… Gardeners know it takes time and effort to cultivate a plant palette that blooms throughout the seasons. Each flower brings so much joy … never last as long as you would like. My first urge is to take pictures. But there is another way to preserve this ephemeral beauty: drying flowers. If you’ve walked through the Chicago … A great native flower to try. The blue flowers stay true. Lady’s mantle: In most cases, it is best to remove the leaves before drying—lady’s mantle is the exception. Sunflowers: …
Type: Blog
… may be taking part in No Mow May—a movement that began in Great Britain in 2019 and has spread to North America and beyond. The goal is to leave the “weeds”—clover, dandelions, violets—even … Charlie (gasp!) so that bees can feed on their spring flowers. If this sounds contrary to the way most homeowners view their lawns—crisp, clean, deep green, and weed-free (think of … that first June mowing, the lawn may become stressed. It may take up to three mowings to get back to the ideal height—about 3½ inches. A taller lawn grows deeper roots, holds moisture …
Type: Blog
… indoors will be too complicated or difficult or messy. But nature makes it easy. A seed exists to sprout, and given the right conditions, it will do so with great determination. Sowing Seeds … annuals and vegetables that come from places with a longer growing season than Chicago—are best given a head start inside where it's warm, beginning in late February or March for some … But it must be porous enough to drain very well and allow the delicate roots to find their way between its particles. Potting mix is generally too dense; it's better to buy a sterile …
Type: Plant Info
… thrives in full sun and hot, humid conditions. Aerial roots near the base of the stem attach to surrounding objects to support the upright stem. The orchid family consists of a large number of genera, each with … by genus and is consistent with their natural habitat. While requiring adequate sunlight for a stunning bloom display, most orchids will not tolerate sustained direct sun. Many varieties …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Attracting birds to the winter garden can be a fun-filled and action-packed spectator sport. Supplying our … them. With a bird identification book or chart from any seed supply store, you'll be on your way to becoming an identification expert. Common Cardinal Goldfinch on a flower head Cedar … house finches, sparrows, juncos, and chickadees. Once you start feeding birds, you'll get hooked and want to know more about various feeders, seeds, and birds. With its hundreds of …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. What is the best way to care for clematis? A. It is important to plant clematis in a location where the top of the plant will …
Type: Plant Info
… A great way to get into the winter spirit is to create your own wreath, featuring embellishments inspired by nature. Don't be intimidated: We will take you step by step through the process. The best part is that you can add your own touches to make your wreath truly one-of-a-kind. Here are …
Type: Blog
… New! Looking to grow your best garden yet? Join William Moss for an exciting and informative workshop covering various techniques for successful vegetable … gardening in the Chicago area. Topics will cover tasks, techniques, and tips from winter to fall as well as basic botany, soil preparation, crop selection, rotation and planning, pest …
Type: Item Detail
… From Baby Yoda to Pollock: How Rachael Kolby Transforms Pumpkins into Art. Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns … spots, or walls that are too thick or too thin for your design. Sometimes they don’t carve the way you expect or won’t light up properly. On top of that, you’re racing against time, so you … screaming, “It’s Baby Yoda!” and running toward it in excitement. Even adults couldn’t get enough of it. Have you ever had a carving go totally wrong? What happened, and what did you …
Type: Blog
… First? Calling all curious minds in rising 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th grades! Are you ready to unleash your inner explorer and dive into the wonders of science? Look no further than Science … Fuel your curiosity: Learn about plants, animals, and the environment in a fun and engaging way. Free lunch: No need to pack a brown bag, lunch is on us! Make new friends: Connect with like-minded peers and build lasting memories. Friday field trips: Get ready for thrilling adventures! Exciting possibilities: Kayaking on the serene waters, …
Type: Page
