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 nostalgic, bringing back memories of family gatherings, warm summer evenings, and yards that seemed to bloom endlessly. In northern Illinois, this timeless garden style not only looks beautiful but also thrives in the local climate.

What Is a Grandma Garden?

A grandma garden is a classic, informal garden design built around softness, abundance, and personality. Instead of structured rows or rigid layouts, it embraces a more natural and relaxed look.

This garden style typically includes soft, romantic color palettes, layered planting with tall, mid-height, and low-growing flowers, a mix of annuals and perennials, fragrant blooms, and a collected-over-time appearance. It’s an ideal approach for Midwest landscapes where gardens evolve naturally with the seasons.

Best Grandma Garden Flowers for Illinois Climates

Many traditional grandma garden plants perform exceptionally well in Illinois growing zones, especially in areas like Rockford and the greater Chicagoland region.

Cosmos are loved for their airy texture and ability to handle Midwest summer heat. Sweet alyssum works beautifully as a low-growing, fragrant border, especially early in the season. Sunflowers add height and brightness, making them perfect for open spaces. Hollyhocks provide vertical interest along fences and walls, while iris offer reliable spring blooms year after year. Peonies are a standout favorite, known for their longevity and ability to thrive in Illinois soil conditions.

These plants not only create the nostalgic aesthetic people love but are also well-adapted to local weather patterns.

Why Grandma Gardens Thrive in the Midwest

The grandma garden style works particularly well in the Midwest because it naturally aligns with the region’s climate. Northern Illinois experiences seasonal temperature swings, and this garden style relies on hardy perennials that return each year.

It also supports pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it both beautiful and beneficial. Whether you have a suburban yard or a smaller urban space, this flexible design adapts easily. Many modern plant varieties now offer improved disease resistance, stronger blooms, better cold tolerance, and longer flowering periods, giving you the classic look with better performance.

When to Plant a Grandma Garden in Chicagoland and Rockford

Timing is essential when planting a grandma garden in northern Illinois.

Early spring is ideal for cool-season flowers like pansies and hellebore. Mid to late spring is the time to plant perennials and annuals once the risk of frost has passed. During the summer, you can continue to fill in your garden with additional color and layers.

Planting at the right time ensures your garden establishes quickly and continues to thrive throughout the growing season.

How to Build a Grandma Garden Step by Step

Creating a grandma garden is simple when you follow a layered planting approach.

Start by adding height with tall plants like sunflowers and hollyhocks to create a natural backdrop. Next, incorporate mid-level structure with dependable perennials such as peonies and iris. Finally, finish with low-growing plants like sweet alyssum and compact cosmos to soften edges and add fullness.

This layering technique is especially effective in Midwest gardens where plant growth changes noticeably throughout the season.

Mixing Annuals and Perennials for a Full Garden

A successful Illinois garden combines both annuals and perennials. Perennials provide long-term structure and return year after year, while annuals deliver immediate color and extended seasonal interest.

This combination ensures your garden looks full right away and continues to improve over time.

Design Tips for a Classic Grandma Garden Look

Designing a grandma garden in the Midwest is more about feel than perfection. Plant in clusters rather than single rows to create visual impact. Allow plants to overlap slightly for a lush, full appearance. Mix textures by combining soft, flowing flowers with more structured plants, and stick to a cohesive color palette to keep the design intentional.

Avoid over-planning, because the charm of a grandma garden comes from its natural, evolving look.

Add Personal Touches to Your Garden

Adding personal touches can make your garden even more special. Consider including a bench or seating area where you can relax and enjoy the space. Decorative accents or garden art can add personality, while a focal point like a fountain or statue brings structure and interest.

These elements help transform your garden into a place you’ll want to spend time in throughout the season.

A Garden That Grows Over Time

One of the most appealing aspects of a grandma garden is that it doesn’t need to be completed all at once. The best gardens grow over time, evolving season by season and reflecting your personal style.

This gradual development is part of what makes them so meaningful and why they remain popular across generations.

Visit a Local Garden Center Near You

If you’re in Chicagoland or the Rockford Area, visiting a local garden center is one of the best ways to get started. You can see plants in season, get expert advice tailored to northern Illinois conditions, and choose the right varieties for your space.

Starting with the right plants and guidance sets your garden up for long-term success.

Final Thoughts on Creating a Grandma Garden

The grandma garden is more than just a trend. It’s a return to a timeless, comforting style that blends beauty, function, and nostalgia. By combining classic flowers with modern plant improvements, you can create a garden that thrives in Illinois conditions and becomes more beautiful with each passing year.

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 gardens across the Midwest and beyond.

