Encouraging Locally Grown Landscape Plants

Northwest Herald - Spangenberg: Buy local for your landscape:

There is an advantage to buying plants from local nurseries.

Locally grown plants tolerate Northern Illinois’ weather and soil conditions. They also support animals, birds and human habitat. They need less pampering, less water and less fertilizer. Also, you are supporting local farmers who are more likely able to keep the land green instead of turning it over to developers.

The Ornamental Growers Association of Northern Illinois was founded in the early 1940s to produce quality nursery stock, hardy and well-acclimated to Midwest and northern U.S. soils and climates. Twenty-two OGA nurseries grow landscape plants on more than 6,000 acres. A comprehensive plant listing of member nurseries’ inventory is published for the landscape and garden trades at www.ogaoni.com.

The Chicagoland Grows plant introduction program is a partnership between the OGA, Chicago Botanic Garden and the Morton Arboretum. Program goals are to develop and introduce to the landscape industry a variety of groundcovers, perennials, trees and shrubs specifically recommended for northern climates. Breeding programs develop new cultivars that exhibit excellent hardiness and ornamental characteristics. Visit www.chicagolandgrows.org and www.mortonarb.org.

When seeking landscape plants, how do you know where they originated? Ask your landscaper or garden center. I planted a Chicagoland Grows Buxus Glencoe boxwood hedge in my backyard more than 10 years ago. The hedge has withstood drought, heat, bitter cold, snow and ice and continues to thrive and maintain outstanding ornamental quality the entire time. The same holds true for an arrowwood viburnum introduction called Autumn Jazz planted about the same time.

Always research plants before purchasing and look for locally grown stock that will stand the test of time.

• Send questions to Bruce Spangenberg, c/o the Features Department, NorthWest News Group, P.O. Box 250, Crystal Lake, IL 60039-0250.