… As days grow longer in early spring, gardeners get itchy. And for vegetable gardeners, late March is not too soon to get started. But you can't plant just … in cool soil will sprout more enthusiastically when it gets a bit warmer. Spinach seeds, for example, can germinate in soil as cold as 35 degrees Fahrenheit, but a larger proportion of … temperatures from 45 to 70 degrees. And when the soil gets much warmer than that — warm enough for tomatoes to germinate — spinach won't sprout at all. Germination is not the only issue …
Type: Plant Info
… upon us, in all its heartbreakingly beautiful glory. All the key factors need to be in place for spectacular hues to emerge: abundant summer moisture, sunny fall days, and cool but not … yellow, orange, tan, green, and purple that thrills us. Although some fall displays are famous for their short-but-sweet mass of single color (Colorado's golden aspens come to mind), the truly … and long-lasting blooms, and stunning bronze-y to purple fall color. It's a great shrub choice for pumping color and texture into a shady spot in the garden. Diablo® Eastern ninebark glows …
Type: Plant Info
… of the world’s more than 250 wild, or species, roses, R. rubiginosa has been well known for centuries in its native Europe for two reasons: First, for the dense and thorny hedgerows it can form and, more pleasantly, for the amazing green-apple …
Type: Plant Info
… is an incredibly long bloom time: it begins to flower in November, and continues blooming for close to six months. This Latouria, or New Guinea-type orchid, is white with dark purple … but not soggy. This host of requirements can make this particular orchid a challenge for Chicago-area homeowners. The orchid family consists of a large number of genera, each with … 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
… to most insects, diseases, air pollution and restricted root runs, it is an ideal tree for urban landscapes. It prefers climates with hot summers and cool to cold winters. Not tolerant … these trees are naturalized decendents from trees planted a couple of thousand years ago. For the last 1,500 years or so, it has been grown in Asian temple gardens. It continues to be cultivated in Chinese fruit orchards for the prized 'silver apricot' fruit that is roasted once the very smelly, soft outer covering …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… 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 … 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
… composer, concert artist, conductor, and pedagogue. As founding Artistic Director and composer for Healing Bells, she works with international journalists and filmmakers to tell underreported … are finally heard and represented through musical storytelling, Ruiter-Feenstra advocates for Healing Arts Centers and collective healing workshops that can reach people who have been …
Type: Event for Calendar
… A. When planting rhododendrons, it is important to select a variety that is winter hardy for your plant hardiness zone, based on the USDA plant hardiness zone map. The Chicago region is … amended with large amounts of organic matter. A soil pH of 6 or greater, which is very common for the Chicago area, will need to be acidified by adding sulfur annually. No sulfur should be …
Type: Plant Info
… or cool basements and plant them in the spring. Allowing dead flowers and stems to remain for the winter to collect plant debris will help insulate the roots. Dead stems should be … spring just as new growth begins at the base of the plants. A well-drained soil is essential for their successful return in the spring. …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. How do I keep cut greenery fresh indoors for the holidays? A. Use a pair of clean, sharp cutters to prune off desired branches. Place the … the season. Please contact Plant Information at (847) 835-0972 or plantinfo@chicagobotanic.org for more information. …
Type: Plant Info
