… fir is a western North American native with flat, up-curved silver-blue needles that can grow to 75 feet with a 25-foot spread. It should be allowed to grow in an open, full-sun location so the branches can spread to their maximum width. The … murky gray-blue. White firs are more tolerant of heat and drought than most firs, and are the best species to grow in the Chicago area. Archived Copy: This content was captured before …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… exposing only the flattened tops of their leaves and displaying an extraordinary ability to camouflage themselves as stones. Native to South Africa, Lithops pseudotruncatella was one of the first Lithops discovered. It is a … narrow-rayed flowers resembling umbrellas appear from July through October. This plant grows best in dry soil and bright conditions where it is hardy to zones 10-12. Archived Copy: This …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Native to the eastern United States and Eurasia, where it is found in sunny wetland areas, marsh fern is … light-green leaves. It spreads by rhizomes in the soil, producing dense colonies of leaves up to 2 ½ feet tall as it develops. Unlike most ferns, it prefers full sun to light shade and grows best in wet to moist surroundings and sandy acid soil. The caterpillars of the marsh fern moth …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… lavender flower spikes that attract hummingbirds and butterflies; the seeds are attractive to birds. Anise hyssop is not fussy about soil types or conditions, as long as it is well-drained. It will tolerate partial shade but does best in full sun. The crushed leaves smell of licorice. Archived Copy: This content was captured …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… the least understood—and therefore least considered—part of gardening. And yet soil is, next to water, the most precious resource that a gardener has. In this edition of Smart Gardener, … matter What's the difference? They're all natural soil amendments, but the terminology can get confusing. Compost is a general term for natural materials that have decomposed enough to be … bark or wood mulch for paths or heavily landscaped beds, since it contributes little in the way of nutrients. Got dirt? Start fresh with a raised bed garden, and heatlhy, nutrient-laden …
Type: Plant Info
… time during the growing season. They reproduce many times a year, and populations can easily get very large. Most do not fly, but some have small transparent wings. Damage Heavy infestations … black fungus. However, a large amount of sooty mold will interfere with a plant’s ability to photosynthesize and exchange oxygen. Treatment & Solutions Since most aphids are soft-bodied … it is important to carefully follow directions on the package when applying insecticidal soap. For additional aphids treatment recommendations, please contact Plant Information Services at …
Type: Plant Info
… This is rare species found only in . It can reach a height of 75’. It will do best in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Archived Copy: This content was captured before …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center from the West Road that leads to Dixon Prairie. Before you enter the prairie’s lovely paths, take a moment to look across the … packed, and frozen, the seeds are available to the scientific and conservation communities for experiments, re-creations, and restorations. This seed bank represents a magnificent … these unusual outdoor conditions. Your walk is an act of conservation in itself. Enjoy your visit! VIEW WALK #1 …
Type: Walks
… In December, winter officially arrives. Most gardeners get a break from their responsibilities—a welcome respite since the winter holidays often occupy a large portion of everyone’s to-do lists. Protecting outdoor plants from the consequences of winter—whether it’s snow, ice, … don’ts Light pruning of deciduous trees and shrubs can be done this month. Heavy pruning is best done in late winter or very early spring before buds break. Protect evergreens from heavy …
Type: Plant Info
… cobblers, apples are enjoyed by more adults and children than any other fruit. The good news for gardeners is that you don't need an orchard to grow apples. There are several options available to both suburban and urban gardeners who have … should be no problem planting more than one variety, necessary for cross-pollination and the best fruit production. …
Type: Plant Info
