… on gardens, arts and culture, and conservation, I took advantage of the great opportunity to publicize some Brazilian orchids that have been among my favorites all the years I have grown … and others. The national flower of Brazil— Cattleya purpurata (formerly Laelia purpurata) —is also an orchid. The native orchids of Brazil are often epiphytes growing on trees and shrubs, … Sophronitis . While all the species are delightful in their own right, C. coccinea is the best known. It has long been grown, line-bred (crossed within the species) to improve it, …
Type: Blog
… April is a joyful month, when we plant new trees, transplant or divide late-blooming perennials, cast … out cherished wildflowers, bulbs, and other early bloomers, we should take every opportunity to spot one of the most invasive plants in our area—garlic mustard, Alliara petiolata . Don't be … pulls in their forest preserves or other shared land areas. Join in! It's another wonderful way to honor Earth Day. For more information on invasive plants; what the Garden is doing; and …
Type: Plant Info
… motor skills may become less coordinated. What can the estimated 85 million U.S. gardeners do to continue gardening as they age? Gardening provides so many physical and emotional benefits … four “P’s,” if you will—enable many older gardeners to carry on. Keeping active in the garden is what our volunteers love best. There is no better place to start than prevention. Since recovery takes longer as we age, …
Type: Blog
… Take a fall-color tree walk from the Visitor Center to the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center While it is true that prime fall color occurs at the Garden during the first two weeks of October, it is … tree walk begins at the Visitor Center and proceeds south along the Garden's East Road on the way to the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Science Conservation Science Center . Leave the …
Type: Walks
… When the rosarian William Radler was a teenager, he resolved to breed a hardy rose that was beautiful, bloomed all season, was disease resistant, and … Knock Out ™ , the award-winning shrub rose that mail-order catalogs call "perhaps the best-ever landscape rose for four-season interest." Mr. Radler germinated the first Knock Out … available to the public with 250,000 plants in production. And a star was born. Knock Out is a four-season winner that will endear itself to gardeners eager for the beauty and versatility …
Type: Plant Info
… A lot of birds migrate through the area this time of year, but I have to say warblers are my favorites. The other day, when the rain cleared and the sun came out, I … © Carol Freeman After delighting in the abundance of birds for a few hours, I slowly made my way back to my car, choosing to walk under the amazing flowering crabapple trees. Just at the end … ) photo © Carol Freeman While I can’t promise you will see this many warblers in a day, there is always something to see, and the fun part for me is never knowing just what might show up. …
Type: Blog
… If nature is a healing force, Sabryna-Joi King-Bell has felt its power. It happened during a recent Chicago … from caring for her husband, a veteran. Something as simple as potting a plant brought tears to her eyes. “I’m so appreciative because this is such a safe space and I live a life of … but not facilitated. Plus, the plants themselves inspire connections. “It’s a very organic way for conversation to start flowing, and it’s a low-stress environment already, because you’re …
Type: Blog
… Here are a few great ideas to get your taste buds going: Add a bit of mint to a basil pesto Grow thyme in unexpected … muddling technique Muddling 101 Here’s the first rule of muddling: Don’t overmuddle. Muddling is the process of gently—repeat, gently—bruising the leaves of herbs. As Kasey said, “If you hear … ¼ cup stevia leaves 2 cups water 1½ cups fresh herb leaves (mint or lemon verbena taste best, but feel free to experiment!) For concentrate: Rinse and drain herbs. Add all ingredients …
Type: Blog
… Should I be concerned for my fingers? Don’t worry; these carnivorous plants are only looking to devour insects. Why do some plants eat insects? Not all habitats in the world have … How do carnivorous plants attract pollinators and insects to eat at the same time? This is a complex question. Using different odor cues, color cues, and potentially even distance … worry about fertilizing. The biggest challenge is keeping the bogs, well, boggy. Rainwater is best, but when there’s no rain in the forecast, we use reverse osmosis water instead. Reverse …
Type: Blog
… Competition is heating up in the western United States. Invasive and native plants are racing to claim … (left) participates in seed collection in southeastern Utah. “We often evaluate plants for the way they look above ground, but I think we have to look below ground as well,” she said. Foxx’s …
Type: Blog
