… Conservation = Restoration A rare remnant of the oak woodlands once common in northeastern Illinois, Mary Mix McDonald Woods is, in conservation terms, a restoration — an example of an ecosystem that is being brought back to … this natural area is slowly being reclaimed. One measure of the success so far is an increase in the number of uncommon species such as the Appalachian-eyed brown butterfly and redheaded …
Type: Walks
… take a cue from natural areas where rocks and stones slide off a bluff and land at the bottom. In those sites, plants sprout up over time in the meager soil and sand that falls or blows in. In a designed planting, a crevice garden features vertical stone slabs closely spaced, …
Type: Plant Info
… a zebra? Our brains are natural pattern detectors, wired by evolution to appreciate structure in chaos. Decoding patterns helps us navigate the world—it’s how we recognize faces, understand … the Chicago Botanic Garden. “Evolution has a way of weeding out what’s not useful.” Patterns in plants—from microscopic leaf veins to elaborate petal designs—are unique expressions of a … also generate a leopard’s spots or polka dots on a flower—a phenomenon first introduced in 1952 by codebreaker Alan Turing, who, among his many achievements, theorized how chemistry on …
Type: Blog
… The Greening Tradition The tradition of bringing greens into the house in December has its roots in paganism, not Puritanism. Long before European Christians incorporated swags, garlands, … site and a suitable plant. Ivy is shade tolerant and loves cool conditions, but will crisp up in overheated rooms. Jasmine and lavender prefer excellent air circulation and full sun (not …
Type: Plant Info
… this time, although the "blossoms" are not quite what you might expect. Ornamental grasses are in their full glory during the golden days of fall. All summer, these warm-season grasses have … foliage...and more foliage. Some feature delicate arching sprays; others form clumps, filling in the holes where spring bulbs or early perennials once bloomed. The tall, more upright forms … with contrasting texture and color. Ornamental grasses are some of the most versatile plants in the garden, offering fine lines with feathery flowers. The range of distinctive foliage …
Type: Plant Info
… about big, beefy Boston ferns or tall parlor palms? They serve as lush, green focal points in a room and, like rubber plants and ficus trees, they demand adequate space to strut their … roses, pitcher plants, Venus fly traps, shamrocks, and many cacti and succulents—most can fit in small pots on or near a windowsill. Hang air plants ( Tillandsia ) from a string or set them … jade plants ( Crassula minor ), miniature moth orchids, even miniature Sansevieria (mother-in-law’s tongue/snake plant). They’re finding their way into apartments, dorm rooms, along …
Type: Plant Info
… exactly when that will happen! When it does, a nice warm day will trigger them to come out. In a given area, most cicadas will emerge over only a two- or three-day period, which is an … between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Where will we see the most cicadas? Cicada levels will be highest in areas adjacent to woodlands and in older neighborhoods; disturbed lands limit their numbers greatly. Also, researchers have …
Type: Blog
… Description: This state-endangered species is rarely seen at the Garden. It is distinct in its adult plumage, but difficult to identify as a juvenile. Look for it flying over or sitting on logs in the water. …
Type: Birding
… flare alongside the central midrib on this new elephant ear introduction from Hawaii. Grow in shaded locations in moisture retentive moderately fertile soils and protect from strong winds. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… This plant will form a clump of ferny, blue-green foliage 12” high and wide. It blooms in mid to late spring with dark pinkish red tubular flowers. It prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
