… founders of the Royal Horticultural Society in the eighteenth century. Forsythias are medium to large shrubs that produce four-petaled clusters of bell-shaped flowers in the axils of the stiff, rough branches. These Asian shrubs are very adaptable to poor soils and varying moisture, but the flower buds may be tender on older cultivars. Pruning is best done immediately after flowering, giving new growth time to form flower buds. Never shear …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… and they generously share their stock (sometimes) with friends. But most of all, they love to discover new ones. Gaura lindheimeri is a relative newcomer to Chicago-area perennial … Texas and Louisiana and planted widely on the West Coast, it might seem an unlikely candidate for Midwest gardens. But those who grow the white 'Whirling Butterflies', bright pink 'Siskiyou … It is also tolerant of humidity and has no known insect or disease problems. Perhaps best of all, it blooms for a long time, from early summer to autumn, especially if the entire …
Type: Plant Info
… three-quarters of all human food now comes from just eight species… Modern U.S. consumers now get to taste less than 1 percent of the vegetable varieties that were grown here a century ago." … catalogs or nurseries. A sample from the mixes available at Renee's Garden ( reneesgarden.com ): "Asian Baby Leaf Mix," Edible Landscape "Stardom," and "Heirloom Cutting Mix." A mix makes …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. When is the best time to harvest sweet corn and how do I do it? A. Sweet corn ears should be picked during the milk … and corn kernels that are full at the tips. As harvest time nears, check the corn frequently to ensure you do not miss the milk stage. When the ears are ready, snap them off by hand with a …
Type: Plant Info
… large black and yellow flying insects that look like wasps flying around our yard. They seem to be entering areas with piles of dirt along our walkway. What are they and how do we get rid of them? A.The large wasps you’re seeing are called cicada killer wasps ( Sphecius … the lake because of the sandy soil conditions. Females build burrows underground, displacing 6 to 8 inches of soil. Burrow entrances may be 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter. Each female creates her …
Type: Plant Info
… are in a winter dormancy and require bright light but very cool conditions with no water for up to two months. Overwatering will create soft brown patches on stems and foliage. Monitor … light fixture can be set as close to the plants as possible — a few inches above the plants is best. Keep the lights on for 14 to 16 hours a day. Start seeds for early spring annuals requiring …
Type: Plant Info
… After a year of extraordinary challenges, we are looking forward to all that summer 2021 has to offer in the Lavin Plant Evaluation Garden. Here at the Chicago … and reds of the torch lilies, the evaluation garden will be a riot of colors and a haven for pollinators. The masterworts sulked last summer so we worried that winter might end the … on Instagram and Facebook. Keep an eye on our social media channels, but better yet, come visit us in person. …
Type: Blog
… For those who cherish their time in the garden, the thought of puttering in front of a windowsill … in summer they become seasonal bedding plants. They're not new plants, but are used in a new way. They may be planted directly into the ground alongside other annuals and perennials, or they … uses houseplants in its three-season rotation of annuals. And many gardening centers, quick to pick up on trends set by prominent garden designers, offer these houseplants in their …
Type: Plant Info
… soil have a relationship just as much as the tree and the pot have a relationship. The tree-to-pot relationship is aesthetic and functional too,” said Chris Baker, curator of bonsai at the … round container allows your eye to follow the tree trunk without the container getting in the way as a rectangle might. ” In bonsai terms, trees come in feminine and masculine forms and … It’s more of an art. “The purpose of the pot is to enhance the look and make the tree look its best or to tell the story right, so the artist is telling a story about a tree,” Baker said. A …
Type: Blog
… small foliage and flowering plants together in a decorative container—like a basket or saucer—for a versatile display you can enjoy throughout the year. Dish gardens are easy to grow, very adaptable to most environments, and can be placed anywhere in the home. Even if you … Be sure to remove excess water and avoid over-watering. Drainage holes on the bottom are best, but not mandatory. If drainage holes are not present, use a plastic liner or saucer in the …
Type: Blog
