… in northern Illinois and at the Garden every winter, but sometimes, we have a banner year for these lovely little birds—with more than 30 visible at one time. Flocks of common redpolls … in some winters, smaller-than-normal seed production forces these birds to fly south looking for food at feeders, in garden plantings, and in the wild. Seed production on trees varies from … seeds. And if snow covers the seeds on trees, these birds have to fly further south to look for food. Places like the Chicago Botanic Garden can offer respite for these northerly visitors …
Type: Page
… and increase the diversity of insect, animal, bird, and plant life. The river meanders for a mile along the base of an abundantly planted slope that rises to meet the Garden wall. … shoreline challenges and water fluctuations. Here is another chance to cross over the water to visit the gardens up close; foregoing that option and continuing the perimeter walk, however, we … some of them in your own landscape. Reflect on the abundance of the day, and plan your next visit to the Chicago Botanic Garden. Did we mention how gorgeous the perimeter walk is during …
Type: Walks
… garden? You’ll save money and you only have to step outside to collect whatever you need for a vase or two. Got Sun? A little sunny spot along a garage wall, a deck, patio, or in a side … fertilizer can damage the roots. What’s growing out your windows? Besides a dedicated area for cut flowers, you may be growing other plants that are suitable. Go foraging for flowers in … Or pick some fragrant viburnum flowers or a colorful hydrangea and pop them into a Ball jar. Visit your vegetable garden for a few stems of kale, Swiss chard, twirling pea stems, or dill …
Type: Plant Info
… As summer winds down you may be thinking about stowing your shovel and other tools for the season. (But don’t stow that rake—the leaves won’t be falling just yet.) Before you clean … good time to find them on sale. The Basics Just getting started? Invest in a few good tools for digging, weeding, pruning, and watering. Inexpensive gardening tools have a short life. They … often bend, break or rust. Well-made tools may cost more, but with maintenance, they’ll last for years. And, if you’re already growing flowers, veggies, or herbs, what gardener couldn’t use …
Type: Plant Info
… And so, our love story began ❤. The hibiscus dazzled my family by blooming profusely for many years, indoors during the cold months and outdoors on the patio in the summer. Then, one … a larger pot, so I gently tore away at the root ball until there was enough room in the pot for roots and dirt. This helped, and once again, the hibiscus started producing blooms and … These images above are from the day the hibiscus re-bloomed in my garden. This fall, I'm buying it a bigger pot. Get more info on hibiscus , see which varieties we have growing at the …
Type: Blog
… Nine Secret Spaces Fun Spots for all ages Download the GardenGuide App when you visit to use this tour on your phone Distance: … Visitor Center. Fill up your water bottles. Take a bathroom break. Grab a power bar or snack for later at the Garden Café. Stop 2: McDonald Woods: Council ring Secret Space #1 is .36 miles … Fun Spots for all ages Download the GardenGuide App when you visit to use this tour on your phone Distance: Varied Time: 2-3 hours Stop 1: Visitor Center Kick …
Type: Page
Symphyotrichum shortii , known as Short's aster, is a native of eastern North America that grows well in full sun to partially shaded environments. Among the most floriferous of the native asters, this plant produces violet-blue flowers with bright golden centers that turn brick-red once the flowers are pollinated. In bloom, the flowers are visited by a wide array of insects including …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… And it can save you some big bucks. A 1-gallon pot of purple coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea), for example, may cost $8 to $10. A packet of seeds can provide dozens of the same plant for about one-third of the price. Each seed holds an embryonic plant that’s resting and waiting for the right conditions to germinate. One of the most satisfying things a gardener can do is …
Type: Plant Info
… said Fred Spicer, executive vice president and director of the Chicago Botanic Garden. The latest version shows that about half of the country, including much of the state of Illinois, has … gardeners to try new plants that typically grow in warmer areas, Spicer said. Keep an eye out for new offerings at garden centers and in catalogs this spring, as retailers expand their offerings. “Ask yourself, how lucky do you feel? And be prepared for joy…and maybe disappointment.” Spicer advised gardeners to use the map as a starting point, …
Type: Blog
… Time: 10–40 minutes of actual planting (depending on the size of the group) Appropriate for Ages: 2 and up Clean-up Time: 10–15 minutes Large pea seeds are easy for small fingers to grasp. Here I am modeling the latest in seedling trays. You can purchase these and our other supplies at your local garden … flower), pumpkin, and other squash. For more details about how and when to plant these seeds visit www.kidsgardening.org/node/101624 . A low, wide trug full of soil makes filling pots easy …
Type: Blog
