… It’s time for a visit to the Dixon Prairie to savor late spring flowers and the pollinators visiting these … australis) ; this plant, not native to the Chicago region, was historically a source for blue dye. Both species are in the pea family. Many prairie plants belong to the pea family; … the primary pollinator. Butterflies, in their quest for nectar, will not be rewarded for their visit, however, since Ohio spiderwort doesn’t have nectar. Spiderwort (Tradescantia ‘Sweet …
Type: Blog
… But, as an educator, I chalk them up as life-long learning experiences. After gardening for more than four decades. I’ve discovered, hey, I’m still learning (and groaning). Because this … holds moisture. Over time, it can soften the bark and cause it to rot. Don’t try this at home. Visit a volcano in Iceland instead. Know What’s Down There There’s nothing worse than stepping on … in Chicago ranged from 39°F to 82°F, leading some gardeners (me, for example) to think it was safe to plant heat-loving annuals, herbs and vegetables. (Disclaimer: I know better.) The weather …
Type: Plant Info
… Botanic Garden horticultural therapy session that provided a soothing break from caring for her husband, a veteran. Something as simple as potting a plant brought tears to her eyes. “I’m so appreciative because this is such a safe space and I live a life of gratitude,” she said, her voice cracking with emotion. “It’s so therapeutic and for me, it’s respite,” she added. “I relax, and then I’m recharged.” Using the power of plants to …
Type: Blog
… white that attract butterflies and other pollinators. Although wild asters have a reputation for looking lanky or weedy rather than bushy and compact, their seeds are an important food source for birds in winter. Symphyotrichum ‘Bridal Veil’ Symphyotrichum o blongifolium ‘October Skies’ … for its intense lavender-blue flowers. Learn more about the Garden’s aster evaluation . Visit the Garden's Dixon Tallgrass Prairie in autumn to view thousands of New England asters in …
Type: Plant Info
… Garden. But dig a little deeper (literally and figuratively), and you’ll find the reason for that slope: the “hill” is actually the remnants of a glacier. Its proper name is the Highland … of the country; a secondary divide travels along our edge of Lake Michigan. A helpful map for visualizing the ups and downs of the moraines and the valleys in between. Source: Luman, … in such an appropriate way. 5 Reasons to Love the North Branch Trail Extension It’s safe (for all the bike riders who’ve wobbled in a vehicle’s wake on busy Lake Cook Road). It’s …
Type: Blog
… angustifolia ) , and Spanish or French lavender (L. stoechas or L. dentata) . On your next visit to the Garden , drop by the Thomas English Walled Garden or Sensory Garden, take a deep … tsp. salt Drop by teaspoonfuls on to an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-13 minutes. Icing (optional): 2 cups powdered sugar 5½ tsp. water 6½ tsp. rosewater Recipe courtesy of The Spice House, thespicehouse.com …
Type: Blog
… the famously rich Cape Floral Kingdom, Kirstenbosch has been admired by visitors to the Cape for more than 200 years. Since it was established in 1913, it has been the flagship of South … that contributed to one of the ‘magnificent seven’ botanical gardens of the world. As a base for research, environmental education, and outreach, Kirstenbosch has had a major influence on … the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, the Kew International Medal, the Le Roe Award of the Society for Conservation Biology, and many awards in his home country, South Africa, including the …
Type: Event for Calendar
… Saucer Magnolia —English Walled Garden The Plant Lover’s Guide to Magnolias Magnolias for fragrance…magnolias for small spaces…evergreen magnolias…plant expert Andrew Bunting sorts through the world’s … practical use during your visits with our app. Magnolia Information from the Experts 12 Plants for a More Fragrant Garden Forcing Flowering Branches Trees for 2050: Sweetbay Magnolia Magnolia …
Type: Plant Info
… “Now that we have this wonderful relationship with the Roberti House, we’re hoping we can plan for more production, too.” Indeed, the need is great. About 130 families facing food insecurity … complement the Garden’s produce, including bread, avocadoes, oranges, yogurt, and mangoes, for example. Some produce is used in the Roberti House’s Culinary Pathway program, a workforce … with a white picket fence—for neighbors of all ages to gather and grow in a safe place. The Garden jumped in from the beginning by designing pathways and landscaping the …
Type: Blog
… we managed this year was not more than 50," O'Shaughnessy explains. "We’ve used two techniques for dealing with it—pulling, and cutting. The preferred [and considerably safer] technique is … this time." When visiting the Dixon Prairie, we recommend remaining on the cultivated paths. For additional information about identification and removal of wild parsnip, as well as current …
Type: Plant Info
