The West Chicago Garden Club

By Kerry Perry

Summer is waning and fall flowers are making their spectacular debut in the Kruse House Garden. Several new perennials, including Chelone and Lobelia, were planted in the front bed.

Turtlehead

Turtlehead (Chelone obliqua) is a clump-forming perennial wildflower native to eastern North America. Its hooded flowers look similar to snapdragon blooms. The flower gets its common name from its resemblance to a turtle’s head, but the genus name Chelone dates back to ancient Greece mythology.

Turtlehead is best planted in the spring or summer to give the plant time to establish itself. The plant can remain in bloom for three to six weeks, making it well worth the wait for late-season color.

Blue Lobelia

Great Blue Lobelia forms a flower spike covered in deep blue flowers from late summer to early fall. It can form colonies when happily sited in medium to wet soils in light shade, but is not overly aggressive. Combine Blue Lobelia with Red Cardinal Flower for a stunning color combo that will bring in the hummingbirds. Excellent for damp clay soil. (Lobelia siphilitica)

Blooming behind the shed is Lespedeza, also called bush clover. It has delicate foliage and is laden with thousands of rosy-purple pea like flowers. Across the path are bright yellow False Sunflowers that were planted last fall.

Blue lobelia, purple cone flowers and black eyed susans

The Kruse Crew meets Wednesday mornings from about 8:30 until 11:30 to weed, plant and discuss gardening ideas. Break time is always educational and fun. Hope you will join us.

The Kruse House Museum and Garden is located at 527 Main Street, West Chicago

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