Option Three Application Page

Please read this information before you begin the application process.

Container Pollinator Garden Option provides the applicant with a pre-selected list of native plant species to include in their container. Only these plant species may be purchased with funding through this option. Also, the following must also be purchased: large fiberglass plant containers, insulation, and soil. Mulch is optional.  Simple gardening tools such as child- and adult-sized gloves, spades, hand shovels, and trowels can be purchased. Tool costs shall not account for more than 25% of the total project cost. 

Fiberglass is preferred as it is light and durable. If on the ground level, concrete and steel can be used but are much heavier. Pots ideally will be at least 16 inches deep and 18 wide to allow plenty of root growth that can tolerate drying out better. Smaller pots will need more frequent watering and care. Wider pots are better than narrow. Remember the plants will need to grow well together. 

The container must have insulation between the large side and the dirt. This is to keep the plant roots from freezing and thawing in the container over the winter. Styrofoam works best.

You will need to use a good commercial potting mix. You can add amendments: soil hold more water (peat – wetland plants), soil is drier and more aerated (perlite – prairie) or both (vermiculite). 

It is recommended to include sedges or grasses in each container as they help support the plant and give some insulation in the winter. They are considered “nurse”, protecting plants from freezing and bind the soils and help with increased survival.

There are 2 concerns to be aware of:

1. Summer care- watering and maintaining them over summer break
2. Winter care – making sure the plants are cold weather tolerant, that the pot (fiberglass works best) is insulated to avoid the freezing and thawing which will kill the roots and plants need to be planted towards the center. 

1. The applicant is responsible for completing all aspects of the application form, including the Budget for the Container Pollinator Garden Option, and is subject to all other conditions and requirements stated in the application form.
2. The native plant species selected for this garden are suitable for growing conditions throughout Illinois and are good providers of nectar and pollen for native pollinators. They should be planted in a location that receives full sunshine for more than half of each day’s period of daylight. These are not plants to be grown in shady conditions. If you plant all of the species in the list, you should have some plants in bloom from May through at least October.
3. Plants should be purchased as plugs or seedlings grown in containers. Do not request seeds to grow the plants for this option. The larger the plant you purchase, the sooner it will be likely to bloom. Some of these plants may not bloom until their second or third year of growth.
4. Part of the requirement of this option is that you will record how each plant does in the container and send that information to the Fant Lab at the Chicago Botanic Garden. This is to assist in ongoing research regarding the best plants to use in container gardens. You will be sent an email to give this information to once the award is made.