… growing season in Chicago-area gardens. Their honey-like fragrance is a powerful attractant for pollinating insects and hummingbirds. Plant this perennial in full sun. In USDA Zones 7 to …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… or lay down sod. When seeding lawns, use grass seed appropriate to your site. The best choice for most lawns in northern Illinois is a mix of Kentucky blue grass, perennial rye, and fescue … Grubs chew grass roots, resulting in turf that lifts up. Minor damage is usually not cause for treatment. Pull back turf and count grubs (white C-shaped larvae with black heads); 10 to 12 … to their lawns if grubs are numerous. Skunks, raccoons, and birds will tear up grass searching for grubs, especially at night, sometimes doing more damage than the grubs themselves. In times …
Type: Plant Info
… of magnolias. The specks are immature scales called crawlers, which move along the branches for a short time until they settle and begin feeding. Each crawler grows into a waxy, whitish … is called dormant season oil. It must be used when the temperatures will stay above freezing for 24 hours and before leaf or flower buds start to open. It is important to read and carefully follow instructions when applying horticultural oil. For additional information about the use of selected systemic insecticides to control scale, …
Type: Plant Info
… them? A. If the bulbs are still firm and show no signs of decay or rot, you can pot them up for indoor forcing. Choose a wide, shallow pot with good drainage and use either a commercial … side and will hang decoratively over the edge of the container. Water well and store your pot for 13 to 14 weeks in a refrigerator (cover the pot with a plastic bag), a cold frame, a window …
Type: Plant Info
… Core aeration is the most effective method of aeration because it allows the most room for water, nutrients, and root development. The best time to aerate lawns is in the spring or … best time. Please contact Plant Information at (847) 835-0972 or plantinfo@chicagobotanic.org for more information. …
Type: Plant Info
… prevent heat and transplant shock. Water thoroughly and gently at planting time and continue for the first year with 1 inch of water a week, spread throughout the root zone. Mulch root zones … Take care not to break these shoots when removing flowers. To increase flower production for the following year, pinch off one-half of this new green growth when it is at least one inch …
Type: Plant Info
… Make this cut while the stem is under water. Cutting on an angle increases the surface area for water intake. Add floral preservative to the vase water. Most preservatives contains an acid … head as the flower and stem continue to float and the cut end of the stem remains under water for at least one-half hour. When the flower head hardens to a straightened position, the roses …
Type: Plant Info
… yellow cattleya styled flowers come 3 to 5 per spike. Cattleya related orchids are challenging for Chicago area gardeners requiring a high quality grow light and the ability to maintain high … by genus and is consistent with their natural habitat. While requiring adequate sunlight for a stunning bloom display, most orchids will not tolerate sustained direct sun. Many varieties …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… orchid flowers with 3 to 5 flowers per stem in winter. Cattleya orchids can be a challenge for homeowners in the Chicago area to keep overwinter requiring high quality grow lights and high … by genus and is consistent with their natural habitat. While requiring adequate sunlight for a stunning bloom display, most orchids will not tolerate sustained direct sun. Many varieties …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Light yellow petals surround a bright purple lip on this cane orchid ideal for leis. Grow in bright light, moderate humidity, well drained potting media. The flower spikes … by genus and is consistent with their natural habitat. While requiring adequate sunlight for a stunning bloom display, most orchids will not tolerate sustained direct sun. Many varieties …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
