How tall will my lawn grow if I stop mowing?

 

Answer:  About 18" and then the grass becomes too heavy to stand upright.  I don't know if the tall grass was what encouraged a coyote to linger in our yard, but an hour with the weedeater and my experiment was over.

Allium Giganteum

Plant bulbs in the fall for a dramatic spring display.  Leaves will disappear after blooms fade allowing room for summer perennials.

Fig 'Chicago Hardy'

This is my recent purchase from the Morton Arboretum plant sale.  I never thought I could have a fig tree in Glen Ellyn, but now it seems possible.  This variety is called 'Chicago Hardy' and will grow to 6' annually as long as winter protection is provided.  I didn't site it in a particularly warm microclimate as instructed but will be sure to mulch and wrap in burlap this winter.

I'll post updates as the fig grows.  It's about 16" tall now and very healthy.

My favorite places to shop for plants!

Hinsdale Nurseries  7200 South Madison Street, Willowbrook IL 60527  www.hinsdalenurseries.com
Here you can find container plants, perennials (helpful categories on plant signs indicate best conditions for planting perennials -sun, shade, wet & dry conditions), excellent quality shrubs and trees.  I love the way trees are spaced out so there's room to walk through them to make selections.  They will even plant the tree for you.

Planter's Palette  28W571 Roosevelt Road, Winfield IL  60190 
www.planterspalette.com
This nursery grows much of their own material.  You will find an incredible variety of plants and a staff that can help you in your gardening quest.  I'll be purchasing my herbs and vegetables here.

Lurvey Landscape Supply  2550 East Dempster Street, Des Plaines Il 60016  www.lurveys.com
My favorite place for stone...it's not all about the plants:-)  Their plant display is wonderful with great signage too.  It's a great place to learn about what's available for your project.

The Growing Place   25 Plank Rd, Naperville, IL 60563 
www.thegrowingplace.com
A favorite of many clients.  I like to shop for metal trellis and plant supports here.  Take a list if you are plant shopping:) This place is full of temptation.

Garden Soil & Mulch Suppliers in Western Suburbs

After a long winter, it's finally time to enjoy spring gardening.  Here are a few compost, soil & mulch suppliers in the area to get you started!

 
Arugula sprouting in compost.

• Wheaton Mulch 630-653-4444 
• www.wheatonmulch.com
• Lurvey Landscape Supply 847-299-8333  www.lurveys.com
• Tamling's Landscape Supply 630-323-7171  www.tamlings.com

Tip:  Approximate coverage = One cubic yard of material covers 100 sq. ft. @ 3" depth or 167 sq. ft. @ 2" depth.