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Plants Solve Problems

Professional horticulturists turn to plants to do a job or solve a problem. Homeowners and gardeners do the same. Below we have organized our large library of plants into solutions to problems or themes commonly found in home gardens, and public landscapes.


Alkaline Soils

Alkaline soils are usually in the 7.5pH and above range. In the midwest, where most of our Chicagoland Grows® Collection of plants originate, the soil can have a pH of 8 or higher. These plants can handle high pH without damage or leaf yellowing. 


Matrix

These plants are perfect for palettes of low-growing, low-care, perennials woven together in an artful pattern—or matrix. This is a new type of perennial garden design.


Midwestern Gardens

Midwestern gardens have the best ( or worst) of both worlds: hot, often humid summers and cold, wet winters. Many sites also have very high pH or alkaline soils. Please must withstand harsh extremes, freezing, drying winter winds, and hot, dry summers. 


Northern Gardens

Plants that can thrive and survive in northern gardens must not only take the cold, but in some areas, they may have very wet winters, and some may have very cold, but dry winters. Northern gardens occur in many climates. We evaluate for color hardiness, winter bud survival and evergreen leaf retention. 


Southern Gardens

It is just as hard for a plant to survive summers and winter wetness in the deep south as it is for plants to survive harsh winters. Nighttime temperatures along the Gulf coast and in other southern regions can reach 90 degrees F, in the heat of the summer, allowing for no reprieve from the high heat and humidity. Winter wetness can also rot root systems and crowns of plants. 


Street & Parkway Plantings

Trees that naturally grow to the perfect size and shape for an easy maintenance street or parkway planting are hard to come by. These plants are the best we have for these situations. These are long-term plants that can be planted and enjoyed for a lifetime.