… Pole as far away from the sun as it will be all year, and we experience our shortest day. For the natural world, the Winter Solstice represents a moment of quiet and dormancy. After the … and with the returning sun comes the promise of new life. The solstice actually only lasts for a moment . But the day, and sometimes beyond, marks a celebration for cultures all over the world. Those extra minutes of sunlight, which were especially important …
Type: Blog
… allowing moisture to penetrate deeper. And the very same organic matter makes it easier for naturally fast-draining sandy soils to retain more life-sustaining moisture. Adding a layer … on top of the soil reduces evaporation and keeps fast-growing weeds from winning the battle for scarce moisture. But mulch also makes it less likely that rain-saturated soils will become … Midwestern native plants have already adapted to these challenges, and have a head start for adapting to greater extremes. Many herbs such as Berggarten sage produce a protective haze …
Type: Plant Info
… 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 … Toad lily ( Tricyrtis sp.) Shade Garden Stars Toad lily ( Tricyrtis sp.) What a curious name for such a princely perennial that offers orchidlike flowers in autumn! Position this arching … appear in tones of dark purple, burgundy, pink, green and yellow. They are wonderful plants for moist shade gardens. Golden Japanese hakone grass ( Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola') This yellow …
Type: Plant Info
… kale in celebration of autumn. Take a stroll through one of our 27 beautiful display gardens for inspiration and ideas. Here are some things to do now before your garden winds down. Time to … ask an expert before planting. Think Ahead This is the month to start planning and planting for a spring display. Daffodils, snowdrops, crocuses, tulips, grape hyacinths, and … turf had trouble this summer, now’s the time to address it. Cool air and warm soil are ideal for grass seed germination. Seeds have a better chance of thriving at this time of year because …
Type: Plant Info
… A biting February morning in Chicago can be a challenging experience for anyone, but for a lover of trees, it can also turn into an exhilarating moment of truth. With the air … if the recommended plants are sited and maintained properly, the birch will flourish as a tree for all seasons. Betula nigra is the most southerly of all birches but still is one of the best …
Type: Plant Info
… An elegant earth-to-earth closed system What smells like earth, enriches the soil, and is free for the making? Compost! A healthy compost pile is easy to maintain, has no offensive odor, and … few months, they return to your garden to help the next generation of vegetables to grow. Tips for Successful Composting Composting relies on heat, water, air, and the mixture of "greens" … pine needles, etc.). As composting becomes more popular, more and more models are available for purchase. The simplest systems are just as effective as the more high-tech versions—in fact, …
Type: Plant Info
… to talk orchids, yet they're at the top of our minds at the Garden this month, as we prepare for the Orchid Show. This got us thinking: how does a smart gardener care for orchids in the depths of winter? With just a few adjustments to the basics. Today's … is an upside to the short days and lower light of winter: it triggers the flowering process for many orchids. (A caretaking note: stay ahead of long flower stalks by staking them as soon as …
Type: Plant Info
… lay their eggs in other species' nests. They can be found everywhere at the Garden looking for nests in which to lay their eggs. One female can lay 70 eggs in one season. …
Type: Birding
… Description: This medium-sized, fish-eating bird is often seen perched while searching for small fish, or heard giving a rattling call as it flies from on perch to another. It nests in …
Type: Birding
… cover this mounded beauty when grown in full sun and well-drained soils. In fact, it is ideal for rock or crevice gardens and dry walls. Free of most insect and diseases. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
