… One of the most delightful and perhaps underused smaller trees is the native American pawpaw ( Asimina triloba ). Large, dangling leaves give the plant a tropical look. But it’s the fruit—the largest in North America—that is most noteworthy with its almost indescribable flavor—a mix of banana, apple and hints of … trees. Several midwestern states hold Paw Paw Festivals in late summer. The native range is incredible—it’s found across 25 states. In its native habitat, pawpaw is an understory tree …
Type: Plant Info
… and unplanted. What makes a miniature? The American Daffodil Society (ADS) refrains from an official definition or separate division for miniatures (although it sanctions a cultivar list ). Because daffodils' bulbs are site-dependent—putting out larger or smaller flowers each year, according to sun/soil/water/weather conditions—the term "miniature" is a moving target that's hard to standardize. In general, however, the ADS and reputable …
Type: Plant Info
… One of the joys of indoor gardening is growing pots of fragrant paperwhite daffodils. During the cold, dreary, winter months, their delicate trusses of pure-white flowers offer a cheerful reminder that spring is not far off. These flowering bulbs are known by many names—daffodil, jonquil, narcissus, … than 32,000 registered cultivars (named hybrids). They are divided into 13 divisions in an official classification system. Some people refer to any yellow daffodil as a jonquil. However, …
Type: Plant Info
… a flower, destined to spend eternity at the water’s edge nodding at his reflection. Spring is here when the daffodils bloom Who can possibly doubt that spring is among us when the tiny … 32,000 registered cultivars (named hybrids). Daffodils are divided into 13 divisions in an official classification system. But don’t worry—no need to memorize the divisions to be … may be short-lived because the light intensity and heat are increasing. If you can, select a site sheltered from winds out of the north and west, which can knock the plants over in spring. …
Type: Plant Info
… Explore the Bonsai courtyards Among the Chicago Botanic Garden's world-class plant displays is a specialty collection of close to 200 priceless bonsai — trees that have been trained to grow … spend winters in carefully controlled environments suited to their species. Outside, each tree is displayed on a granite bench with a frosted glass backdrop. The benches have edge lighting so … Advanced technique As visitors remark on the beauty before them, what they do not see is the intense work required to train a small sapling into a mature tree, which appears almost …
Type: Walks
… are part of every garden. Because bee populations continue to decline, and because September is National Honey Month…we dedicate this Smart Gardener to the story of how bees actually produce … make honey, which tastes delicious! But what happens between the flowers and the honey jar is utterly fascinating—and it may make you think differently about how you garden. Honey starts with nectar Plants produce the sugary secretion called nectar to attract bees. Nectar is bee food: specifically, it provides the carbohydrates that bees need. While searching for and …
Type: Plant Info
… it's only March, and yes, there's still snow on the ground. Yet smart gardeners know that now is the time to plan for fall color in your garden. Nurseries and garden centers start receiving … Joy', too. But there are some intriguing newcomers to the autumn stonecrop crowd—and color is rejuvenating the category. Got rabbit trouble? Not with sedums. Lemonjade sedum ( Sedum … over grey-green foliage, they give way to peach-colored seedheads. 16 to 18 inches, tall, 26 to 28 inches wide Firecracker sedum ( Sedum 'Firecracker') smolders with intense burgundy-red …
Type: Plant Info
… 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 … Catnip Crafts Do you have a feline or two at home? They can’t resist fresh catnip, which is easy to grow indoors. Harvest a few stems with leaves and dry them between paper towels. When …
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 … to provide them with fresh boxes of fruits and vegetables, and nutrition education, such as on-site demos. We distribute more than 15,000 VeggieRx boxes to more than 2,000 families annually. … 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
… winter—whether it’s snow, ice, temperature swings, or the products used to combat the weather—is the chief task. Indoors, houseplants may need some TLC, as do many of the holiday-centric … and don’ts Light pruning of deciduous trees and shrubs can be done this month. Heavy pruning is best done in late winter or very early spring before buds break. Protect evergreens from heavy … can also be difficult to see without a hand lens. Scale: Characteristic sticky, clear honeydew is produced on leaves by these small, immobile, rounded insects usually found on stems and veins …
Type: Plant Info
