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November Tree of the Month-Sweetgum
Those of us who are graced with the ownership of a mature sweetgum tree (Liquidambar styraciflua) know that it is a tree for all seasons…for it is ALWAYS gumball season. Most people are…
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November Shrub of the Month-Virginia Sweetspire
What if you could find a shrub with fragrant spring flowers that attract pollinators, was also super low maintenance, didn’t get over five feet tall or wide, takes sun or part shade, had…
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September Tree of the Month-Aspen
Anyone experiencing peak Aspen glow in the Rocky Mountains has thought about growing aspens once they get back home. Unfortunately, if “home” happens to be St. Louis, you are most likely going to…
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September Shrub of the Month-Diervilla
There’s a new kid in town that could beat out burning bush (October ANTI-Shrub of the Month-Burning bush) for spectacular fall color. This kid comes in a compact size and is as low-maintenance…
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August Perennial of the Month-Joe Pye Weed
One of the best perennials for structure in the garden is the Joe Pye weed, Eutrochium, previously known as Eupatorium. It’s a perennial that makes a statement, almost shrub-like with its presence. And…
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July Perennial of the Month-Bee Balm
The alliums have gone dormant. The lilies are spent. Even the spring bulb foliage has withered away. The season seems to be speeding along even though summer has only officially started… Why does…
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June Tree of the Month-Shellbark Hickory
During a recent trip to the University of Missouri (Mizzou) campus, I couldn’t help but notice the abundance of shellbark hickories, Carya laciniosa. These trees are striking and large, with deep green leaves…
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May Perennial of the Month-False Indigo
One of the most striking native perennials for our area is the false indigos. Baptisia australis, with its royal purple blooms, and Baptisia sphaerocarpa, with its sunny yellow flowers, are both so structural…
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April Tree of the Month-Crabapple
If one could bottle up the scents of childhood, for me, it would be the lingering smell of melting tinsel against C7 Christmas tree bulbs, The sharp scent of Bactine on scraped knees,…
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April Perennial of the Month-Dutchman’s Breeches
April is the best month to walk in the woods and view some of our native ephemerals. These plants have evolved to live in areas of Eastern North America once covered by forest.…
