It rains hard and often in spring, and then we have big puddles, muddy gardens and soggy lawns. Then midsummer comes and the garden is dry and hot. The plants are gasping for water and the soil is dry and cracked. Sound familiar? This is typical weather in Illinois, and it presents challenges that only native plants can meet. That’s because native plants suited for these conditions like to have “wet feet” and can grow happily in a boggy spot for as long as it takes to dry out. But these plants also don’t mind the dry soil of midsummer.
Using Native Plants to Manage Water