Bed of Roses

09/22/2025

At 1:19 p.m. today, we officially transitioned from Summer to Fall! That's because it was the moment of the Fall Equinox, when the day & night are exactly 12 hours each, and the only time when the Northern and the Southern Hemisphere get an equal amount of sunlight.

But for most of us? It simply means it's time for colorful leaves, Pumpkin Spiced Lattes, cooler weather, and that nostalgic feeling that only comes with Autumn.

Plus, the leaves are changing early this year, so you can already see some of the gorgeous yellows and reds at Starved Rock & Matthiessen State Parks!

09/22/2025

07/26/2023

🌼🌼🌼🌼Black-Eyed and Brown-Eyed Susans are native wildflowers known for their bright, cheerful blooms and resilient nature. Both feature daisy-like flowers with dark central cones surrounded by colorful rays. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) has bright yellow to orange petals with dark brown OR black center.
In contrast, Brown-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba) have yellow petals with a brown center. The leaves are lance-shaped, often with a rough, hairy texture. Depending on variety, mature plants can reach heights of 24" to 3 feet. Both are hardy in USDA plant zones 3 to 9. They prefer well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
They can tolerate partial shade, but grow best in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Another common variety is Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' (Goldsturm Black-eyed Susan).

These beauties attract pollinators from bees to hummingbirds. They provide a rich source of nectar and pollen, making them a favorite with butterflies. Once established, these perennials are drought-tolerant and require minimal watering after the first season. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and maintain a neat appearance. In Spring or Fall, divide mature plants every 3-4 years. 🌼🌼🌼🌼

07/26/2023

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07/04/2023

❤️🤍💙 HAPPY
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 FOURTH
🌹🌹🌹 OF
💥💥💥 JULY!