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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…
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July Perennial of the Month-Blazing star
Surely, Dr. Suess was inspired by our native Liatris species, commonly called blazing star or gayfeather. The purple flowerheads are comprised of multiple flowers called florets, crammed together on one stem, each resembling…
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Garden-Lou Spotlights the Garden of Ed and Mary Dee Schmidt
You learn a lot about patience when you’ve lived in the same house for 52 years. Ed Schmidt and his wife Mary Dee moved into their University City home during the early 70’s…
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Highlights of the Sustainable Backyard Tour-2024
The Sustainable Backyard Network hosted its annual open-yard tour on June 30th with 55 hosts around the St. Louis metro area. The tour’s focus is on education, with the unique chance to see…
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June Tree of the Month-Weeping Willow
I consider the weeping willow (Salix babylonica and Salix × pendulina) Mother Nature’s friendliest tree. Those slender, graceful limbs invite you to come inside and share the willow’s personal space. What better way to spend a…
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June Shrub of the Month-New Jersey Tea
New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus) is one of those plants that seems to be overlooked. I’m not sure why it’s not more common in the trade since most of its traits seem to…
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June Perennial of the Month-Lily
I cannot picture summer without true lilies. (Lilium spp.) True lilies, not to be confused with daylilies (Hemerocallis sp.), are bulbs. And for most gardeners, bulbs=easy. Honestly, you plant them in the ground…
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Missouri Botanical Garden’s St. Louis Garden Tour-2024
Sunday, June 9th the Missouri Botanical Garden hosted its tri-annual garden tour. Eleven private gardens were featured around the St. Louis metro area. Enjoy! Gene’s Garden Casa-Glendale Secret U City Garden-University City Italianate…
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Highlights of the Highland, Illinois Garden Tour
The 18th annual Highland Garden Tour took place Friday, June7th-Saturday, June 8th. Featuring six private gardens and two Highland Garden Club projects, the proceeds from the tour support the club and its projects…
