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  • … hours of bright, but not direct, sunlight (understandably, not always possible in December). The color of the bracts will remain stronger if temperatures remain between 65 and 70 degrees. … and be sure the plant never sits in water because its roots will rot quickly. When the plant is in bloom, it is not necessary to fertilize it. If you are interested in keeping your plant all … the Plant Information Service at (847) 835-0972 or check the January Gardening Checklist on this Web site. …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … Q. What types of hydrangeas can be successfully grown in the Chicago area? A. The Garden has many examples of hardy hydrangeas. They are a wonderful choice when you are looking for a flowering shrub for a partly shaded or sunny, moist area of your garden. Several varieties … more naturalistic look, the oakleaf hydrangea, Hydrangea quercifolia . Hydrangea quercifolia , is a good choice, and it provides outstanding fall color. If you want a woody vine with the flat …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … have dropped their leaves, the scenery appears brown and boring UNLESS you know what to look for. I’m talking about tree bark. Learning to identify trees by their bark can be a fun winter … top ten trees you think of, but maybe it should be. Take a look at the interesting texture of this bark. If you use your imagination, it’s like a miniature Grand Canyon on its side, with … McDonald Woods, along the trail near Parking Lot 4. The large tree to the left of the bridge is a hackberry. One reason for the popularity of this tree is that the fruits—hackberries—feed …
    Type: Blog
  • … Phosphorus is a component of most fertilizers that helps plants to grow. When too much is applied or is … as right before it rains—most of it is washed away and ends up in the local waterways. This type of pollution is called nonpoint source pollution. It causes eutrophication (a reduction … fish. Several municipalities have banned the use of phosphorus-containing fertilizers for turf or lawn areas. These laws are designed to protect local water quality in lakes, streams, …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … hardy heirlooms, species, and climbers. Learn basic culture and care, plus discover the best roses for your own growing conditions. Class includes an outdoor walk to examine the flowers up close. …
    Type: Item Detail
  • … A.  The cool, damp, cloudy spring we had this year is conducive to many fungal infections. Some of the more common fungal problems … should be applied early in the day so leaves have plenty of time to dry and do not remain wet for an extended period of time, which can facilitate the spread of fungal spores. Water should …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … Grades 10-12 Unit 1 Climate Change in My Backyard Activity Guide Unit 1: The Earth as a System In Unit 1, students learn about the carbon cycle and the role that plants … the game. Activity 1.2 Carbon, Greenhouse Gasses, and Climate Modeling the Greenhouse Effect : This lab activity demonstrates the role that carbon, greenhouse gases, and particles in the … investigating how and where it takes place, how plants obtain the materials necessary for it to occur, and its products. Students make observations of stomata and compare the stomata …
    Type: Page
  • … Therapy Services A trained professional in a plant-rich environment can provide an opportunity for healing, stress reduction, physical exercise, and endless learning. Chicago Botanic Garden professionals enable participants to engage with elements of the plant world in a planned, individualized, and expertly directed manner. The Garden is a world leader in providing therapeutic horticulture experiences to visitors at the Garden as …
    Type: Page
  • … A couple years ago, in early spring, I got the kind of call that puts a “plant doctor” like me on edge. “Come look at the roses right away,” … as the  emerald ash borer . I get called to the Butterflies & Blooms exhibition if the staff is worried about a larva or to the Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden if there’s a raccoon … of it—maybe a hard rain will wash away any aphids or the ladybugs will get rid of the pests, for instance. People ask me how I track the health of more than 2.6 million plants here. I have …
    Type: Blog
  • … Gift Shop and check out some of the many insect identification books. A good bug I.D. book is a great tool for the gardener. Each morning, two of the Garden’s plant healthcare technicians scout for insect … (and free) control for your garden, too.   Chomp, Chomp Spider mites are a common pest this time of year. The tiny, wingless creatures can be found on many annuals, perennials, shrubs, …
    Type: Plant Info