Today I planted two Witch Hazels one vernal and one common in the woodlands. Then I found old semi-rotten logs to accent followed by accents of Trillium, Mertensia, Bloodroot, and Trout Lily. I know that the spring native plants shall only last a short while, but i find joy in recreating what nature has done in the past.

I can only imagine what our property here in northwest Illinois would have looked like if i could have strolled through the woodlands and oak savannas one hundred years ago. With all the construction of new homes over the years the native plants have been at lost for ground to thrive in.

May you be fortunate enough to view our native Illinois plants in a habit that shows their beauty!
Rachel

Spring Has Arrived!

Today as I walked our woodland path I was ecstatic to see that the Mertensia 'Virginia bluebells' and the Trillium were blooming. Spring has arrived here on our property officially.

I also spent time once again pulling up garlic mustard so as not to invade new beds along with the fact it was trying to crowd out some established woodland plants. My persistence shall prevail in the long run!

Transplanted Trillium

This morning I transplanted 40 trillium to a new woodland garden in midst of viburnum. Now I just wait patiently for them to multiply and naturalize. Saved from the lawnmower and I feel like a successful rescue was completed.

Cutting Back Ornamental Grasses

Today I went to do maintenance on a rather large prairie garden I installed which takes some hands on time. While I was cutting down the prairie grasses I was thinking of homeowners who have installed ornamental grasses.

Thus I recommend NOW is the time to cut back if you have not already done so, and then you will not cut new growth. As you cut them back you will note green for the grasses are emerging with our warmer weather. If you are like me I enjoy the grasses through out the entire winter as they wave in the winter wind.

Gooseberries & Garlic Mustard

This morning I mulched all nine new viburnums from Fall 08 plantings, and also mulched/fertilized 7 gooseberries. The gooseberries are a excellent food source for the birds. However, I remember my Aunt Edith on her Iowa farm gathering gooseberries to make a pie.

As I have been for the past two days continued the task of removing garlic mustard from beds that have needed tending. At this point this morning alone I reached number 600 pulled/dug, and I never ever put them in the compost pile. Instead they are placed in a plastic bag to be disposed of with trash.

Spring cleaning of the gardens is a joy for me, for that is when I see my shrubs & perennials coming alive for the season ahead. May your gardens also be finding rejuvenation so that they may give you blooms that provide many days of joy.