… Short Stop bluestar is a cultivar developed by Intrinsic Perennials in Illinois. It is notable for its purplish black stems and silvery blue flowers. Unlike most bluestars where the foliage … after blooming -- hence its name. 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 … 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
… and tardiness are not tolerated. Application Process Attend an information session at the Farm on Ogden, 3555 W. Ogden Ave. Information sessions are held on Mondays from February – June 2025 (excluding major holidays). Complete an interview and work … and tardiness are not tolerated. Application Process Attend an information session at the Farm on Ogden, 3555 W. Ogden Ave. Information sessions are held on Mondays from February – June 2025 …
Type: Page
… As spring wakes up our prairies, tiny regal fritillary caterpillars begin an urgent search for young violet leaves—the only food they eat. Regal fritillary butterflies once lived in a … small fragments of prairie surrounded by pavement and farmland. Their future largely depends on our ability to restore the prairies they evolved with—but in countless prairie restorations, … feet away. “They are so impressive, so cool,” said Kramer. “Ants eat the little fatty deposits on the end of violet seeds, so after a seed lands, ants take it back to their nest and leave it …
Type: Blog
… what their favorite fruit is and the answer is unanimous — the apple! Whether picked fresh on a crisp autumn day or baked later into pies and 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 …
Type: Plant Info
… and matching crest contrasting with a white belly, a blue jay serves as a beacon of color on a cold, leafless winter day. Though this species has a bad reputation for robbing eggs from other birds' nests, squirrels and crows, in turn, raid the nests of jays. … a tree or tall shrub. The female incubates four to five eggs. Her mate feeds her while she's on the nest. He also helps feed the young. Blue jays can be raucous, and their “jay jay jay” …
Type: Birding
… Continue to care for indoor flowering gift plants. Azaleas require even moisture and bright light. Deadhead to … have flowered but there is no guarantee they will flower the following year. Get a head start on summer-blooming bulbs and tubers by starting them indoors in moist, soilless mix. Plant … balanced granular fertilizer rather than stronger formulas. Telltale white salt markings on terra cotta pots indicate overuse of fertilizer. Flush out soil of overfertilized plants with …
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 … before sweeping out and up. Smaller branchlets on each large branch hang down, which accounts for the tree’s pendulous appearance. However, the tips of many large, sweeping branches suddenly …
Type: Plant Info
… Peppers 3 p.m. Seed Saving: Tomatoes Discovery Carts Gather information and inspiration on growing, cooking, and preserving. All About Tomatoes Heirlooms on Parade Top 10 Tomatoes (Sunday only) Preserving the Harvest Seed Saving 101 Tomato … Ortiz demos horchata-making (Sunday). Free; regular parking and admission fees apply for nonmembers. 2025 Heirloom Fest is sponsored by RATIONAL USA …
Type: Event for Calendar
… reginae ) “A Bird” This flower resembles a bird’s head and makes a sturdy, inviting perch for birds to land, sip nectar, and transfer pollen. Chenille Plant ( Acalypha hispida ) “A 1920’s … male counterparts. Pitcher Plant ( Sarracenia ) “A Piece of Meat” The coloration and veining on the leaves of this carnivorous plant resemble dead meat to fool insects and other small … Old Man Cactus ( Cephalocereus senilis ) “Cousin Itt” from The Addams Family The “hairs” on this cactus provide shade and help the plant conserve water in the desert. Croton ( Codiaeum …
Type: Blog
… Beautiful exfoliating bark on the mature trunks of the European white birch contrast wonderfully with the black younger … headed birch borer. Plant where the trunk can be shown to best advantage in winter and plan on replacing the plant in 10 to 15 years, on average. The primary ornamental feature of birch … ornamental feature is the usually colorful golden fall foliage. Given their preference for cool weather and acid soil and their susceptibility to bronze birch borer infestations, birch …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
