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  • … Members of the genus Salix are commonly known as willows. These woody plants range in size from the imposing weeping willow tree to small shrubs. While not fussy about soil quality, they … willows are often used to control erosion in such areas. They are easily propagated from cuttings; willows root and grow quickly. Of the estimated 350 species in the genus Salix , …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … Members of the genus Salix are commonly known as willows. These woody plants range in size from the imposing weeping willow tree to small shrubs. While not fussy about soil quality, they … willows are often used to control erosion in such areas. They are easily propagated from cuttings; willows root and grow quickly. Of the estimated 350 species in the genus Salix , …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … Short in stature but sturdy enough to confront spring thunderstorms, species tulips are quick to multiply by underground stolons, by small bulblets, or by the prolific amount of seed … against deer, cover the planting area with wire screening, which can be removed as the tulips start to grow in spring. All tulips prefer full sun and exceptionally well-drained soil. Lighten heavy clay soils with compost or other organic matter. Tulips benefit from a ready supply of moisture during their spring growth but require an extended dry period …
    Type: Plant Info
  • New! Shady spaces do not have to be dull. While spring ephemerals provide early interest, many fade quickly, leaving gaps in the garden. Explore a wide variety of plants—both foliage and flowers—that keep shade gardens vibrant well into summer and fall. Learn how to combine textures, colors, and bloom times for continuous appeal, plus tips on selecting plants that thrive in low light. Whether you …
    Type: Item Detail
  • … Alternatively, it can be allowed to grow into a tree (up to 80’). This willow gets its name from the new growth that is a beautiful red in the winter. It blooms from April to May with white and brown flowers. ‘Britzensis’ will not bear fruit, since it is a … Members of the genus Salix are commonly known as willows. These woody plants range in size from the imposing weeping willow tree to small shrubs. While not fussy about soil quality, they …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … in the holidays with an idea that smart gardeners can appreciate: do-it-yourself wreaths made from dried and everlasting plant materials. The Garden’s own “Martha,” program horticulturist … for evergreen boughs. The gloriously fluffy pampas grass ( Cortaderia selloana ) was harvested from the Sensory Garden.   Gourd wreath A hoard of gourds layers into a bright, sunny circle. One … inspired wreath The idea started at the grocery store, where corn husks for tamales were a quick and inexpensive purchase. But it took Sarah Harlow's creative eye (she works in Visitor …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … Is it Spring or Winter? Flowers Wage Their Bets As if on cue, tiny green leaves peek out from the dark soil each spring, reaching for the sun. But how do flowers know it’s spring? And … “Within the context of ‘reasonable conditions’ plants are generally able to detect real spring from a false start,” said Paul CaraDonna, Ph.D., a Chicago Botanic Garden conservation scientist. “It is …
    Type: Blog
  • … time slot might work better. Will there be places to get a drink and a snack? Grab a drink and quick bite to eat at the Esplanade Grab & Go Café. Will there be places to shop? The Garden Shop … pathways wheelchair accessible? The route is designed so that it can be navigated and viewed from paved paths. The Chicago Botanic Garden has wheelchairs that can be loaned, free of charge, … time slot might work better. Will there be places to get a drink and a snack? Grab a drink and quick bite to eat at the Esplanade Grab & Go Café. Will there be places to shop? The Garden Shop …
    Type: Page
  • … of the water, but there’s also sounds, color, and motion, if you know where to look. Let’s start when you enter the Garden from the Lake Cook Road entrance. On the right, you’ll see the North Lake, one of our most recent … vibrant-green, cool-season algae known as water silk (Spirogyra). Spirogyra gets its name from its spiraled chloroplasts, the part of plant cells where photosynthesis takes place. Algae …
    Type: Blog
  • … it has become widespread in tropical areas. Coconut trees can grow up to 80 feet tall and they start by sprouting from the deepest of the three holes in the de-husked fruit. Everyone knows what coconut palms … of the fruit. Other coconut products include coconut water, coconut oil and copra. Coco fibers from the husk are called “coir” and used to make mats. Nutritionally coconuts are very high in …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant