… activities. Acquire solid gardening skills, learn a variety of techniques, and determine best management practices in the field of horticulture. Gain applicable skills in plant selection, perennial and annual care … pruning techniques, tool maintenance, and identification and control of common weeds. Dress for the weather. A supply list will be sent. PGL 1, PGL 2, GDC requirement Mark Zampardo, Ph.D., …
Type: Item Detail
… No rain, then too much rain, then...this is a challenging year for gardening. For those who garden in northeastern Illinois, Here are …
Type: Blog
… in the ground. Vines require very little lateral room at planting time since their growth is mostly up and outward. They can work their way into tight spots before breaking loose on a … climb. Chicago Area Perennial Vine Recommendations Boston ivy ( Parthenocissus tricuspidata ) This is a New England classic with shapely green leaves that blaze scarlet in autumn sun. As … flowers in mid-June. It can be trained to grow both laterally or vertically and is not a vine for small spaces. Dropmore Scarlet honeysuckle ( Lonicera x brownii ‘Dropmore Scarlet’ ) The …
Type: Plant Info
… One look at the striking red-purple color of the foliage and you can see why this Dyckia is named Grape Jelly. You can also see why the common name for Dyckias is the sawblade plant. Dyckias are survivors. They're native to arid, rocky terrain …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Branches ascend in a loosely pyramidal fashion as this tree grows 40 to 60 feet in height. Insignificant flowers appear together with the leaves in … trees that are superior to the American hackberry; however, because of its adaptability, it is a tough tree, good for urban areas. This native woodland tree is best recognized by its corky, warty bark and …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Yes, there really was a Granny Smith! Maria Ann Smith propagated this cultivar from a chance seedling in Australia in the 19th century. This distinctive green apple is notable for its crisp texture and tart taste. Its long keeping capacity enables it to be available almost …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Sure, they are fun pets and a good educational tool for your kids, as well as a great source of fresh eggs. But what do chickens have to do with the … this benefit of keeping chickens: Earth First Farms, run by Tom and Denise Rosenfeld, is a local organic orchard that uses chickens as natural “insecticide.” Biddie Biorecycling Many … amount of organic waste. A mother hen teaches her chicks to forage. By fir0002 | flagstaffotos.com.au [ GFDL 1.2 ], via Wikimedia Commons An adult chicken eats around 9 pounds of food per …
Type: Blog
… spite of the name 'Brunette', its leaves mature to purplish black.A stunning perennial plant for shade, the handsome, dark-colored leaves are the perfect background for the tall spikes of white (fading to pink) flowers. All plants in this genus need moderately moist soils to grow at their best. There are over 35 different species … to birds and butterflies. Archived Copy: This content was captured before February 2022, and is no longer being updated. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… The Comspur Arkblack apple tree is a compact tree that produces abundant fruiting spurs, so a relatively small tree an bear a heavy apple crop. This cultivar produces Arkansas black apples, a tart variety that originated in Arkansas in the 19th century and is used for eating, cooking, and cider. The difference between apples and crabapples is the size of the …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Tulipa ‘Dordogne’ produces large, peach-apricot colored flowers on tall stems near the end of tulip season (historically near the end of May in the Chicago area). Tulips, for annual displays, can be planted just about anywhere; however, for naturalizing, a position in full sun with well-drained soils that tend to the dry side after mid-June is best. The Dutch, consummate tulip growers, leave the green flowering stalk on the plant until …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
