by Platt Hill Nursery | Apr 13, 2026 | Annuals, DIY/How to, Newbie Gardener, Perennials
The “grandma garden” trend is making a strong comeback across Chicagoland and Rockford, and it’s easy to see why. This style of gardening isn’t just about planting flowers—it’s about creating a feeling. A grandma garden is full, layered, colorful, and slightly...
by Platt Hill Nursery | Mar 27, 2026 | DIY/How to, Hydrangeas, Perennials
Smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens) are some of the most dependable, easygoing flowering shrubs you can grow in Chicagoland gardens. If you’ve ever admired massive white blooms that show up every summer without a ton of fuss, chances are you were looking at a...
by Platt Hill Nursery | Feb 3, 2026 | DIY/How to, Houseplants
If your houseplants struggle in winter, you’re definitely not alone. And you’re not a bad plant parent, either. Winter houseplant problems happen because light levels drop, indoor air becomes extremely dry, watering habits don’t adjust, and temperature swings stress...
by Platt Hill Nursery | Jan 6, 2026 | DIY/How to, Houseplants
If you haven’t noticed by now, winters are hard in Chicagoland, the air inside most homes feels noticeably different. Skin tightens, static electricity shows up everywhere, and houseplants (especially the tropical ones) start looking a little tired. Leaves lose their...
by Platt Hill Nursery | Jul 24, 2025 | DIY/How to, Healthy Living, Newbie Gardener, Trees & Shrubs
What Is a Common Pawpaw Tree? The Common Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is a native North American fruit tree known for producing custard-like tropical fruit—right in your own backyard. With flavor notes of banana, mango, and vanilla, this small tree adds exotic appeal to...
by Platt Hill Nursery | Jun 11, 2025 | DIY/How to, Landscaping, Lawn & Garden, Newbie Gardener, Winged Friends
Why Pollinator Gardens Matter Pollinators, like bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, hummingbirds, and more, play a vital role in the health of our ecosystems and food systems. But across the globe, these essential creatures are in trouble. Populations are shrinking due...
