March marks the official start of spring. Here in Chicago, we generally still get quite a mixture of weather conditions throughout the month, but there is no denying that spring is pushing through. Very early on we begin to see little purple and yellow flowers popping up. The Crocus flowers are always the first to appear in our yard every year and they don’t seem to have a problem taking on the harsh storms of March. [Read more…]
The Yard in July
July in Chicago is typically hot and humid mixed with a few good storms – that’s how this July went down. The yard has been at the peak of it’s growing season blooming full of flowers in every corner. Let’s take a look back and check out what’s been growing in my midwest urban garden this July. [Read more…]
The Yard in June
June is the month where the yard starts feeling really full and lush. By the time May is over we start to see the end of the spring flowers as we make way for summer blooms and the hotter weather. Our Hostas are full grown and bursting with many flowers. Roses, Phlox, Sedum, and more are all out to play. [Read more…]
The Yard in April
We’ve lived in the same place for 6 years now. When we arrived, it was May and the yard was just beginning to unfold for the summer. The tenant before us had done some planting and landscaping, it was quite nice. I had no idea what was there, but it was a lot of fun to water it and watch it grow. Our yard is full of surprises, there are waves of continuous change over the growing season and I love to spend time with it. Over the years I have spent hours watering it, I’ve pulled billions of weeds and probably some gorgeous intentional plants too, disrupted and relocated many bulbs, allowed weeds to join the party, added more plants, learned about new plants, I have made mistakes, and there have also been many victories. It’s a beautiful yard full of life, at times it is a bit wild and out of control, but I think it’s perfectly imperfect. [Read more…]