… have been removed and stumps or roots have been left in the ground to decompose. The disease is caused by fungi feeding off of decomposing organic matter below ground; they are not feeding upon the grass. Nitrogen is one of the products of the decomposition process, which is utilized by the growing grass, causing dark green circles. Mushrooms are fruiting bodies of …
Type: Plant Info
… called moth orchids because the flowers of some species resemble moths in flight. The name is derived from the word Phalaena , given by Carl Linnaeus to a group of large moths. There are … Phalaenopsis hybrids. Phalaenopsis 'Mount Lip' has thick leaves that are dark green on top. It is an epiphytic (growing on tree branches and trunks) plant that grows in moderate to high light … 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
… garden, and kitchen waste? Make your own compost—it can do magic for your garden. Compost is simply a mixture of soil and pieces of plants that have decomposed to the point of being unrecognizable. Dark brown and crumbly, it is an attractive addition to any garden. And the things it does for the garden are nothing short … lawn waste out of landfills, it also creates a rich soil amendment for the garden. Compost is the ultimate soil conditioner, since it improves both texture and structure, giving soil that …
Type: Plant Info
… For many of us, part of the joy of spring is heading out to the forest preserves and seeing the wildflowers in bloom. But for Susanne Masi, … information will help to maintain their numbers and ensure their survival in the wild. She is assisted by more than 100 volunteers in a monitoring program called Plants of Concern, a joint … Midwest," she said, "and yet we have 17 genera here in the Chicago area alone. The difference is that orchids are mainly arboreal in the tropics, but here they’re terrestrial. What makes …
Type: Plant Info
… These are the main areas of focus for both homeowners and professionals: careful study of the site; choosing the appropriate tree for that site; preparing the site; and planting the tree correctly. Proper tree maintenance is, of course, an integral part of long-term tree health, but more potentially damaging problems … they've got. If test results recommend amending with organic matter (3 percent organic matter is considered good), the ideal time is before the tree is planted. The entire planting area …
Type: Plant Info
… in the ground. Vines require very little lateral room at planting time since their growth is mostly up and outward. They can work their way into tight spots before breaking loose on a … to cement, brick, wood and even metal. In the case of climbing hydrangea, rootlet strength is such that homeowners in brick homes who value their tuckpointing are advised to weigh the … Chicago Area Perennial Vine Recommendations Boston ivy ( Parthenocissus tricuspidata ) This is a New England classic with shapely green leaves that blaze scarlet in autumn sun. As …
Type: Plant Info
… What is it about red? The red leaves of Full Moon maple (Acer Japonicum) herald the changing of … flower in a sea of goldenrod. And when the woods take on a golden glow, the flame of red is what makes an autumn spectacular. Trees and shrubs whose leaves turn red are the secret divas … But as nights turn cool, they drop the bashful act and step to center stage. —Fall color is not something trees put on, says Andrew Bell, curator of woody plants. It's something they …
Type: Plant Info
… In Northern and Midwestern gardens, much emphasis is placed on four-season gardens, with great praise showered on those plants that provide interest when it is least expected. Think of the shrubs that flower not in spring but in late summer, bulbs that … gardens structure and quiet beauty every day of the year — the conifers. Among the conifers is a strong spruce, the Serbian spruce, Picea omorika . This is a versatile tree, able to stand …
Type: Plant Info
… Susceptible Plants Lawn grasses Description & Symptoms The annual white grub is the most common grub that causes lawn damage in Illinois. The large C-shaped, creamy white grub with three pairs of legs and a dark head is the larval stage of the masked chafer beetle. Unlike the Japanese beetle, which has a similar … they chew on grass roots. Grubs are especially prevalent in sunny lawns near pavements. Damage is most severe from August to early fall. In dry summers, heavily irrigated lawns may suffer more …
Type: Plant Info
… Guide Climate Change in My Backyard Unit Descriptions Unit 1: The Earth as a System Unit 1 is divided into two sections that consider different Earth systems and how they interact. In 1A, … Climate Change in My Backyard Unit Descriptions Unit 1: The Earth as a System Unit 1 is divided into two sections that consider different Earth systems and how they interact. In 1A, …
Type: Page
