… “Marshmallow root is soothing, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory,” she says. Tip: You can buy small amounts of dried, cut-and-sifted marshmallow root at an herbal shop or online at a site …
Type: Blog
One morning in early July, while conducting routine pollinator assessments with my Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) student Jenny, we noticed something unusual: a bumblebee with a bright orange patch on its backside. Could it be? At the Chicago Botanic Garden? The endangered rusty patched bumblebee ( Bombus affinis ) sips nectar from wild bergamot ( Monarda fistulosa ). Photo by Nick …
Type: Blog
How to Dry Hydrangeas the Right Way If you’ve ever wished those beautiful summer hydrangea blooms could stick around a little longer, good news—they can. With the right timing and by learning a few simple techniques, drying hydrangeas can be a rewarding way to enjoy them well into fall and beyond. Find the Perfect Moment for Picking The most important step in drying hydrangeas is knowing when to …
Type: Blog
One of the most nutritious, ornamental and anticipated early spring vegetables is asparagus ( Asparagus officinalis ). This Mediterranean native has just 20 calories a serving, with high doses of vitamins A and C, potassium, phosphorus and iron. Nothing tastes as fresh and sweet, even when eaten right out of the garden, as do these beautiful green stems. The Romans were responsible for taking …
Type: Plant Info
How many gardeners choose their shrubs because they have great fall color? Not too many. Fragrance, flowers, colorful berries, and attractive shapes are the features most gardeners request. And yet the gradual, long-lasting autumn leaf change is one of the most beautiful displays in the plant world. It lasts longer than any spring flower show; it’s different each year; and it occurs in fall, a …
Type: Plant Info
Saving your own tomato seeds Prepare for the future while preserving a part of the past. Here are some simple instructions for saving your own tomato seeds — and some reasons why standard varieties make a better seed source than hybrid strains. Waiting for the Ripe Time The gel that surrounds the tomato seed contains chemicals that prevent seed germination. This may seem counterintuitive, but …
Type: Plant Info
… about how daffodils are categorized. To put the GardenGuide app to work, download it from our website or the App Store. Look for "Plant Search" and enter "daffodils" or " Narcissus." Up pops …
Type: Plant Info
April is a joyful month, when we plant new trees, transplant or divide late-blooming perennials, cast seeds for early vegetables, and fill our window boxes with frothy, almost shamelessly brilliant flowers known as cool-season annuals. But as we putter in the garden, or enjoy a spring-break walk, seeking out cherished wildflowers, bulbs, and other early bloomers, we should take every opportunity …
Type: Plant Info
… productivity of wild plants, food plants, and landscape plants alike. Recent news about the die-off in honey bee colonies and the decline in monarch populations makes the issue of …
Type: Plant Info
Q. I received a bonsai as a gift. How do I take care of it? A. Bonsai are small specimens of regular trees or shrubs trained in pots to grow into beautiful shapes. This is an ancient horticultural art form and a number of plants are appropriate for use as bonsai. Traditionally, each bonsai is grown to a clearly defined style. In order for us to give appropriate care instructions, the plant will …
Type: Plant Info
