… my lilac bloom in the spring? A. There are several possible reasons why your lilac fails to bloom. The most common cause is lack of adequate sunlight. Lilacs (Syringa) need to be planted in a location that receives at least six hours of strong, direct sun per day. They … with little foliage toward the bottom of the shrub. When this happens it may be necessary for a complete rejuvenation by pruning them to within 12 inches of the ground. This should be …
Type: Plant Info
… resemble moths in flight. The name is derived from the word Phalaena , given by Carl Linnaeus to a group of large moths. There are thousands of beautiful Phalaenopsis hybrids. Phalaenopsis … on top. It is an epiphytic (growing on tree branches and trunks) plant that grows in moderate to high light and will thrive in an east window or a shaded southerly or westerly exposure. Individual Phalaenopsis flowers bloom successively and can last for weeks, providing a stunning display in the home. The orchid family consists of a large number …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… heard, but may be seen, in wet areas of the Dixon Prairie or along restored shorelines. Look for their globular nests in sedges along the Skokie River. …
Type: Birding
… Velvet green tufts of glossy leaves make for an ideal edging plant along shady paths or nestled among stones. Cream colored inflorescences …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… can be used as a pond plant. However, since it's also quite drought tolerant, it's ideal for rain gardens. It's evergreen in most climates. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… species that affect the Chicago area today. Although invasive species are almost always new to an area, it’s not a plant or animal’s origin that makes them invasive—it’s their impact. Invasive species spread widely as they out-compete local native species for resources like food, water, light, and space, and can eventually damage entire landscapes. … and beyond. Most of the plants and animals that people deliberately or accidentally move to new locations don’t cause major problems, but the ones that do can threaten water and food …
Type: Blog
… some 12-inch-long soft strings of light-colored yarn put out by humans, she may snatch them to make her nest. A common breeding bird of open woodlands, natural spaces, gardens, and … northern South America. By May, Baltimore orioles have arrived in the eastern United States to set up breeding territories. To get her attention, the male hops around the female, spreads … lucky enough to see an oriole nest will most likely agree. It can take a week to ten days for the female to complete her nest. She’ll then lay three to seven pale eggs blotched with …
Type: Birding
… Q. Areas of my lawn turn brown every year. What is the best way to treat it? A. Diagnosing turf problems can be very difficult. Problems often arise from improper watering and fertilization. The first step will be to determine if the problem is due to cultural practices, fungi, or insects. In order for Plant Information to make a diagnosis, it will be important to provide as much information as …
Type: Plant Info
… This member of the Actaea or bugbane family is particularly prized for it remarkably dark purple, almost black foliage. In late summer, bugbanes develop tall flower spires with heavily scented flowers that are repellent (or a bane) to bugs. In fact, in earlier times, they were used to repel bed bugs. 'Hillside Black Beauty' is a shade-loving plant that forms a clump about 2-3 …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Montrose Ruby Alumroot is used primarily for its striking foliage. At maturity it will form a leafy mound 15 inches tall. The leaves are a dark red to purple and frosted between the veins with a silver cast. The foliage is prone to bleaching in full sun and would be most attractive in full to part shade. The white foamy …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
