… 9-11) and have epiphytic roots -- meaning they derive moisture and nutrients from the air and support from another plant; few orchids grow in soil. Orchids usually prefer a diurnal … growth is from a single growing point. There is an exception to almost every general statement one can make about orchids. The family continues to challenge taxonomists. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… leaves that stick out like a sore thumb (wear gloves while pulling it) in your garden bed. One reason that Canada thistle is so common: its root system spreads by runners, allowing it to … are indicators of soil health and condition; crabgrass indicates compacted soil, which is one reason you’ll find it in lawns and at the edges of sidewalks. Unlike lawn grass, crabgrass … help. Low fertility: Clover tends to turn up in lawns that aren't getting enough nitrogen to support healthy grass. In fact, that might be just Mother Nature trying to provide some …
Type: Plant Info
… product. Water the fertilizer in well. Do not fertilize newly planted trees or shrubs. Wait one year. Spring planting Plant trees and shrubs before they break bud and when soil conditions … the spring or wait until the fall.) Here are some additional tips: Avoid planting too deeply. One-third of the root ball should remain above the ground, creating an upward flare from the soil …
Type: Plant Info
… subject; he recently wrote two hydrangea cover stories for The American Gardener magazine, one in May/June 2015, the other a year earlier in May/June 2014. "'Annabelle' has been … Evaluation Garden. "'Dharuma' is a favorite of mine," Bunting says of this dwarf panicle. It's one of the earliest bloomers, with airy white-to-pink flowers covering it in July. After five …
Type: Plant Info
… that bees need. While searching for and collecting nectar, bees spread pollen from one plant to another. This mutually beneficial relationship has co-evolved over millions of … that it takes two million bee visits—back and forth from hive to flower—to produce just one pound of honey! Scrabbling for pollen While nectar provides the carbs in bees’ diets, pollen … the Xerces Society share a Midwest native plant list for bees. Joe-pye weed was the subject of one of our recent Plant Evaluation Notes (PENotes). Herbs. Share your bounty with the bees! Let …
Type: Plant Info
… of lavender, rosemary, mint or chamomile) in a large heat-proof bowl and slowly pour one pint of boiling water to cover the leaves. Create a tent by wrapping a towel around your head … wine, apple cider, or your favorite) to cover. Secure the lid and let the herbs steep for one to two months in a cool, dark place. Strain the vinegar (a cone-shaped paper coffee filter … dried herbs—lavender, chamomile, or peppermint—in a cheesecloth bag (like a tea bag). Pop one into the tub the next time you take a warm, relaxing bath and enjoy the aromatherapy. South …
Type: Plant Info
… Explore the Krasberg Rose Garden Learn More One of the great joys in June is the opportunity to stroll leisurely through the Rose Garden, and … garden. Companion Plants While the roses are the star players in this garden, they have superb support from the arborvitae enclosure, the rounded hedges of boxwood, the specimen trees like …
Type: Walks
… Fragmented Landscapes Need Fire to Thrive The Chicago Botanic Garden sets one-quarter of its land on fire every year. These prescribed burns—planned fires set by trained … The Native Americans here burned regularly,” said Wagenius. “These places are threatened and one of the ways to help with many of those threats is fire. Fire is a really good thing on the …
Type: Blog
… day of the year (winter solstice) with a living tree that remains green year-round was one that caught on with the Romans. The British, Scandinavians, and Germans expanded on the … leaves (scale). Early detection can easily ward off a major infestation. Crafty? Start One Yourself The craft-oriented gardener might prefer starting a topiary from scratch. This is …
Type: Plant Info
… major brands have them. General rules of thumb: Herbs (marjoram, chives) are best used within one year. Ground spices (allspice, cinnamon, etc.) start to lose aroma after 12 months, but will … indoors, too—this Smart Gardener link has the how-tos: Fresh All Winter: Grow Herbs Indoors . One final resource: Seed Swap at the Garden ! Swap seeds and tips with other gardeners, and learn …
Type: Plant Info
