Q. What lawn chores are best done in the fall? A. Fall is the preferred season to tackle turf tasks. Grass will begin to grow quickly again in response to cooler nights, moderate days and increased rainfall. This is an indicator to fertilize if you have not yet done so. Broadcast an organic or slow-release 3-1-2 blend in September and again in early November. Late-season applications help grass …
Type: Plant Info
Q. I enjoy growing plants from cuttings and seeds. What is the procedure for starting a pineapple plant at home? A. Both adults and children will have fun growing pineapple plants at home. After purchasing the freshest pineapple you can find, cut off the top spray of leaves with as little pineapple attached as possible. Remove the lower leaves from this crown until you have exposed 1 inch of the …
Type: Plant Info
Q. Every spring I become entranced with the different types of poppies, especially those in containers. Which are best for Chicago? A. Early spring is a fine time to appreciate poppy species, since quite a few are considered cool-season annuals and their seeds can be directly sown into the ground or the tiny transplants can be carefully moved to a container or garden bed (poppies’ taproots …
Type: Plant Info
Q. What sort of spring care should I provide for my roses? A. April is the appropriate month for some basic and necessary pruning. Pruning not only promotes improved flowering, it is essential for good overall plant health. Timing is important. Begin pruning when dormant roses begin to leaf out in the spring. It is best to wait until temperatures moderate and wide fluctuations are not predicted …
Type: Plant Info
Natal lily ( Clivia miniata ) is a member of the Amaryllidaceae family native to damp woodlands in southern Africa, where they grow in the forests of Kwazulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, and Swaziland. They do not occur naturally anywhere else. Their habitat ranges from subtropical coastal forests to ravines in high-altitude forests, where they thrive in dappled shade in well drained, …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
A yellow base is veined in pink on this moth orchid that seems to glow in the sunlight. Among the easiest orchids to grow indoors they are tolerant of low light, low humidity and indifferent care. For best results grow in bright light, high humidity, warm temperatures and water 2 to 3 times per week to keep the large fleshy roots moist. The potting media must be exceptionally free draining - the …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
Brassidium orchids feature spidery-looking flowers that make them ideal specimen plants for indoor use. 'Miami' has up to 30 bright yellow petals and sepals with black spots on a 3-foot-long arching spike. The plants, which are vigorous growers, bloom up to three times each year with flowers lasting six to eight weeks. They grow best in bright light and should be watered when dry, typically about …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
How I grew a prairie on my balcony—and how you can, too City spaces may seem limiting when it comes to plants, but even a small balcony can become an oasis. When we moved into our condo, I turned our 5-by-10-foot balcony into my personal green space, where I can de-stress and enjoy my little piece of “Horto in Urbs.” Although there are more than 400,000 plant species worldwide, I know only a …
Type: Blog
Once upon a time, every home and homestead had a few fruit trees—or even a small orchard—on its property. Does yours? Today, there's resurgent interest in growing fruit trees, for a number of intriguing reasons. With all kinds of fruit trees flowering at the Garden this month (34 apple varieties in the Fruit & Vegetable Garden alone!), it's a good time for smart gardeners to "tour the trees" and …
Type: Plant Info
Our Plant Experts’ Picks. Gardens are growing, and so are the trends shaping them. From eco-savvy native gardening designs to responsibly sourcing your seeds and plants, our Chicago Botanic Garden experts share their top trends for 2025. Whether you're a green gardener or green-thumbed pro, these hot takes will provide endless inspiration. 1. Reimagining the lawn
A sedge lawn of Carex …
Type: Blog
