… plant—this time, a sad collard green—from its pot into the trash. The mess, and the funeral, is for a good cause though. Today, I bravely enter new territory: My neighborhood garden center, … came from, its parentage, care preferences, and age. An Excel spreadsheet, you guys. This man is not messing around. For the likes of me, Wheatley recommends a more forgiving collection of … to your home, anthuriums bloom bold red and pink flowers. “Anthuriums are generally problem-free and easy to grow. They can handle a wide range of light but would probably do best in a …
Type: Blog
… Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ) is one of the most popular herbs grown today. It is not only a flavorful ingredient in Italian, Chinese, French, and Thai cuisine, but it is also … off developing flowers to concentrate the essential oils in the leaves. Starting from Seed To get a jump-start, start basil indoors from seed four to six weeks before the last frost date, May …
Type: Plant Info
… it may seem as if the window of time when early annuals and veggies can be safely planted is very tiny indeed. But there are ways to ensure that our wild weather won't preclude an … and the Lenhardt Library is stocked with catalogs and magazines. Take advantage of this on-site expertise. Seeds, Bulbs, Tubers – Read the Small Print Read before you buy. If some of those … and about 12 inches before you gradually introduce it to outdoor conditions. If your seedlings get lanky, super-tall, and begin to fall over, pinch them back by half. This will encourage the …
Type: Plant Info
… benefit from a light sanding to remove rust or splinters. Others may need replacing—and this is a good time to find them on sale. The Basics Just getting started? Invest in a few good … tool edges), and some coarse sandpaper, and you’re off to a great start. Trowel A trowel is a good tool for digging small holes, transplanting, removing weeds, and cultivating the soil. … against a flat edge. Ratchet pruners are basically anvil pruners, but the cutting action is done in stages. Ordinary scissors, used solely for gardening, may work well, too. Hoes A …
Type: Plant Info
… This approach implies flowers are to look at and vegetables are to eat. And fraternization is frowned on. But things are changing. To see what's happening in today's gardens, one has only … of every kind, including pots, window boxes, hanging baskets, and wall planters. The idea is to use plants in completely new ways. Color As for ornamental vegetables, who would have … bright green parsley can do a good job of covering up the yellowing foliage of your tulips. To get the most out of your garden, enjoy the whole plant, not just the end product. This might mean …
Type: Plant Info
… GO has taken over the imaginations of kids and adults alike since its recent release. The game is global—users can play anywhere in the world—and the Garden is one of the locations with many … Gyms—virtual locations where players can train and battle their Pokémon—are currently found on-site. But that’s not all that’s to be found: the gardens are a mass of blooms and butterflies, … are doing with your phone. Walk away, and walk back. If the GPS signal stops or you can’t get to a particular PokéStop, just keep walking. There is probably another one close by that’ll …
Type: Blog
… For the new orchid grower, selecting an orchid may seem overwhelming. Here are a few tips to get you started. 1. Know yourself, your growing environment, and what you’re buying. A healthy … Culture Sheets . Also, make sure that your plant has a tag identifying it, or that you get its name and put a tag in the pot right away. There are thousands of orchid species and … flower alone. Having a tag will help you to always remember what species or hybrid your orchid is. 2. Choose a plant you really like. This may sound obvious, but orchids aren’t like other …
Type: Blog
… and Travis Shupe while they were programming installations for this year’s Lightscape . Get ready for some insider tips! First, it’s remarkable to think about how many talented people collaborate to make Lightscape such a magical event. Lightscape is produced in partnership with Sony Music and creatively produced by Culture Creative. Planning … specialists, and programming and data managers all help bring the installations to life. This is the second year Chicago-based lighting designers Fiskness and Shupe have worked on Lightscape. …
Type: Blog
… Chicago Botanic Garden has been tracking the recent rains. We know many of you are anxious to get planting done—it is spring, right? But we encourage caution and patience. If it squishes, wait. Working with wet … Here are tips to help gardeners navigate Chicago’s spring: Wait until the soil dries out to get back in your garden. If the soil can form a sticky ball when you squeeze a handful, it is …
Type: Blog
… a little insurance policy for your plants. 1. Rain Gauge The weather report calls for rain. We get a downpour for 15 or 30 minutes and may think that’s good enough. But that short shower only … are in a full flush of foliage, raindrops often bounce off the leaves, and if the shower is brief, the soil below remains dry. Think about a tomato plant or a hydrangea and how deep … and may show some damage this year. If you have a small garden, you may only need a hose that is 25 or 50 feet long. For larger gardens, there are hoses that reach 100 feet or more. Before …
Type: Plant Info