Perfect for home gardeners, wellness enthusiasts, and eco-conscious families, the pawpaw is quickly becoming a go-to for those seeking edible landscaping that’s both beautiful and practical.

7 Reasons to Grow a Pawpaw Tree

1.  Tropical Fruit in a Temperate Climate

The pawpaw’s creamy, custard-textured fruit tastes like a mix of banana and mango — but it grows in USDA zones 5–9, making it perfect for places like Illinois.

2.  Native & Low-Maintenance

This native tree requires minimal care once established. It’s naturally pest-resistant and thrives in partial shade — ideal for suburban backyards.

3.  Beautiful Spring Blooms

Deep burgundy flowers appear in early spring, attracting pollinators and adding visual interest before leaves emerge.

4.  Pollinator-Friendly

Pawpaws are an important part of the native ecosystem and support local wildlife. Bonus: they’re the host plant for the Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly.

5.  Compact Size for Smaller Yards

With a mature height of 15–25 feet, pawpaw trees fit well into residential gardens and are perfect for small spaces or urban homesteads.

6.  Delicious and Nutritious Fruit

Rich in antioxidants, fiber, magnesium, and essential amino acids, pawpaw fruit is a healthy addition to your kitchen. Use it in smoothies, baking, or even homemade ice cream.

7.  Sustainable & Unique

Support biodiversity and reduce food miles by growing this native fruit tree — an eco-friendly alternative to imported tropical produce.

How to Grow a Pawpaw Tree

• Sunlight: Partial shade to full sun (prefers some shade when young)
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic
• Pollination: Plant at least two trees for cross-pollination and fruit production
• Fruit Time: Late summer to early fall
• Hardiness Zones: 5–9

PROTip: Protect young saplings with shade for the first year. Once established, they’re extremely resilient.

Is the Pawpaw Tree Right for You?

If you’re a woman who loves gardening, healthy living, or simply growing something unique and useful, the Common Pawpaw is a tree worth planting. It’s the perfect addition to:

• Home orchards
• Pollinator gardens
• Wellness-inspired landscapes
• Family-friendly backyards

Whether you’re growing it for the flavor, the health benefits, or the ecological impact, the Pawpaw offers more than meets the eye.

Where to Buy a Pawpaw Tree

At Platt Hill Nursery, we proudly carry healthy, ready-to-plant Common Pawpaw trees for Chicagoland gardeners and beyond.

Shop the Common Pawpaw here
Or visit us in-store to explore more native and edible trees.

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 to a mix of habitat loss, pesticide use, disease, and climate change. Many pollinators, especially native bees, are struggling to find the food and nesting spaces they need to survive.

The good news? Gardeners can absolutely help turn things around.

You don’t need a big yard or a fancy setup to make a difference. Even a small garden bed or a couple of planters can give bees and butterflies a much-needed place to land. Pollinator gardens bring life into your space and support the health of your neighborhood’s ecosystem. Every flower you plant adds to the patchwork of green spaces that help local wildlife survive and thrive.

Why Pollinator Gardens Matter to Local Ecosystems

Pollinator gardens bring in bees and butterflies, but their impact goes far beyond the flowers. They help support the whole ecosystem, from the soil under your feet to the birds in the trees.

These plantings support local food webs by feeding insects, birds, amphibians, and even small mammals. The whole system benefits when pollinators have access to the plants they rely on. Flowers bloom more abundantly, birds find more insects to feed their young, and soil microbes thrive under diverse root systems.

Plus, pollinator gardens help reduce our reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides by promoting natural balance. Even modest backyard gardens can serve as crucial “green corridors” that reconnect fragmented habitats, especially in suburban and urban areas like ours here in Chicagoland.

Why Native Plants Matter to Specialist Bees

Native plants are perfectly matched to the needs of native pollinators. They offer the right kinds of nectar and pollen, and they bloom in sync with the lifecycle of the insects that depend on them.

In contrast, many imported or hybridized plants either lack nutritional value or flower at times that don’t align with the local bee population’s needs. That means even a flower-filled garden could be lacking the real resources pollinators rely on.

Choosing native plants brings real benefits to your garden and the wildlife around it. These plants offer the food and habitat that local pollinators depend on, and in many cases, can’t find anywhere else.

Meet the Other Pollinators

Bees might be the MVPs of the pollination world, but they’re far from the only players.

Butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, beetles, and even some flies are essential pollinators, too. Butterflies tend to favor flat, open-faced flowers like milkweed, while hummingbirds love red, tubular blooms like bee balm. Some beetles and flies even take on pollinating duties in cooler or wetter conditions when bees are less active.

