by Platt Hill Nursery | Sep 23, 2025 | Newbie Gardener, Perennials, Trees & Shrubs
What Makes Native Plants a Smart Choice? Native plants are perfectly adapted to Chicagoland’s Zone 5 climate, meaning they thrive with less maintenance. They offer food and shelter for birds, bees, and butterflies, enrich biodiversity, and help safeguard water...
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...
by Platt Hill Nursery | Jun 9, 2025 | DIY/How to, Landscaping, Lawn & Garden, Newbie Gardener, Trees & Shrubs
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...
by Platt Hill Nursery | Jun 1, 2025 | Newbie Gardener, Perennials
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...
by Platt Hill Nursery | Apr 25, 2025 | Landscaping, Lawn & Garden, Newbie Gardener, Trees & Shrubs
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,...
