Fall 2021
We love the play of light through the trees at the Chicago Botanic Garden—a Japanese concept known as komorebi (木漏れ日). In this issue of Keep Growing, you’ll experience the zen of komorebi via a short video filmed at the Malott Japanese Garden. You’ll also find other exclusive features, as well as news of upcoming events.
Small, but Mighty
Get a different perspective of the Bonsai Courtyards and gain a new understanding of the beauty of bonsai in this video tour.
The Light in the Trees
Take time to enjoy the frolic of light and shadows through the trees at the Malott Japanese Garden. Celebrate tranquil moments of komorebi in this video.
Why They Love Plants
Plants can change your world. They did for these horticulturists and Garden staff. Learn about those first connections, and family bonds, in Plant Stories.
Have Drone, Will Travel
Wetlands are hard to study and a bit mysterious. For Negaunee Institute scientist Sophie Taddeo, those challenges are part of the appeal.
Planting Seeds of Success
Windy City Harvest is sharing its expertise to make urban agriculture programs across the country even stronger.
What’s in a VeggieRx box?
Learn how fresh produce can help promote healthy eating—and get a tip or two you can use in this video.
Garden Updates
A message from the Garden president and CEO
Jean M. Franczyk shares a message just for Garden members about a special happening in 2022.
Watch this garden grow
Take a tour of the Shida Evaluation Garden, opening this fall. It’s a little different than the gardens you are used to—and that’s a good thing.
Fall, glorious fall
Don’t miss a single glorious moment with our expert’s guide to fall color highlights at the Garden.
Gardening Help
Hort Hacks: tips from the gardens of our horticulturists
For gardening or plant questions, visit Plant Information Service.
Blooms: Get inspired by What’s in Bloom.
discover: Use the GardenGuide app to find plants you’re curious about.
Checklists: Find seasonal tips on what you need to do in September and October.
Looking Ahead
Last chance: Final days for the online Fall Bulb Sale. Pick-up dates are October 9 and 10.
Fine Art of Fiber returns: Three fiber artistry guilds exhibit one-of-a-kind pieces, including some for sale—perfect for holiday gifts.
light up the holidays: Tickets for Lightscape are on sale now. Celebrate the holidays on this outdoor, illuminated trail. Don’t delay; popular times are going fast.
Untamed: The Orchid Show The irrepressible spirit of wild orchids is a refreshing antidote to the midwinter slump. Check back in January for ticket information.
Werewolves, beware
To ward off werewolves in the Middle Ages, people turned to…nope, not garlic, but the highly toxic plant wolfsbane (Aconitum napellus). Just in time for Halloween, you can find wolfsbane at the Garden, and learn more about spooky plants in the online class Ghoulish Plants in Folklore.
Fall Fun
Bee a science explorer Have you ever wondered where bees sleep? Find out in the new video series “Maria’s Nature Notebooks.” The premiere episode is, we must say, buzz-worthy.
A sun god legend The scent of marigolds and a bittersweet Aztec legend are big parts of Día de los Muertos celebrations. Find out more and make your own ofrenda, or altar, to take home in this class.
We lava this Up your jack-o’-lantern game and create a pumpkin volcano. It’s a great way to bring science into your Halloween fun.
The fungus among us Peer into the world of glowing mushrooms and other mysterious tales of fungi, just in time for Halloween.
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3 Ways You Can Help
Want to do more? Even small contributions can help plants and the planet.
Join Budburst: Become a community scientist and do your part for plants. Your observations of the plants you love help support conservation science. Learn more.
Give pollinators a boost: Choose plants like coneflowers, lantana, and parsley to make your garden spaces a haven for pollinators. Get the list.
Avoid invasives: Find out which plants and trees can eventually crowd out other species. Learn more.