How to make your containers pop with color
Think of your containers as large, exuberant floral displays when choosing plants for them. Mix plants of different heights for a layered effect, but try something different from the typical tall plant in the center with a ring of shorter plants around it. Include plants that will cascade over the edge.
Combine different sizes of containers in each group for a good effect. A simple design of only one variety of annual planted in each container also can be beautiful and have a dramatic effect in the landscape.
Espaliered plants — shrubs or vines trained and pruned to grow in a flat plane — can soften large blank spaces on walls or fences. In training espaliers, it is important to bend twigs and branches to meet design requirements when they are young and supple. Carefully tie the branches in place with raffia or plastic tape, which will remain flexible and soft. The ties should be secured loosely so the flow of water and nutrients through the stem is not constricted. Make adjustments to ties during the remainder of the growing season as necessary. Prune out unwanted twigs.
Dead and dying ash trees in home gardens and woodlands and along roadsides are visible evidence of the ongoing damage caused by emerald ash borer. This insect attacks ash trees and will kill them in time. The wood of dead ash trees will dry out quickly and cause the trees to become hazards, so it is best to remove dead trees promptly.
If you want to try to save your ash tree with an insecticide treatment, contact a professional arborist to determine whether it is not too late. The treatment will not be effective if damage is too far advanced. The treatments will need to be repeated every one to two years, depending on the product you use. To find a certified professional arborist, consult the website of the International Society of Arboriculture (treesaregood.com).
Otherwise, replace your ash tree with a different type of shade tree. I chose to remove the ash trees in my home garden and replace them with other tree species. The Chicago Botanic Garden has a list of suggested tree species for the Chicago area at chicagobotanic.org/plantinfo/tree_alternatives.
• Tim Johnson is director of horticulture at Chicago Botanic Garden, chicagobotanic.org.