Peter Orum
Founder
Peter Orum, a visionary leader in the horticulture industry, passed away at the age of 82 on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at his home in St. Charles, Illinois, after a courageous four-month battle with a rare form of lymphoma. Born on December 4, 1941, in Søborg, Denmark, Peter’s journey was one of passion, innovation, and commitment to both his craft and his community. After completing a horticulture apprenticeship and serving as a Lieutenant in the Danish Army, Peter immigrated to the U.S. in 1965, where he and his wife Irma founded Midwest Groundcovers LLC and Midwest Trading Inc., transforming the industry with their forward-thinking approach. Peter was a dedicated leader, actively involved in both local and international horticultural organizations, fostering strong ties between Denmark and the U.S. His influence extended beyond the green industry, as he contributed significantly to civic and cultural endeavors in his community.
PETER’S TULIP TREE – Liriodendron tulipifera
Peter loved many trees, but Tulip Trees held a special place in his heart.  His mentor, John Wilde, had collected seed from a more hardy Tulip Tree and brought the seed to the south nursery decades ago; the seeds were propagated and planted and form a very tall “hedge” today.  Every spring, Peter would make a visit and marvel at the colorful, tulip-like flowers adorning those trees, and colorfully dropping to ornament the ground.
Peter’s memorial Tulip Tree stands at the crossroads of activity here at Midwest.  Every day there are people coming in and out of the office, visitors coming on an outing to learn, deliveries of plants and papers coming to the office door, and not too far away is our busy loading dock and mechanic shop for the St. Charles location.  Peter was always happiest in the middle of the hustle and bustle of activity and where he could greet and connect with people, so the placement of Peter’s Tulip Tree seems fitting to welcome you to whatever activity you’re joining us at Midwest for.
Tulip Tree, Liriodendron tulipifera, is a member of the Magnoliaceae family, and stands among the tallest native hardwoods in North America.  It is native to the Chicago region, and is valued not only for its grand stature—reaching 70 to 90 feet in height with a 35- to 50-foot spread—but also for its ornamental and ecological qualities. Its distinct, tulip-shaped flowers, which emerge in late spring after leaf-out, exhibit a striking palette of orange, yellow, and green. These goblet-like blooms are followed by upright, cone-like fruiting clusters that contribute to the tree’s seasonal interest.
The Tulip Tree is native to Illinois and thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils, though it exhibits moderate tolerance to alkaline conditions. It grows rapidly and transplants well. Â In autumn, the foliage turns a brilliant golden yellow. The tree plays an ecological role by supporting a variety of insect pollinators, sapsuckers, songbirds, and small mammals.
Biogeographic context: Its core distribution spans mesic deciduous forests in the Ohio River and Appalachian basins, thriving across USDA Hardiness Zones 5–9 Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Illinois populations: Recognized as native to the Chicago region, particularly the southern half of the state, confirmed by Swink & Wilhelm and contemporary surveys Illinois Wildflowers+8Illinois Department of Natural Resources+8Lurie Garden+8.
Peter loved many trees, but Tulip Trees held a special place in his heart.  His mentor, John Wilde, had collected seed from a more hardy Tulip Tree and brought the seed to the south nursery decades ago; the seeds were propagated and planted and form a very tall “hedge” today.  Every spring, Peter would make a visit and marvel at the colorful, tulip-like flowers adorning those trees, and colorfully dropping to ornament the ground.
Peter’s memorial Tulip Tree stands at the crossroads of activity here at Midwest.  Every day there are people coming in and out of the office, visitors coming on an outing to learn, deliveries of plants and papers coming to the office door, and not too far away is our busy loading dock and mechanic shop for the St. Charles location.  Peter was always happiest in the middle of the hustle and bustle of activity and where he could greet and connect with people, so the placement of Peter’s Tulip Tree seems fitting to welcome you to whatever activity you’re joining us at Midwest for.
Take a moment to remember our founder and appreciate his love of the many activities of this particular Midwest crossroads, and welcome his appreciation for the marvels and beauty of trees and nature.
Tulip Tree, Liriodendron tulipifera, is a member of the Magnoliaceae family, and stands among the tallest native hardwoods in North America.  It is native to the Chicago region, and is valued not only for its grand stature—reaching 70 to 90 feet in height with a 35- to 50-foot spread—but also for its ornamental and ecological qualities. Its distinct, tulip-shaped flowers, which emerge in late spring after leaf-out, exhibit a striking palette of orange, yellow, and green. These goblet-like blooms are followed by upright, cone-like fruiting clusters that contribute to the tree’s seasonal interest.
The Tulip Tree is native to Illinois and thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils, though it exhibits moderate tolerance to alkaline conditions. It grows rapidly and transplants well. Â In autumn, the foliage turns a brilliant golden yellow. The tree plays an ecological role by supporting a variety of insect pollinators, sapsuckers, songbirds, and small mammals.
Biogeographic context: Its core distribution spans mesic deciduous forests in the Ohio River and Appalachian basins, thriving across USDA Hardiness Zones 5–9 Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Illinois populations: Recognized as native to the Chicago region, particularly the southern half of the state, confirmed by Swink & Wilhelm and contemporary surveys Illinois Wildflowers+8Illinois Department of Natural Resources+8Lurie Garden+8.
