… As the days get shorter, you might be looking for off-the-beaten paths where you can soak up the rest of the season. I’ve got just the place for you—the Barbara Brown Nature Reserve. Tucked away on the Chicago Botanic Garden’s southeast … I’m always puzzled that so few people have discovered it. Here are just a few reasons to visit: The color purple—and more The fall colors are amazing—purple asters, yellow goldenrods, …
Type: Blog
… to name a few. Plus, winter has the bonus of birds that actually migrate to our area just for the winter. Some migrants you will see every year are juncos, tree sparrows, and a variety of … what you will find on any given day. That is why I go out every chance I get! Before your next visit check out our list of birds that you can expect to see at the Garden each season. A … of birds—especially woodpeckers—in the McDonald Woods. If there is open water, check there for ducks and geese. You might be surprised at just how many birds you can find in winter. What a …
Type: Blog
… More colorful? Are you craving more privacy, or feeling claustrophobic? Think about the goal for your garden and curate toward that goal. Make a simple map A basic layout of your space (including key measurements) will prove invaluable for reference over time, whether you use garden-planning software or a simple piece of drawing … Mature tree questions? Consult your local forester or arborist first, and request an on-site visit. Their expertise and knowledge of the neighborhood "forest" will give you fresh insight …
Type: Plant Info
… are dwarf conifers? Simply stated, they are conifers that do not reach the normal height for their species. True dwarf conifers average about one-twentieth the typical size, with most … to 15 feet tall over the same decade. With their small stature, dwarf conifers can be perfect for a small yard or urban plot. Many types maintain their evergreen beauty during winter, … Blue Spruce) has the blue foliage of the Colorado Spruce in a weeping, dwarf form. Be sure to visit the Dwarf Conifer Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden to view these and many more dwarf …
Type: Plant Info
… are found in many environments with quite differing soil conditions. When choosing a goldenrod for your garden, consider its native habitat before siting it in your own garden. Wet and dry … Garden, Fruit & Vegetable Garden, Landscape Gardens, and McDonald Woods. An end-of-summer visit to these various gardens is a perfect way to admire goldenrod's many forms, as well as note … Notes #15 detailing the goldenrod study findings here. These recommendations are good news for all gardeners looking to incorporate the native goldenrod into their landscapes. …
Type: Plant Info
… tombstone in Cumberland, England "While life lasts." This can be a very brief moment in time for a spring ephemeral. In that narrow window that exists between thawing ground and the leafing … pollinators associated with them, they usually have several different pollinators that can visit, including other native bees and many species of flies. For ephemerals in the genus … False rue anemone ( Isopyrum biternatum ) With spring on the horizon, you should make plans to visit the McDonald Woods to view the diversity of colorful spring wildflowers. For those of you …
Type: Blog
… to its demise at the turn of the twentieth century, when these and other waders were hunted for their feathery plumes that women wore in their hats. Since then, the great egret, standing more than 3 feet tall with a nearly 5-foot wing span, has become the symbol for the National Audubon Society, founded in part to stop these birds from being killed to … is doing well in Illinois; however, habitat loss and water pollution may threaten its future. Visit Baker’s Lake in Barrington to watch the great egret during breeding season and McGinnis …
Type: Blog
… and reds of the torch lilies, the evaluation garden will be a riot of colors and a haven for pollinators. The masterworts sulked last summer so we worried that winter might end the trial. But, after a strong start this spring, we’re hopeful for a bounty of their pincushion-like flowers in June and July. Visitors and staff were sad to … on Instagram and Facebook. Keep an eye on our social media channels, but better yet, come visit us in person. …
Type: Blog
… examine on a daily basis. The goal of the field trips is to create real-life opportunities for students to have fun with science outside of their classroom walls, said Drew Wehrle, the … together outside is part of the fun of guided field trips. Field trips are a great opportunity for outdoor fun, too. Each of the guided field trips is crafted to fulfill age-appropriate state … and can be guided or self-directed. For more information about field trips, or to sign up, visit chicagobotanic.org/fieldtrips . …
Type: Blog
… Like many flowering plants, clivia prefers to be kept rootbound and can remain in the same pot for as long as five years. Since it takes a few years for a clivia plant to bloom, it's best to purchase a mature plant, unless you are very patient. … base to prevent seed set. In spring, resume normal watering and feeding AT THE GARDEN If you visit the Greenhouses at the Chicago Botanic Garden in late winter, you can see both the yellow …
Type: Plant Info
