… prune their shrubs to the ground in early spring, sacrificing the summer crop for the sake of one big bumper fall crop. Raspberry bushes send up suckering stems that must be cut out … grown in rows with 3 feet between each plant. They are often grown on a trellis or some other support, since they have a trailing habit. These plants are not reliably hardy in northern Illinois, but 'Illini' is one extremely hardy variety—it can withstand temperatures of minus 25 degrees. Developed and …
Type: Plant Info
… (the overactive radiators make sure of that) and I have two windowsills—an east-facing one with bright, direct light, and a west-facing one with low, indirect light. I also have a cat who, although she cannot be bothered with … care for. They thrive on dryness, so most people kill them by over-watering. This is another one for my bright, east-facing window sill. Armed with Wheatley’s advice, I push open the …
Type: Blog
… robins, cardinals, and doves have already raised a brood and may even be starting on a second one in July, goldfinches are just starting to nest. The reason? The goldfinch uses thistle down, …
Type: Birding
… forward and two backward. Other songbirds such as orioles have three toes facing forward and one backward. The woodpecker's stiff, spiny tail helps the woodpecker stay balanced while it climbs up and down the bark looking for morsels. The Downy, one of the most abundant woodpeckers in North America, also can get at food that larger …
Type: Birding
… cones, and berries that contribute to the more subtle beauty of the winter landscape. One plant whose shiny red berries sparkle in the snow is a deciduous holly, Ilex verticillata . … in masses against an evergreen backdrop. For every 10 to 20 female plants, remember to plant one male plant to pollinate the female flowers for the best berry display. Suitable for a variety …
Type: Plant Info
… “[This research is] only helpful to the extent that it’s used!” Visit Rethinking Lawns —a website designed by Kozik in collaboration with Barak, Tonietto, and Umek—to learn more. …
Type: Blog
… of Carolina silverbell’s dangling, bell-shaped flowers to understand why it was selected as one of Illinois’ Best Plants. Clusters of white flowers in April or May — appearing at the same … The spring-flowering trees and shrubs are sound choices for our area's Zone 5 gardens. All but one is considered one of Illinois’ Best Plants — and flowering quince was too gorgeous not to include on a list of …
Type: Plant Info
… example, may cost $8 to $10. A packet of seeds can provide dozens of the same plant for about one-third of the price. Each seed holds an embryonic plant that’s resting and waiting for the right conditions to germinate. One of the most satisfying things a gardener can do is plant a seed, nurture it, and watch it … miracle unfold. A tray of seedlings is a starting point. When there are too many seedlings in one pot, use scissors to snip off the weakest growing plants at the soil surface. Most seedlings …
Type: Plant Info
… is having more than a moment; it’s been all the rage for years. In 2024, it was dubbed one of gardening’s trendiest topics as gardeners, new and experienced, implemented dark, moody … is it frost-tolerant, but its silvery tones shapeshift to redder hues deeper into the season. One of the beauties of goth gardening is celebrating nature’s organic changes, and this plant … pop of accent color and texture, and Jess used a few types in her container—including this one, with its black foliage and blood-red (inedible) fruit. Rose hips – Rosa sp. Rose hips are …
Type: Blog
… Before heading for mulch piles, these plants take one final star turn. At the Chicago Botanic Garden, even in death, plants have one final performance. As the days shorten, leaves fall, and the season itself feels like a long … The juxtapositions are designed to be unexpected—moody, solemn, and beautiful all at once. One piece elevates a massive, unearthed root flare, its spread of woody arms propped wide. Cut …
Type: Blog
