… color are typical of the genus. Members of the genus Amsonia are commonly known as bluestars for the abundant small blue flowers borne in clusters at the stem tips in late spring or early … and more than 3,5000 individual plants. A number of these varieties have been evaluated for their performance in our region; Plant Evaluation Notes can be found on the Garden's website. The genus was named for Dr. Charles Amson, an 18th century American …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… easy to grow, and long lived. Although they produce flowers held high above the foliage on long stalks called scapes, they are grown primarily for their foliage and neat habit. Hostas are actively hybridized for leaf color, size, shape, and texture; natural mutations or “sports” are common, and new …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… They know the route— Bulb Garden , Regenstein Center, and Landscape Gardens . The birders look for early signs of spring in the McDonald Woods and on the shores of the Lakeside Gardens . First Flowers The reliable blossoms of vernal witch hazel … cling to the branches. Look carefully for them along the walkway to the Landscape Gardens. On sunny days, their petals should be open; on cloudy days, they will close up as a protection …
Type: Walks
… Savoring Serenity in a Cup On an overcast, chilly day, there’s nothing quite like spending a few minutes to take a breath … didyma), rosemary, parsley, sage, dill, and thyme are some of the other herbs suitable for tea. It all depends on what flavors you enjoy. Lemon-tasting herbs can be paired with slices of citrus, cinnamon …
Type: Plant Info
… a woodlot. I was traveling between nature preserves in this area of the state collecting seeds for the Dixon National Tallgrass Prairie Seed Bank , so my mind was already tuned in for … to explore the woodland further that day, so I made a note of where it was located and planned on returning to the site soon to explore it further. However, I had one question that I needed to … gave me plenty of time to contemplate whether or not to make the collection. Since my first visit to the woodland, I have made several seed collections of many quality native woodland …
Type: Blog
… heat and drought have passed. In fall, cool air temperatures and warm soil are perfect for seed germination, whereas in spring the cool soil and chilly air are less favorable. In … Optimally, a foot of good, loose soil is key to seed germination. Seeds simply won't germinate on compacted soil, and sod will decline over time if the soil is not prepared properly. Prime … twice. Overseeding does not need to be done routinely every year. It is better to concentrate on good cultural practices that will help maintain the health of your lawn. Core aeration, a …
Type: Plant Info
… As plant enthusiasts, we often focus on how plants are affected by their environments. Their growth is affected by weather, water, … we can also experience negative engineering effects of plants on their environments when we visit natural areas throughout the Chicago region and beyond that have been heavily invaded by … common or European buckthorn ( Rhamnus cathartica ). Buckthorn was brought to the Midwest for ornamental use—it’s great at making hedges—but escaped from human control and is now one of …
Type: Blog
… ever wished those beautiful summer hydrangea blooms could stick around a little longer, good news—they can. With the right timing and by learning a few simple techniques, drying hydrangeas … can be a rewarding way to enjoy them well into fall and beyond. Find the Perfect Moment for Picking The most important step in drying hydrangeas is knowing when to cut them. “The best … the sweet spot.” At this stage of their growth cycle, the blooms have started to dry naturally on the plant, which means they’ll hold their shape and color better once you bring them indoors …
Type: Blog
… more budding new stars. Over time, the true classics will endure, but the process of looking for a beautiful new plant is something gardeners anticipate at the start of each new growing … ) At 3 feet, waxbells could almost qualify as a small shrub. The maple-shaped leaves appear on wiry stems, followed by creamy yellow bell-shaped flowers. Its large size and shade tolerance … border spots. Golden bleeding heart ( Dicentra spectabilis 'Gold Heart') A new spin on an old favorite, this bleeding heart has bright gold foliage that appears in early spring …
Type: Plant Info
… lighting designers Lee Fiskness and Travis Shupe while they were programming installations for this year’s Lightscape . Get ready for some insider tips! First, it’s remarkable to think … life. This is the second year Chicago-based lighting designers Fiskness and Shupe have worked on Lightscape. Last year, they collaborated with seasoned Lightscape designer, Christopher Wren. … but it also has narrative to it. It incorporates the aesthetics of the path that it’s on, but also creates more of a story. What is going on here? It’s as if the energy of the tree is …
Type: Blog
