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  • … <p>For at least a month in late spring, Purple Leaf <em>Weigela</em> is loaded with clusters of rosy … a tidy, compact bush, making it easy to fit in even in smaller gardens or even containers. For darker foliage and more bloom, give it as much sun as you  can. </p> <p>Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds love <em>Weigela</em>, and so do gardeners. For a plant that gives you so much to look at, they're very easy to care for. No particular …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … industrial dumping ground could host plant life. “The conservation community is always looking for new ways to offset the impact of human activity on rare species and critical habitat,” said Jeremie Fant, Ph.D., a conservation scientist at the Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action at the Garden. “This wetland was so damaged that we … and holds traces of heavy metals. Slag is why this once thriving wetland became barren. For decades, nearby industrial plants dumped molten waste here, which hardened in layers up to 15 …
    Type: Blog
  • … those same spreading tendencies to your advantage. Gooseneck loosestrife (not to be mistaken for purple loosestrife, an invasive plant) is a beautiful but rampant spreader that will quickly … protects plants over winter and improves the soil as it breaks down. Staking Put supports in place before plants need them, and let the plants grow through them. In addition to the usual … dividing a plant, dig a large root ball and give the plant lots of water in its new home. It's best not to move a perennial when it's in flower or when it's extremely hot. But it's better to …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … success.” When I was honored to be part of an international plant collecting trip initiative for the Chicago Botanic Garden, I did some research about plant explorers, and I came across … 1870 in Washington, D.C., where her father was stationed. She was a quiet girl with a passion for reading. Despite her privileged background, Mexia experienced adversity. Her parents divorced … and she discovered botany. Back then, gardening was viewed as an acceptable educational path for women. With the right connections, she went on her first plant expedition to Sinaloa, Mexico, …
    Type: Blog
  • … to be sure. But just how does one transport a thriving plant collection? As I prepared for my own move (only a few blocks away), I sat down with Weaver to learn how to make the … “The nice thing about aroid plants like monstera is the vines have roots growing all over the place,” said Weaver. “You can easily chop a leaf off and root it without really having to think … said Weaver. “They may lose a couple of leaves. With anything, adjusting takes time. It’s best to put your plants in a spot that is a similar environment to their old home.” Be patient …
    Type: Blog
  • … Looking for fun projects to do indoors?  Here’s one with a great return: start seeds. It’s easy to do, … with a plastic bag to hold in humidity until the seeds germinate. Set the containers in a warm place, such as on top of the refrigerator or above (not touching) a radiator. Peek daily, and … die, check often to keep the mix evenly moist but never sopping (bottom-watering often works best). A few weeks after starting, give the seedlings one application of a very weak solution of …
    Type: Blog
  • … Join Nancy Clifton to learn a few ideas for making your own seed balls. Seed balls are small, seed-infused clay spheres used on bare soil … in urban vacant lots to grow plants in desolate open city areas, the concept can be used for anyone interested in gardening and experimenting with seeds. Clay balls can grow a mix of herbs, spring annuals and a cluster of lettuce. Learn the tools and tips for making your own seed spheres. All materials included in the class cost. Nancy Clifton, …
    Type: Item Detail
  • … New! Start an edible garden and make it fun for the whole family. Gardening with your kids or grandkids will help forge deeper connections to … of course, having fun. Learn how and when to start your edible garden, which plants are great for beginners, and basic care tips for throughout the season. Help pass on the love of gardening and raise the next generation of …
    Type: Item Detail
  • … of color change in some species will vary between winters. Some boxwoods that are prized for retaining their green color throughout most winters are 'Wintergreen', 'Green Velvet', 'Green Mountain', and 'Glencoe'. For more in-depth information, please refer to Plant Evaluation Notes Issue 6, 1994, Boxwoods for Northern Midwest Landscapes , by Richard G. Hawke, Coordinator of Plant Evaluation Programs …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … MUNSTEAD WOOD&#153; rose is named for Gertrude Jekyll's home, where she wrote many of her influential gardening books. Its buds are … as exceptional...old rose, with hints of berries. MUNSTEAD WOOD&#153; is on the compact side for a David Austen rose, about 3 feet by 3 feet, making it appropriate for the front of the border or even a container on the patio. And care isn't complicated. Give it …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant