… 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
… his mom, Debi Gerbasi…or artist Jessica Plummer. These three started making puppets together for fun about a year ago. Naturally, the group began with puppets of themselves…then of all the guys at Threaded Films (a video/production company with a penchant for film gear). Titan Taylor was almost as big a star as #CBGAlice. Although Spike lost energy … dust-free area houses Debi’s well-furnished sewing room.) Jessica took the creative lead for shaping the titan puppet, which is made of foam. Paper templates came first; next came foam …
Type: Blog
… Show of hands: Who’s ready for spring? We are, too. Thankfully, the bright, blooming containers in the Heritage Garden at … and warm fuzzies along with them. Just standing near these spring annuals makes us happy, and for horticulturist Tom Soulsby—who’s been planting these signature troughs for the past 15 years—it’s one of his favorite things to do each spring. The bright, colorful …
Type: Blog
… nesting habitats up north, while others return and stay in the area. Spring is the season for laying eggs, because it gives the juvenile birds all summer to mature and become strong … synchronized with the seasons. At this time of year, recently returned birds will be looking for material to build a nest and lay eggs. You can provide some bling for a lucky bird family with a few things you have around your home. You will need items …
Type: Blog
… walk me through the process of book dedication. Turns out there are three “levels” to consider for dedication. Here’s how they work: Level 1 : General Book Dedication Each year, approximately 100 newly-purchased books are set aside specifically for the tribute program—that’s the bookended group you’ll find on the shelf. Topics are garden-related, of course, but very diverse—and if you don’t see the topic you’re looking for, the staff will work with you to find the right book. Ask a librarian to share the list of …
Type: Blog
… loss of wildlife. But when it comes to the North American prairie, fires are a crucial tool for native plants to thrive and to safeguard against extinction. Until now, it was unclear … and a team of conservation scientists at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action found that burning the prairies helps plants … angustifolia , commonly known as the narrow-leaved purple coneflower, making it easier for the plants to mate and reproduce. “We found evidence that two things—being closer to …
Type: Blog
