… the Prairie Series Life in the prairie in the middle of winter is fairly uneventful; at least for humans who focus primarily on life above ground. Perhaps now is a good time to reflect on the … of this nation. The root mass in a prairie is more than double the shoot mass above ground. For thousands of years, the death and regeneration of roots and organisms that interact with them … colorful balls in which children can easily breathe when burrowing beneath the surface, you get a sense of how air can be transferred underground to support its biological inhabitants; …
Type: Blog
… cultivars acquired a greater cold hardiness, a tolerance to alkaline soils, and a preference for sunny conditions—ta-daaa, a perfect summer-blooming shrub for Chicago gardens. Today’s gardeners are finding that the new varieties satisfy a number of landscaping needs, including shade tolerance, extended bloom time, and winter interest. And for the adventurous gardener, willing to push the horticultural envelope, there are some exciting …
Type: Plant Info
… Pole as far away from the sun as it will be all year, and we experience our shortest day. For the natural world, the Winter Solstice represents a moment of quiet and dormancy. After the … and with the returning sun comes the promise of new life. The solstice actually only lasts for a moment . But the day, and sometimes beyond, marks a celebration for cultures all over the world. Those extra minutes of sunlight, which were especially important …
Type: Blog
… allowing moisture to penetrate deeper. And the very same organic matter makes it easier for naturally fast-draining sandy soils to retain more life-sustaining moisture. Adding a layer … on top of the soil reduces evaporation and keeps fast-growing weeds from winning the battle for scarce moisture. But mulch also makes it less likely that rain-saturated soils will become … Midwestern native plants have already adapted to these challenges, and have a head start for adapting to greater extremes. Many herbs such as Berggarten sage produce a protective haze …
Type: Plant Info
… folklore, rabbits often appear as sympathetic creatures. Of note is that several occupations for those who are born in rabbit years include horticultural grower and breeder, agriculturalist, and gardener. May this be a good year for our gardens and our relationship to the creatures who share our planet. At the beginning of each month this year, consider saying rabbit rabbit rabbit for additional good luck, and enjoy a happy prosperous new year! Rabbits & Gardening For …
Type: Blog
… A biting February morning in Chicago can be a challenging experience for anyone, but for a lover of trees, it can also turn into an exhilarating moment of truth. With the air … if the recommended plants are sited and maintained properly, the birch will flourish as a tree for all seasons. Betula nigra is the most southerly of all birches but still is one of the best …
Type: Plant Info
… Join us on an evening bird walk through the Garden’s Dixon Prairie as we search for songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors. No prior bird-watching experience is required, and …
Type: Item Detail
… Join The Guild for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a night of conversations on clean beauty with Laura White, …
Type: Item Detail
… Botanic Garden horticulturist of the Rose and Dwarf Conifer Gardens, shows you best methods for feeding your roses to make them healthy, and the envy of all your friends and family. …
Type: Plant Info
… a daintier version of the parent plant. Growing only to 2-3' tall and 1.5-2' wide. It is ideal for the smaller garden, It produces Ivory-white flowers that bloom on fern-like deep-green …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
