https://getoutandgrow.org/home daily 1.0 2024-06-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1506034590404-P8TDJ2E2E2GW3QXUTAV1/Portland_Japanese_garden_creek.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1506035001307-A26KOHG1FEIWOAY9C1EP/emma+gluing.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1506035034875-84Z6D8SEHJYX3KEJZ4L2/p7-cooper+instructing.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1504263999523-QBX82LJR0IHLRZFTU4XD/DSCN0116.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1504263861518-Z55G86QN0XJ7BJEMW7X1/ccaa_what%27s_that_smell_sauromatum2.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1504263700421-5N62AD5TF7OCFQ0D3RMR/DSCN9608.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516907967553-NYZ7ILBPI996MOKWNJC5/sedum-sarmentosum-caterpillar3.jpg Home - Overall Performance Award 2018 Mossies - Stringy Stonecrop (Sedum sarmentosum) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516935193661-ASCIYLS3CJXILS4QRNFP/actaea-ramosa-flowers-painted-lady-honeybee.jpg Home - Container Plant Award 2018 Mossies - Fairy Candles (Actaea ramosacultivar) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516908109675-JO0PC9K835BPTMTRF0DZ/lily-triumphiator-flowers-kathleens-yard.jpg Home - Lily Award 2018 Mossies - Triumphiator Lily (Lilium LO ‘Triumphiator’) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516907986791-FS0927JK4IIOWZ4MIKEJ/daffodil-geranium-pot.jpg Home - Daffodil Award 2018 Mossies - Geranium Daffodil (Narcissus ‘Geranium’) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516907955429-JV4C0UIUN0YS21EV4EJT/dracunculus-flower-and-hand.jpg Home - Aroid Award 2018 Mossies - Dragon Arum (Dracunculus vulgaris) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517537681506-SFK4UUG49KVDLXQ7U21L/helleborus-niger-hgc-jacob-honeybee.jpg Home - Winter Flower Award 2018 Mossies - Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger ‘HGC Jacob’) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517537638232-5P17ROIHFRRL1A8MYHWG/corydalis-solida-blooming.jpg Home - Spring Flower Award 2018 Mossies - Fumewort (Corydalis solida) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517538312755-MG690W8OK0B62ULHVCWF/verbena-bonariensis-jp-trina2.jpg Home - Summer Flower Award 2018 Mossies - Tall Verbena (Verbena bonariensis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516908018087-JGQ4LDZNQQN7LD1U2IGW/helianthus-tuberosa-flowers.jpg Home - Fall Flower Award 2018 Mossies - Sunchoke (Helianthus tuberosa) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517537705713-R5QCINPLHJ71MXOVQGPW/marjoram-clump.jpg Home - Herb Award 2018 Mossies - Marjoram (Oregano majorana) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517538567384-FB808WP5R16GONGX51J0/IMG_4008.jpg Home - Fruit Tree/Shrub Award 2018 Mossies - Heritage Raspberry (Rubus idaeus ‘Heritage’) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517537768966-CQFARMP0MKKA4185A6FY/cunninghamia-lanceolata-buds.jpg Home - Tree/Bonsai Award 2018 Mossies - Chinese Fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516936388765-ZF3A7TUJPTY7886V8ST2/sungold-cluster2.jpg Home - Tomato Award 2018 Mossies - Sun Gold Tomato (Solanum ‘Sun Gold’) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517538716001-989EVX6OWWU340YI2PJ8/brassica-hon-tsai-tai-seedlings.jpg Home - Leafy Green Award 2018 Mossies - Choy Sum (Brassica rapa ‘Hon Tsai Tai’) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517538735904-53Y7GS34DAI6FTYN97VO/ipomoea-batatas-pundy-in-hand.jpg Home - Veggie Award 2018 Mossies - Pundy’s Sweet Taters (Ipomoea batatascultivar) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517537796393-T91KFTD8DZTEG0KJGNG9/clematis-viticella-english-walled.jpg Home - Vine Award 2018 Mossies - Italian clematis (Clematis viticella ‘Betty Corning’) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517538895134-XXY0Y0L23LAT0NQ0RI0A/physalis-pruinosa-aunt-molly-compote.jpg Home - Volunteer Award 2018 Mossies - Aunt Molly’s ground cherry (Physalis pruinosa ‘Aunt Molly’) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517537518960-LH2XVAJA3TYALFJ47Y4V/DSCN4515.jpg Home - Design Wow! Award 2018 Mossies - Northwestern University Hyacinth Patch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517539515648-UPVLDFIIEZ5GHVAG7DDE/robin-on-parapet.jpg Home - Worst Pest Award 2018 Mossies - Robins (Tardus migratorius) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517537739411-0LSTC3Z8ZVDDI9YNT0SJ/serviceberry-netting-hand.jpg Home - In Defense Against Robins (Moss 2018 Worst Pest) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516908143355-4DHGZEIKRUWW6TWOU7VO/malus-dolgo-buds-dying.jpg Home - Worst Disappointment Award 2018 Mossies - Rooftop Rosa Family Die-off https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517539934124-K5GVGNZ2R0M6A872RA4G/specimen-bags.jpg Home - Worst Disappointment Award 2018 - Rosa Family Disease Specimens https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516936359121-IS4X0052E3704VDQIC2I/sierra-mae-hand-picking-peas.jpg Home - Pea Pickers Award Mossies 2018 - Thing 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516908122334-6MIWVEBIUI26442IGXN5/amir-picking-peas.jpg Home - Pea Pickers Award Mossies 2018 - Thing 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1506033472029-0RAZXCZAZKP87K2ACMHF/monarch_swamp_milkweed.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1504249953139-92GW759Z5DIUQ8O0GKGF/lincolnwood_schools_students2.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516902424900-L9FGYEBDLZASQLSDX5SU/lily-triumphiator-flower-profile.jpg Home https://getoutandgrow.org/blog daily 0.75 2018-10-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1505579089945-938Y8AOERXIYYO89HZZ8/monarch_butterflybush_close.jpg News & Blog https://getoutandgrow.org/blog/2017/9/16/september-is-for-gardeners monthly 0.5 2020-09-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1505677242201-ECR9V2V73VWTW7M5BTXA/monarch_butterflybush_close.jpg News & Blog - September is for Gardeners - Monarchs are Migrating REFRESH YOUR GARDEN AND HELP THE MIGRATING MONARCHS BY PLANTING ASTERS, SNAPDRAGONS, BUTTERFLY WEEDS, PHLOX, VERBENAS, AND OTHER NECTAR RICH FLOWERS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1505677128054-HKUD4H484XI2DBUA6L8E/tomatoes_cut.jpg News & Blog - September is for Gardeners - Harvest & Preserve HARVEST AND PRESERVE YOUR VEGGIES FOR THE TASTE OF SUMMER ALL WINTER https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1505684686802-QK9W44LDHAI79F9LMPL1/aster_milka_blooms.jpg News & Blog - September is for Gardeners - Replant Containers REPLANT CONTAINERS AND BASKETS WITH FALL BLOOMERS LIKE ASTERS, MUMS, VIOLAS, ETC. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1505684787413-ZUFV82O1NONM13ASCVAR/irrigation-system-sprinkler2.jpeg News & Blog - September is for Gardeners - Reduce Watering REDUCE THE WATERING SCHEDULE FOR LAWNS AND GARDENS. AS NIGHTS BECOME COOLER AND DAYS SHORTEN, PLANTS NEED LESS WATER https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1505677055048-M8UBZOJ54ULZ3BT32356/pencils_notepad.jpg News & Blog - September is for Gardeners - Take Notes TAKE NOTES ABOUT YOUR SUCCESSES AND PROBLEMS WHILE YOU STILL REMEMBER THEM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1505689309377-U30BHTYRUL0XA3B259PF/tulips_pratense_shogun.jpg News & Blog - September is for Gardeners - Plant Bulbs Now for Spring Color & Big Wows! https://getoutandgrow.org/blog/2017/2/october-is-outdoor-appreciation-moth monthly 0.5 2020-09-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1507146201511-DJNEGNE8VJOBO4GDQ0KK/Quercus_coccinea.JPG News & Blog - October is Outdoor Appreciation Month - Come Out & Play WITH US DON'T MISS THE CHICAGOLAND FALL FOLIAGE AND GARDEN TOUR. SPACE IS LIMITED. REGISTER NOW. