A LILAC REFRIGERATOR

Truth is indeed stranger than fiction.  Just when you think there's nothing new under the sun, there's something new under the sun.


Yesterday a woman came into the garden center from California and wanted to buy a Lilac.  Of course we knew that Lilacs wouldn't grow in her zone and we advised her as much.  But she already knew that and was determined to have the Lilac.


That's when she told us that she was going to put the Lilac in a  fridge so that it would have it's period of dormancy .  Of course, this procedure will have to be repeated every year.  Dig up Lilac, refrigerate, plant, dig, etc.


I keep looking at a Southern Magnolia  on the lot that's suppose to be hardy for Chicago.  What would I have to do to ensure its survival. ?  Am I as willing as she was to take the plunge ? My main concern is not so much the cold as the snow load breaking its branches.

Would a Magnolia look strange with a teepee to protect it from snow ?

To say the least I was really impressed by her passion for Lilacs. How far would you go for a plant you love ?





Written by Carolyngail at Sweet Home and Garden Chicago All rights reserved