Inspiration for Spring!

Hello again, On this cool and dreary day, I thought I would send some color your way. Things are starting to wake up and look fantastic. Below are some great items to get your imaginations going. I hope you enjoy them. - Narcissus 'Dutchmaster' This is your common daffodil. But I just think it's such a great sight to see when all we've been looking at is brown all winter. Other varieties have started as well. And with the heat that is coming this weekend, I would imagine most will be in bloom by the 15th of April. It's a great time to think about going to the Morton Arboretum to get more inspiration in their Daffodil glade. Pulsatilla vulgaris var rubra This is the first time we've carried this plant. Also known as Pasque Flower, this beauty not only looks great in flower, but the seed heads become a feathery mass that float gently above the foliage. Pasque Flower grows best with well drained soils in full sun. It also grows well above City Hall in Chicago on the rooftop. Helleborus 'Ivory Prince' This is my favorite Hellebore by far. What makes it so great in my opinion, is that the flowers face upward rather than the majority that face the ground. The subtlety of the green, white and pink colors dancing on the flower are romantic and a welcome sight once the snow finally melts away. These will grow well in most shady to part sun areas.

Phlox divaricataThis is one of my all-time favorite native plants. The light purple flowers above the clean green foliage are delightful. In the woods, this naturalizes well with Geranium maculatum. This requires some moisture if planted in full sun, but is very easy to maintain if given some shade. The foliage isn't the greatest after the blooms have faded, but if it is too unsightly, it can be pruned back and it will reflush as nice as it was in spring.

Thanks once again for taking the time to read. I hope you have a wonderful day and beginning of spring. Until next time, have a great day.

Amber's Favorite Plant

Hello again,
Thanks to those of you who have been following the favorite plants. I have a couple more entries from employees here for the next couple of days. Here is Ambers!

Amber Ulmer, Customer Account SpecialistA member of the Midwest team since 2007, Amber started her green industry career working at an Independent Garden Center. Amber serves a broad range of customers, including many specific accounts and most enjoys working with customers to achieve a successful resolution for each specific situation or request. Her favorite plant group is perennials.

Phlox divaricata var. laphamii

I love it because it comes up in shady spots with unexpected color to brighten your day.

Editor's note: This is also one of my favorites for a shady area as they provide so much color in early summer. Different shades of purple and white are possible with this variety and they are also mildew resistant.




Thanks again for reading. Have a great day!