Spring Is Finally Here

Crocus in lawn

Spring Is Finally Here!

The crocus in my front lawn are up and blooming and the daffodils are not far behind.  Last fall I planted more crocus in the back but it is shadier there and hence cooler so no sign of them yet.  I hope the squirrels didn't dig them up.  I do occasionally find blooming bulbs not where I planted them.  But that is okay because I naturalize my bulbs in the grass as well as designated flower beds so what could be more natural than bulbs planted by squirrels.

Naturalized scilla

A few years ago I planted scilla in the middle of the front lawn.  I just love those houses on Woodstock Street near Oak where the scilla has truly naturalized in the front lawns.  What a sight.  You should drive by and see it.  Mine hasn't done so well and I will have to remember next fall to add more.  I meant to do it this year, but by the time I got around to it the stores were sold out.  

Well, what better way to begin another gardening season here in Norther Illinois than by attending Garden Fest next Saturday at McHenry County College.  GardenFest is sponsored by the Master Gardeners of McHenry County, part of the University of Illinois Extension Service.  With all the funding cut backs going on this is one way to help support a group that gives so much to the community.  If you ever have a gardening question and call the Extension Office in Woodstock, it will most likely be a Master Gardener that answers it.  They get extensive training from the Extension Service and in return volunteer time at the office to answer garden related questions.

Kim Hartman and I will be there as speakers-- I am giving a talk on water gardening and Kim's topics are shade gardening and roses.  Kim's are at 9:30am and 1:15 and mine is at 2:45. 

Also going on this month, in fact as we speak, is the Macy's Flower Show at the Macy's on State Street.  I can't get there this year but I have gone in the past and the floral displays are outstanding.  Again, they also have classes and the Cook County Master Gardeners are there to answer any questions. 

And, finally, on April 16 Countryside is having another full day of seminars on gardening.  Kim will be filling you in on the best new plants for 2011, Karen Campney, Nursery Manager, will be talking about growing fruit and a tree specialist will be teaching you about insect management in trees, including how to deal with the emerald ash borer.

Macy's Flower Show

I missed the Chicago Flower Show at Navy Pier in March, so last month I met Alexa down at the State Street Macy's for their annual flower show. Obviously, not the same scope and scale as the one at Navy Pier but a treat none-the-less on a dreary rainy Sunday. The City of Chicago Master Gardeners manned the information booth to answer any questions and there were lots of flower arranging demonstrations from some of the more avant garde downtown flower shops.

Here are a few of the things we saw: I just love topiaries, where the plants are wired, trimmed and pruned to grow into a specific shape not found in nature. This kalanchoe flamingo was really bright and cheery. Kalanchoe is a common plant available in most flower shops. It makes a great gift because of its bright flowers and long bloom time. The blossoms range from white to yellow to orange, red and hot pink. They are a succulent and require well drained soil, a sunny location and little water. They can be made to rebloom. First, cut back the faded flowers, then place the plant in a dark room for about a month. When new buds have formed bring the plant back to a sunny location and begin watering again.

The shrub at the center top of this picture is a variety of azalea called "Northern Lights." What is unique about this shrub, and what makes it a great azalea for our climate, is the fact that it is deciduous, unlike other azaleas and their cousins rhododendrons, that are evergreen. Why does this matter? Because these plants go dormant and are not subject to drying out in our winters. They are not as floriferous as the evergreen ones but I suppose, like lots of things in life, it's a trade off.

The Macy's designers must have had fun putting together these displays. It reminds us that we should have fun in our gardens. Add things that are whimsical or create an unusual juxtaposition, whether it's a fun plant or piece of statuary or even an old bike with the baskets planted up with annuals. Especially this year we could all use a little chuckle and what better place than in our garden.