Trees and shrubs are now in the ground in a new demonstration garden that’s taking shape in front of the Civic Center. The plan incorporates some existing trees and shrubs (like forsythia), but all of the new plants are native to this part of Illinois. Native shrubs are well adapted to this area because they evolved here, and the birds and pollinators that visit this region also evolved to use these plants, so this planting is beneficial for birds and helps to restore regional biodiversity. The garden will help to demonstrate the beauty and appeal of native plants and suggest a wider variety of plants residents might consider for their home gardens. Design is by Living Habitats, a local landscape architecture and ecological planning firm.
A bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) is in a prominent location near the middle of the garden, and smaller trees include cockspur hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli) and American hornbeam, also known as musclewood (Carpinus caroliniana). Shrubs include: black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa), dwarf honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera), ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius), and bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia).
— Wendy Pollock
