… spaces can be dramatic or charming or meditative. In small urban gardens, your goal may be to block a less desirable view or soften the building next door. In that case, according to Tim Johnson, the Garden's director of horticulture, choosing the right plants becomes more critical when space is limited. "If you're planting a hedge, consider plants that are more narrow in habit. For …
Type: Plant Info
… Visitor Guidelines Please follow these rules to help us respect the habitats of all creatures and plants and ensure the beauty and tranquility … you enjoy: The Garden follows all state and Cook County guidelines that are in place to mitigate COVID-19. Concealed carry firearms are prohibited on any real property under the … glove compartment, trunk, or locked case while visiting the Chicago Botanic Garden. The Garden is a smoke-free environment, including e-cigarettes. Do not climb on trees and shrubs, pick …
Type: Page
… the Lavender,” based on the plant’s texture, scent, beauty, and versatility. It’s a bit tricky to grow lavender in the Midwest . Most of the 28-plus species of lavender are not reliably hardy … lavender. The scent of memory Yes, lavender is calming. But it might work in a different way than you think. Smell is connected deeply to memory, so a familiar scent can conjure feelings … sugar 5½ tsp. water 6½ tsp. rosewater Recipe courtesy of The Spice House, thespicehouse.com …
Type: Blog
… Why Pumpkins Are Fruits and Other Cool Botany Think you know what a fruit is? Most people think of fruit as being sweet or tart, juicy or crunchy, or peel-able like a … botanically speaking (and that’s what we speak here at the Chicago Botanic Garden). The way botanists see it, fruits are made by flowering plants and contain seeds. So pumpkins are … small black berries. Close × Yes, jackfruits are fruits. Fun fact: A jackfruit can weigh up to 100 pounds, or about as much as a big dog. Close × Yes, pineapples are fruits. Fun fact: …
Type: Blog
… Gallery, Regenstein Center Horticulturist: Jason Toth What’s behind the design: I wanted to create something sculptural to exemplify a pattern from nature—in this case, the spiral seen on the new growth of ferns. … material like moss and small ferns as an organic sculptural installation. The Krehbiel Gallery is conducive to this kind of display since it offers a sheltered indoor setting and filtered … Gallery, Regenstein Center Horticulturist: Jason Toth What’s behind the design: I wanted to create something sculptural to exemplify a pattern from nature—in this case, the spiral seen …
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… We discovered a fun way to encourage the Garden’s Camp CBG campers to try a salad. Many kids turn up their noses when … with food, our campers are eager to “dig into” their creations. For little ones, this project is easy and fun to do with a grown-up and provides opportunities to identify colors and start …
Type: Blog
… Gardener Program The mission of the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program is "Helping others learn to grow." As defined by the University of Illinois Extension Service, master gardeners are volunteers trained by University of Illinois Extension educators to provide a network of gardening programs and horticultural activities to educate the public and … of the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program is "Helping others learn to grow." As defined by the University of Illinois Extension Service, master gardeners are …
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… for Learning A continuum of nature-based educational programs serving infants through retirees is offered year-round at the Chicago Botanic Garden. With curriculum ranging from free, informal drop-in activities to professional certificate programs, the Garden meets the needs of learners of all ages, abilities, interests and income levels. Our educational initiatives are integral to fulfilling the Garden’s mission: We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. …
Type: Page
… May is the month to look for warblers, vireos, thrushes, sparrows, and some shorebirds, as they … Oaks and willow trees are particular favorites. The birds need a food supply along the way to fuel their journey. Most of them are insect eaters, and some supplement their diet with … of birds make the trip north and south each year, navigating all sorts of hazards along the way. I am in awe of these tiny birds that travel so many miles. They are the elite athletes of …
Type: Blog
… forests of the Missouri Ozarks? And why did we need a desiderata? The first question is easy—we were on the trail of specific wildflowers and woody plants to preserve and add to our collections. Collections trip horticulturists Michael Jesiolowski, Tom … or insects/animals, they are genetically variable. A variety of genes can give each plant the best chance to exhibit a specific phenotype, or physical appearance, and better adaptability to …
Type: Blog