Avant Gardening

Archive: March 2016

Plantaholics Anonymous: Vernal Witchhazel

Vernal Witchhazel is a small, horizontally spreading tree or large shrub depending on who you ask! The unusual features of the witch hazel family make it an excellent choice for adventurous gardeners. Witch hazel offers yellow and red fragrant flowers blooming at unconventional times. Most species are hardy, low-maintenance, and generally…

This Spring Let Us Do The Switcheroo!

Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants Many of the once ‘beloved’ ornamental horticulture plants are beginning to take advantage of our admiration for them… Recent studies have found that these plants are escaping from our well-manicured flower beds and reverting to their rebellious ways, scattering themselves throughout our natural ecosystems and…

Avant Gardening & Landscaping’s Favorite Spring Plant Pick

PLANTAHOLICS ANONYMOUS This clump-forming, late winter blooming perennial are true “pick-me-ups” with their early bloom when Wisconsin gardeners need it most! Hellebore or Lenten Rose grows best in rich, humus-y, well-drained soil and can be a little finicky about their location, but once established are pretty low-maintenance. Scientific Name: Helleborus…

Spectacular Spring Ephemerals In Landscapes Around Madison, Wisconsin

Spectacular Spring Ephemerals These wondrous spring wildflowers pop-up­ at the start of spring, and are truly a sight to behold. But you have to act fast since once trees and shrubs leaf out, they’ll block these delicate perennials light and then they’re gone just like that! [caption id="attachment_129" align="alignleft" width="625"]…