Asters, Symphyotrichum spp.
Asters are herbaceous perennial plants bloom late in the year, with daisy-like flowers in shades of lavender, blue, pink, purple and white.
Perennials Selection
Alternatives to Lawn: Groundcovers
Groundcover plants are low growing perennials that spread by trailing stems and cover an area of the ground. Groundcovers provide an excellent alternative for turfgrasses in shade and other tough areas in the landscape. Established groundcovers require relatively low maintenance, outcompete weeds, reduce soil erosion, provide habitat for pollinators, and enhance aesthetic beauty in the landscape.
Peony
Peonies are a perennial garden favorite, celebrated for their large, fragrant blooms and exceptional longevity. From the wide selection of growth forms and varieties, peonies offer lush foliage and eye-catching blossoms, making them a centerpiece in any garden setting.
10 Things to Consider for Weed Management When Establishing Pollinator Plantings
By: Mark Renz, Professor, Extension Weed Specialist, UW-Madison Planting pollinator friendly habitats is an important practice to help support pollinator conservation, but managing the weeds can make it challenging. In this video, you will learn about Mark Renz’s research about weed management options and what factors you should consider when planning and establishing pollinator plantings. […]
Create a Butterfly Garden
Colorful butterflies can add a lot to a garden. Learn how to create a butterfly garden that will be attractive to many different types of butterflies in this article…
Choosing the Right Landscape Plants: Factors to Consider
Plant selection is one of the most important decisions a gardener, landscaper or designer makes. Learn more about selecting plants in this publication.
Plant Flowers to Encourage Beneficial Insects
Planting flowers will encourage many beneficial insects because they need nectar and pollen as adults. To learn more about which flowers are best for supporting natural enemies, including parasites and parasitoids, read this article…
Plants Not Favored by Deer
If deer visit your property, before planting (or replanting), check out this list of trees, shrubs, flowers, herbs, and grasses that deer tend to avoid.
Hummingbirds in the Garden
Hummingbirds are a large group of tiny birds with iridescent feathers, who feed on a nectar from a wide variety of plants. Learn more about these birds and how to encourage ruby-throated hummingbirds in your garden in this article…
Prairie Primer
Whether a beginning or experienced gardener, you’ll appreciate the step-by-step instructions for planting, landscaping, and managing your own prairie plot. This booklet has more than 50 illustrated descriptions of plants to help you make the best selections.
Hardiness Zone Maps
Maps related to cold hardiness zones so you can choose plants that can survive winter in your area.
Queen Anne's Lace, Daucus carota
In mid-summer, the fields and roadsides are filled with airy white flowers of Queen Anne’s Lace, an introduced plant that is related to carrots. Learn more about this nearly-ubiquitous weed by reading this article…