Remembering Peter Orum: Tributes and Articles on His Life and Legacy:
Communications from the Industry
Communications from the Midwest Companies
Donations in Peter’s Memory can be made to:
Communications from the Industry
Communications from the Midwest Companies
Donations in Peter’s Memory can be made to:
Peter Orum
Founder
Peter Orum, a visionary leader in the horticulture industry, passed away at the age of 82 on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at his home in St. Charles, Illinois, after a courageous four-month battle with a rare form of lymphoma. Born on December 4, 1941, in Søborg, Denmark, Peter’s journey was one of passion, innovation, and commitment to both his craft and his community. After completing a horticulture apprenticeship and serving as a Lieutenant in the Danish Army, Peter immigrated to the U.S. in 1965, where he and his wife Irma founded Midwest Groundcovers LLC and Midwest Trading Inc., transforming the industry with their forward-thinking approach. Peter was a dedicated leader, actively involved in both local and international horticultural organizations, fostering strong ties between Denmark and the U.S. His influence extended beyond the green industry, as he contributed significantly to civic and cultural endeavors in his community.
PETER’S TULIP TREE – Liriodendron tulipifera
Peter loved many trees, but Tulip Trees held a special place in his heart.  His mentor, John Wilde, had collected seed from a more hardy Tulip Tree and brought the seed to the south nursery decades ago; the seeds were propagated and planted and form a very tall “hedge” today.  Every spring, Peter would make a visit and marvel at the colorful, tulip-like flowers adorning those trees, and colorfully dropping to ornament the ground.
Peter’s memorial Tulip Tree stands at the crossroads of activity here at Midwest.  Every day there are people coming in and out of the office, visitors coming on an outing to learn, deliveries of plants and papers coming to the office door, and not too far away is our busy loading dock and mechanic shop for the St. Charles location.  Peter was always happiest in the middle of the hustle and bustle of activity and where he could greet and connect with people, so the placement of Peter’s Tulip Tree seems fitting to welcome you to whatever activity you’re joining us at Midwest for.
Tulip Tree, Liriodendron tulipifera, is a member of the Magnoliaceae family, and stands among the tallest native hardwoods in North America.  It is native to the Chicago region, and is valued not only for its grand stature—reaching 70 to 90 feet in height with a 35- to 50-foot spread—but also for its ornamental and ecological qualities. Its distinct, tulip-shaped flowers, which emerge in late spring after leaf-out, exhibit a striking palette of orange, yellow, and green. These goblet-like blooms are followed by upright, cone-like fruiting clusters that contribute to the tree’s seasonal interest.
The Tulip Tree is native to Illinois and thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils, though it exhibits moderate tolerance to alkaline conditions. It grows rapidly and transplants well. Â In autumn, the foliage turns a brilliant golden yellow. The tree plays an ecological role by supporting a variety of insect pollinators, sapsuckers, songbirds, and small mammals.
Biogeographic context: Its core distribution spans mesic deciduous forests in the Ohio River and Appalachian basins, thriving across USDA Hardiness Zones 5–9 Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Illinois populations: Recognized as native to the Chicago region, particularly the southern half of the state, confirmed by Swink & Wilhelm and contemporary surveys Illinois Wildflowers+8Illinois Department of Natural Resources+8Lurie Garden+8.
Peter loved many trees, but Tulip Trees held a special place in his heart.  His mentor, John Wilde, had collected seed from a more hardy Tulip Tree and brought the seed to the south nursery decades ago; the seeds were propagated and planted and form a very tall “hedge” today.  Every spring, Peter would make a visit and marvel at the colorful, tulip-like flowers adorning those trees, and colorfully dropping to ornament the ground.
Peter’s memorial Tulip Tree stands at the crossroads of activity here at Midwest.  Every day there are people coming in and out of the office, visitors coming on an outing to learn, deliveries of plants and papers coming to the office door, and not too far away is our busy loading dock and mechanic shop for the St. Charles location.  Peter was always happiest in the middle of the hustle and bustle of activity and where he could greet and connect with people, so the placement of Peter’s Tulip Tree seems fitting to welcome you to whatever activity you’re joining us at Midwest for.
Take a moment to remember our founder and appreciate his love of the many activities of this particular Midwest crossroads, and welcome his appreciation for the marvels and beauty of trees and nature.
Tulip Tree, Liriodendron tulipifera, is a member of the Magnoliaceae family, and stands among the tallest native hardwoods in North America.  It is native to the Chicago region, and is valued not only for its grand stature—reaching 70 to 90 feet in height with a 35- to 50-foot spread—but also for its ornamental and ecological qualities. Its distinct, tulip-shaped flowers, which emerge in late spring after leaf-out, exhibit a striking palette of orange, yellow, and green. These goblet-like blooms are followed by upright, cone-like fruiting clusters that contribute to the tree’s seasonal interest.
The Tulip Tree is native to Illinois and thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils, though it exhibits moderate tolerance to alkaline conditions. It grows rapidly and transplants well. Â In autumn, the foliage turns a brilliant golden yellow. The tree plays an ecological role by supporting a variety of insect pollinators, sapsuckers, songbirds, and small mammals.
Biogeographic context: Its core distribution spans mesic deciduous forests in the Ohio River and Appalachian basins, thriving across USDA Hardiness Zones 5–9 Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Illinois populations: Recognized as native to the Chicago region, particularly the southern half of the state, confirmed by Swink & Wilhelm and contemporary surveys Illinois Wildflowers+8Illinois Department of Natural Resources+8Lurie Garden+8.
Remembering Peter Orum: Tributes and Articles on His Life and Legacy:
Communications from the Industry
Communications from the Midwest Companies
Donations in Peter’s Memory can be made to:
Communications from the Industry
Communications from the Midwest Companies
Donations in Peter’s Memory can be made to: