The Growing Place

February 14, 2012

Pruning Deciduous Shrubs

Late winter is the perfect time to prune trees and shrubs. The plants are not actively growing and it is easy to see their structure without the leaves. Join us for our free Hands on Pruning class on Saturday, March 3 in Aurora.

Why prune?

to remove dead and diseased branches
to remove crossing branches to prevent a wound forming and creating an entry point for insects and disease
to rejuvenate the plant
to shape the plant for aesthetics or size
better air circulation to prevent fungal disease

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February 7, 2012

Winter Landscape Planning

Susan Renwick, Landscape Designer

Now is the perfect time to really look at the ‘bones’ or structure of your landscape. As we all know, Chicago winters are long, and we want our landscape to continue to enhance the appearance of our home during this season. Take time to stand back and really evaluate your landscape and imagine what it might be. (more…)

January 17, 2012

Plant Friendly Ice Melters Are Effective

Although we are enjoying a mild winter this year, ice and snow are in the forecast. Keeping paths, steps, and porches free of ice is an important safety measure, but not all ice melting products are plant friendly! (more…)

December 1, 2011

Pesky Critters: Protecting Plants in Winter from Rabbits

Rabbits are one of the most damaging animals in the garden. With winter rapidly approaching, and food supplies dwindling, rabbits will begin to eat small twigs and nibble bark. They prefer twigs smaller than about a pencil and thin, young bark. Now is a good time to walk your yard and look for evidence. The damage resembles sharp, neat almost 45 degree angle cuts, as if pruners had been used. (more…)

November 15, 2011

Preparing Containers for Winter

Now is a great time to dress up your containers for fall and winter. Consider adding dried grasses, pods, twigs, preserved leaves and other accents to provide a harvest feel in time for Thanksgiving. As Christmas approaches, change out your autumn material and add winter greens, red dogwood stems, curly willow, berry branches and many more types of greenery. The Growing Place features an extensive collection of fresh and preserved winter accents. (more…)

November 8, 2011

Timing, Planting & Caring for Amaryllis

These large colorful flowers are a wonderful way to invite the garden indoors this winter. Amaryllis can be a lovely gift for that hard-to-buy-for person. As you choose amaryllis this season, pick the largest, healthiest bulbs as they will produce more flowers.

Using a soilless potting mix, plant the amaryllis in a five to eight inch container, making sure it has a drainage hole so the bulb doesn’t rot in too moist a situation. Allow for a two-inch space between the bulb and the edge of the pot so that there is plenty of room for roots. (more…)

November 2, 2011

Caring for Roses in Winter

We love roses! Some of our most popular roses such as hybrid teas, need a little extra care in the winter, as they are usually grafted. Grafted roses will need more protection, as they are more sensitive to our winter weather. Others such as shrub and species roses grown on their own roots are very hardy and do not need winter protection. Frequently planted roses such as Knock-Out, Carpet, or Meidlands, are very hardy and will not die completely to the ground come winter. (more…)

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