Re: Plants for the midwest/clay

Andrea,
I'd recommend you also consider prairie plants. Your part of the  
state was probably tall grass prairie to begin with, and there are a  
number that are well adapted to clay soils - Allium cernuum, Cassia,  
Baptisia, Aster novae angliae, Rudbeckia, Echinacea, Eryngium  
yuccifolium, Liatris, Heliopsis, Parthenium integrifolium, Silphium,  
Ratibida, Solidago, Vernonia fasciculata, Schizachyrium scoparium and  
Sorghastrum nutans. Check out Prairie Moon Nursery -  
www.prairiemoon.com , or Prairie Nursery - www.prairienursery.com.

Cathy, west central IL, z5b

On Jan 16, 2006, at 7:12 AM, Gene Bush wrote:

> Hello Andrea,
>    If the clay is draining ok, it is not a "bad thing". Lots of  
> perennials do not have a problem with clay soils. Peonies for one,  
> many grasses. In trees and shrubs the native red buds and dog woods  
> are usually found in clay. Perhaps a bit of planning in advance...  
> some natives that handle clay well, then work in the raised beds.
>    Gene E. Bush
> Munchkin Nursery & Gardens, llc
> www.munchkinnursery.com
> genebush@munchkinnursery.com
> Zone 6/5  Southern Indiana
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Andrea Hodges"  
> <andrea.hodges@sbcglobal.net>
>> OK my friends: I need suggestions.
>>
>> I've gotten most of my plant and seed catalogs, and while  
>> perfectly capable of
>> reading what zone these plants will thrive in, I want some  
>> suggestions from
>> you all, as I trust your judgment, and know that if you've been  
>> having
>> success, then hopefully I will to.
>>
>> I have a rather small yard, so I am interesting in colorful  
>> perennials and
>> small shrubs (evergreens always welcome).
>> I have a lot of clay, and a lot of sun. I suspect I'll have one  
>> small area of
>> shade.
>>
>> I also like annuals but am more interested in getting a good  
>> perennial and
>> shrub garden started this year with annuals in containers.
>>
>> Thanks for any and all suggestions. I did take picture of "before"  
>> so as soon
>> as I get those developed I'll post them for you to see. This yard  
>> needs help!
>> Thanks
>> A
>
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