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1507140265723-C8P9QQXALLPB4RP5NRFI/sunflower_fibonacci.jpg News & Blog - October is Outdoor Appreciation Month - Math is Natural MANY OF THE PATTERNS AND DESIGNS WE OBSERVE IN THE GARDEN ARE LIVING EXAMPLES OF MATHEMATICAL EQUATIONS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1507141265720-J7EB7JA40Z69LT9INKVM/dracaena_philodendron_pot.jpg News & Blog - October is Outdoor Appreciation Month - It's Time BRING HOUSEPLANTS INSIDE (be sure to inspect for hitch hikers) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1507092687151-JY25O8O50WPJ76Q9ULLZ/october_2017_newsletter-aster-bee.jpg News & Blog - October is Outdoor Appreciation Month - Sharing is Caring DIVIDE AND SHARE YOUR OVERGROWN PERENNIALS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1507140372106-JLKBU0N9H607M8TH56GI/veggie_harvest.jpg News & Blog - October is Outdoor Appreciation Month HARVEST ALL COLD SENSTIVE VEGGIES & HERBS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1507139640974-8O67J88HKNGBDSPRS9X9/DSCN8938.JPG News & Blog - October is Outdoor Appreciation Month - Use Edible Pumpkins and Squashes EDIBLE PUMPKINS AND SQUASHES MAKE GREAT HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS. SHOUT OUT TO SHAWNA CORONADO https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1507095637409-5CW9IA5J4YSTPSASJBSO/october_2017_newsletter-sumac-fall-color.jpg News & Blog - October is Outdoor Appreciation Month - Sumacs Have Vivid Fall Foliage LOOK FOR THEM ALONG ROADSIDES AND IN STATE PARKS https://getoutandgrow.org/blog/2018/1/9/z24ki8p1g9n45grelxababbg8kg1um monthly 0.5 2018-02-21 https://getoutandgrow.org/blog/2018/1/9/indoor-gardening-series-winter monthly 0.5 2018-03-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1519249455854-GCB3BA1EMV54275VEBF9/1829_erin_m_36fbd50a-4c8c-4baf-a011-26c73ff9f7ae.png News & Blog - Indoor Gardening Series: Winter - Sprouts Tasty easy to grow sprouts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1519100276780-F0OH05O1XXK9ZIK8U5GE/Snake_Plant_%28Sansevieria_trifasciata_%27Laurentii%27%29.jpg News & Blog - Indoor Gardening Series: Winter Sansevieria https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1519101144437-7LMP9B5PCYIDICUHU4OS/image.jpg News & Blog - Indoor Gardening Series: Winter Gasteria https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1519246778681-3EC1THKGNY4Q08QF7XHE/yellow-mustard-seeds-250x250.jpg News & Blog - Indoor Gardening Series: Winter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1519101415849-H0TY9GFSPC8ZAGGNCNHJ/anthurium News & Blog - Indoor Gardening Series: Winter Anthurium https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1519101776155-MI3F1N0U6VK4KG96QS6Y/aloe.jpg News & Blog - Indoor Gardening Series: Winter Aloe in bloom https://getoutandgrow.org/blog/2017/12/1/bx6zsw0win3tbzssafqo8xqkgwq9zc monthly 0.5 2020-09-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1512157020973-NXG15TY2B1G0AV6KCVER/abies_weeping_rp_early_spring.jpg News & Blog - Did Your Landscape Meet Your Expectations? Pictures of the landscape will help you evaluate its performance! https://getoutandgrow.org/blog/2017/11/21/putting-the-garden-to-bed monthly 0.5 2020-09-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1511247095614-F8CDD257RH9SY5C28I8D/momma_fall_garden_cleaning.jpg News & Blog - Putting The Garden To Bed https://getoutandgrow.org/blog/2017/11/13/november-is-a-busy-gardening-month monthly 0.5 2020-09-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1511243494250-BL3DBTB3UYZEIBQWFX43/cheese_pumpkins_bench.jpg News & Blog - November is a Busy Gardening Month - The ethnoboty of cheese pumpkins The ethnobotony of cheese pumpkins reveals indigenous trade, nutrition, and migration. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1511242755152-HD0R6OIRPGS7GW7GGFBG/GardenGirl72-ContainerGardeningHowToMakeCompostTea461-837.jpg News & Blog - November is a Busy Gardening Month Stash your brown material now for next year's compost https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1511239536347-P22IBV0NKRZELZTDUFUK/momma_fall_garden_cleaning.jpg News & Blog - November is a Busy Gardening Month - Clean out the garden and clear out debris Clean out the garden and clear out debris https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1511239839295-NRBXZ1PNSA4V4LQPSP3P/fall_parkway_garden.jpg News & Blog - November is a Busy Gardening Month Did your landscape beautify the area, provide cutflowers, or fulfill whatever purpose you wanted? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1511239585643-KKLJCZYGU4UJB4IK363P/gingko_leaf_drop.jpg News & Blog - November is a Busy Gardening Month Gingkoes go dormant suddenly dropping their golden leaves overnight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1511243745259-CCT0V3X5M9ETHJZ38XTF/abies_weeping_rp_early_spring.jpg News & Blog - November is a Busy Gardening Month - Water your evergreens before winter Soak your evergreen trees, shrubs, and hedges so they are well hydrated going into the cold winter months https://getoutandgrow.org/blog/2017/11/21/get-the-scoop-on-soil-november-soil-testing monthly 0.5 2020-09-12 https://getoutandgrow.org/blog/2018/2/21/botanist-visionary-american-hero monthly 0.5 2020-09-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1519270596690-0P85RXTJ6VGIRLENVBNM/compost.jpg News & Blog - Botanist, Visionary, American Hero Dr. Carver promoted soil testing to improve crop yields. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1519270634652-JYLTQ7S537VW752WPJ9D/ipomoea-batatas-crate-of-taters.JPG News & Blog - Botanist, Visionary, American Hero Dr. Carver touted sweet potatoes as a reliable crop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1519270564137-YRR0MZP4RZSU889ZIROQ/carver-fungi.jpg News & Blog - Botanist, Visionary, American Hero Dr. Carver discovered and researched new fungal pathogens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1519270617555-J8SUBFGKSR93XI6BU1HB/hall_lloyd_2_300x300.jpg News & Blog - Botanist, Visionary, American Hero Lloyd Augustus Hall was a renowned chemist that developed patents for food preservation and decontamination. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1519270649007-SVAFLNZBWZK6FXHWZDW7/percy_julian_promojpg.jpg News & Blog - Botanist, Visionary, American Hero Percy Julian was a chemist who synthesized plant compounds into proteins and hormones to fight disease and cancer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1519270540369-B0J6Q3DS6F2YGSZECAYK/akiima-price.jpg News & Blog - Botanist, Visionary, American Hero Akiima Price is a Environmental Education Curriculum specialist promoting healthy initiatives in urban areas. https://getoutandgrow.org/blog/2018/3/28/spring-has-sprung monthly 0.5 2018-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1522299851686-UB3GE162MQAXMNS9KHM7/students-around-raised-bed.JPG News & Blog - Spring has Sprung! Get Those Students Outside! Studies show that many students, boys in particular, struggle to learn from only visual and auditory signals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1522298921524-WI1WFOUDH6U2TYNKEGJ5/narcissus-poeticus-lighthouse-close.jpg News & Blog - Spring has Sprung! