My plans for this column had been to tell readers about a visit to a botanical garden in Janesville, Wisc. However, car problems made that visit impossible. Still, I have seen some scenes of horticultural interest on my trip.
Crossing Illinois, heading to Wisconsin, I stopped at some rest stops along the way. I have always liked to see the landscaping different states offer at such places.
Illinois has embraced the call for providing for the needs of pollinators, with some large wildflower plots. These plots were full of native plants, including coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, multiple species of milkweed, Joe Pye weed, ironweed and rattlesnake master.
The plots are working. They were buzzing with bees and other insects and butterflies were plentiful.
However, I was surprised that there are still many Bradford Pears growing at the rest stops. In many cases, these trees had many broken branches, a trait that has always troubled the ornamental pear.
I have detailed in previous columns how the search for a solution to that problem resulted in creation of a major invasive species. Many cities have created programs to encourage homeowners to replace these problem trees with native species. Illinois needs to remove the ornamental pears from the rest stops and set a good example for those who visit.
Another wildflower plot that I visited this week was outside the First United Methodist Church in Baraboo, Wisc. A sign indicated that this plot is a rain garden, containing plants that will survive periods of flooding and will help capture the run-off from a large building, in this case the 100-year-old church building.
The garden boasts a lot of blooming plants, which are feeding many bees, butterflies and other pollinators. It is definitely not a weedy mess, and looks right at home by the historic building.
Finally, I have been enjoying the landscaping of the resort where I stayed during my trip — Wyndham Glacier Canyon. While the collection of water parks is definitely the draw to the resort, they have obviously made an attempt to make the surrounding landscape pleasant.
Large planters are filled with ornamental sweet potato, coleus, begonias and other flowering annuals. Pee-gee and oak-leaf hydrangeas abound, giving height to the ornamental landscape.
Even when circumstances interrupt our plans, we can still find enjoyment in the plants that surround us. Get out and pay attention to the beauty that has been planned and planted for you to enjoy. It really is more than just filler material.