… rare plant to the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show in late May. At Chelsea, one of the most prestigious flower shows in the world, the endangered ghost orchid would star in … sure how the heat- and humidity-loving ghost orchid would hold up in travel. The Garden is one of the few institutions in the world to have ghost orchids; the plant is notoriously … orchid floriculturist. When we got the phone call about Chelsea, we had a bit of hope—one of our ghost orchids had a small spike, a sign of a potential bloom. Hutchins jumped into …
Type: Blog
… I was 7 or 8 years old, my best friend and I were allowed to explore the woods by ourselves. One time we “discovered” a plant we called the Umbrella Plant. It was about 5 inches tall with … Seed Bank “There are very few pictures of me as a child, most of them posed…except this one. It is outside in an open field, which I and my siblings tramped around at will, falling in … of my own and it was so exciting! Even to this day I still try to make sure I have at least one zinnia plant somewhere in my life, whether it's in a garden I work in at the Chicago Botanic …
Type: Page
… the champions, the oaks—red, white, swamp, shingle, pin, and bur—and when I come across an old one growing in an oak grove or alongside a 19th century farmhouse, I marvel at the wingspan of … than 60 oak varieties (20 species are native to Illinois) and more than 1,000 individual oaks. One feature that stands out in winter is an oak tree’s corky bark, which serves to insulate the tree from freezing temperatures and fire. “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir, American naturalist Then there’s another …
Type: Plant Info
… with the opening of our Orchid Show. Among the many interesting orchid conversations, there is one question that gets asked repeatedly by gardeners of all skill levels: "How do I repot my … to mention fantastic plants. Online orchid specialists offer more options, too. A pot that's one size larger than the original, in case your orchid is ready to move up. Pruners and/or a … clog up breathing spaces inside the pot. Settle plant into the new pot. Holding the plant in one hand, place the plant down into the pot. Pour fresh bark mix around the plant, using a dowel …
Type: Plant Info
… Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ) is one of the most popular herbs grown today. It is not only a flavorful ingredient in Italian, … herb gardens. Native to Africa and parts of Asia, basil is an extremely tender plant and is one of the first in the garden to succumb to frost. The large succulent leaves will darken and … and supply bottom heat if temperatures drop below 70 degrees. Germination should occur within one week. Then remove plastic wrap and place tray in a bright window or under lights. Rotate the …
Type: Plant Info
… also known as the fox grape due to its pungent, "foxy" flavor, grows extremely well; and even one of the French hybrids can survive the Midwest's cold winters. These little berries can be … into juice, jellies, and jam. Some can be made into wine. A grape is a berry, multiseeded with one ovary. Of all the small fruits grown in gardens, grapes and blueberries are the only true … vines can be injured, the soil will dry more quickly, and heavy winds can destroy the vine's support. Consider a soil test. The test will give you information on soil pH and soil structure, …
Type: Plant Info
… The Rookery, a grand art installation made of willow saplings. Take a break on the love seat—one of eight at the Garden as part of our summer celebration Love in Bloom ; look for … bench. As you settle in at The Rookery, treat yourself to a lyrical reading of “Ozaagi’aan One Open to an Other” in English and Ojibwe; an excerpt is printed on the love seat. Recording courtesy of Margaret Noodin, Ph.D. Noodin reads her poem “Ozaagi’aan One Open to an Other”. Dr. Noodin is a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and …
Type: Blog
… they're anxious for more. When will the plants flower? When will they fruit? What is this one called? Gardens are places of discovery, perfect for digging up worms or finding a spider web … Take advantage of teachable moments. Take the time to just be in the garden with your little one, even if neither of you is being productive. If you're watching the bees buzz from flower to …
Type: Plant Info
… If you want to keep your garden bursting with color from spring through fall, there's one simple habit to pick up: deadheading. Deadheading—removing spent or browning blooms—is one of the easiest and most effective ways to encourage more flowers. It’s quick, satisfying, and …
Type: Blog
… the horticultural and the culinary. Of the few orchids that are used as edibles worldwide, one is world-famous and probably already in your kitchen cabinet: Vanilla planifolia . One of the 110 species in the orchid genus Vanilla, V. planifolia is a vining orchid that's … pan or individual 6-inch ramekins. The idea of vanilla as a savory flavor enhancer is just one delicious way of giving plants or plant parts a second look in the kitchen. Written by …
Type: Plant Info
