… perennial that produces flower spikes with numerous dark purplish blue pea-like flowers in spring. Pollinators such as birds, bees and butterflies are attracted to these upright spikes that persist for about two weeks. Big Ben grows to about four feet in height and width and has grayish-green foliage. Although removing the flower spikes when they are spent will result in a neater, more rounded plant overall, the seed pods will be lost and these can be a beautiful …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… if you look into the throat of the flower, there appears to be a nun with her head bowed in prayer. This lovely terrestrial orchid is a robust plant that blooms with clusters of four to … of about 30 species of Phaius that grow from East Africa to Australia, and it has naturalized in some areas of Florida. This impressive plant likes well-drained soil in bright shade. The orchid family consists of a large number of genera, each with its own unique …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Native to Central America, this orchid grows to 1 foot in height. Its flowers are 5 inches across and bat-like, with the lip and column held apart from … red and a yellow throat. Several flower spikes with up to six blooms per spike can be produced in one season. It requires warm indoor temperatures and needs to be exposed to good light, high … actively growing. It should not be watered when dormant. Like all stanhopeas, it must be grown in a hanging basket with openings to accommodate the flower spikes that burrow through the …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… A. When attempting to attract birds to your garden, it is important to know what species are in your area as well as their food preferences and feeding habits. For example, some birds such … to check local ordinances before feeding birds on the ground; ground feeding may be prohibited in some municipalities because it attracts other unwanted animals. Regularly stocking your bird … of birds including cardinals, chickadees, and nuthatches. Suet cakes, especially popular in winter, are comprised of seed, nuts, and fat products. They are a high-energy food and very …
Type: Plant Info
… spaces of make believe. They are miniature gardens that invite fairy friends to come and live in your world. Whether they are set at the bottom of a tree or planted in a favorite container, these miniature environments promote imagination, creative play, and … for all ages. Try these variations: Children: Small figurines are fun for playing pretend in the garden, and the tiny movable pieces help children practice fine motor skills. Adults: Try …
Type: Plant Info
… Gardeners do love their perennials. They delight in watching them grow and artfully combining them with neighboring plants. They savor those "in bloom" moments, and they generously share their stock (sometimes) with friends. But most of … stems bearing pinkish white, four-petaled flowers that open one at a time, from the bottom up, in gladiolus fashion. These slender flower stems tend to wave in the wind, with the flowers …
Type: Plant Info
… of the flowers smells like chocolate. This species requires very bright light whether grown in greenhouses, on a windowsill, or under artificial lights. During the summer growing season, it prefers a moist, humid growing environment, but in the winter the watering should be reduced and diurnal — the difference between night and day … to grow, making them popular with beginners and expert hobbyists alike. They are often found in the company of ants, which probably are necessary to their well-being. English botanist …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Nothing is better than a daffodil-filled spring view. Bird Island in peak daffodil bloom. Antique Lace daffodil ( Narcissus 'Antique Lace') lights up the garden in spring. Long-lasting. Sturdy. Cold-tolerant. Fragrant. Sun-loving. Pest-free. Gorgeous in a vase. Despised by deer . No wonder daffodils are so beloved by Chicago area gardeners. Even …
Type: Plant Info
… Casey regularly performs as soloist, bandleader, and sideman in various groups throughout the United States. As a classical guitarist, he has given solo … and Musical Offering’s Music on Madison concert series. As a jazz guitarist, Casey performs in local jazz venues such as Andy’s, Fulton Street Arts Collective, Green Mill, Jazz Showcase, Merriman’s Playhouse, and The Whistler. Since forming in 2014, his group, Lapis Trio, has played many venues including University of Southern …
Type: Event for Calendar
… Q. My neighbor puts epsom salts in the soil around his rose bushes instead of fertilizer. Is there any advantage to this? A. Epsom salts have a long tradition of being used in the garden, especially in Europe, before commercial fertilizers became readily available. They are a fast-acting source …
Type: Plant Info
