… An elegant earth-to-earth closed system What smells like earth, enriches the soil, and is free for the making? Compost! A healthy compost pile is easy to maintain, has no offensive odor, and does not attract animals. Best of all, composting … your compost bin or pile in a shady outdoor area with access to rain/snow. Some sunlight is fine, but the pile should not be in constant, direct sun. For ease of access, consider placing …
Type: Plant Info
… in open areas like the Dixon Prairie, or elsewhere around the Garden, for this warbler that is common at the Garden during its long migration stopover. One of the most ubiquitous warblers throughout northern Illinois and at the Garden during spring migration is an active, thin-billed bird called the yellow-rumped warbler. It's one of up to 36 warbler species seen in the area during the spring and fall migrations. This warbler species is quite handsome and fun to watch. A spring male decked in his finest courtship attire is blue …
Type: Birding
… and amazed us,” said senior horticulturist, Davina Bowman. “It was like knowing your child is waking up from a nap! We can go and take care of the plants right away and know they will look … The brains of the system, a computer that the horticulturists have nicknamed, “Hal-lie,” is located in an office at the south end of the Garden. Each morning, the supervisors check in … a list of chores. This saves the step of walking through the gardens and guessing what work is most needed each day. A surprising outcome of this new system has been in the messages from …
Type: Blog
… Check daily for black spot, especially in wet weather. Do not handle rosebushes if foliage is wet and infected. Wait until leaves have dried before removing them and spraying. Monitor … black heads) and their damage (tissuelike patches on the leaves). Succulent new green growth is particularly susceptible to aphid attack. Monitor newly planted shrubs, small flowering trees, … of water on damaged foliage to remove pests. June One application of fertilizer in the spring is usually sufficient for species roses such as Rosa rugosa and shrub roses. All other roses …
Type: Plant Info
… eventual home. Keep the tree’s mature size in mind when determining placement. Once the hole is dug, if freezing temperatures are predicted, move the soil into a garage or other warm … it permanently outdoors. Once the tree has been planted, be sure to water it in well. This is particularly important as evergreens are prone to drying out over winter. Fertilization is not necessary. A 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch will be beneficial as mulch moderates soil …
Type: Plant Info
… unusual greens that were planted in early spring can be planted again this month. If weather is unusually hot, plant these greens in partial shade. The best quality and best tasting salad … that were watered frequently and lightly rather than infrequently but deeply. This advice is the exact opposite to what is recommended for watering trees, shrubs, perennials, grass, and other plants. When harvesting …
Type: Plant Info
… number of genera, each with its own unique characteristics. A common characteristic, however, is the basic form of the flower, which consists of three petals surrounded by three sepals -- … -- though the absolute temperature range (cool, intermediate or warm) varies by genus and is consistent with their natural habitat. While requiring adequate sunlight for a stunning bloom … sustain the plant through dry periods. Other varieties are monopodial, meaning upward growth is from a single growing point. There is an exception to almost every general statement one can …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Prairie as we search for songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors. No prior bird-watching experience is required, and binoculars are recommended but not necessary. Bridget Kiernan, birder and …
Type: Item Detail
… conditions. From March through June it has showy white blooms that attract butterflies. It is a specimen in an understory or on the urban street. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… year. Adaptable to full or partial sun, this species of woody shrub matures at 4 feet high. It is native from southern Mexico down to northern South America. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
