Featured plants in the Lou!
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October ANTI-Shrub of the Month-Honeysuckle
Ah, the smell of honeysuckle on a bright spring morning. And those cute little red berries in the fall that the birds love! I met a guy a few years ago who told…
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October Perennial of the Month-Anemone
One of the most popular perennials for late season are anemones (Anemone spp., hybrids, and cvs.) or windflowers. Often called Japanese anemones, this perennial usually comes in pink or white blooms that seem…
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September Tree of the Month-Alder
And the winner for the cutest cone category is … the Alder tree! Face it, the cones are cute. And if you are into fall or holiday crafts, this is your new favorite…
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September Shrub of the Month-Doublefile Viburnum
It’s the time of year when flowers give way to berries that welcome the change of seasons. Some of the showiest berry-producing shrubs are the viburnums, and my favorite viburnum for flowers in…
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September Perennial of the Month-Trumpet Creeper
Do you know that scene in horror movies where the crazy vines grab the main character’s ankles and drag him, kicking and screaming, out of sight? I’m convinced those vines were based on…
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Perennial of the Month-Purple coneflower
With a rainbow of colors available, my favorite coneflower is still the straight species, Echinacea purpurea. Purple coneflower is among our area’s top perennials, regardless of whether you are into natives or ornamentals. Native coneflowers…
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August Shrub of the Month-Possumhaw
The Missouri State Champion Possumhaw (Ilex decidua) lives just outside the wrought-iron fencing surrounding the Mausoleum of Henry Shaw, where it’s often passed unnoticed if not for the signage designating its champion status.…
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August Tree of the Month-Beech
St. Louis rests on the edge of hardiness for the native North American beech, Fagus grandifolia, which is only found naturally in the central, and southeast corner of Missouri. Whereas our neighbors to…
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July Tree of the Month-Kentucky Coffee Tree
The Kentucky coffee tree (Gymnocladus dioicus) is considered rare by conservation standards regarding its native distribution. Although rare in the wild, as a domesticated species, it’s becoming more popular in parks, public gardens,…
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July Shrub of the Month-Annabelle Hydrangea
The smooth hydrangea cultivar ‘Annabelle’ was not named after one lady but two. Two “Belles” from Anna, Illinois, Harriet Kirkpatrick and her daughter Amy, found the original plant while horseback riding (We will…