Plant Classification

Native Plants
Ornamental Plants

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Native Plants

Native Forbs

A forb is an herbaceous annual, perennial or biennial that is not a grass. All plants within this category are perennials and of local ecotype propagated from seed that originated from plants within 90 miles of St. Charles, IL, unless otherwise noted. Some native flora and fauna form symbiotic relationships. For example, some of the most threatened butterflies are dependent on a few species of native forbs. When planted in garden habitats similar to their natural ones, native forbs tolerate extreme midwestern climates with minimal care.

Native Grasses & Sedges

Prairies once covered much of our state lands and native grasses formed a major component of this prairie. Native grasses and sedges provide habitat for countless animals, including many beneficial insect species. All plants in this category are perennials and of local ecotype (propagated from seed that originated from plants within 90 miles of St. Charles, IL) unless otherwise noted. Several are very ornamental and useful for erosion prevention and control.

Native Trees, Shrubs
& Vines

The plants in this category are trees and shrubs not only native to the U.S., but they are local ecotypes. All of our native plants are propagated from seed that originated from plants within 90 miles of St. Charles, IL, unless otherwise noted.

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Ornamental Plants

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Ornamental Perennials

A perennial is a plant that germinates, grows, and sets seed for an indefinite number of years. Some of these plants may be short-lived or tender perennials in this area, with their life cycle determined by temperature, soil, moisture or countless other factors. In this section you will find plants that originate from all over the world as well as US natives of non-local origin. At The Natural Garden, Inc., we take pride in our extensive selection of over 700 varieties of ornamental perennials.

Woodland Ferns

Ferns are perennials that produce evergreen or deciduous leaf-like structures known as fronds. They belong to the Pteridophytes, a group of plants that lack flowers and reproduce by spores rather than seeds. Ferns provide attractive foliage and they generally prefer damp, shaded areas. They are highly valued for the elegant symmetry of their fronds and the textural contrast of their lush foliage. Once established, ferns usually require little maintenance.

Ornamental Grasses add much to a garden in terms of depth, line, sound and texture as a compliment to other colorful garden plants or even just by themselves. They work well as a background planting, a privacy screen or blended into the mixed border as filler. The majesty of these plants only becomes greater as the season progresses. Their towering plumes will begin to gracefully arch over the garden as autumn arrives and the colors of their foliage intensify into vibrant reds, oranges, yellows and bronzes.

Annuals

The Natural Garden, Inc. offers a fine and diverse collection of over 200 varieties of annuals. Our annuals are in 4.5 inch and 6 inch containers, as well as hanging baskets. With these larger sized plants, you can fill your garden, containers or window boxes with instant color. These larger plants also require lower maintenance since they have already developed extensive root systems and will not need the watering that plants grown in cell packs require.

Annual grasses are an excellent addition to perennial and annual mixed borders, as well as in container gardens. They mature quickly and have intensely colored foliage and inflorescence that persist. The rich foliage characteristics of these plants are sure to bring beauty and interest to your garden throughout the seasons.

Vegetables

We are carrying a mix of the latest cultivars along with some of your old-fashioned favorites. You are sure to find delightful, popular and unique varieties to feature in your favorite summer recipes.

Herbs

The herb collection at The Natural Garden, Inc. is one of the most diverse that you will find locally. Some will be used cosmetically, medicinally, for drying, and all will be beautiful and fragrant in your garden. These plants are great in containers, window boxes, kitchen gardens or mixed into a border with other plants.

Trees & Shrubs

Trees and shrubs are often used to form the structure of a home landscape. Many of them will provide showy flowers and excellent foliage characteristics throughout the seasons. Our trees and shrubs are grown at nurseries in our climate to help insure hardiness. Be sure to stop in at different times throughout the year to see the new varieties we have brought in fresh and blooming.

STEPABLES ®

The Stepables® program includes many groundcover plants that you can step on! They can endure light to heavy foot traffic, depending on the variety. These easy-to-grow perennials spread quickly, are perfect for filling in nooks and crannies, ideal for pathways and borders and as a lawn substitute and weed inhibitor. Most Stepables® bloom profusely in full sun or part shade.

Vines

Climbing plants can be used very effectively in the garden or around your home. They can soften the vertical walls of your garden or home. They can also be used as an elegant feature in the garden, cascading over trellises and arbors.