Title
Big Idea:
You can create a garden that is sustainable and maintainable by planting four-season perennials that will keep the garden in constant bloom while being sensitive to water demands.
The North border has a palette of pink, white, lilac, burgundy, and near black. In addition to color, perennials have been selected for contrasting form, texture, and leaf shape. As plants need to be replaced or added, the goal is to select plants that are unique to the Idea Garden.
Groupings of plants are arranged to help provide “movement” in the garden. For example, the chartreuse green of Angelina meanders through other plantings, providing soft curves to offset the linear line of the sidewalk. Pinks and lavenders draw attention to and soften the dark foliage in both sides of the border.
The North border is THE Hydrangea place! There are several species and cultivars of Hydrangeas throughout the border, which provide an explosive background of white and pale pinks as they bloom into the summer.
Highlights of the North Border’s East Side:
- The Whipcord Western Red Cedar on a standard provides interest in the northeast corner. The long tendrils of green, cord-like foliage create a droopy, pendulous, mop-like effect. Green most of the year, it develops a slight bronze hue during the winter.
- Weeping redbud that provides a focal point as well as a relaxing flow to the garden. This redbud leafs out in the deep maroon/burgundy color, and as the season progresses, it turns green, just the opposite of many shrubs.
- The round structures of Mr. Bowling Ball arborvitae around the urn offset the weeping form of the redbud. The urn is planted several times each year with varying plants to add a special visual to the border.
Highlights of the North Border’s West Side:
- The crowning jewel of the North Border’s west side is the Chinese juniper. It is kept pruned to reflect “clouds on the prairie”. This is maintained throughout the season to keep the structure open and airy.
- The dark columnar Elderberry shrubs by the fence repeat the dark burgundy of the Redbud on the east side of the border. They bloom pink in the spring.
- One of the unique plants to the Idea Garden is Hydrangea arborescens ‘Mary Nell.’ This vigorous Lacecap Hydrangea came from the garden of Dr. JC McDaniel at the University of Illinois and is named for his wife. McDaniel also introduced the popular 'Annabelle' Hydrangea.
