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  • … as a hybrid between two different genera. The female seed parent, Ascocentrum ampullaceum , is a native of Thailand and surrounding countries whereas the male pollen parent, Neofinetia falcata (known as the rich and noble orchid), is native to southern Japan. This cross has been repeated a number of times producing offspring … number of genera, each with its own unique characteristics. A common characteristic, however, is the basic form of the flower, which consists of three petals surrounded by three sepals -- …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … Satin Doll orchid ( Brassolaelia Sea Urchin 'Satin Doll') is the darkest cultivar of this primary hybrid of  Laelia anceps and Brassovola glauca . It's a very free-flowering plant with an occasional off-season spike. Lightly fragrant, it is temperature-tolerant and begins blooming during November and December. Northern orchid growers … number of genera, each with its own unique characteristics. A common characteristic, however, is the basic form of the flower, which consists of three petals surrounded by three sepals -- …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … Zelkova serrata ‘Village Green’ is a medium to large deciduous tree, typically growing to 50-80 feet tall with a spreading, generally upward-branching, vase-shaped crown. It is noted for its graceful shape, clean foliage, attractive bark and resistance to Dutch elm … elm ( Ulmus americana ) because of its resistance to Dutch elm disease. ‘Village Green’ is an open pollinated seedling that was introduced into commerce in the 1960s by Princeton …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … in 2025. Here are the stories that made us fall for them all over again. Grassy plumage is the new black. Made from hand-dyed plant material, these Stella McCartney gowns have all the fluff and float of real feathers, without the birds. The exact plant species is under wraps, but we have our own ideas!   In addition to ornamental grasses like this, we … bonus? Many are native to Illinois and make a great lawn alternative .   This desert cutie is… a sunflower? Meet the woolly devil ( Ovicula biradiata ), the first new plant species and …
    Type: Blog
  • … Q. I have woven several varieties of clematis through my trellis. The effect is beautiful, but one portion of a clematis wilts, dries and disfigures the arrangement. What is this problem, and how can I treat it? A. Clematis wilt is a condition affecting many cultivars of this vine. Although damaging to portions of your …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … Q. Where is the best location to plant a redbud? A. Eastern redbud ( Cercis canadensis ), is a lovely early spring blooming tree that is relatively small in habit and appropriate for small yards. They should be planted in moist, …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … Liz is an interdisciplinary researcher who does both ecological research and the work of sharing that … can easily understand and implement. Given the challenge in lawn enhancement and replacement is that so many disparate homeowners are decision-makers, reaching these audiences with how-tos that feel doable is a vital part of making this research work. Liz splits her time between the practicalities of …
    Type: Staff bio
  • … The Fraser fir is native to the Appalachian Mountains. It is a relatively small tree compared to other firs with a mature height between 30 and 50 feet. … the tree whole, but slowly disintegrate as the seeds are dispersed. Their most common habitat is mountainous regions, where they enjoy cool summers and good, rich soil. …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … tubular flowers have a dusky plum-purple upper lip and a white lower lip. Beneath each flower is a spiny bract that is white with green veins. This perennial is marginally hardy in the Chicago area and may not flower after an extremely cold winter. It …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … an upright oval tree that can reach a height of 70 feet with a 35 fot spread. The sugar maple is an excellent shade tree for lawns and parks. Tiny yellowish-green flowers appear in spring … color are shades of red. One of the best known trees of eastern North America, sugar maple is as prized for its ornamental value as for the syrup produced from its sap. It is a favorite maple for fall color. Sugar maples should be planted in well-drained soils. They …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant