… through another Chicago winter? A. The single most important need of your evergreens this fall is water. Because they will continue to lose moisture through their needles throughout the … shrubs during autumn; this means making sure they receive a good soaking before the ground is completely frozen. Refrain from fall pruning, since this may encourage new green growth that … evergreens can be screened from damaging northwest winds by setting up burlap barriers. Since site selection is critical with all trees and shrubs, examine the locations of these plants. If …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. Is there an all-purpose mulch I can use throughout the different areas of my garden? A. Looking … white stone to shredded cypress to cocoa shells, it appears the selection of mulch materials is never-ending. One of the best mulches for garden beds originates in your own backyard. It’s … and oxygen in addition to increasing the ability of plants to develop healthy roots. Compost is best applied 2 to 3 inches thick once soils have warmed up, after weeds have been removed and …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. Are poinsettia plants poisonous? A. The term "poisonous plants" is often associated with plants that may cause great harm or be fatal if ingested. Potential … the amount consumed. The latex in some species of plants in the Poinsettia genus ( Euphorbia ) is poisonous when ingested and can cause contact dermatitis when exposed to skin. The popular … latex sap of poinsettia plants may cause mild, short-lasting skin irritation. Plant toxicity is often measured by a quantitative amount of material ingested. Care should always be taken when …
Type: Plant Info
… The dune aloe ( Aloe thraskii ) is a large, single-stemmed, tree-like succulent that grows to a height of 6.5 to 13.5 feet tall. … plant was named by John Gilbert Baker (1834-1920) in 1880 for a Mr. Thrask, about whom nothing is known. Attractive to birds, butterflies, and bees, the dune aloe is deer tolerant. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… to slightly dry soils. Butterflies, bees, wasps, and moths all cover this plant when it is in full bloom—it is truly a pollinator magnet. A toxin (tremetol) found in this plant is responsible for "milk fever," a disease that was widespread across much of eastern and central …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… 'Jersey Supreme' is a high-yielding variety with uniform stalks that can be harvested earlier than some other varieties. Asparagus is a hardy perennial with thick, succulent shoots that are harvested in April to early May, … and many minerals. It needs to be planted in well-drained soil, with careful selection of the site, considering that it will continue to grow for 15 to 20 years. It also makes an attractive …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Cocos nucifera is the scientific name of the coconut palm. Its origin may be the islands of the Pacific or … feet long, with clusters of fruit tucked under them. The coconut fruit, botanically a “drupe”, is one of the largest seeds in the world. Coconut milk is obtained by grating the white meat of the fruit. Other coconut products include coconut water, …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… protruding from the flowers. The yellow flowers turn reddish-orange as they age. The fruit is a dry capsule with long filaments. The new growth of 'Copper' is coppery-red, fading to olive green, especially in shaded parts of the plant. This was one of … in clay or other poor soils. Plants can spread by suckers and may form colonies. Fall color is reddish-purple. Plants in the genus Diervilla are small native American shrubs that are not …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Alumroot has gold-green leaves with contrasting dark red veins. This electric combination is reflected in its cultivar name. It is a Heuchera villosa hybrid from Terra Nova Nurseries in Oregon, and is heat and humidity tolerant. The pale colored leaves make it a target for leaf scorch in hot …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… American Alumroot is an attractive native plant for sun or partial shade. It matures to a mounded form about 15 … in the selection of interesting and decorative horticultural varieties. Heuchera americana is resistant to deer and will attract bees and birds. It can be used in groups as a groundcover … well in natural area plantings and mixed perennial borders. In milder climates the foliage is evergreen attractive through the winter. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
