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,...
by Platt Hill Nursery | Oct 9, 2024 | Landscaping, Lawn & Garden, Newbie Gardener, Outdoor Living
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...
by Platt Hill Nursery | Oct 1, 2024 | Holidays, Newbie Gardener, Outdoor Living
Pumpkins are synonymous with autumn, but not all pumpkins are created equal. While the classic orange pumpkin is often the star of the show for Halloween and Thanksgiving, there are many other specialty varieties that offer unique colors, textures, and flavors....
by Platt Hill Nursery | Sep 1, 2024 | DIY/How to, Newbie Gardener
Tulips are one of the most beloved flowers, symbolizing the arrival of spring with their vibrant colors and delicate shapes. As you prepare your garden for the coming season, tulips offer a variety of options in terms of colors, sizes, and bloom times. Whether...
by Platt Hill Nursery | Jul 26, 2024 | Houseplants, Newbie Gardener
As the temperature drops and the days grow shorter, the thought of gardening might seem like a distant summer memory. However, indoor winter gardening offers a wonderful opportunity to keep your green thumb active year-round. From a collection of houseplants to a...