Want to go Native? Are you ready to plant some native plants, but aren’t sure where to start? Here are some beautiful native plant alternatives to common nursery plants. Instead of: Forsythia — try Spicebush (lindera benzoin) instead! This beautiful shrub has yellow blooms in early spring before leafing out. The leaves and stems are very … Read more
Starting plants from seed is a relatively easy project if you plan ahead. Planning and equipment needed is important, so here’s some items you will need: Seeds Read the back label for instructions on how to plant and when to plant determined by the last frost date in your area. You won’t be planting all … Read more
If you click on the image below, you will be taken to the annual flower seed sowing PDF and you can print directly from there. Good luck and happy planting!
I would have to say spring has officially sprung in my backyard. I can see ducks in the little creek that flows when it rains. The snow has melted and the warmth of the sun has given way to so many native plants starting to unfurl their leaves and reach out to touch the sun. … Read more
For the past 16 years, the Lake County Forest Preserves and Possibility Place Nursery have partnered to host one of the most-visited native plant sales in Chicagoland. Due to social distancing guidelines, we are hosting an online sale again this year. Your plant purchases will be shipped right to your doorstep! Yes, you can order … Read more
Trees and shrubs are not growing and dormant so it’s the best time to prune. You are doing easy, manageable pruning. Leave the extensive, large scale pruning to later in the season or to an expert (arborist). Good pruning keeps your trees and shrubs attractive, healthy and less susceptible to injury or disease. What to … Read more
This month, club member Gayle shared with April how she over-winters her geraniums in paper bags. She shared photos of her method and you can find them below. #1 – in the bags that they were placed in last November, just before a Frost #2 – what geraniums looked like coming out of bags #3 – … Read more
Why Choose Native Plants? There are so many beautiful plants available in the nursery trade, why would a person choose native plants? There are many reasons to plant natives, but today we’ll focus on our lovely backyard friends, the birds and butterflies. As we develop land for necessary urban, suburban, and agricultural use, we lose … Read more
Now is the time to plan ahead for your seed starting. Starting plants from seed is a relatively easy project if you plan ahead. Here are basic items you will need before you begin.Choose your area to work and hold your pots; then assemble your equipment: Seeds – Seed catalogues give you a large selection. Local … Read more
To protect our precious plants and our environment we look for safe and natural ways to garden. Oil-based pesticides are an effective and ecologically friendly way to handle many insect pests and even some diseases. Various oils have been used for centuries. They remain an important tool to manage certain pest problems (e.g. scales, aphids, … Read more