… relative of cattleya orchids. Grow in bright light, high humidity and very well drained soils for best repeat bloom. The orchid family consists of a large number of genera, each with its own … by genus and is consistent with their natural habitat. While requiring adequate sunlight for a stunning bloom display, most orchids will not tolerate sustained direct sun. Many varieties …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Q: Please advise on the best time to prune hydrangeas. A: Hydrangeas require differing pruning times; therefore, it is … on new wood but don't require the drastic pruning of the smooth hydrangea. They will look best if one-third of the old growth is pruned back in late winter. If unpruned, these cultivars can reach 20 feet, which may be too large for certain landscapes. The oakleaf hydrangea ( Hydrangea quercifolia ) flowers on old wood also …
Type: Plant Info
… permits, remove burlap screens erected to protect plants from wind or road salt spray. Check for broken branches (prune immediately. Check plants for signs of damage from snow loads or … 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 … level. Don’t pile mulch high around the base; this “mulch volcano” gives rodents a hiding place to chew and also retains too much moisture against the bark. Over time, it can soften the …
Type: Plant Info
… plants contain seeds, rather than compost them, bag and mark them as landscape waste and place them out with your trash. Landscape waste has been banned from landfills in Illinois since … take all landscape waste products to a composting facility. High temperatures are critical for the destruction of seeds. Research indicates that heat generated by the composting process is …
Type: Plant Info
… In this class, you will learn which plants will overwinter successfully and which ones are best to compost and buy new in spring. You will learn the best techniques and secrets of success to keep your tender plants and tropical gems from year to …
Type: Item Detail
… or the Landscape Gardens . They all feature individual garden rooms filled with gorgeous, best-for-the-Midwest plants, meandering paths, tidy brick-edged beds, fountains or pools, welcome … garden space. The grape arbor serves many purposes: it provides a sunny overhead support for American Concord Seedless grapes (perfect for jams, jellies, and fresh fruit), but cooling …
Type: Walks
… Q. What lawn chores are best done in the fall? A. Fall is the preferred season to tackle turf tasks. Grass will begin to … and give grass a jumpstart to turn green early next spring. September weather is suitable for overseeding an existing lawn, renovating bare spots or laying down sod. Be sure to remove all weeds from the area first. Till down several inches; scatter an appropriate seed for the seed; cover with a light coating of peat moss or straw; and water daily until …
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 … 1 inch of the inner cream-colored stalk. Hang the crown upside down in a cool, dry room for one week until the exposed stalk has hardened. Before planting the stalk in a clay pot with … once a week and fertilize with a balanced houseplant fertilizer once every two months. The best environment for growing a healthy pineapple plant is a sunny, warm, humid room away from …
Type: Plant Info
… be therapeutic, as long as it is something you enjoy doing. What could be more exhilarating, for example, than raking leaves on a crisp autumn day? Even mowing the lawn can be therapy for … to do but sit back in an easy chair and dream about next spring? Armchair gardening is at its best with a garden catalog in one hand and a wish list in the other. The catalog should be … Whatever the Weather Garden catalogs do a great job of relieving the winter doldrums. But the best therapy for most gardeners is getting out in their yards, no matter what time of year. Even …
Type: Plant Info
… than a blooming apple tree growing against a brick wall — but it's also an effective technique for producing an ample crop of fruit in a small space. You don't need an orchard to grow apple … stems, or spurs, that will ultimately produce apples. Mail-order catalogs are often the best source for selecting trees to espalier. Popular varieties hardy to the Chicago area include … the end buds that are more likely to produce leaves and stems. Before attempting espalier, visit the Chicago Botanic Garden's Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden to study the many examples …
Type: Plant Info
