… a perfectly symmetrical cone over time to 12 feet tall x 8 feet wide (very old plants). Plant this spruce in full sun and with enough space around it to keep neighboring vegetation from shading out some of the branches and destroying the symmetry. The straight species is used for Christmas trees, for essential oils, and as a source of medicinal salves and drinks. The …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Ivory white, feathery plumes waft above the finely cut foliage in June. Ideal for moist soils and shady conditions. This cultivar is smaller in stature than either of the parents and so is suitable for smaller gardens. The …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Year Hutchinson Medal awarded: 1957 Johnson was a Minnesota-based horticulturist known for his work on fruit tree breeding, especially cold-hardy apples and ornamental plants suited to the Upper Midwest. He worked with the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station and contributed … campus) in the mid-20th century. His role was in ornamental horticulture and fruit breeding for cold climates. He wasn’t as public-facing as well-known breeders like C. G. Patten or the …
Type: Page
… Grape hyacinth ( Muscari armeniacum ) is a tried-and-true mainstay of the early spring garden, producing spikes of deep-blue flowers … are often accented with white markings around the petticoat or base of the individual flowers. This is the plant the Dutch use in their gardens to create rivers of blue in their landscape designs. Despite the tendency for the foliage to come into growth in fall, this plant is reliably hardy in the Chicago region. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Grades 5-6 Activity Guide Climate Change in My Backyard Unit Descriptions Unit 1: The Earth as a System In Unit 1, students assess their current knowledge of and beliefs about … those interactions can be affected by climate. Unit 4: Predicting the consequences of changes for human civilization In Unit 4, students learn that individuals have a role in climate change … systems and human civilization. Students then choose a region of the world and investigate how this country or area has been affected. Students present their research to the class. The unit …
Type: Page
… This plant grows up to 30 inches high and wide, with long leaves produced in a basal rosette. Sea lavender is a good filler plant for the perennial border. Small blooms develop on the multi-branched flower stalks in the summer. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… This evergreen tree has a densely pyramidal growth habit. It is used for screening or as a …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Coral-and-white bicolored flowers are set against darker colored bracts on this nonhardy salvia, which is typically used as a bedding plant in Chicago area gardens. Well-branched and compact, this heat and humidity tolerant Salvia cultivar is a great selection for gardeners looking for 'easy keepers' for their annual display. The flowers attract honeybees, …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Grades 7-9, Unit 2 Climate Change in My Backyard Activity Descriptions Unit 2: Identifying the key changing conditions of the Earth system In Unit 2, students learn about the difference … pose the question: how much data and what data do we need to determine whether the climate is changing? Activity 2.2: Historical Climate Cycles Visualizing Historical Climate Cycles : This activity introduces students to the idea of historical climate cycles. Students will observe …
Type: Page
… For most gardeners, the top vegetable is the tomato. As they plant in late May, visions of red, round, juicy … plant them too early. Let them enjoy warm soil and summer sunlight so they can grow into their best flavor and color—whatever that color may be. Beth Botts is a garden writer and speaker …
Type: Plant Info
