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Edition 6.22 McAdam Garden Center June 2nd, 2006

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Contact Information:

E-Mail:
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Telephone:
(708) 771-4903

Address:
2001 Des Plaines Ave.
Forest Park, IL 60130

Hours:
Monday thru Saturday,
9 am to 6 pm

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quote of the week

Quotation of the Week:

"Yes, in the poor man's garden grow
Far more than herbs and flowers.
Kind thoughts, contentment, peace of mind
And joy for weary hours."
— Mary Howitt

Upcoming Class - Garden Decorating

Attend a free garden decorating class
this Saturday, June 3rd
from 11:00 am to 11:30 am
at McAdam Nursery and Garden Center.

Garden Design: Catch the Eye

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When designing a garden, focal points are an important concept. A focal point is a feature that draws the eye. This can be anything from a tall tree to a colorful grouping of plants, to a strategically placed statue. Having a focal point (or several) in your landscape or garden gives the whole area a more orderly look.

You can create an eye-catcher by something as simple as planting a tall, colorful plant in the midst of smaller plants in a flower bed. If you already have a naturally imposing feature, such as a large tree, consider placing colorful perennials around it.

Another way to draw the eye is to use bold contrasts. A grouping of bright red or white flowers in the midst of an expanse of green lawn will draw attention. Even a bright color amidst pastels will work.

One of the most popular methods is to use statues and other garden decor, such as birdbaths or bird feeders. These are a great way to create a focal point, used as a centerpiece of a design.

A driveway or path with brightly colored borders is another popular way to draw attention. Both solid colors and mixed colors can work well here.

If you are lucky enough to have a naturally good view, use it as a backdrop for a grouping. If you have the sort of yard that lends itself to paths, consider a flower-covered arch trellis as an entry way. Come into McAdam Garden Center; you'll find plenty of good ideas!

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Clematis!

'Nelly Moser' clematis

"You say CLEM-uh-tiss, I'll say clem-AH-tiss." Depending upon your resource, both pronunciations are correct. So on goes the debate; just choose your favorite accent. Everyone will know exactly what plant you are speaking of!

Did you know that clematis belongs to the Ranunculaceae family? Some of you may respond "Huh?" Well, let us help you out with this. Other members of this diverse family include buttercups (Ranunculus) of the meadows, columbines (Aquilegia), delphiniums, hellebores, and others. The majority of clematis are deciduous, although there are some evergreen. Clematis do not have petals. Right. That colorful petal-looking structure is a 'tepal', or a modified leaf. Tulips are similar in this structure. The wonderful color on the tulip is also from 'tepals.' not petals. Just a tidbit for you to share in your next garden conversation!

When considering where to place your new-found clematis in your garden, remember that they like their roots in the cool shade, but their "heads" in the sun. How can this plant have both? Plant in a location where other plants, such as  shrubs,  will be shading the root area, but the vine has plenty of space to grow upward into the sun. Also, mulch the root zone - that will help keep them cool and shaded. Clematis like well-drained soil but they also need a moisture retentive soil. For those gardens with heavy clay soil, amending will also be a must. Clematis are big feeders, especially during the summer growing season. And here's another plus for Clematis. These beautiful vines are remarkably disease-free and pest-free. What a plus! Of course, like most of our garden plants, snails and slugs and aphids like the tender new growth.

Current Clematis selections at our garden center include:

  • 'Nelly Moser' clematis
  • 'Gurnsey Cream' clematis
  • Clematis temiflora
  • Clematis x 'jackmanii'
  • 'Ramona' clematis

 

Select Plants On Sale This Weekend


 
We have selected azaleas, lilacs, rhododendrons and
Clavey Dwarf European Honeysuckle on sale this weekend!

Meet Our Team - Ana


This week we would like to introduce Ana.

Position at McAdam: Assistant Manager of Garden Center

Hobbies: Running

Favorite Food: Grilled garlic shrimp

Favorite Plant/Flower: Roses

Favorite Garden Center Product:  Osmocote

Ana’s message to you, “Protect the environment.”

Recipe of the Week: Ambrosia

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Fix this Ambrosia salad for the holidays. Sweet and fruity, yet low in fat, this mixture of succulent fruits will delight holiday guests.

What You'll Need:

  • 3 (15-ounce) cans chunky fruit cocktail, drained
  • 1 (11-ounce) can Mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 cup miniature marshmallows
  • 1 cup sweetened flake coconut
  • 2 bananas, thinly sliced
  • 2/3 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries

Step by Step:

COMBINE fruit cocktail, oranges, marshmallows, coconut, bananas and evaporated milk in large bowl.

Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Stir in strawberries before serving.

Yield: 6 servings.

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