Garden Spot - Proven Winners - September 2004

Proven Winners
Gardening in the Chicagoland area is a challenge. Each growing season comes with its own special problem, including poor soil conditions and temperature and rainfall extremes. Lincolnshire Village gardens also have to additionally endure road salt, deer, automobile pollution, deer, pedestrian and bicycle traffic, canine feces and urine, and deer.

Over the years, certain plantings have continued to survive and thrive, despite these challenges. These survivors include Carefree Wonder roses, May Night salvia, Snowmound spirea, dwarf fountain grass, purple coneflowers, and 'Pygmy' red barberry. While one or another may thrive more in a given season, all combine the color, texture, and form that give us our consistently beautiful gardens. Each year we add new plantings, attempting to expand our palate; however, the old standbys continue to remain in our winners' circle.

Water and Food
2004 has been unseasonably cool. Many gardeners mistake cool air for moisture laden air. Gardens need their 1" of water per week, regardless of the temperature. In addition, the timed release fertilizer, which was applied at the beginning of the season, has begun to wear out. Now is the time to break out the Miraclegro to encourage color and growth.