Why I Oughta...

The 'fall colors' don't stop with the reds and oranges and yellows.  Down IB2DWs (extended) near the sidewalk is the (now) two-year-old ( Planted in October 2023 ) Purple Smokebush/Smoke Tree.  This tree (shrub?) has been no-fuss since it went in the ground and has put on some size in the two growing seasons.  I've watered it in a limited way, but the neighbor's sprinkler system likely saturates the ground where the Smoke Bush's roots draw from around the canopy.   Did we get any of those ' smoke-like airy seed clusters ' to emerge on the tips of this tree this season? No. No...we did not.   But, we *are* getting a small purple, pink and maroon 'fall show' as the foliage changes color.  Below, is a look at the current state of the leaves on this tree that is down by our sidewalk: When I planted this , I wanted to add some texture and color contrast to the 'expanded' conifer garden that I was planting along the property line IB2DWs.  I h...

On a walk around the formal garden at the Morton Arboretum (the one behind the visitor center), we spotted this chartreuse shrub that was LITERALLY standing out.  It called to be looked-at.  And, that's what we did - wandering over and having a look.  I snapped this photo below - showing the bright shrub amongst some white Goatsbeard (or something similar):   I filed it away.  Interesting shrub. Then, on a recent trip to The Growing Place, I came across the very shrub - 3# containers for $50.  See below: This is something I could use in a few spots - in full sun.  Note to self:  See if they survive until the end-of-the-season sales.