… Botanic Garden , I am inspired by all sorts of family programs and drop-in activities for kids and families that celebrate the outdoors. What’s fun about nature art is that it starts with an adventure and ends with a surprise. For instance, the “family of owls” that we created may appear in story time later. Here are some … dropcloth, potting soil, spray bottle, pouring cups, pie plates, and sticks, rocks and/or sand for decorating. Don’t forget to have an old towel underneath your creation station. The finished …
Type: Blog
… Are your summer container gardens in need of a fall makeover? Good news! There are many fall-flavored plants that will provide you with texture, form, and … or blue asters (Symphyotrichum) with ornamental kale as the colors play off each other nicely for a long-lasting fall container. Using other lesser-known plants, such as some of the … combination. I like using Swiss chard, broccoli, Asian greens, parsley, and onions (Allium) for interesting and colorful effects. Fall containers tips Annuals: Calibrachoa varieties …
Type: Blog
… For many bonsai tree species, early spring is the best time for repotting. As the days get longer and the temperatures slowly increase, the roots of a bonsai … drainage holes in the pot. These “root plugs” prevent proper drainage, which is very important for tree health. Root plugs—where the roots started to grow down through the drainage holes in …
Type: Blog
… When farmers’ markets wind down, many of us want to preserve the bounty of this year for the next. Why not save save seeds from your last tomatoes so you can grow them yourself next … and let dry which could take up to three weeks. The top of the refrigerator is a great place for this. 6. Drying When dry, scrape the seed in to an envelope labeled with the variety and the date for storage. If the seeds stick to the coffee filter, simply fold the whole thing up and store in …
Type: Blog
… growing in our production greenhouses—is very specific! Yes, the cultivation requirements for these plants are strict. Titan arums require well-maintained conditions of high humidity and … the tropical rainforests of Sumatra. Therefore, the cultivation is not particularly suitable for most beginners or homeowners with minimal greenhouse facilities. A hygrometer in Spike’s … times. How? We keep the floors wet and prevent excessive venting in the greenhouse. Watering for leaf growth Spike and the rest of the collection have grown through many leaf and dormancy …
Type: Blog
… Thanksgiving is here again, and we at the Chicago Botanic Garden are thankful for all the pollinators who make our food possible, every day, around the world. Bats, bees, … of the food we eat. As you enjoy a meal with friends and family, take a moment to say thanks for the little things that make such a big difference—pollinators! Instructions Click on the …
Type: Blog
… Thanksgiving is here again, and we at the Chicago Botanic Garden are thankful for all the pollinators who make our food possible, every day, around the world. Bats, bees, … of this placemat. As you enjoy a meal with friends and family, take a moment to say thanks for the little things that make such a big difference—pollinators! Draw and color the foods you …
Type: Blog
… fondness in a single whiff. Also among the list are a number of annuals that are perfect for containers, which allow the gardener to move plants into prominence as they reach their peak … Lonicera flava honeysuckle is a fragrant and hardy variety. Photo via southeasternflora.com. Tuberose, Polianthes tuberosa , is a nonhardy (for us) bulb from northern Mexico with an intoxicating scent so distinctive it is known simply as …
Type: Blog
… get the most life out of your tree in a few easy steps. Pick a fresh tree If you’re shopping for pre-cut live trees at a nursery or retail lot, never buy a bagged tree. It’s harder to know … a fresh cut If you purchase a tree at a location less than 20 minutes from your home, ask for the tree stump to be cut ½ to 1 inch while at the retailer. If you’re commuting more than 20 … ready to put it in a tree stand. Make sure the tree stand reservoir can hold enough water for the size of tree you picked—Christmas trees generally drink a quart of water a day per 1 inch …
Type: Blog
Description: The only visiting raptor may be seen in the woodland in summer, or more likely, flying over in September in large flocks or kettles of at 50 or more. …
Type: Birding
