… vining orchid that's indigenous to Mexico. Its flower, a lovely greenish-white orchid flushed with yellow, produces a fruit/seedpod (technically a capsule) that, when cured and dried, is … today, that as many as 2,000 cups of xocolatl were consumed each day by the royal Aztec court, with Montezuma alone drinking 50 cups per day." The ingredients may surprise you: chocolate, of … Shortly after his first drink of xocolatl, Cortés conquered the Aztecs, and returned to Spain with the nation's riches…including both cacao and vanilla. That description of the drink—a …
Type: Plant Info
… researcher who does both ecological research and the work of sharing that research with wider audiences. She creates visual-forward science communication to take the vital lawn … replacement is that so many disparate homeowners are decision-makers, reaching these audiences with how-tos that feel doable is a vital part of making this research work. Liz splits her time … sites throughout the city, planning future plantings, and sharing the things we learn with others. …
Type: Staff bio
… Glossy abelia ( Abelia grandiflora ) is a small shrub with arching twigs covered in dainty, glossy opposite leaves that are sharply pointed. 'Kaleidoscope' is colorful from April to October, with burgundy twigs and glossy leaves edged with yellow. This cultivar is more compact than the species. An Asian member of the honeysuckle …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… ELIZABETH™. It is distinguished from the species by having more uniform upright branching with a 45ø branch angle, larger leaves and a faster first year growth rate. It prefers full sun to part shade with even moist soil and is hardy to Zone 5. It can reach a mature height of 35 feet with a similar spread. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Ft. McNair red horsechestnut features bold spikes of pink flowers with yellow eyes rising above the foliage in mid-spring. It has dark green foliage, which emerges … bark is not particularly outstanding. Ft. McNair red horsechestnut is a dense, deciduous tree with a more or less rounded form. Its relatively coarse texture distinguishes it from other landscape plants with finer foliage. This is a relatively low maintenance tree and is best pruned in late winter, …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Butterfly milkweed grows to about 2 feet in height with an upright habit. It is smaller in stature than common milkweed, with small narrow leaves that lack milky sap. It works well in a formal garden or a more … blooms have gone, ornamental seed pods appear, prolonging the visual impact of butterfly weed. With a tuberous root, it can be difficult to transplant and may take several years to bloom. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… This species is a shrubby succulent threatened with extinction in its native Tanzania due to habitat loss. The reddish stems become covered in … scaly bark as they age, covered in spines in clusters of three. The thick leaves are crinkly, with white veins and edged with red. In midwinter it produces nodding greenish-white blooms that grow in pairs at the tips …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… star is a favored plant for terraria for its dramatic foliage. The plant is rosette-shaped with dark brown leathery leaves with silvery bands radiating from the center of the plant. This plant is grown for its dramatic … Earth stars are not hardy in Chicago, but they can be overwintered in a bright location with special attention to their watering and humidity needs. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… in the spring that are followed by bright purple berries in the fall. It prefers shady spots with moderate moisture, and with its brightly striped leaves it can be a bright addition to a shady border. This plant is not hardy in Chicago, although it can be overwintered in a warm spot with good indirect light. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… was introduced by Walters Gardens in 2016. It has a complex leaf color starting in spring with a rose tone and maturing to a grey with lingering rose accents and dark veins. The pink flower scapes emerge in midsummer supporting … clusters of delicate cream flowers. Rose Quartz Alumroot is a Heuchera villosa hybrid with enhanced tolerance for heat and humidity. It matures to a leafy mound about 8 inches high …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
