Deer Resistant Perennials
While deer will eat anything when they are hungry, they tend to
shy away from plants that have a strong aroma, are poisonous, or
have prickly foliage.
Deer Resistant Plants
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Native Midwest Plants
These plants are considered native to the Midwest. Their tags will carry the Native Naturally! logo.
In order to keep our native variety information fully researched and updated we use, among other References, the Wisconsin Botanical Information System at http://www.botany.wisc.edu/wisflora and Vegetation of Wisconsin by John T. Curtis.
List of Native Midwest Perennials
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Rain Gardens
Rain Gardens are one of the newest garden types around. Not only are they beautiful, they filter rainwater, help reduce runoff and attract wildlife like birds and butterflies!! They are easy to build and maintain, too.
There is lots of information about rain gardens on the web. Here are a few of our favorites, along with a list of perennials suitable for rain gardens both formal and informal.
http://clean-water.uwex.edu/pubs/pdf/home.gardens.pdf (Excellent plans and plant lists)
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/maho/la/la_005.cfm (Good information on how-to-build a rain garden)
http://www.maplewoodmn.govoffice.com (Lots of different styles of rain gardens - search on Rainwater Gardens)
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/wm/nps/rg/index.htm
http://www.raingardens.org
List of Rain Garden Perennial Favorites
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Spring Ephemerals
Ephemeral (adjective): Lasting or existing only for a short time; evanescent, fleet, fleeting, fugacious, fugitive, momentary, passing, short-lived, temporal, temporary, transient, transitory.
The following list includes plants that are considered to be Spring Ephemerals because they grow and flower early in spring, then go dormant until the next year.
List of Spring Ephemerals
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Traffic Tolerant Perennials
Traffic Tolerant Perennials are groundcovers that can handle the pressure of foot traffic. Many have interesting color or texture, and provide an interesting alternative to grass on paths, between paving stones, and in landscape beds of all kinds. Learn about good choices for light, medium and heavy traffic.
List of Traffic Tolerant Perennials
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Salt Tolerant Perennials
The cold, snowy and icy winters of the Midwest require the use of salt to clear roads and sidewalks. Salts accumulate over time in the soil along roads, sidewalks and driveways. Plants subjected to these salty situations may not be able to take up water and may be damaged or even die, because of a sodium induced 'drought'.
List of Salt Tolerant Perennials
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What Grows Under the Black Walnut
If you have one in your yard, you may have observed the difficulty in finding plants to thrive under their branches and in their root zone. The root, bark and seeds of the Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) gives off a chemical, called juglone, which is toxic to many plants.
List of Perennials that Can Grow Under a Black Walnut Tree
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Warm Season Perennials
These species are snoozers. They won't come up until the sun has warmed the soil and most of the danger of frost has past.
Warm Weather Friends
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Plant Spacing
I've got a large space to fill on a landscape design. How many plants do I need?
While the average spacing for perennials is 12" on center, closer spacing will allow the plants to fill in
more quickly. Use the spacing listed with the plants as a general guide to the final size of the plant.
Garden spacing ideas
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Overwintering Your Garden
How do I prepare my perennials for winter? Perennials are known for their longevity, reliability and beauty. You have chosen perennials for your garden or landscape because you want them to bloom year after year. You'll find a Fall Checklist plus tips on how to take care of your perennials to prepare for the cold winter months.
Prepare for the Winter
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Hummingbirds and butterflies make your garden dance! Select the perennials that will attract these garden visitors plus get additional tips to attract these winged beauties from spring 'til fall.
