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  • … a zebra? Our brains are natural pattern detectors, wired by evolution to appreciate structure in chaos. Decoding patterns helps us navigate the world—it’s how we recognize faces, understand … language, and learn new skills. For scientists, patterns are also clues that something deeper is at work. “Nature is inherently random, so patterns indicate either selective pressures or a … the Chicago Botanic Garden. “Evolution has a way of weeding out what’s not useful.” Patterns in plants—from microscopic leaf veins to elaborate petal designs—are unique expressions of a …
    Type: Blog
  • … your group after the workshop. Field trip workshops must be booked a minimum of three weeks in advance; full payment is due at time of scheduling. Select a workshop topic at checkout. Please call our field trip … K-ESS3-1   Grades K – 1: Sneaky Plants How and why do plants change the spaces they live in? We will show you places in the Garden where plants have affected their environment and …
    Type: Item Detail
  • … Q: What types of sprinklers should I be using in my garden? A:   There are many types of irrigation devices with distribution patterns to fit … irrigation.  Screw nozzles and pressure grips with triggers are available to distribute water in a variety of ways that range from full stream to fine mist sprays.  Drip irrigation hoses or … Most established trees, shrubs, and perennials require one inch of water per week.  It is always best to water deeply and infrequently to encourage good root development.  Irrigating …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … Q: Is it safe to compost rhubarb leaves? A: Yes. Although the leaves of rhubarb plants contain a … not be eaten, they are safe to add to the compost pile. The oxalic acid degrades rapidly in the pile and has no impact on compost quality. …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … It has showy pink blooms that attract butterflies from March through June. It belongs in a border or used as a ground cover or an understory plant and is attractive to birds. …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … This bulb is similar to the nodding star-of-Bethlehem ( Ornithogalum nutans ) except that if sited where it grows well, it can spread into partial shade. The snowy white flowers grow in umbels, radiating from a central point on the flower stem. It may reseed to the point of being …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … ) bloom continuously from early summer through late fall. This short-lived perennial thrives in full sun and dryish soils. The flowers are great for use as fresh-cut or dried flowers, and the nectar is a favorite of bees and butterflies. …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … flowers are accentuated with yellow and white on this Japanese iris cultivar that thrives in heavy moist soils and full sun. The key to success is ensuring that the root system never completely dries out. Great choice for a pond side …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … pink blooms from March through June followed by edible red, green, and black fruit. It belongs in a hedge or a border and is also attractive to birds. …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … and annuals that can handle occasional frosts. Spring cleaning tasks can be undertaken in the yard as well, particularly if March’s weather proved too cold and/or wet. April also is a good month to help emerging plants for the growing season ahead. Garden To-Do List Continue … conditions before planting. Plant perennials, hardy ornamental grasses, and roses. Be aware of site conditions when planting in April, especially for plants that require six hours of direct …
    Type: Plant Info