… Local animals provide fun and engaging subjects for students to investigate NGSS life-science concepts at home or in the schoolyard. Watch squirrels and birds to study animal behavior, investigate pillbugs to learn about habitat preferences, and perform an …
Type: Item Detail
… just about everywhere you go you'll see pumpkins. These Central American natives are great for crafts, decorations and food. A member of the squash family, pumpkin is high in beta-carotene, potassium and vitamin C; low in fat; and high in fiber. Smaller, three- to six-pounders are the best for pies since they're sweet and non-stringy. As with all squash, … 'Small Sugar') — the pie pumpkin of all pie pumpkins. The early colonists were the first to make pies from pumpkins. Originally they used the flesh as an ingredient in pie crusts. The …
Type: Plant Info
… Millions of seeds sit frozen in a vault at the Chicago Botanic Garden, waiting to prevent an extinction, support habitat restoration efforts, or contribute to scientific research. Dave Sollenberger, former seed bank manager at the Chicago Botanic … Bank. The Garden’s Dixon National Tallgrass Prairie Seed Bank—part of the Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action—provides long-term storage for more than 4,200 seed …
Type: Research
… Whirlwind is a medium to large (20 inches tall by 40 inches wide) hosta featuring white-centered green foliage. The … in the center change as the season progresses. Flowers in purple shades that are attractive to hummingbirds appear in mid to late summer. Hostas are shade tolerant, easy to grow, and … flowers held high above the foliage on long stalks called scapes, they are grown primarily for their foliage and neat habit. Hostas are actively hybridized for leaf color, size, shape, and …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… can take a bite out of this pleasurable pastime unless preventive strategies are taken to minimize problems. West Nile virus is a disease that targets primarily birds, horses, and … ill. Chicago Botanic Garden Recommendations The following preventive steps can be taken to eliminate mosquitoes in gardens. Eliminate Areas of Standing Water Efforts should be focused … can develop into larvae and then into adult mosquitoes in water that has been left standing for seven to ten days. Beginning in April until the first hard frost, weekly check your property, …
Type: Plant Info
… in Thailand when they hybridized Euphorbia lophogona with Euphorbia millii and selected for seedlings with larger flowers (actually, the colorful parts are botanically described as … The parental species are also displayed in the West Greenhouse and offer a rare opportunity for visitors to compare the improved hybrid with both parents. Grow this species under conditions recommended …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Roundleaf oregano is grown for the ornamental drooping clusters of bracts that surround tiny inconspicuous rosy-pink … of 'Kirigami' are apple green flushed with red-violet and are produced abundantly. Native to Turkey and southwest Asia, in its native habitat, this species grows in rocky crevices with good drainage. After being established, they can take heat and drought. They are suitable for hanging baskets and can be dried for flower arrangements, although the stems are rather …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… common garden hop ( Humulus lupulus ) were the main calming agents in 'sleepy pillows', used to treat insomnia and headaches until the late 19th century. And mixing hops with boiling water was considered to make a good sedative. Today, these dried female flowers are a main ingredient in beer … Native to Europe and western Asia, Humulus lupulus is an attractive perennial vine suitable for Chicago-area gardens. During July, soft green conelike flowers known as strobiles emerge. …
Type: Plant Info
… Whether you are looking to redesign your classroom or just seeking a few ideas, there are many ways to incorporate more nature into your space. Learn how to include more natural items and themes … classroom and curriculum no matter your budget, and how to create a stimulating nature station for year-round use. Take away ideas for enhancing your schoolyard to encourage more nature play …
Type: Item Detail
… Q. I am tempted by the gorgeous azaleas available now in florist shops. Is it possible for me to plant them in my garden in spring? A. Although all azaleas are members of the … azaleas are particular hybrids well-suited as indoor plants since they are not hardy enough to withstand Chicago winters. But don't let that deter you! A fully budded indoor azalea plant …
Type: Plant Info
