… flora of the areas we are going to visit. We search out areas of the world where the climate is similar to that of the midwestern United States, and we make lists. Lots of lists. Massive … gasoline in the country, driver wages, botanist guides, food, and lodging. All of this data is condensed into a one-page document that our hosts submit to the national environmental … each country for approval and permits for the trip. Among our goals on plant-collecting trips is to collect seeds to conserve and to look for plants of horticultural interest to display in …
Type: Blog
… that distribute water close to the ground, reaching the entire root zone. The root zone is a circle that runs around the tree, extending from the trunk directly outward to the end of … moisture and improves soil texture. Water early and choose wisely At this time, less water is lost through evaporation. This is also the preferred time to water plants susceptible to powdery mildew. By watering in the …
Type: Plant Info
… Your herbs are flourishing, but you know the first frost is about to hit. How can you bank up herbal flavor and save it to enjoy all winter long? One popular and simple method for preserving herbs is to infuse them into vinegars — a simple way to keep herbs at their summer's peak of flavor. A … a sunny windowsill for three to four weeks. After this time, taste the vinegar to make sure it is strong enough, strain it into decorative bottles and add a sprig or two of fresh herbs for …
Type: Plant Info
… disease and insect problems. Keeping an eye on a rain gauge in your own backyard “ecosystem” is an important step to keeping your carbon-absorbing, oxygen-producing plants both healthy and looking beautiful. When natural rainfall is less than 1 inch a week, it's time to think about providing supplemental irrigation, … will provide future dividends on your landscape investments. The golden rule for most plants is to water root zones deeply but infrequently. Too little water provided too often can result in …
Type: Plant Info
… perhaps what endears them to city gardeners, container aficionados, and flowering plant lovers is their adaptability to indoor conditions — they bring summer’s beauty to a cold winter’s night. What is a miniature rose? Originally, it had to fit under a teacup. Growers agreed that to be a … feet, with each plant a dwarf version of the full-sized variety. Culture for miniature roses is the same as for the full-sized plants. Minis purchased in winter must be grown in a southern …
Type: Plant Info
… Lorin Fox is the grower for the woody plants, perennials, and aquatics in the Plant Production department. His job is to produce high-quality plants for the Garden's plant collection and special displays. Fox …
Type: Staff bio
… hand in hand? A romantic picnic need not be formal or fancy. The secret to making it romantic is a personal touch—something that both reflects your personality and makes the evening more fun. … of our favorite ways to make picnic fare more special—whether it’s homemade or store-bought—is with edible flowers. Gathered from your garden or from a trusted source (no florists or … and dramatic colors (including near-black), and are shaped like little hearts. Their flavor is sweet and perfumed. Conversation starter: the word “pansy” comes from the French “ pensée ,” …
Type: Blog
… a mass planting in the Garden. People look forward to these 41 containers each spring, which is something Soulsby keeps in mind when he’s planting them. By the time April rolls around, … them look full from the get-go. Poking through the red, orange, and yellow flowers this year is an unusual, edible treat: some Lactuca sativa ‘Australian Yellowleaf’ lettuce. “I’ve never … can tolerate cooler weather,” said Soulsby. Lactuca sativa ‘Australian Yellowleaf’ lettuce is a fun foliage accent for a container, and a tasty snack. That’s another trick: all of the …
Type: Blog
… group. Even the number of blooms was important. While much of the secret language of flowers is lost in modern times, the traditional gift of roses on Valentine’s Day still expresses … stem ends in water to prevent the cut from sealing quickly. Make sure that the water you used is room temperature (or slightly warmer) to help your flowers absorb it quickly and easily. Make sure your vase is clean. Dust can hinder water uptake in your bouquet. Keep your arrangement away from direct …
Type: Blog
… Jamie Berlin is the horticulturist for the Lavin Evaluation Garden and Green Roof Gardens at the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center. The Lavin Evaluation Garden is home to the Garden's Plant Evaluation Program, featuring plants best suited for Midwestern …
Type: Staff bio
