Plant recommended perennials and trees this fall.
“Plant the Town
Red” is the official theme of the AIB beautification effort.
There’s still plenty of time this fall to add a splash of red to your
spring and summer gardens with dozens of Red Oxford Tulips or Pardon Me
Daylilies. Nearly any perennial in your garden today can be split and
replanted in a new location as well. October is also prime time for tree
planting – some suggestions include Prairiefire flowering crab,
Autumn Blaze or Red Sunset Maples. Visit local nurseries for guidance about
the trees and plants that will work best for your yard. An extensive
recommended plant list is available on the America In Bloom page at
www.springfieldinbloom.org.
Start thinking about how to include annual and
perennial combinations for summer color in your 2009 garden.
From astilbe to verbena, coral bells to Knock-Out
roses, AIB is eager to see not only red, but some great perennial-annual
combinations. It isn’t necessary to destroy your current garden
— just look for ways to enhance it with bright colors for a bold
statement! For more ideas, refer to the University of Illinois
Extension’s horticulture website: http:
//web.extension.uiuc.edu/state/hort.html.
Share your enthusiasm with friends, neighbors, and civic groups.
Tell a friend about this program and encourage their
participation. Consider teaming up with neighbors to plant the boulevard or
plant with a theme across several yards. Split your perennials and bulbs
and share them with others for their yards. Post your items to share or
request what you’re looking for on Springfield In Bloom’s
Trading Post network. It’s easy and free! www.springfieldinbloom.org.
Clean up everything.
Springfield has a litter problem and everybody is
part of the solution. Tidy up your alley, and the schoolyard where your
kids play. Organize a cleanup day in your neighborhood. Remind smokers that
butts don’t belong in the street. Consider getting involved with the
Springfield Green Adopt a Street Program. Reserve the Springfield Parks
Foundation’s community tool wagon and get all the supplies you need
to revamp your block and common ground areas. It’s fully equipped
with shovels, rakes, gloves and more. The foundation will even drop it off
at your work site and it’s free. Call Doug Reynolds 553-1329 for
information.
Send us your story.
A big part of preparing for the America in Bloom
judges’ visit is documenting the projects, programs and participation
going on around the city. If you are doing something good, tell us about
it! Send essays, pictures and more to info@springfieldinbloom.org.
This article appears in Sep 18-24, 2008.
