… The January issue of National Geographic features articles on two topics dear to me: American’s national parks (I just planned a Grand Canyon/Arches trip for June!), and the power of nature to improve mental health. The latter article cites scientific evidence that nature makes us … even when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate with our harvest, she doesn’t let us down. Nature is generally consistent, and when it isn’t, it is surprisingly consistent in its inconsistency. …
Type: Blog
… Online Group Classes Looking for an opportunity to bring friends or work colleagues together for a fun and relaxing learning experience? Book a … instructor from the Chicago Botanic Garden. Fill out the Online Group Class Inquiry Form to submit your inquiry, and we will connect with you to arrange a date and time for your program. … the basics of capturing images outside, regardless of camera type. You will learn about the best ways to use natural light and shadows, as well as tips for arranging the composition of your …
Type: Page
… circulation, and don't keep them in the fridge—it destroys their flavor and texture. The best tomato flavor develops when fruits ripen on the plant. Harvest by gently twisting the tomato … bag or in the fridge. Plastic bags do not allow the ethylene produced as tomatoes ripen to escape, thus speeding up the ripening process considerably. Don't ruin a crop unintentionally. The refrigerator is too cold for tomatoes: Temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit will ruin the flavor and …
Type: Page
… forsythia bushes began unfurling their flower power in shades of bright yellow. " Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party. " — Robin Williams, American Actor While I’d like to party outside—sowing seeds and enjoying the spring blossoms—I’m keeping a cautious eye on the … vegetable plants this month. They’ve been coddled in a warm greenhouse up until now. If you buy warm-season crops (like tomatoes, peppers, beans and squash) wait to plant them until after …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. When is the best time to prune a cherry tree? A. The best time to prune a cherry tree or to remove dead wood is in the summer. Pruning in summer …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. When is the best time to prune boxwood shrubs? A. Established boxwood shrubs requiring little or no pruning. The best time for overall pruning to shape boxwoods is in the early spring. However, trimming stray …
Type: Plant Info
… Welcome to high summer at the Chicago Botanic Garden, where color, scent, and the play of light on water … await you at nearly every turn. A perfect way to experience the lush abundance of the season is with a walk around the Garden’s 2.6-mile perimeter. Whether enjoying panoramic scenes or … or, at midday, resting in the shade. Nearby is a service road with a gate that bars all but official Garden vehicles; follow this road as it curves, becoming the Garden’s westernmost road. …
Type: Walks
… educators and horticulturists credit their personal growth and professional development to early doses of “Vitamin G” (a term to describe the benefits of exposure to green environments). Their words and childhood pictures best capture the joyful impact of nature on their lives. Deeply Rooted Educators Kris Jarantoski … in learning science with my love of nature and share it with others, I thought, ‘This is the place for me’.” Jennifer at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, age 4 Eileen Prendergast …
Type: Page
… near Native Plant Garden, and Farm on Ogden Jerram artist statement: “ Of Earth and Sky is a large-scale installation of poetry created by the public through a process of workshops and … across multiple locations, forming a temporary sculpture trail where the public is able to discover and interact with the poetry, in a physical form.” About the artist: Luke Jerram’s … not to disturb the collards or sugar snap peas. I smile at the green tomatoes remembering the best fried green tomato sandwiches you made on Saturday mornings. I float with glee past the rows …
Type: Page
… two years since I co-founded Plant Love Stories, people have told me their stories. I love to hear them—and not just because I’m a plant conservation scientist. Maybe you remember your … fun to bring plants out of the background, up front where they belong. In addition to our website, which now has more than 110 stories, we have hosted live storytelling events at science … Welch Director of Plant Science and Conservation, shared her Plant Love Story, “Grandma Knows Best.” Dr. Havens’s grandma “was the first to say...I should be a botanist (when I was about 6 …
Type: Blog
