Like it or not non native groundcovers are a staple in traditional landscaping. They are the area rug of the landscape designer. That thing you throw on the ground that ties everything together. Why when native groundcovers can do the job just as well? Instead of arguing that you don't need them (you don't), let's look at some native groundcovers as alternatives to the commonly used Vinca, Pachysandra, Junipers, and English Ivy that seem to dominate so many of our landscapes. I do … [Read more...]
Trees for an Ecological Backyard
Happy New Year. Let's all have a great 2017 and say good riddance to 2016! But before I can do that, I am going to explain the trees I selected for the Ecological Backyard Design I showed in November. If you remember, I left off explaining the evergreens I used in the design. … [Read more...]
Native Plants of the Midwest Book Review
I am going to take a break from explaining the design that we started looking at last time and do a review of a new book I just finished. This is a book I was eagerly anticipating the last few months. While I have plenty of outstanding plant reference books, I don't have a lot that are specific to garden worthy natives of the Midwest that include this many plants (500). … [Read more...]
12 Perennials for Attracting Butterflies in the Midwest
Nothing brings life to a garden like well, life. You know the birds and the bees and the like. Let's get some of that life in your yard by planting some of the very best perennials for attracting Butterflies in the Midwest. … [Read more...]
American Hazelnut is a great native shrub for wildlife
Today, lets talk about a shrub I doubt you have found in the garden center, nurseries or other stores you usually buy your plants in, the American Hazelnut. That does not mean you shouldn't be adding it to your landscape. Especially if you are trying to create a garden sanctuary not only for you, but also for the wildlife we share our land with. … [Read more...]
Appalachian Spring dogwood
The Appalachian Spring dogwood (Cornus florida 'Appalachian Spring') is an outstanding flowering tree that blooms in the Spring on leafless branches. … [Read more...]
Simple Plant combos can be a solution to a garden area
Do you have an area in your landscape where you would like to add color and texture? Perhaps a simple plant combo can be a low maintenance solution for you. … [Read more...]
Katsura tree is a great tree from Asia
The Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) is a great shade tree with four season interest. It's also a tree I WON'T let my wife talk me into planting at our new house (more on that below). … [Read more...]
Red vs Black Chokeberry, which is better for landscape use?
A while back I wrote about trees for wet soil. Today, let's take a look at two closely related native shrubs that do well in wet (and also well drained) spots, the chokeberries (Aronia). We will compare the Red vs Black chokeberry for landscape use. … [Read more...]
12 easy care perennials, landscapers favorites part 2
Lets take a look at some of the favorite perennials of landscapers that are not quite as well known as the ones from Part One. Since, I have not grown most of these myself, I can't really go into too many details about their care. Most of them are not natives but several do still provide some wildlife benefits such as pollen for bees and butterflies. One thing I can say is that they are used a lot in the designs I see. Therefore you can be confident they are low care plants that don't need … [Read more...]