Perennials FROM PAGE 5
Hostas “Everyone should have a hosta in their shade garden,” Blogg said. “There are so many to choose from.” If you’re looking for a large centerpiece for your shade garden, there are giant varieties that can be four feet wide or larger, she said. Depending upon the variety and what season you’re in, hosta foliage can unleash beautiful shades of blues, greens, and golds in your garden.
Ferns
“A nice complement to hostas are ferns,” Blogg said. There are so many varieties of ferns that you may have a tough time choosing which ones to plant in your shade garden. One Blogg recommends is the Japanese painted fern. It has tri-color foliage that includes green, silver, and burgundy.
Standing Ovation Standing ovation is ornamental grass, which is spectacular for a fall garden. “It shoots up to about four feet tall in the fall and has blue-green foliage,” Blogg said. And when winter rolls around, it’s still a valuable asset to your yard. “It’s still standing, providing winter interest,” she said.
Butterfly Weed Don’t let the name fool you. Butterfly weed is a beautiful plant – not a nuisance like dandelions – and it’s one of Keenan’s favorites. Even better, this plant attracts butterflies, which can create an exciting element to your garden. “The monarchs love it,” Keenan said.
Learn more about perennials as a master gardener
People who want to become master gardeners can enter the Illinois Extension Master Gardener program. For more information, contact Meg Overocker, Extension program coordinator for University of Illinois Extension, at 815-433-0707 or by emailing meo@illinois.edu. Overocker has information about the program for Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, and Putnam county residents. 6 April 2021 | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | A NewsTribune Publication
Daylilies Want a sun-loving plant that won’t require a lot of work? That’s where daylilies enter the picture. They are gorgeous and come in a variety of colors and heights. “Daylilies are an extremely low maintenance plant,” Blogg said.
