… April in the Garden is all about anticipation, with each day bringing new discoveries, news oohs and aahs. What a … wheel and adds a flurry of floral drama. Hues of Blues Another wildflower from out of state is the beloved Texas bluebonnet ( Lupinus texensis ), one of six species of lupines that … fragrant flowers can sometimes reach 50 in number on a single stem. Blue, in all its hues, is a prized color in the garden, and flowers in these tones are used profusely as accents to the …
Type: Walks
… can seem dark—especially on overcast days. Any sunlight that passes through windowpanes now is less intense and of shorter duration than in summer. But that’s no problem for several indoor … lower maintenance—plants can be left in their pots for many years before repotting. Growth is quite slow in low-light situations, but plants perform well with minimal care. They tolerate … can withstand dry conditions. The leaves are somewhat succulent, so the most common problem is overwatering. ZZ Plant ( Zamioculcas zamiifolia ) Although its common name is ZZ …
Type: Plant Info
… They can be freestanding or attached to an exterior wall. The top, which serves as a ceiling, is often a series of slats or latticework that provides partial shade. Like arbors, pergolas are … or trailing plants. They can also hold hanging baskets along the sides. A good example is in the English Walled Garden . Trellises A trellis is another design element that can support climbing plants or it can simply stand alone as a …
Type: Plant Info
… Winter solstice is just around the corner—December 21 to be exact. On that day, we in the Midwest will have about … or a dusting of snow, the landscape becomes all the more magical. The angle of the sunlight is gentle, and on some days, especially after a snowfall, the sky becomes a brilliant, cloudless … striking shapes and forms of the trees and rocks. The apples and pears are long gone, but this is a good time to admire the unusual structure and form of espaliered fruit trees in the …
Type: Plant Info
… Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ) is one of the most popular herbs grown today. It is not only a flavorful ingredient in Italian, Chinese, French, and Thai cuisine, but it is also a fragrant, ornamental plant for gardens and containers. Easy to grow and tasty to eat, …
Type: Plant Info
… it may seem as if the window of time when early annuals and veggies can be safely planted is very tiny indeed. But there are ways to ensure that our wild weather won't preclude an … flowers, or inspirational annuals without a greenhouse, elaborate props, or high stress. This is an adventurous learning experience for the family; a huge cost-saver; a wonderful way to grow … and the Lenhardt Library is stocked with catalogs and magazines. Take advantage of this on-site expertise. Seeds, Bulbs, Tubers – Read the Small Print Read before you buy. If some of those …
Type: Plant Info
… benefit from a light sanding to remove rust or splinters. Others may need replacing—and this is a good time to find them on sale. The Basics Just getting started? Invest in a few good … tool edges), and some coarse sandpaper, and you’re off to a great start. Trowel A trowel is a good tool for digging small holes, transplanting, removing weeds, and cultivating the soil. … against a flat edge. Ratchet pruners are basically anvil pruners, but the cutting action is done in stages. Ordinary scissors, used solely for gardening, may work well, too. Hoes A …
Type: Plant Info
… days grow longer in early spring, gardeners get itchy. And for vegetable gardeners, late March is not too soon to get started. But you can't plant just anything Only a few crops, mainly greens … — don't like to be transplanted, so they should always be direct-sown. Peas Germination is not the only issue There's also the danger of late frosts that can nip at the foliage of … starts growing crops beginning early in the spring. Just remember that in Glencoe, the climate is a bit more moderate than farther away from Lake Michigan. Your own garden may not warm up as …
Type: Plant Info
… A favorite flavoring all over the world, pepper is used in a different way by each cuisine: Caribbean chefs flavor their dishes with habanero; in … enjoy piri piri; and the Brazilians use malagueta. (For the extremely local, no Chicago dog is complete unless it comes with sport peppers!) Use these top tips to ensure the best pepper harvest year after year in your garden, because every bite is worth savoring. Horticulturist favorites Every year brings new cultivars and favorites along …
Type: Plant Info
… in a flock of common redpolls or goldfinches and siskins. In winter, this rare visitor is most likely to be found in alders or birches while feeding on seeds in cones and catkins. …
Type: Birding
