The West Chicago Garden Club

In an article entitled “Interesting Shrubs” published in the May 1939 Bulletin, publication of The Garden Clubs of America, the witch hazel and fothergilla are extolled for their hardiness and ornamental value. That opinion is echoed by gardeners and horticultural experts today. The American Gardener magazine, official publication of the American Horticultural Society, Nov/Dec 2012 issue, has an extensive article on “Enchanting Witch Hazels”. The author says “few shrubs pack more punch in the winter landscape than witch hazels, which bear delicate fragrant flowers on a sculptural frame of bare branches”. Large, low maintenance shrubs are valuable structural additions to any garden. This time of year the value of garden bones (trees & shrubs) are evident and the Kruse Garden could use a few more bones to fill out the skeleton. A fothergilla shrub was added to the back garden a few years ago and it is doing well, but we don’t have any witch hazels.  Both of these shrubs have 3 season interest with early spring flowers to fabulous fall color. It’s apparent that a shrub recommendation that endures for 75 years is solid bet. We’re convinced that a witch hazel would be a grand addition to the back garden! Continue Reading »