… 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
… and threadlike foliage has helped win its place in cultivation. It is perhaps best known for its golden and persistent fall color that appears to be almost a golden cloud. Arkansas … Plant of the Year in 2011. 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 Red Obelisk beech is notable for its reddish purple foliage and columnar growth habit. In a good year the fall color is a striking reddish brown. Its narrow shape makes it more suitable for a home landscape than many of its larger siblings. A wide range of cultivars of the European beech have been developed, many of which are eye-catching show stoppers for their shape (weeping, columnar or rounded) or foliage color (green, variegated, purple or …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… part of the tall grass prairie, providing an important food source and winter shelter for a range of insects, small mammals and birds, and even bison. Bad Hair Day switch grass is an … as in rain gardens or as stabilization of eroding banks. Since Bad Hair Day is mostly grown for its ornamental value, it is generally retained for its autumn and winter interest. Cut back the foliage to near ground level in late winter. In …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Sow seeds in March and April for a fast, flavorful harvest. It will be a few months before we can safely plant tomatoes, … greens, Swiss chard, and kale as soon as the soil thaws. Lettuce and Swiss chard seeds, for example, start to germinate when the top inch of soil reaches about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. (This is when an inexpensive soil thermometer comes in handy. Look for one at your local garden center or online.) Swiss chard Leaf lettuce Spinach Grow leafy …
Type: Plant Info
… with an appetite. Without proper animal management techniques, your garden may become a buffet for a whole range of creatures. This class will cover most of the major midwestern animal pests, … be on your radar. Learn how to identify the culprit eating your plants and some simple methods for preventing and resolving animal damage. Chris Beiser, plant health care specialist, Chicago …
Type: Item Detail
… and successfully. Tom Tiddens, plant health care supervisor at the Garden, shares soil basics for home gardeners, how to do your own soil analysis, and how to interpret the results. Limit 20. Pre-registration required. This workshop is suitable for ages 10 (with accompanying adult) and up; adults only may also register. Plant Science Lab, …
Type: Item Detail
… no mistake, this show ROCKS! It’s a thrill ride through history—unique, exciting entertainment for audiences of any age. It’s the perfect show for theaters, schools, fests, and more. …
Type: Event for Calendar
… process the bounty of a harvest. Learn about the materials, design, and construction process for Windy City Harvest farm sites all over the city. Season after season, we improve and refine … seasons so every site has a functional washpack that also meets food safety requirements for urban agriculture. Rafael Arredondo, Windy City Harvest production manager Farm on Ogden, …
Type: Item Detail
… Discover the best plant selection for winter containers, focusing on hardy perennials, evergreens, and seasonal accents that add … and the use of height, filler, and trailing elements to create visually appealing arrangements for your own winter container. Also gain troubleshooting advice to refine your container designs …
Type: Item Detail