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1522298924774-887TRHMJHOTWVRX5MV6O/students-around-raised-bed.JPG News & Blog - Spring has Sprung! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1522298921792-BWBTXVSY27UIGA77EI8O/ornithogalum-balansae-flowers.jpg News & Blog - Spring has Sprung! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1522298925350-CKGTCDGIOU3JXO0ERND9/tulipa-pratense-shogun-flowers.jpg News & Blog - Spring has Sprung! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1522298921129-GMMG5MTQOMIN4HXZR58L/fritillaria-acmopetala-jp.jpg News & Blog - Spring has Sprung! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1522298924282-PFPOIL42SVU2W7GQXVDV/students-planting-in-spring.JPG News & Blog - Spring has Sprung! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1522298922971-YW075JZ5VF5T2HEHYUT0/radish-amethyst.jpg News & Blog - Spring has Sprung! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1522300091412-BIL9JYVHLM9H1W1WV6OW/ornithogalum-balansae-flowers.jpg News & Blog - Spring has Sprung! Don't overlook smaller bulbs like scilla and ornithogalum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1522300123636-H1JB4FIPZB5CP39RED4H/students-planting-in-spring.JPG News & Blog - Spring has Sprung! With planning and good luck students will be able to harvest before the school year ends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1522299516518-NUVUL4UEWI43VZGANNW8/fritillaria-acmopetala-jp.jpg News & Blog - Spring has Sprung! - Fritillary bells dangle in the breeze. Be sure to look in the base of the bell where the nectar pools lie. Fritillary bells dangle in the breeze. Be sure to look in the base of the bell where the nectar pools lie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1522300321896-91V0YC0TLZ7IW3MMLLWS/radish-amethyst.jpg News & Blog - Spring has Sprung! - Great for Kids When planting cool season crops with kids, choose fast developing ones, like Amethyst radish and miner’s lettuce.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1522300157124-NX3VBQUTALZ0TJFGP2C1/narcissus-poeticus-lighthouse-close.jpg News & Blog - Spring has Sprung! - Daffodils are the Symbol of Spring https://getoutandgrow.org/blog/2018/10/14/goag-bulbs monthly 0.5 2020-09-12 https://getoutandgrow.org/blog/category/newsletter monthly 0.5 https://getoutandgrow.org/blog/category/history monthly 0.5 https://getoutandgrow.org/blog/category/articles monthly 0.5 https://getoutandgrow.org/blog/tag/dividing monthly 0.5 https://getoutandgrow.org/blog/tag/spring monthly 0.5 https://getoutandgrow.org/blog/tag/foliage monthly 0.5 https://getoutandgrow.org/blog/tag/transplanting monthly 0.5 https://getoutandgrow.org/blog/tag/aster monthly 0.5 https://getoutandgrow.org/blog/tag/fall monthly 0.5 https://getoutandgrow.org/blog/tag/gardening monthly 0.5 https://getoutandgrow.org/blog/tag/school+gardens monthly 0.5 https://getoutandgrow.org/blog/tag/garden monthly 0.5 https://getoutandgrow.org/blog/tag/autumn monthly 0.5 https://getoutandgrow.org/blog/tag/spring+bulbs monthly 0.5 https://getoutandgrow.org/blog/tag/cool+season+crops monthly 0.5 https://getoutandgrow.org/about daily 0.75 2018-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1504305425281-TCDOVCBS8HVAZEZS970U/columbus_days2.jpg About - 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To my wife’s chagrin, I use it on everything. Marjoram has a mild sweet flavor compared to its more pungent siblings oregano and Za’atar. Marjoram grows well in ground or containers, and attracts beneficial insects to the garden. Harvest regularly for the best tasting leaves. Dry thoroughly. Store in glass containers. As a tender perennial, it is also much less aggressive than oregano. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516900265113-98M1ZS4OXSJDCAV42MI4/actaea-ramosa-flowers-painted-lady-honeybee.jpg Mossies Container Plant Award 2018 Mossies Fairy Candles (Actaea ramosa cultivar) Woodland plants are not known for container success, especially on rooftops. However, Actaea ramosa has excelled for us since moving from the doomed Pullman Gardens to our roofdeck a few years ago. In early spring I divided it and removed some lily-of-the-valley to give it more root room. The result was beautiful dark ferny leaves in spring and summer that all but obscured the container. All that healthy burgundy foliage lead to towering, sweet scented bottle brush flowers in early fall. Fairy candles bloomed for well over a month and attracted scores of friendly pollinators. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517528479464-HEJFEZUC6DB1VOQJF197/image-asset.jpeg Mossies Spring Flower Award 2018 Mossies Fumewort (Corydalis solida) Fumeworts emerge in early spring and soon paint the garden floor in reds, pinks, purples, and lavenders. These underused bulbs (tubers) have little funnel-shaped flowers held on short spikes above ferny, chartreuse foliage. Although small, the flowers are densely packed and provide a big punch of color in mass. It disappears as quickly as it emerges, leaving little trace and making way for the summer show. George P Baker (shown above) is a quick spreading cultivar producing lots of tubers and deep pink flowers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517531940008-5UQ38SKH4B9WBUDUEAMC/rubus-heritage-fruiting.jpg Mossies Fruit Tree/Shrub Award 2018 Mossies Heritage Raspberry (Rubus idaeus ‘Heritage’) We grow the hardy bushes in rooftop containers and harvest the sweet fruits in midsummer with a small repeat crop in early October. Easy to grow. Hardy. Productive. Delicious in salads, pies, compotes, and lemonades. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517530225501-X9ZNX0UBKJAL08Y6ZVBD/brassica-hon-tsai-tai-seedlings.jpg Mossies Leafy Green Award 2018 Mossies Choy Sum (Brassica rapa ‘Hon Tsai Tai’) Everyone should eat more leafy greens, especially mustard (Brassica) family greens because they contain lots of antioxidants and vitamins. Asian mustards have lots of varieties that are best eaten raw. Many, as the name “mustard” would imply, are spicy or bitter. However, Choy Sum or Kailaan is an exception. The cultivar Hon Tsai Tai has mild, sweetish tasting leaves, stems, and flower stalks. The purple hues and bright yellow flowers make it a winner in the vegetable or flower garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517531058541-WCK4KC67C4KVBIEN9S7R/physalis-pruinosa-aunt-molly-kitchen.jpg Mossies Volunteer Award 2018 Mossies Aunt Molly’s ground cherry (Physalis pruinosa ‘Aunt Molly’) Ground cherries are underutilized in American gardens. The fruits are like little cherry tomatoes inside a husk, except they are much sweeter and not as acidic. I sowed Aunt Molly about a few years ago and have not resown since. Like tomatillos, the fruits that drop to the ground spread seeds that volunteer the next year. In 2017, I harvested more ground cherries than ever and didn’t sow a seed. All those volunteer ground cherries became tasty compotes and flavorings for roasted meat dishes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516898604356-W09BP90PQZ4NPLEA4LZT/sedum-sarmentosum-caterpillar3.jpg Mossies Overall Performance Award 2018 Mossies Stringy Stonecrop (Sedum