… When you think of autumn, chances are the lovely fall colors come to mind—and not the leaves that end up on your lawn or in your garden beds. Here are some ways … leaves to support your plants and wildlife instead of bagging the leaves up and leaving them for collection: Help pollinators survive the winter An increasing number of people are trying to … Try gently raking the leaves from your lawn and moving them to your perennial beds. That way, you’re allowing for a more natural cycling of nutrients— and providing habitat and a food …
Type: Plant Info
… The January issue of National Geographic features articles on two topics dear to me: American’s national parks (I just planned a Grand Canyon/Arches trip for June!), and the … came into my mind one morning. The day before me felt too busy, too much. How was I going to get everything done while being a good mother and daughter, an attentive partner and friend, and … was completed on time? Where would I find time to be kind to myself somewhere along the way? I know this challenge is familiar to many women, and it certainly was not the first time I …
Type: Blog
… scarlet, gold, and orange on trees this fall or the crunch of leaves underfoot and go on your way—but Budburst volunteers stop what they’re doing and take the seasonal changes to heart. Volunteers for Budburst , a community science program of the Chicago Botanic Garden , make simple …
Type: Blog
… wildlife, and people thrive. Inside their small packages, native seeds hold the power to restore our prairies, woodlands, and wetlands. The native plants that grow from these seeds breathe new life into the habitats that provide food for bees, shelter for birds, and clean air and water for us. As threats from climate change and … to massive wildfire recovery efforts in the western United States, the Garden is helping get the right native seed to the landscapes that need it. Andrea Kramer, Ph.D., senior …
Type: Research
… Fruit & Vegetable Garden The Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden is one of the biggest and best of its kind in the Midwest. This 4-acre working garden shows you how to grow edible plants in a setting designed to surprise and delight. You might have a little pot … vegetables, and herbs that flourish in Chicago-area gardens and show you the most sustainable way to grow them. We use organic growing methods. What do you do with all that produce? …
Type: Page
… 'Aqua Velva' is a large (28 inches tall, 26 inches wide) hosta with puckered blue-green leaves. Its white flowers are lightly fragrant. Hostas are shade tolerant, easy-to-grow, and long-lived. Although they produce flowers held high above the foliage on long stalks called scapes, they are grown primarily for their foliage and neat habit. Hostas are actively hybridized for leaf color, size, shape, and …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… This large (26 inches tall, 48 inches wide) hosta features bright gold leaves with a piecrust margin. 'Jimmy Crack Corn' is a seedling of H . 'Piedmont Gold.' Hostas are shade tolerant, easy to grow, and long-lived. Although they produce flowers held high above the foliage on long stalks called scapes, they are grown primarily for their foliage and neat habit. Hostas are actively hybridized for leaf color, size, shape, and …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Nature and Wellness Resources for year-round healing Five ways to heal with plants in winter When winter takes its toll—dry … with the forest. Plant Early Spring Crops As days grow longer in early spring, gardeners get excited to start planting. And for vegetable gardeners, late March is not too soon. … Resources for year-round healing Five ways to heal with plants in winter When winter takes its toll—dry skin, coughs, holiday overload—you …
Type: Page
… Q. What variety of lavender is the best for planting in our area? I'm especially interested in an intensely fragrant variety. A. Although … over 28 species of lavender grown today, most are not reliably hardy in the Chicago area due to our cold winters and heavy, wet winter soil. The English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia , …
Type: Plant Info
Discover the basics of weaving while creating a small, handwoven piece of your own. Through guided instruction and hands-on practice, learn traditional tapestry approaches such as interlocking, inlay, and shape-building alongside basket weave, twill, soumak, pile, rya, and twining techniques. All skill levels welcome. A supply list will be sent. Emily Breidenbach, teaching artist Classroom 5, …
Type: Item Detail
