… human well-being and health. Current Projects: Adaptation to temperature extremes. Temperature is one of the greatest drivers of plant diversification, with adaptation to both hot and cold … species distributions. While the family comprises mostly tropical species, the genus Asimina is able to grow over a range of USDA hardiness zones (zones 5-9). I am leading a project to … and midpoint of its native range to identify signatures of local adaptation. This project is integrally tied with traditional knowledge of local Native American communities given the …
Type: Staff bio
… a month longer to grow crops at either end of our rather short USDA Zone 5 season—is worthy of a home experiment. Hoophouses greatly increase vegetable production—they're … City Harvest locations. Hoophouse A hoophouse, either in-ground or attached to a raised bed, is a manageable way to try it. Along the way, you might find that a hoophouse has extra benefits … in heat; keeps the soil warmer for longer; limits weather damage; helps hold in moisture; and is easy to take on and off and to store. At the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden, raised beds …
Type: Plant Info
… 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
… 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
… measuring 1 ½ inches wide and facing upward. Plant it in full sun to partial shade. It is hardy in zones 4- 8. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
