The West Chicago Garden Club

Warm weather annuals can be found at garden centers very early (The Growing Place offers them the first weekend of May) but they must be kept warmer than 40 degrees to avoid damage or stalling of growth. Warm weather annuals include: impatiens, begonias, caladiums, marigolds and manymore. Cool weather flowers have been available since early April and include: all perennials andannual petunias, allysum, pansies, dianthus, dusty miller, diascia, stocks, callibrachoa and nemesiato name a few. Those plants can handle temperatures down to freezing. After May 15th there is less likelihood of frost although the last chance for frost is May 24th! Be ready to listen to the weather and plan to cover warm weather annuals with a sheet or plastic if needed. Tomatoes, peppers and basil are also very cold sensitive.

Be sure to plant the right plants in the right places. Other considerations for selecting flowering plants include light conditions and moisture preferences. As you plan and plant your containers, consider the conditions your flowers enjoy. Group moisture loving plants together so that they receive the right conditions to thrive. Place containers of moist tolerant plants where you can reach them easily. In the midst of our hot summers, you may have to water them twice a day. Consider creating drought tolerant arrangements for your hot sunny spots with plants such as sedum, hens and chicks and other succulents. Check signage or ask for assistance from experienced sales associates when you visit your local garden center.

May is a great time to help the environment too! The plants you select can help improve the environment. All plants clean the air but some of them help even more by being an important source for pollinators, hummingbirds and butterflies. The Growing Place has added native plants that are showy and well mannered. Tryadding some to your gardens this year.

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