… magnolia tree population on the edge of fading away. He had discovered the treasure he set out to find. Often, this is where the story ends. But when the prize is an elusive plant sought by … and shrub breeder at the Morton Arboretum , and other local experts who joined them along the way, Bunting assembled a detailed logbook to accompany the physical samples. Magnolia virginiana … timing the seed collection and storing them long term is difficult, so the cuttings are the best approach. Mapping the Journey Bunting is building a ten-year collection plan that he expects …
Type: Blog
… As summer winds down you may be thinking about stowing your shovel and other tools for the season. (But don’t stow that rake—the leaves won’t be falling just yet.) Before you clean and store your other tools, look each one over to see if the handles are split or if the tines are bent or rusty. Some tools benefit from a light sanding to remove rust or splinters. Others may need replacing—and this is a good time to find them on …
Type: Plant Info
… It is most noticeable in late spring and summer when it appears as large, whitish lumps, up to ½ inch long, attached to the branches of magnolia trees. In severe infestations, entire … of magnolias. The specks are immature scales called crawlers, which move along the branches for a short time until they settle and begin feeding. Each crawler grows into a waxy, whitish … immobile adult scales. Applying horticultural oil in the early spring and late summer is the best treatment. Horticultural oil will smother active and recently settled crawlers. When applied …
Type: Plant Info
… Garden centers are packed with delightful goodies to adorn flower beds and borders. But sometimes it’s simply fun—and money-saving—to create your … imagination. You may not have to look beyond your closets, shelves, basement, attic, or garage for things that you can transform into outdoor art. And there are always resale stores with … outdoor art and what some might consider strange odds and ends plunked down among the plants. Get crafty Paint your garden with your own creations. Classes at the Garden’s Regenstein School …
Type: Plant Info
… narcissus, gazette—but all are members of the genus Narcissus —the Latin/botanical name for all daffodils. According to the American Daffodil Society, there are between 40 and 200 different daffodil species, … not getting enough light. To prevent this, grow the bulbs in a cool space where they can get bright, indirect light. Once the buds form, move the pot where you want it displayed, keeping …
Type: Plant Info
… In Greek mythology, Iris is the Goddess of the Rainbow. She’s a messenger from the gods to mortals—a golden-winged goddess who travels to earth on a rainbow. When she arrives, colorful … plants—irises—sprout where her feet touch the ground. The genus Iris is a fitting name for a group of fabulous plants whose flowers represent a rainbow of hues. There are about 300 … ) One of the first signs of spring are the charming flowers on 6-inch-tall plants. They are best massed in sunny areas of rock gardens, along the front of a border with dwarf daffodils, …
Type: Plant Info
… There’s still plenty to enjoy in the garden in August and September. Later-blooming perennials, annuals, and shrubs can provide color for weeks to come. And many of their blossoms offer nectar to migrating butterflies and … Remove the spent blossoms to extend the bloom time. Full sun and moist, well-drained soil work best for this charmer. Seven-son flower (Heptacodium miconioides) A large shrub or small tree …
Type: Plant Info
… Thailand, Singapore, Germany, Belgium, and the United States met in Sarawak, Malaysia, to carry out the first conservation assessment of fungi (mushrooms) in Southeast Asia. Fungi are important for forest health and many are valuable as medicine and food for people. Losing unique species of … of the species were assessed as threatened due to logging or a lack of information on how to best manage the species. A symposium following the workshop brought together politicians, land …
Type: Research
… at the Chicago Botanic Garden! Our day included these snapshots of the early morning visitors to the rare phenomenon of a corpse flower in full bloom. We chatted with the early birds and met … the corpse flower that bloomed last September. Maxwell and Lexi (in her Alice T-shirt) Kirchen visit Sprout early this morning before school. Harper, 14 months old, waves at #CBGSprout the … And it is very stinky. Carrie: I happened to see the Facebook post. And we were here every day for Spike (a titan arum that previously was on display at the Garden). Jamie Smith of Highland …
Type: Blog
… Q. My Phalaenopsis orchid just finished blooming and I’m not sure what to do with the flower stem. Do I cut it? If so, where? A. Proper pruning of the inflorescence on … until the plant reaches a larger size. Inflorescences of larger plants can be pruned back to just above the lowest node on the stem, which may encourage it to rebloom within 8 to 12 weeks. Some gardeners believe that it is always best to remove the entire flowering stem to its base. If flowers grow smaller with age, remove …
Type: Plant Info
