… it often overshadows the concerns ecologists have about our own native bees. Illinois is home to about 500 species of bees that are important pollinators in natural areas, in agricultural … their waists.) Nick Dorian is a postdoctoral researcher with the Garden’s Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action, and he finds bees simply fascinating. One day in … have evolved together over thousands of years. But, many native bees are “generalists”—they visit a wide variety of plants, including non-native flowers like zinnias and lavender. Other …
Type: Plant Info
… Caring for Orchids at Home Introduction Orchids are amazing plants. Their colorful petals are like a … Chicago Botanic Garden, we celebrate the world of orchids with our annual Orchid Show. We work to conserve native orchids. Our research team is involved in studying and preserving the … Tropical Greenhouse, like the whimsical clamshell orchid. You do not need your own greenhouse to grow orchids successfully. There are practical ways you can encourage orchid growth and …
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… It may be too early (or too painful) to think about autumn’s soon-to-come big chill, the diminishing daylight, and blowing snow. But … not just in May, but in February. Yes, now is the time to start planning and planting for an uplifting display of blooms—the early risers—that can grace your home landscape from late … of daffodils and other bulbs, the winter may not seem that long. Here are a few favorites to buy and plant now through October. You’ll find more (and can buy them) at the Garden’s Fall Bulb …
Type: Plant Info
… Q: Every winter the snow damages some of my shrubs. Is there anything I can do to prevent this? A: A heavy snow load caused by excessive amounts of snow, ice, or an unusually … These wrappings should be removed in early spring. Homeowners should resist the temptation to remove snow or ice by shaking branches. This can cause breakage of limbs and tender plant … chances of snow load damage. Examine your shrubs in mid- to late winter to determine the need for pruning. …
Type: Plant Info
… Photo by Jeremie Fant. While last seen in the wild a decade ago, with just one plant clinging to a wind-swept sea cliff on a Hawaiian island, alula is still seen today by visitors at botanic … a future on this planet,” said Kayri Havens, Ph.D., chief scientist of the Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action at the Garden. “It is so gratifying to see our studbook … 50% of known flowering plants are estimated at risk of extinction . And you don’t need to visit Hawaii to find rare and endangered species, they are also holding on in the face of habitat …
Type: Blog
… Hydrangeas are a coveted late summer bouquet, but the cut flowers never last long—we set out to discover how to get enduring blooms. Hydrangeas we tested, from left to right: smashed stem, … hydrangeas to test three methods: Specimen 1 Dipped the stem in alum (a food additive used for pickling or canning) Specimen 2 Added Quick Dip powder to the water Specimen 3 Smashed … tissue that transports water up the stem.” Do this: Put them in water ASAP Whether you cut or buy them, get your hydrangeas in water immediately. If hydrangeas are out of water for too long, …
Type: Blog
… Bees & Beyond thematic programming at the Chicago Botanic Garden inspired Windy City Harvest to offer this special course for gardeners to learn about the pollinators in their backyards and gardening techniques to support them. …
Type: Item Detail
… Q. What shrubs can be grown in the shade? A. It is best to determine the level of shade in your garden prior to purchasing plants for that area. Deep shade is generally defined as an area receiving little to no sun. Partially …
Type: Plant Info
… pictures you take, but in general, you should allow about an hour. What is the best time slot to sign up for? Any time! If you’d like photos of the candlelit Garden at twilight, you might … No tripods or monopods, please. What happens if the weather turns bad after we buy tickets? We’ll track any wind or rain closely and will let you know by 3 p.m. the day of … Also, check our website and social media pages for updates. Should I arrive in advance of my visit time? Do allow extra time for entry and parking, but do not arrive more than 15 minutes …
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… year-round birds into your garden by offering them food, water, and shelter. Start with easy-to-clean bird feeders. Place the feeders at different heights. Some birds (sparrows, juncos, … feeding platform. Woodpeckers, titmice, nuthatches, chickadees, finches, and redpolls tend to prefer feeders that are 4 to 6 feet off the ground. (One note of caution—if neighboring cats … roam your garden, do not place bird seed on the ground.) Spring is an important time of year for bird feeding. That’s because the seeds in many natural areas and forest preserves are often …
Type: Plant Info
