… but it often overshadows the concerns ecologists have about our own native bees. Illinois is home to about 500 species of bees that are important pollinators in natural areas, in agricultural … on flowers that are flat, like black-eyed Susans and coneflowers. Some bees have figured out a way to slit a thin tubular flower at its base to reach the nectar. And, for the record, male bees …
Type: Plant Info
… Espalier is a method of training and pruning a tree or shrub, forcing it to grow flat against a wall or a free-standing trellis. Although it originated in the Middle Ages as a way to grow fruit inside the safety of castle walls, many nonfruiting plants, including yews, … stems, or spurs, that will ultimately produce apples. Mail-order catalogs are often the best source for selecting trees to espalier. Popular varieties hardy to the Chicago area include …
Type: Plant Info
… Fall color is upon us, in all its heartbreakingly beautiful glory. All the key factors need to be in place … of the English Walled and Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Gardens. A wall of purple is a splendid way to set off chartreuse foliage or late-season pink or white flowers. Deep and dramatic …
Type: Plant Info
… shadows, views of the villa, misty air, and plantings–and through his own work, Luciano came to the realization that when he designs he is creating an atmosphere that connects our inner lives to the outer world. This connectedness … and familiar into the unknown. Giubbilei was awarded the most prestigious accolade, the Best in Show award, at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2014. A book signing will follow the lecture. …
Type: Event for Calendar
… The shadblow serviceberry grows 6 to 20 feet in height and tends to be upright in habit but spreads by suckers. White, 5-petaled … the plant with a billowy cloud of white. A sweet, dark purple fruit maturing in midsummer is highly prized by birds and people. Its fall color is rangrs from yellow to orange to red. … usually multi-stemmed. Found at woodland's edge in the their native habitats, amelanchiers are best used in a naturalistic setting in the home landscape. Amelanchiers are native to temperate …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… are produced by the dozens on arching sprays above the short green leaves. This cultivar grows best in bright light, warm temperatures, high humidity, and exceptionally well-drained potting … number of genera, each with its own unique characteristics. A common characteristic, however, is the basic form of the flower, which consists of three petals surrounded by three sepals—often … and contrasting colors and in a variety of shapes and sizes. Although some orchids are native to temperate zones, most orchids tend to prefer a semitropical or tropical environment (USDA …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… are produced from near the base of the pseudo-bulb on these smaller-scaled orchids. They grow best under high humidity, warm temperatures in very bright light, and exceptionally well-drained … number of genera, each with its own unique characteristics. A common characteristic, however, is the basic form of the flower, which consists of three petals surrounded by three sepals—often … and contrasting colors and in a variety of shapes and sizes. Although some orchids are native to temperate zones, most orchids tend to prefer a semitropical or tropical environment (USDA …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… of cattleya orchids. Grow in bright light, high humidity and very well drained soils for best repeat bloom. The orchid family consists of a large number of genera, each with its own unique characteristics. A common characteristic, however, is the basic form of the flower, which consists of three petals surrounded by three sepals—often … and contrasting colors and in a variety of shapes and sizes. Although some orchids are native to temperate zones, most orchids tend to prefer a semitropical or tropical environment (USDA …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… scilla, chionodoxa, puschkinia, and grape hyacinths, many of which span the season from March to May. Gardening with Little Bulbs Their basic requirements are just like a daffodil's: plant in … after the blooms. They do well at the base of deciduous shrubs, where they will be out of the way; they will bloom before the shrubs put out their leaves. Winter Aconite A herald of early … little treats don't make much of an impact one by one. Like most of the small bulbs, they are best planted in masses, in spots where you will walk by them on the sidewalk or can appreciate …
Type: Plant Info
… Buckthorn Bush Honeysuckle Garlic Mustard Would you be surprised to learn that ornamental plants in your yard may be causing natural areas to suffer? Some of the more aggressive plants common to backyard gardens are escaping to natural … and economy. In fact, the threat they pose to native plants, animals, and ecosystems is second only to habitat destruction. Nearly half the threatened or endangered species are at …
Type: Plant Info
