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  • … Description: This state-endangered grassland-nesting raptor may be seen flying over the Garden on migration. …
    Type: Birding
  • … Description: The most abundant brown thrush species at the Garden may be spotted while on migration. …
    Type: Birding
  • … solitary insects and most commonly nest in areas with bare soil, along edges of flower beds, on golf courses (especially sand traps), athletic fields, and play areas.They are particularly … nest in colonies as many other wasps do. Females spend the night in their burrows; males rest on shrubs near the burrows. Adult cicada killers emerge July through August. They are short-lived … months after emerging. One new generation is produced per year. Both males and females feed on tree sap and flower nectar. Female wasps strike and stun cicadas in the air, then fly away …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … Description:  These egrets are rarely seen on the shoreline or sometimes perched in a low tree or shrub. …
    Type: Birding
  • … Description: If spotted, this rare visitor would likely be on a large lawn area or along a lake shore. …
    Type: Birding
  • … leaves with a pleasant, spicy aroma. 'Purpureus' has coppery red new growth, more prominent on the undersides of the leaves, with leaves becoming more olive green in shade. The flowers, … in full sun or partial shade, in well-drained soil. Native to the southern states, it blooms on new growth, so do not prune until after flowering. The Chicago area is a little north of its native range, so some winter damage may occur, but will not affect flowering on new growth. The genus Calycanthus is separated into its own family, with its nearest relatives …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … soft dusty rose flowers, generously speckled and upfacing. The flowers are 3 to 6 inches on stems that stand 3 feet tall in late spring to early summer. This is one of the taller Asiatic … readily. They generally bloom earlier than other lilies and will have a higher bud count on a straight stem. Typically they are not fragrant. Asiatic hybrids are the easiest lilies to … readily. They generally bloom earlier than other lilies and will have a higher bud count on a straight stem. Typically they are not fragrant. The grace and beauty of this lily makes it a …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … entranced with the different types of poppies, especially those in containers. Which are best for Chicago? A. Early spring is a fine time to appreciate poppy species, since quite a few are … in Chicago. It has classic poppy characteristics — dissected basal foliage; large, hairy buds on single stems; wavy, textured petals, often with black splotches at the center; a dislike for winter wetness and a desire to stay in one place. Oriental poppies bloom during early summer. …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … FOX VALLEY® is a river birch cultivar that was selected for its uniform compact habit, adaptability to various soils, excellent disease/pest resistance, … becomes evident at an early age, exhibiting colorful patterns of cinnamon-red and pale salmon on trunks and main branches. This tree is a Chicagoland Grows® selection. Chicagoland Grows® is a … ornamental feature is the usually colorful golden fall foliage. Given their preference for cool weather and acid soil and their susceptibility to bronze birch borer infestations, birch …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … an incredible display. Unlike many orchids, this cultivar continues to produce flower spikes on the old pseudobulbs. This orchid is perfect for the home windowsill if kept moist—but not wet—during the growing cycle. The orchid family … 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