… 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
… 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 … than that — warm enough for tomatoes to germinate — spinach won't sprout at all. Germination is not the only issue There's also the danger of late frosts that can nip at the foliage of … seed on a chilly day to slicing radishes into your salad in less than a month. That should be quick enough to scratch any gardener's itch. Beth Botts is a garden writer and speaker who …
Type: Plant Info
… berries can be converted into juice, jellies, and jam. Some can be made into wine. A grape is a berry, multiseeded with one ovary. Of all the small fruits grown in gardens, grapes and … perennial grapevine grows 12 to15 feet in height, with a 3- to 5-foot spread, depending how it is pruned, and is therefore a good choice for small spaces. It grows up and out of the way and … after raisins, the seedless, pinkish red 'Reliance' can be dried for that purpose. Selecting A Site When choosing a planting site, look for a sunny spot with excellent drainage and good air …
Type: Plant Info
… in the ground. Vines require very little lateral room at planting time since their growth is mostly up and outward. They can work their way into tight spots before breaking loose on a … to cement, brick, wood and even metal. In the case of climbing hydrangea, rootlet strength is such that homeowners in brick homes who value their tuckpointing are advised to weigh the … Chicago Area Perennial Vine Recommendations Boston ivy ( Parthenocissus tricuspidata ) This is a New England classic with shapely green leaves that blaze scarlet in autumn sun. As …
Type: Plant Info
… An Herbal Fix for Winter Doldrums The winter solstice arrives on December 21. It marks the official start of winter. On that day, we’ll experience the shortest amount of daylight and … longest night of the year here in the Northern Hemisphere. Have you noticed that the sunlight is weak and the skies are often somber? Freezing temperatures, the possibility of snow, and cabin … Catnip Crafts Do you have a feline or two at home? They can’t resist fresh catnip, which is easy to grow indoors. Harvest a few stems with leaves and dry them between paper towels. When …
Type: Plant Info
… The rock star fruit is trending —with fans, chefs, and researchers alike “It was pretty amazing,” said Susan … help them determine how the trees have adapted to cold temperatures—other plants that pawpaw is related to grow in tropical climates. The DNA will help the team evaluate pawpaw’s potential … it open and scoop out the pulp with a spoon, avoiding the seeds. It’s good in ice cream and quick breads, and can be used to brew beer and mead. Pawpaw wildflower growing in the Garden’s …
Type: Blog
… in the garden, the thought of puttering in front of a windowsill brings little comfort. There is a new group of houseplants, however, that can lead double lives — in the winter they're indoor … Garden uses houseplants in its three-season rotation of annuals. And many gardening centers, quick to pick up on trends set by prominent garden designers, offer these houseplants in their … sense to change the soil and repot the plant using fresh soilless mix. Ordinary garden soil is too heavy and not as fast-draining as the mixes. Indoor clover ( Alternanthera dentata …
Type: Plant Info
… Mites are often difficult to see without a lens. Scale — Characteristic sticky, clear honeydew is produced on leaves by these small, immobile, rounded insects usually found on stems and veins …
Type: Plant Info
… At the top of the list of why we garden is for the joy it brings. Yes, there is the effort of physical labor, and true, some plants succumb and we don't know why. But most … spot might accommodate rhododendrons, azaleas, or other marginal plants requiring a special site. Examine your soil carefully. This is especially true for new homes, where much of the good …
Type: Plant Info
… or containers that offer nectar for the adults and host plants for the caterpillars. Nectar is a sugar-rich liquid that butterflies, bees, and other pollinators rely on for energy. If you … have nectar plants that will attract them. Be a Butterfly Bartender A butterfly’s tongue is shaped like a flexible straw, which it unrolls and dips into the base of a flower. Native … small understory tree was once common in Illinois, its habitat has greatly diminished, which is a shame because the fruit, when ripe, is delicious. Some hairstreaks lay their eggs on oaks, …
Type: Plant Info