sarmentosum) Stringy Stonecrop or Gold Moss is a vigorous, chartreuse to lemony groundcover. We’ve grown it in containers for its short stature, colorful foliage, hanging stolons, and bright yellow, nectar-filled flowers. In ground Sedum sarmentosum takes off. It forms a golden carpet in sun or shade, clay or sandy, up to and around larger plants. It’s best season is spring, but it looks neat and tidy most of the year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516934563728-805CISSVUHBF134038XZ/malus_centennial_buds_dying2.jpg Mossies Worst Disappointment Award 2018 Mossies pt. 1 Rooftop Rosa Family Die-off The Trials of an Urban Pomologists is the title of a book I’m working on. Or at least it was until last year. Now I may just call it Don’t Grow Fruit Trees in Containers Unless You Need Some Disappointment in Your Life. Many of my favorite fruit trees, including MOSSIES winners from the past, died last year. Centennial apple, Montmorency cherry, Freedom blackberry, Bonfire peach, and American plum all died during or before bud break. In total 12 rose family fruit trees and bushes died out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516907614234-1KBRMHUJHF6HHO49B2Z9/dracunculus-flower-and-hand.jpg Mossies Aroid Award 2018 Mossies Dragon Arum (Dracunculus vulgaris) I finally bought a Dragon Arum tuber at the 2016 Chicago Flower and Garden Show after years of wanting one. It grew a little, then went dormant around July. There was no sign of life until last winter in the cold frame when a shoot emerged. By spring it was thick, tall, and obviously a flowering shoot! The meter long flower stalk unfurled a massive, funky, deep maroonish purple spathe and spadix. The dragon had risen! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516898689860-P71WQ0Y212LC9HP7SY62/daffodil-geranium-pot.jpg Mossies Daffodil Award 2018 Mossies Geranium Daffodil (Narcissus ‘Geranium’) Daffodils are the symbols of spring. Their cheery yellow cups brighten gardens and spirits throughout the world. And some aren’t even yellow. Geranium has white flower petals (tepals) and small orange cup in the center. It’s a vivid combination that shines even in moonlight. Plus, being a tazetta type (Division 8) the flowers are extremely fragrant. Good for an early season kitchen table bouquet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1518044287641-Z1XLY8A39L6CJKDDLSPI/verbena-bonariensis-jp-trina2.jpg Mossies Summer Flower Award 2018 Mossies Tall Verbena (Verbena bonariensis) This South American native blooms all season until hard frost. The cluster of purple flowers are held on elongated stems. Plant them behind other flowers for a bright background and eye level color. Butterflies and other friendly pollinators flock to the flowers. Although an annual in cold climates, it volunteers readily and returns to the summer garden year after year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1518419688770-0QUMSW1LRTNFB3R04AP0/image-asset.jpeg Mossies Worst Pest Award 2018 Mossies pt. 2 Robins (Tardus migratorius) It’s not just that they are larcenous, its the cocky arrogance with which they commit their pilfering. They look at you with disdain and indignation, as if you were the thieving interloper. My twins scream at them and I curse them often, but they always return. They are good garden companions most of the year, but during berry season robins are the worst! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517530501483-QOE8J5CY7PWMNSSDJOY3/ipomoea-batatas-pundy-in-hand.jpg Mossies Veggie Award 2018 Mossies Pundy’s Sweet Taters (Ipomoea batatas cultivar) My great grandmother, Ruth aka Pundy, gave me a cutting from her sweet potato plant in 1998. We’ve grown and harvested that plant every year since. We get over 75 pounds of this superfood every year! Enough to take us from fall to summer. Some years when we have hot summers, we even get purplish, morning glory-like flowers. Pundy’s sweet taters combination of beauty, amount of produce, and nutrition can’t be beat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517532002594-05K3C8KJK3Z6FQT50CC9/cunninghamia-lanceolata-buds.jpg Mossies Tree/Bonsai Award 2018 Mossies Chinese Fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) For about a decade our Chinese Fir has been a squat bush. It would grow a bit wider but not taller. Finally in 2016 after having the live oak thinned for light, it put a stem straight up. In 2017 that stem grew into a trunk, finally becoming a tree! Chinese firs look ancient because they are. The spiky branches deterred dinosaurs from snacking on them. Now I use them for back scratching. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516898722996-WVOL5GWZXLWF16AF2Y0N/lily-triumphiator-flower-profile.jpg Mossies Lily Award 2018 Mossies Triumphiator Lily (Lilium LO ‘Triumphiator’) Triumphiator is a LO lily, a cross between Longiflorum and Oriental types. The Oriental parentage imparts hardiness and a perfume scent, while the Longiflorum genes add pastels and flower shape. LO lilies are easy to grow in ground or container. Triumphiator holds its perfumy pink trumpets at eye-level and looks you in the face. The dark pink interior softens to ivory-white along the margins. These strong growers are perfect for bouquets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1518046039321-R3IBZVC80B1LUNNX69B0/robin-on-parapet.jpg Mossies Worst Pest Award 2018 Mossies pt. 1 Robins (Tardus migratorius) I’m convinced that robins got their name because of all their robbing! These brash birds are the boldest thieves in the garden. Every year we have mad conflict with them because they love serviceberries as much as I do. Infuriatingly, robins will eat the berries a few days before they get sun-ripened sweet. And they will eat them all! Robins don’t share. We have to cover our rooftop bushes or we would not get one berry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1518045995143-3XBYPHIWXI8KGSRP7IQ9/amir-picking-peas.jpg Mossies Pea Pickers Award Mossies 2018 Thing 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1518046021083-VPQRXRVE5FO5FM735NB1/specimen-bags.jpg Mossies Worst Disappointment Award 2018 Mossies pt. 2 Rosa Family Disease Specimens They all looked healthy during winter. But as spring arrived the buds struggled to open and those that did quickly wilted. It resembled a fire blight but it didn’t occur during summer and bark didn’t blacken. Whatever it was, it affected established and newly planted trees. Bonfire peach has been a star in my garden for over ten years. Belle of Georgia peach was a brand new addition. Cold frame or exposed winter storage did not make a difference either. Neither University of Illinois scientists nor Chicago Botanic Garden experts could readily diagnose the condition. There wasn’t even a learnable lesson; it was just frustrating and sad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516905716541-UVYDZPZFVC91ZVRSHBUY/sierra-mae-hand-picking-peas.jpg Mossies Pea Pickers Award Mossies 2018 Thing 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517531019515-U4CTQ8LI945L6Z6GWU7W/clematis-viticella-english-walled.jpg Mossies Vine Award 2018 Mossies Italian clematis (Clematis viticella ‘Betty Corning’) Any plant that grows up and adds to the dimensions of my garden is a winner. Italian clematis does that and puts on a show too. The turks-cap shaped flowers open in profusion in mid summer with sporadic blooms into autumn. The Betty Corning cultivar (Jill’s favorite) blooms profusely and is suited for patios, porches, and other small garden spaces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517531244621-8A3TDSZPCBXRT50CJLDW/DSCN4515.jpg Mossies Design Wow! Award 2018 Mossies Northwestern University Hyacinth Patch Ranked #11 among American universities. For the first time the basketball team made the NCAAs and stayed for a whole weekend. Football team finishes 10-3 with another bowl victory over the sec. And, had an eye-catching, perfumed, spring welcome to the campus. 