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  • 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
  • … 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
  • … Season after season, our horticulturists come up with amazing plant combos for the beds, borders, and containers in their gardens. And season after season, we see visitors pulling out smartphones and cameras to photograph and document those gorgeous combinations. In this month's Smart Gardener , we bring … of sun on the smallest balcony of the smallest apartment, distill the idea of a trio all the way down to a single plant. Rosa 'Savalife' is better known as RAINBOW'S END ™ for a good reason: …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … 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
  • … 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
  • … 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
  • … two years since I co-founded Plant Love Stories, people have told me their stories. I love to hear them—and not just because I’m a plant conservation scientist. Maybe you remember your … Welch Director of Plant Science and Conservation, shared her Plant Love Story, “Grandma Knows Best.” Dr. Havens’s grandma “was the first to say...I should be a botanist (when I was about 6 … of us who love plants, we may find it hard to believe that most people don’t feel the same way. I think perhaps it might be because no one tapped their shoulders when they were young and …
    Type: Blog
  • … How to add Pantone’s ‘Peach Fuzz’ to your plantings Think about a sweet, fuzzy summer peach, a hue between pink and orange—that’s “Peach Fuzz,” Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2024. As curator of plant collections at the Chicago Botanic Garden, I immediately began …
    Type: Blog
  • … We admit to a weakness for daffodils here—last time we counted, we came up with quite a grand total: more than half a … its well-drained soil and warmer temperature.     Narcissus 'Tête-à-Tête' waves you on your way as you leave the Garden—it's the miniature that's popping up under trees near the parking …
    Type: Plant Info