… February is such an exciting month for gardeners—time for the first seeds to get started indoors, and time for our Seed Swap! As you … tested Set up the test Mist a paper towel until quite damp but not soaked. Lay ten seeds out on half the towel—two rows of five each work great. Leave a border around the edge and allow ½ inch to 1 inch between seeds, depending on their size. Fold the towel in half so the seeds are covered, and insert the “seed sandwich” …
Type: Plant Info
… A Chicago Botanic Garden scientist and his collaborators have made some unexpected findings on the subject. It’s a common perception that plants are perfectly matched to their pollinators and that each pollinator has a specific flower type that they are attracted to. For hummingbirds, many gardeners and scientists alike have long assumed their flower type to be … hummingbirds do have a sense of smell. So why would hummingbirds go out of their way to visit a limited selection of reddish, long-tubed, scentless flowers that produce cheaper nectar …
Type: Blog
… and shrubs, including balled and burlapped evergreens, can still be planted this month. Plant on a cloudy day, early in the morning, to prevent heat and transplant shock. Water thoroughly and gently at planting time and continue for the first year with 1 inch of water a week, spread throughout the root zone. Mulch root zones … of flower production. Lilac blossoms will last longer indoors if they are cut in the morning on a long woody stem when the flower is only half open. Cut a second time indoors before putting …
Type: Plant Info
… cut and remove 1 inch from each stem. Make this cut while the stem is under water. Cutting on an angle increases the surface area for water intake. Add floral preservative to the vase water. Most preservatives contains an acid … Float the entire stem in a sink full of warm water. Trim another inch from the stem, cutting on an angle below water level. Try to gently straighten the drooping flower head as the flower …
Type: Plant Info
… Animal Farm is a group of musicians and educators who write original music for children and families. Blending original songs, educational comedy, and interactive … the eyes of our furry, feathered, scaly, and shell-dwelling friends. The band has performed for thousands of children and families in schools, parks, libraries, museums, and other cultural … Product Award, Mom’s Choice Award, and Parents Choice Recommended Award, and is available on Spotify and Apple Music. Please Note: You are encouraged to bring your own chairs as the …
Type: Event for Calendar
… and learn more about their ephemeral presence in the Garden’s McDonald Woods. Find out about on-going restoration efforts and learn how you can explore nature through community science. A … The short trail loop is about 1/3 mile; the longer trail loop is about 2/3 mile. Dress for the weather. If winds are 20 or more miles per hour or if there is heavy rain, the program will be cancelled. Free; regular parking and Garden admission fees apply for nonmembers. Meet at the McDonald Woods Shelter …
Type: Event for Calendar
… Sun-style tai chi is a modern form known for flowing movements and gentle postures. Improve balance, strength, and awareness as you focus on refining movements you have already learned. Select this intermediate-level course if you are … Classes held from May through September will take place outdoors whenever possible. Dress for the weather. Classes held from October through April feature indoor classes only. Gordon …
Type: Item Detail
… two feet tall. Tubular lavender-blue flowers appear starting in July and continue flowering for over a month. The plants are very cold-hardy and can endure for decades due to their deep, thick roots. They will spread from the roots into colonies, but … species are actually the weedy Campanula rapunculoides , which differs in flowers that bloom on only one side of the spike. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… perennial, the cottonball clusters of spring bloom are just a bonus. It's grown primarily for the clusters of pea-size white berries that ripen in mid-summer on bright red stems, and its handsome lobed foliage. Another plus...if it's happy it will naturalize, making it ideal for a woodland or native garden. There are over 35 different species of bugbane or Actaea , …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… This is the plant for which Chicago is named. In Illinois Indian language, its name was Chicagoua. This name probably was applied as a metaphor for the skunk-like odor of the leaves when crushed by walking on them. Chicagoua basically means skunk, from the spraying of defensive liquid. Contrary to …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