By planting a wide variety of flower shapes, sizes, and colors, you create a garden that speaks the love language of every kind of pollinator.

Your Garden Can Make a Difference

In a time when so many natural habitats are shrinking, every flower bed, parkway strip, or schoolyard garden can serve as a lifeline. When you plant a pollinator garden, you’re not just adding beauty to your space, you’re actively rebuilding the broken links in our ecosystem.

Pollinator gardens offer an easy, beautiful way to make a difference. You can plant in a backyard, a schoolyard, or a shared community space and still have a positive impact. Every bloom helps restore balance and brings us one step closer to healthier local ecosystems.

Refrain from pruning during late summer, fall, or early spring, as the buds for next year’s flowers are already developing. Over-pruning during these periods can significantly reduce flowering potential.

Best Tools for Pruning Hydrangeas

Using the right tools for pruning hydrangeas makes the job easier, safer, and more effective. Proper tools ensure clean cuts, which promote faster healing and reduce the risk of disease. Here’s a breakdown of the best tools to have on hand:

1. Hand Pruners
   For light pruning tasks, such as trimming spent flower heads or cutting thin stems, bypass hand pruners are a must. Their sharp, scissor-like blades make clean cuts without crushing the plant tissue, which is ideal for maintaining healthy growth.
2. Loppers
   When dealing with thicker branches, loppers provide the extra power you need. These long-handled tools can easily cut stems up to 1-2 inches in diameter, making them perfect for older, woody hydrangea stems. Look for loppers with ergonomic handles for comfort during extended use.
3. Pruning Saw
   A pruning saw is the tool of choice for cutting through very thick or tough stems that hand pruners and loppers can’t handle. These saws are compact, sharp, and designed for clean cuts on larger branches.
4. Gloves
   Sturdy gardening gloves protect your hands from cuts, scrapes, and potential irritation from hydrangea sap. Choose gloves with a snug fit to maintain dexterity while working.
5. Cleaning Supplies
   Disinfecting tools between cuts prevents the spread of disease. Keep a cloth and rubbing alcohol or a solution of water and bleach nearby to wipe blades clean.

Investing in high-quality tools and keeping them sharp ensures your hydrangeas receive the best care, resulting in healthier plants and beautiful blooms.

Step 2: Choose Pollinator-Friendly Plants

Variety is key. Aim for a mix of native plants that bloom from early spring through late fall. This keeps food available all season long. Include flowers in a range of shapes, sizes, and colors to appeal to different kinds of pollinators, like bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, and more.

Focus on native species whenever possible. Native plants are adapted to local conditions and provide the exact resources that native pollinators, especially specialist bees, rely on. Some great choices for Zone 5 include Purple Coneflower, Bee Balm, and Black-Eyed Susan (more on these later in our plant list!).

Pro tip: Plant in clusters or drifts. A group of 3–5 of the same plant will catch more attention than scattered singles and make for easier foraging.

Step 3: Prepare Your Soil Naturally

Good soil means healthier plants and stronger blooms. Start by clearing out any existing sod, weeds, or invasive plants. Then loosen the top 6–12 inches of soil using a garden fork or spade.

If you can, skip synthetic fertilizers and instead amend with compost or well-rotted leaf mulch. This improves soil structure, boosts nutrients naturally, and encourages beneficial microbes and insects. Also, avoid tilling deeply, it can disrupt soil health and disturb ground-nesting bees.

Step 4: Plant with a Purpose

When you’re ready to plant, think layers and variety. Include tall plants, medium-height bloomers, and low-growing ground covers to create visual interest and shelter for insects. Keep water needs in mind, grouping plants with similar moisture preferences together.

Leave some open ground, too. Many native bees nest right in the soil. If your space allows, you can also include small logs, brush piles, or a patch of bare sandy soil as nesting habitat.

Spacing matters: give your plants room to grow to their mature size and avoid overcrowding, which can reduce airflow and invite disease.

Step 5: Say No to Chemicals

Skip the pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers. These products often harm pollinators directly or reduce the number of insects they rely on for food.

If pests become a problem, try organic solutions like neem oil, insecticidal soap, or companion planting before reaching for anything stronger. Healthy, diverse gardens tend to attract natural predators that keep pests in check, so patience and balance go a long way.

Step 6: Provide Water and Shelter

Like all creatures, pollinators need water to survive. A shallow dish with a few stones for landing spots works great. Birdbaths or rainwater catch basins also help. Just be sure to clean them regularly to prevent mosquitoes.

