… This Celosia was bred to continue flowering even during the hottest summer days; a significant improvement over earlier cultivars. Dark purple, feathered plumes arise above the green foliage from June to the first frost of fall. Plant 'Dark Purple' in full sun and in average soils, and water it to get the root system established; then only water it during periods of drought or when the leaves …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… The Rantings & Ravings of a Pruning Freak “When’s the best time to prune?” “Anytime!” It doesn’t matter what season you’re in because there’s always something … or just realizing that, “Hey! This stuff actually grows in the shade!” These elements get stored in your mind — adding up to what you would want your garden to look like or feel like. …
Type: Plant Info
… Hector Ortiz Cano grew up in Sonora, Mexico, where he learned from his ancestors’ reverence for the land. Hector inspects Agave at the Chicago Botanic Garden greenhouse at the Regenstein Center. Though Ortiz dreamed of following in their footsteps to become a farmer, circumstances led him to forge a different path to honor the land and his … of his childhood in a small rural village. “As my family was part of the community, I owe my way of living and cultural and ecological understanding to that community.” His reverence for the …
Type: Blog
… Q: I would like to plant some peonies in my garden. Can I do it in the fall, and what tips can you offer? A: Yes, peonies can be planted and divided in the fall. Peonies are favorites for many people because they are long-lived, hardy perennials that reliably produce gorgeous, often fragrant flowers in spring. Select a full sun location for best flowering. Peony roots should contain three to five red eyes and be planted no more than 2 …
Type: Plant Info
… Zebra-leaf Aloe, Aloe zebrine , is a striking aloe species native to southern Africa. It gets its zebra name from the bold markings on the leaves. It is highly variable, several other aloe species such as Aloe ammophila , thought to have been separate, are now seen as just a variable example of Aloe zebrine . Wide spread … of the year. Zebra-leaf aloe will tolerate cold temperatures to around 25°F, making it useful for gardens in California and areas with similar climates. It would not be hardy in Chicago and …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… art and science. Learn about some of the pigments that give plants their color and ways to extract those pigments to color other things. Learn about some mineral pigment sources and compare them to plant-based colors. We will use these natural pigments to create fabric dye fabric, make …
Type: Item Detail
… Garden To-Do List Spring cleaning Respond to temperature swings Prune trees and shrubs Tree and shrub … six weeks before they begin new growth. Follow label directions when using a fertilizer. It is best to use a slow-release granular fertilizer or an organic product. Water the fertilizer in … to grow naturally. Tend to emerging perennials As spring begins, help perennial plants get ready for the robust growing season ahead: Freeze-thaw-freeze cycles may cause some plants to …
Type: Plant Info
… New! This seasonal change comes slowly to the Garden and usually requires the photographer to patiently wait for these small-scale subjects to appear. The quality of light is different in spring, when longer days are accompanied by brighter light. Learn the best perspectives for capturing nature as it reawakens. Macro/close-focusing lens and tripod are …
Type: Item Detail
… dark green, patterned in silver with deep purple veins and undersides make a striking subject for a hanging basket or trellis. In site of its common name, it is not related to begonias but to grapes. In its native southeast Asia and Indonesia it climbs trees and shrubs … are not ornamental and rarely seen. It needs very warm temperatures and high humidity for best growth. Lower light levels during winter in northern climates will cause older leaves to …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… white upright facing flowers are spotted and then the petals rimmed in dark chocolate brown to stunning effect. Originally bred for the cut flower trade they have also proven their worth in the garden. Newly planted bulbs … flowers as the plants age in the garden. Plant in full sun to at least half day full sun for best flower production and protect from rabbits, chipmunks, deer, etc. who find the foliage and …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
