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Blooming With Inspiration
Dow Gardens, Michigan
Towering white pines, oaks, maples and other trees create backdrops for a host of shrubs, including rhododendrons, at this botanical garden in central Michigan. In fact, you'll find the Midwest's largest collection of rhododendrons here, from yellow and crimson to mauve, pink, white and other hues. Herbert H. Dow, who founded The Dow Chemical Co., established the gardens in 1889.
Planting suggestions
The dark-green leaves of Blackhaw viburnum (Viburnum prunifolia) turn scarlet in fall, and pretty flowers become fruits that change colors, from green to pink to blue. You could plant this 10- to 12-foot-tall shrub, a Midwest native, with 18-inch yellow marsh marigolds. Viburnums grow in partial shade to full sun.
Rhododendrons grow well beneath white pines. For the hardiest rhododendron, try 3- to 6-foot-tall PJM and 15- to 20-foot-tall rosebay (Rhododendron maximum).
American cranberry bush (Viburnum trilobum) has a red fall color. Or consider a mapleleaf viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium). With leaves that resemble maples, both shrubs are appealing when you plant them beneath maple trees.
Crab apple trees look best when you can see their spring plumage in front of a dark background such as pine trees. Always plant crab apples in full sun. Some favorites: Adirondack (15 feet), Professor Springer (12 feet), White Angel (14 to 16 feet) and Sugar Tyme (16 to 18 feet). For smaller yards, choose a 7-foot-tall weeping dwarf called Candied Apple.
50 miles northwest of Flint 1018 W. Main St., Midland, MI 48640 (800/362-4874).
