The gardening season is far from over. For Chicagoland gardeners, August is an opportunity to refresh what is already growing, add another wave of seasonal color, and begin preparing for fall planting.

If there's a plant that defines July, it's the hydrangea. Right now, they're stealing the show! Oversized blooms in white, lime, blush, and blue, the kind of flowers that make people slow down on the sidewalk. If you've ever admired one and thought, I wish I could grow that, you're in luck. There's a hydrangea for almost every spot in the landscape, whether it's sunny or shady, large or small.

There’s a reason more homeowners are starting to ask about native plants, and it’s not just because they support pollinators. Native plants simply make sense in Midwest landscapes. They’re adapted to our seasons, our soils, our temperature swings, and our weather patterns.

Learn what to do in your garden in May in Zone 6a, including planting, watering, mulching, and spacing tips to set your landscape up for summer success.

Discover the best plants to buy and plant in April in Zone 6a, including flowering trees, shrubs, and early perennials available now in Willowbrook.