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!

Another Bulletin, September 1953, “Garden Suggestions” declared the following: “Gardeners accumulate all sorts of tools, many of which never leave the tool house. Don’t be deceived by a light wheelbarrow. Use the old- fashioned heavy one with a rubber tire if you can get one. Its weight makes it easier to push than those flighty new metal ones, whose handles are too short anyway.” The author goes on to advise “move through your work at a deliberate pace. Most gardeners look as though they were on a slow-up strike. Once you have decided the ‘musts’ in your garden, consult the authorities. Slapdash gardening, whether in layout, planting, maintenance, or material, is wickedly expensive of time and effort. I do not count my labor, which I regard as income in health and contentment.” We know Bertha Kruse and her sisters were avid gardeners concurrent with this publication. One wonders if they shared these thoughts and philosophy. Something to ponder.

While the garden is dormant we will be using our time wisely to consult the experts… garden club members are top on our list. You may consider the wisdom of this advice as well.