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  • …   Q. What are the current guidelines for planting trees and shrubs in the fall? A. Many trees and shrubs can be … The warm soil and the return of autumnal rains provide good conditions for woody plants to establish their root systems before going dormant. Trees and shrubs that are already balled … and should be planted no later than October 1, or in the spring. Marginal ornamental trees are best planted in spring. They include: Japanese maples, kousa and flowering dogwood, redbud, …
    Type: Plant Info
  • The Lenhardt Library One of the great treasures of the Chicago Botanic Garden     Images of … 31, 2026, Lenhardt Library Wednesday – Sunday 12 - 4 p.m.  Ten illustrations picturing roses in various printing styles and context.  Picturing roses from a German herbal woodcut from 1586 to a French rose garden plan from 1902.  This Rare Book Exhibition is in three display cases. The … One of the great treasures of the Chicago Botanic Garden     Images of Roses  March 25 – May 31, 2026, …
    Type: Page
  • … Our ghost orchid—a star at London’s Chelsea Flower Show and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew—was set up for success by an international conservation team. The … on a global stage in London?   An international team of orchid experts would work with us to get the rare plant to the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show in late May. At … orchid had come from the Chicago Botanic Garden.     In the end, everything worked out for the best. The ghost orchid captivated an audience at Chelsea and another one at Kew. And the Orchid …
    Type: Blog
  • … If you're wandering around the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden this fall, you may stumble upon Cinderella's coach. The … 100 to 120 warm days, depending on the variety. They don't like their roots disturbed, so it's best to sow the seeds directly in the ground. But they're also very tender and will fail or rot … squash or your zucchini (or your neighbor's). Buying new seeds each season is the best way to make sure you get what you expect.   Beth Botts is a garden writer and speaker who lives …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … April's only full moon is lovely enough, but the upcoming one is a gift from nature—and the perfect time to take a night walk. On Monday, April 26, head outside to see the "pink" supermoon. Whether you … for frogs, owls, and whippoorwills. We love moths and other night pollinators . Here’s an easy way to see them and get kids involved: Hold up a white towel or cloth, and shine a …
    Type: Blog
  • … prairies, tiny regal fritillary caterpillars begin an urgent search for young violet leaves—the only food they eat. Regal fritillary butterflies once lived in a world of endless prairies … and how all these factors influence genetic diversity—things get complicated. “As we developed best practices for reintroducing violets, we started thinking about all these missing species and … and let common blue violets ( Viola sororia ) grow in your turfgrass, and you’ll be on your way to creating a great spangled fritillary paradise. Learn more about gardening for butterflies. …
    Type: Blog
  • … New! Studies show that being outside, in nature, or even viewing a well-maintained landscape can have positive mental and physical … in strength, mobility, and stamina can reduce our enjoyment of our yards and gardens. Join us for some ideas to extend your garden enjoyment for years to come and adapt your landscape to become more …
    Type: Item Detail
  • … Radio Interviews of the Chicago Botanic Garden   Gardening Tips with Lisa Hilgenberg A weekly Saturday morning audio … growing tips by Chicago Botanic Garden horticulturist Lisa Hilgenberg on newsradio WBBM. Get past tips online at chicago.cbslocal.com/audio/gardening-tips/ . Lisa Hilgenberg manages thethe Urban Environmental Alliance talk about prairie restoration in the Chicago area. Listen to interview Afternoon Shift, May 11, 2015   Preparing Your garden For Spring Eliza Fournier, the
    Type: Page
  • … Q. What is the recommended fertilizer for a small aquatic tub garden? A. A balanced formula of 10-10-10 should satisfy the needs of the grasses as well as any flowering lily or lotus in your tub. Slow-release fertilizer tablets are quick and easy. They also help to prevent the accumulation of algae, which can be a problem with granular fertilizers. …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … Explore the Krasberg Rose Garden Learn More One of the great joys in June is the opportunity to stroll leisurely through the Rose Garden, and bear witness to more than 5,000 roses primed for … bud has bloomed overnight, and for gardeners looking for ideas and inspiration for growing the best roses in the Midwest. A Landscaped Stroll Garden This beautiful garden is so much more than …
    Type: Walks