… can see the base of the tree's trunk where the larger roots spread out into the soil. If there is no widening at the base, the tree may not be healthy. The trunk should flare out at the soil level—this is known as the "root flare." When finally planted, this root flare should be at least three … circling (girdling) roots will be disrupted. If the roots are less dense and the potting soil is loose, it is easier to tease out the roots to grow away from the main trunk. When placing the …
Type: Plant Info
… forsythia bushes began unfurling their flower power in shades of bright yellow. " Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party. " — Robin Williams, American Actor While I’d like to … Weather Service ( NOAA.gov ) states that the “normal” April snowfall for the Chicago area is 1.3 inches. That’s nothing compared to the 7.9 inches of snow the area received in 2019. But … ground. The temperature near the soil surface can be colder than that just a few feet above. Official Illinois weather monitoring stations are placed five feet above the ground. At that …
Type: Plant Info
… One of the most delightful and perhaps underused smaller trees is the native American pawpaw ( Asimina triloba ). Large, dangling leaves give the plant a tropical look. But it’s the fruit—the largest in North America—that is most noteworthy with its almost indescribable flavor—a mix of banana, apple and hints of … trees. Several midwestern states hold Paw Paw Festivals in late summer. The native range is incredible—it’s found across 25 states. In its native habitat, pawpaw is an understory tree …
Type: Plant Info
… are in a full flush of foliage, raindrops often bounce off the leaves, and if the shower is brief, the soil below remains dry. Think about a tomato plant or a hydrangea and how deep … rain gauges are available at big-box stores, garden centers, online, and at the Garden’s gift shop . More expensive digital “weather stations” collect precipitation totals, temperatures and … and may show some damage this year. If you have a small garden, you may only need a hose that is 25 or 50 feet long. For larger gardens, there are hoses that reach 100 feet or more. Before …
Type: Plant Info
… and unplanted. What makes a miniature? The American Daffodil Society (ADS) refrains from an official definition or separate division for miniatures (although it sanctions a cultivar list ). Because daffodils' bulbs are site-dependent—putting out larger or smaller flowers each year, according to sun/soil/water/weather conditions—the term "miniature" is a moving target that's hard to standardize. In general, however, the ADS and reputable …
Type: Plant Info
… studies have shown that eating local honey might help alleviate allergy symptoms—and honey is known to have medicinal benefits ranging from reducing inflammation to antimicrobial … has a long and fascinating history . Iris is learning her beekeeping skills from Fred Daniels, site coordinator at Windy City Harvest’s Rodeo Farm, who has been beekeeping since 2012. Rodeo … Taste it for yourself Pick up a jar of Windy City Harvest Rodeo Farm honey at the Garden Shop, or in the market at Farm on Ogden while supplies last. Visit our farms! Come check out the …
Type: Blog
… Artworks by Seema Surana are on display in the Visitor Center; Surabhi Banerjee’s mural is in the East Greenhouse Gallery. St+art India contributes to urban regeneration and community … districts, multiple festivals, and over 600 walls painted across 25+ cities. Each intervention is rooted in the social context, connecting communities, government bodies, institutions, and … with the ethos of making art accessible to all. Murals in the Visitor Center Seema Surana is a graphic designer and illustrator based in Bangalore, India. Her work draws from an …
Type: Blog
… want to be open at ground level—the better to get a good dose of sunshine. An overgrown rose is thick and congested at ground level, which results in lots of fuzzy tip growth instead of … our Rose Garden, heirloom roses line the back path behind the arbor. This "old garden" section is stunning in May and June, as the air is heavy with the scent of 'Robin Hood' and 'Comte de … loaded with thorns—excellent reasons for extra precautions. Need new pruners? The Garden Shop carries these sturdy Felco pruners. Now assemble your tools: bypass pruners and loppers, …
Type: Plant Info
… to nature’s other big show—spring color. This year, the annual Woman’s Board Fall Bulb Sale is online only. You’ll be able to shop at your leisure for hundreds of varieties of bulbs imported directly from growers in Holland. The members’ presale, with discounted prices, starts September 1; the public sale is September 9 to 25. Order pick-ups are October 9 to 10 at the Chicago Botanic Garden, where you …
Type: Blog
… “decorating” with plants, but it’s an opportunity to use them as displays, whether your style is minimalist, cottage, formal, funky, or vintage. There’s the beauty of a fern with its delicate … for their parlors, has become popular once again—but for a different reason. The foliage is dramatic and looks like contemporary sculpture. There are several species and cultivars, but … thrive on neglect, take up little room, and are quite stunning. Aspidistra Cast-iron plant is another oldie-but-goodie. Hardy and long-lived, aspidistra was a common houseplant in England …
Type: Plant Info
