… In Northern and Midwestern gardens, much emphasis is placed on four-season gardens, with great praise showered on those plants that provide interest when it is least expected. Think of the shrubs that flower not in spring but in late summer, bulbs that … gardens structure and quiet beauty every day of the year — the conifers. Among the conifers is a strong spruce, the Serbian spruce, Picea omorika . This is a versatile tree, able to stand …
Type: Plant Info
… Susceptible Plants Lawn grasses Description & Symptoms The annual white grub is the most common grub that causes lawn damage in Illinois. The large C-shaped, creamy white grub with three pairs of legs and a dark head is the larval stage of the masked chafer beetle. Unlike the Japanese beetle, which has a similar … they chew on grass roots. Grubs are especially prevalent in sunny lawns near pavements. Damage is most severe from August to early fall. In dry summers, heavily irrigated lawns may suffer more …
Type: Plant Info
… Platanus occidentalis (American sycamore, eastern sycamore, buttonwood or buttonball tree) is generally regarded to be the most massive tree indigenous to eastern North America. It is a deciduous, usually single-trunk tree that typically grows to 75-100 feet (less frequently to … tulipifera ) may reach similar heights, its trunk diameters are generally smaller. Sycamore is native to lowland areas, typically reaching its largest size along streams, rivers and flood …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… humidity and less frequent water than many other epiphytic orchids. Lady-of-the-night orchid is generally found in lowland tropical forests or mangrove swamps, growing on trees or on exposed … tubular lower petal. The lip may have purple or dark red spotting inside the tube. B. nodosa is a very easy orchid to grow, adapting to a wide range of conditions in cultivation. The orchid … number of genera, each with its own unique characteristics. A common characteristic, however, is the basic form of the flower, which consists of three petals surrounded by three sepals, often …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… 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 … 80 degrees F. during the day. If container grown, a 12-inch or larger clay pot (for stability) is recommended. The orchid family consists of a large number of genera, each with its own unique characteristics. A common characteristic, however, is the basic form of the flower, which consists of three petals surrounded by three sepals -- …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… These are the main areas of focus for both homeowners and professionals: careful study of the site; choosing the appropriate tree for that site; preparing the site; and planting the tree correctly. Proper tree maintenance is, of course, an integral part of long-term tree health, but more potentially damaging problems … they've got. If test results recommend amending with organic matter (3 percent organic matter is considered good), the ideal time is before the tree is planted. The entire planting area …
Type: Plant Info
… in the ground. Vines require very little lateral room at planting time since their growth is mostly up and outward. They can work their way into tight spots before breaking loose on a … to cement, brick, wood and even metal. In the case of climbing hydrangea, rootlet strength is such that homeowners in brick homes who value their tuckpointing are advised to weigh the … Chicago Area Perennial Vine Recommendations Boston ivy ( Parthenocissus tricuspidata ) This is a New England classic with shapely green leaves that blaze scarlet in autumn sun. As …
Type: Plant Info
… Description: This breeding species is seen broadly, but most often in the McDonald Woods. …
Type: Birding
… Description: This is an infrequent visiting western species with similarities to the common goldeneye. …
Type: Birding
… Description: This is a fish-eating duck that can be found diving in Garden lakes. …
Type: Birding
