I am new to gardening, but one thing that worries is...

On one hand I see all the wild grasses and forested areas where
vegetation grows on it own. On the other the gardening shops sell us
things that require constant attention and often fail!

I'd like to get into perennials that are suited to the native climate
of this region (Northern Illinois).

I'll appreciate any advice on suitable books as well as gardening
shops. I am Chicago but don't mind few hours' drive if necessary.

Take a weekend day trip to the Chicago Botanical Gardens in Glenco (near
the Skokie Lagoons). Visit their gardens for ideas. They also have folk on
hand to answer questions. They usually have a plant sale in mid may. Thats a
good time to go.
http://www.chicagobotanic.org/


"Newbie" wrote in message
...
I am new to gardening, but one thing that worries is...

On one hand I see all the wild grasses and forested areas where
vegetation grows on it own. On the other the gardening shops sell us
things that require constant attention and often fail!

I'd like to get into perennials that are suited to the native climate
of this region (Northern Illinois).

I'll appreciate any advice on suitable books as well as gardening
shops. I am Chicago but don't mind few hours' drive if necessary.

Newbie wrote:
I am new to gardening, but one thing that worries is...

On one hand I see all the wild grasses and forested areas where
vegetation grows on it own. On the other the gardening shops sell us
things that require constant attention and often fail!

I'd like to get into perennials that are suited to the native climate
of this region (Northern Illinois).

I'll appreciate any advice on suitable books as well as gardening
shops. I am Chicago but don't mind few hours' drive if necessary.

see he

http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/state/hort.html
Cooperative Extension Service.

Also, see what programs are going on at the Garfield Park Conservatory,
and the Lincoln Park Conservatory. They will sometimes have "native
plant" classes.

Google is your friend. try "Chicago gardening" for starters. then
"native plants Illinois prairie" or some such

On 2008-05-04 10:58:53 -0400, "barbie.gee" said:

On one hand I see all the wild grasses and forested areas where
vegetation grows on it own. On the other the gardening shops sell us
things that require constant attention and often fail!

This is also a good opportunity to interact with your neighbors and a
local gardening club. Many things that do well and are native to an
area need to be thinned each year. This creates an opportunity to share
plants. People who garden generally enjoy talking about it and sharing
their knowledge - as well as their plants.

There are a lot of urban gardeners. Keep your eyes open and stop to chat...

"barbie.gee" wrote:

Newbie wrote:
I am new to gardening, but one thing that worries is...

On one hand I see all the wild grasses and forested areas where
vegetation grows on it own. On the other the gardening shops sell us
things that require constant attention and often fail!

I'd like to get into perennials that are suited to the native climate
of this region (Northern Illinois).

I'll appreciate any advice on suitable books as well as gardening
shops. I am Chicago but don't mind few hours' drive if necessary.

see he

http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/state/hort.html
Cooperative Extension Service.

Also, see what programs are going on at the Garfield Park Conservatory,
and the Lincoln Park Conservatory. They will sometimes have "native
plant" classes.

Google is your friend. try "Chicago gardening" for starters. then
"native plants Illinois prairie" or some such

You can add the following:


Chicago Botanical Garden in Glencoe, just north of Chicago.

Morton Arboretum just west of Chicago.

Midwest Fruit Explorers (www.midfex.org) Many members in Chicagoland.


Sherwin