… rev up their spring inventory of plants, tools, accessories and other goodies, it’s hard not to be tempted. Before you load up the cart, let’s look at five essential things that would … a little insurance policy for your plants. 1. Rain Gauge The weather report calls for rain. We get a downpour for 15 or 30 minutes and may think that’s good enough. But that short shower only … basis to flower beds, borders and vegetable gardens. 3. A Soil Test Kit You can buy the best plants in the world, but if your soil lacks nutrients or organic matter, or is mostly clay …
Type: Plant Info
… Planting for the Future in a Changing Climate Presented by Bartlett Tree Experts and the Chicago Botanic … integration of native species and native landscapes, and sustainable storm-water management best practices. She has led small-scale ecological restoration and scenic corridor planning projects, served as a senior project manager, and been responsible for construction oversight. Beckjord serves on the Chicago Wilderness Corporate Council, where …
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… Are you looking for an easy way to help the planet? Consider composting your food waste. Composting with worms, also known as … because they show many different variations and much more information than you need to get started. Below are simple directions with minimal explanation so you can set up a worm bin …
Type: Blog
… While El Niño might be giving us a warmer winter, it’s never a bad idea to prepare against winter burn, or scorch . Three simple steps will make a big difference in … for some plants. Plant salt tolerant plants along busy roads; broad-leaved evergreens perform best when sited so that they are protected from the winter sun and wind. The later in the season … has damaged the foliage. Provide good follow-up care Commonsense care will go a long way to keeping plants healthy. Provide supplemental water to newly installed evergreens in late …
Type: Blog
… Q: Every winter the snow damages some of my shrubs. Is there anything I can do to prevent this? A: A heavy snow load caused by excessive amounts of snow, ice, or an unusually … These wrappings should be removed in early spring. Homeowners should resist the temptation to remove snow or ice by shaking branches. This can cause breakage of limbs and tender plant … chances of snow load damage. Examine your shrubs in mid- to late winter to determine the need for pruning. …
Type: Plant Info
… Bees & Beyond thematic programming at the Chicago Botanic Garden inspired Windy City Harvest to offer this special course for gardeners to learn about the pollinators in their backyards and gardening techniques to support them. …
Type: Item Detail
… Pullman Room This workshop, brought to you by the Chicago Chapter of Ikebana International and taught by Ben Huybrechts, will highlight the use of backdrops and studio lighting to best capture the beauty of the arrangement. …
Type: Item Detail
… season unfolds, spring-flowering trees can raise the show of new color from ground level to eye level and above. Read on for some good choices if you want to raise the bar on spring … 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 time or slightly … year, but plants are shown in the typical sequence. To experience these plants in full bloom, visit What’s in Bloom . …
Type: Plant Info
… Which five will you pick? Happy New Year, everyone! While January is the month to plan and dream about your yard and garden, smart gardeners know that a wish list drawn up in … Swap seeds with fellow gardeners at our Seed Swap . Become a volunteer for Plants of Concern . Get to know orchids at the Orchid Show . Build a raised bed. Spring resolutions Plant a fruit … tree…or two. Start a compost pile. Test your soil. (For a list of Illinois soil testing labs, visit extension.illinois.edu ) Plant flowers in Pantone’s color of the year : rose quartz and …
Type: Plant Info
… who dropped this poem off at my office in June 2014 Guest Essay : Sophia Shaw "It's a long row to hoe." These were the first words that came into my mind one morning not long ago. The day … was completed on time? Where would I find time to be kind to myself somewhere along the way? I know this challenge is familiar to many women, and it certainly was not the first time I … garden fork. And the planting hasn't even begun! Yes, you could say that I'm happiest, at my best, and with my clearest, most productive thoughts when I am gardening, mowing, clearing wooded …
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