2017 was good for Wildcats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516905267865-M5WFVMHS6A1EITPCS9PM/helianthus-tuberosa-flowers2.jpg Mossies Fall Flower Award 2018 Mossies Sunchoke (Helianthus tuberosa) Grandmother Ruth grew sunchokes or Jerusalem artichokes as a root vegetable along the back fence. Unfortunately despite her offerings, I never tried the gnarly pickled roots she made. Today we cook the tubers like potatoes and harvest the 8’ flower stalks for dazzling late season bouquets. The silver-dollar-pancake sized flowers are a deep, golden yellow and held in loose clusters accented against the azure autumn sky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517528215482-FET3LGTK1CNYVW0XHDOF/helleborus-niger-hgc-jacob-honeybee.jpg Mossies Winter Flower Award 2018 Mossies Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger ‘HGC Jacob’) Hellebores are some of my favorite flowers. I’m in awe of the ability of these amazing plants to bloom so intricately in late winter and early spring. Some, like Helleborus niger, start in December. It needs a cold frame in my Chicago garden, but it’s worth the effort to have such an amazing companion blooming all winter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516906208675-90ED44KA6OTTCJUTLP06/sungold-cluster2.jpg Mossies Tomato Award 2018 Mossies Sun Gold Tomato (Solanum ‘Sun Gold’) 2017 was not a good year for our tomatoes. A cool June stunted the summer crops. Even so, the Sun Golds still provided delicious garden snacks. The sweet citrusy taste helps those of us who aren’t as fond of typical tomatoes to get our phytochemicals and lycopene. In addition to the taste, Sun Gold’s ornamental deep orange fruits add ornament and interest to the garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516902424900-L9FGYEBDLZASQLSDX5SU/lily-triumphiator-flower-profile.jpg Mossies https://getoutandgrow.org/education-1 daily 0.75 2018-04-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1504263700421-5N62AD5TF7OCFQ0D3RMR/DSCN9608.jpg Educate https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1504263999523-QBX82LJR0IHLRZFTU4XD/DSCN0116.jpg Educate https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1504263861518-Z55G86QN0XJ7BJEMW7X1/ccaa_what%27s_that_smell_sauromatum2.jpg Educate https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1524244573943-8BTORJNQRDRWKYOU6KJ0/20180411_121156.jpg Educate https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1524244556232-OJF5CRL43AHV2ME95R4W/20180418_103328.jpg Educate https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1524244481273-ST72EMY5VUSY4WFHO4H6/20180411_141158.jpg Educate https://getoutandgrow.org/maul-schmitt-gallery daily 0.75 2020-09-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599878914409-LZ7IEGXDM550S9CS8HB1/DSC_7472-2.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599878914409-LZ7IEGXDM550S9CS8HB1/DSC_7472-2.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599878964605-EN9LFKZ1YBEU0EO3UHO3/IMG_7823.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599878745538-92597OG4DPHJYWJGV1G2/DSC_7453.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599878682103-PUMXV7OHYRT2Q72EU2DN/image-asset.jpeg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599878764733-D6RARM2LAND84Z1QE4LD/DSC_7455.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599878794328-6G2UQR3DZKNZZ9MWZZ9U/DSC_7461.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599878850854-ZWGM9BWCLQ7FGF7NP4EF/DSC_7468.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599878880125-98FISOPBR5MX4CA5UT39/DSC_7471.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599878939216-AQQB57HKRV6XZH1173YD/IMG_7816.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599878929699-KVAMCO3W4U1AXV1QZUDX/DSC_7476.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599878787030-Z81GLO9MWF46WGTCYBDM/DSC_7439.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599878948262-L9UMZHQUE5TUEZTFR6WU/IMG_7818.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599878956495-SLT327MKES2T6LFI4NN9/IMG_7822.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599878977700-XWL29NI1V2I7Q1JY0FWS/IMG_7825.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599879189653-MYPTEFU71YE14OVFRJOI/image-asset.jpeg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599881224917-OQBBYU8A2AT2GEEUQB9H/amelanchier_alnifolia_flowers.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project - Amelanchier alnifolia ‘Regent’ - Regent Serviceberry Hardy, small, native short grass prairie shrub with panicles of white flowers in spring, edible purple berries in summer, and orange reddish leaves in autumn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599889294115-7HON9GQAG30T1RV0SXI1/Amsonia1.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project - Cornus sericea ‘Flaviramea’ - Yellow-twigged Dogwood Tall native shrub producing white berries in summer and bright yellow bark for winter interest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599889081854-95AW2AT9333WA4B7MNYG/serviceberry_pancakes.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project - Cornus stolonifera ‘Arctic Fire’ Yelllow - Arctic Fire Yellow Dogwood Mid sized native shrub producing white berries in summer and bright yellow bark for winter interest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599890139416-YKI46NCW7O641X0TM0R9/amsonia_hubrichtii_aka_arkansas_blue_star_2.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project - Chaemacyparis pisifera - Weeping False Cypress Mid-sized evergreen shrub with yellow tint to scaly leaves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599888551783-HI7VF7FFKJ2EKV1Y6ZEQ/amsonia_hubrichtii_aka_arkansas_blue_star_2.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project - Viburnum plicatum ‘Newzam’ - Newport Double File Viburnum Mid-sized shrub with a dazzling late spring display of bring snowball like flowers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599890303237-1KGQMW3T4YB6EYGY7IER/Amsonia1.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project - Aronia melanocarpa ‘Low Scape Hedger’ - Low Scape Hedger Chokeberry Compact native shrub cultivar with flowers in late spring and dark berries in summer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599890755608-1JLQCKUGIEEYGDGQIHFW/amsonia_hubrichtii_aka_arkansas_blue_star_2.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project - Celastrus scandens - American bittersweet Native vine growing to 20 feet with bright reddish orange seedpods in autumn and winter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599888216524-MMZQYJHGSYFN2WDJR4CO/DSCN3075.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project - Hydrangea paniculata ‘Quickfire’ - Quickfire Hydrangea Mid-sized summer to fall blooming hydrangea. Large panicles of blooms turn pinkish red as they age. