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  • … 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 … that can be pruned. You just have to know the plant, its growth characteristics, its best time for pruning, and what your intentions are for that plant as it plays into the whole of your …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … From runways to rainforests, plants stole the spotlight in 2025. Here are the stories that made us fall for them all over again. Grassy plumage is the new black. Made from hand-dyed plant material, … our own: “Back in 1991, Princess Margaret dedicated the English Walled Garden during a royal visit,” said Senior Horticulturist Heather Sherwood. “There’s another Princess here, too: a …
    Type: Blog
  • … Q: My red-twig dogwood stems don't seem to be as bright red as they used to be. What is the problem? A. As red-twig dogwood stems age, they turn dark in color. The best way to maintain your plant's health and maximize its color is to prune it using a technique …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … Bring your dancing shoes and best air guitar moves. It's time to get rockin’ with Leonardo. He is a Parents' Choice Award-winning family musician from Chicago, … high-energy concert that entertains, educates, and empowers all little rockers. Get ready to sing along to familiar hits and some movin' and groovin' original songs! Please note: You are …
    Type: Event for Calendar
  • … Q. Where is the best location to plant a Japanese maple? A. Japanese maple plants, Acer palmatum , are wonderful garden plants … species are selected and they are sited in correct locations. Japanese maples prefer to be planted in moist, well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. They should ideally be …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … of golden stamens is the key feature of this cultivar. The stems are strong and do not need to be staked. This 1928 hybrid has stood the test of time due to a unique tolerance of warmer winters that makes it a favorite in southern and northern gardens … in full sun to partial shade and moderate moisture conditions. It has a faint fragrance, at best. …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … cottonwood ( Populus deltoides 'Siouxland') is a deciduous pyramid-shaped tree that grows to 70 feet tall and 40 feet wide. A fast-growing tree with heart-shaped leaves that turn yellow in the fall, it is a male cultivar and does not produce the cottony seedpods common to other poplars. A messy tree with soft lightweight wood that breaks easily in storms, it can also be susceptible to canker. Cottonless cottonwood is best planted on large properties or in parks in moist soil along waterways. …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … shade. Established plants have respectable drought tolerance. Excellent winter hardiness, with best performance occurring in cool northern summer climates. Will reseed in the garden in optimum …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … flower display. This non-hardy perennial will tolerate a few degrees of frost but performs best in warm temperatures, moist soils and partial shade. …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … Q. How do I select a good carving pumpkin for my family? A. There are four species of Curcurbita that are considered pumpkins; however, the … Curcurbita pepo varieties are the ones used primarily for jack-o’-lanterns. Consider going to the pumpkin patch early. A well-chosen pumpkin will last at least until Halloween and, if you go early, you can have your choice of the best ones. If you are choosing a pumpkin directly from the field in which it was grown, try to go …
    Type: Plant Info