… winter—whether it’s snow, ice, temperature swings, or the products used to combat the weather—is the chief task. Indoors, houseplants may need some TLC, as do many of the holiday-centric … and don’ts Light pruning of deciduous trees and shrubs can be done this month. Heavy pruning is best done in late winter or very early spring before buds break. Protect evergreens from heavy … can also be difficult to see without a hand lens. Scale: Characteristic sticky, clear honeydew is produced on leaves by these small, immobile, rounded insects usually found on stems and veins …
Type: Plant Info
… several areas of crabgrass. How should I deal with this? A: Crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis) is an annual weed that germinates in midspring and gradually colonizes bare spots in the lawn … a crop of seeds and dying off in the late summer. The first line of defense against crabgrass is to minimize the opportunities for it to proliferate by maintaining a healthy lawn through … takes place when the soil temperature consistently reaches 60 degrees Fahrenheit, which is typically in late April or early May in northern Illinois. Several synthetic pre-emergence …
Type: Plant Info
… unusual greens that were planted in early spring can be planted again this month. If weather is unusually hot, plant these greens in partial shade. The best quality and best tasting salad … that were watered frequently and lightly rather than infrequently but deeply. This advice is the exact opposite to what is recommended for watering trees, shrubs, perennials, grass, and other plants. When harvesting …
Type: Plant Info
… (circuit and materials), and seating. The entrance/exit to an outdoor space—the threshold—is perhaps the most important factor to consider when designing an outdoor space for the elderly, … in wheelchairs to cross the threshold on their own. Another factor involving the threshold is the comfort (or perceived comfort) when entering or exiting the garden. Creating a transition … elderly and aging are immensely important. The next time you visit one, take a moment for a quick assessment. With these basic tips, everyone can be an expert and wonderful advocate for …
Type: Blog
… Native to the southeastern United States, blue star ( Amsonia tabernaemontana ) is a herbaceous perennial member of the dogbane (Apocynaceae) family that is hardy in the Chicago area. Often found growing streamside in sandy or gravelly soils, blue … has pale blue flowers in summer, followed by golden-yellow fall color. This species of amsonia is the most widely grown at the Chicago Botanic Garden. How can a native of the Southeast be …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… and gold fall color lights up the landscape. Marmo maple, Acer x freemanii 'Marmo', is a cultivated variety from the hybrid cross of red maple, Acer rubrum , with silver maple, … oval shape of the tree and its unique fall color combinations that vary with weather and site conditions are strong attributes. 'Marmo' is quick to establish itself, growing over 2 feet a year when young. Its foliage is ornamental not …
Type: Plant Info
… potential damage to our lawn and landscape plantings from deicing agents. What can we use that is safe and effective? A: The safety of both residents and visitors requires that we deal with … pavements to as much winter sun as possible. Remove snow before it melts and refreezes, or is trampled into a frozen sheet. A thin layer of snow on nearly bare pavement will melt rapidly in direct winter sun, even when the air temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. When removing snow from previously treated surfaces, spread it …
Type: Plant Info
… Hippeastrum 'Red Pearl' is an intense, deep velvety red cultivar of Amaryllis with a darker throat. A "new" variety, … direction of the greatest light so be sure the rotate the pot daily to ensure the flower stalk is more or less upright (staking is often needed). Once flowering is complete, continue to grow the bulb in a warm, bright …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… to many gardeners because they have either grown it, eaten it, or admired it as a tiny topiary is the versatile herb, rosemary. Rosmarinus officinalis is an evergreen shrub hardy to zone 6. In its native Mediterranean environment, it can reach 6 … is grown in a clay pot year-round. Clay permits faster evaporation of water, thus aiding in quick drainage. Year-round container growth also eliminates the need to transplant the rosemary …
Type: Plant Info
… In Chicago, February is too early to start gardening outside, but herbs may be started indoors during the winter. Sow … like parsley, with a hint of anise and lemon. Sow seeds every three to four weeks. Chervil is quick to flower and go to seed (bolt) in hot weather. It is excellent in salads, soups, and …
Type: Plant Info