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599902885357-CLBW7NRF0EWH5HCXGPWE/1-betula-nigra-bark-geoff-kiddscience-photo-library.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project - Betula nigra - River Birch Native large tree with interesting peeling bark. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599903026199-K828MJNJFFIHUG4P2Z91/malus_flowers1.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project - Malus - Crabapple Colorful spring flowering small tree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599904296751-545FJCNPUKZV6A3PTBNX/25931.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project - Campsis radicals - Trumpet Vine Native woody vine (liana) with reddish orange flowers throughout summer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599891345560-HRYWZ2CTYYBQ6N7BVUXL/Ajuga_reptans_atropurpurea_03_ies.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project - Ajuga reptans ‘Chocolate Chip’ - Chocolate Chip Ajuga Semi-evergreen groundcover with lush, dark green leaves and spikes of purple flowers in late spring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599894785557-N8I94HCK99BX6AIXWBMF/image-asset.jpeg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project - Allium Gladiator https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599895540055-N9JZB6FYR6LYPRWAR2EF/tulipa-flaming-parrot.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project - TTulipa Flaming Parrot https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599895629755-MRCAXKVPCIY8T0DAADP3/lily-asiatic-pink.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project - Lilium - Asiatic Lily Mid-sized pink lily blooming in early summer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599895704840-XHTGRLXHMK49GSCILVM6/heuchera-silver-scrolls.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project - Heuchera ‘Silver Scrolls' Coral Bells Heuchera - Coral Bells Low growing, leafy perennial with colorful, patterned foliage. Present cultivars include: Silver Scrolls, Caramel, and Limelight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599895772146-D9P9TO606DINMEYAR9OV/allium-millenium.Jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project - Allium (nutans x senescence) ‘Millenium’ - Millenium Allium Short, grass-like perennial with dozens purplish-pink, umbels in late summer. Landscape Use: 2018 Perennial Plant of the Year wiinner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599895905150-VO6NW1XD2BYRRYX1T97Z/hibiscus-starry-starry-night.Jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project - Hibiscus moschetus ‘Starry Starry Night’ - Starry Starry Night Hibiscus Native, large perennial with massive, pink and white pattern, dinner plate flowers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599896577703-8N0SITKHTAHW2UCFKHXS/Amsonia1.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project - Amsonia hubrichtii - Arkansas Blue Star Midwestern native, large perennial with starry, blue flowers in spring, fine textured summer foliage, and brilliant yellow fall color. Landscape Use: 2011 Perennial Plant of the Year winner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599896827571-6EY8BCK6DS242KC01QYP/cyrtomium-fortunei.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project - Cyrtonium fortunei - Holly Fern Short, semi-evergreen fern with stiff, dark green fronds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599896638445-WCF1XDTAN91AOLMNOOX9/amsonia-hubrichtii.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project - Amsonia hubrichtii - Arkansas Blue Star Midwestern native, large perennial with starry, blue flowers in spring, fine textured summer foliage, and brilliant yellow fall color. Landscape Use: 2011 Perennial Plant of the Year winner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599896862794-7PGKNYDHFT8ZD388VL2I/Heucherella-pumpkin-spice.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project - Heucherella ‘Pumpkin Spice’ - Pumpkin Spice Coral Bells Heucherella ‘Pumpkin Spice’ - Pumpkin Spice coral bells Low growing, leafy perennial with colorful, patterned foliage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599897852405-DVNP51JK6WPBNJDT51TQ/il_570xN.1897005799_fa6b.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project - Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’ - Purple Fountain Grass Upright ornamental grass with reddish purple foliage and fluffy seed heads in summer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599902299352-JSQP6QQJEDKQO4YS10AX/group-of-cyperus-papyrus-the-nile-grass-or-paper-reed-growing-in-swamp-at-lake-shore-P9FD5A.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project - Cyperus papyrus - Papyrus Aquatic grass-like sedge with floating umbels throughout the season. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599902050679-08FJ5VZV0N05IEQWTK6Y/il_570xN.1897005799_fa6b.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project - Solenstemon - Coleus Tropical annuals with colorful and patterned foliage throughout the growing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599902101696-OJYLUY4CIBM3GP3L4N5Z/il_570xN.1897005799_fa6b.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project - Begonia ‘Whopper’ - Whopper Begonia Mounding annual that continually blooms with dozen of reddish flowers throughout the season. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599902634606-UZTTBES252KD1K7XP7D3/bee_on_smooth_aster2.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project - Symphyotrichon - Aster Mounding perennial with hundreds of purple, starry flowers in fall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599902748113-BS63L12SQLRF1XOO06VI/PM134250+Optimized.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project - Liriope muscari - lilyturf Grass-like perennial with spikes of purple flowers in late summer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599921241829-CV6MW8PTHRY9VXTMZSC6/IMG_7823.jpg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project - Celosia - Cockscomb Upright annual with colorful, interesting fuzzy spikes in summer and autumn. Landscape Use: Containers, borders, beds https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1599921634585-TPEJ33NBO0IN3Y8PMOBW/mums_coleus.jpeg Maul-Schmitt Landscape Revitalization Project - Chrysanthemim - Garden Mum Mounding half-hardy annual with a profusion of colorful flowers covering the plant in autumn. Landscape Use: Containers, borders, beds, edging, mass plantings https://getoutandgrow.org/garden-tours daily 0.75 2017-09-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1506110857665-QARM6NLB59D2SNQ7BKRJ/laughing_at_Buckingham_cropped.jpeg Garden Walks - Chicagoland Garden Tours You don't have to travel far and wide to experience first class horticulture. Chicago and the surrounding suburbs are home to some of the most beautiful flowers, plants, and trees to be explored right outside your door. Enjoy expertly guided tours with William Moss (Click Here for Current Tour Information) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1506026120138-RSH5O0CU8D8MXT1EHZSE/Portland_Japanese_garden_creek.jpg Garden Walks https://getoutandgrow.org/wvgshow daily 0.75 2018-03-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1507386720794-DBIQHKKT44D45K7A0FBM/goag_top_bulbs+1.jpg Top Ten Bulbs for Spring