… of Concern in 2000, we were all optimistic but unsure whether this program would catch on. Over the years, we watched Plants of Concern grow and prosper, and were awed by the enthusiasm of … of that species.” Currently, hundreds of Plants of Concern community scientists monitor over half of the 323 species that are listed in Illinois as threatened or endangered. Over 300 volunteers and staff members partner with around 150 landowners and land managers to …
Type: Blog
… gradually become active. During this time, the energy of the tree that was stored in the roots over the winter begins to move back up into the tree branches. As this happens, the dormant buds … begin to swell. This swelling is the first sign that the tree is beginning to break dormancy. Over the next few weeks, the amount of energy from the roots to the branches increases, and the … for repotting the bonsai collection. Once the pot has been cleaned, screens have been secured over drainage holes, and tie-down wires have been added, a layer of lava rock is placed to aid …
Type: Blog
… streams to meet emerging community needs and ensure organizational sustainability. With over seven years of experience within nonprofit organizations serving the west and south sides of … his way up to becoming farm director, overseeing urban farm production across several acres. Over the course of ten seasons at Growing Home, he was responsible for market operations, growing … streams to meet emerging community needs and ensure organizational sustainability. With over seven years of experience within nonprofit organizations serving the west and south sides of …
Type: Page
… going to get messy. Pour about ½ cup of baking soda inside the pumpkin. Squirt some dish soap over the baking soda. Add a few drops of food coloring to a cup of vinegar. When you are ready, … reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas. This reaction causes the soapy mixture to bubble over, resulting in a satisfying lava simulation. While “salt and water” sounds like a harmless …
Type: Blog
… area. Sown now, it will grow until killed off by cold temperatures; then it acts as a blanket over the soil, protecting it from wind and water erosion. It’s easy to till under in spring. One … manure to your soil. Broad-forked or lightly turned under, it will have time to break down over the winter, leaving the soil with the plant-accessible nutrients it needs next spring. 5. …
Type: Plant Info
… once the ground has frozen as extra winter protection. Some plants will become large and woody over time and will benefit from spring division to renew their mounding habit. Mr. Hawke's … from mid-July to early October, covering 80 percent of the plant. This is a darker improvement over the very popular 'Palace Purple'. Second place is shared by two plants: 2. Heuchera …
Type: Plant Info
… plant. It is used as a ground cover, in topiary displays, in hanging baskets, or sprawling over a windowsill as a houseplant. There are many types of ivy, ranging from rampant climbers to … and sand mixture or a ready-mixed potting compost. Some gardeners place small plastic bags over the newly planted cutting to preserve moisture, taking care that the sides of the bags do …
Type: Plant Info
… haageana ), often referred to as the Mexican zinnia—are also precursors of modern-day plants. Over the past two centuries, breeders have created dozens of cultivars, including many that are … off vertical annuals like salvia and cuphea. Keep the blooms coming by removing spent flowers over the summer. Once or twice a month, use water-soluble fertilizer when watering to promote …
Type: Plant Info
… to grow all their flowers and fruits at the end of the stems. They produce all of their fruit over a period of two to four weeks or so and then the plant stops producing. As the fruit ripens, … weeks. Summer squash are susceptible to viruses and mildew. Place a lightweight row cloth over young plants to prevent insects such as squash vine borer from attacking the vines. Once the …
Type: Plant Info
… is a pretty interesting species because there has been this massive volunteer effort for over 20 years to restore it in Illinois,” noted Ellwanger, who said that Illinois currently … technique on all groups in her study subjects. By watching the same sequence of genes over time and locations, she can see clear patterns and any changes. The bonus to it all is that … undergone the same processes,” she noted. As scientists and volunteers worked in the field over the last several decades, they did more than collect genetic information. They also took …
Type: Blog