Easy, reliable plants that thrive during gray Chicagoland winters Winter in the Chicago suburbs often means short days, cloud cover, and windows that don’t deliver much sunshine. The good news? You don’t have to give up on greenery until spring. Many houseplants actually prefer lower light and will look great all winter long with minimal fuss. Here are our favorite low-light champions—perfect for homes, offices, and apartments during even the grayest Chicagoland months. Snake Plant (Sansevieria) Why we love it: Nearly indestructibleSnake plants tolerate low light, dry indoor air, and occasional missed waterings. Their upright leaves add structure and style to any room. Winter care tip: Let the soil dry completely between waterings. Less light = less water needed. ZZ...
Beat the winter blues by joining us for a variety of classes and workshops. This January we will be offering the following events: Let's Talk HouseplantsFriday, January 16 at 10:00 am & Saturday, January 17 at 10:00 am Come learn more about houseplants with our on staff expert, Dan Kosta. Dan will talk about how to care for different types of houseplants, from lighting to water and fertilizer, as well as take some time to answer customer questions. The class is free, but space is limited. Please call to reserve your seat. 630-323-1085. English Garden Workshop Friday, January 30 at 10:00 am & Saturday, January 31 at 10:00 am Join us in learning about how to design your very own...
Few plants say “holiday season” quite like a poinsettia. Their bright bracts (those colorful leaves) and festive flair make them a Midwest favorite from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. Whether you picked up a classic red beauty, a speckled novelty variety, or a snowy white poinsettia, proper care will help your plant stay vibrant well past the holidays. Here’s everything Midwest plant lovers need to know to keep poinsettias thriving despite winter’s cold, dry conditions. 1. Transport With Care: Protect From the Cold Midwest winter temps can take a poinsettia from merry to miserable in minutes. Wrap it well before leaving the garden center—use a sleeve, paper wrap, or even a blanket to shield from wind. Avoid leaving it in a...
When the days grow shorter and summer blooms fade, mums and asters step into the spotlight. These hardy fall favorites bring vibrant color and charm to gardens, porches, and patios across the Midwest. Whether you’re looking to freshen up your fall containers or add long-lasting color to your landscape, mums and asters are the perfect choice. Color Varieties Mums (Chrysanthemums):Mums are available in nearly every autumn shade imaginable—sunny yellows, fiery oranges, deep burgundies, bright purples, and classic whites. Some varieties even blend two tones for extra depth. They come in cushion, daisy, and decorative flower forms, making them versatile for any display. Asters:Asters add a softer, daisy-like look with blooms in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white. Their cheerful...
Midwest Winter Prep Checklist: ✔️ Clear dead plants and weeds✔️ Cut back and mulch perennials✔️ Wrap young trees and shrubs✔️ Plant spring bulbs✔️ Water deeply✔️ Bring houseplants inside✔️ Add bird feeders and shelters✔️ Decorate with winter planters 1. Clean Up Spent Annuals and Weeds Remove any annual flowers, vegetables, and weeds that are past their prime. This helps prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in your beds. Cut back perennials, but leave some seed heads (like coneflowers and ornamental grasses) to provide winter interest and food for birds. 2. Add a Layer of Mulch A 2–4 inch layer of mulch around your perennials, shrubs, and trees helps insulate the soil, lock in moisture, and protect roots from temperature swings. Use...
