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  • … white—fresh, breezy, and effortlessly chic. That’s “Cloud Dancer,” Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026. Calm without being boring, elegant without being fussy, it’s the perfect excuse to … and energy without overwhelming the serene backdrop. All-white plantings offer a dreamy stage for evening entertainment, glowing under string lights or lanterns and letting every bloom and … bee magnet, it draws steady visitors all season. Heat- and drought-tolerant, it’s perfect for naturalistic borders or easy-care beds, offering seasonal charm and understated refinement.   …
    Type: Blog
  • … about right this year, but the quality of the experience is a little ‘off,’” Tankersley said. “For instance, the cherry [tree] outside my office—in a good year—is a mass of light yellow … the Chicago area is hard to predict.” Part of the mission of the Garden’s Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action is to fight climate change through scientific research … a topic of conversation among the horticulture staff for the last couple of weeks and in the news,” said Tankersley. “The diminished [fall] displays are caused, in part, by the drought and …
    Type: Blog
  • … Description: Look in open areas like the Dixon Prairie, or elsewhere around the Garden, for this warbler that is common at the Garden during its long migration stopover. One of the most … you can watch yellow-rumped warblers perched on trees along the lakes and river waiting for insects rising from the water. You may observe the yellow-rumped warbler as it flies into the … You can often even hear the bill snap as the warbler traps the hapless bug. Also, listen for the series of fast, high-pitched notes as the yellow-rumped warbler males defend feeding …
    Type: Birding
  • … up from a nap! We can go and take care of the plants right away and know they will look good for our visitors.” The brains of the system, a computer that the horticulturists have nicknamed, … far, Hal-lie’s response to program enhancement has been “I’m sorry, I can’t do that, Davina.” For now, the gardeners are happy that the information seems accurate and Hal-lie cannot read lips. For a sample dataset, how to access this technology, and other important findings of our work …
    Type: Blog
  • … Temperatures colder than that will freeze tissue and kill the roots. There are several methods for overwintering small, hardy woody plants. If you have an unheated garage, stairwell or … the plants well now, throughout autumn and even during winter thaws. Another option is to wait for several freezes and then move the containers close to the house where they will be protected …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … against each other should be removed, since the wood will wear away and create an entry point for disease and insects. Tiny broken stems should also be removed. Roses may also be pruned at this time to create an even shape. For more information on spring rose pruning, check out our informational videos on pruning roses …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … sound practices when dealing with insect problems, and determine your personal threshold for damage.  Chemical treatments should always be considered a last option. Regular monitoring of … the least amount of beneficial insects are present. Please contact Plant Information Service for the most current chemical options recommended by the University of Illinois Extension.  …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … Q. I have a small aquatic garden in my yard. How do I get it up and operating for summer? A. Performing basic maintenance on your water feature as part of spring startup will … the pond. Please contact Plant Information at (847) 835-0972 or plantinfo@chicagobotanic.org for more information. …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … 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 … Lilacs respond well to this renovation; however, the plant’s bloom cycle will be interrupted for one season, maybe more. To prevent the interruption in bloom cycles, lilacs can be given a …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … of the year. To end our celebration, we turn back on our lights and heat, and we are thankful for this too. It can be soothing to take cues from the cycles of nature. On this winter solstice, take a moment to pause and reflect, and make a wish for the bright beautiful new year. Happy Solstice! Create your own tradition Watch the sunrise or …
    Type: Blog