Shelter is just as important. Native bees often nest in hollow stems, dead wood, or bare soil, while butterflies may seek cover under leaves or along fence lines. Avoid too much cleanup in fall; leaving some plant stalks and leaf litter in place can protect overwintering insects.

Step 7: Let Nature Lead the Way

Pollinator gardens don’t have to be flawless. The goal is to create a space where nature feels welcome and pollinators can thrive, not a manicured landscape that looks the same year-round.

Observe what’s working and what’s not. Some plants might self-seed or shift over time. Let them. Watch which flowers attract the most activity and consider planting more of those. Resist the urge to over-tidy or control everything. In this garden, wild is wonderful.

Bonus: Top Pollinator Plants for Zone 5 Gardens

Choosing the right plants is one of the best ways to bring your pollinator garden to life. These three native favorites are reliable bloomers, loved by pollinators, and well-suited to our climate here in northern Illinois. Plus, they’re available right here at Platt Hill Nursery.

Final Tips for a Thriving Pollinator Garden

Pollinator gardens grow best when you let nature take the lead, but a few thoughtful touches will help yours truly flourish:

• Mix in all bloom seasons: Aim for early spring, mid-summer, and late-fall flowers to keep food available all season long. 
• Deadhead wisely: Removing spent blooms can encourage more flowering, but be sure to leave some at the end of the season for seed-eating birds. 
• Leave the leaves: In fall, skip the full cleanup. Leaf litter and plant stems provide shelter for overwintering pollinators. 
• Skip the mulch overload: Use mulch sparingly, especially around ground-nesting bees. Bare soil patches are helpful! 
• Keep learning: Every season is a chance to watch, learn, and adapt. Pollinators will show you what they love. You just have to pay attention outside your windows! 

Building a pollinator garden is one of the most rewarding ways to connect with nature, boost local biodiversity, and bring color and life to your landscape. It’s good for the planet and great for the soul.

Ready to get started? Visit Platt Hill Nursery in Bloomingdale or Carpentersville, or shop online to find the native plants, pollinator favorites, and gardening advice you need to grow something amazing. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

When it comes to adding romance, drama, and vertical beauty to a garden, climbing roses are a timeless choice. With their arching canes and generous blooms, they bring old-world charm to fences, trellises, arbors, and walls. But while their impact is grand, growing climbing roses is surprisingly manageable—even for gardeners who are new to roses.

In this guide, we’ll explore what makes climbing roses special, how to choose the right variety, and the best practices for planting, training, and maintaining them so they flourish for years to come.

What Are Climbing Roses?

Climbing roses are not a distinct botanical group but rather a category of rose plants with long, flexible canes that can be trained to grow vertically. Unlike true vines (like clematis or morning glories), climbing roses don’t naturally twine or cling. Instead, they need support and guidance to “climb” using structures like trellises, obelisks, pergolas, and walls.

There are two main types:

• Large-flowered climbers, which tend to bloom in flushes throughout the season
• Ramblers, which produce a profusion of smaller flowers, usually once per year, and are often more vigorous

Why Gardeners Love Climbing Roses

Climbing roses bring a unique design element to gardens. They can:

• Soften the hard lines of fences and buildings
• Create living “walls” or privacy screens
• Frame entryways and windows with lush, fragrant blooms
• Add vertical interest in small gardens where space is limited

Many varieties are fragrant and come in a range of colors—from classic reds and romantic pinks to creamy whites and even yellows and apricots.

Choosing the Right Climbing Rose

When selecting a climbing rose, consider the following:

1. Bloom Time:
   Some climbing roses bloom once a year (typically in early summer), while others are repeat bloomersthat flower throughout the season. If you want consistent color, go for repeat-flowering varieties like ‘Tropical Lightning’ ‘New Dawn,’ or ‘Blaze.’
2. Growth Habit:
   Check the mature height and width. Some climbers can reach 15 feet or more, while others are better suited to compact spaces. Ramblers tend to be more vigorous and may need more room to spread.
3. Climate Tolerance:
   Choose varieties suited to your USDA Hardiness Zone. Some, like ‘William Baffin,’ are extremely cold-hardy, while others prefer milder climates.
4. Disease Resistance:
   Look for roses labeled as resistant to common problems like black spot or powdery mildew—especially important for warm, humid areas.

Planting Climbing Roses

Plant your climbing rose in full sun (at least 6–8 hours daily), in well-draining soil rich in organic matter.

Planting Tips:

• Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
• Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure.
• Space plants 3 to 4 feet apart to allow for airflow.
• Position the rose about 12 inches away from its support structure to encourage airflow and ease of training.

Water deeply after planting and keep the soil evenly moist (but not soggy) during the establishment period.

