… Although nearly 7,000 plant species have been cultivated at some point in human history for food consumption, approximately 95 percent of human food needs worldwide are met by about 30 … met by only three of those crops: corn, wheat, and rice. Plant genetic resources are the basis for food security, and the diversity they encompass will be the fodder for adaptation to climate change and the stresses that may come with it. Realizing the potential …
Type: Research
… April, that blanket can be especially welcome. If you are like me, though, you just can’t wait for that first day when you lose the covers and open the windows. It is that breath of fresh air … the corner. Roses under a warm winter blanket of mulch. Our Krasberg Rose Garden is ready for its breath of fresh air, too. All winter, many of our roses have been under their warm … increase and daytime temperatures get warmer, however, we need to start inspecting our roses for signs that it is time to remove the compost and prepare the roses for the beauty yet to come. …
Type: Blog
… with the macabre—also shows in the jack-o-lantern characters Obenchain created for HallowFest, the Garden’s former celebration of Halloween. Riley Obenchain poses with some … who’s helped keep the Garden’s trams, lawnmowers, and other machinery running smoothly for 35 years, “but in actuality, anyone can do this.” Here are a few of Obenchain’s tricks and … them sharp. He taps them into very thick pumpkins using an old hickory log that he’s kept for years. Toothpicks, bamboo skewers, or even the occasional nail can be used to patch mistakes. …
Type: Blog
… 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
… 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
