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  • … Come For the Flowers, Stay For the Birds …
    Type: Page
  • … beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for the spring. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature—the … Great Spring Migration. Whether in your garden, in a park or while on a walk, you’re likely to spot some of the colorful migrants on the ground, in the bushes, and in the tree tops as they … birds. They can be enjoyed each spring at the Garden—from the woodlands and the prairie to the many display gardens and in the wetlands. Their melodious courtship calls—twitters, peeps, …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … Q.  What should I do to prepare my gardening tools for winter storage? A.   After raking the last leaf and tossing the final faded flower into the compost, one task remains before the home gardener can move inside to await the arrival of the first seed catalogs. Clean, maintain, and store the garden tools. …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … the spicy fall air, and muse about how our gardens performed now that we’re putting them to bed. No matter what happened to the plants—(remember that very wet spring and seemingly endless summer drought and heat?)—we … There was a renewed interest in victory gardens and attracting butterflies. And the demand for seeds for flowers and edibles left many garden shelves a bit bare this spring. Gardeners can …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … repeatedly by gardeners of all skill levels: "How do I repot my orchid?" Luckily, the answer for most orchids is, "It's easy." Orchids should be repotted when new; every year or two; or when … look closely at your orchids all that often when they're not in bloom. Spring is the time to examine each plant with a critical eye to assess the need for repotting. It's also when you'll …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … Q. What plants should I use in a rooftop garden? A. There are a number of things to consider when thinking about planting a rooftop garden. These considerations include cost of … and load-bearing structure. Planting in containers may be a simple, economical alternative to a planting bed. Generally, rooftops are considered to be hostile environments, particularly due to wind and sun exposure. Characteristics of plants appropriate for rooftops include short habit, small leaves, sun and wind tolerance. Plants must also be cold …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … Q. Do you have any suggestions for plants that can be used in a fall container? A.  September is a perfect time to plant a beautiful fall container when many annual plants are beginning to decline because of temperature changes, summer heat stress, insects or disease problems. Late …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … Q. How can I extend the life of cut flowers that I receive for Valentine’s Day? A. Preparing cut flowers properly will prolong the life of your bouquet. … Make sure the vase is clean and free of any soap residue. Add a commercial preservative to the vase and immediately fill it with warm water in order to dissolve the granules thoroughly. It is important to add a preservative that is specifically …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … More plants! Although several perennials can be divided in late summer, spring is a good time for this task. That’s because temperatures are cool and the soil is usually moist. Dividing perennials in spring also allows the roots to become well established throughout the summer.   Hostas looking a bit crowded last year? Split … perennial gardening courses and much more. Get more information on perennial topics . Visit our Plant Information Service and find information on common pests and problems, and more. …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … do I take care of it? A. Bonsai are small specimens of regular trees or shrubs trained in pots to grow into beautiful shapes. This is an ancient horticultural art form and a number of plants are appropriate for use as bonsai. Traditionally, each bonsai is grown to a clearly defined style. In order for us to give appropriate care instructions, the plant will …
    Type: Plant Info