Ice-coated plants in the Native Plant Garden. (Photo: Susan Day)

During February, winter’s grip begins to loosen. Although Madison’s average daily temperature for the month is in the mid-20s, the average high temperature moves above freezing. Snow is still possible, averaging just over a foot for the month. Ice softens and ice-out approaches. You might see and hear early hopeful signs of spring on a winter hike. The garden is quiet but anticipating spring with changes in twig color and buds. Plant orders and planning are on the gardener’s to-do list.

When starting or enlarging a native plant garden, people often ask about plant selection. Of course, the most important factor is matching plants to the site conditions. On a new site, evaluating the amount of sun (“full sun” is more than 6 hours of sun per day), the direction of sloping terrain (if any), and soil type provides a basis for plant selection. Because most sites can support a range of species, and many species can thrive over a range of conditions, “matching” may involve trials. Suggestions include planting a few individuals of a new species to gauge success in a particular location or planting several individuals across a gradient of light or moisture. Herbaceous plants can be moved or divided if the original site seems unsuitable or becomes too shady over time.  If a tree dies or is lost during storms, understory plants that require more light may respond with rapid growth, and seedlings from seeds that require light to germinate may appear in the open areas.  Over time, your observations will help guide future trials and plantings.

If gardening goals include increasing the diversity of an existing native plant garden, evaluate which native species are successful so far and add other species that grow with those established species in native plant communities. Visiting and observing natural areas or checking references like The Flora of the Chicago Region will yield lists of plants that grow together. Planting species listed in seed or native plant mixes designed for the garden’s site conditions will likely be successful.

Plant mixes offered in the Friends of the Arboretum online sale cover a range of site conditions. For areas with poor drainage in full sun, the rain garden mix is a good choice. Those plants can tolerate and infiltrate heavy rainfall and survive periods of drought. The shortgrass prairie garden is suitable in full sun, especially where a lower profile garden is desired, such as on the boulevard or near walkways. Pollinators are attracted to flowers blooming in sequence throughout the season, provided in the birds, bees, and butterflies or the rusty-patched bumble bee garden mixes. Many home gardens have partial shade due to mature trees on the property or in adjacent yards. For that situation, the more shade-tolerant savanna mix is recommended. Online orders are due by March 31, with pickup in May.

As you plan your native plant garden this month, feel free to contact me with questions about plant selection and care.

 – Susan Carpenter, native plant garden curator