Though it’s still winter outside, Tim Pollak, Outdoor Floriculturist, and his team in the Production Greenhouses are getting ready for spring on the inside. Tim takes us on a tour of the Production Greenhouses to show us what they are growing for spring this year. All year round, his staff and volunteers work to grow many of the annuals that are later planted in the display gardens at the Chicago Botanic Garden. See what it takes to grow all of those plants!
Tom Soulsby tells us some interesting facts about the Victoria waterlily which is in bloom right now in the Heritage Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/bloom for more information about what’s in bloom now. View the video on YouTube here.
Jennifer Schwarz Ballard explains how anyone can help scientists track climate change by getting out and observing plants. We want people all around the United States to periodically observe the plants around you and contribute data to Project BudBurst. For more information on Project BudBurst, visit www.BudBurst.org. View the video on YouTube here.
The Chicago Botanic Garden’s plant breeder, Jim Ault, shows you how he hybridizes lilies in his backyard. You can learn more about lilies at the Wisconsin-Illinois Lily Society Show on July 10 and 11 at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/plantshows for more information.
Dr. Jim Ault, plant breeder at the Chicago Botanic Garden, explains how he created four new Baptisia hybrids. Dr. Ault selects the most interesting plants from his breeding program and introduces them to the trade through Chicagoland Grows. Visit www.chicagolandgrows.org for more information on these hybrids and other plants Dr. Ault has created.
Joan O’Shaughnessy, ecologist at the Chicago Botanic Garden, shows us how to identify garlic mustard and explains the importance of removing it and other invasive plants to protect our native habitats. You can learn about this and so much more at World Environment Day at the Chicago Botanic Garden on June 5, 2010. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/wed for more information.
Cindy Baker, manager of horticultural services at the Chicago Botanic Garden, shows you how to properly plant a tree. Cindy will join other horticulture staff on Saturday, June 5th, for World Environment Day at the Garden. Staff will do demonstrations about eco-friendly lawn care, “green” rose garden care, proper planting and mulching and successful composting for fruit and vegetable gardens. Go to www.chicagobotanic.org/wed for more information about World Environment Day.
Tim Pollak, outdoor floriculturist, shows us how to plant a side-planted moss-lined hanging basket for shade to enjoy this summer. You can find plants for your hanging basket at A Bloomin’ Festival on May 14-16 or you can buy them already planted at the sale. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/bloomin for more information.
Tom Soulsby tells us about the plants that went into each of the 65 troughs in the Heritage Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden. He also shows us how to protect cool season annuals from frost since they still don’t like freezing temperatures (much like us!)