Training and Supporting Climbing Roses

Because climbing roses don’t cling, they need to be tied or woven through their support as they grow.

Key Tips:

• Use soft plant ties or green vinyl stretch tie to secure canes loosely to structures.
• Train laterals (side shoots) horizontally—this encourages more flowering rather than just height.
• Start training when the plant is young and flexible for best results.

Popular supports include:

• Trellises and obelisks
• Arches and pergolas
• Fences and arbors
• Masonry walls (use rose training wires or wall anchors)

Pruning Climbing Roses

Regular pruning keeps climbing roses healthy and blooming.

Basic Guidelines:

• Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
• Remove dead, damaged, or crossing canes.
• For repeat bloomers, prune spent flowers throughout the season to encourage new buds.
• Keep older, woody canes if they’re productive, but consider removing one or two every few years to make room for younger canes.

Ramblers that bloom once a year should be pruned right after flowering in mid- to late summer.

Fertilizing and Feeding

Feed climbing roses with a balanced rose fertilizer in early spring, just as new growth appears. Reapply mid-season to encourage repeat blooming. Supplementing with compost or fish emulsion can improve soil health and boost blooms.

Common Challenges and Solutions

• Black spot or mildew? Improve air circulation and choose resistant varieties.
• Lack of blooms? Check for too much nitrogen (which boosts leaves, not flowers) or prune more strategically.
• Sparse growth? Make sure it’s getting enough sun and water consistently.

Final Thoughts

Climbing roses add romance and vertical flair to almost any garden. With the right selection, support, and care, they’ll reward you year after year with cascading blooms and head-turning beauty. Whether you’re framing a garden gate or transforming a blank wall, climbing roses are the perfect way to elevate your garden—literally and visually.

Common Milkweed in Chicagoland: A Zone 5 Native Plant for Pollinators

If you’re gardening in Zones 4-9, especially in the Chicagoland area, common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) deserves a place in your landscape. This hardy native perennial is more than just a pretty face—it’s a lifeline for pollinators, a staple for monarch butterflies, and a low-maintenance joy for gardeners who love both beauty and purpose.

Why Common Milkweed is Perfect for Zone 4-9 Gardens

Benefits for Monarch Butterflies and Local Pollinators

Common milkweed is an essential host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars, making it vital for their survival. Its fragrant clusters of pinkish-purple flowers are rich in nectar, attracting bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds. By planting milkweed, you’re directly supporting the pollinator populations that keep our local ecosystem thriving.

Low-Maintenance Beauty in the Chicagoland Climate

Native in 39 US states including Illinois, common milkweed thrives in our region’s conditions. It handles everything from sandy, dry soils to average garden soil and needs little care once established. It’s drought-tolerant, hardy, and perfectly adapted to Chicago’s hot summers and cold, snowy winters.

How to Grow Common Milkweed in Illinois

Soil, Sunlight, and Water Requirements

• Soil: Prefers well-draining sandy or loamy soil; avoid soggy locations.
• Sunlight: Requires full sun—at least 6–8 hours per day.
• Watering: Water regularly when young; once mature, natural rainfall is usually enough.

• Spacing and Planting Tips for Healthy Growth

  Give each plant 18–24 inches of space but can spread up to 34 inches. Milkweed spreads by underground rhizomes and by seed, so be mindful if you’re planting in a small garden. Perfect) for larger spaces or naturalized areas, let it spread freely for a beautiful, wildlife-friendly meadow effect.

Milkweed’s Role in the Local Ecosystem

Supporting Monarch Migration

Each year, monarchs migrate thousands of miles, stopping in Chicagoland gardens to lay eggs on milkweed. Without this plant, their journey—and survival—would be in jeopardy.

Attracting Bees, Butterflies, and Hummingbirds

Beyond monarchs, common milkweed is a nectar powerhouse for a variety of pollinators. Planting it helps maintain biodiversity and keeps pollinator populations strong.

Tips for Managing Milkweed in the Garden

Controlling Spread and Self-Seeding

Milkweed can be assertive. Remove seed pods before they open if you want to limit it spreading to unwanted areas in your gardens, or deadhead spent flowers and seed pods to keep plants neat.

Companion Plants for a Thriving Pollinator Garden

Pair milkweed with other robust, native perennials like purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), and bee balm (Monarda didyma). These combinations create continuous blooms and food sources for pollinators.

Final Thoughts on Growing Common Milkweed in Chicagoland

For Zone 4-9 gardeners, common milkweed is a win-win: it’s beautiful, tough, and ecologically beneficial. By including common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) in your gardens, you’re cultivating more than flowers—you’re helping sustain life in your own backyard.

If you have more questions, stop in and see us! We love to talk plants.

If you’ve noticed crusty, leafy, or even beard-like growths on your trees and shrubs, you might have wondered if they’re harmful — perhaps a type of fungus or mold. The good news? These curious growths, known as lichens, are not harmful to your trees. In fact, they’re a fascinating and entirely natural part of the ecosystem, and understanding them can help you better care for your garden and landscape.

Lichens Are Not Fungi or Mold

Although they may resemble fungi at first glance, lichens are not fungi, mold, or a disease. Instead, a lichen is a symbiotic partnership between a fungus and a photosynthetic organism — usually a green alga or a cyanobacterium. Sometimes, both are present. These two (or sometimes three) organisms work together to form what we see as a single growth.

• The fungus provides the structure and holds moisture.
• The photosynthetic partner (alga or cyanobacterium) produces food via photosynthesis.

This partnership allows lichens to live in all kinds of places, including your tree bark. But here’s the key point: lichens do not feed on or harm trees. They use the bark only as a surface to grow on — not as a food source.

Common Misconceptions About Lichens

At our nursery, one of the most common questions we hear is: “Is that a fungus hurting my tree?” It’s a fair question — lichens can look unusual, and many people associate them with decay or disease. But lichens:

• Do not penetrate the bark
• Do not take nutrients from the tree
• Do not cause decay

They are not parasitic, and their presence is not a sign that your tree is sick. In fact, they often grow on healthy trees, especially older ones with textured bark and good air circulation.

Why Do Lichens Grow on Trees?

Lichens grow where conditions are right — and that usually means a stable surface with enough light and moisture. Trees, especially those with rough bark and plenty of sunlight on their trunks and branches, provide ideal real estate. Factors that promote lichen growth include:

• Clean air (lichens are sensitive to pollution)
• Stable, undisturbed bark
• Good light exposure

Ironically, the presence of lichens can be a sign of a healthy environment!

Are Lichens a Problem for My Garden?

No — in almost every case, lichens are harmless. They don’t affect the tree’s growth, bark, or leaves. However, they may become more noticeable if a tree is already under stress or in decline (for example, losing leaves or bark). In these cases, lichens might appear to spread more quickly simply because they have less competition for light and space — but they are not the cause of the problem.

If you’re concerned about your tree’s health, it’s a good idea to have it evaluated by an arborist or horticulturist. But rest assured: lichens alone are not a reason to worry.

Should I Remove Lichens?

Generally, there’s no need to remove lichens from your trees. They don’t harm the bark or hinder growth. Attempting to scrub or scrape them off can damage the tree’s protective outer layer. If lichens bother you for aesthetic reasons, you can try these gentle approaches:

• Improve sunlight and airflow: Pruning nearby branches or thinning a canopy can reduce lichen growth by altering their preferred conditions.
• Avoid unnecessary chemical sprays: Lichens are sensitive, and chemicals can do more harm than good.

But overall, we recommend leaving them be. They’re part of a healthy, living landscape.

A Natural Wonder in Your Backyard

Beyond being harmless, lichens are actually incredible organisms. They are some of the oldest and toughest life forms on Earth, capable of surviving in extreme environments — from mountaintops and deserts to city sidewalks. They:

• Contribute to soil formation by slowly breaking down rock
• Support biodiversity by offering habitat for small creatures
• Help monitor air quality, since they absorb nutrients directly from the atmosphere

Scientists even study lichens for insights into environmental changes, climate shifts, and more. Having them on your trees can be a sign that your local ecosystem is thriving.

Final Thoughts: Appreciate, Don’t Panic

At our plant nursery, we believe in celebrating the many small wonders that nature brings to our gardens — and lichens are one of them. They may look unfamiliar or even worrisome at first, but now you know: lichens are not mold, not fungi, and not a threat to your trees.

Instead, they’re an example of how life finds a way to flourish in partnership. So the next time you spot a patch of lichen on your favorite tree, take a moment to appreciate this little marvel of nature. It’s been there quietly doing its thing — enriching your garden’s biodiversity, and asking nothing in return.

Have questions about your trees, shrubs, or anything else growing in your yard? Feel free to stop by or contact us — we’re always happy to help you grow with confidence!

Pollinator plants attract a range of pollinators, but most especially bees! Chicago area bees are responsible for many of the flowers and foods that we eat. Did you know that 80 percent of the world’s flowering plants need a pollinator to reproduce, and about 30% of our food is created with the help of pollinators?

