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  • … the head identify this caterpillar as a true armyworm ( Mythimna unipuncta ), almost identical to the fall armyworm ( Spodoptera frugiperda ). A fall armyworm has an inverted Y-shape on its … control armyworms. When the larvae hatch in large numbers, however, they can eat their way across a lawn at an alarming rate. Healthy lawns are not usually permanently damaged as the … insects eat leaves, not roots. Heavy infestations can easily be controlled with insecticides. For more information about armyworms and control measures, please send an email to
    Type: Plant Info
  • … Chicago artists have been busy in their studios creating installations with uplifting messages to welcome visitors to the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Lightscape. Matthew Hoffman’s 12-foot-tall … moment,” said the Design Museum of Chicago’s founder and executive director. “It felt like the best place to start.” Pride & Promise tree design  Tree topper design The tree, topped with a … “creating a stand for each wing that enabled the piece to float. I’m really happy with the way they worked out.” Don’t miss these and other inspiring installations at Lightscape. Get your …
    Type: Blog
  • … Compact and slow growing to 3' x 3' with blue green new leaves in spring that age to deep green in summer and maintain their green color even during winters' frigid temperatures. Hardy to USDA zone 5. Plant in full to partial sun in average soils and water to get root system established. During the first winter this, and other evergreen plants, benefit …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … The weeping white pine is a semi-dwarf cultivar of the species. While the species may grow to over 100’ tall, this weeping form typically grows to 6-15’ tall with a larger spread (ultimate size depends upon pruning and training). Branches typically spread horizontally for a short distance before drooping.   Flexible foliage is green to blue-green and may be 5” long. The needs grow in bundles of five. It is best grown in full sun in rich, fertile soil that is well-drained. …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … tall. Unlike the typical lamb’s ears, 'Silver Carpet' does not produce flowers so is perfect for the low-maintenance gardener.  Plant them in full sun in most, well-drained soil. It makes a perfect edging, and visitors will be tempted to reach down to pet the soft woolly leaves. Plants look the best in the spring and early summer, but start to decline in heat and humidity. …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … reach a height of 50 feet with a spread of 35 feet. The sugar maple is an excellent shade tree for lawns and parks. Tiny yellowish-green flowers appear in spring before the leaves emerge. The tree's winged fruit, or samaras, matures in the fall. Autumn color is orange red to red. One of the best known trees of eastern North America, sugar maple is as prized for its ornamental value as …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … reach a height of 60 feet with a 45 foot spread. The sugar maple is an excellent shade tree for lawns and parks. Tiny yellowish-green flowers appear in spring before the leaves emerge. The … fruit, or samaras, matures in the fall. Autumn color is highly variable, ranging from orange to scarlet, but it is always outstanding. One of the best known trees of eastern North America, sugar maple is as prized for its ornamental value as …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … Photographs can take our breath away. A beautiful image can transport us to another time. It can flood us with long-forgotten memories. It can go far beyond being a … The last session will showcase the results of the challenge with a full group slide show. Get ready for ideas to set you free, to shake you out of ruts, and charge you up to make new photographs.  …
    Type: Item Detail
  • … August’s warm weather provides an opportune time for Chicago-area gardeners to enjoy their efforts, whether it’s admiring the flowers lavishly blooming in the yard, or … of some annuals and perennials to encourage additional blooms and to keep plants looking their best. However, let certain dried flowerheads stand for fall and winter interest; good choices …   August is a great month to … The centuries-old craft of drying flowers offers a tangible way to preserve the beauty of the garden, all year long. Find tips and techniques here, and learn …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … are gray green and feature a multitude of white spines throughout the leaf surfaces, leading to the common name of hedgehog aloe. Grow this plant in exceptionally well-drained soils and in full sun for best flower production. Once established, watering is required only during periods of …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant