… to show us the process. Note that you should wait until a hard frost before digging them up for storage. Dahlias , which grow from small tubers planted in the spring, are one of my favorite … detached garage—in a polar vortex year, no less. This year, I turned to some Garden experts for step-by-step detailed instructions. Below are a few tips from Tim Johnson, the Garden’s … boxes lined with newspaper, slightly damp sawdust, wood shavings, or peat moss. Check monthly for signs of shriveling (sprinkle with a touch of water), blackening, or softening (throw out).” …
Type: Blog
… and subtract the blah by turning food into art. Use what you have in the fridge, and look for fruits or veggies in a fun variety of colors, which is not too hard to do since they are … Dough This treat you can't eat, but it's always fun to smush! Here is an easy to make recipe for stove-top play dough... Ingredients: 2 cups flour 1/2 cup salt 4 tbsp. cream of tartar 2 cups … dollar store, or use regular, old ice cube trays. Sometimes we like to hunt through our toys for fun- shaped plastic "molds" to make icey treats in, too. Put out a few different types of …
Type: Blog
… Mealy apples, sprouted potatoes, and wilted celery, oh my! These may sound like candidates for the compost bin, but don’t toss them out just yet. Even if they aren’t fit for consumption, some fruits and veggies might be good for making prints. For younger children, this activity provides ample opportunity to practice …
Type: Blog
… bluish-green, and not pure white. The pigments that give all leaves their color are essential for the plant’s ability to harness energy from the sun and make sugars in the process we know as … My albino basil survived only a few days. Without any chlorophyll—the green pigment necessary for photosynthesis—this seedling was doomed. That is the case with all albino plants. The gene … How long will it take to sprout? How easy it to grow? Is there enough green on those leaves for the grass to survive or will it die off like my basil? If it does survive, how long can I …
Type: Blog
… Lorin Fox is the grower for the woody plants, perennials, and aquatics in the Plant Production department. His job is to produce high-quality plants for the Garden's plant collection and special displays. Fox has worked at the Garden since … 2005, when he began work as a Plant Production seasonal employee. He also worked as a grower for floriculture with a focus on annuals. He became interested in gardening as a child, when his …
Type: Staff bio
… plant species. I manage a microproagation lab focusing on developing tissue culture techniques for both rare/exceptional and restoration-relevant plant species. I coordinate the Synthesis Center for Conservation and Restoration at the Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action at the Chicago Botanic Garden. I also work to support …
Type: Staff bio
… or staring angrily at the purslane popping up in your vegetable garden, I have a suggestion for you: make a salad. You may be familiar with the concept of foraging for weeds. I first became interested in the subject in college, when I realized that free food … in small doses. The oxalic acid in the plant gives it a wonderful sour taste that makes for an excellent addition to salads. Oxalis grows commonly in lightly to heavily shaded garden …
Type: Blog
… hardier than ever. Cuttings easily take root and begin propagating anywhere they touch soil. For these reasons, grow mint in a plastic pot, so it doesn’t take over your yard. (The roots are … Colonel’) got its fame from being the leaf of the classic mint julep, but it’s also perfect for any mint sauce or jelly. Banana mint (Mentha arvensis) is part of the spearmint family, but grown mostly for its incredible smell. It still maintains a good flavor in cooking, though. Peppermint …
Type: Blog
… Garden North Bernice E. Lavin Plant Evaluation Garden Ayse Pogue is the senior horticulturist for the Malott Japanese Garden. She is also responsible for overseeing and coordinating the maintenance of Evening Island, the Ellis Goodman Family … Pogue assists with gardening classes, leads tours, and gives demonstrations. Pogue has worked for the Garden since 2007, when she started out as a seasonal assistant horticulturist in the …
Type: Staff bio
… Sensory Garden Circle Garden Lakeside Gardens Heather Sherwood is the senior horticulturist for the Helen and Richard Thomas English Walled Garden. She also is responsible for the West Flower Walk, McGinley Pavilion, Runnells Courtyard, and Searle Courtyard; she … Gardens. Sherwood has been with the Garden since 2000, when she started out as a grower for the Plant Production department. She was promoted to supervisor of specialty areas in 2003 …
Type: Staff bio
