Kelly Norris

  • plants for dry shade
    Design

    Eye-Catching Plants for Dry Shade

    Dry shade is arguably the toughest gardening condition to deal with, yet it’s one of the most commonly encountered. Virtually any yard with a nearby established tree canopy benefits from…

  • Design

    Summer Stars That Beat the Heat

    August is a month that discourages even the most tenacious gardeners. Amid sweltering heat, stifling humidity, drought, and a general listlessness, most gardeners retreat to the drone of the air…

  • Design

    8 Plants With Long Growing Seasons

    It’s easy to see why spring reigns supreme in the garden. What’s not to love about the saccharine effusion of lilacs (Syringa spp. and cvs., USDA Hardiness Zones 3–8), irises…

  • Cutleaf Stephanandra
    Midwest Regional Reports

    Tough-as-Nails Shrubs for the Midwest

    Who doesn't love buying the flashy new plant that catches everyone's eye at the nursery? Or the plant that's just outside your hardiness zone, but has always taunted you with…

  • Article

    Regional Picks: Large-Leaved Perennials – Midwest

    1. Shredded Umbrella Plant Name: Syneilesis aconitifolia USDA hardiness zones: 3 to 8 Size: 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; fertile, well-drained soil…

  • Design

    Clay Busters

    These tough plants scoff at heavy clay soils

  • Midwest Regional Reports

    The Best Perennials to Start from Seed – Midwest

    1. Pasque flower Name: Pulsatilla patens USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8 Size: 6 to 10 inches tall and 10 to 12 inches wide Conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil What…

  • Article

    Regional Picks: Deerproof Perennials – Midwest

    Hoary skullcap Name: Scutellaria incana usda hardiness zones: 5 to 8 size: 2 to 3 feet tall and 18 to 24 inches wide conditions: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained…