… Q. I often admire the crabapple trees espaliered on the Visitor Center. Is this a procedure I could duplicate at home with one or two small trees? A. Yes, it is. An espalier is an innovative way to soften a brick wall, a trellis or even a chain link fence. If space permits, consider using … basic Y-shapes that are then extended into a diamond pattern. Early spring is the best time to begin your espalier. First, choose a small 3- to 4-foot whip growing on dwarf rootstock. Prune …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. I would like to grow the beautiful butterfly bush that attracts so many varieties of butterflies at this time of year. Any tips? A. Buddleja does indeed attract many species of butterflies and is quite a sight in the garden when they are all hovering around the colorful panicles of flowers. It is an easy-to-grow shrub that requires well-drained soil and full sun. While the height can vary, it usually …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. I want to remove buckthorn from my yard but I'm not sure what to do with it after it is taken out to prevent the seeds from germinating. A. Buckthorn ( Rhamnus …
Type: Plant Info
… The new USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map can help Is this the year to try bigleaf hydrangea, tea olive, or another plant that you think only grows … The update is the first since 2012. “It’s a great tool, and we’re glad the USDA continues to update these guidelines based on new data,” said Fred Spicer, executive vice president and …
Type: Blog
… Ask any of our horticulturists to name the most important job in their gardens right now and they’ll all answer the same way: "Weeding." In this month's Smart Gardener , we take on the topic that gardeners love to hate, focusing on the top ten weeds most commonly found in gardens in the Chicago area. What is a weed? Essentially, it’s a plant that’s growing where you don’t want it to be. Weeds are …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. Can I use manure as a soil amendment? A. Composted manure is a good organic soil amendment. While the nutrient value of composted manure can vary significantly, it adds organic content, which can lead to improved soil structure. Good soil structure is essential for a healthy garden. Improving soil structure makes the soil easier to work, improves water absorption, holding capacity, drainage, and aeration. Composted manure …
Type: Plant Info
… As the weather cools, smart kitchen gardeners search for ways to stretch the growing season, hoping for a few more salads…an extra harvest of kale…or (gasp!) … veggies on the table at Thanksgiving. The idea of season extension—gaining a month longer to grow crops at either end of our rather short USDA Zone 5 season—is worthy of a home experiment. Hoophouses greatly increase vegetable production—they're …
Type: Plant Info
… Winter can be as easy or as hard on bugs as on humans, which is why after a fairly mild winter, some gardeners fear the worst. They imagine bugs coming out of … praying mantis, and many more. The Chicago Botanic Garden relies on beneficial insects to help control the more destructive types at the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden. Ladybird … Beetles Number one on many lists of good insects is the ladybird beetle, often referred to as a ladybug. There are many varieties of ladybirds, at least two of which most gardeners have …
Type: Plant Info
… A great way to get into the winter spirit is to create your own wreath, featuring embellishments inspired by nature. Don't be intimidated: We will take you step by step through the process. The best part is that you can add your own touches to make your wreath truly one-of-a-kind. Here are some …
Type: Blog
… With winter approaching, it is time to think about overwintering those wonderful tender perennials, Mediterraneans, and tropical plants that you have grown to love over the summer. In this class, you will learn which plants will overwinter successfully …
Type: Item Detail
