Add life to your yard with native shrubs & trees!

 Order: 

Aug 3 to Sept 22 https://wild-ones-west-cook.myshopify.com/

Pick up: 

Sept 29, 10 am to 2 pm 405 South Euclid Avenue --Parking lot      at Euclid Ave. United Methodist Church

Shrubs and trees must be pre-ordered but some additional native flowers and grasses will be available for sale during the pick-up time, September 29, 10 am - 2 pm

Brought to you by Green Community Connections in collaboration with West Cook Wild Ones.

Why Native Trees & Shrubs?

Here's the bottom line:  What we plant in our landscapes determines what can live in our landscapes . . .  By planting native species, we can provide much needed habitat for birds, butterflies and other beneficial insects.

Even if you have no other native plants in your yard, native trees and shrubs are a great way to get started.

Pick-up Details:

Trees and shrubs will be in 5 gallon containers unless otherwise noted. The height of the shrubs and trees will vary by species.  Following is a rough guideline for estimating how many plants can be carried in various types of vehicles:

  • Car:  3-5 5# containers
  • SUV / Minivan:  15-20 5# containers
  • Full size truck:  30-60 5# containers

Volunteers will be available to help you load shrubs and trees into your vehicle.  It is recommended that you bring a tarp or other covering to protect your car’s upholstery.

Planting:

Fall is an ideal time to plant shrubs & trees to allow them to concentrate on building their root structure over the winter.

When planting containerized plants, a hole 2 inches wider than the width of the container and 1 inch shallower than the depth of the container is recommended.  The dimensions of the 5-gallon containers from Possiblity Place will be approximately 12” wide and 12” deep.

Mulch should be spread around the tree or shrub in a ring that is 2-3 feet in diameter and 1-2 inches deep. Be sure that the mulch is evenly spread.  Possibility Place recommends coarse mulch or wood chips.

Watering is essential. After the plant is in the ground, it should be watered in, about 5 gallons; do this twice. After that, water 10–15 gallons a week for every week we don't get an inch of rain. Do this over the next 8 to 12 weeks.

Guides:

Selecting and planting trees (The Morton Arboretum)native-shrub-smooth-hydrangea-3

How to plant a tree or shrub (The Morton Arboretum)

Caring for new transplants (The Morton Arboretum)

Also:

Look up the plants you are interested in at these well-regarded websites

Missouri Botanic Garden Plant Finder

Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Finder

 

For questions and more information: contact Sally Stovall at 773-315-1109 or sally@greencommunityconnections.org