… is synonymous with the word “bee,” but only a fraction of plants are pollinated by bees. In fact, many different insects and mammals are pollinators—bats, birds, beetles, moths, and … then perhaps, in some populations, the plants benefit from not advertising their scent. To test this idea, we needed to conduct behavioral experiments to understand how Hyles perceive … insects that eat them might determine how a flower smells! We hope to continue this study to test our hypothesis further and learn more about how scent influences hawkmoth behavior, and how …
Type: Blog
… perennial border, it’s wise to refrain from adding any amendment to soil before having a soil test. Most Midwest soils contain high levels of potassium and phosphorus and don’t require … fertilizer with a nitrogen to phosphorus to potassium ratio of 3:1:2. This can be done in early May or early fall. Avoid heavy nitrogen use if water runs off your lawn into a body of … leaf mold or homemade compost fertilizes plants organically and improves soil texture. Till in 2 to 4 inches when planting a bed, or broadcast across beds in early spring and late fall when …
Type: Plant Info
… Hybridization of certain species of hydrangea has shifted them from their exclusive provenance in New England, the Pacific Northwest, and the more temperate areas of the South, to the flat … soil and maintaining the pH in the 5.0 to 5.5. Determine the soil's pH level using a pH test kit, but beware tap water may alter test results so use deionized water when testing. Add garden lime to raise a soil’s pH, or …
Type: Plant Info
… titmice, blue jays, and others provide a colorful, entertaining addition to our gardens in winter. Unlike spring—when they’re busy singing, looking for a mate, and building nests—in winter, a bird’s main activity is to find and eat enough food to keep warm. They’re searching … 2 inches deep). Birds will not use birdbaths with deep basins. If you’re new to bird-watching, buy a bird identification book. It will make the often dull winter months much more delightful. …
Type: Plant Info
… The fourth of July is upon us, and while many beautiful flowers can be found in patriotic shades of red and white, the color blue is very difficult to find at the Garden. In fact, blue is a rare sight in the entire natural world. Less than ten percent of the plant kingdom features blue flowers, …
Type: Blog
… a plant like any other with specific soil, sun, and moisture requirements. A commercial soil test can be a cost-effective tool for understanding your soil and knowing what amendments it … The results will help to ensure you are fertilizing only as needed with the right nutrients in the proper amounts, and whether there is enough organic matter to maintain good drainage and … top-dress once a year with compost, and use slow-release organic fertilizer only when a soil test says it is needed. They view fast-acting synthetic fertilizers as tools of last resort …
Type: Plant Info
… stories, and green-thumb tips. Panache sunflower ( Helianthus annuus ‘Panache’) With that in mind, here are five simple secrets for seed-starting success 1. Quality seed starter. Give your seeds a healthy jump start by planting them in a really good seed starting mix. Don’t skimp on quality here—plants grown in inferior mix will … those grown in a high-quality medium. Some adjectives that should describe the product you buy: sterile, fine-grained, free-draining, fluffy, uniform. One brand we’ve had success with: …
Type: Blog
… Look Here’s how you can make Thanksgiving-themed floral centerpieces like a pro: Pick flowers in autumn colors. Buy a few bunches of flowers in different fall colors and textures. Nancy chose red roses, yellow mums, red-yellow mums, and …
Type: Blog
… year with the addition of spring bulbs that provide clumps of delicate flowers—and not just in May, but in February. Yes, now is the time to start planning and planting for an uplifting … of daffodils and other bulbs, the winter may not seem that long. Here are a few favorites to buy and plant now through October. You’ll find more (and can buy them) at the Garden’s Fall Bulb Festival. Daffodils (Narcissus) Daffodils offer nearly …
Type: Plant Info
… In 2001, Plants of Concern was launched through the Chicago Botanic Garden to track the status of rare, threatened, and endangered species in northeast Illinois. A landmark program at the time of its conception, Plants of Concern has … over half of the 323 species that are listed in Illinois as threatened or endangered. Over 300 volunteers and staff members partner with around 150 landowners and land managers to monitor …
Type: Blog
