by Platt Hill Nursery | Jul 1, 2026 | Landscaping, Perennials
A rose bush covered in healthy green leaves but producing few flowers (or none at all) is one of the most frustrating problems gardeners face. At first glance, the plant appears healthy. The foliage looks lush, the stems are growing, and there may not be any obvious...
by Platt Hill Nursery | Apr 13, 2026 | Annuals, DIY/How to, Newbie Gardener, Perennials
How to Create a Grandma Garden in Chicagoland & Rockford There’s something timeless about a grandma garden. Maybe it’s the overflowing flowers spilling across pathways, the scent of peonies and roses drifting through the air, or the feeling of stepping into a...
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 | Dec 15, 2025 | Hydrangeas, Perennials
There’s something quite striking about oakleaf hydrangeas in their unique way of drawing attention without trying too hard. For example, their tall, cone-shaped blooms open in creamy whites, then shift toward soft pink as summer rolls on. In fall, their leaves take on...
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 | 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...
