… For 50-year members, the Garden has meant inspiration, refuge, and more The Chicago Botanic … them, and it was a way to find a little bit of peace in our otherwise crazy lives. … I taught for a number of years, and I had copious papers to correct. When I discovered coming over here … through some very difficult years. I had peace and quiet here. So I think that’s what I come for. It feeds my spirit. It improves me.” –Madeleine Felix Madeleine Felix “This was my refuge” …
Type: Blog
… and scouting — to end-of-the-season projects that can add beauty to their home landscapes for many seasons to come. Gardening Alchemy A wealth of basic ingredients makes late summer the … you chose, the natural process of decomposition will provide a nutrient-rich amendment for improving both clay and sandy soils, and will provide homemade organic mulch that will help … suppress weeds, moderate soil temperatures, and conserve soil moisture — benefits which make for happier and healthier plants all year long. Another important benefit of composting is having …
Type: Plant Info
… a small, spring-flowering ornamental tree. Now’s the time to shop and plant. “October is great for planting,” says Tim Johnson, the Garden’s senior director of horticulture. “Any tree that is above ground—typically dug in spring, late summer, or early fall—is fine for planting from my perspective.” Planting now allows trees and shrubs time to establish good … The plants will not be stressed by brutal heat and as long as you keep them watered for the next six weeks or so, they will adjust to their new home. Safety First Before you dig, …
Type: Plant Info
… Dwarf Conifer Garden. Evergreens are cherished in midwestern gardens, parks, and streetscapes for the steady color they bring even to the gray and brown winter. Yet as much as we love to … Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) Other evergreens have wider leaves: boxwoods, for example, such as those stately pyramids in the English Walled Garden. These plants evolved in … some winters may not be until after Christmas. "Winter kill" is the term horticulturists use for the patches of dried-out foliage often seen on evergreens in spring. In some kinds, it's an …
Type: Plant Info
… And you might hear the hoot of an owl or see the tracks of coyotes, which are also looking for mice. We tend to think of winter as a time when animals curl up and hibernate like bears. … But you can see a lot of activity here in winter, just as in your backyard, if you look for it. Deer mice, like the meadow voles in the prairie, must be out and about all winter, searching for food. When they can, voles will burrow under the snow or through mulch to nibble on the …
Type: Plant Info
… capture the brilliant colors of autumn with gouache. Gouache is an opaque water media perfect for the bright colors of fall leaves and foliage. Some supplies provided. The School’s CEUs=11 …
Type: Item Detail
… This smaller growing elephant ear maxes out at 2 feet in size making it ideal for pot culture or in tropical gardens with limited space. A little bit hardier than most …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… of colors that resemble ice cream cones. The overall habit is strong, upright and mid-sized for a middle layer in the perennial garden. Minimal maintenance, fertilizer and watering is …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… green and light green patterns. Grow in full sun and periodically refresh the water in the urn for best results. Bring indoors before the first frost. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… true yellow petals and yellow eye atop rich dark green foliage. The bold flowers make for a great addition to perennial gardens. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
