East Border
The East Border is the location for bright, intense, hot colors: red, gold, orange, and chartreuse, with spots of purple to “cool down” the palette. The way the colors of the different plants blend together is reminiscent of Midwest sunsets—very apt given that you are facing west as you look at the border.
The design implements curving, over-lapping lines and groupings seen in nature. Remember, nothing is planted in straight rows except corn and beans!
Highlights of the East Border:
Golden Southern Catalpa tree is the centerpiece of the East Border garden. The Catalpa tree’s “pollarded” (pruned) form produces large, bright chartreuse leaves and keeps the height of the tree ~10-15 feet; the mature height of a Southern Catalpa is typically 30-40 feet. The granite bench next to the tree is a popular setting for photographs.
Solidago ‘Fireworks’ goldenrod has cascading yellow blooms in late summer. It can be pinched back before July 1 like mums and asters to keep it from getting leggy and promote more blooms.
‘Adam’s Needle’ Yucca (Yucca filamentosa) has wonderful variegated foliage; tough, hot dry conditions; although in the same family as succulents, this yucca is a perennial here in Illinois.
Hypericum ‘Albury Purple’ or St. John’s Wort is wonderful in combination with lots of colors—orange, purple, yellow, burgundy.
Coral bells ‘Rio,’ ‘Black Pearl,’ and ‘Forever Red’ (Heuchera hybrid) are lovely throughout the season. Rio’s new leaves are peachy amber and gradually fade to tan and then yellowish amber. Unlike some coral bells, all of the cultivars can handle full sun exposure.
Gold toned shrubs were added in spring 2022: Arborvitae ‘Sunkist’ will add some height to the south side of the East Border as well as provide winter interest. Juniperus ‘Gold Cone’ will anchor the north side, south of the catalpa. Ninebark Lemon Candy (Physocarpus opulifolius) is deciduous but adds unique color in the summer months.
