play, and whatever other hobbies you may have. Maybe grow a veggie garden or entertain friends.
Fall scenery is so rich in color and warmth, but while our trees and shrubs are taking on such gorgeous autumn shades, many of our summer annuals have bitten the dust. If your container gardens and pots look tired lately, we recommend adding some late-blooming fall annuals and ornamental plants to spruce up the scenery! Here are some container design ideas to get the creative energy flowing.
For gardeners in many parts of the country, fall is a great time to plant just about anything. Except in the coldest regions, fall can provide most perennials, shrubs and trees with enough time to become established in their new home before experiencing extreme heat, cold or drought. Familiarity with your own climate, hardiness zone and the hardiness of the plant you want to put in the ground will guide your decision.
Don’t put away your flower pots and containers just yet! The holidays are coming up quickly, and it’s time to get festive with fancy decorations. Get your containers ready for the winter with this helpful guide on building gorgeous containers using materials from your garden, ornaments, and fresh greenery.