We need pollinators for everything from fruits and vegetables to nuts and spices. Filling your garden with pollinator plants can help ensure that your flower garden and vegetable garden will be a success. In this article, we’ll talk about the 25 best pollinator plants for your garden. We’ll discuss popular perennials as well as annuals that can help attract pollinators to your garden.

The Best Plants for a Pollinator Garden

1. Calamint

Calamintha nepeta, also known as lesser calamint, is a fantastic pollinator plant due to its abundant, long-lasting blooms. From summer to fall, it attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects with its minty fragrance and nectar-rich flowers. Its compact size and easy care make it perfect for garden beds or borders. Plus, it’s drought-tolerant, making it a low-maintenance way to support local pollinators!

2. Basil

Basil is a fantastic pollinator! Once basil starts to produce large flowers, the leaves can become bitter or lose their flavor, but that doesn’t have to stop you from consuming basil. Basil flowers are edible, just like the leaves. Consider including basil flowers in your salads, but don’t forget to leave some buds in your garden to attract pollinators.

3. Bee Balm

Bee balm attracts a range of pollinators, not just bees! These funky, quirky flowers can attract butterflies and hummingbirds as well. Bee balm plants go by many names including horsemint, bergamot, and Oswego tea. In the past, bee balm has been used to treat bee stings (hence the common name bee balm). This plant is a prized garden perennial because it’s easy to grow and produces impressive flowers year-round.

4. Button Bush

Do you have uncommonly wet soil on your property? Want an unusual flowering plant for your home landscape? The button bush may be the perfect flower type for you. This distinctive shrub has spherical button-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. Button bush doesn’t grow well on dry soil, so this is a good option for the area around your dry creek bed.

5. Chokeberry

Chokeberry shrubs have ornamental qualities at various times throughout the year, including spring when they boast beautiful white flowers, and in fall, when they produce berries (either red or black). The berries are tart (but not poisonous), so birds tend not to eat them, and they remain on the bush for a long time, adding color to the landscape. Chokeberry can be used in canning for jams and jellies.

6. Cilantro

Cilantro makes a great addition to some dishes, but if you allow the plant to produce its beautiful white flowers, it will draw bees and other pollinators to your space. Cilantro grows best in full sun or light shade, with well-draining soil. It’s a small plant that can be grown on the edges of your garden to attract pollinators. If you like the herb, set aside some to be used in cooking.

8. Cosmos

Cosmos are daisy-like flowers that come in a variety of colors including yellow and pink. This self-seeding plant comes back year after year and attracts butterflies. With long-lasting blossoms, cosmos add color and good cheer to your flower garden. Plant cosmos with a range of other daisy-like flowers including cone flowers or coreopsis, to create a prairie-like beauty for your landscape.

9. Dill

Dill produces bushy, edible plants that are a favorite of both pollinators and caterpillars. Bees and butterflies love its delicate yellow flowers, while caterpillars—especially swallowtails—enjoy munching on its leaves. To ensure enough for both you and the wildlife, consider planting a little extra! Dill grows best in well-drained, low-fertility soils with plenty of sun. Sow seeds continuously throughout the growing season for a steady harvest and pollinator activity.

10. Coneflower (Echinacea)

Coneflower has many excellent qualities that make it a long-standing staple of gardens throughout the Midwest. It produces long-lasting flowers that can be seen from early summer until fall. Once established, coneflower is resistant to drought. It tolerates a range of environments including full sun and partial shade, and it’s a perennial plant, so once it’s in place, you can enjoy it for years to come.

11. False Indigo

False indigo attracts hummingbirds to your garden, especially after a few seasons of good growth. In the first two seasons, false indigo does much of its developing beneath the ground. It’s only after these two seasons that your false indigo will start to show its most beautiful blooms. This shrub produces lovely flowers that will do more than attract hummingbirds – they’ll also catch your eye.

12. Ageratum (Floss Flower)

Floss flower is a tender annual that reseeds itself well, so planting it once will continue to produce flowers for a long time to come. Floss flower’s tufted blossoms can be scattered throughout your garden bed and will flower from late spring through fall. Plant floss flower for long-lasting color in your garden bed. Consider planting floss flower near yellow zinnia for a blast of yellow and purple color to attract pollinators of all types.

13. Goldenrod

Although sometimes dismissed as a weed, goldenrod is a North American perennial plant that has been used in the past for a variety of purposes including making tea and treating certain conditions. It is very attractive to pollinators. While goldenrod is sometimes blamed for allergies, it produces large clumps of pollen that does not carry on the wind. For most people, it is not an allergen.

