… July ushers in peak summer weather for our USDA cold hardiness zones, with average daily temperature hovers in the mid-70s, making … of the year. Furthermore, government models anticipate hotter, drier summers in the future. For gardeners, it’s important to monitor moisture levels, especially for new plantings, container plants, and vegetables. As plants grow (and, unfortunately, this …
Type: Plant Info
… Description: The Garden's largest member of the swallow family is the purple martin. Look for them flying around or perched on the large, aluminum birdhouses on poles at various locations … “pew-pew.” These purple martins, fascinating to watch, would not be here if it weren’t for the man-made apartments carefully tended by Garden staff, including Jim Steffen. Purple … every winter to keep nonnative house sparrows from taking over. If the houses are cared for properly, the martins will return year after year to the same place to raise their young, …
Type: Birding
… are critically important in pollinating native plants, and the relationship can be complex. For instance, some flowers require “buzz pollination,” whereby a bee grabs onto a flower’s anthers and must vibrate at a particular frequency for the flower to release pollen. To evaluate the best habitats for native bees, the Chicago Botanic Garden has collected bees from all around the Chicago …
Type: Plant Info
… and cobblers, apples are enjoyed by more adults and children than any other fruit. The good news for gardeners is that you don't need an orchard to grow apples. There are several options … gardens, or even container gardens. Espalier Apple Trees Apple trees are natural candidates for the espalier method of growing plants flat against a wall, fence or wire support. Examples of …
Type: Plant Info
… way to recycle your lawn, garden, and kitchen waste? Make your own compost—it can do magic for your garden. Compost is simply a mixture of soil and pieces of plants that have decomposed to … Dark brown and crumbly, it is an attractive addition to any garden. And the things it does for the garden are nothing short of spectacular! Keeps lawn waste out of landfills Composting not only keeps lawn waste out of landfills, it also creates a rich soil amendment for the garden. Compost is the ultimate soil conditioner, since it improves both texture and …
Type: Plant Info
… shop and caterer in Northfield. Here he offers his refreshing chilled vegetable gazpacho for a hot summer day. Chilled Vegetable Gazpacho Makes 8 servings Ingredients 1 small red pepper, … shop and caterer in Northfield. Here he offers his refreshing chilled vegetable gazpacho for a hot summer day. Chilled Vegetable Gazpacho Makes 8 servings Ingredients 1 small red pepper, …
Type: Page
… from others, and enjoy photography together Stay connected: Explore the Events Calendar for program details and competition schedules. Watch past Educational Programs on the Society’s … from others, and enjoy photography together Stay connected: Explore the Events Calendar for program details and competition schedules. Watch past Educational Programs on the Society’s …
Type: Page
… Description: Look in any wooded area for this common migrant and breeder. …
Type: Birding
… and succession planting, we will cover lesser known topics such as choosing the best cultivars for small space gardens, setting up a proper soil/fertility program, developing a crop plan, incorporating container planting and seedling production, and methods for controlling common insects, diseases, and garden pests. Bill Shores, Shores Garden Consulting …
Type: Item Detail
… Q. What is the correct fertilizer to use for bulbs? A. If the bulbs are to be sited in slightly infertile soil, you might add some bulb … soil after planting. These products have a higher proportion of phosphorus, which is necessary for optimum root development. An alternative would be to sprinkle a 5-10-5 or 10-10-10 fertilizer …
Type: Plant Info
