… Today, on International Women’s Day, the Chicago Botanic Garden celebrates women in science at our institution and around the world. At the Garden, 21 of our 35 scientific staff members are women and, in our graduate program in plant biology and conservation with Northwestern University, more than … at workplaces, in government, in science, etc. Unfortunately, the number of women in science is still pretty dismal. Despite earning about half the doctorates in science, only 21 percent of …
Type: Blog
… away on the Chicago Botanic Garden’s southeast side, just north of Dundee Road, the Reserve is relatively unknown, even to longtime visitors. As an assistant ecologist, I’m in the Reserve a lot, and often by myself. I’m always puzzled that so few people have discovered … just pick a quiet spot to observe wading birds . Look for great blue herons, perched on logs in the water and ready to hunt. They’ll sneak up on a fish, spear it, toss it in the air, and …
Type: Blog
… It’s now early fall and that means it’s time for Colchicum ! Colchicum is a group of flowers also known as autumn crocuses, though they’re not related to the true crocus. Seventeen species and varieties of Colchicum grow in the Graham Bulb Garden. Flower colors range from white to magenta-violet, and include doubles … blooms are a great way to brighten up the early autumn landscape. They’re best grown in a groundcover or as an underplanting for taller bulbs such as lilies ( Lilium sp. ). The …
Type: Blog
… In very early spring, Abeliophyllum distichum ‘Rosea’ provides a pale pink alternative to the … (as long as they are not bone dry) or aspect (full sun to partial shade) and completely hardy in the Chicago area, this 4’ to 6’ sized fragrant deciduous shrub is a wonderful compliment to the early spring bulbs that bloom at the same time. Best grown as an …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… of the largest, most diverse, and most beloved of all plant families. An edible orchid in an ice sphere adorns a cocktail from chef Daniel Boulud, marthastewart.com Why, yes, that's an orchid in my cocktail Noted French chef Daniel Boulud paired with a … will register a new orchid hybrid in your name with the Royal Horticultural Society (the official international register) for $1,500. Out-of-sight, out-of-mind... until bloom time. …
Type: Blog
… Bulbs and their tuber, corm, and rhizome relatives are a fascinating group of plants. In the Chicago area they can start blooming as early as February (winter aconite, snowdrop), really make an impact en masse in spring (narcissus, tulip, crocus), produce stunning specimens in summer (ornamental onion, … of color in all gardens. In addition to the true kings and queens of the bulb garden, there is a very interesting group of smaller bulbs, perhaps not as well-known, but containing many …
Type: Plant Info
… turn this relatively small-flowered treasure into a bouquet up to 3 feet wide. The banding is inherited from the Odontoglossum parents, while the bright yellow color and multiple flowers … basic form of the flower, which consists of three petals surrounded by three sepals -- often in dramatic and contrasting colors and in a variety of shapes and sizes. Although some orchids are native to temperate zones, most …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… has been tracking the recent rains. We know many of you are anxious to get planting done—it is spring, right? But we encourage caution and patience. If it squishes, wait. Working with wet … tips to help gardeners navigate Chicago’s spring: Wait until the soil dries out to get back in your garden. If the soil can form a sticky ball when you squeeze a handful, it is still too … Clay soil holds more moisture and requires a longer waiting time. Avoid excessive walking in garden beds and on lawns. It can compact and damage your soil. Soil is ready for planting …
Type: Blog
… a two-year technical degree at École Boulle (a school of fine arts and crafts and applied arts in Paris, France), I decided to study for my master’s degree at the National School of Landscape Architecture of Versailles. For me, work in landscape architecture is the best way to unite many different and interesting fields, such as art, sociology, and …
Type: Blog
… No rain, then too much rain, then...this is a challenging year for gardening. For those who garden in northeastern Illinois, Here are some tips to keep your garden in shape this summer: What do all of these moisture fluctuations mean for our gardens? The …
Type: Blog
