… duplicate at home with one or two small trees? A. Yes, it is. An espalier is an innovative way to soften a brick wall, a trellis or even a chain link fence. If space permits, consider using … basic Y-shapes that are then extended into a diamond pattern. Early spring is the best time to begin your espalier. First, choose a small 3- to 4-foot whip growing on dwarf rootstock. Prune the whip back to two strong buds (this may mean …
Type: Plant Info
… flower? A. These are all hardy bulbs in the Midwest and are normally planted outside in fall to bloom in early spring. This normal cycle of growth is disturbed when they are forced to bloom indoors in winter. Although many people discard them after they bloom, some gardeners … they might bloom again outside in their gardens. Keep the plants in bright light and continue to water as needed. Apply a very dilute 5-10-5 fertilizer twice a month. Allow the foliage and …
Type: Plant Info
… A great way to get into the winter spirit is to create your own wreath, featuring embellishments inspired by nature. Don't be intimidated: We … you step by step through the process. The best part is that you can add your own touches to make your wreath truly one-of-a-kind. Here are some combinations to try: A mixed evergreen …
Type: Blog
… Q. I would like to grow the beautiful butterfly bush that attracts so many varieties of butterflies at this time … the garden when they are all hovering around the colorful panicles of flowers. It is an easy-to-grow shrub that requires well-drained soil and full sun. While the height can vary, it usually … luck overwintering butterfly bushes by mulching them heavily in winter; others let them die to the ground and start anew each spring. Because they flower on new wood, thorough pruning is …
Type: Plant Info
… 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
… epsom salts in the soil around his rose bushes instead of fertilizer. Is there any advantage to this? A. Epsom salts have a long tradition of being used in the garden, especially in Europe, before commercial fertilizers became readily available. They are a fast-acting source for magnesium and sulfur. For soils on the alkaline side, the added sulfur is a benefit. Epsom salts, however, do not …
Type: Plant Info
… I have many varieties of Narcissus in my garden and some are not blooming as well as they used to. What can I do to help? A. There are several reasons why flowering bulbs will produce foliage but few flowers: Need for division: As with many perennials, the center of a clump of daffodil bulbs may lose vigor and …
Type: Plant Info
… “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” ―Chinese proverb Warm, sunny days … nights have ushered in autumn. Before you put away the shovel and gloves, there’s still time to plant trees. Many garden centers offer sales on their inventory as the season draws to an end. … a small, spring-flowering ornamental tree. Now’s the time to shop and plant. “October is great for planting,” says Tim Johnson, the Garden’s senior director of horticulture. “Any tree that is …
Type: Plant Info
… happen and what can you do about it? Adam Dooling, director of plant collections, responds to this gardener’s question. My tulips looked great the first spring, but there have been fewer … and smaller plants every year since, and many of them have no flowers. What am I doing wrong? To grow tulips that remain in the garden year after year, it helps to understand the plant’s life … where tulips were introduced in the sixteenth century. The environment there is ideal for growing tulips. It’s mostly surrounded by sea, and has well-drained soil, long days, and a …
Type: Blog
… plants. You will learn about creating “soft landings” under trees, establishing an oasis for pollinators, and putting together containers that attract pollinators. A Garden walk is included. Dress for the weather. Prerequisites: Botany 1 and one Ornamental Plant Materials core course. The …
Type: Item Detail
