… that can attach itself by aerial roots to a hearty oak, grow up to 40 feet, and live and bloom for years. It bears small, creamy white, slightly fragrant, flattened flowers with pink bracts to …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… depends on whether the plants are hardy or tropical. Hardy waterlilies rated cold-hardy for Zone 5 will survive winter temperatures in the Chicago area for years, providing the rhizomes do not freeze during the winter. Tropical waterlilies are zoned for warmer climates and will not survive Chicago winters. In order to keep them year after year, …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. Please advise on special winter protection for my garden plants. A. Many winter injuries common to plants in the Chicago area can be avoided … twigs, buds and many evergreens. Deer repellents are numerous and must be rotated constantly for best success. Before you prune out any brown winterkill areas on evergreens, wait until the … soon as spring arrives) to lessen the damage caused by temperature fluctuations. Monitor trees for animal damage, carefully remove snow from shrubs and protect plants from salt spray. …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. What can I do to attract birds to my garden in the winter? A. There is a great demand for food in winter as natural supplies decline. Do not prune plants with berries and seedpods, … to attract and feed birds throughout the winter. Dawn and dusk are the two most active periods for bird foraging. There are many different food combinations that attract different types of … too. Please contact Plant Information Service at (847) 835-0972 or plantinfo@chicabotanic.org for more information. …
Type: Plant Info
… roses should be encouraged to develop lateral, flower-bearing canes. Continue to check peonies for botrytis blight or other foliar fungal problems. Peonies that suffered from botrytis or bud … regularly, starting when the plants are between 2 to 4 inches tall. Cage or provide support for peony blossoms when the plants are 10 inches tall. Let spring bulb foliage yellow and wither before removing it. The leaves manufacture food that is stored in the bulb for next year’s growth. Even braiding the foliage of daffodils can reduce the food production of …
Type: Plant Info
… Moth orchids ( Phalaenopsis and the closely related x Doritaenopsis ) are among the easiest for homeowner culture. Provide bright light, well- drained soils, some humidity, and small amounts of water every couple of days for years of repeat bloom. The orchid family consists of a large number of genera, each with its … 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
… Bright yellow flowers on this dancing lady orchid can last for a month or more each; dozens of flowers per stem. Grow indoors in bright light, high … Move outdoors in summer and fertilize weekly with a dilute foliar feed to build up energy for the flowering cycle in winter. The orchid family consists of a large number of genera, each … 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
… of environmental stewards, urban agriculture job training, or preserving a peaceful space for all to enjoy, your generosity ensures the Garden continues to grow and serve the community … of environmental stewards, urban agriculture job training, or preserving a peaceful space for all to enjoy, your generosity ensures the Garden continues to grow and serve the community …
Type: Page
… 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
… 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
