… either from store-bought packets or harvested straight from the garden. Often, the reason for germination failure is sowing dead seeds. To test the viability of larger seeds, add them to … paper towels. Place the paper towel in a warm location out of direct sunlight and check daily for germination. Seeds should germinate within seven to ten days. If the paper towel begins to … germinate, re-wet it using a spray bottle. The germination rate should be at least 60 percent for viable seeds. If the germination rate is below 60 percent, sow the seeds more thickly than …
Type: Plant Info
… 'Blue Ice' is an Amsonia cultivar known for its compact habit and darker blue flowers. Its popularity has grown steadily since its … attractive after flowering. Members of the genus Amsonia are commonly known as bluestars for the abundant small blue flowers borne in clusters at the stem tips in late spring or early … and more than 3,5000 individual plants. A number of these varieties have been evaluated for their performance in our region; Plant Evaluation Notes can be found on the Garden's website. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… The pin oak is a native oak widely used for landscaping due to its pleasing habit, relatively fast growth rate and ease of transplanting; the latter two characteristics are uncommon for the oak genus. However, the pin oak prefers acidic soil and is intolerant of alkaline soil to … generally alkaline soils of northeastern Illinois, substantial soil amendment may be required for a pin oak to thrive. Identifying features of pink oak include deeply cut leaves and branches …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Description: Look for the shaggy-black head and narrow-toothed bill of this medium-sized duck as it dives on the …
Type: Birding
… Description: A rare bird of marshes and sedge meadows. Look for this hard-to-find bird on Marsh Island in the Dixon Prairie. …
Type: Birding
… Description: A fairly common migrant and breeder here. Look for it in any wooded habitat on migration or in McDonald Woods in summer. …
Type: Birding
… Wednesday, September 14, 2016 TICKETS FOR HARVEST CIDER ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE Autumn Brews tickets on October 13 are on sale now. …
Type: Event for Calendar
… Q. How do I mulch in preparation for the winter? A. There are some things to remember when preparing to mulch for the upcoming winter months. If you mulched in the spring, check to see how much mulch is … Please contact Plant Information Service at (847) 835-0972 or [email protected] for more detailed information. … Type: Plant Info
… one this autumn. A. Nine cubic feet, in a neat pile or container, is a good, manageable size for a backyard compost heap. Begin the layering process with a few inches of twigs, which allows for air circulation under the pile. Then add 5 to 10 inches of leaves, grass and shredded garden … less often; piles that are heating up quickly should be turned every three or four days. For complete details, order the Plant Facts publication Compost. …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. What are the current guidelines for planting trees and shrubs in the fall? A. Many trees and shrubs can be quite successfully planted in the fall. The moderate days and cooler night temperatures are ideal for planting. The warm soil and the return of autumnal rains provide good conditions for woody plants to establish their root systems before going dormant. Trees and shrubs that are …
Type: Plant Info
