Illinois

  • sloped garden densely planted
    Design

    Design Ideas for Managing Rainwater in Your Garden

    Whenever I am working to resolve water problems in a landscape, I must acknowledge that water will always win. The best we can do is creatively direct it toward the…

  • Garfield Park Conservatory
    Design

    Have You Visited the Garfield Park Conservatory?

    The winter doldrums are a reality in the Midwest, especially for gardeners, but an immersive plant adventure at your local conservatory is a sure way to lift your spirits. Fortunately,…

  • spring planting plan midwest
    Design

    Spring Planting Plan for the Midwest

    In her article "Spring Planting Ideas," Michelle Gervais beautifully illustrates the magical time that is the start of spring: "Our winter-weary spirits lift as hints of green begin to appear.…

  • evergreen plants in containers on either side of front steps of home
    Design

    The Best Dwarf Evergreens for Winter Containers

    No garden is complete without at least a few containers for seasonal color. I always specify locations for planters when I create a new landscape design, with the intention of…

  • close up of pink tricolor beech foliage
    Design

    Nicki’s Foliage Favorites

    Today’s photos are from Nicki Snoblin in Lake Bluff, Illinois. We’ve visited their garden before (Nicki's New Garden Project and Fall in Nicki's Garden ) and today Nicki is sharing…

  • growing herbs in cold frames
    How-To

    Winter Herb Gardening: Easy Herbs to Grow in a Cold Frame

    Cold frames are a great way to get a jump-start on or extend the gardening season. An easy way to get started with cold-frame growing is to put it to…

  • herbs and vegetables arranged into circle design
    Design

    Favorites from Anita’s Garden

    We’re in Yorkville, Illinois, visiting with Anita Drendel again. We saw some photos of her garden in the GPOD recently, and she’s back to share more of her favorites from…

  • close up of moth on bright yellow coreopsis flowers
    Design

    Anita’s Illinois Garden

    We’re visiting with Anita Drendel today. I garden in Yorkville, Illinois. I have about 20 different garden areas, including six 3-foot tall raised garden beds for my vegetables. Huge flower…

  • cascading plants
    Design

    Cascading Woody Plants for the Midwest

    Softening tall or craggy surfaces are situations that seldom come up in my design practice, as I work in environments that are typically rather flat. There are times, however, when…

  • three-level fountain in the middle of this small garden
    Design

    An Unexpected Garden

    Nicki Snoblin in Lake Bluff, Illinois, found a wonderful little treasure to share with us. Today I would like to share some photos of a tiny garden in an unexpected…