… A few white-flowered Dutchman’s breeches can still be seen, as if they were indeed waving on a wash line. Part of the homework necessary to fully enjoy a woodland walk must include researching the origin of the charming names of these wildflowers. …For Such Brief Moments Single stalks of multiple white bells plus scalloped foliage reminiscent … makes a perfect spot to sit and look up as you listen for birds, or look down as you read up on wildflower identification. A Community of Life A series of wooden bridges and boardwalks keeps …
Type: Walks
… mulch into your clay soil to improve drainage as well as add nutrients. A top layer of mulch on your flower beds will protect your lily bulbs from winter cold and summer heat. Lilies—like … poorly drained soils, or find your garden overrun by voracious rabbits, then lilies may not be for you. Otherwise, plant some lily bulbs this autumn and then enjoy the show next year. May Blooms We can grow an amazing diversity of lilies in the Midwest, with a different group on display each part of the growing season. In May, the elegant martagon lilies, among the most …
Type: Plant Info
… A single icy week doesn’t negate decades of data showing increasingly warmer years on average. In fact, climate change is driving more extreme weather events and an overall shift … get frosted and damaged beyond repair.” No blooms mean no fruit, which reduces seasonal food for birds and other wildlife. Home gardeners may notice years when a favorite tree simply doesn’t … still monitoring how this will play out, but reduced winter die-off could intensify pressures on both cultivated and native plants. Even small advantages for aggressive species can profoundly …
Type: Blog
… drought tolerance (ditto), and brilliant color—the brighter the better. Zinnias fit the bill on all three counts. And more. In fact, they're one of the best flowers that smart gardeners can … gardens. Zinnias are planted in nearly every one of our 27 display gardens. One of the best for cut flowers, 'Benary's Giant' (1,000 of them!) makes a big statement in the English Oak … Zinnias work year after year It's easy to save zinnia seeds. Simply let the flowers dry fully on the stem, then collect the seedheads and lightly crush them in your hand to release next …
Type: Plant Info
… per inflorescence. This foxtail orchid features dark maroon-purple flowers, densely packed on the flowering stem. This is an orchid that really requires a greenhouse for proper growth in the Chicago area, and it is known for disliking root disturbance, so growth in a slatted wooden box is recommended. The orchid …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… (SENA) program. She also collaborates with other staff in the Garden’s Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action, as well as staff and programs throughout the Garden, … the Garden, she was Director of Land Stewardship with Lake Forest Open Lands, responsible for managing their land stewardship program. This included overseeing restoration, infrastructure … and community engagement. Heather joined the Garden as an Ecologist in 2023, working on stewardship activities in Dixon Prairie, the Skokie River Corridor, McDonald Woods, and FPCC’s …
Type: Staff bio
… your turf begins to brown and lifts easily off the ground. Minor damage is usually not cause for treatment. Pull back turf and check for white, C-shaped larvae with black heads. If more than 10 to 12 grubs are present in a square … to remove plugs of soil and grass at regular intervals over entire lawn. Plugs are left on lawns to decompose. Core-aeration is recommended to help rectify compacted soil, heavy thatch …
Type: Plant Info
… summers outside should be monitored in the event of a premature frost. Check plants carefully for any sign of insect or disease before bringing them indoors. Gradually reintroduce these … and shake off all dirt. Cut back all foliage, whether it is yellow or green, and set bulb on its side in a cool, dark room for several months until new growth appears. To create a winter herb garden, dig up selected …
Type: Plant Info
… This grand superba-type cane was developed by Paul Lee in 1973. A tender perennial grown for its colorful flowers and foliage, the plant's angel wing-like leaves appear even more … pink blossoms are brushed with white and yellow contrast. The very large inflorescences on plants up to 3 feet in height make it a real attention-getter. Most begonias can be grown … Bush lily makes a spectacular indoor plant, due to its tolerance of low light levels and need for little to no water during the winter. Although it is one of those rare plants that actually …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Large, light lavender petals surround the dark purple lip on this Cattleya orchid with the famous scent. Cattleyas are challenging for homeowners, unless they can be placed under high-quality grow lamps in the winter months. … by genus and is consistent with their natural habitat. While requiring adequate sunlight for a stunning bloom display, most orchids will not tolerate sustained direct sun. Many varieties …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
