By Tamara Galbraith

One of the many challenges in creating an interesting landscape is the incorporation of varying plant heights. Some plants will eventually grow tall at the back of the border, sure, but what if you need height now?

Enter ornamental grasses...the clumping variety, that is. Several ornamental grasses spread via underground rhizomes and can become invasive, so check with your local nursery if you're unsure about what to plant.

The non-spreading varieties should provide all the interest you need anyway. Ornamental grasses are incredibly low maintenance, grow quickly, and are naturally disease- and insect-resistant. The swaying, breezy movement they provide is unparalleled in its beauty.

Not only that, but ornamental grasses come in a variety of shapes and sizes suitable for any landscape. There are beautiful purple fountain grasses, spikey cool blue grasses, dazzling golden grasses and silvery Japanese grasses. There's even a dwarf variety with adorable tufts on the end called, aptly, Rabbit's Tail Grass.

Once established, most ornamental grasses require very little fertilization or water. Give perennial grasses a crew cut (down to 4"-6" above ground level) in late winter to encourage new spring growth.

By Tamara Galbraith

Ask rose enthusiasts what one plant disease they would vote off the face of the planet, and their answer will inevitably be Black Spot. It is the bane of the rose growing world, and has been for many years.

Thanks to the introduction of many new rose cultivars with built-in Black Spot resistance, this problem isn't what it used to be. But what if you are nursing a rose that isn't quite so sturdy?

As the name suggests, this fungal disease appears as circular black spots surrounded by a ring of yellow on infected leaves. Remove and destroy infected leaves and canes, and take these actions to prevent Black Spot from completely owning your rose:

1. First, don't irrigate late in the evening before water has a chance to evaporate from leaf surfaces. Better yet, water at ground level and don't wet the leaves at all. Also, make sure there is plenty of air flowing around and through each plant. Fungi love to grow in moist, stagnant air, so prune your roses periodically, especially after each bloom period.

2. If you do find yourself with a case of Black Spot, act quickly, as it can take over an entire rose bush in no time. A teaspoon of baking soda per quart of water is an effective fungus fighter. Some say milk works well.

Saturday, May 20
LaPiazza Café Chef Gaetano
Grill Cooking Class
Chef Gaetano from LaPiazza Café in Forest Park will teach grilling!
Class includes tastings!
Time: 10am – 1pm 
Cost: $60
Call for Reservations 708-366-4010

Type: Evergreen or Deciduous Shrub  

Soil Preference: Well-drained and acidic to slightly alkaline.   

Light Requirements:  Sun to Partial Shade   
 
Attributes: This plant needs excellent drainage, mulching and a peat moss soil additive.  Roots will rot in poorly drained soil and they will not do well in windy sites.

Pests: Lace bug, Azalea Bark Scale 

Care: Pinch off flowers after they fade. Fertilize with Holly-tone approximately April 1st, May 20th, July 4th, and October 30th.  Keep granular fertilizers off foliage and away from stems and trunks. For new plantings use half the recommended rate of fertilizer.

We have Karen, Herbert & Stewartsonian varieties in stock now!

This week we introduce Marco, one of our Nursery Assistants. Marco cares for our 
plants & grounds and fills job orders for our Maintenance Division.  He often appears 
from nowhere to assist staff and customers. Other important responsibilities Marco 
performs are running the tractor and unloading incoming nursery materials.

Hobbies: Working on his car, watching the Discovery Channel, 
and walking in the woods.

Favorite Food: Hamburgers, burritos, and tacos.

Favorite Plant/Flower: Redbud trees; he especially likes its flowers.

Favorite Garden Center Product: Baccto Lite potting soil because of its ease of use