… How to Identify Poison Ivy Poison ivy takes many forms, so it is particularly important for parents, camp counselors, hikers, gardeners, and anyone who enjoys the outdoors to become familiar with its characteristics in all seasons. It … if exposed to fumes from burning the plant. Poison ivy is native to the United States and is easily spread by seeds eaten by birds that feed off the white berries produced in the …
Type: Plant Info
… for centuries. These directions are a simple variation of a doll made from corn husks, which is a traditional craft of Native Americans. Corn husks are the leaves that cover and protect the corn cob. You can use the fresh green husks removed from the cob, but for this … to three leaves per doll a pan of water rubber bands, yarn, or twist ties scissors Separate and soak the corn husk leaves in water for 10 to 15 minutes. They should be wet and pliable. …
Type: Blog
… remnant of the oak woodlands once common in northeastern Illinois, Mary Mix McDonald Woods is, in conservation terms, a restoration — an example of an ecosystem that is being brought back to healthy former conditions. Because of the constant efforts of scientists and volunteers to remove invasive species and sow native plants, this natural area is slowly … from the U.S. Green Building Council. The building earned its Gold LEED rating with points in six categories, including sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, …
Type: Walks
… An Herbal Fix for Winter Doldrums The winter solstice arrives on December 21. It marks the official start of winter. On that day, we’ll experience the shortest amount of daylight and longest night of the year here in the Northern Hemisphere. Have you noticed that the sunlight is weak and the skies are often somber? Freezing temperatures, the possibility of snow, and cabin …
Type: Plant Info
… Amaryllis bulbs are extremely popular holiday gifts and their large, showy flowers brighten any home with a taste of the tropics during the cold months. Native to Central and South Americas, these plants are hybrids of the Hippeastrum genus. They are fairly easy to … preplanted in a gift box. Those that are not should be planted in a heavy pot, wider than it is tall, with adequate drainage holes. Use a general, lightweight, soilless mix, making sure that …
Type: Plant Info
… stems! Such gorgeous flowers on the bloomers! No wonder we find houseplants irresistible, and bring them into our homes. Most of us also know that, in addition to being attractive, indoor … houseplants bring more angst than pleasure to their people. Once-green leaves yellow, droop, and drop. Stems slump, or wither, or rot. Myriad other signs of distress appear. In a remarkably … well-meaning owners are left wondering what happened. What happened, to put it very simply, is that the plant's environment changed from ideal to less than ideal. Match Houseplants to …
Type: Plant Info
… Turns out, blueberries have tiny external structures in their wax coating that scatter blue and ultraviolet light, which is why we see them as blue. Read on to discover more plant stories that caught our eye. Classical vs. Rock. Which does an audience of plants prefer? Shake, rattle—and grow? The idea that music can help plants grow has been studied for decades, with classical …
Type: Blog
… love to watch spring unfold in gardens everywhere—but at the Chicago Botanic Garden, my heart is in the water. As the Woman’s Board Curator of Aquatics, I like to point out the signs of spring, in and around the 60 acres of Garden lakes and 6 miles of shoreline . People enjoy the serenity of the water, but there’s also sounds, …
Type: Blog
… charmer beams from the Garden's shadows. Small, orchidlike flowers, speckled with white and shades of purple, sparkle above tall stems of glossy green foliage. Most other perennials have finished blooming. Trees are going dormant and preparing to drop their leaves. But this beauty is just getting started. The only thing that isn't lovely about this plant is its name: the toad …
Type: Plant Info
… Ketaurah James VeggieRx Manager, Windy City Harvest For Ketaurah James, her job is more than just a job: She grew up in North Lawndale, where Windy City Harvest’s Farm on Ogden is located, and she has seen firsthand how the VeggieRx program is helping people she knows lead healthier, … plants that call our space home. In honor of The Orchid Show: Magnified , open through March 26, 2023, we chatted with one of the people who see the show through from vision to reality. …
Type: Blog
