… insects, and more over the decades. A few holes in the trunk have served as nesting sites for generations of woodpeckers, chickadees, and other birds. Oaks are long-lived native trees … guide to trees in winter is a lovely companion, but the Garden’s plant tags offer help if you visit without one. There are many ways to appreciate winter outdoors . Take a walk to the … Japanese Garden, where the pines are symbols of long life that create living sculpture. Or visit the 100-acre McDonald Woods, filled with oaks and a forest floor laden with acorns. The …
Type: Plant Info
… 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
… you’re missing out on cool-season edibles that can be grown in the spring and again in summer for an enjoyable fall harvest. Cool-season crops include lettuce, spinach, collard greens, … days of autumn.” Timing is Everything The brassicas need about 70 to 80 days to mature for fall harvest. “Brussels sprouts are sweetest after a kiss of frost. Think about harvesting for Thanksgiving,” Hilgenberg says. Whether you sow cool-season crops from seeds, or buy …
Type: Plant Info
… sometimes even as late as December. In fact, frost makes kale taste sweeter! Looks Good & Good for You Kale, the cabbage without a head, is a member of the mustard family (Brassicaceae), along … not pure muck. Choose a well-drained, full-sun spot and thin the plants as they grow, allowing for the full-body structure they are going to assume. An alternative is to buy transplants and … on strong stems. The seed packet may say the plant grows to 2 feet, but it's not unusual for the plants to tower considerably higher. The tightly curled foliage offers a texture not …
Type: Plant Info
… 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
… led to its demise at the turn of the twentieth century—when these and other waders were hunted for their feathery plumes that women wore in their hats. Since then, the great egret, standing more than 3 feet tall with a nearly 5-foot wing span, has become the symbol for the National Audubon Society, founded in part to stop these birds from being killed to … is doing well in Illinois; however, habitat loss and water pollution may threaten its future. Visit Baker’s Lake in Barrington to watch the great egret during breeding season and McGinnis …
Type: Birding
… is required. Additional information concerning the artist is available at www.djgarrity.com . Students of all ages have enjoyed the light approach that Garrity brings to the art of … is required. Additional information concerning the artist is available at www.djgarrity.com . Students of all ages have enjoyed the light approach that Garrity brings to the art of …
Type: Page
To most people, the word “pollinator” is synonymous with the word “bee,” but only a fraction of plants are pollinated by bees. In fact, many different insects and mammals are pollinators—bats, birds, beetles, and we can't forget our nocturnal friends, moths. Conservation Scientist Krissa Skogen, Ph.D., tells us about the white-lined sphinx moth ( Hyles lineatawe ). Meet Some Moths In the state of …
Type: Plant Info
… parts that makes a garden a garden.” — Elements of Design by Joe Eck By May, it’s tempting to visit the local garden center and go gaga over all things in bloom. We load up the shopping cart … spring, now’s the time to take stock of what changes or improvements will provide the most for your personal enjoyment and your money. Often, we find inspiration by simply observing and … ( Asclepias tuberosa ) to feed monarchs and other butterflies. Places of Inspiration Did you visit another garden that you particularly enjoyed? Think about the elements that sparked your …
Type: Plant Info
… tips make the work easier, are less expensive than traditional techniques, and are healthier for your garden. The Basics The dirt on roses. The first step to ensuring gorgeous roses is … and return nutrients. Select a mulch type that is acidic if possible. Choose a sunny spot for your roses; they should receive at least five to six hours of direct sunlight daily—the more, … dead and diseased leaves, and quickly remove fallen leaves as well, which are often sources for reinfection. Consider composting: no need to buy compost when you can make your own! You can …
Type: Plant Info