14. Lavender

This drought-tolerant perennial shrub produces beautiful purple flowers that are both fragrant and beautiful when dried. Lavender plants last approximately 10 years and then need replacement. Cut lavender back to about 6 inches every few years to prevent it from getting scraggly. Lavender can be used in cooking, or you can dry lavender and place it in a vase in your home. Lavender is grown best in soils with poor fertility.

15. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a plant in the mint family which will produce attractive flowers if allowed. Lemon balm’s minty leaves have a distinctive lemon flavor. Once the plant has flowered, this flavor gets weaker. You can use lemon balm in your salads or fruit salads to add a zesty flavor, or allow it to produce blossoms to attract those pollinators like bees and butterflies.

16. Marigolds

Marigolds are a favorite annual plant that appears in flower beds throughout the Midwest. Favored for their easy growth and long-lasting blooms, marigolds are also great for repelling certain pests like deer, which find marigold blossoms to have an unpleasant odor. Marigolds come in a range of colors including yellow, orange, and red. The blossoms tend to get bigger and more beautiful as the summer goes on. Keep deadheading them to encourage blooming.

17. Milkweed

Common milkweed is a herbaceous wildflower that produces small flowers that grow in clusters. Milkweed grows up to 5 feet tall and needs full sun throughout the summer. Milkweed attracts all types of pollinators including butterflies and bees, and is also a larval host plant for monarch butterflies.

18. Peppermint or Spearmint

Peppermint and spearmint are excellent additions to any pollinator garden. Their small, fragrant flowers are magnets for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. These hardy, fast-growing herbs thrive in full to partial sun and well-drained soil. Be sure to plant them in containers or a designated area, as they can spread quickly. As a bonus, their leaves are great for culinary uses, making them a multi-purpose addition to your garden!

19. Sunflowers

This easy to grow flower is a self-seeding flower that attracts pollinators and then birds as their blossoms open and develop. Sunflowers are known for following the sun in its trajectory across the sky, and produce large, cheerful, shaggy blossoms that are a staple of late summer gardens.

20. Parsley

Parsley has good flavor and is easy to grow in an herb garden. If you grow more parsley than you need, allow it to flower to attract pollinators. Plus, parsley is a favorite food source for caterpillars, so planting a little extra can help support their growth. Parsley grows best from seeds planted in rich soil.

21. Summersweet

Summersweet is a flowering shrub that produces spears of flowers in July and August. Its fragrant scent is a joy for people and, once established, it can tolerate short periods of drought. Summersweet attracts pollinators of all types and when fall rolls around, the leaves turn a decorative yellow for lovely fall color.

23. Veronicas

This perennial plant produces charming purple flowers that attract pollinators. Although they can grow in partial shade areas, you’ll get the most flowers with limited water and full sun. Plant veronicas in places where it’s hard to get other flowers to grow, like narrow beds near pathways or spaces your sprinklers don’t quite reach.

24. Bluebeard

Bluebeard is a low-mounding shrub that produces fluffy, cloud-like flowers. This plant blooms in late summer and early fall, and attracts pollinators of all types. Too much fertilizer will produce lanky growth, so use fertilizer sparingly.

25. Zinnias

Zinnias are prolific bloomers and a favorite annual plant in many summer gardens. These colorful flowers come in different types including single, double, and semi-double, so you can choose the variety of zinnia that you prefer.

What is a Pollinator?

A pollinator is anything that helps disperse pollen throughout gardens. Pollinators help promote flowering and fruit production, and in many cases, are an essential part of the production cycle.

While there has been much talk in the news over the last several years about the decline of the European Honeybee, this is not a native bee. There are over 4,000 species of native bees in North America, and all of them are important to our food cycle.

What are Pollinator Plants?

Pollinator plants are plants that attract pollinators. Pollinator-friendly plants have sweet pollen that pollinators want for their food. There are a variety of blooming perennials that attract perennial pollinators. If you’re interested in buying plants for a pollinator garden, we can help.

What Attracts Pollinators to Plants and Flowers?

There are many visual cues you can use when trying to identify pollinators. Pollinators typically have showy blossoms and sepals. These plants often have blossoms in bright colors like red or purple. The best way to identify good pollinator plants or pollinator plants for bees is to ask the experts when you’re shopping at Platt Hill Nursery.

Find Your Pollinator Plants at Platt Hill Nursery!

Platt Hill Nursery carries a range of pollinator plants including the best pollinator plants for vegetable garden spaces. We sell zone 5 perennials and a range of products to make your perennial garden a success. To find the perennial or annual plants of your choice, search our plants on our website or contact the experts at Platt Hill Nursery directly.