… as a Century Plant—has grown literally through the roof, choosing the dead of winter for a bloom that’s been three decades in the making. Agave sp. FO-76 on December 10, 2025 … Hector Ortiz Cano hopes to take a tissue sample to get a clear ID. Why go to the trouble? For one, without knowing the species, it’s hard to predict when an agave will bloom, and how long … issues arise,” said Laura. “For me, it’s ceremonial,” said Hector. “I couldn’t miss this.” Visit Agave sp. FO-76 now in our Arid Greenhouse. Note that our Regenstein Center Greenhouses …
Type: Blog
… the reasons why a nature preschool is not just a real preschool, but should be a standard for all preschool environments to aspire to attain. Here are my top five reasons why a nature … Most nature preschools do not put a heavy emphasis on early academics. Instead, they opt for a balanced curriculum that seeks to develop the “whole child”—i.e., cognitive, physical, … to read a bit more on nature preschool values. Are these indoor/outdoor classrooms just the latest new kid on the block, or is there more to this trend? Which ways do you find best for …
Type: Blog
… or slough. In spring and fall, when you're walking around the waterways of the Garden, look for this handsome (some might say gaudy-looking) duck. During the breeding season, the northern …
Type: Birding
… in sacks on their hind legs, which doesn’t always make it to the stigma of the flowers they visit (anthers are where the pollen grains are picked up; stigma is where they are deposited for successful pollination). Mason bees (Osmia lignaria) carry pollen all over their bodies, … tubes with larvae. For information about storing and incubating mason bees for next year, visit seedsavers.org . …
Type: Plant Info
… a knockout punch to some plants this year. (You may recall that the Garden was closed for two consecutive days in late January due to extreme weather conditions.) Japanese maples and … yellow.” “A lot of stresses are cumulative, and the past couple of years have been stressful for plants,” Tiddens said. “We’ve had a very cold winter and a slow, wet spring. Plants have a … What’s a gardener to do? Provide the best conditions and cultural practices possible. When buying new plants, match the plant to the site . If you have a spot in sun with heavy clay soil, …
Type: Plant Info
… and contaminated soil/organic matter. The pathogen can survive in soil and organic matter for years and is easily disseminated by water movement. Monitor your boxwood at least one a … Illinois Department of Agriculture or send a sample to the University of Illinois Plant Clinic for diagnosis. Please do not bring suspect samples to the Garden. Inspect purchased plants … contact Plant Information Services , email or (847) 835-0972. For other resources, visit Virginia Cooperative Extension Best Management Practices for Boxwood Blight and The …
Type: Plant Info
… Botanic Garden's Rainwater Glen is a good way to see how the process works and to gather ideas for your own rain garden. DIY Rain Garden Storm watch Observe your landscape during a heavy rainfall. For best results, rain gardens should be planted between the source of stormwater runoff (roof, … (or about 10 x 10 to 15 x 20 feet). A small area can be transformed into a lush eco-garden for just a few dollars per square foot. Choose the best plants for the project The key to a …
Type: Plant Info
… with Beatrix Potter, the creator of The Tale of Peter Rabbit. I remember wanting to visit Hill Top Farm, Potter’s home, after finding a photo of children reading by the fireplace in … mother, Helen Leech Potter, who was also interested in drawing and painting—common pastimes for upper-middle-class Victorian women. Beatrix used a paint box inscribed with her mother’s … Trust. Many of her illustrations are directly drawn from the Lake District countryside. If you visit the Lake District, consider ordering Walking With Beatrix Potter: Fifteen Walks in Beatrix …
Type: Blog
… with outdated, past-their-prime products instead of fresh flavorings. January is a great time for smart gardeners—and smart cooks—to assess, re-assort, assemble, and plan for a useful and powerful flavor arsenal. Assess what you've got In general, herbs are the … chili powder, and hold off on replacing the curry. When you are ready to replace, consider: Buying whole leaves and seeds, which last longer than crushed or powdered. Purchasing herbs and …
Type: Plant Info
… 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 … woods rather than metal, which can cause temperatures inside the box to soar on hot days. Look for nest boxes that are easy to open and clean once the birds have left the nest. Evergreens such … fleshy, pale blue berries on Eastern red cedar are an edible bonus. Plant a Bird Buffet When buying plants in the spring, consider whether they offer fruits for birds. For example, in …
Type: Plant Info
