… Japanese hydrangea vine is a woody root climber that can attach itself by aerial roots to a hearty oak, grow up to 40 feet, and live and bloom for years. It bears small, creamy white, slightly fragrant, flattened flowers with pink bracts to …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Native to the southeastern United States, blue star ( Amsonia tabernaemontana ) is a herbaceous … the height of the last Ice Age. With Chicago covered in ice, the temperate-zone plants native to North America were restricted to a small band just north of the Gulf of Mexico. Extending from … not able to migrate north as quickly as the ice melted because many of the animals responsible for pollinating and transporting seeds or plant parts had become extinct. Members of the genus …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Pole as far away from the sun as it will be all year, and we experience our shortest day. For the natural world, the Winter Solstice represents a moment of quiet and dormancy. After the first day of winter, the days begin to lengthen again, and with the returning sun comes the promise of new life. The solstice … winters impacted daily life, represent a new beginning. Winter Solstice celebrations continue to be a reminder of how nature’s rhythms replenish and sustain us. Below, read descriptions of …
Type: Blog
… Description: A member of the goat-sucker family, this cryptic woodland bird is known for its distinctive call at night. It roosts on the ground in the McDonald woods but is difficult to find. …
Type: Birding
… red flowers cover the dark green foliage on this hardy deciduous hibiscus from mid-summer up to the first hard frost. This is a moderately sized cultivar suitable for smaller gardens. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Q: I would like to add stones around several large trees on my property. Is this a good choice? A: Stone is not a good mulch choice, although it is used often, for several reasons. First, it retains heat instead of keeping soil and plant roots cool. It will not decompose and will remain in the soil indefinitely. Stone is not a good choice for suppressing weeds. Composted leaf mulch is a good alternative. It has the consistency of …
Type: Plant Info
… Did you know that fungi are second only to insects in the number of species on earth? More than 1,200 species of mushrooms plus thousands … world of mushrooms. Learn the basics of fungal ecology and why fungi are so important for people and the environment. Find out about some of our local mushrooms. Limit 20. Pre-registration required. This workshop is suitable for ages 12 (with accompanying adult) and up; adults only may also register. Plant Science Lab, …
Type: Item Detail
… New! For those familiar with the use of colored pencil on paper, here is the opportunity to work with … Colored pencils on film can depict the rich, glowing color of florals, with the potential for adding the illusion of depth and atmospheric fade. Techniques covered include working on both …
Type: Item Detail
… and need some advice on successfully keeping them during the winter. A: Here are six tips for healthy houseplants: Know your plants and their cultural needs. Remember that many … need added humidity during the winter. Most plants, except orchids not in bloom, need little to no fertilization when they are not in active growth. Please contact Plant Information Service at (847) 835-0972 or plantinfo@chicagobotanic.org for additional information. …
Type: Plant Info
… Known for their striking and unusual appearance, succulents can be very challenging for the botanical artist. Using the medium of your choice, work with specimens in an array of diverse shapes, colors, and textures. Hone your skills to create finished work that depicts the range of tones, improbable shapes, and complex surface …
Type: Item Detail
