Author: Flower Chick

The term “native” plant generally refers to plants indigenous to a particular geographic region. Over time those plants have adapted to local environmental and social influences such as soil …

After you have researched and selected the best tree to plant in your yard, it’s time to get it in the ground! Digging the right-size planting hole is the …

Both annuals and perennials can be started from seed – some fare better started indoors (transplant them outdoors after your average last frost date); and others do well sown …

Looking for some feel good, very fun, and easy gardening projects?  In the inclement months … while we are stuck indoors and it’s too cold and/or wet to work …

  Through the years there have been many different roses named for famous people including Presidents and First Ladies, royalty, actors, singers, and humanitarians. They run the gamut from …

Winter is a fun time of year for gardeners in Zone 5 / 6 … yes, really! We get to browse the colorful mail order seed catalogs, gardening magazines, …

Easy Care Houseplants add so much to our lives … they clean our air, improve our moods, bring a touch of nature indoors, style up living spaces, and even …

Recently I completed a tree identification course from the online offerings at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL. I've always wanted to learn more about trees! It frustrates me …

Winter can be unkind to needle evergreens and the broadleaf variety … especially those evergreens that were recently planted in the ground. I discovered this the hard way…after two …

Here are Flower Chick’s 64 Top Picks for the Best Gifts For Gardeners, all new for 2020! These gardening gifts all meet my criteria: good quality, interesting, useful, and …

How To Winterize Roses Winterizing roses is very important to ensure they survive the cold months and vigorously grow from year to year. Not all roses need winter protection …

Prepare Your Garden Tools for the Spring I’m a bit ashamed to admit that I used to just toss my garden tools on a shelf in the garage at …

FALL PLANTING – BULBS FOR ZONE 5 & 6 Bulbs fill your garden with vibrant color from early spring through late summer into early fall. They are generally very …

Join us as Flower Chick travels to central Illinois to spotlight four beautiful Decatur gardens! As part of our ongoing “Visiting Midwest Gardens” series, we head south from Chicago’s …

Fall Container Refresh By mid-September in Zone 5 & 6 … your container plantings have often seen better days. Some may look scraggly, some may no longer bloom, and …

In this "Visiting Midwest Gardens" feature, Flower Chick spotlights the beautiful Mabery Gelvin Botanical Gardens in Mahomet, Illinois. Join us to discover what makes this picturesque setting so special!

Don’t think you have enough space to start the garden of your dreams? Well, think again! There are many ways to garden in a limited area. You just need …

Ogden Gardens Park is one of Valparaiso, Indiana’s best known natural attractions – join Flower Chick in our latest “Visiting Midwest Gardens” feature as we venture out to northwest …

When September arrives, it may still feel like mid-summer in Zone 5 / 6. Forecasts might call for temps touching the high 80’s, but just because the calendar shows …

Flower Chick is back with another “Visiting Midwest Gardens” feature, so tag along for a virtual visit to eight Quad Cities gardens that’ll inspire and impress! One of the …

Do you think you’re done planting by August? Well, think again! There are still perennials, shrubs, trees, vegetables and even annuals you can plant in late summer to reap …