https://getoutandgrow.org/reel-moss daily 0.75 2017-12-07 https://getoutandgrow.org/mossies2018galleryv2 daily 0.75 2018-02-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516907967553-NYZ7ILBPI996MOKWNJC5/sedum-sarmentosum-caterpillar3.jpg Mossies-2018-Gallery-v2 - Overall Performance Award 2018 Mossies Stringy Stonecrop (Sedum sarmentosum) Stringy Stonecrop or Gold Moss is a vigorous, chartreuse to lemony groundcover. We’ve grown it in containers for its short stature, colorful foliage, hanging stolons, and bright yellow, nectar-filled flowers. In ground Sedum sarmentosum takes off. It forms a golden carpet in sun or shade, clay or sandy, up to and around larger plants. It’s best season is spring, but it looks neat and tidy most of the year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516935193661-ASCIYLS3CJXILS4QRNFP/actaea-ramosa-flowers-painted-lady-honeybee.jpg Mossies-2018-Gallery-v2 - Container Plant Award 2018 Mossies  Fairy Candles (Actaea ramosacultivar) Woodland plants are not known for container success, especially on rooftops. However, Actaea ramosa has excelled for us since moving from the doomed Pullman Gardens to our roofdeck a few years ago. In early spring I divided it and removed some lily-of-the-valley to give it more root room. The result was beautiful dark ferny leaves in spring and summer that all but obscured the container. All that healthy burgundy foliage lead to towering, sweet scented bottle brush flowers in early fall. Fairy candles bloomed for well over a month and attracted scores of friendly pollinators. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516908109675-JO0PC9K835BPTMTRF0DZ/lily-triumphiator-flowers-kathleens-yard.jpg Mossies-2018-Gallery-v2 - Lily Award 2018 Mossies Triumphiator Lily (Lilium LO ‘Triumphiator’) Triumphiator is a LO lily, a cross between Longiflorum and Oriental types. The Oriental parentage imparts hardiness and a perfume scent, while the Longiflorum genes add pastels and flower shape. LO lilies are easy to grow in ground or container. Triumphiator holds its perfumy pink trumpets at eye-level and looks you in the face. The dark pink interior softens to ivory-white along the margins. These strong growers are perfect for bouquets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516907986791-FS0927JK4IIOWZ4MIKEJ/daffodil-geranium-pot.jpg Mossies-2018-Gallery-v2 - Daffodil Award 2018 Mossies Geranium Daffodil (Narcissus ‘Geranium’) Daffodils are the symbols of spring. Their cheery yellow cups brighten gardens and spirits throughout the world. And some aren’t even yellow. Geranium has white flower petals (tepals) and small orange cup in the center. It’s a vivid combination that shines even in moonlight. Plus, being a tazetta type (Division 8) the flowers are extremely fragrant. Good for an early season kitchen table bouquet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516907955429-JV4C0UIUN0YS21EV4EJT/dracunculus-flower-and-hand.jpg Mossies-2018-Gallery-v2 - Aroid Award 2018 Mossies Dragon Arum (Dracunculus vulgaris) I finally bought a Dragon Arum tuber at the 2016 Chicago Flower and Garden Showafter years of wanting one. It grew a little, then went dormant around July. There was no sign of life until last winter in the cold frame when a shoot emerged. By spring it was thick, tall, and obviously a flowering shoot! The meter long flower stalk unfurled a massive, funky, deep maroonish purple spathe and spadix. The dragon had risen! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517537681506-SFK4UUG49KVDLXQ7U21L/helleborus-niger-hgc-jacob-honeybee.jpg Mossies-2018-Gallery-v2 - Winter Flower Award 2018 Mossies Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger ‘HGC Jacob’) Hellebores are some of my favorite flowers. I’m in awe of the ability of these amazing plants to bloom so intricately in late winter and early spring. Some, like Helleborus niger, start in December. It needs a cold frame in my Chicago garden, but it’s worth the effort to have such an amazing companion blooming all winter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517537638232-5P17ROIHFRRL1A8MYHWG/corydalis-solida-blooming.jpg Mossies-2018-Gallery-v2 - Spring Flower Award 2018 Mossies Fumewort (Corydalis solida) Fumeworts emerge in early spring and soon paint the garden floor in reds, pinks, purples, and lavenders. These underused bulbs (tubers) have little funnel-shaped flowers held on short spikes above ferny, chartreuse foliage. Although small, the flowers are densely packed and provide a big punch of color in mass. It disappears as quickly as it emerges, leaving little trace and making way for the summer show. George P Baker (shown above) is a quick spreading cultivar producing lots of tubers and deep pink flowers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517538312755-MG690W8OK0B62ULHVCWF/verbena-bonariensis-jp-trina2.jpg Mossies-2018-Gallery-v2 - Summer Flower Award 2018 Mossies Tall Verbena (Verbena bonariensis) This South American native blooms all season until hard frost. The cluster of purple flowers are held on elongated stems. Plant them behind other flowers for a bright background and eye level color. Butterflies and other friendly pollinators flock to the flowers. Although an annual in cold climates, it volunteers readily and returns to the summer garden year after year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516908018087-JGQ4LDZNQQN7LD1U2IGW/helianthus-tuberosa-flowers.jpg Mossies-2018-Gallery-v2 - Fall Flower Award 2018 Mossies Sunchoke (Helianthus tuberosa) Grandmother Ruth grew sunchokes or Jerusalem artichokes as a root vegetable along the back fence. Unfortunately despite her offerings, I never tried the gnarly pickled roots she made. Today we cook the tubers like potatoes and harvest the 8’ flower stalks for dazzling late season bouquets. The silver-dollar-pancake sized flowers are a deep, golden yellow and held in loose clusters accented against the azure autumn sky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517537705713-R5QCINPLHJ71MXOVQGPW/marjoram-clump.jpg Mossies-2018-Gallery-v2 - Herb Award 2018 Mossies Marjoram (Oregano majorana) My favorite herb. To my wife’s chagrin, I use it on everything. Marjoram has a mild sweet flavor compared to its more pungent siblings oregano and Za’atar. Marjoram grows well in ground or containers, and attracts beneficial insects to the garden. Harvest regularly for the best tasting leaves. Dry thoroughly. Store in glass containers. As a tender perennial, it is also much less aggressive than oregano. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517538567384-FB808WP5R16GONGX51J0/IMG_4008.jpg Mossies-2018-Gallery-v2 - Fruit Tree/Shrub Award 2018 Mossies Heritage Raspberry (Rubus idaeus ‘Heritage’) We grow the hardy bushes in rooftop containers and harvest the sweet fruits in midsummer with a small repeat crop in early October. Easy to grow. Hardy. Productive. Delicious in salads, pies, compotes, and lemonades. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517537768966-CQFARMP0MKKA4185A6FY/cunninghamia-lanceolata-buds.jpg Mossies-2018-Gallery-v2 - Tree/Bonsai Award 2018 Mossies Chinese Fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) For about a decade our Chinese Fir has been a squat bush. It would grow a bit wider but not taller. Finally in 2016 after having the live oak thinned for light, it put a stem straight up. In 2017 that stem grew into a trunk, finally becoming a tree! Chinese firs look ancient because they are. The spiky branches deterred dinosaurs from snacking on them. Now I use them for back scratching. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516936388765-ZF3A7TUJPTY7886V8ST2/sungold-cluster2.jpg Mossies-2018-Gallery-v2 - Tomato Award 2018 Mossies Sun Gold Tomato (Solanum ‘Sun Gold’) 2017 was not a good year for our tomatoes. A cool June stunted the summer crops. Even so, the Sun Golds still provided delicious garden snacks. The sweet citrusy taste helps those of us who aren’t as fond of typical tomatoes to get our phytochemicals and lycopene. In addition to the taste, Sun Gold’s ornamental deep orange fruits add ornament and interest to the garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517538716001-989EVX6OWWU340YI2PJ8/brassica-hon-tsai-tai-seedlings.jpg Mossies-2018-Gallery-v2 - Leafy Green Award 2018 Mossies Choy Sum (Brassica rapa ‘Hon Tsai Tai’) Everyone should eat more leafy greens, especially mustard (Brassica) family greens because they contain lots of antioxidants and vitamins. Asian mustards have lots of varieties that are best eaten raw. Many, as the name “mustard” would imply, are spicy or bitter. However, Choy Sum or Kailaan is an exception. The cultivar Hon Tsai Tai has mild, sweetish tasting leaves, stems, and flower stalks. The purple hues and bright yellow flowers make it a winner in the vegetable or flower garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517538735904-53Y7GS34DAI6FTYN97VO/ipomoea-batatas-pundy-in-hand.jpg Mossies-2018-Gallery-v2 - Veggie Award 2018 Mossies Pundy’s Sweet Taters (Ipomoea batatascultivar) My great grandmother, Ruth aka Pundy, gave me a cutting from her sweet potato plant in 1998. We’ve grown and harvested that plant every year since. We get over 75 pounds of this superfood every year! Enough to take us from fall to summer. Some years when we have hot summers, we even get purplish, morning glory-like flowers. Pundy’s sweet taters combination of beauty, amount of produce, and nutrition can’t be beat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517537796393-T91KFTD8DZTEG0KJGNG9/clematis-viticella-english-walled.jpg Mossies-2018-Gallery-v2 - Vine Award 2018 Mossies Italian clematis (Clematis viticella ‘Betty Corning’) Any plant that grows up and adds to the dimensions of my garden is a winner. Italian clematis does that and puts on a show too. The turks-cap shaped flowers open in profusion in mid summer with sporadic blooms into autumn. The Betty Corning cultivar (Jill’s favorite) blooms profusely and is suited for patios, porches, and other small garden spaces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517538895134-XXY0Y0L23LAT0NQ0RI0A/physalis-pruinosa-aunt-molly-compote.jpg Mossies-2018-Gallery-v2 - Volunteer Award 2018 Mossies Aunt Molly’s ground cherry (Physalis pruinosa ‘Aunt Molly’) Ground cherries are underutilized in American gardens. The fruits are like little cherry tomatoes inside a husk, except they are much sweeter and not as acidic. I sowed Aunt Molly about a few years ago and have not resown since. Like tomatillos, the fruits that drop to the ground spread seeds that volunteer the next year. In 2017, I harvested more ground cherries than ever and didn’t sow a seed. All those volunteer ground cherries became tasty compotes and flavorings for roasted meat dishes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517537518960-LH2XVAJA3TYALFJ47Y4V/DSCN4515.jpg Mossies-2018-Gallery-v2 - Design Wow! Award 2018 Mossies Northwestern University Hyacinth Patch Ranked #11 among American universities. For the first time the basketball team made the NCAAs and stayed for a whole weekend. Football team finishes 10-3 with another bowl victory over the sec. And, had an eye-catching, perfumed, spring welcome to the campus. 2017 was good for Wildcats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517539515648-UPVLDFIIEZ5GHVAG7DDE/robin-on-parapet.jpg Mossies-2018-Gallery-v2 - Worst Pest Award 2018 Mossies I’m convinced that robins got their name because of all their robbing! These brash birds are the boldest thieves in the garden. Every year we have mad conflict with them because they love serviceberries as much as I do. Infuriatingly, robins will eat the berries a few days before they get sun-ripened sweet. And they will eat them all! Robins don’t share. We have to cover our rooftop bushes or we would not get one berry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517537739411-0LSTC3Z8ZVDDI9YNT0SJ/serviceberry-netting-hand.jpg Mossies-2018-Gallery-v2 - Worst Pest Award 2018 Mossies Robins (Tardus migratorius) It’s not just that Robins are larcenous, its the cocky arrogance with which they commit their pilfering. They look at you with disdain and indignation, as if you were the thieving interloper. My twins scream at them and I curse them often, but they always return. They are good garden companions most of the year, but during berry season robins are the worst! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516908143355-4DHGZEIKRUWW6TWOU7VO/malus-dolgo-buds-dying.jpg Mossies-2018-Gallery-v2 - Worst Disappointment Award 2018 Mossies Rooftop Rosa Family Die-off The Trials of an Urban Pomologists is the title of a book I’m working on. Or at least it was until last year. Now I may just call it Don’t Grow Fruit Trees in Containers Unless You Need Some Disappointment in Your Life. Many of my favorite fruit trees, including MOSSIES winners from the past, died last year. Centennial apple, Montmorency cherry, Freedom blackberry, Bonfire peach, and American plum all died during or before bud break. In total 12 rose family fruit trees and bushes died out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1517539934124-K5GVGNZ2R0M6A872RA4G/specimen-bags.jpg Mossies-2018-Gallery-v2 - Worst Disappointment Award 2018 Mossies Rooftop Rosa Family Die-off In total 12 rose family fruit trees and bushes died out. They all looked healthy during winter. But as spring arrived the buds struggled to open and those that did quickly wilted. It resembled a fire blight but it didn’t occur during summer and bark didn’t blacken. Whatever it was, it affected established and newly planted trees. Bonfire peach has been a star in my garden for over ten years. Belle of Georgia peach was a brand new addition. Cold frame or exposed winter storage did not make a difference either. Neither University of Illinois scientists nor Chicago Botanic Garden experts could readily diagnose the condition. There wasn’t even a learnable lesson; it was just frustrating and sad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516936359121-IS4X0052E3704VDQIC2I/sierra-mae-hand-picking-peas.jpg Mossies-2018-Gallery-v2 - Pea Pickers Award Thing 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516908122334-6MIWVEBIUI26442IGXN5/amir-picking-peas.jpg Mossies-2018-Gallery-v2 - Pea Pickers Award Thing 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1516902424900-L9FGYEBDLZASQLSDX5SU/lily-triumphiator-flower-profile.jpg Mossies-2018-Gallery-v2 https://getoutandgrow.org/connect daily 0.75 2018-01-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8f5e9914e6b064d226395/1506110857665-QARM6NLB59D2SNQ7BKRJ/laughing_at_Buckingham_cropped.jpeg Connect - Chicagoland Garden Tours You don't have to travel far and wide to experience first class horticulture. 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